《Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem ( Elysia and Tarquin)》 Chapter 1 Chapter 1 ¡°Trust me! I¡¯ll take care of you and make you the happiest and most honored woman in the world!¡± The man¡¯s firm promise echoed in her ears as Elysia Thorne shook her head in panic. ¡°No, no¡­ Ah¡­¡± With a sudden surge of strength, the man pushed forward and Elysia let out a scream and fell unconscious out of pain. When she came to, the room was empty, but the lingering scent of their intimate moment still hung in the air. Tissues strewn about and clothes in disarray told the tale of the madness that had just urred. She bit her lip and clutched the sheets, her vision gradually blurring with tears¡­ She was a married woman, and was here at the airport to pick up her husband. But she just lost her virtue just like that before she could even see him! What did this mean? Was this infidelity within her marriage? How was she supposed to face the world now? How could she face her husband? If she told him she came to the airport to pick him up, that there had been chaos, and in the confusion, a man had dragged her into a dark lounge where this unspeakable act happened¡­ Would he believe her? Would he still ept her? Could their marriage continue? Tears fell uncontrobly from Elysia¡¯s eyes. She didn¡¯t know what she had done wrong in a past life to deserve such a fate. She had grown up without the love of her parents, her life aplete mess. She had hoped to change her destiny through education and had finally made it into her dream college, but she was only to be forced by her foster parents to marry. It was her sister Daphne Thorne who was meant to enter this arranged marriage, but because had forced Elysia to take her ce. the groom¨Cto¨Cbe was disabled. Her foster parents couldn¡¯t bear to see their biological daughter suffer, yet couldn¡¯t refuse the generous dowry, so they used years of obligation to coerce her into marrying in her sister¡¯s stead. From dropping out of college to getting engaged and married, no one had asked for her opinion. 18:41 No one had asked if she was willing. They had decided for her and thus destroyed her education and future. She had cried and bemoaned, but ultimately, she had capitted to reality. They said women would live a second life when she got married, and escaping that cold family was a good thing. Since she was married, she decided to be a good wife. For two years, her husband Tarquin Bradford had been abroad for treatment of his leg, and she had lived in the house alone, never once straying. This marriage, which she had exchanged for her education and future, was her new life, and she treasured it. But now, on the very day of Tarquin¡¯s return, this had happened. What was she to do? Her cell phone suddenly rang. It was the housekeeper from home. ¡°Mm, the master has asked for you to return.¡± Elysia¡¯s heart skipped a beat, her anxiety welling up. ¡°Is he back home already?¡± ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am, the master came looking for you and left when he saw you weren¡¯t there. Before leaving, he asked you toe back to sign some papers. He¡­ he¡¯s asking for a divorce.¡± Elysia¡¯s mind went nk as if a bomb had gone off inside. Tarquin wanted a divorce? She knew Tarquin was unhappy with the marriage; he had been absent on their wedding day and had remained distant ever since. They had been married for two years without ever meeting face to face, without even knowing what the other looked like. But in those two years, he hadn¡¯t treated her poorly. He had taken care of her every need, and when she was sick, he made sure the staff looked after her. Despite being miles apart, she could feel his concern. She thought Tarquin just didn¡¯t like the idea of an arranged marriage, not that he didn¡¯t like her. If she could just be a good wife, they could live like any other loving couple, caring for each other through the rest of their lives. But now¡­ ¡°Ma¡¯am, you needn¡¯t be too upset,¡± the housekeeper said excitedly. ¡°The master has left you this vi, two luxury cars, and a whole lot of money.¡± But how could Elysia not be upset? Chapter 2 Chapter 2 She was on the brink of despair. Her godforsaken life couldn¡¯t get any worse. But what right did she have to refuse a divorce now? Her virtue was stolen, so she was no longer worthy of him. Elysia sniffled, her voice hoarse, ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll go home and sign the papers right away.¡± After hanging up, she fought through her physical difort, dressed, and stumbled out of the airport. No sooner had she left than a fleet of sleek ck limousines suddenly appeared outside the terminal. A troop of suited bodyguards exited the vehicles, encircling the airport. The assistant respectfully opened the car door, and Tarquin stepped out. Handcrafted leather shoes, an exorbitantly priced bespoke suit, and a limited¨Cedition watch are the hallmarks of a sessful man. quin¡¯s superior stature and handsome features, coupled with an air of unattainable nobility, drew the gaze of onlookers, yet no one dared to approach hire, An aura of regal authority radiated from him, giving the impression that he was to be admired from a distance, but never approached. Curious and beholding eyes followed him as he made his way through the terminal. He had been chased by enemies the night before after a dodgy meal, and in a moment of desperation, he hadpromised a young woman¡¯s innocence. He had left in a hurry, fearing his enemies would follow him there and bring harm to the girl. He had returned only after eliminating the danger. It had been her first night. He had promised the night before to take responsibility, to make her the happiest and most honored woman in the world! Tarquin always kept his promises. Before Tarquin reached the lounge, his assistant Lowell caught up to him, panting slightly, ¡°Tarquin, there¡¯s been a call from home. The ma¡¯am has returned, but¡­ it seems she spent the night with another man. The marks on her body are quite telling. The housekeeper says she¡¯s had many men over these past two years and often stayed out all night. And when she¡¯s drunk, she¡¯s been known to speak her mind. Once in a bar, she said that you¡¯re crippled and unworthy of her, that by marrying her, you were¡­ ? ? ? ??¨C ¡°I was what?¡± Tarquin¡¯s face darkened. ¡­like you are way out of her league.¡± ¡°Hmph!¡± Tarquin pursed his lips, his expression cold. His wife had been imposed on him two years ago by his family to curb his influence. He had never met her, not even on their wedding day. Now that the situation was stable and he wielded significant power, he was no longer bound. So, the first thing he did upon returning was to initiate a divorce. It wasn¡¯t callousness; there was simply no love between them. Divorce would be a relief for her. Topensate for her lost years, he had offered ample restitution ¨C luxury homes, cars, and a check for a billion dors. But it turned out she was nothing but a promiscuous, haughty woman! In that case, she did not deserve hispensation. ¡°The previous divorce settlement is void. Rewrite it! She¡¯s been unfaithful and disgraced her role as a wife; she¡¯ll leave with nothing!¡± ¡°, sir!¡± Tarquin arrived at the lounge door, quelled his rage, and straightened his attire before pushing open the door. He would show that young woman his most gentlemanly andposed side. For better or worse, in sickness and in health, he was bound to her now. But- The room was empty. She was gone? After a thorough search of the airport, Tarquin¡¯s brows furrowed in frustration, ¡°Send out the word, she must be found no matter whatever means you use and how much it pays!¡± He would find her and keep his promise ¨C to make her the happiest, most honored woman in the world! Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Six yearster, at Jindale City¡¯s train station. As Elysia stepped off the train with her three sons in tow, they immediately became an eye¨Ccatcher.- Dressed in simple and cozy attire, Elysia¡¯s natural beauty was still breathtaking. Even without makeup, her expression seemed to captivate onlookers. The kids were adorably cute, theirrge eyes peeking on the top of their masks, glistening and round. Their long eyshes fluttered, instantly endearing them to anyone who nced their way. Looks like another case of cajoling people to have a kid of their own. Elysia paid no mind to the stares. Standing at the exit of the train station, she gazed at the surroundings that were both familiar and strangely alien, her mind awash with emotions. eve of a Back then, Tarquin had used her of infidelity and thus thrust her into the eye scandalous storm. A monthter, she discovered she was pregnant, which seemed to confirm Tarquin¡¯s usations. The gossip and rumors nearly drowned her. Her foster parents, embarrassed by her and seeing no further use for her, had cut ties and kicked her out of the house. She knew the children was from that stranger. Abortion crossed her mind, but after much thought, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to do it. That children were also her flesh and blood! The children hade to her, and that was fate. No matter how difficult, she was determined to bring the children into the world and raise them. Afraid her tarnished reputation might affect her children¡¯s future, she left Jindale City to live in the countryside. Life as a pregnant woman alone was tough, and finding work was the first major hurdle. Many employers were hesitant to hire her because of her condition. But she had to work. She needed money. She needed to eat, to pay for hospital bills, to prepare for baby form, and to save for their schooling¡­ Eventually, she managed to find a job at a diner. Terrified of being fired, she worked harder. than anyone else, never taking a day off. This led to malnutrition and exhaustion. In her ninth month of pregnancy, she fainted on her way home from work. Strangely, when she came to, she found herself and her children deep in the mountains. She still didn¡¯t know what had happened back then till this day. Who had performed the cesarean section? 18:42 Who had taken her and her children to the mountains? And why had they been left there? Their rescuers had imed to have found them by chance and, taking pity on them, had taken them in. That was the beginning of five years of an easy, happy, and carefree life. But as the children grew, Elysia had to think about their education and future. The mountains were peaceful, but besides their rescuers, they were isted. Once their rescuers passed away, the children would be alone. She couldn¡¯t let her children wander through life without experiencing the world¡¯s richness and beauty. After much deliberation, she bid farewell to their rescuers and descended the mountain with her children. She hadn¡¯t nned to return to Jindale City; the memories of her past ordeal there still haunted her. But when she tried to get her children registered, she identally discovered she was still ally married. Confused, she remembered clearly signing the divorce papers! Unable toprehend the situation, she faced a new problem. As a married woman, Tarquin¡¯s name would automatically appear as the father on her children¡¯s register of birth. The Bradfords were a prominent family, and Tarquin Bradford, having no fondness for her, would surely not wee the role of father. So, before registering her children, she needed to finalize her divorce. That¡¯s why she hade to Jindale City¨Cto find Tarquin and dissolve their marriage. She bore no grudge against Tarquin. She had wronged him first, and his usations had not been entirely baseless. If she harbored any resentment, it was towards the man who had taken advantage of her that fateful night. Men¡¯s promises can be deceitful, and she had learned that the hard way. She had been told she would be the happiest and most honored woman in the world, but look how that turned out! Oh, the irony! Thinking about her past grievances¡­ she felt a surge of anger! ¡°Mommy, I gotta pee,¡± Emmett suddenly tugged at her clothes, his voice tinged with embarrassment. Elysia snapped back to the present, her gaze falling on her three kids. Her heart was immediately filled with warmth. The chaos of the past had indeed turned her life upside down, but it had given her these precious children, and for that, she was grateful. Chapter 4 Chapter 4 She couldn¡¯t help but beam with pride when she thought of her three boys¨Cthey were her everything. Elliot was the epitome of a little gentleman. He might not have been a chatterbox, but when he did speak, it was with the wisdom and emotional intelligence of someone beyond his years. He carried himself with the air of a natural¨Cborn leader, wise andposed.- On the flip side, Evan was the family firecracker¨Clively, energetic, and always up for mischief. His passions and dreams were simple: to get involved in a fight. And his wildest dream was that he¡¯d be the undefeated champion of the world. Emmett was the tenderheart of the trio. Though a bit shy and not quite as quick as his older brothers, he had a knack for warming hearts. At such a young age, he was already a whiz in the kitchen, whipping up the most scrumptious dishes that would put any diner to shame. And talk about a ir for style¨Cthe cologne Elysia used was his own special concoction. Just hand him a few fruits or a bouquet of flowers, and he¡¯d create a one¨Cof¨Ca¨Ckind fragrance that was all natural, with no artificial scents, just the pure notes of blooms and fruits. And let¡¯s not forget his creative genius. Emmett could sketch out designs for clothes and jewelry as easily as most kids would draw stick figures. Elysia often thought how lucky the person who ended up with her Emmett would be. She looked at Emmett with a smile full of tenderness. ¡°Alright, sweetie, I¡¯ll take you there. Elliot, Evan, do you guys need to use the restroom before we go?¡± Elliot and Evan shook their heads in unison, their voices ovepping, ¡°Nope, we¡¯re good!¡± ¡°Then you two wait here for Mommy and your brother. Don¡¯t wander off; I¡¯m going to take Emmett to the bathroom.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Elysia took Emmett¡¯s hand and they headed towards the facilities. At the door, she knelt down to remind him, ¡°Emmett, you go to the boys¡® room, and I¡¯ll be in thedies¡®. If you finish first, just wait right here for me.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Emmett nodded obediently and scurried into the men¡¯s room. Elysia watched him go with a smile, then turned to enter the women¡¯s restroom. Soon enough, Emmett came out, standing exactly where he was told and waiting patiently for his mother. Suddenly, a group of burly bodyguards approached, and they were surrounding a group of burly bodyguards approached, and they morously dressed woman. She was hidden behind oversized sunsses, her lips a bright sh of red, and she was clearly in a foul mood. ¡°I¡¯m done with these low¨Cbudget gigs. Trekking out to the middle of nowhere to shoot, then. taking a train back because there¡¯s no airport? Does that suit someone of my caliber? Look at the kind of people you find on trains¨Cno ss, no money, absolutely revolting!¡± N ter¡¯s voice carried and caused onlookers to frown. Her agent was nodding frantically to soothe her, while the bodyguards roughly cleared a path, ¡°Move it! Step aside!¡± Poor Emmett, caught off guard, was shoved heavily aside and fell to the ground with a thud. He was hurt and on the verge of tears but too scared to make a sound. ¡°Whose kid is this? Get out of the way!¡± N barked. Frozen with fear, Emmett sat on the floor and covered his mouth; his eyes, brimming with tears, were looking up at N ter, and he was too terrified to move. N¡¯s gaze hardened when she saw Emmett, a bitter reminder of her own troubles. With a venomous tone, she snapped, ¡°If you know you¡¯re blocking the way, move it! How do your parents teach you? You are so mannerless!¡± She then kicked Emmett with the tip of her high heel and strutted away. Emmett burst into tears, crying out, ¡°Mommy, brothers, it hurts¡­¡± 7 Elysia was still inside, but Elliot and Evan, hearing themotion, rushed over. Seeing their little brother in distress, Evan was instantly enraged. ¡°What happened, Emmett? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Emmett cried harder as he saw his brothers. He was trembling and sobbing while stuttering, ¡°That¡­ thatdy kicked me¡­ it hurts¡­¡± Evan¡¯s temper red. No one messes with his little brother! ¡°Elliot, watch Emmett. I¡¯m gonna make her pay!¡± With that, Evan bolted off into the crowd, determined to find justice for Emmett. Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Elliot couldn¡¯t intervene in time and could only rush over with a look of distress to help Emmett up. ¡°Where does it hurt, buddy?¡± he asked, gently propping his little brother. ¡°Here¡­ and here.¡± Emmett sobbed, pointing to his backside and shin. Elliot rolled up Emmett¡¯s jeans for a quick look and was shocked, ¡°Holy smokes!¡± Arge bruise was blossoming on Emmett¡¯s pale leg, a deep purple mark that stood out starkly against his skin. Elliot clenched his fists, fuming. He had wanted to keep his brother Evan from stirring up trouble, but now it seemed he wouldn¡¯t just stand by; he was also ready to let him off the leash. Someone thought they could bully Emmett and get away with it? Emmett had his back! lright, Emmett. I¡¯m here. Let me blow on it, and the pain will go away,¡± Elliot consoled. Emmett nodded in aggravation, ¡°¡­Okay.¡± Meanwhile, Evan had chased N out of the train station. Upon seeing her trying to get into her car, he dashed in front of her and puffed up like a little bulldog. ¡°Hey, witch, who gave you the nerve to pick on my little brother?¡± Witch? N¡¯s finely arched eyebrows knitted in anger as she red at Evan. She wanted to smack him into next week! But with Tarquin in the car, she needed to curry favor and show off her ¡®affection¡® for children. So she shot Evan several death res and hissed, ¡°Who are you calling a witch?!¡± ¡°You! You¡¯re not only ugly but also old and mean! A wicked old hag beyond saving!¡± Evan retorted, then pulled out a pocketknife and started circling the luxury car, leaving a trail of scratches. N¡¯s eyes bulged as she saw the fresh marks on her sleek ck car. ¡°Stop it, you little terror! Do you have any idea whose car this is when you did this? You¡¯re ying with fire!¡± she yelled, rushing to stop him. Evan dodged, leading N on a wild goose chase around the car like a circus act. Tarquin hade to pick up N and was watching the scene unfold from the car seat. Frowning, he said to his assistant Lowell, ¡°Go check it out.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Lowell was about to step out when suddenly- ¡°Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!¡± Four loud crashes followed by a heavy thud made the car lurch downward! ¡°Ahhhhh!¡± N screamed at the top of her lungs. Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed as he stepped out of the car. The sight before him locked his expression into a grimace. All four tires had blown out, smoking and rolling away from the vehicle. The luxury cary lifeless on the ground like a dead dog. A little boy, no taller than Tarquin¡¯s waist and hiding behind a mask, stood in front of N and puffed from his chest, ¡°I¡¯m new in town today, so I won¡¯t get serious with you this time. But if you dare mess with my brother again, I won¡¯t be so nice! Ugly! Old! Wicked! Hmph!¡± Tarquin was stunned. Who was this kid to talk big like that? And he still called it something unserious? Then what kind of havoc would he wreak if he got serious? Who did this little rascal belong to? Why he was such a wild little terror? Unaware of who he had just crossed, the little guy turned on his heel to leave. Suddenly, someone grabbed the cor of his coat, and his feet left the ground. ¡°Who¡¯s this?! Let go of me, now!¡± Evan wriggled and squirmed, trying to break free. Tarquin¡¯s face was stormy as he held Evan up to him. ¡®Are you ordering me around?¡± he asked, his voice cool but with an undercurrent of chill. ¡°I¡­¡± Evan, behind his mask, froze mid¨Csentence. Oh boy, this man¡­ he looked a lot like him and his big brother¨Clike an adult version of them! Was this their absentee, good¨Cfor¨Cnothing dad? But their mom had told them their dad had passed away young, taken by illness. It must just be a resemnce! Thinking this, Evan fluttered his longshes a few times and said defiantly, ¡°I¡¯ll let you off this time since you look a bit like my dad. Now put me down, or else! I¡¯m warning you, I can be scary when I¡¯m mad!¡± He even yelled and made a spooky face at Tarquin to punctuate his threat. Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Tarquin¡¯s expression grew colder when Evan did it. That small kid was so unscrupulous! This little rascal¡¯s eyes peeking over the top of his mask bore an uncanny resemnce to his son Elijah¡¯s, which softened Tarquin¡¯s heart. If not so, he would have called the cops already. ¡°Do you have any idea that what you did today is against thew?¡± he asked. ¡°It was that ugly, old, nasty woman who started it!¡± The kid bit back. N, suddenly the target, was appalled. Ugly, old, and nasty? Who was he talking about? N screamed to herself. Tarquin¡¯s voice was icy, ¡°No matter the reason, what you did was wrong!¡± Evan frowned, ¡°What gives you the right to boss me around? You are not my dad. Who even are you?¡± Tarquin was annoyed, ¡°Where are your parents?¡± He wasn¡¯t one to quarrel with children, but that didn¡¯t mean he would let their guardians off the hook. This car was brand new and worth fifty million dors, but now it was wrecked on the very first day. He deserved an exnation. And then there was¡­ The four smoking tires looked suspiciously like they¡¯d been blown up with expertly¨Cmade bomblets. Could a kid really handle explosives? Or was someone using this child in a plot against him? For safety¡¯s sake, he had to get to the bottom of this. Hearing that his parents were being brought into this, Evan panicked slightly. All mischievous kids are the same ¨C they all fear the dreaded call to their parents! Evan w no exception. He feared nothing in this world, a total dare¨Cdevil. But his mom? She scare him. His mommy neverid a hand on him in punishment, which wasn¡¯t what he feared. What ¡®really got to him was the thought of making her sad or upset. Evan¡¯s earlier bravado all but vanished as he pouted, ¡°If you want to find someone, go fin dad. My mommy¡¯s busy. She doesn¡¯t have time for you.¡± Tarquin withdrew his gaze. He wasn¡¯t too keen on dealing with women either. ¡°Where¡¯s your dad then?¡± he asked. ¡°Oh, my dad? He¡¯s in hell. You better hurry down there to find him.¡± Tarquin was speechless. N seized her chance to interject, ¡°This brat is beyond rude! Tarquin, he¡¯s cursing you to go to hell! Just look at the rags he¡¯s wearing; it¡¯s clear he¡¯s from a poor family. Bad seed from a bad crop, no manners at all!¡± ¡°Ha! And you think you¡¯ve got manners? An old woman like you bullied a five¨Cyear¨Cold kid? How did your mom teach you to behave?!¡± Evan retorted defiantly. Old woman? N was fuming, ¡°I¡¯m only twenty¨Ceight!¡± ¡°Really? Couldn¡¯t tell at all. I thought you were eighty¨Ceight.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± ¡°Shut it. If you keep on, I might just have to teach you a lesson on behalf of your parents.¡± As Evan finished, his smartwatch rang. It was his lovely mommy calling. She must be panicked as she didn¡¯t see him aftering out of the restroom. Evan couldn¡¯t stand the thought of his beloved mommy worrying. He looked at Tarquin, ¡°I got things to do, gotta run. Can¡¯t y with you anymore, bye!¡± With that, Evan kicked his little legs and waved his small hand. Thus, he wriggled out of his jacket and pulled off a swift escape. ¡°This jacket¡¯s a gift for you! You¡¯re wee!¡± The little guy took off, quickly disappearing into the crowd. Tarquin stared at the empty jacket in his hands, his face growing even darker, ¡°Find out who that kid is and bring his parents to me! And find out what really happened to those tires!¡± ¡°Got it!¡± Lowell immediately signaled the bodyguards to head into the airport. Tarquin turned to N, his displeasure evident, ¡°Why did he say you were bullying his brother?¡± N put on an innocent face and said, ¡°How could I possibly bully a child? His brother thought I looked wealthy and tried to scam me. Ask my agent if you don¡¯t believe me. The kid¡¯s a liar at such a young age, clearly a chip off the old block. Bad seed from a bad crop. The parents can¡¯t be much better if they raise a kid like that. If you ask me, don¡¯t bother meeting with his parents. Just throw the whole lot of them in jail and give them life sentences. That¡¯ll show them!¡± Tarquin gave her a cold look, his eyes filled with disdain, and turned away without a word. Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Meanwhile, Evan had made amends with Elysia. Elysia was clueless about the chaos at the airport, nor did she know about the hot water her little Evan hadnded himself in. As she watched him dash back breathlessly, her face etched with concern. ¡°Evan, where on earth have you been? Mommy¡¯s been searching high and low for you.¡± Evan, reading his mom¡¯s attitude, knew the big goof was still in the dark about the whole ordeal. His eyes crinkled with mischief, and he grinned cheekily, ¡°No worries, Mom. It¡¯s my first time. here, and I got curious, so I went out for a peek. It¡¯s so buzzing here!¡± ¡°Of course, it is! This is one of the biggest cities in the country! But with crowdse dangers, my boy. You can¡¯t go running off like that again. What if some creepy kidnapper snatched you up? What would your brothers and I do then?¡± Puffing his chest, Evan reassured her, ¡°Chill, Mom. If a kidnapper ever bumped into me, they¡¯d be the ones in trouble! Haven¡¯t you seen who my mom is? How smart am? No way I¡¯d get taken!¡± ¡°Oh, you and your tall tales,¡± Elysia scolded, but her face was devoid of any sternness. It was filled instead with sheer adoration. Evan cajoled, ¡°Alright, Mom, no more fr¨¦tting. Look, I¡¯m back safe and sound, right? Let¡¯s go grab some dinner. I¡¯m starving, and I bet Elliot and Emmett are too.¡± Evan was concerned that the nasty woman from before might show up and upset his mom. Elysia chuckled, ¡°Okay, honey. I¡¯ll take you boys out for a treat right now.¡± ¡°Yay!¡± The three little ones nodded in unison. Elliot, seizing the opportunity, took the rolling suitcase from Elysia¡¯s hand, ¡°Let me, Mom.¡± Evan quickly snatched her backpack, ¡°Ady should just look pretty. Let us men handle the heavy lifting.¡± Emmett also reached out his little hand, ¡°Mommy, I will hold your hand as you walk.¡± Elysia, treated like a cherished princess, wore a smile radiant with happiness as she took. Emmett¡¯s tiny hand and led them out of the train station. 2 No one noticed that a pair of eyes were watching them intently from a distance. The figure was smiling, yet the smile was as eerie and chilling as a specter¡¯s. Dragging luggage around was impractical for dining out, so Elysia checked them into a small motel near the station. She hadn¡¯t started working, so her funds were tight, and a fancy hotel was out of the question. Her n was to finalize her divorce from Tarquin, get the kids settled, and then move away from Jindale City to a quaint town with good weather. There, she¡¯d find work. ¡°Mom, are we staying here tonight?¡± Elliot inquired. Knowing her boy¡¯s penchant for cleanliness, Elysiaforted him, ¡°My funds are tight and we can¡¯t afford a nicer ce right now, so it¡¯s a bit rough for you and your brothers. But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll clean up, put on our own linens, and we won¡¯t be here long. Once I sort everything out, we¡¯ll move.¡± Elliot thought about the billions to his name with a hint of helplessness. His mom was wonderful in every way, just a tad naive. Two years ago, when he brought his first big earnings to her, she was stunned by the $100,000. She couldn¡¯t fathom a kid making that much so easily, figured it was a new scam by kidnappers, using the money as bait to lure children. It cost her nights of sleep and worry, dimming her usual smile. Then he earned his second fortune, a cool million! But he hesitated for ages before deciding not to tell Mom, afraid she¡¯d jump to wild conclusions. As his earnings grew, the money just piled up in the bank, unused. When they came down the mountain and saw Mom¡¯s empty pockets, he secretly had Evan give her $5,000, iming it was a lucky supermarket raffle win!. Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Elliot gazed at his adorably clueless mom and let out a silent sigh before saying with an Indulgent smile, ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry about it. I was just asking, I¡¯m not bothered by this ce. As long as I¡¯m with you, I¡¯m happy no matter where we live.¡± Elysia¡¯s lips curled Into a smile, ¡°Sweetie, rest assured, I¡¯m going to work my socks off to make sure we can live the good life soon!¡± ¡°Yeah! Go mom!¡± ¡°You¡¯re the best, mom!¡± Evan and Emmett cheered her on. Elysia¡¯s smile grew wider, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get moving. We¡¯ll drop off our bags and then I¡¯ll take you guys out for a nice dinner.¡± ¡°Sounds great!¡± After a hearty dinner of burgers and fries, the little trio headed to the bathroom to brush their h, while Elysia started changing the sheets outside. Knock, knock, knock. The sudden sound of someone at the door startled her. Expecting a hotel staff member, Elysia opened the door, ¡°Yes, may I hel-¡± ¡°Take her!¡± Before she could finish, the leader of the two men in ck lunged forward and seized her. Panicked, Elysia cried out, ¡°Who are you? What do you want? Let me go! You¨Cmmph!¡± Her mouth was covered and she was forcibly dragged away from the motel. Before long, Elysia found herself in an office building. And Tarquin was there. He was a typical workaholic who only ever seemed interested in his job and his son. After dropping N off at home, he¡¯de straight here to scope out the building he was nning to acquire. In his office reviewing documents, Tarquin was interrupted by Lowell knocking and entering, ¡°Tarquin, we¡¯ve got it all figured out. Those car tires were blown out with a precision explosive, but that kid¡¯s background is pretty ordinary. They lost their father young and was raised by their mother in some backwoods town. They have just arrived in Jindale City today. Nothing unusual about them. We¡¯ve got the kid¡¯s mom here now in the conference room.¡± Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed at the mention of explosives, setting aside his paperwork to head to the conference room. Lowell followed him and knew Tarquin had his suspicions. Today the bomb only took out tires, not the car or its passengers. It was a sophisticated job of measuring the exact TNT quantity. No kid could pull that off. He knew that Tarquin suspected that there was someone behind the kid, someone with a grudge. Too many had tried to take Tarquin down over the years; he couldn¡¯t afford to be careless. Inside the conference room, Elysia was still reeling, clueless about what was happening. Her heart was racing and thumping wildly in her chest. ¡°Who are you people? Why have you brought me here? What do you-¡± she yelled. The doors to the conference room swung open with a creak. the Tarquin marched in ahead of his men with an air of authority surrounding him. He stood out th his towering height of six¨Cfoot¨Cthree, and Elysia¡¯s eyes locked onto this king among men immediately. Then, her beautiful eyes widened in shock. She held her breath, took another unbelievable look at him, and waspletely stunned. This man¡­ he looked almost identical to her sons Elliot and Evan! Was he their father? The same man who had destroyed her all those years ago? The thought twisted her face into a frown, her fists clenching involuntarily. Her blood pressure skyrocketed, her breathing erratic. The memories were too painful to revisit. That one night had ruined her entire life! The scandal of an unexpected pregnancy had left her disgraced, the target of scorn and vilification. Slut, tramp, whore¨C thesebels had been her shadow. As a mother, she cherished her three angelic babies and the happiness they brought. But the bitterness of the past, the unspeakable hardships she endured, were all because of hat man! Chapter 9 Chapter 9 As Tarquin¡¯s gaze lingered on Elysia, there was a flicker of unceable light in his eyes. It wasn¡¯t that she was excessively beautiful, but something about this woman stirred a sense of familiarity within him¨Ca nagging feeling that he had seen her somewhere before. Yet, after scrutinizing her features, no recollection surfaced. Maintaining a stoic expression, Tarquin strode over to the conference table and took his seat. He noticed Elysia staring him down with an intensity that bordered on hostility, and he furrowed his brow in response. Her kid had wrecked his car, and here she was, not begging for forgiveness, but daring to look at him with such defiance. The woman had guts just like her son, he¡¯d give her that. ¡°Why did you let your kid trash my car?¡± Tarquin used the moment he spoke, pinning the me squarely on Elysia. sia, fists clenched and shaking with emotion, frowned upon hearing his words. It seemed that he didn¡¯t recognize her. Was it that he hadn¡¯t seen her clearly that night, or was he feigning ignorance? Uncertain whether this man was the brute from before, Elysia held back from any action. rash Struggling to keep her emotions in check, she probed cautiously, ¡°You¡­ you don¡¯t know who I am?¡± ¡°Nope.¡± 55 2 2 5 ¨± ¡°Not at all?¡± ¡°Should I?¡± Elysia was at a loss for words. What was going on? He bore a striking resemnce to Elliot and Evan¨Cnot identical, but to arge extent. Yet, he imed not to know her, and he didn¡¯t seem to be lying. Even his voice was different from the man that night. Elysia studied Tarquin a moment longer, suppressing the urge tosh out. After all, in a world of people with a nose and a pair of eyes, simr faces were not umon. She steadied her nerves and focused on the immediate issue at hand, ¡°If you don¡¯t know me, why did you drag me here? Kidnapping is a crime!¡± Tarquin¡¯s face darkened as Lowell chimed in, ¡°The boss already told you¨Cbecause your kid destroyed his car.¡± ¡°What?¡± Elysia couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Is there some mistake? We¡¯ve just arrived in Jindale City from out of town today. How could my son have had the time to damage your car?¡± *Just show her the surveince footage,¡± Tarquin snapped impatiently. And with that, the events that had unfolded at the train station began to y on therge screen in the conference room. Although the boy in the video wore a mask, Elysia recognized him instantly. She couldn¡¯t exin how the tires had been destroyed, but the scratches on the car were indeed the work of her son, Evan. ¡°Um¡­I¡­I¡¯m so sorry, I didn¡¯t know about this¡­ The child in the mask is indeed my son, but he¡¯s a good kid. He wouldn¡¯t have scratched your car without a reason. There must be an exnation.¡± Tarquin watched her reactions closely, sensing she wasn¡¯t lying. After a moment of silence, he asked, ¡°Do you know that your kid ys with explosives?¡± ¡°Explosives? Impossible! He¡¯s too young to be messing with something so dangerous.¡± out these tires were blown off by expertly¨Cmade explosives he used.¡± Elysia¡¯s eyes widened in shock before she quickly furrowed her brow, rushing to exin, ¡°I understand now! You¡¯ve got it all wrong; it wasn¡¯t explosives, it was just small fireworks. My family makes them; it¡¯s a tradition. Evan loves helping his great¨Cgrandfather make fireworks, and he brought some with us to Jindale City as a gift from him. I apologize¨CI had no idea they could be so powerful. If I had known, I never would have let him bring them along.¡± Elysia spoke with genuine candor, showing no signs of deceit. Tarquin kept his eyes on Elysia for a long moment, and eventually, he believed her. Fireworks operated on the same principle as explosives, and it was true that in some rural areas, the older craftsmen had formidable skills. Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Moreover, Lowell had checked them out; they were just an average family of four and were unlikely to pose any real threat to him. It was all in his head. Tarquin¡¯s guard came down, and with it, his interest in Elysia waned. ¡°Handle it, Lowell,¡± he instructed, his attention shifting back to the texts on his phone and left her aside. Lowell produced thepensation agreement they had prepared earlier, ¡°Miss, since you¡¯ve admitted the kid is yours, and with the evidence we have, it¡¯s time to pay up.¡± Raising a kid alone is tough, but it¡¯s no excuse to get off scot¨Cfree. Tarquin wasn¡¯t some kindhearted phnthropist who¡¯d let a multimillion¨Cdor car get trashed without demanding restitution. The parents should be responsible for kids¡® misdeeds, and that was the price she should pay as the mother of her undereducated kid. Elysia¡¯s face tensed. She believed Evan wouldn¡¯t cause trouble for no reason, but wrecking someone¡¯s car was indeed his fault. Elysia asked sheepishly, ¡°How much does he want?¡± ¡°Fifty million.¡± ¡°What?!!¡± Elysia¡¯s voice shot up several octaves, ¡°Fifty million? Is he out of his mind?!¡± Lowell was taken aback. Tarquin, mid¨Ctext, just looked up, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to settle this privately, we can always call the police.¡± Tarquin was clearly getting irritated. ¡°No police!¡± Elysia blurted out quickly. With the evidence stacked against them, Evan had no leg to stand on. If the police got. involved, they¡¯d surely take her in as the guardian, and if she went to jail, what would be of her kids? ¡°The car¡¯s worth fifty million?¡± she asked. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the current market value for that model.¡± Elysia took the bill Lowell offered and nced at it, her lips twitching. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not opposed to settling, and I can pay, but I don¡¯t have that kind of money. Can we settle for less?¡± Lowell didn¡¯t dare decide alone and looked at Tarquin. Tarquin eyed Elysia coldly, ¡°How much can you pay?¡± Elysia stammered, ¡°5¡­ 500, maybe?¡± Tarquin and Lowell were both speechless. From fifty million to five hundred, she had just dropped five zeros. ¡°Call the police! Let them handle it!¡± Tarquin stood up to leave, clearly not interested in wasting more time on Elysia. Elysia panicked, ¡°Wait!¡± Tarquin didn¡¯t stop or turn back. Elysia bit her lip, steeled herself, and blurted out, ¡°You want money? Fine, but take off your clothes first!¡± Tarquin froze, confused, ¡°What?¡± ¡°Take them off! Your jacket, your shirt, all of it, off!¡± Tarquin and everyone else were stunned. ¡­ny had tried to seduce their CEO, but no one had ever been so blunt by demanding he strip on the spot and in front of an audience! This woman wasn¡¯t just beautiful; she was bold! Tarquin¡¯s lips were a tight line, his face darkening with anger as he red at Elysia, every word deliberate, ¡°Do you even know what you¡¯re saying?¡± Intimidated by the murderous look in his eyes, Elysia swallowed hard but held her ground, ¡°I said you can have your money, but take off your clothes first.¡± She couldn¡¯te up with fifty million if her life depended on it, and she wasn¡¯t about to go to jail, so she needed to confirm if he was the same man from that night years ago. If he was, she¡¯d use that one night as leverage to wipe the debt clean. He had promised to make her the happiest and most honored woman in the world. She didn¡¯t need his happiness, just to settle this issue. And about the kids¡­. He didn¡¯t know she had borne his children, so he wouldn¡¯te after them, not yet. Once she had divorced Tarquin, she¡¯d take the kids and leave lind Mit Chapter 11 Chapter 11 It was obvious to anyone watching that Tarquin hadpletely misinterpreted Elysia¡¯s actions. He thought she was shamelessly flirting with him in front of everyone. ¡°Outrageous! Unreasonable!¡± he eximed. Elysia¡¯s eyes widened in shock as she realized the misunderstanding. She quickly tried to exin, ¡°You¡¯ve got it all wrong. I just wanted to check¡­¡± if there were bite marks on his shoulder. Years ago, during a moment of intense pain, she hadpsed into unconsciousness, then woken with such agony that she had bitten down on his shoulder and refused to let go. Such a fierce bite would surely leave a scar on any normal person. If there were bite marks on his shoulder, it would prove he was the man from that wild encounter! But before she could finish her sentence, Tarquin¡¯s phone suddenly rang. He snatched it up and barked, ¡°Talk to me!¡± Whatever was said on the other end, his expression went through a whirlwind of emotions. ¡°I¡¯ll be right there,¡± he said abruptly. seves me He hu p the phone and rushed out, no longer the picture of calm. filled with a restless anxiety. Lowell, seeing his demeanor, knew something had to be wrong with the young master. The only things that could rattle the stoic Tarquin were issues concerning his young son and the woman from six years ago. His son was, of course, his flesh and blood. That woman was the elusive mother of his child! Lowell¡¯s expression changed as well. He hurried after Tarquin, ¡°What about thatdy?¡± Without looking back, Tarquin dismissed the concern, ¡°Leave her to the police!¡± Elysia panicked, realizing she couldn¡¯t afford to be detained while trying to verify his identity. She rushed after him, ¡°You can¡¯t hand me over to the cops, I have three kids at home, and they¡¯re fatherless. If I get taken away, there¡¯s no one to look after them. I admit it was wrong for my kids to scratch your car, and I¡¯m sorry! But they¡¯re only five years old; they really can¡¯t be without their mom.¡± Tarquin turned to look at Elysia, and for a moment, he understood all too well the plight of children without their mother. His own son Elijah knew that pain. Tarquin felt a pang ofpassion, but he wasn¡¯t ready to let her off the hook just yet. ¡°Lock her up here for now. We¡¯ll decide what to do with herter,¡± he ordered. Ely panicked, ¡°You can¡¯t lock me up here. My kids are waiting for me at the motel. I¡­¡± But her words were cut off as the door mmed shut and was locked from the outside. With her eyes brimming with tears, Elysia realized she didn¡¯t even have her phone. Her kids. were alone in the motel, vulnerable to any danger. ¡°Let me out! This is uwful imprisonment! Let me out¡­¡± No matter how much she yelled, no one paid her any attention. In Jindale City¡¯s most prestigious estate, Number One Mansion, Tarquin stormed in, not bothering to shed his coat or shoes as he made a beeline for the second¨Cfloor nursery. The butler, Heath, followed close behind in a flurry. ¡°What in the world happened?!¡± Tarquin demanded, his voiceced with urgency. ¡°The young master was fine earlier, but then Ms. N ter showed up out of the blue,¡± Heath reported quickly. ¡°She brought gifts and went upstairs to see him. Whatever she said to him, it set him off. He even hurt Ms. ter.¡± A shadow passed over Tarquin¡¯s eyes, his steps quickening with worry,Did he hurt himself?¡± lear, he won¡¯t let any of us near.¡± ¡°It¡¯s Bang! Thud! Crash! As Tarquin reached his son¡¯s door, the sound of objects being thrown around could be heard. His anxiety increased a notch as he pushed open the door, ¡°Eli¡­¡± A vase flew straight at him, and he dodged just in time. The vase whizzed past his ear and out of the room, tumbling over the banister to shatter on the first¨Cfloor tiles. Heath¡¯s face paled out of fear, and he was frozen in the doorway. But Tarquin, ustomed to such outbursts, stepped into the room, his patience evident as he approached his furious son, ¡°Elijah, what¡¯s got you so upset again?¡± Elijah Bradford clenched his fists, his young brow furrowed tightly, his chest heaving with emotion. His face was stormy with anger, an image of fury so like Tarquin¡¯s that their resemnce was unmistakable. Clearly, the apple didn¡¯t fall far from the tree. Tarquin moved closer, reaching out to embrace his son, but Elijah rejected the offer, standing far away and eyeing him warily. Chapter 12 Chapter 12 ¡°You¡¯re getting married?¡± Tarquin froze. ¡°Who told you that?¡± he asked. Elijah didn¡¯t speak, just stared him down. It hit Tarquin then, ¡°N let it slip?¡± Elijah¡¯s brow furrowed ever so slightly as he stayed silent. Understanding dawned on Tarquin, and his face darkened as he exined, ¡°Don¡¯t listen to her tall tales! Daddy¡¯s not looking to bring you a stepmom. You know I¡¯ve never stopped looking for your birth mother.¡± ¡°Not marrying her?¡± ¡°Not in a million years!¡± ¡°Sure?¡± ¡°Positive!¡± Elijah¡¯s expression eased a bit, ¡°I don¡¯t like her.¡± ¡°Neither do I,¡± Tarquin said. Elijah s quivered, ¡°Any news about my mom?¡± ¡°Not yet, but rest assured, the second there¡¯s a word, Daddy will tell you.¡± Tarquin was torn about that woman! She had been his saving grace who indirectly saved his life, and for that, he was grateful. And he was old¨Cschool about love ¨C a one¨Cwoman man for life. Since they had been together, then it had to be her and no one else in his heart. He longed to find her, to marry her, to spend a blissful life side by side. But when Elijah showed up out of the blue, Tarquin¡¯s feelings became a tangle of love and resentment. She was the only one he¡¯d ever been with; Elijah was surely hers and their fruit of love. So, how could she just abandon their son? If N hadn¡¯t stumbled upon Elijah, he would¡¯ve died on their doorstep! Not only did she abandon him, but also their kid! How cruel she must be! While Tarquin fumed internally, he saw Elijah calm down. He knelt beside him to caress his cheek. ¡°Elijah, Daddy¡¯s just as eager to find her. I wish she could appear before us right now, but¡­ some things can¡¯t be forced. Our wanting her doesn¡¯t guarantee she¡¯ll be here.¡± He said. softly. It was a bitter pill to swallow that the highest¨Cvalued men in the world were both lonely and pitiful since they were abandoned by the same woman. Elijah¡¯s brow was knotted tight. ¡°Why doesn¡¯t Mommy want you, or me? Did you not do enough, or am I not good enough?¡± Tarquin shook his head, ¡°She left when you were just born so how could you be not good enough? You¡¯re a great kid, Elijah.¡± ¡°So it¡¯s you who¡¯s not good enough. Did you upset her? Is that why she left?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Tarquin began to defend himself but felt a twinge of guilt. He had his reasons then. He didn¡¯t have a chance to make it to the hospital under the circumstances, and without her, he would¡¯ve died. But she had struggled and resisted. Yes, he had wronged her. He didn¡¯t know if she left secretly because of that. He was at fault, and he knew it. So he genuinely wanted to make amends and to spend a sincere and loving life with her. ¡°Elijah, your mom and I¡­ we had our troubles. But believe me, I promised her she¡¯d be the happiest and most honored woman in the world. Still, she vanished¡­ I miss her just like you do. Elijah looked at Tarquin a moment longer, then, in a huff, turned away to sit by the window, gazing out towards the gate. He often sat there alone, hoping that one day he¡¯d be the first to spot her if she ever returned. Tarqui. Vatched his son¡¯s lonely silhouette and felt upset. He couldn¡¯t help but curse inwardly at times like this. Where the hell did that damn woman go? Their son was sick with longing, and still, she didn¡¯te back. Didn¡¯t her heart ache at all by leaving them behind? Chapter 13 Chapter 13 ¡°Please, just go. I need some alone time.¡± Tarquin sighed, knowing he had no choice but to step out for the moment. As he closed the door behind him, his expression shifted dramatically. He was about to call out for N when she suddenly appeared at the foot of the stairs, her eyes red with emotion. Seeing him emerge from Elijah¡¯s room, N hurried toward him, her concern etched across her face, ¡°Tarquin, how is Elijah doing now?¡± Despite his icy demeanor, Tarquin refrained fromshing out. After all, N was the one who had saved Elijah¡¯s life. It was N who had stumbled upon Elijah, who was abandoned at their doorstep, that gave him a second chance at life At first, Tarquin had his suspicions. Was it really just a coincidence that N found Elijah? Had she hidden Elijah¡¯s birth mother to get closer to him and orchestrated the whole rescue to win his gratitude? It was amon plot straight out of a TV drama But after a thorough investigation, it was clear that N¡¯s discovery was indeed a stroke of luck, and she had nothing to do with the disappearance of Elijah¡¯s mother So, pite hisck of fondness for N, Tarquin always treated her with courtesy. He even allowed her to visit Elijah regrly to fill the void of maternal affection, causing rumors to swirl that he had feelings for her. Some even whispered that N might be Elijah¡¯s birth mother. But the truth was known only to those closest to him. Tarquin¡¯s heart belonged to Elijah¡¯s birth mother, and he never led N to believe there chance for them together. Just as he had told his son, he didn¡¯t like her. e was a Tarquin descended the stairs with a stoic face, noticing the white bandage wrapped around N¡¯s arm. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about Elijah hurting you,¡± he said. N quickly reassured him, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, really. I¡¯m just worried about Elijah. He threw a tantrum when he saw me today. Is it because I¡¯ve been away shooting for too long that he became distant from me?¡± She pretended to care deeply for Elijah and feigned innocence. Tarquin red at her, knowing full well that Elijah¡¯s episode was triggered by her telling him that they would marry. With a cold voice, he said, ¡°No, he¡¯s missing his birth mother.¡± Upon hearing this, N clenched her fists in secret. Both Tarquin and Elijah longed for the same woman, and it gnawed at her with jealousy. After her bewildered rescue of Elijah, she was exhrated, thinking that she finally had a ticket into Tarquin¡¯s life. When Tarquin expressed his desire to repay her, she had suggested that a child should not grow up in a single¨Cparent home and offered to marry him- even if only in name. But Tarquin had bluntly informed her that he was still legally married. To marry again would be bigamy. Compensation, yes, but marriage, no. That rejection had infuriated her! Unable to win his heart or the title, her frustration and angriness knew no bounds. The three people she despised most were Elijah¡¯s birth mother, Tarquin¡¯s wife in name, and Elijah himself! She fantasized daily about getting rid of all three. While resentment churned inside her, N¡¯s face was a mask of self¨Creproach, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault. I haven¡¯t provided enough motherly love for Elijah. That¡¯s why he pines for his birth ¡®her and has fallen ill.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. It¡¯s natural for a child to miss his own mother. You¡¯re not his birth mother, and all your efforts can¡¯t give him the maternal love he seeks.¡± Tarquin never minced his words, and with that, N¡¯s heart shattered once more. She could never be Elijah¡¯s birth mother- an unchangeable truth that would haunt her for life. Chapter 14 Chapter 14 N was about to say something when Tarquin added, ¡°Elijah is in a bad state right now, so you should note to my house without an emergency in the future. And if you must, call me ahead of time.¡± N¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. So Tarquin¡¯s house became off¨Climits to her just because Elijah made a scene? How was she supposed to differentiate herself from the swarm of women buzzing around Tarquin? No, this just wouldn¡¯t do. ¡°Tarquin, I-¡± she continued. ¡°Elijahes first, end of the discussion,¡± Tarquin cut in; his tone was icy and final, effectively showing her the door. It was a clear punishment for her reckless banter in front of his son. He had made it crystal clear that marriage was off the table for them, and yet she dared to rattle Elijah with her wild ims! Besides, he¡¯d never been too keen on having N over in the first ce. With a heart full of frustration, N knew better than to defy Tarquin when he was this riled. up. In that case, she could just leave for now. Tarquin turned to his butler and issued a new directive, ¡°From now on, if she shows up, don¡¯t let her in before you call me.¡± ¡°Understood, sir.¡± Before long, Benjamin Lawson arrived in a flurry of urgency. Benjamin, Tarquin¡¯s friend and a doctor, hade to discuss Elijah¡¯s troubling condition. After hearing Tarquin out, Benjamin also suggested keeping N at a distance from Elijah for the time being, ¡°Considering how Elijah reacted today, his bipr disorder seems to be worsening. It¡¯s not looking good.¡± ¡°But he¡¯s been on his medication consistently.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not about the meds. Elijah¡¯s biggest issue is psychological. The kid¡¯s fixation on his mother runs too deep. If we could somehow bring her back to stay with him, it might just solve the problem.¡± Tarquin lit a cigarette, his frustration palpable. If it were as simple as finding the woman, he wouldn¡¯t be in this mess. He had even gone so far as to bring a stand¨Cin to y the part of Elijah¡¯s mother, but the boy was too sharp. He saw right through the facade and threw a massive fit. Benjamin, empathetic yet helpless, sighed, ¡°If all else fails, hire a child psychologist, someone who can double as a nanny and stay with Elijah long¨Cterm. As long as Elijah warms up to her and she can communicate with him, she might reach into his world and help heal his trauma. And even if full recovery isn¡¯t possible, she¡¯ll be there to prevent his condition from deteriorating and stop an incident like today from recurring. At the very least, she¡¯ll be there when he needs someone.¡± Tarquin nodded, ¡°Do you have anyone in mind?¡± ¡°Not off the top of my head, but if you¡¯re okay with a stranger in your house every day, I can start looking.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just fine. Focus on Elijah.¡± Tarquin would move mountains for his son, let alone deal with a bit of difort. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll get on it when I get back.¡± Just then, Tarquin¡¯s phone buzzed with urgency, ¡°Sir, it¡¯s bad news. Thatdy has bolted!¡± ¡°Bolted?!¡± ¡°Yes, sir. The fire rm system went off in the building, everyone panicked and rushed out in the choos, and thatdy took her chance to escape.¡± Tarquin¡¯s bad emotion aggravated as he heard that, so he just started calling names, ¡°Can¡¯t even keep track of a woman, huh? You useless things!¡± He tugged at his tie and said with a grave tone, ¡°Why did the rm go off? What triggered it?¡± ¡°Someone set off a smoke bomb in the basement and triggered the rm. But we can¡¯t identify who did it. The¡­ the security cameras have been tampered with. A cold glint passed through Tarquin¡¯s eyes. A smoke bomb as a diversion, security footage destroyed¨C that woman clearly had backup. He had let his guard down, thinking she wasn¡¯t a threat today. A mistake, evidently. ¡°Track her down and bring her back! ¡°Right away, sir!¡± Chapter 15 Chapter 15 At the same time, Elysia had been whisked back to her new home by her three little heroes. Just a short while ago, after the boys had finished their evening routine, they noticed she was missing and that the front door was ajar, which worried them sick. Elliot checked the security cameras and discovered she had been abducted. Without wasting a second, he set out on a rescue mission. Elysia was still unaware that it was her three sons who had rescued her, and her heart was still racing from the ordeal. When the rm sounded, she had dashed to the door. To her surprise, it swung open, and taking the chance, she bolted downstairs, only to be greeted by the sight of her boys. The family of four quickly hailed a cab and headed home. Once settled, Elysia took a deep breath and asked them, ¡°How on earth did you three just happen to show up there?¡± Elliot spoke up, ¡°We realized you weren¡¯t back and thendy downstairs mentioned you¡¯d been taken. We tracked your location and just as we got there, you came downstairs. What exactly happened, Mom?¡± Elys¡­ didn¡¯t dwell on it and turned to Evan with a furrowed brow, ¡°Evan, tell me the truth. Why did you scratch someone¡¯s car?¡± Evan blinked innocently, ¡°Was it that jerk and his girlfriend who kidnapped you?¡± ¡°What jerk and girlfriend?¡± Elysia asked. Evan fumed, ¡°If I knew they¡¯d pull some other stunt after what happened, I wouldn¡¯t have let them off the train station so easy! They¡¯re just asking for a beating! Mom, don¡¯t worry about this, I¡¯ll handle it!¡± With that, Evan clenched his little fists and was ready to storm out. Elysia grabbed him and pushed him down into a chair, her face stern, ¡°What happened at the train station?¡± With & pout, Evan realized he couldn¡¯t keep it a secret any longer and spilled the beans about the entire incident. Elysia was shaken to the core. She hadn¡¯t known about any of this! She pulled Emmett into her arms to check for injuries. Seeing the bruises that hadn¡¯t faded yet, Elysia¡¯s heart ached unbearably. Choking back tears, she asked Emmett, ¡°Does it hurt a lot?¡± Emmett, ever so sweet, tried to console her, ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt, really. It stopped hurting a while ago, Mom. Don¡¯t be sad. Look, I can jump around and everything.¡± To prove his point, Emmett hopped out of her embrace and did a couple of spins to show he was fine. Watching her sensible little boy, Elysia couldn¡¯t hold back her tears. She pulled Emmett back into a tight hug, her heart broke when she gently stroked the back of his head. Out of her three children, Emmett held a special ce in her heart due to his unique needs; besides the boundless love she had for all her sons, she felt an extra pang of tenderness for him. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Emmett. I should have taken better care of you. I let you down.¡± She said. Emmett shook his head, ¡°That¡¯s not true. Thedy downstairs said I look well¨Cfed; it¡¯s clear you take great care of me.¡± Holding Emmett close, Elysiaforted him for a long time before she rummaged through her suitcase and applied some home¨Cmade ointment to the bruises. She then turned to Evan for a teachable moment, offering praise where it was due and criticism where it was necessary. For example, she told him that a real man surely doesn¡¯t cause trouble, but he shouldn¡¯t be afraid of it either. While it wasmendable to stand up for his brother, taking matters into his ow inds and damaging property without telling her was not eptable. She also put on a stern look while highlighting the dangers of ying with fireworks and telling Evan never to mess with them again. Little did she know, it wasn¡¯t fireworks at all, but a small bomb Evan had concocted himself. To avoid upsetting his mother, Evan nodded repeatedly and showed the picture of obedience. As for the reason behind the change of residence, Elliot concocted a usible story which Elysia believed without question. Later, Elliot inquired, ¡°Did they give you a hard time, Mom?¡± Chapter 16 Chapter 16 Elysia¡¯s brow furrowed as she thought of the fifty million hanging over her head. She didn¡¯t want her three kids to worry, so she fibbed, ¡®No, sweethearts, it¡¯s all water under the bridge now. You kids keep ying, mommy¡¯s just going to pop to the restroom.¡± After she¡¯d excused herself, the trio huddled in the bedroom for a ndestine meeting. Elliot spoke up, ¡°It¡¯s not as simple as Mom¡¯s making it out to be. Something¡¯s still up, or they wouldn¡¯t have locked her up.¡± Evan clenched his little fists, his face a picture of determination, ¡°They think it¡¯s over? Well, I beg to differ! Are we just going to let those bullies push our beloved Mommy around? No. way! You and Emmett keep herpany, and I¡¯m going to sort them out. They need to learn there are consequences for messing with our mom!¡± Evan was all set to take action, but Elliot stepped in front of him, ¡°Not this time. I¡¯ll handle it.¡± ¡°You? But they¡¯ve got bodyguards, and I¡¯m worried you can¡¯t take them on.¡± Evan said. Elliot squinted his eyes and put on a serious look on his young face as he stared at his little; tablet, ¡°Mom said we live in a society ruled byws. We need to y by the rules and find a legal way to make them pay.¡± While the trio were discussing, Elysia was oblivious to the kids¡® plotting revenge on Tarquin. That night, shey awake, haunted by the fifty million albatross around her neck. She couldn¡¯t cough up that kind of cash even if they took her life! And the man¡¯s face kepting back to her, which made her blood boil- he bore such a striking resemnce to Elliot and Evan. That meant it¡¯s highly possible that he was the mysterious man from that fateful day. The thought filled her with such rage she could strangle him! But without absolute certainty, she was at a loss for what to do. After a sleepless night, Elysia finally came up with a n by dawn. She couldn¡¯t pay the fifty million, not now. And with the risk of that wild man snatching her kids, she decided to expedite the divorce from Tarquin and get out of Dodge. So, Elysia got up, freshened up, left a note instructing the kids to stay indoors, and left the house. She hailed a cab straight to Tarquin¡¯s ce to confront him and demand a divorce. At the same time, Tarquin¡¯s world was in disarray. He received startling news early in the morning. The prime real estate he¡¯d been eyeing had been bought out overnight by an anonymous high bidder, the parcels ofnd he coveted had been snatched up while he wasn¡¯t looking¡­. 18:50 And the lucrative deals he was about to close? They were all intercepted by an unseenpetitor. Preliminary estimates put the Bradford Group¡¯s losses in the billions. But Tarquin wasn¡¯t fazed by the loss of money; what irked him was the clear indication that someone was targeting him! He¡¯d been a titan of industry for years, a name that echoed with authority. No one would dare to raise his voice in front of him, not to mention provocation. Bud now¡­ And to make matters worse, even his top¨Cnotch hackers couldn¡¯t trace the culprit. Enraged and without an outlet, Tarquin¡¯s bad mood cast a dark cloud over the entire Bradford Group. Lowell was run ragged, his phone ringing off the hook. Just as they were grappling with the chaos, the Bradford Group¡¯sputers crashed, leaving employees idle and confused. ¡°Are the tech guys good for nothing?!¡± Tarquin roared in frustration. Lowell, sweating bullets, prodded the tech department relentlessly. The tech team was on the brink of tears; they werepetent, but today they had met their match. ¡°Okay, okay, power¨Con!¡± After much ado, theputers finally booted up, and the techs breathed a h of relief. But as the screens flickered on, everyone¡¯s jaws dropped. Chapter 17 Chapter 17 On theputer screen, bold letters suddenly appeared, screaming for attention, ¡°Consider this a warning. If you dare to mistreat thedy again, I¡¯ll be back for you! Watch your back, Mr. Bradford.¡± The staff at the Bradford Group had their eyes glued to the monitors. Then, as if forgetting that they were in a working ce, the office erupted into a frenzy of spection and gossip. ¡°Holy smokes, this isn¡¯t just some glitch¨Cit¡¯s a deliberate hack! Who on earth could crack the Bradford Group¡¯s firewall?¡± ¡°And they had the nerve to call out Mr. Bradford directly!¡± ¡°He said¡­ he also said Mr. Bradford was bullying some youngdy!¡± Inside the CEO¡¯s office, Tarquin¡¯s icy gaze fixed on his own screen. His lips were a thin line, his complexion dark as a storm cloud. Lowell felt the tension in the room like a ticking time bomb. Gathering his courage, Lowell attempted to defuse the situation, ¡°Sir, please, calm down. This usation about bullying a youngdy got to be groundless! Everyone knows your character. You¡­¡± re is that woman from yesterday?!¡± Tarquin¡¯s voice was a cold de. Lowell, momentarily confused, realized he was referring to Elysia. He replied hastily, ¡°We¡­ we haven¡¯t located her yet.¡± ¡°You rubbish!¡± Tarquin¡¯s roar was ground shaking. Lowell was sweating bullets and trembling like a leaf. The saying ¡®uneasy lies the head that wears the crown¡® had never felt more apt. Tarquin¡¯s eyes never left the screen. He was determined to find Elysia because he was convinced that the youngdy¡® mentioned was her. He knew he was no saint, but he was not one to bully people, especially not women. The only woman he ever truly cared for was Elijah¡¯s birth mother. Beyond that, his interactions with the opposite sex were minimal. But yesterday, he had not only crossed paths with that woman but also detained her. His team of elite hackers, some of the best in the business, rarely failed him. Yet they had failed twice in the span of one day. The rival who was stealing his business deals remained in the shadows. And the woman named Elysia was also nowhere to be found. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that these were connected, that someone was targeting him. 19:50 Gritting his teeth, Tarquinmanded with an icy tone, ¡°Find her no matter what it takes!¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Lowell couldn¡¯t exit the CEO¡¯s office fast enough. He really didn¡¯t want to be the bearer of bad news, but as soon as he¡¯d ryed Tarquin¡¯s orders, a new crisis emerged. His phone rang with the news that Tarquin¡¯s estranged wife had returned and was currently at the gates of Royal Community, demanding a divorce. Royal Community was the upscale neighborhood where Tarquin¡¯s grandfather had set up a home for his wife before he passed away. It was their marital residence. Lowell was taken aback, ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s her?¡± ¡°Yeah, who else would dare show up and tell such a lie to the boss¡¯s face? It¡¯s her, no mistake.¡± Lowell pondered the situation briefly before braving a return to the lion¡¯s den¨CTarquin¡¯s office. ¡°Sir, Mrs. Bradford has returned. She¡¯s waiting at Royal Community right now.¡± ¡°Who?¡± ¦° ¡­Your wife, sir. The one you¡¯re married to in name.¡± It t Tarquin a moment to remember he had a wife he¡¯d never met, ¡°What does she want?¡± ¡°She¡¯s asking for a divorce. Tarquin was silent. That wayward woman hadn¡¯t made contact in six years, and now she suddenly wanted a divorce? He had no fond feelings for her, but if he divorced her, what excuse would he have to fend off N? ¡°Tell her I¡¯m on a business trip. I can¡¯t divorce her now. If she wants a divorce, she¡¯ll have to wait until I return. As for when that will be, it¡¯s undecided.¡± If she had been a decent woman, he might have felt a twinge of guilt using her. But she wasn¡¯t. Tarquin felt no remorse at all by utilizing her. Chapter 18 Chapter 18 Lowell had been riding shotgun with Tarquin for years and had a pretty good bead on the guy. He knew the score about Tarquin¡¯s reluctance to sign the divorce papers. So, when Tarquin brushed off the suggestion of a video call with his estranged wife, Lowell didn¡¯t bat an eyelid. Instead, he just threw out a casual suggestion, ¡°Maybe a video call would convince her more? I¡¯m not sure that Mrs. Bradford will believe the words sent.¡± ¡°No need,¡± Tarquin barked back with a scoff. Why to waste his breath on someone who¡¯s nothing but a footnote? So that was Tarquin¡¯s outright refusal. After all, he was oblivious to the fact that the woman was the very one he¡¯d been searching for high and low. ¡°And another thing, stop calling her ¡®Mrs. Bradford¡®. There¡¯s only onedy who deserves that title. Anyone else doesn¡¯t evene close.¡± Tarquin added. Lowell bit his tongue. He knew the dy Tarquin was talking about was none other than Elijah¡¯s biological mother. ¡°Got e replied. Meanwhile, Elysia was gobsmacked at Tarquin¡¯s response. Not knowing when he¡¯d return meant not knowing when she could get a divorce.. How was she supposed to move on with her kids in tow? Elysia was far from throwing in the towel, though. She tried reaching out to Tarquin a few more times, but to no avail. Dejected, she left the Royal Community with a heavy heart, her spirit so low. Without being able to cut ties, she couldn¡¯t sort out the kids¡® school registration, and without that, their education was as stuck as a truck in mud. Plus, no divorce meant no stable job for her, and her bank ount was running on fumes. And then there was that Elliot and Evan¡¯s lookalike and the mountain of debt he¡¯d saddled her with¡­ The more Elysia stewed on her problems, the more her head spun. Seeking a moment of sce, she plopped down under a canopy of trees, not wanting to bring her cloud of gloom home to her kids. As she sat there, wrestling with her next move, a tot, no more than four or five, bolted across the street like a bat out of hell and whizzed straight into oing traffic. Hell broke loose as cars screeched, horns red, and the air was filled with a cacophony of shouts and screams. The kid¡¯s parents dashed into the fray, trying to scoop up their wild offspring, who was having none of it. The little tyke was throwing a fit and howling at onlookers and passersby. While he was howling, he was also taking swings at a nearby sedan. After giving the car a piece of his mind, he turned on himself, smacking his own face and scratching like he was trying to w away invisible ants. His dad finally managed to wrangle him up, but the kid was all fists and teeth and growling like an animal. Elysia watched this and didn¡¯t feel right. She darted over. The kid had wrenched away from his father, who was so angry and furious. The father¡¯s face flushed red with rage and he raised his palm to smack the son. ¡°Cool it, guys. Don¡¯t do something you¡¯ll regret.¡± Elysia said as she looked toward the boy. She squatted down to eye level with the boy and opened her arms in a gesture of peace, ¡°Hey there, champ. No need to be scared. Come to me. I¡¯ll keep you safe.¡± The boy eyed her warily. ot gonna hurt you, kiddo. Come on over,¡± Elysia coaxed with a smile. After a tense stare¨Cdown, the boy suddenly stooped, scooped up a rock, and hurled it at her. Elysia failed to dodge. The rock struck her forehead and sent a sharp jolt of pain through her. The boy¡¯s mother was guilty at the scene. Her tears were welling up as she rushed over, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, ma¡¯am. My boy has bipr disorder, and he¡¯s having an episode. We¡¯re at our wit¡¯s end¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. What¡¯s his name?¡± Elysia asked, brushing off the hurt. ¡°Corbin Denton. Just call him Corbin.¡± Elysia nodded, ¡°You¡¯re scaring him more. Give me some space. I¡¯ll calm him down.¡± The Dentons gazed at Elysia as if they were stunned, and eventually, they stepped back, worn out and desperate for a miracle. Chapter 19 Chapter 19 They were not sure what Elysia whispered to the little boy, but minutester, he toddled over to her. He wrapped his arms tight around her neck and buried his tear¨Cstained face into her. shoulder. Elysia scooped up the child and walked over to the nearby park, finding a spot on the green Half an hourter, the kid had literally dozed off in her arms. The Denton family, witnessing the scene, approached in utter astonishment, ¡°When he has his fits, we usually have to quiet him down with sedatives. We never thought it could be done without drugs.¡± Elysia exined, ¡°Bipr disorder is a mixture of maniac and depression, which is a mental issue. Medication can help, but it¡¯s still crucial to talk to him and to enter his world. Yelling at him when he¡¯s distressed is the worst thing you can do it only makes him more agitated.¡± As she spoke, Elysia rummaged through her bag, pulling out a pen and paper, and jotted down a few herbal remedies, ¡°If you trust me, try brewing these herbs for him, sweeten it with some stevia, and coax him to drink it. It might help.¡± ¡°Are you a doctor?¡± the child¡¯s parents asked eagerly. sia shook her head with an embarrassed smile, ¡°No, I don¡¯t have a medical degree but just picked up a few things from family. But you can trust this recipe, it¡¯s safe.¡± After handing the child back to his parents, she waved goodbye and left. From a short distance away, Benjamin had been watching everything. He had been driving by when he spotted Corbin¡¯s episode and had quickly parked to rush over, only to be a step behind Elysia. His friend Tarquin¡¯s son Elijah suffered from the same condition as Corbin. If Elysia could, soothe Corbin, surely she could do the same for Elijah. She was a prettydy with a warm and sweet smile¨Cshe had a healer¡¯s aura. Maybe Elijah would ept her! Excited by the thought, Benjamin approached the Dentons to exchange a few words before. taking a nce at the herbal list Elysia had provided. It was full of natural sedatives, much gentler than pharmaceuticals! Realizing she knew a thing or two about alternative medicine, his excitement grew. This knowledge could be more of a godsend for Elijah. He quickly turned to follow Elysia but found she had walked some distance away. Quickening his pace to catch up, he was suddenly stopped in his tracks- A ck sedan pulled up beside Elysia, and several figures jumped out, yanking her into the pter car before speeding off. ¡°Damn! Damn it!¡± Benjamin cursed, a departure from his usual decorum. He watched helplessly as the sedan disappeared and quickly dialed Tarquin. ¡°Tarquin, you¡¯ve got to hurry. I just found a woman who might be perfect for taking care of Elijah, but she¡¯s just been kidnapped by a bunch of thugs right off the street. What kind of world do we live in where people can still be snatched in broad daylight? You need to find her, she might be our only hope for Elijah!¡± ¡°What does she look like?¡± Tarquin inquired. ¡°Beautiful, gentle, slender, fair, long hair, with dimples when she smiles, and¡­ the woman radiates warmth.¡± ¡°Get to the point!¡± ¡°The point is, she¡¯s a strikingly beautiful woman!¡± Tarquin pursed his lips, ¡°¡­Give me the location. I¡¯ll check the surveince.¡± ¡°Mid Road!¡± ¡°I¡¯earby.¡± ¡°You are? Great! Where exactly? Send me your location; I¡¯lle to you right away. And when we find that girl, we need to give those thugs a piece of our minds. They were snatching an innocent woman in broad daylight, and that¡¯s just criminal¡­ As Benjamin rambled on, Tarquin¡¯s car window was tapped on. Chapter 20 Chapter 20 ¡°Boss, we got her!¡± Tarquin nced at Elysia through the car window. Then he took a second look and frowned. Benjamin had just mentioned a woman being snatched off the streets. Could it be her? No way! Because she didn¡¯t look gentle at all. She looked fumed, and right now, she was hopping mad. He quickly sent Benjamin a location, rolled down the window, and red at Elysia. Elysia, surprised to see him, eximed, ¡°What the-?!¡± Just the sight of his face made her blood boil. She was already livid about not being able to smoothly divorce Tarquin, and now she was even more enraged. ¡°Why is it always you? What on earth do you want? Let me go! I warn you that I haven¡¯t even reported you for locking me up yesterday. Do you believe I¡¯ll call 911 right now? Let go! Release me¡­. Elysia ranted fiercely, her little face flushing red with anger. Tarquin didn¡¯t understand why she was so bold; other women were either afraid or shy around him. But she was just aggressive! He instructed Lowell to look for the gentle woman Benjamin had described and then, with a furrowed brow, ordered his men to stuff Elysia into the car. As soon as Elysia got a chance, she tried to push open the car door, wanting to get out. Finding it locked, she became irritated and began tugging forcefully at the door handle. As she nearly broke the handle, Tarquin said coldly, ¡°Without my permission, you¡¯re not going anywhere!¡± Elysia¡¯quickly red back and gritted her teeth. He looked too much like Elliot and Evan, making it hard not to associate him with that man from six years ago. They say an adult¡¯s emotional breakdown could just happen in an instant. And in that moment, Elysia¡¯s solid mental defenses copsed. Thinking about the hardships of those years and the frustrations of the past couple of days,¡± her anger overwhelmed her, and she lost all reason. She felt he was the barbarian who had ruined her life. 18:52 Without another word, she lunged at him, ready to fight. All the suffering she¡¯d endured and the injustices she¡¯d swallowed were all linked to this man. Tarquin caught her wrist and red at her in astonishment, ¡°You also want to hit me?¡± ¡°I do! I want to beat you to a pulp!¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Was this woman raised by wolves?! Forget his current power and influence; even back in the day, no one dared to openly threaten his life. Still in disbelief, Tarquin suddenly felt a sharp pain in his wrist. Unable to break free, Elysia bit down hard on his wrist, drawing blood. Tarquin pushed her away with a dark face, ¡°What are you, a rabid dog?¡± Elysia didn¡¯t answer and, without giving him a chance to react, lunged again. She was so livid today, and she just wanted to throw down. Tarquin, face darkening again, restrained her, ¡°Have you lost your mind or do you have a death wish?!¡± ¡°I have lost it! If I¡¯m crazy all beca of you¡­¡± because of you. You might as well kill me! It¡¯s all your fault¡­ all Tarquin couldn¡¯t make heads or tails of what she was saying. Seeing his threats had no effect, he switched tactics, ¡°If you don¡¯t stop this madness, you won¡¯t owe me just fifty million anymore, I can make the court fine you five hundred million Owe me just fifty At the mention of money, Elysia froze. Money, besides her three sons, was her greatest love. It was also her Achilles¡® heel. Having experienced life without money, she knew all too well how hard those days were, how tough it was to earn money, and just how important it was. Chapter 21 Chapter 21 Tarquin¡¯s threat worked. Elysia¡¯s big, doe eyes were open wide, filled with indignant rage as she red at Tarquin. But she didn¡¯t dare to make another move. And that just made her feel even more wronged. The jerk was right there, and she couldn¡¯ty a finger on him or even give him a piece of her mind! With no outlet for her fury, Elysia burst into tears, ¡°How can you be so cruel? Haven¡¯t you done enough to ruin my life? What do you even want from me? What are you trying to do?¡± Tarquin was taken aback watching her sob. His mind shed back to that night when Elijah¡¯s mother cried beneath him. The room was dark, he hadn¡¯t seen her face clearly, and the drugs had made everything hazy, even her voice. But when he kissed the tears from her eyes, he felt them. He didn¡¯t know why seeing this woman cry made him think of her, but in that instant, his heart softened with pity and a strange desire to reach out and wipe away her tears. The next second, however, his brows furrowed again. She couldn¡¯t be her. Elijah¡¯s birth mother was far gentler than this wild woman before him. Even in his drugged state, he knew she was like a gentle cat without a temper. Not Elysia, who was fierce as a tigress. Sighing deeply, Tarquin¡¯s gaze turned impatient once more as he looked at Elysia, ¡°Shut up! Stop crying!* ¡°Why can¡¯t I cry? Who do you think you are to tell me what to do? You¡¯ve made my life a living hell and why don¡¯t you feel guilty? Are you heartless?¡± Elysia¡¯s heart ached, and her sobs grew louder. She thought she could forget the pain and the humiliation, but his face made it impossible. He¡¯d screwed her over six years ago, and now he was back to haunt her. Was she indebted to him in a past life?! Now the was trapped in a marriage she couldn¡¯t escape, her kids¡® future uncertain, anchored to Jindale City, and she was also suddenly buried under a mountain of debt of fifty million dors. Her life was so miserable. Had God turned a blind eye by turning her into his sole victim? It was too much to bear and she was so afflicted. Since her children¡¯s birth, this was the first time Elysia had lost all control. The children had been her salvation from grief, but seeing Tarquin had driven her to the brink. Tarquin was clueless that she was the one he¡¯d been desperately searching for, nor could he understand her ramblings. He thought her life must¡¯ve turned upside down because of the sudden debt, hence her resentment. That only made him more irritated with her. Ruining someone¡¯s car without remorse but harboring resentment instead? Her way of thinking was all wrong. If he hadn¡¯t needed to question her, he would¡¯ve thrown her out already. ¡°You¡¯d better keep quiet!¡± Tarquin threatened, his face dark as thunder. ¡°Ah-¡± Elysia let out a feral growl, ready to bite. Tarquin clenched his jaw, ¡°Cry one more time, and you¡¯ll never see your kids again in this lifetime.¡± Elysia hit the brakes hard on her outburst, ¡°What did you say?!¡± ¡°Try me.¡± Elysia was thus silent. Living in this society, money was her Achilles¡® heel, but her kids were her heart and soul. Co r Instir vely, she mped her mouth shut, refusing to let herself She red at Tarqu with a mixture of suffocation and anger. But she couldn¡¯t hold his gaze for long and looked away. His face was a trigger for violence. Elysia forced herself to cool down, then her fear crept in. Never mind if he was that brute from her past; if he was, and she spilled the beans, what if he fought her for custody? Judging by his current state, he seemed well¨Coff with a car worth million. If he decided to fight, she stood no chance. Her impulsiveness had nearly given her away. And what if he just happened to look like that brute? C Chapter 22 Chapter 22 She was making a spectacle of herself in front of him, and it was downright rude. Elysia took several deep breaths in the shadows, working to calm her frazzled nerves. Seeing her regain herposure, Tarquin¡¯s voice was icy as he demanded, ¡°Alright, spill it. What was yesterday¡¯s fiasco all about?¡± Elysia tilted her chin defiantly and countered, ¡°What fiasco are you talking about?¡± ¡°Who whisked you away? Where did you two fly off to after that? And, what¡¯s your angle with me? Are you after my money or are you gunning for my life?¡± Elysia was bbergasted, ¡°When did I ever try to get close to you? Yesterday, you came knocking at my door and hauled me away, and then the building suddenly caught fire. I took the chance to run for it. I¡¯m not after your cash, and I certainly didn¡¯t¡­¡± She paused, biting her lip. If he was that brute, she might indeed want to throttle him. ¡°And didn¡¯t what?¡± Tarquin pressed. Elysia pouted, muttering, ¡°Didn¡¯t want to take your life!¡± J ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m buying any of this?¡± he bit back. ¡°Well¡­ believe it or not, I¡¯m only telling you like it is!¡± Tarquin asked, ¡°So, where did you crashst night?¡± He had sent people to the motel to look for her, but she was nowhere to be found. The motel owner aid they took off without even checking out. With his current resources, if he couldn¡¯t find someone in Jindale City, the biggest possibility was that man was covering their tracks well. And only someone with real skills could hide like that. Of course, Elysia was clueless that it was Elliot who had tampered with the surveince. She frowned and retorted, ¡°What does it matter to you where I stay? How¡¯s that any of your business?¡± Tarquin just gave her a frosty look, and Elysia¡¯s heart skipped a beat in fear. He was quite intimidating wheh angry. Earlier, her temper had red, and she¡¯d been as fierce as a little tiger, but now, cooled down, she felt the bite of fear. Elysia shrank in on herself and grumbled, ¡°That¡¯s my private affair, not something I¡¯d share.¡± ¡°Is it really just a private matter, or are you purposefully hiding something?¡± he asked. ¡°Why would I hide anything? I don¡¯t owe you¡­¡± The thought of the fifty million stopped her mid¨C sentence. Suddenly remembering something, she huffed and pulled out her phone, showing him at photo, ¡°Look here, I questioned my son about it. Sure, he scratched up your car, but look at this you started it by bullying. Evan did it to stand up for his brother.¡± As Tarquin nced at the photo, his brow was furrowing. In the picture, a child¡¯s tender leg was covered with arge bruise. It was painful even to look 1. at. Elysia continued, ¡°This bruise? Yourdy friend did that, probably your wife. That¡¯s child abuse! I could take her to court for that!¡± Tarquin was silent. Elysia added, ¡°The train station has cameras. If you don¡¯t believe me, go check the footage.¡± Tarquin didn¡¯t doubt her word; he knew all too well what N was capable of. But what N did had nothing to do with him. ¡°The injury wasn¡¯t caused by me, but your son did wreck my car.¡± He stated. Elysia stared nkly and turned speechless. Debts and grievances had their designated owners, and even in a marital rtionship, she couldn¡¯t pin the me on him. ¡°And the bite on my wrist was all you,¡± Tarquin added. Elysia nced at the bite mark on his wrist and shrank back, her bravado deting. However, Tarquin had shifted the conversation when she was at loss of words, ¡°If you don¡¯t to end up behind bars and leave your kids motherless, you bettere clean.¡± ¡°Clean about what?¡± ¡°Your real reason for getting close to me. Who¡¯s pulling your strings Elysia red, ¡°I told you that I had no intention of getting close to you, and nobody sent me!¡± Tarquin clearly didn¡¯t believe her, ¡°If you don¡¯t tell the truth, the consequences will be severe.¡± ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth!¡± His expression darkened, ¡°Lowell! Hand her over to the cops, and don¡¯t let her out without my say¨Cso!¡± The car door was yanked open in an instant, and Lowell stood by the car, ¡°Ms. Thorne, please step out.¡± 18-54 Tarquin remained silent. Elysia, seizing the moment of his hesitation, added with feigned confidence, ¡°And let me tell you, Tarquin is¡­ head over heels for me! If youy a finger on me, he won¡¯t let you off the hook!¡± Tarquin¡¯s lip curled in obvious distaste. Lowell struggled to keep a straight face. Their boss was right there, and she didn¡¯t recognize him, yet she dared to im his undying love. What a far¨Cfetched tale. But then, a thought struck Lowell¨Ccould she actually be the elusive Mrs. Bradford that even he had never met? No, that couldn¡¯t be. Tarquin¡¯s wife was named Daphne, not Elysia. Clearly, Tarquin also believed she was lying, but he was too disinterested to call her out. Without sparing her another nce, he ordered coldly, ¡°Take her away!¡± Elysia was terrified, ¡°Hey! You can¡¯t¨Cmmmph¡­ mmmph¡­ One of the bodyguards mped a hand over Elysia¡¯s mouth and dragged her from the car, heading straight to the police station. No sooner had they left than Benjamin approached Tarquin with a sense of urgency. ¡°Did you find her?¡± he asked immediately upon seeing Tarquin. ¡°No news yet,¡± Tarquin replied curtly. Benjamin was so regretted, ¡°Well, it¡¯s my fault! If only I¡¯d been quicker, she wouldn¡¯t have been snatched away. Listen, you need to be on your toes. Trust me, that girl is the perfect match. I saw it with my own eyes¨Cshe calmed Corbin down in no time.¡± Chapter 23 Chapter 23 Of course, Elysia was clueless that it was Elliot who had tampered with the surveince. She frowned and retorted, ¡°What does it matter to you where I stay? How¡¯s that any of your business?¡± Tarquin just gave her a frosty look, and Elysia¡¯s heart skipped a beat in fear. He was quite intimidating wheh angry. Earlier, her temper had red, and she¡¯d been as fierce as a little tiger, but now, cooled down, she felt the bite of fear. Elysia shrank in on herself and grumbled, ¡°That¡¯s my private affair, not something I¡¯d share.¡± ¡°Is it really just a private matter, or are you purposefully hiding something?¡± he asked. ¡°Why would I hide anything? I don¡¯t owe you¡­¡± The thought of the fifty million stopped her mid¨C sentence. Suddenly remembering something, she huffed and pulled out her phone, showing him at photo, ¡°Look here, I questioned my son about it. Sure, he scratched up your car, but look at this you started it by bullying. Evan did it to stand up for his brother.¡± As Tarquin nced at the photo, his brow was furrowing. In the picture, a child¡¯s tender leg was covered with arge bruise. It was painful even to look 1. at. Elysia continued, ¡°This bruise? Yourdy friend did that, probably your wife. That¡¯s child abuse! I could take her to court for that!¡± Tarquin was silent. Elysia added, ¡°The train station has cameras. If you don¡¯t believe me, go check the footage.¡± Tarquin didn¡¯t doubt her word; he knew all too well what N was capable of. But what N did had nothing to do with him. ¡°The injury wasn¡¯t caused by me, but your son did wreck my car.¡± He stated. Elysia stared nkly and turned speechless. Debts and grievances had their designated owners, and even in a marital rtionship, she couldn¡¯t pin the me on him. ¡°And the bite on my wrist was all you,¡± Tarquin added. Elysia nced at the bite mark on his wrist and shrank back, her bravado deting. However, Tarquin had shifted the conversation when she was at loss of words, ¡°If you don¡¯t to end up behind bars and leave your kids motherless, you bettere clean.¡± ¡°Clean about what?¡± ¡°Your real reason for getting close to me. Who¡¯s pulling your strings Elysia red, ¡°I told you that I had no intention of getting close to you, and nobody sent me!¡± Tarquin clearly didn¡¯t believe her, ¡°If you don¡¯t tell the truth, the consequences will be severe.¡± ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth!¡± His expression darkened, ¡°Lowell! Hand her over to the cops, and don¡¯t let her out without my say¨C so!¡± The car door was yanked open in an instant, and Lowell stood by the car, ¡°Ms. Thorne, please step out.¡± 18-54 Tarquin remained silent. Elysia, seizing the moment of his hesitation, added with feigned confidence, ¡°And let me tell you, Tarquin is¡­ head over heels for me! If youy a finger on me, he won¡¯t let you off the hook!¡± Tarquin¡¯s lip curled in obvious distaste. Lowell struggled to keep a straight face. Their boss was right there, and she didn¡¯t recognize him, yet she dared to im his undying love. What a far¨Cfetched tale. But then, a thought struck Lowell¨Ccould she actually be the elusive Mrs. Bradford that even he had never met? No, that couldn¡¯t be. Tarquin¡¯s wife was named Daphne, not Elysia. Clearly, Tarquin also believed she was lying, but he was too disinterested to call her out. Without sparing her another nce, he ordered coldly, ¡°Take her away!¡± Elysia was terrified, ¡°Hey! You can¡¯t¨Cmmmph¡­ mmmph¡­ One of the bodyguards mped a hand over Elysia¡¯s mouth and dragged her from the car, heading straight to the police station. No sooner had they left than Benjamin approached Tarquin with a sense of urgency. ¡°Did you find her?¡± he asked immediately upon seeing Tarquin. ¡°No news yet,¡± Tarquin replied curtly. Benjamin was so regretted, ¡°Well, it¡¯s my fault! If only I¡¯d been quicker, she wouldn¡¯t have been snatched away. Listen, you need to be on your toes. Trust me, that girl is the perfect match. I saw it with my own eyes¨Cshe calmed Corbin down in no time.¡± Chapter 24 Chapter 24 ¡°Corbin?¡± ¡°Yeah, Corbin just had an episode and bolted from the hospital. He was making a scene out on the street, crying and causing a ruckus, totally out of control. It was that girl who calmed him down. And when she left, she even wrote a prescription for the Dentons, with all sorts of calming and restorative remedies. She must know a thing or two about medicine. Think about it: a kind¨Chearted, loving, drop¨Cdead gorgeous woman with medical knowledge to boot. Sounds perfect for our Elijah, don¡¯t you think?¡± Tarquin knew Corbin as his good friend, Keaton Huber¡¯s nephew, After a kidnapping two years ago, Corbin had been left with psychological scars and bipr disorder, with episodes not unlike those of Elijah. The idea of someone with medical knowledge piqued Tarquin¡¯s interest. Elijah often hurt himself during his fits of rage. If Elijah¡¯s caregiver understood medicine, that could only be a good thing. ¡°Tarquin, we got the surveince footage, and it¡¯s¨Cit¡¯s¡­¡± Tarquin snatched the tablet from Lowell¡¯s hands and nced at it, his face darkening, ¡°Her? No way!¡± Benjamin leaned in closer, ¡°Yep, it¡¯s her! Look at how she managed to soothe Corbin without any sedatives. Don¡¯t think she¡¯s just pacifying a crying kid. Corbin was in the middle of an episode. If I¡¯m not mistaken, she must be versed in child psychology; otherwise, she couldn¡¯t have calmed him down so effortlessly. What an outstanding woman! It¡¯s just a uamn shame not knowing which lowlife snatched her away. It¡¯s just inhuman! If we catch the guy, he¡¯s gonna learn his lesson.¡± Tarquin pursed his lips and turned to Benjamin, speechless. Lowell, standing to the side, interjected quietly, ¡°Dr. Benjamin, the one who snatched her away is Tarquin himself.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Benjamin¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Lowell shifted awkwardly. Realization dawned on Benjamin, ¡°Oh, it was you! You¡¯re the scoundrel? Why on earth would you snatch her off the street? You two don¡¯t have some feud, do you?¡± Lowell murmured, ¡°Tarquin just threw her in the mmer, even nned to starve her for three days.¡± 18:54 Benjamin was livid, ¡°That¡¯s crazy! Why would you mess with the poor girl? Release her Immediately, and apologize. Who knows, she might be Elijah¡¯s savior.¡± Tarquin brooded with a stormy expression. The incident with Corbin had him overthinking again. Was it all a setup by her to get close to him and Elijah, a y put on for his benefit? After all, since this woman showed up, there had been a string of unusual events. She was definitely not as simple as she seemed. After a moment of silence, Tarquin said to Lowell, ¡°Let her go.¡± ¡°And then what?¡± ¡°Nothing else.¡± Lowell was surprised. ¡°Not even take her back to see Elijah?¡± ¡°Not for now.¡± Tarquin¡¯s face was inscrutable. He needed to observe her further. If she was indeed scheming to get close to him, letting her go would surely make her try another approach. She had a record, and he couldn¡¯t risk bringing her to Elijah unverified. A slight against him was one thing, but what if she harmed Elijah? Before he could bring her to Elijah¡¯s side, he had to be certain of her intentions. ¡± Meanwhile, as Elysia was dropped off at the curb near the police station and watched the car drive away, she was baffled. What was going on? Had Tarquin realized she was his wife and got scared? It seemed that despite being the ck sheep of the prestigious Bradford family, Tarquin¡¯s name still carried weight. The Bradfords were the top dogs in Jindale City; their influence was undeniable. Elysia didn¡¯t dwell on it. She quickly hailed a cab and sped away from the police station. Thest thing she wanted was to be locked up and kept away from her kids. ??? Chapter 25 Chapter 25 Elysia stepped back, immediately greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of home¨Ccooking. Emmett was standing on a stool by the kitchen counter, carefully stirring a pan of scrambled eggs. She watched her son¡¯s small figure bustling about the kitchen and felt a mix of heartache and pride. The kid always had a way of warming her heart. After blowing off some steam earlier, she felt much more at ease. The divorce hadn¡¯t gone through, but the anger had subsided. ¡°Hey, Emmett,¡± Elysia greeted him with a cheery smile. Emmett turned around, his face lighting up at the sight of her. ¡°Hey, Mommy!¡± Elysia washed her hands. ¡°Go y. Let Mommy take over.¡± ¡°No need, it¡¯s all ready,¡± Emmett insisted. ¡°Go sit at the table; let¡¯s have lunch!¡± He spoke as he swiftly turned off the stove and scooped the fluffy eggs onto a te. It looked absolutely delicious. Hearing themotion, Elliot and Evan also emerged, rushing over and chorusing a greeting to their mother. Elysia looked at them with tender affection, the earlier frustrations vanishing like morning mist. All that remained was the warm glow of love. ¡°Is everything sorted with your stuff, Mommy?¡± Elliot asked. Elysia shook her head with a wry smile. ¡®Not yet, sweetie. Looks like we¡¯ll be staying in Jindale City a li ¡°Why not?¡± while longer.¡± ¡°The person I needed to see is out of town on business. Can¡¯t do anything until he gets back.¡± She hadn¡¯t told the kids that she was in town to finalize divorce papers with Tarquin. Shel didn¡¯t want them to be aware of his existence or the past events. Kids should just enjoy a carefree, healthy growth; they didn¡¯t need the burden of adult troubles. ¡°Alright, no need for you guys to worry about my stuff. Let¡¯s eat!¡± ¡°Okay!¡± After lunch, the three kids took their afternoon nap, and Elysia sat on the bed counting her money. All in all, she had less than ten grand to her name. They needed to pay for the hotel. and food, and her boys were growing ¨C they couldn¡¯t live on bread and water. Fruits, vegetables, milk, and meat were essentials. Tallying up the expenses for a family of four was no small feat, and her funds wouldn¡¯t stretch far. Being broke made her anxious. She felt it was best to find a part¨Ctime job, preferably with daily pay. After all, she couldn¡¯t just wait until she was down to herst penny, could she? But in an age where qualifications and certifications were king, herck of both made finding a job she liked impossible. Elysia sighed. Whenever she hit this wall, she¡¯d remember the good university she¡¯d been epted into and how life had taken such a drastic turn. It was a past she preferred not to dwell on. After scouring LinkedIn without finding anything appealing, she decided to settle for a job that paid well. Bartending came out on top ¨C with a daily rate of $380 plus a 2%mission, it was lucrative work. Though she wasn¡¯t fond of the bar scene, the thought of the money made her relent. Promptly at 7 PM, Elysia showed up at Blissful Uncle¡¯s Bar, the city¡¯s most opulent watering hole and a veritable gold mine. The crowd here was either loaded or influential. Despite having to wear a slightly revealing ck dress and high heels she detested, she found the job tolerable. In just over an hour, she had sold three bottles of pricey liquor, each fetching upwards of two grand, which meant hermission was already over a hundred dors. In this society, looks could be as important as qualifications. Elysia was a natural ¨C beautiful, with a great figure and a pleasant voice; even her hands were exceptionally attractive. Listening to her talk and watching her pour drinks was a treat, making her quite popr at Blissful Uncle¡¯s. However, beauty could be a double¨Cedged sword Chapter 26 Chapter 26 ¡°Down this bottle, and It¡¯s on me,¡± drawled Gage ter, N¡¯s second uncle, the infamous sexual predator of Jindale City, the epitome of a sleazebag. Hideous, disliked, yet a notorious yer. Elysia didn¡¯t know him from Adam, and she blinked in confusion at his proposition. ¡°Me? Drink It?¡± ¡°Yep, you. Not a drop left, you hear?¡± ¡°But¡­ isn¡¯t that a bit appropriate? It¡¯s your tab, and this bottle isn¡¯t cheap.* ¡°When I say it¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. This bottle¡¯s a grand, you drink it, it¡¯s on my dime.¡± As Gage spoke, his lecherous gaze roamed over Elysia, unashamedly ogling her. Elysia realized she¡¯d run into a real lowlife. She fought the urge to punch him and forced out an apologetic grin, instead ¡°Sorry, but I had some cold medicine beforeing here. Can¡¯t mix it with alcohol.¡± The man¡¯s mood soured at her excuse. ¡°Then take the bottle with you. We don¡¯t want it.¡± Elysia was stunned. ¡°The bar has rules. Once a bottle¡¯s opened, it can¡¯t be returned.¡± ¡°Heh, did I ask you to open it? You decided to open it on your own. If it can¡¯t be returned, you¡¯re footing the bill.¡± Elysia held back her anger and said, ¡°You asked me to open it; that¡¯s why I dared to. There should be security cameras in this room to check.¡± At that, the rm erupted intoughter, ¡°You can tell she doesn¡¯t get out much. Security cameras at a bar? What if someone wants a little privacy for some fun? Ha!¡± Elysia¡¯s lips quivered, speechless, her fists clenched tightly as she silently seethed. She had never been to a ce like this before! Someone chimed in, ¡°Honey, Mr. ter taking a shine to you is your lucky day. Drink up, and don¡¯t be ungrateful. Do you even know who Mr. ter is? He could scare you stiff! But hey, if you keep him happy, you could be set for life.¡± Elysia realized this greasy old man was someone of status. They were about to cheat her, and if she fought back, she knew she¡¯d be at a disadvantage. The average Joe always loses against big money. The bottle cost a hundred grand, which was a year¡¯s sry for many, yet only a mere evening¡¯s pleasure for the wealthy. What could she possibly do against them? had to cover that cost, she might as well be dead. She didn¡¯t have that kind of money. After a few seconds of silence, Elysia managed another apologetic smile, ¡°My mistake, Mr. ter. It¡¯s really loud here, so how about we go somewhere quieter to chat?¡± Gage¡¯s interest was piqued at her suggestion, a lecherous chuckle escaping him as he rose to his feet. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s find a nice quiet spot for a¡­ deep conversation.¡± The room hooted, ¡°Yeah, go deep, real deep! Ha!¡± Elysia felt sick to her stomach but kept herposure as she walked out. Tarquin stepped out of the elevator just in time to see Elysia slip through the service door. He stood there, his expression inscrutable. Momentster, Gage exited the room, hurriedly following behind her, muttering, ¡°Baby, I¡¯ming, hehe.¡± Behind the safety door of the bar was a ce where stories unfolded. Dimly lit and sparsely popted, it was the go¨Cto spot for the desperately thirsty to quench their desires. I like your style, babe. You had me at hello. I¡¯ll treat you right, don¡¯t worry. Make me happy, and you¡¯ll be rewarded. Just look at those lips¡­ get on your knees and put them to use¡­¡± The words were loaded with innuendo. Lowell, ufortable, said, ¡°It¡¯s Ms. Thorne and Gage¡­¡± A scream suddenly pierced the air. owell¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Tarquin, Ms. Thorne might be in trouble.¡± arquin frowned, reluctant to get involved, but thinking of Elijah, he quickened his pace owards the commotion. nd then he witnessed a scene beyond belief¡­ Chapter 27 Chapter 27 Chapter 26 ¡°Down this bottle, and It¡¯s on me,¡± drawled Gage ter, N¡¯s second uncle, the infamous sexual predator of Jindale City, the epitome of a sleazebag. Hideous, disliked, yet a notorious yer. Elysia didn¡¯t know him from Adam, and she blinked in confusion at his proposition. ¡°Me? Drink It?¡± ¡°Yep, you. Not a drop left, you hear?¡± ¡°But¡­ isn¡¯t that a bit appropriate? It¡¯s your tab, and this bottle isn¡¯t cheap.* ¡°When I say it¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. This bottle¡¯s a grand, you drink it, it¡¯s on my dime.¡± As Gage spoke, his lecherous gaze roamed over Elysia, unashamedly ogling her. Elysia realized she¡¯d run into a real lowlife. She fought the urge to punch him and forced out an apologetic grin, instead ¡°Sorry, but I had some cold medicine beforeing here. Can¡¯t mix it with alcohol.¡± The man¡¯s mood soured at her excuse. ¡°Then take the bottle with you. We don¡¯t want it.¡± Elysia was stunned. ¡°The bar has rules. Once a bottle¡¯s opened, it can¡¯t be returned.¡± ¡°Heh, did I ask you to open it? You decided to open it on your own. If it can¡¯t be returned, you¡¯re footing the bill.¡± Elysia held back her anger and said, ¡°You asked me to open it; that¡¯s why I dared to. There should be security cameras in this room to check.¡± At that, the rm erupted intoughter, ¡°You can tell she doesn¡¯t get out much. Security cameras at a bar? What if someone wants a little privacy for some fun? Ha!¡± Elysia¡¯s lips quivered, speechless, her fists clenched tightly as she silently seethed. She had never been to a ce like this before! Someone chimed in, ¡°Honey, Mr. ter taking a shine to you is your lucky day. Drink up, and don¡¯t be ungrateful. Do you even know who Mr. ter is? He could scare you stiff! But hey, if you keep him happy, you could be set for life.¡± Elysia realized this greasy old man was someone of status. They were about to cheat her, and if she fought back, she knew she¡¯d be at a disadvantage. The average Joe always loses against big money. The bottle cost a hundred grand, which was a year¡¯s sry for many, yet only a mere evening¡¯s pleasure for the wealthy. What could she possibly do against them? had to cover that cost, she might as well be dead. She didn¡¯t have that kind of money. After a few seconds of silence, Elysia managed another apologetic smile, ¡°My mistake, Mr. ter. It¡¯s really loud here, so how about we go somewhere quieter to chat?¡± Gage¡¯s interest was piqued at her suggestion, a lecherous chuckle escaping him as he rose to his feet. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s find a nice quiet spot for a¡­ deep conversation.¡± The room hooted, ¡°Yeah, go deep, real deep! Ha!¡± Elysia felt sick to her stomach but kept herposure as she walked out. Tarquin stepped out of the elevator just in time to see Elysia slip through the service door. He stood there, his expression inscrutable. Momentster, Gage exited the room, hurriedly following behind her, muttering, ¡°Baby, I¡¯ming, hehe.¡± Behind the safety door of the bar was a ce where stories unfolded. Dimly lit and sparsely popted, it was the go¨Cto spot for the desperately thirsty to quench their desires. I like your style, babe. You had me at hello. I¡¯ll treat you right, don¡¯t worry. Make me happy, and you¡¯ll be rewarded. Just look at those lips¡­ get on your knees and put them to use¡­¡± The words were loaded with innuendo. Lowell, ufortable, said, ¡°It¡¯s Ms. Thorne and Gage¡­¡± A scream suddenly pierced the air. owell¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Tarquin, Ms. Thorne might be in trouble.¡± arquin frowned, reluctant to get involved, but thinking of Elijah, he quickened his pace owards themotion. nd then he witnessed a scene beyond belief¡­ Chapter 28 Chapter 28 She hastily released Tarquin¡¯s arm with a sheepish grin, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. ¡°Thanks,¡± she muttered, digging into her pocket to shove a wad of bills into his hand before bolting away. The click¨Cck of her high heels echoed, fading into the distance until swallowed by the pulsing beats of the bar¡¯s jukebox. Tarquin watched her disappear, his brow furrowed in confusion and a hint of something else. It had been six years since he¡¯d been this close to a woman. The rush of familiar warmth came flooding back, unbidden, reminding him of that night so long ago. Her lips had been just as soft¡­ That was why he hadn¡¯t pushed her away immediately. Noticing Tarquin¡¯s distress, Gage broke free from Lowell¡¯s grip and circled back. ¡°Tarquin, that was¡­ You know her?¡± he inquired, a note of surprise in his voice. Tarquin nced down at the cash in his hand¨Ctwo crisp hundred¨Cdor bills and a fifty¨Cand scowled. Without a word, he shoved the money at Lowell and stalked off to the private booth, ignoring Gage¡¯s query. Lowell examined the $250 in his hands. Was this Elysia¡¯s way of sealing his boss¡® lips? Or was it for the kiss she nted on his boss? A kiss and silence for $250¨Cwasn¡¯t that too cheap for Tarquin¡¯s worth? Seeing Tarquin¡¯s foul mood, Gage didn¡¯t dare follow. Instead, he grabbed Lowell¡¯s arm and asked, ¡°Tarquin knows that bartender?¡± With a police nod, Lowell pocketed the cash. ¡°Met her a couple of times.¡± ¡°What¡¯s their deal? How could she dare to kiss Tarquin? And how could he let her? Tarquin¡¯s supposed to be N¡¯s man!¡± Lowell, not one to gossip about Tarquin and Elysia¡¯s business but unable to help himself with N¡¯s, retorted, ¡°Gage, you should know the real score between Tarquin and Ms. ter. Some things are better left unsaid. Wouldn¡¯t want to upset Tarquin. Bad for you, Ms. ter, and the whole ter family.¡± With a cordial tip of his hat, Lowell excused himself from Gage¡¯s grasp and strode off. Gage¡¯s face darkened. Ignoring his own difort, he whipped out his phone and dialed N. ¡°N, we¡¯ve got a situation! A big one! Tarquin kissed another woman!¡± ber 28 In the VIP lounge, the atmosphere buzzed with chatter andughter. As Tarquin entered, the crowd rose to greet him. ¡°Hey, Tarquin!¡± He nodded, signaling them to carry on. He made a beeline for the central seat, sat down, crossed his legs, and lit a cigarette. Keaton Huber, noticing his friend¡¯s grim expression, asked, ¡°What¡¯s got you down? You finally decide to come out and you¡¯re still sulking?¡± Tarquin¡¯s mind was elsewhere, troubled by the memory of Elysia¡¯s kiss. He dodged the question, instead asking, ¡°How¡¯s Corbin doing?¡± Corbin, Keaton¡¯s nephew, was still in the hospital. Keaton replied, ¡°He was asleep when I visited this afternoon. My sister said he had an episode today and ran into traffic in a fit. Lucky for us, a knowledgeable youngdy was there. Otherwise¡­ Well, how¡¯s Elijah been?¡± Tarquin flicked ash from his cigarette. ¡°Same old.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t beat yourself up,¡± Keaton advised. ¡°Benjamin says miracles happen, especially with psychological issues. They¡¯re young. Who knows? They might outgrow it.¡± But Tarquin knew better. Corbin¡¯s trauma was from a kidnapping, while Elijah¡­ his was a deep yearning for his mother. Healing the mind required the right medicine, and if Corbin could face his fears, he might well recover. Elijah, however, was a different story. Without finding his birth mother, his condition would likely only worsen. Keaton !ined in, whispering teasingly, ¡°You smell like a woman¡¯s perfume. Got ady friend?¡± Keaton¡¯s reputation as adies¡® man made him particrly attuned to such details. Tarquin snapped back to the present and frowned. ¡°No.¡± ¡°So why do you smell like perfume? It¡¯s a pleasant, fruity scent. High¨Cenddies¡® perfume, very unique, like a limited edition¡­ Whoever wears it is no ordinary woman. Spill it¨Cwho¡¯s the heiress? After all these years, no one¡¯s managed to get close, and now someone¡¯s seeded? What makes her different?¡± Chapter 29 Chapter 29 Wrapped in a ck trash bag like some bizarre Halloween costume, Gagey on the ground, howling in misery, while Elysia kicked and punched him with all the ferocity of a schoolyard. scuffle. Her blows might not have been heavyweight, but given she was sporting stilettos, they certainly left their mark. Looking every inch the drunken mess, Gage didn¡¯t seem to have the strength to fight back. After a short¨Clived thrashing, Elysia, gasping for breath and making a grotesque face at her victim, dramatically copsed on the floor beside him. Gage groaned his way upright and yanked the trash bag off his head, cursing like a sailor, ¡°Fucking hell, who the hell thinks they can mess with me and live to tell the tale? I¡¯ll make them pay!¡± Elysia, feigning a groggy awakening, clutched her head. ¡°Mr. ter, what happened? My head¡¯s throbbing like someone clocked me.¡± ¡°I fucking got jumped. Did you see who it was?¡± ¡°No, I was out cold too.¡± ¡°The nerve, messing with my ns and hitting me. Don¡¯t worry, babe, I¡¯m calling the troops to sniff out this rat.¡± Swearing under his breath, Gage reached for his phone to call for backup. Elysia excused herself to the restroom, her face a picture of innocent rm. But once out of sight, her expression morphed into a colorful tirade of silent curses. Tarquin and Lowell could only stare in disbelief. With a little thought, anyone could piece together what had happened. Gage had tried to force himself on her, and she struck back from the shadows. It was hard to decide whether to admire cunning or her courage. Emerging from the emergency exit with a mix of timidity and inner triumph, Elysia¡¯s heart. stopped when she saw the two men, her eyes wide with shock. Tarquin regarded her with a disapproving frown, his gaze inscrutable. Lowell, however, greeted her with a smile, ¡°Ms. Thorne, fancy seeing you here again. Elysia, realizing they must have witnessed her act, swallowed nervously. Before she could speak, Gage¡¯s voice boomed from behind, ¡°Lowell? Hey, man, you¡¯re here too, perfect! Help me find out who sucker¨Cpunched me!¡± Thanks to N¡¯s heroics in saving Elijah, the ter family was riding high, and Gage was familiar with Tarquin and Lowell. He could only see Lowell from his position, so he sought help without hesitation. Elysia¡¯s expression twitched manically as she faced an unexpectedplication ¨C they 18-57 knew each other! Could her luck be any worse? As Lowell waited for Tarquin¡¯s cue, Elysia desperately whispered into Tarquin¡¯s ear, ¡°He tried to assault me. Don¡¯t rat me out.¡± Tarquin, who disliked personal space invasions, pushed her away with visible disgust. Thinking he wasn¡¯t going to cooperate, Elysia clung to him like an octopus, pleading, ¡°I was just working part¨Ctime, and he targeted me. I had no choice but to¡­ It was self¨Cdefense.¡± ¡°Get off. ¡°But think of your fifty million. If something happens to me, you can kiss that money goodbye!¡± ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Tarquin¡¯s voice was icy. As Elysia recoiled, preparing to exin, Gage approached, ¡°What¡¯s up, Tarquin, you¡¯re¡­¡± Fearing exposure, Elysia pressed her lips to Tarquin¡¯s, silencing him. All the three men were petrified. Time seemed to freeze, and no one spoke. Elysia¡¯sshes shivered, and her heart pounded, not from the kiss but from sheer panic. She knew Gage was a big shot; if he found out she was the assant, her night¨Cand possibly much more¨Cwas over. Lowell, sna,ing out of his shock, seemed surprised that Tarquin hadn¡¯t pushed Elysia away. Could it be that their iron¨Chearted bachelor was finally showing a soft spot? Excited by the prospect, Lowell quickly ushered Gage away, ¡°Mr. ter, let¡¯s talk over here¡­¡± ¡°But Tarquin, he¡­¡± Once Tarquin and Elysia were alone, she breathed a sigh of relief, her tense shoulders finally rxing. Chapter 30 Chapter 30 Elysia¡¯s cheeks were still zing hot at the thought of the bold move she had just made. Kissing someone first? That was something she never imagined she¡¯d do in her entire life. Back in college, her friends Blossom Blythe and Winona Newsom had pegged her as the poster girl for the conservative crowd. She snorted, recalling the predatory look on that guy¡¯s face. It was as if she was trying to get a free ride or something. If it hadn¡¯t been to shut him up, why on earth would she have kissed him? And she had lost $250 in the process¨Cenough to buy three sets of cozy fall clothes for the kids! Just as she was stewing in her misfortune, a sleek luxury car suddenly cut in front of them, performing an elegant yet aggressive maneuver that blocked their way. The cab driver mmed on the brakes, his heart racing with fright and anger. He rolled down the window, ready to unleash a tirade. ¡°What kind of driving is that? Do you even know how to drive? You¡­¡± But his anger deted like a punctured balloon when he saw two men in ck suits step out of the car. He mped his mouth shut, not daring to make another peep. Elysia peered out the window, curious. The window was knocked on, and a stern voicemanded, ¡°Get out.¡± Sensing trouble, Elysia scooted to the opposite door, asking, ¡°Are you looking for me? Who are you?¡± The man didn¡¯t bother with pleasantries, yanking the door open and pulling her out of the car. As soon as her feet hit the pavement, the cab sped off, anxious to avoid any involvement. Elysia struggled to free herself from the man¡¯s grip. ¡°Who are you? Let me go! Let me go!¡± She was dragged onto a bridge, where a chic convertible was parked. The car door swung open, and a woman emerged. She strode toward Elysia, her footsteps echoing with the click¨Cck of her stiletto heels. She carried an expensive designer handbag and had her arms folded across her chest. Elysia couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling that she recognized this woman, but the mask and sunsses obscured her identity. ¡°p!¡± The woman struck Elysia across the face without warning. Elysia was stunned. Held back by two bodyguards, she couldn¡¯t fight back and shouted, ¡°Who are you? Why did you hit me?¡± ¡°You slut, thinking you can seduce my man? I ought to teach you a lesson!¡± 19-155 Elysia was confused. ¡°Are you crazy? Who did I seduce?¡± N, as if deaf to Elysia¡¯s words, pped her again, twice more. ¡°Don¡¯t think because you¡¯re pretty, you can climb the socialdder. Let me tell you, Tarquin is out of your league. He¡¯s mine! If you so much as look at him again, I¡¯ll make you wish you hadn¡¯t!¡± Turning to her bodyguards, N ordered, ¡°Ruin that pretty face of hers. The sight of it disgusts me!¡± N was determined not to allow any woman prettier than her to be near Tarquin. One of the bodyguards produced a gleaming dagger, its de catching the light menacingly. Elysia, panic¨Cstricken, forgot to demand who Tarquin was and instead pleaded, ¡°There must be some mistake! I don¡¯t know you, and I certainly don¡¯t know any Tarquin. Let me go!¡± As N took the dagger, intending to do the deed herself, Elysiashed out with a kick, sending N sprawling backward. The high heels did her no favors; she fell, twisting her ankle, and the de sliced her hand. N¡¯s scream pierced the air, ¡°Ah! It hurts¡­¡± e bodyguards rushed to her side, calling out, ¡°Miss!¡± Noticing that Elysia attempted to bolt, N cried with fury, ¡°Kill that bitch! Ouch, ouch¡­¡± Seeing the bodyguards in pursuit, Elysia took out the pepper spray her son had given to her, and she didn¡¯t hesitate to use it on the bodyguards. Of course, Evan¡¯s work had always been potent, and it left them writhing on the ground. She took off running, making a dash across the road to the opposite side in no time at all. Left behind, N shouted in frustration, ¡°Ipetents! Catch her, or it¡¯ll be your heads!¡± Three more bodyguards appeared, giving chase to Elysia as she ran for her life. Chapter 31 Chapter 31 Evan lurked in the shadows, seething with rage. If it weren¡¯t for his big brother¡¯s instruction to covertly protect Mom but not reveal himself unless absolutely necessary, he would have dashed out there already. Seeing those three bodyguards gaining on Elysia, Evan whipped out the darts he always carried and threw them with precision. The darts hit the mark, embedding in the thighs of the three men, who grunted and toppled to the ground in unison. Evan watched Elysia hail a cab and leave before he could rx. Masking his face, he clenched his fists and drew the beaten bodyguards towards a clump of trees by the roadside. Striking from behind, he gave them a good thrashing, crackling and popping like firecrackers. Dare to harm his precious Mom? Were they looking for an early grave? After delivering the beatdown, Evan turned to look for N. N, having twisted her ankle, still hadn¡¯t managed to get up. Evan hopped and skipped towards her yelling from afar, ¡°Excuse me, ma¡¯am,ing through, you¡¯re blocking the way!¡± N turned to see Evan sprinting towards her like a rocket. If he hit her, wouldn¡¯t she be in a world of pain? ¡°Slow down! You little rascal, slow down¡­ Ah!¡± Evan pounced like a tiger, toppling N over and sending her flying several feet away. Though small, he was trained in martial arts and tough as nails, with strength to spare. N¡¯s tears came from the pain, ¡°You¡­ you¡­ Ahhh, whose kid is this? Where are the parents?¡± Evan approached with feigned concern, ¡°Oh dear, my apologies, ma¡¯am, I didn¡¯t mean to. I was practicing my sprint and couldn¡¯t brake in time. Are you alright, ma¡¯am?¡± Ma¡¯am? N was livid, ¡°You little brat, who are you calling ma¡¯am?¡± *Should I not call you ma¡¯am? Would you prefer ¡®auntie¡®?¡± N shrieked, ¡°Call me ¡®miss¡°!¡± 1054 ¡°I can¡¯t call you ¡®miss¡®; it¡¯s disrespectful at your age. Don¡¯t be mad, ma¡¯am; let me help you 1. up. Evan ¡®helped¡® N up, deliberately stepping on her injured hand. N screamed, trying to fling Evan away, but hey sprawled on top of her. Conveniently, his handnded on her sprained ankle. With a ¡®crack¡®, he pressed down, breaking N¡¯s bone. ¡°Ah!¡± N fainted from the pain. Evan then stood up, dusted off his hands, and snorted coldly at N. His mom always said women, the elderly, and children were vulnerable and not to be bullied. But some women didn¡¯t qualify as women at all. Did he hit a woman? No. He dealt with a she¨Cdevil, a monster, a cmity, a venomous scorpion. Seeing a car approaching, Evan stuck his tongue out at the unconscious N and ran off. ¦² Meanwhile, Elysia had just gotten home. Elliot and Emmett had received Evan¡¯s message and were waiting for her at the bottom of their apartment building. Upon seeing her, the two boys ran over. ¡°Mom!¡± Elysia was surprised. ¡°What are you two doing downstairs?¡± The boys looked up, their brows furrowed at the sight of the p mark on Elysia¡¯s face. Emmett¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears, spinning in his sockets as he felt for his mom. Elysia quickly scooped him up. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, sweethearts?¡± Elliot, fists clenched, countered, ¡°Mom, what happened to your face?¡± Elysia, embarrassed, fibbed, ¡°I bumped into something on the way home; I¡¯m fine, don¡¯t worry about me. The two little ones remained¡¯silent, watching her. Elysia swiftly changed the subject. Chapter 32 Chapter 32 ¡°I told you guys I¡¯d bete and to hit the hay without me, right? Why are you still up? Where¡¯s Evan?¡± Elliot replied, ¡°We just wanted to see Mommy as soon as we could, so we waited up. Evan¡¯s in the bathroom. Let¡¯s head upstairs, Mommy.¡± ¡°Alright, alright.¡± The trio made their way back to their ce, and as soon as they stepped in, Emmett burst into tears. It wasn¡¯t clear downstairs, but now, in the light, the p mark on Elysia¡¯s cheek was unmistakable, and Emmett was heartbroken. Elysia quickly scooped up her little man,forting him, ¡°Mommy¡¯s fine, bud. Just bumped it, no biggie.¡± Emmett clung to Elysia¡¯s neck, sobbing softly, shaking with each cry ¨C it was enough to break your heart. Elliot brought over a cold pack to soothe Elysia¡¯s cheek. Elysia said nothing, and the boys were wise enough not to press. After calming Emmett down, Elysia went to freshen up. No sooner had she entered the bathroom, Evan was back. ¡°Where¡¯s Mommy?¡± ¡°In the bathroom.¡± Elliot dragged Evan to their room and closed the door, speaking in hushed tones, ¡°What the heck happened?¡± Evan was seething. ¡°I¡¯m not sure of all the details. I was too far away from Mommy to hear them. Some chick in sunsses and a face mask, nked by bodyguards, cornered Mommy and hit her. Didn¡¯t you ask Mommy what went down?¡± ¡°She said she just identally bumped it, and she didn¡¯t want to talk about it, so we didn¡¯t push.¡± ¡°I already gave them a piece of my mind. Taught them a lesson.¡± Elliot frowned. ¡°I¡¯ve got this nagging feeling this city¡¯s got it in for Mommy. Ever since we got here, she¡¯s never been truly happy. We need to figure out what brought Mommy here and then get her the heck out.¡± ¡°But what if Mommy won¡¯t spill? What then?¡± 10:24 Ompor 32. ¡°We¡¯ll dig around on our own. Keep an eye on Mommy when she¡¯s out. We can¡¯t let her get hurt again. ¡°Got it. Mommy¡¯s safety is my job! Oh, and Mommy was bartending tonight.¡± Emmett said with teary eyes, ¡°Mommy must be trying to make ends meet for us. I saw her looking for part-time jobs earlier.¡± The mention of money left Elliot feeling both helpless and pained. He was five years old, for crying out loud. If he told Mommy about the gazillions he had stashed in the bank, she¡¯d probably faint ¨C and who knows if she¡¯d wake up again. Sigh¡­ ¡°I¡¯ll find another way to slip Mommy some cash.¡± Meanwhile, Elysia stood under the shower, letting the warm water cascade over her, lost in thought. The woman who¡¯d made such a scene today probably didn¡¯t mistake her identity. But she¡¯d only been in Jindale City for two days who could she have possibly enticed? Tarquin, Tarquin¡­ Maybe it was about Tarquin? Elysia¡¯s eyes snapped open. She got it. That woman must be Tarquin¡¯s girlfriend! She had been seeking Tarquin to finalize their divorce, and that woman mistook her for trying to seduce him back! What a misunderstanding. Although once upon a time, she genuinely wanted a life with Tarquin, after the incident, she never entertained the thought again. She felt tainted and unworthy of him and never longed for a reunion. Otherwise, when she found out they were still married, she¡¯d be over the moon instead of shocked to her core, and she wouldn¡¯t havee to Jindale City to initiate the divorce talk. Elysia exhaled deeply, her face still aching with the injustice of it all. The divorce was still up in the air, and now she was mistaken for a home¨Cwrecker. What a headache. Chapter 33 Chapter 33 Elysia emerged from the bathroom to find Emmett had whipped up her favoritefort meal ¨C a bowl of chicken soup. He had sprinkled chopped green onions andtro on top, just the way she liked it, along with a pair of sunny¨Cside¨Cup eggs. Emmett had a natural ir for cooking and a genuine interest that made everything he touched turn to deliciousness. A warm feeling bubbled up inside Elysia as she approached Emmett and nted a smacking kiss on his cheek. ¡°Emmett, you¡¯re the sweetest, like a warm hoodie on a chilly day,¡± she cooed. Emmett¡¯s cheeks flushed a rosy hue, his shyness evident. But when he noticed the bruise on Elysia¡¯s face, a shadow of concern crossed his features, and his eyes welled up. ¡°Mommy, can I sleep with you tonight? I wanna be close to you.¡± Elliot and Evan, hearing this, turned their hopeful gazes towards Elysia. ¡°Of course, you can,¡± Elysia chuckled. ¡°Yay! I¡¯ll tell Mommy a joke to make herugh.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll give Mommy a massage.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll help Mommy fall asleep.¡± Laughter and love filled the small room, a testament to their tight¨Cknit bond. But as she looked at her three little ones, Elysia¡¯s heart skipped a beat, a strange surge of emotion washing over her. It was as if a piece of herplete heart was missing. This sensation was not new; it crept up every time they gathered in joyful union, a subtle ache in her heart. It felt as if something¨Cor someone¨Cwas absent, yet she couldn¡¯t pinpoint what it was. It was an odd, unsettling feeling. Over at the grand Number One Mansion, the atmosphere was starkly different, cold and lifeless. Tarquin carefully carried a te of spaghetti upstairs, where Elijah was still perched by the window, staring out toward the front door. The small figure looked lost and forlorn. Tarquin¡¯s heart ached for him, and he approached gently. ¡°Elijah,e on, eat something.¡± 10:25 Elijah didn¡¯t move, his eyes fixed on the doorway. Setting the te on a small table in front of Elijah, Tarquin tried to coax him. ¡°If you don¡¯t eat, Mommy will be sad.¡± At the mention of Mommy, a flicker of life sparked in Elijah¡¯s hollow eyes. ¡°Do you think Mommy knows?¡± he asked Tarquin. ¡°Yes, there¡¯s a special bond between mother and child. She knows what you¡¯re feeling, and she knows when you¡¯re not eating.¡± ¡°And if I miss her, does she know that too?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ she does.¡± ¡°So if she knows I miss her, why doesn¡¯t shee back to see me?¡± The sorrow in Tarquin¡¯s heart deepened. Yes, why? Where had that heartless woman gone? Why wasn¡¯t she here for Elijah? ¡°Why? Does she not like me?¡± Elijah¡¯s voice wobbled with sadness. Tarquin shook his head emphatically. ¡°No, of course not. She must love you very much.¡± ¡°Then why doesn¡¯t shee back if she knows I miss her?¡± With a heavy heart, Tarquin stroked Elijah¡¯s head. ¡°Maybe she¡¯s caught up in something right now, something that¡¯s keeping her away.¡± ¡°You mean she¡¯s in danger?¡± Before Tarquin could reply, Elijah leaped to his feet and dashed toward the door. Tarquin quickly grabbed hold of him. ¡°Elijah, where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to find Mommy! She¡¯s in danger, and I have to save her!¡± ¡°Elijah, don¡¯t be ridiculous; she¡¯s not in danger.¡± I ¡°Let go of me! I have to find Mommy; she must have been taken by bad guys, and I need to save her! Let go of me! No one can hurt my Mommy!¡± ¡°Elijah! It waste, and Tarquin couldn¡¯t dare let him wander out into the night. He clung to Elijah¡¯s arm, refusing to let go. ¡°Calm down, Elijah!¡± But Elijah was far from calm; he became frantic, biting down hard on Tarquin¡¯s wrist. Tarquin flinched, releasing his grip, and Elijah bolted for the door. Chapter 34 Chapter 34 Tarquin quickly positioned himself in front of the door, blocking the only exit. Elijah, realizing he was trapped, grew even more irate. He began to hurl objects around the room with reckless abandon. The decorative knick¨Cknacks, theforter, and pillows from the bed, the rm clock from the nightstand, clothes from the wardrobe¡­ even the bowl of spaghetti Tarquin had just brought in. Anything that could be thrown was thrown; anything that could be smashed was smashed. Unsatisfied with the destruction, he grabbed a fork from the floor and jabbed it towards his own wrist. Tarquin was terrified and lunged to embrace him. ¡°Elijah!¡± Elijah fought back wildly, desperate to break free. When he couldn¡¯t, he began to scream, ¡°Ahh! Ahh! Ahh¡­¡± Each cry was angrier than thest. His whole body trembled, teeth grinding audibly. After a fierce struggle, Elijah suddenly fainted. Tarquin¡¯s pupils dted in panic. ¡°Elijah!¡± He scooped up Elijah and rushed downstairs. Heath was startled. ¡°Sir, what¡¯s happened to the young ¡°Call Benjamin, get the car ready, to the hospital, now!¡± master?¡± After a harrowing half¨Chour at the hospital, Elijah¡¯s condition finally stabilized. Benjamin was sweating bullets, ¡°He¡¯s okay now. Thank goodness you got him here in time.¡± Tarquin sat by the hospital bed, gazing at Elijah¡¯s pale face, his heart aching with worry. Benjamin spoke up, ¡°Elijah¡¯s condition is getting worse. We can¡¯t go on like this, Tarquin. Are you sure you don¡¯t want to let Ms. Thorne have a go? I still think she¡¯s trustworthy. Maybe she can get through to Elijah.¡± Tarquin frowned, lost in thought for a moment before replying, ¡°Let¡¯s wait a little longer. Arrange for someone else to look after Elijah for now.¡± He hadn¡¯t finished his investigation and couldn¡¯t risk it. Elijah was his life, and he wouldn¡¯t allow anyone potentially dangerous to get close. There were too many red gs about 10:25 Ely; he couldn¡¯t just trust her. Benjamin didn¡¯t know what exactly Tarquin was waiting for and didn¡¯t press further, simply nodding in resignation. ¡°By the way, N¡¯s also in the hospital, injured her hand and leg. pretty badly. Broke her leg, actually.¡± Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°Word is she got beaten up.¡± As soon as Benjamin finished his sentence, Tarquin¡¯s phone rang. It was N calling. She was sobbing. ¡°Tarquin, I just heard Elijah¡¯s been brought to the hospital. What¡¯s wrong? Is it serious? Did he have another episode? I¡¯m here, too. I want to see him, but the doctors won¡¯t let me leave my bed. I¡¯m so worried about Elijah; it¡¯s killing me.¡± Listening to her crocodile tears, Tarquin felt annoyed but managed to keep his temper in check, ¡°He¡¯s fine now. You don¡¯t need toe over. Just focus on healing.¡± ¡°So you know I¡¯m hurt, huh? Can youe and see me?¡± A flicker of irritation crossed Tarquin¡¯s eyes, but he agreed, ¡°I¡¯ll be there in a bit.¡± After hanging up, Tarquin gave Benjamin a few instructions and left to see N. The moment N saw him, her eyes welled up with tears, which began to fall in earnest, ¡°Tarquin, how¡¯s Elijah? I¡¯m really worried about him.¡± Ignoring her tears, Tarquin sat down. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about Elijah. Just take care of yourself.¡± N dabbed at her eyes. ¡°Tarquin¡­ have you¡­ have you fallen for that woman?¡± ¡°Who?¡± ¡°The one who kissed you at the bar today.¡± Tarquin¡¯s brows knitted together in silence. With her eyes still red, N said, ¡°You never used to let women get close to you, let alone kiss you. Except for me, there were no women who could even stand shoulder¨Cto¨Cshoulder with you. But today, you let her kiss you¡­¡± The image of Elysia kissing him shed through Tarquin¡¯s mind. His expression darkened, his voice cold. ¡°It was an ident.¡± Chapter 35 Chapter 35 An ident? N¡¯s heart, which had been in her throat, settled back down at the words. It looked like she¡¯d been spot on¨CTarquin wasn¡¯t into that woman; it was she who had been throwing herself at Tarquin.. Typical home¨Cwrecker! N began her performance, ying the victim with gusto. ¡°She must have gotten the wrong idea about us. She came with her goons and roughed me up, and I was this close to being scarred for life,¡± she sobbed dramatically. N twisted the truth, aiming to tarnish Elysia¡¯s image in Tarquin¡¯s eyes. And maybe, just maybe, Tarquin would feel sorry for herself. Best case scenario, he¡¯d be so furious he¡¯d break that tramp¡¯s legs! After everything she¡¯d done for Tarquin, she hadn¡¯t even had the chance to kiss him yet. What right did that bitch have? ¡°Where were your bodyguards? She attacked you, and they did nothing?¡± Tarquin asked. ¡°My bodyguards were taken down by her crew. She brought a horde with her; it was like a scene from a movie¨Cthey attacked me on sight. If it hadn¡¯t been for a kind soul who called the cops, my face might have been history. Tarquin, you have to stand up for me. Tarquin just blinked. ¡°Tarquin, I¡¯m so scared. I¡¯m terrified she¡¯s going to keeping after me. She kissed you, and now she thinks you¡¯re into her, she¡¯s gotten cocky! Tarquin, can I maybe move in with you for a while? She wouldn¡¯t dare to mess with me there, and I can take care of Elijah, too.¡± N was patting herself on the back for her cunning n so loudly that even the readers could hear it. But Tarquin¡¯s response was unexpected. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. If she¡¯s hassling you because she¡¯s misunderstood something, just clear it up. Lowell, get the word out¨CI have a strictly tonic rtionship with Miss N. We¡¯re not an item. Tell everyone to mind their own business and stop spreading rumors!¡± Wait, what? N was stunned. She had wanted to use this opportunity to move in with Tarquin, not for him to publicly friend¨Czone her. If people found out she wasn¡¯t Tarquin¡¯s girlfriend, they¡¯d stop treating her with respect. N quickly Interjected, ¡°You don¡¯t have to go to all that trouble, Tarquin¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s already been taken care of. You don¡¯t have to worry about hering after you over a misunderstanding. Just focus on getting better,¡± Tarquin said, then he left. N watched him go, feeling like she was going to explode with frustration. Damn it! She was infuriated! Livid! All because of Elysia, she ended up injured and with a severed tie to Tarquin? ¡°Argh!¡± N screamed at the top of her lungs, ¡°That bitch! I won¡¯t let her get away with this!¡± As soon as Tarquin stepped out of N¡¯s hospital room, he asked Lowell, ¡°Did you get to the bottom of it?¡± He had tasked Lowell with investigating because it involved Elysia. He wanted to look into Elysia¡¯s situation, not because he cared about N¡¯s drama. Lowell reported, ¡°Ms. N ter¡¯s bodyguard said it was Gage who tipped her off about you being kissed by Ms. Thorne at the bar. She then rounded up her posse to confront Ms. Thorne. She pped Ms. Thorne and threatened to disfigure her. Ms. Thorne fought back, kicked Ms. ter, and managed to escape¡­ The bodyguards chased after her, but she pepper sprayed them and then hailed a cab and got away. The weird thing is, some unknown party showed upter and beat the bodyguards to a pulp, then broke Ms. ter¡¯s ankle.¡± ¡°Who could it be?¡± Lowell shook his head. ¡°No leads yet, but Ms. ter¡¯s bodyguard thinks it was one of Ms. ter¡¯s haters. She isn¡¯t exactly Miss Congeniality in the entertainment industry¨Cshe¡¯s rubbed everyone from her co¨Cworkers to her fans the wrong way. She¡¯s made quite a few enemies.¡± Chapter 36 Chapter 36 Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed, and after a moment of silence, he spoke, ¡°Pull out that fifty million we invested in the ter family. And drop a message to Donovan ter for me¨Ctell him I¡¯m not fond of being yed for a fool.¡± How many times had N lied to his face, taking him for some kind of chump? Lowell could see the storm brewing in Tarquin¡¯s eyes and nodded in understanding. ¡°Got It.¡± Back in Elijah¡¯s hospital room, the fury in Tarquin¡¯s eyes melted away, leaving only tender concern and a sense of helplessness. The little guy was still deep in slumber. Tarquin gently lifted his hand to caress his son¡¯s small cheek. ¡°Mommy¡­¡± Elijah murmured in his sleep. 5 F F F Tarquin¡¯s heart clenched even tighter. That heartless woman, when would shee back? Her son missed her dearly. If she were here, surely the boy would recover faster. After all, he was her flesh and blood, too. Didn¡¯t she have any love orpassion for him? Suddenly, the image of Elysia shed through his mind¡­ The memory of her kiss lingered before his eyes. Tarquin¡¯s hand, still on Elijah¡¯s cheek, froze. N was right; no woman hade close to him in years, let alone kissed him. But Elysia had not only held him but kissed him as well. When she cried, his first instinct was to feelpassion. When she kissed him, he didn¡¯t. push her away; instead, he thought of Elijah¡¯s mother. What did that mean? Could it be that she was the woman from back then? A tightness gripped Tarquin¡¯s brow, and his heart skipped a beat. But if she was indeed Elijah¡¯s biological mother, why hadn¡¯t she acknowledged that fact openly? He had promised to treat her well back then. If she had an ulterior motive, wouldn¡¯t it be simpler to come forward and reveal herself? Or was he so yearning for her that he mistook any woman who stirred his feelings for her? Tarquin sat beside the hospital bed, lost in thought, until he finally pulled out his phone 10-060 and called Lowell. Bring Elysia to mel ¡°What? Now?¡± ¡°Yes, now!¡± Whether she was the one or not, Tarquin needed answers. A paternity test would settle it. If she was Elijah¡¯s mother¡­ Tarquin¡¯s throat tightened at the thought. If she wasn¡¯t¡­ Tarquin¡¯s brows knitted together. Daring to kiss him, she¡¯d sealed her fate. Upon receiving the order, Lowell hurried to find Elysia. With no luck in tracking her down, he headed to the bar to gather information. The night manager reported that Elysia wasn¡¯t listed among the part¨Ctime workers for the evening. Lowell showed him Elysia¡¯s photo. Recognition dawned on the manager¡¯s face, ¡°Oh, her! She doesn¡¯t go by Elysia. Look, this is how she signed in¨Cnot as Elysia.¡± Lowell and his team exchanged a look, all thinking the same thing: clearly, she really needed money. ¡°Do you have her address?¡± ¡°It¡¯s here, but who knows if it¡¯s real. Take a look.¡± Lowell nced at the registry and sent his men to check, and unsurprisingly, the address was bogus. Returning to the hospital with a headache, Lowell reported, ¡°Tarquin, Ms. Thorne has vanished again. We¡¯ve looked everywhere but can¡¯t find her. The Denton family is also on the hunt; apparently, Corbin¡¯s been crying his eyes out for his prettydy ever since he woke up. Seems like the Dentons are even more desperate than us.¡± Tarquin¡¯s displeasure was evident. ¡°Didn¡¯t you check the bar?¡± ¡°We did. But Ms. Thorne used a fake name and address there. Look, she signed in herself.¡± At first nce, Tarquin admired her handwriting, which was surprisingly elegant. At a second nce, his lips pursed as he turned to Lowell. ¡°Cash Thorne?¡± Lowell couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, ¡°Ms. Thorne is clearly infatuated with money.¡± Tarquin didn¡¯t continue the topic. ¡°Keep searching.¡± Chapter 37 Chapter 37 The following morning, Elysia woke up with the first light of dawn, blissfully unaware that she had already caught someone¡¯s attention. Barely opening her eyes, she reached for her phone and called the Royal Community to check if Tarquin had returned. When she got a negative response, a headache started to form. ¡°When will this marriage ever end?¡± she thought, feeling hopeless and frustrated. With a deep sigh, Elysiay back on her bed and began scrolling through her phone, hoping to catch a glimpse of Tarquin¡¯s whereabouts. Instead, her feed was filled with the Denton family¡¯s missing person notice. Unable to find her, the Denton family had reluctantly turned to the inte to issue an appeal. Every major media outlet and TV channel broadcasted their plea as if desperate to ensure she would see it. Fortunately, the notice didn¡¯t include a photo or her name, just a concise recount of the previous day¡¯s events. If she saw it, she would know they were searching for her. Elysia sat up, staring at the notice, lost in thought. She had no real connection to the Denton family and didn¡¯t want to get involved, She hade back to divorce Tarquin and had no desire to entangle herself with others. But then she thought of the troubled child, and a wave of concern washed over her. Mental illness was a frightening thing. If it were just the silence or the outbursts, it would be manageable, but the fear of self¨Charm loomedrge. She knew all too well that many children with severe mental illness ended up taking their own lives. During her five years living in the countryside, with no social distractions, she had ample time to study. Knowing her children would grow up in a single¨Cparent family, she immersed herself in books on child education and psychology. The only thing shecked in the field of special education was a certificate; her capabilities were undeniable. After some thought, Elysia decided to make a trip to the hospital. She had children of her own and couldn¡¯t bear to stand by without helping it could be seen as building good karma for her own children. Before leaving, Elysia prepared breakfast for her little ones, and after a quick shower and leaving a note, she headed out the door. But as soon as she arrived at the hospital entrance, she bumped into Gage. Remembering the previous night¡¯s encounter, Elysia felt a twinge of guilt and tried to act as if she didn¡¯t recognize him. However, Gage blocked her path. ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t Miss Cash Thome. What a coincidence we meet again,¡± he said with a smug look. At the sight of Elysia, Gage¡¯s hormones seemed to go into overdrive, his gaze lingering on her with undisguised lewdness. Elysia frowned and, trying to avoid trouble, replied politely, ¡°I¡¯m here to see a friend, and I¡¯m in a hurry, so if you¡¯ll excuse me¡­¡± Elysia attempted to leave, but Gage wasn¡¯t having it. ¡°Come on, hanging out with me is way more fun than visiting friends. We didn¡¯t get to finish what we startedst night. Today, you owe me. Let¡¯s go have some fun,¡± he said, reaching out to grab her. Elysia¡¯s patience snapped. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing? I don¡¯t know you; stay away from me!¡± she eximed, trying to get away. Gage signaled his bodyguards with a nod, and they quickly moved in, grabbing Elysia before she had a chance to call for help and forcefully escorting her to the car. ¡°We could¡¯ve done this the nice way, but now you want to y tough with me, huh?¡± Gage muttered under his breath as he dialed his niece N¡¯s number. N was still in the hospital room when she heard that Elysia had shown up, and she was furious. In her mind, everything that had happened the injuries she sustained, Tarquin disassociating himself from her, and even the withdrawn investment of fifty million ¨C all Elysia¡¯s fault! Chapter 38 Chapter 38 N was fuming, her voice dripping with venom as sheshed out, ¡°That bitch! She should¡¯ve stayed hidden, but she dares to strut around? Does she not fear I might have someone take her out?¡± Gage chimed in, ¡°N, I¡¯ve heard Tarquin is also in the hospital. You think she came for him?¡± At the mention of Tarquin, N¡¯s eyes bulged with rage, ¡°That shameless bitch, thinking she can seduce Tarquin? He made it clear he¡¯s not into her, yet she sticks to him like glue. Shameless! Uncle, take her away and give her a lesson she won¡¯t forget! Start by ruining that pretty face of hers, then let the boys have their way with her, and once they¡¯re done, sell her off to some backwater town. I never want toy eyes on her again!¡± Gage¡¯s eyes sparkled with opportunity. This was the moment he had been waiting for. If Tarquin ever came after him for bullying Elysia, N would be the perfect shield. After all, as Elijah¡¯s lifesaver, Tarquin wouldn¡¯t dare me her for anything. ¡°Rest easy, N. Leave her to me,¡± Gage reassured her before hanging up. He turned on his heel and strode to his car. As he pulled the car door open, Elysia, struggling, poked her head out and cried for help, ¡°Somebody, please¡­ help me¡­¡± The hospital entrance was crowded, and heads turned at her pleas. Gage, caught off guard, improvised, ¡°Look, we¡¯re husband and wife. She¡¯s pregnant with my child but wants to abort. I just have to take her home and talk some sense into her.¡± Whispers spread among the onlookers, ¡°Poor man, bad luck in love. The scoundrel gets a beauty, and what a beauty to end up with him!¡± ¡°Yeah, must be the allure of his wallet.¡± Gage snorted and climbed into the car, mming the door shut behind him, silencing Elysia¡¯s cries for help. Gage eyed Elysia with a predatory grin. Ruining her face was out of the question ¨C such beauty was too valuable to waste. He¡¯d keep her captive, his own little ything until he was bored, and then he¡¯d sell her off. ¡°Even angry, you¡¯re irresistible. Trust me, darling, I¡¯ll take good care of you,¡± he cooed. Without a word, Elysia pped him hard across the face. Taken aback, Gage retaliated with a p of his own. ¡°Bitch, you dare strike me? I¡¯ll teach you a lesson right now.¡± 10-26 As he spoke, he began unbuckling his belt, clearly intending to force himself on her. Elysia was livid, disgusted by his repulsive behavior. She clenched her teeth, staring him down, ¡°I came back to avoid trouble, but if you push me further, I won¡¯t hold back!¡± Hidden in her sleeve was a silver needle, ready to turn him into a eunuch if necessary. She mightck money, power, and status, but she could defend herself. Those years in the countryside hadn¡¯t been wasted. Gage ignored her warning, continuing to undress, but before he could act, the driver mmed on the brakes. Gage flew forward. With a thud, Gage hit the windshield hard. ¡°Crap! Can¡¯t you drive? Don¡¯t you know I¡¯m busy?¡± Gage raged, trying to get up, only to hit his head again on the steering wheel and pass out cold. The driver called out in panic, ¡°Gage, wake up, look in front¡­¡± Ahead, a sleek ck car blocked their way, trapping thempletely. Chapter 39 Chapter 39 Lowell had been itching to jump out of the car and rescue Elysia, but seeing Gage knocked out cold, he chilled out. Peering through the windshield at the disheveled Gage, he couldn¡¯t help but say to Tarquin, That Gage is a real piece of work. I¡¯m embarrassed to even know the guy. What a disgrace!¡± Tarquin nced outside with a flick of his eyshes and said in a frosty tone, ¡°If he¡¯s so fond of going au naturel, let him do a streak around Jindale City three times without a stitch on.¡± Lowell¡¯s lips twitched at the thought. In this freezing weather, to streak? Exhrating. Serves him right. If you¡¯re a real man, you don¡¯t mistreat women. What kind of skill is it to use force? Lowell got out of the car to meet Elysia. Just as Elysia pushed open the car door and jumped out, frantic to get away, she suddenly saw Lowell and froze. Having just leaped out of Gage¡¯s car, she was now being forced into Tarquin¡¯s ride. Elysia didn¡¯t head for the back seat; she climbed right into the passenger side. She didn¡¯t want to sit with Tarquin. He irked her! And she feared him, not just because she owed him money, but mainly because he would lock her up at the drop of a hat, which terrified her. At this moment, with Lowell still outside, the car was eerily quiet with just the two of them. Elysia sat in the passenger seat, staring straight ahead, her spine rigid, her mind racing. This guy must be after her for the money, but she had none. What would she do when he came to collect? And didn¡¯t he know she was Tarquin¡¯s wife? How dare he still go after her? Wasn¡¯t he afraid of the Bradfords? Or did he know that Tarquin didn¡¯t care for her at all? A twitch flickered at the corner of Elysia¡¯s mouth, her heart pounding. No move from the enemy, no move from me. Without a word from Tarquin, Elysia stayed silent as well. She could feel his gaze fixed on her unshifting since she had entered the car, Elysia felt a tingling on her scalp from his stare, restless and uneasy. At this point, she was almost hoping he would say something. Do your worst, but say something! Elysia didn¡¯t get a word from Tarquin, but Lowell returned instead. After arranging Gage¡¯s streaking punishment, Lowell got in the car and said to Tarquin, ¡°Dr. Benjamin called a while ago. Corbin¡¯s awake, and it¡¯s not looking good. He hopes we can bring Ms. Thorne to the hospital as soon as we find her.¡± Elysia¡¯s attention shifted instantly. She looked urgently at Lowell and said, ¡°The kid¡¯s sick, don¡¯t stress him out.¡± ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s at the hospital now, with doctors and nurses around, but the kid¡¯stched onto you, crying and making a fuss for you.¡± ¡°Take me to the hospital, now.¡± Lowell turned to Tarquin, waiting for a nod before starting the car. On the way, Tarquin remained silent, but his gaze never left Elysia for a second. Elysia felt that he was acting oddly today. Not a word was one thing, but even his looks were different. In their previous encounters, his gaze was sharp, cold, and devoid of warmth. But today¡­ She couldn¡¯t quite put her finger on it, but something was off. Yes, the feeling was different Was it her nerves, rattled by Gage, or was he truly out of character today? Nervously, she made it to the hospital, pushing out of the car first and hurrying inside. One reason was to see Corbin as soon as possible. The other was the fear of being held back by him, she wanted to break free. Tarquin watched her slender figure dart away, a cryptic light flickering in his deep eyes. He opened the car door and followed. Lowell was confused. Tarquin had been on the hunt for Elysia sincest night, and it clearly wasn¡¯t just for Corbin¡¯s sake. But now that he had found her, he said nothing, did nothing. And the way he looked at Elysia¡­ was inscrutable. However, one thing was clear: his usual fierceness seemed muted around her. Lowell wondered, could it be that the boss wasing around, perhaps ready for a change of heart? A peck on the lips, and she had captured his heart? Chapter 40 Chapter 40 Truth be told, Lowell had been hoping his boss would give up on searching for Elijah¡¯s birth mother. After all, six years had slipped by without a trace, and the chances of finding her were slim to none. And even if by some miracle she was found, what if she had moved on, married, and started a new family? Knowing Tarquin, there was no way he¡¯d force her to upend her life. Lowell had been Tarquin¡¯s right¨Chand man for years. The fact that he called him by his first name, rather than the formal ¡®sir¡® expected between master and servant, spoke volumes about their bond. They were brothers in arms, sharing a camaraderie that was thicker than blood, and Lowell wanted nothing but the best for Tarquin. Meanwhile, Elysia had arrived at Corbin¡¯s hospital room. Just a day apart, and the boy¡¯splexion had turned ghostly pale. He didn¡¯t yell or scream; his eyes shut tight, his whole body quivering as he muttered incoherently to himself. Mr. and Mrs. Denton, along with a flurry ofb¨Ccoated doctors, were all standing vigil in the room. The doctors were frantically poring over medical charts while Mrs. Denton wept as if her heart would break. Elysia didn¡¯t bother with pleasantries; she hurried over to check on Corbin¡¯s condition. Tarquin followed, his gaze unreadable as he watched ¨C every mo Elysia checked Corbin¡¯s pulse, and before she could speak, he suddenly woke with a start, screaming at the top of his lungs. Seeing this, Elysia turned to Mrs. Denton. ¡°I need to be alone with him. Could you all please step outside?¡± Mr. Denton trusted her implicitly and quickly ushered everyone out. As the door closed behind them, those outside could only hear Corbin¡¯s cries piercing the silence. The Denton family was on edge, and the family matriarch voiced her concern: ¡°I¡¯ve heard she¡¯s not a licensed doctor. You hardly know her. How can you trust her with Corbin?¡± 10:26 Mrs. Denton, tears streaming down her face, was inconsble. Mr. Denton sighed deeply. ¡°What other choice do we have? We¡¯ve consulted every expert avable, and not one could offer a cure. If this continues, something terrible might happen to Corbin. It¡¯s worth letting her try.¡± Ultimately, it was ast¨Cditch effort, hoping against hope. Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed with worry, his thoughts mirroring Mr. Denton¡¯s.. They had exhausted all medical avenues for Elijah, with no improvement in his condition. Any glimmer of hope was worth pursuing. If not for recent events, he would have allowed Elysia to approach Elijah much sooner. After about half an hour, the door opened. Elysia stood at the threshold, announcing, ¡°He¡¯s calmed down now, says he¡¯s hungry and would like some pasta.¡± The room erupted in disbelief. Mrs. Denton was the first to snap back to reality, rushing into the room to find Corbin sitting on the bed, quietly looking up at her with his soft, childlike voice. ¡°Mommy, I¡¯m hungry.¡± Mrs. Denton nearly shrieked with excitement but managed to cover her mouth, not wanting to startle her son. Corbin repeated, ¡°Mommy, I¡¯m hungry. I want pasta.¡± Overwhelmed with emotion, tears welled up in Mrs. Denton¡¯s eyes. ¡°Of course, pasta. Mommy will make it herself. Just tell Mommy what kind you¡¯d like?¡± ¡°Tomato and egg, with two eggs, please?¡± Tears cascaded down Mrs. Denton¡¯s cheeks. ¡°Yes¡­ yes¡­ two eggs. I¡¯ll make it right now. My boy wants tomato and egg pasta. Tomatoes, eggs! Someone go buy the freshest tomatoes and eggs!¡± Mr. Denton was equally astounded. ¡°Corbin, do you know who I am?¡± ¡°Daddy.¡± ¡°Ha!¡± Mr. Denton exhaled a breath he¡¯d been holding, his chest heaving with relief. ¡°Corbin, say it again.¡± ¡°Daddy.¡± The Denton family was overjoyed as if it were Christmas morning, all crowding around. Corbin. Elysia quietly exhaled a breath of relief, sharing in their joy. Suddenly, her wrist was seized in a firm grip. Chapter 41 Chapter 41 Elysia was taken aback, her eyes wide with surprise. Tarquin¡¯s face was a thundercloud as he didn¡¯t give her a chance to react. He hauled her into the next empty room. He pinned her against the door, his body an imposing wall. He looked down, his gaze Intense and unyielding. Elysia¡¯s back pressed hard against the door, with nowhere to retreat. She stood tall, her eyes vignt as she faced Tarquin. ¡°What do you want?!¡± she demanded, her voice trembling. Was he finally going to explode? Was the storm about to break? Was he about to demand money from her? Tarquin remained silent, just staring straight at her with aplex expression. He didn¡¯t know if the woman before him was truly the one he had been desperately searching for. Because of this uncertainty, he didn¡¯t know how to approach her or even what to say. Elysia, puzzled by his unusual behavior on the ride over, was now convinced that his look was different. Though still icy, it carried a hint of warmth. Seeing him remain silent, Elysia coughed lightly, ¡°What¡­ what are you doing here? Aren¡¯t you afraid of Tarquin giving you trouble?¡± Tarquin just stood there, silent. Elysia realized that name¨Cdropping Tarquin was useless, so she tried a different tactic, ¡°Are you here to ask me for money? Look, I¡­ I don¡¯t have any. Besides, it was you guys who picked on my son Emmett first!¡± Tarquin remained quiet. Elysia continued, ¡°Even if it wasn¡¯t you who threw the first punch, I¡¯m certainly not the one at fault here. If there is anypensation, it shouldn¡¯t all fall on me. And I really don¡¯t have any money. Even if you killed me, I have nothing. If I did, I would have given it to you already. Can you give me some time to scrape something together?¡± Tarquin still said nothing, and Elysia was starting to panic, ¡°You¡¯re not here for money? Are you here to avenge that old man, Gage? I told you harassed me first; I was defending myself.¡± he Tarquin remained silent, and Elysia was getting irritated, ¡°What do you want, anyway? Can you please say something?¡± Tarquin¡¯s lips moved, but no sound came out. 2005 Just as Elysia opened her mouth to speak again, Tarquin suddenly lifted his hand. Elysia thought he was going to hit her and instinctively dodged, feeling a slight pain on her head, like an ant bite. ¡°What are you doing?¡± she said, her hands protectively covering her head. Tarquin gave her aplicated look and then turned and left the room. Elysia was leftpletely puzzled. Tarquin stopped at the door and instructed Lowell, ¡°Keep an eye on her. Don¡¯t let her escape, and don¡¯t let her be mistreated.¡± He took Elysia and Elijah¡¯s hair samples and personally handed them to Benjamin. ¡°Run the tests. I need results as soon as possible.¡± Benjamin, unaware of whose samples he was holding, hesitated and said, ¡°The soonest would be tomorrow.¡± ¡°Just make sure you handle it yourself.¡± ¡°Will do.¡± Benjamin had just entered theb with the samples when Elijah suddenly caused a motion. Upon waking and seeing a female nurse by his bed, he went berserk. He ripped out his IV, smashed the bedside monitor, and even cut his own face and arms with the needle. When Benjamin and Tarquin arrived, the room was in shambles.. Elijah was throwing and smashing things around like a madman while the nurse, terrified, was shivering in a corner, crying. Seeing the blood on Elijah¡¯s body, Tarquin¡¯s heart leaped to his throat. ¡°Elijah!¡± ¡°Stay back!¡± Tarquin choked on his words. ¡°If youe any closer, I¡¯ll jump!¡± Elijah stood by the window, his small brow furrowed as he red at Tarquin, his small fists clenched, his breathing rapid and ragged, It was unclear how badly he was hurt, with blood covering his face and hands, and his eyes were red as if filled with blood. Tarquin was beside himself with anxiety, standing still, not daring to move. Chapter 42 Chapter 42 2005 ¡°Elijah, just take a deep breath, buddy¡­ calm down, Tarquin¡¯s voice was soothing, almost a whisper. But Elijah wasn¡¯t having it. He stood by the window, glowering with a stormy expression that could scare away any braver soul. The pediatric specialists from the hospital had all scrambled to the scene, huddling by the door, none daring to approach the fuming child. Benjamin leaned in and asked the young nurse in a hushed tone, ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Tears streaked down the nurse¡¯s face as she replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know, I was right here the whole time. When he woke up, I just asked if he needed anything to drink, and he¡­ he just looked at me and suddenly got all worked up¡­¡± Elijah¡¯s voice cut through the tension, icy and sharp, ¡°I said I only want my mommy.¡± ¡°Elijah, listen to me, she¡¯s just a nurse that your Uncle Benjamin and I found for you, I¡­¡± ¡°I told you, I don¡¯t want anyone but Mommy! I don¡¯t need another woman; I just want mommy! I need my mommy! Mommy! Mommy! Ahhh!¡± Elijah¡¯s cries escted into a frenzy, his voice crescendoing as he lunged towards the window. Tarquin leaped forward with athletic grace, grabbing and holding onto Elijah with a grip. strong enough to save him from any fall. Benjamin and the other doctors and nurses rushed forward, quickly administering a sedative to calm the agitated child. Within half a minute, Elijah¡¯s cries had subsided into silence. As the pediatrician bandaged Elijah¡¯s wounds, Benjamin stood by, addressing Tarquin, *Elijah¡¯s condition¡¯s getting worse by the day. You should call Ms. Thorne to have a look at him. You see how he is, and then there¡¯s Corbin¡­¡± Tarquin, still catching his breath from the scare, swallowed hard several times before he could steady himself. He nced at Elijah, then pulled out his phone and dialed, ¡°Bring Elysia to Elijah¡¯s room.¡± Elysia was in the middle of her own chaos when suddenly Tarquin had her confined, perplexed, and anxious. As the door burst open, Lowell, in a flurry of urgency, announced he was taking her to see Elijah. ¡°Elijah? Who¡¯s that?¡± Elysia inquired. 20.05 Our young master. His condition¡¯s not much different from Corbin¡¯s. He¡¯s got some sort of bipr disorder, too: Elysia¡¯s brow furrowed. His child? You bettere quick. Elijah nearly jumped from a window today.¡± Her heart skipped a beat at those words, and she hurried after Lowell. Tarquin remained vignt by the bedside as Elysia nced at him before her gaze fell on Elijah. But the moment she saw Elijah, her heart began to race uncontrobly. Elijah was wrapped in bandages, his eyes tightly shut. She couldn¡¯t make out his face, but there was an uncanny familiarity that gripped her. Seeing his battered form, a sharp pang of empathy clutched at her heart. Approaching the bedside, Elysia began to take his pulse, but as her hand touched Elijah¡¯s small one, a wave of sorrow surged through her, bringing tears to her eyes. She touched the corners of her eyes in surprise, puzzled by her own reaction. She hadn¡¯t felt this way when treating Corbin. ¡°Beep, beep, beep!¡± The monitor on the nightstand suddenly red an rm; Elijah¡¯s heartbeat was elerating wildly. Elysia¡¯s pulse matched the rhythm, thumping loudly in her chest. Quickly wiping her tears, she fought to control her emotions and focused on diagnosing Elijah. After a while, she said, ¡°His condition is critical. He¡¯s entered a sleep state, yet his heart is racing; it¡¯s like he¡¯s fighting to wake up.¡± Benjamin spoke up, ¡°We had to use a sedative earlier because things got too intense. It hasn¡¯t been long, so the full effect probably hasn¡¯t kicked in yet.¡± Elysia frowned and reached for her acupuncture needles. Tarquin¡¯s hand snapped out, gripping her wrist with a wary gaze, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Chapter 43 Chapter 43 Tarquin¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, rmingly so, and Elysia shivered at the sight, rushing to exin, ¡°I have to apply acupuncture to him to help him sleep deeply. He¡¯s in too much pain right now. His body craves rest, but his mind is fighting it. It¡¯s like he¡¯s at war with himself, and this kind of struggle could seriously harm him, maybe even lead to something catastrophic.¡± Tarquin red at Elysia for a long moment, searching her face for any hint of deceit. Finally, convinced she was telling the truth, he released his grip. Elysia let out a silent sigh of relief and quickly carried out the acupuncture. Before long, Elijah¡¯s heartbeat stabilized. ¡°Thank God,¡± Benjamin exhaled with relief. ¡°His heart rate¡¯s normal again.¡± After removing the needles, Elysia said, ¡°Now we just wait for him to wake up and assess his condition. I¡¯ve heard he and Corbin are in a simr boat, both dealing with bipr disorder. Corbin¡¯s was triggered by a kidnapping scare when he was young, but what about him?¡± ¡°This kid,¡± Benjamin sighed, ¡°he¡¯s got an obsession with his mother. It¡¯s excessive longing. that¡¯s done this to him.¡± Elysia was puzzled. ¡°Excessive longing for his mother? Where is she?¡± Benjamin shrugged helplessly and nced at Tarquin before saying, ¡°Not here.¡± Elysia misunderstood and asked, ¡°When did his mother pass?¡± Before Benjamin could reply, Tarquin snapped, ¡°Who told you his mother¡¯s dead? She¡¯s alive and well! Healthier than anyone!¡± Tarquin¡¯s sudden outburst took Elysia by surprise. She red back, annoyed and on the verge of snapping herself, but she held her tongue. Realizing he had lost his temper with her again, Tarquin¡¯s lips moved, but no sound came out. Lost for words, he lowered his gaze to Elijah. Jumping in to smooth things over, Benjamin said, ¡°She¡¯s not dead; she just disappeared after giving birth to Elijah. We don¡¯t know if she¡¯s alive or not.¡± ¡°She¡¯s alive!¡± Tarquin intercepted without even looking up. Benjamin could only echo, ¡°Yes, yes. She¡¯s alive and well.¡± Clearly, there was no way to continue this topic normally with Tarquin around. Thus, Benjamin decided to bring Elysia to the corridor. 20.05 Here¡¯s how it is. After giving birth to Elijah, she disappeared. The father and son have been searching for her ever since. They both miss her terribly, it¡¯s clear to see¨Cboth the young and the old are fixated on her.¡± Elysia was at a loss for words. She couldn¡¯t help but nce back into the hospital room, where Tarquin sat by the bed, clutching Elijah¡¯s small hand with an expression full of anguish. She hadn¡¯t expected this man to be capable of being such a devoted husband and father. Turning back to Benjamin, Elysia asked, ¡°So Elijah¡¯s condition stems from missing his mother too much?¡± ¡°Exactly, that¡¯s the root of it.¡± ¡°Then the best solution would be to find his mother and bring her back.¡± Benjamin sighed heavily. ¡°If only it were that simple. The kid wouldn¡¯t be in this state if we could find her. We¡¯ve been searching for years with no luck.¡± Elysia nced back into the room once more. For some reason, the sight of the small figure on the bed filled her with sadness andpassion. After a moment, she said to Benjamin, ¡°If finding his biological mother is truly impossible, then we need to divert his attention to something¨Cor someone else. A substitute.¡± Benjamin sighed again, ¡°We tried giving him a surrogate mother once. It didn¡¯t take long for him to see through it, and he had a huge meltdown. It was after that incident that his condition really worsened. We¡¯ve been too scared to try anything like that again. As for finding a ¡®thing¡® to focus on, that¡¯s out of the question too. Aside from his quest to find his mother, he¡¯s indifferent to everything else,pletely uninterested. He spends all his time sleeping or yearning for her.¡± Chapter 44 Chapter 44 Ely¡¯s heart ached. ¡°Hasn¡¯t he been to school?¡± ¡°No, he can¡¯t attend normally with his condition.¡± ¡°Have you guys tried to delve into his mental world?¡± Benjamin shook his head. ¡°No chance.¡± ¡°What about hypnosis?¡± ¡°Tried it, never worked.¡± Elysia sighed softly. Benjamin continued, ¡°Elijah is not like other kids; he¡¯s too smart for his own good. You can¡¯t treat him like a typical child; he¡¯s bright, sensitive, and highly vignt.¡± Elysia nced back into the room and thought for a moment before saying, ¡°I get why you¡¯ve called me here, but I¡¯m no doctor. I¡¯ve just picked up a bit of herbal medicine from my folks and read a few books on child psychology in my spare time. So, don¡¯t pin your hopes on me. I managed to calm Corbin down, but that was pure luck. I can only try. When he wakes up, I¡¯ll chat with him, see if I can find a way into his world, look for a breakthrough.¡± ask Benjamin hurriedly replied, ¡°Yeah, any help is much appreciated. Don¡¯t worry; Tarquin won¡¯t let your assistance go unrewarded. You can set your terms with him; anything you for, he can make happen in Jindale City.¡± Elysia wondered if she could ask Tarquin to help her get a speedy divorce? Wait, Tarquin? They shared the same name¨Cwhat a coincidence! Just as she was about to ask his full name, her phone rang with an unknown number. Elysia stepped aside to answer, ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°You¡¯re looking to divorce Tarquin, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Um? How do you know that? Who is this?¡± ¡°Who I am doesn¡¯t matter. What matters is Tarquin¡¯s in Jindale City right now. He hasn¡¯t gone on a business trip; he lied to you. If you want to confront him about the divorce, you could catch him at home or at his office.¡± The caller hung up before she could respond. Elysia¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Tarquin wasn¡¯t on a business trip? 20.05 She tried to call back immediately but got a message that the number was not avable. Her heart was racing; she didn¡¯t have time to ponder who the caller was and dashed for the elevator. Benjamin caught up to her. ¡°Ms. Thorne, is something wrong?¡± Elysia pressed the elevator button and replied, ¡°I¡¯ve got an urgent matter to attend to.¡± ¡°Do you need our help?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s personal.¡± ¡°What about Elijah?¡± Benjamin was concerned that if Elijah woke up suddenly, they wouldn¡¯t be able to handle. it, and things could escte. He couldn¡¯t guarantee Elysia would be able to soothe Elijah,¡± but she was their only hope. So, he tried to persuade Elysia to stay. Elysia understood his concern and said, ¡°Take down my cell number, call me if there¡¯s any issue. I have to deal with this emergency; it¡¯s urgent.¡± Elysia quickly gave her number. She had a good impression of Benjamin, who had always been polite and respectful. With a sudden thought, she added, ¡°I¡¯ll send you a recipe for a sedativeter. If he wakes. up and you can¡¯t manage, give it to him. It should help.¡± ¡°Thank you so much!¡± Benjamin said gratefully as he saved the number, watching Elysia step into the elevator before letting her go. After Elysia left, Benjamin returned to Elijah¡¯s room. Chapter 45 Chapter 45 Tarquin sat rigidly beside Elijah¡¯s hospital bed, his fingers tightly Intecing the small, fragile hand of his son. Benjamin, trying to offer some sce, said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much; he¡¯s stable for now, at least.¡± Tarquin¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed, his gaze scanning the room for another presence. ¡°Where¡¯s she? Elysia?¡± ¡°She had to leave. Some urgent matter,¡± Benjamin replied. ¡°Leave? Just like that?¡± Tarquin¡¯s eyes shed with disbelief. ¡°Yeah, said it was something she had to take care of.* Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed, a storm brewing in his thoughts.. ¡°She¡¯s her own person, Tarquin. We can¡¯t exactly keep her here against her will. Besides, we need her help. If we imprison her and upset her now, can you honestly trust her with Elijah?¡± Benjamin reasoned. A few days ago, Tarquin would have shrugged it off without a second thought. But now, with doubts swirling about Elysia¡¯s role in Elijah¡¯s life and her ability to help him ovee. his traumas, he felt a tangle of emotions. ¡°I need a breath of air,¡± he announced abruptly and made his way out of the hospital room. Benjamin watched him go, surprise etched on his face. Tarquin, who would usually stick to Elijah¡¯s side like glue, was walking away¨Ceven if it was just for a cigarette. Something had indeed gotten to him. Meanwhile, Elysia, after leaving the hospital, gged down a taxi and sped towards the upscale neighborhood of Royal Community. Once settled in the backseat, sheposed herself and texted a prescription to Benjamin. She tried calling the person but to no avail. Frustrated, she dialed one of Tarquin¡¯s men. ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me. I know he¡¯s in Jindale City!¡± The silence on the other end was all the confirmation she needed. Annoyed, sheid it out, ¡°Tell him I¡¯m on my way to Royal Community. If he doesn¡¯t want me on his back forever, he¡¯ll meet me there to sign the divorce papers. If he¡¯s not there, I¡¯ll start my ¡®nuisance campaign¡®. And tell him I just want a clean break, nothing more. I won¡¯t take a dime from him, and once it¡¯s done, I¡¯ll vanish from his life for good.¡± 20:05 She hung up, her brows knitting together. He had lied to her, and that stung more than dared to admit. Back at the hospital, Tarquin received the news while standing in the smoking area, a storm of irritation brewing within him. ¡°Who told her I¡¯m still in Jindale City?¡± he snapped. Lowell hesitated before rying Elysia¡¯s message, ¡°She said if you¡¯re not willing to divorce, she¡¯ll start her ¡®nuisance campaign¡®. She insists on a clean break, no money involved, and promises to disappear from your life once It¡¯s over.¡± ¡°Is that a threat?¡± Tarquin said, his displeasure clear. Lowell didn¡¯t dare respond. After a pause, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s the n? If you don¡¯t agree to the divorce, do you think she¡¯ll actually follow through? Or worse, think you still have feelings for her?¡± Tarquin¡¯s annoyance peaked. ¡°Tell her I¡¯ll be there.¡± When Elysia arrived at the Royal Community, the new servant, unaware of her history, dutifully weed her into the estate. The servants from her past, those who had been. bribed by N to spread rumors about Elysia¡¯s supposed infidelities, had long since vanished, fearing exposure. The new servant, unaware of Elysia¡¯s true identity, had only let her in after receiving confirmation. With a polite smile, he offered her coffee, the steam curling into the air between them like a silent truce. Chapter 46 Chapter 46 Please, take your time. Sir sald he¡¯ll be back shortly.¡± Alright, thanks.¡± Elysia ced the cup on the coffee table, her eyes scanning the room¡¯s familiar decor. It was just as she had left it years ago, virtually unchanged. But the people had changed. She had lived here for three years, once thedy of the house. Now, she was nothing. She had thought she would spend her entire life here, even daydreamed about growing old, surrounded by children and grandchildren¡­ But life, it seems, is the greatest ywright of all. Feeling a tightness in her chest, Elysia redirected her gaze, took a few sips of her coffee, and waited quietly for Tarquin to return and finalize their divorce. Half an hourter, Tarquin drove back to the Royal Community. He had only been to this ce once before, on the day he returned to the country to ask his wife for a divorce. He hadn¡¯t been back since. Parking the car, Tarquin stepped out and was immediately greeted by his ringing phone. It was Benjamin. ¡°Tarquin, Mr. Donovan ter is at the hospital. He¡¯s asking for you.¡± It was surely about that 50 million investment for the ter family. He wasn¡¯t about to reinvest the money he¡¯d pulled out. N had indeed done him a favor, but he wasn¡¯t going to keep indulging her. In a cold tone, Tarquin replied, ¡°Tell him I¡¯m busy. And remind him to spend less time chasing money and more time looking after his daughter.¡± a great After hanging up, Tarquin strode towards the main building. The servant announced, ¡°Sir, thedy is waiting for you inside.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Hearing footsteps, Elysia knew Tarquin had arrived. Her nerves tightened, her fingernails digging into the flesh of her palms, a silent reminder to stay calm. But- Just as Tarquin reached the door, his phone rang again. It was Donovan ter. Frowning he answered the call, but before he could speak, N¡¯s voice came through Targum, cd you pull your investment from the ter family because of me? Daddy says I¡¯ve upset you, and I¡¯m I¡¯m really freaking out. I never meant to anger you. You know I¡¯ve had feelings for you ever since I saved Elijah. I wanted to marry you, but it was your married status that stood in the way of my wishes. I genuinely like you, I truly want to marry you, I don¡¯t want to upset you. If I¡¯ve done something wrong, just tell me, I¡¯ll¡­¡± Annoyed. Tarquin cut her off, ¡°I hate liars. Begging won¡¯t help you; take some time to reflect on your actions.¡± He hung up abruptly. As the servant stepped forward to open the door, Tarquin suddenly said, ¡°Wait.¡± N¡¯s call had inadvertently made a point. If he divorced today and found out tomorrow that Elysia wasn¡¯t Elijah¡¯s biological mother, he¡¯d be single again, wouldn¡¯t he? What if N pressed him to marry her then? He wouldn¡¯t indulge N, but he had indeed once said that if he weren¡¯t married, he might have married her. A promise is a promise, and if he were single again, what would he do if N insisted on marriage? He couldn¡¯t divorce today. He had to wait for the paternity test results between Elijah and Elysia. ¡°Tell her I¡¯ve had an urgent mattere up. The divorce is off for now. I will contact her tomorrow.¡± With that Tarquin turned and left. Hearing the sound of the car engine starting up in the courtyard, Elysia realized what was happening. She hurriedly got up and moved toward the door. Chapter 47 Chapter 47 Miss, Sir has asked me to inform you that he¡¯s tied up with some business today, so the divorce is on hold. He said he¡¯ll reach out to you tomorrow,¡± the servant ryed. Elysia¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°Was that Tarquin just now?¡± ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. That was him.¡± Frazzled, Elysia dashed after him, ¡°Hey! Wait! Tarquin, stop the car¡­ Stop!¡± She reached the front door of the vi only to find Tarquin long gone, his taillights no longer in sight. Elysia was fuming, her breathing in short gasps. What was this all about? It was just a signature, no messy financial entanglements, so why all the fuss? He could have signed the papers and then dealt with his big, important business! Elysia was near the end of her tether, so close to being free! And now¡­ She stood at the doorstep, sighing deeply, trying to console herself. One more day, just one more day. As long as he was willing to go through with the divorce, that was something. At least there was some kind ofmitment! Leaving the Royal Community, Elysia dialed Benjamin to check on little Elijah. She was quite worried about the boy. Learning that Elijah was still sound asleep put her mind at ease. She didn¡¯t visit the hospital; instead, she headed straight home. At home, her three little kids were holding a mini¨Cconference. The kids were already in on why Elysia hade back this time. It was Elliot who had made the call earlier. He felt the city wasn¡¯t kind to Mommy, and since she didn¡¯t like it here, he wanted to get things sorted out for her, so he¡¯d done some sleuthing. And, unexpectedly, he unearthed the whole story from years back. The Thorne family had forced Elysia to drop out of school and marry Tarquin in her sister¡¯s stead. Tarquin had publicly ndered her, iming she was unfaithful during the marriage,pletely ruining her reputation and subjecting her to public scorn. The Thorne family, embarrassed by her, had disowned her, turning her out of the house. Left with no choice, Elysia, pregnant, had left Jindale City to live in the countryside on her own. Throughout her pregnancy, shebored hard and never enjoyed a single day of ease. To save money, she lived frugally, often eating nothing but bread and water, sometimes only one meal a day. She also had to endure the cold looks and gossip of those around her Then, as her due date approached, she fainted on her way home from work. Tarquin¡¯s people had investigated, but they hadn¡¯t uncovered all this. It was because after Elysia hade down from the mountain with her children, her rescuers wanted her to live a peaceful life, unaffected by past sorrows, so they had sealed away her past. And since Elliot had been taught by this savior, he had managed to crack the system. The three little ones wept for Elysia, their hearts breaking. Emmett wept the hardest, ¡°Mommy¡­ our mommy is so pitiful, waaah¡­¡± Evan choked up, ¡°No, I can¡¯t let Mommy suffer like this for nothing. I¡¯ll get revenge! The Thorne family and the Bradford family, right? I¡¯m going to blow their houses sky¨Chigh!¡± Elliot, his eyes also red, retained hisposure. He stopped Evan. ¡°You seeking revenge will only remind Mommy of her painful past. She hasn¡¯t mentioned it, meaning she doesn¡¯t on.¡± Evan clenched his fists tightly. ¡°But I can¡¯t stand it! Mommy is such a good person, and they bullied her like that! Before, when she was all alone, she had no one to defend her, but now she has us, and we can¡¯t let her be mistreated!¡± ¡°We have to endure, for Mommy¡¯s sake. We can take our revenge even after leaving Jindale City. Right now, the priority is Tarquin! Mommy came back to divorce him, and we need to help her get that done first!¡± Chapter 48 Chapter 48 Emmett felt that his brother was right. He wiped his tears, his voice soft as he asked, ¡°He won¡¯t give Mommy a divorce because he likes her, right?¡± ¡°No way, if he really liked Mommy, he would never have hurt her in the first ce! He doesn¡¯t care about our mom.¡± Evan bristled with anger at the remark, ¡°And Mommy doesn¡¯t need his affection! Mommy is beautiful and kind; she deserves a much better man! That Tarquin is not good enough. for our mom!¡± Sniffling, Emmett pressed on, ¡°So, is he our dad, then?¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if he is or not. I don¡¯t want him!¡± Evan dered with a scowl. Emmett nodded vigorously in agreement, ¡°Me neither!¡± Elliot stared at a photograph of Tarquin. The man bore so much resemnce with them and he was also their mother¡¯s husband, after all¨Cny percent chance he was their dad. But¡­ So what? They wouldn¡¯t like someone who didn¡¯t care about their mom! ¡°Evan¡¯s right. Whether he¡¯s our dad or not, we don¡¯t want him. We grew up without a father¡¯s love, so we¡¯re not missing out on anything.¡± ¡°Yeah!¡± Emmett and Evan chorused in agreement. Any kid would be long for a father. When they first found out Tarquin might be their dad, their eyes lit with hope. But when they had to choose between Mommy and Daddy, they didn¡¯t hesitate to choose Mommy. That¡¯s kids for you¨Cthey ng to whomever they liked and whoever cared for them most. Elliot continued, ¡°Let¡¯s just cool down. If Mommy doesn¡¯t want to talk about what happened back then, we won¡¯t ask. We¡¯ll act like we know nothing. Mommy knows Tarquin is in Jindale City now and she¡¯s bound to seek a divorce. Once that¡¯s done, we¡¯ll take Mommy and leave this ce. After we settle down in a new city, we¡¯ll start nning our revenge for Mom!¡± ¡°Yeah!¡± ¡°But what if he still refuses to divorce Mom?¡± Emmett asked, worry creasing his brow. Elliot frowned, ¡°Then we¡¯ll make him.¡± Right! When Elysia returned, the boys had calmed down. They pretended to be oblivious and Jung themselves into her embrace. Elysia didn¡¯t notice anything amiss. She just looked down at them with a face full of maternal love. Seeing them, she understood why she¡¯d felt such a strong connection to that boy named Elijah in the hospital. The upper half of Elijah¡¯s face looked so much like her own sons, Elliot and Evan. ¡°Mommy, did you get everything sorted out today?¡± Emmett asked about the divorce. Elysia shrugged helplessly, ¡°Not yet.¡± All three frowned, ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°He was busy, said we should meet tomorrow.¡± The boys exchanged nces¡­. Elysia nted a sweet kiss on each of their foreheads, ¡°Let¡¯s not dwell on it. If he said tomorrow, then it¡¯s tomorrow. We¡¯re not in a rush. Now, go get ready¨CI¡¯m taking you boys out for some fun.¡± ¡°Huh? Out for fun?¡± ¡°Yes! We might be leaving after tomorrow¡¯s meeting and might nevere back here, but Jindale City has a lot of cool ces to see. Since we¡¯re free today, I want to show you around.¡± She figured since Tarquin asked for a day¡¯s dy, he must have had something urgent. The divorce would surely happen tomorrow. As soon as it was finalized, she¡¯d whisk her kids away from this ce of trouble. But for today, they had free time, and she wanted to make the most of it for the kids, who¡¯d been cooped up at home for days. Despite her painful memories here, there were still ces in the city worth visiting. Chapter 49 Chapter 49 Elysia hadn¡¯t nned on taking the kids to the zoo. After all, what kind of creature hadn¡¯t theye across during their five years spent deep in the woods? You could find all kinds of animals in the zoo deep in the woods. The triplets liked animals, sure, but they weren¡¯t exactly over the moon about them. However, the mere mention of an outing had them bouncing off the walls with excitement. They threw on their clothes in record time, eager to follow Elysia out the door. The family of four hailed a cab and headed straight for the water park to check out the ¡®Jindale Eye¡®. It was the trio¡¯s first real outing, and the array of attractions had them gawping in amazement. They wanted to try everything. Elysia was on a tight budget, but the kids had never had a chance to experience anything like this. She didn¡¯t want to dampen their spirits, so she splurged on tickets. If they were out to have fun, she was going to make sure they had the time of their lives, no holding back. She took them on the Ferris wheel and also the roller coaster. Evan, the brave one, even dared to take on the giant swing. Emmett, a little more timid, steered clear of the high¨Cadrenaline rides, so Elysia took him to feed the fish. Twenty bucks for a bottle of fish feed, and there was Emmett, grinning like a Cheshire cat as he fed the little swimmers. Kids found joy in the simplest things. All the while, Elysia was snapping photos with her phone and capturing these precious moments with her children. Life had thrown its share of curveballs, but so what? that was more than enough. She had three healthy, adorable kids that was Sure, being a single mom was tough, but it beat settling for some deadbeat just to avoid loneliness. The inte was riddled with horror stories of abusive partners; that was real suffering. Time flies when you¡¯re having fun, and before they knew it, twilight had settled in. 2006 Back at their ce, the kids were so wiped they conked out on the bed without even washing up, off to dreand in seconds. They had yed hard and were now paying the price. Elysia looked at her little ones with eyes full of love. Tomorrow, after the divorce was finalized, she nned to take them down South to settle in a little town with balmy weather all year round. As long as she stayed diligent and worked hard, she knew she could raise them right. After tucking the triplets in, Elysia retreated to her own room. Drifting off, her thoughts were full of hope for a brighter future. The next morning, Elysia was up with the dawn. She checked her phone ¨C no word from Tarquin yet. But she was still settled since it was barely past six. Just to be safe, she called up the Royal Community office to confirm the afternoon appointment for the divorce proceedings. The reply was that Tarquin was upied in the morning, so the divorce was dyed to the afternoon. But an urate update was all she needed ¨C afternoon it would be. Feeling chipper, Elysia lounged in bed scrolling through her phone until a news alert made her sit bolt upright. It was Blossom. Panic surged through Elysia as the article imed she¡¯d been assaulted. She tried calling Blossom, but there was no answer. Jumping out of bed, Elysia didn¡¯t bother with breakfast. She scrawled a quick note for the kids and dashed out the door. Blossom was more than a friend; she was family, just like Winona. They had faced. bacsh for standing by her during a scandal, macabre gifts like wreaths and dead animalsduring cruel taunts and even receiving Elysia had avoided reaching out to them upon her return, fearing that any attention might bring them trouble again. Her n was to reconnect after the divorce when she could breathe easy again. But now she identally got the news that Blossom was beaten up, so she couldn¡¯t stay calm. She took a taxi to Blossom¡¯s ce and was about to try calling again when a shriek behind her made her spin around. 20.06 There stood Blossom, decked out in a long down coat and sporting an adorable bear¨Cthemed hat, her large eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at Elysia, Chapter 50 Chapter 50 Elysia raced across the room, ¡°Blossom.¡± Blossom rubbed her eyes and squinted at Elysia. Then she let out a squeal and lunged forward to cuddle her. ¡°Is that really you, Elysia? 1-1¨CI¡¯m not seeing ghosts, am I?!¡± ¡°It¡¯s me. I came looking for you after I saw the news online. Are you okay? Did you get hurt?¡± But Blossom, as if she hadn¡¯t heard a word, pinched herself then pinched Elysia. ¡°Does it hurt? It hurts me, oh goodness, I¡¯m in pain, thank heavens I¡¯m not dreaming! Elysia, you¡¯re finally back! Where on earth have you been these years? Winona and I have been sick with worry. I didn¡¯t get a single call or text from you and you nearly gave us a heart attack!¡± Blossom, a sensitive gal through and through from Jindale City, burst into tears as she spoke. Elysia felt a pang of guilt, ¡°Alright, alright, it¡¯s all my fault. No more tears, okay? Let me make sure you¡¯re not hurt.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine, let¡¯s go home and talk.¡± Blossom was now a kindergarten teacher. She whipped out her phone to call the school and take the day off. Phone tucked away, Blossom linked arms with Elysia and they headed home, ¡°You have no idea how much Winona and I missed you these years. We never stopped looking for you, but you were just nowhere to be found. Where have you been all this time?¡± ¡°¡­After the incident, I went back to the Thorne family. They were ashamed of me and kicked me out. I had nowhere to go, and I didn¡¯t want my reputation to affect the baby. So I left Jindale City for a rural life.¡± She didn¡¯t dare say she lived deep in the woods for she didn¡¯t want to scare Blossom. Plus, she had promised her benefactor on the mountain not to speak of their affairs. Blossom scolded her, ¡°How could you be so foolish? You dashed away during your pregnancy and you didn¡¯t even tell us! Your husband leaves you, your family disowns you, but Winona and I are here for you. We could have taken care of you.¡± ¡°I was afraid of dragging you into it.¡± ¡°Bullshit! You think too much. If you dare say that to Winona, she¡¯ll throttle you. Why are you so distant from us? Aren¡¯t we friends?!¡± Blossom scolded. Elysia just smiled and followed Blossom home. The moment they stepped inside, they were engulfed in warmth and coziness. Elysia hung her coat on the rack by the door and nced around the house, ¡°Are your folks not home?¡± Yeah, they¡¯re on a business trip and left just yesterday. If they knew you were back, they¡¯d have dropped everything. You know how much they adore you; they¡¯re always talking about you? Blossom poured Elysia some hot coffee to warm her up. She squeezed next to Elysia on the couch, ¡°Come on, spill the beans about what you¡¯ve been up to these years!¡± Elyain pondered for a moment, unsure where to start. It seemed like she¡¯d been through a lot, yet nothing much had happened at all. It was just pregnancy, childbirth, and raising children. ¡°I got a simple job down the mountain when I was pregnant, then gave birth and raised my kids,¡± she said. Blossom was shocked, ¡°You actually had the babies? Are you out of your mind? You didn¡¯t even know who the father was, and you went through with it? Raising kids alone is so hard!¡± Blossom may not have had kids herself, but she knew the struggles of a woman carrying and raising kids all too well. Elysia shrugged, ¡°They¡¯re little lives. I couldn¡¯t bear to give them up.¡± ¡°And where are the kids now?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got them with me.¡± ¡°Where? Why didn¡¯t you bring them along?¡± ¡°They¡¯re still at the hotel resting. I rushed over here as soon as I saw the news. What exactly happened?¡± Chapter 51 Chapter 51 Blossom couldn¡¯t care less, ¡°You know, I¡¯ve been working as a teacher, and there¡¯s this kid in my ss whose parents are in the middle of a nasty divorce. The mom¡¯s always the one dropping off and showing up for school events. She even made it crystal clear that no one but her is allowed to pick up her little one. Sc, naturally, we follow the parents¡® wishes. When the kid¡¯s grandma came to pick him up, I had to turn her away and even gave the mom a call to let her know. Grandma did not take it well. She lost her temper andshed out.¡± ¡°I saw the video online. It was chaotic, and she hit you.¡± Elysia said. ¡°Just a p on the face. But my colleague pulled me away in a sh. No harm done, see?¡± Blossom continued, ¡°If she hadn¡¯t been a senior citizen, I would¡¯ve given her a piece of my mind.¡± Elysia sighed, ¡°Well, you haven¡¯t changed a bit. If that were Winona, she wouldn¡¯t care who it was. She¡¯d probably break the woman¡¯s arm just to calm down.¡± Blossomughed off thement, ¡°I didn¡¯t want to lose my job over some olddy. Let¡¯s not talk about this mess. It¡¯s great that you¡¯re back, though. Winona¡¯s going to be thrilled when she hears about it. Just wish I knew when she¡¯sing back.¡± ¡°Where did Winona go?¡± Elysia asked. ¡°Her husband Zane mentioned she¡¯s abroad, shooting a movie. It¡¯s been over a year, and we can¡¯t reach her all the time.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t reach her?¡± ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s on some top¨Csecret project. Signed a non¨Cdisclosure agreement and can¡¯t contact anyone outside the crew during the shoot.¡± ¡°Have you tried reaching out to her agent?¡± ¡°Same story. Agent¡¯s under a non¨Cdisclosure agreement too. The whole crew is.¡± Elysia was intrigued. What kind of y required such secrecy? She mused. ¡°Didn¡¯t Zane go with her?¡± she quipped. Blossom shook her head, ¡°Zane¡¯s been busy managing Winona¡¯s familypany. He can¡¯t just up and leave.¡± Winona Newsom was the only child of the Newsom family, and her father Ridley Newsom was a well¨C known entrepreneur in Jindale City. With a solid family fortune behind her, Winona, a ssic heiress with looks and talent to spare, had made quite a name for herself in showbiz, thanks to her perseverance and the backing of the entire Newsom Group. She was a household name and a top¨Ctier celebrity within three years. 50:04 Cane, however, had a very different upbringing The quintessential self¨Cmade man grew up in a rural area, came from a poor family, and had many siblings to fend for. Meeting Winona in college was like a fairy tale they fell in love at first sight and got married right after graduation. Zane¡¯s fortunes soared as he became the Newsom family¡¯s son¨Cinw, a testament to the power of education to change one¡¯s life, ¡°Has Zane been good to Winona over the years?¡± Elysia asked. ¡°Oh, the best. Zane¡¯s known in Jindale City as the ideal husband and son¨Cinw. No one has a bad word to say about him. Unlike you, Winona really hit the jackpot. You skipped out on college to get married, and look how that turned out. Got yourself yed by a scumbag.¡± The details of Elysia¡¯s forced marriage to Tarquin Bradford were unknown to Blossom and Winona. Due to the marriage being arranged under duress, Elysia was also coerced into ¨C algning a non¨Cdisclosure agreement¡­ At the time, even the Thorne family had no clue that it was the Bradford family who hade knocking with a lot wedding gifts for Daphne Thorne¡¯s hand in marriage. It was only after tying the knot that Elysia found out her husband was from the Bradford n, named Tarquin. She had heard that the Bradfords, trying to improve Tarquin¡¯s ill fortune, had selected Daphne based on his apparatus. The Bradfords didn¡¯t reveal their identity when proposing; they just offered a hefty money and mentioned that the groom was disabled, hoping Daphne would marry him to fulfill his needs. Daphne, upon hearing her suitor was disabled, refused outright, throwing a fit and threatening to take her own life rather than go through with the marriage. Chapter 52 Chapter 52 The Thorne family was caught between a rock and a hard ce. They couldn¡¯t bear the thought of discarding a hefty money, so they came up with the n for Elysia to marry in her sister¡¯s stead. Afraid that the switch woulde to light, they even forced Elysia to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Feeling cornered, Elysia saw it as repaying the Thorne family for twenty years of upbringing. Blossom and Winona were clueless about all of this. They only knew that Elysia, a brilliant student, suddenly dropped out to get married. Two years into the marriage, her husband dropped a bombshell to use her of infidelity and shamed her. Elysia let out a sigh in the shadows, ¡°I don¡¯t me him for what happened.¡± Looking at it from Tarquin¡¯s perspective, she did cheat. ¡°You¡¯re still defending him? If it¡¯s not his fault, whose is it? He nearly killed you! If it weren¡¯t for your stubborn refusal to name him, Winona and I would¡¯ve stormed his ce and made him pay!¡± Even now, Blossom was fuming with indignation, ¡°If you really were that loose, fine, but even we wouldn¡¯t have the right to judge. But you were innocent back then! You were bullied at the airport while waiting for him, and you were the victim. He, as your husband, should¡¯ve cared, not sentenced you without a chance to exin. That¡¯s not what a real man does! Even if he felt you were tainted and wanted a divorce, he shouldn¡¯t have tarnished your reputation and gave you the stigma for all to mock. Just wait, someone like him will get what¡¯sing. After how he treated you, I don¡¯t believe for a second he¡¯s had a good life these past years!¡± Elysia fell silent. But he really hadn¡¯t had it good at all. Over the years, Tarquin had to y both father and mother, all while engaging in a constant battle of wits with the Bradford n. He was well aware of how lonely and cold life was. Meanwhile, the Bradford n was heading to the hospital in droves. Under the guise of visiting Elijah, they were looking for an opportunity to challenge Tarquin. They also wanted to gauge how serious Elijah¡¯s condition was and how long he might 20.07 have left. Gideon Bradford, Tarquin¡¯s grandfather, had four children. Three daughters and one son. The eldest was Allegra Bradford, then it was Verity followed by Saffron and the son, Killian. Killian was Tarquin¡¯s father, who, years ago, met his demise alongside his wife in a foreignnd, leaving Tarquin, then only a child. If not for the Bradford tradition of a single heir, Tarquin might have met an early end too. Just like his marriage, which was imed to bring him joy but in reality, they matched him. with a wife who would bring him bad luck ording to the fortune teller. Later, when the Bradford Group faced a crisis, Tarquin took the reins in a dire moment and yanked the company from the brink to the pinnacle of business circle. In just three short years, the Bradford Group¡¯s market value soared by more than a hundredfold. With industries across the globe, they had a finger in every pie. Thus, Tarquin secured the top seat at the Bradford Group. But that seat was coveted by many. The rest of the Bradford family, resenting that Tarquin was the sole survivor of his branch, wracked their brains to unseat him. Naturally, Tarquin wouldn¡¯t back down, and his rtionship with the Bradfords soured. Furthermore, the Bradfords had always opposed his parents¡® union, to the point where his mother was never formally recognized by the Bradfords. Not to mention that his mother endured much humiliation at their hands. ZEE < And there were also his parents¡® mysterious deaths¡­. All these factorsbined painted a clear picture of the animosity between Tarquin and the Bradford family. If it weren¡¯t for his dying father¡¯sst wish and unresolved issues within the Bradford family that he needed to investigate, Tarquin would have cut ties with them long ago. Chapter 53 Chapter 53 Tarquin heard the tter of voices approaching and nted himself firmly outside the hospital room, a living barrier to their advance. Not an inch closer to Elijah would they Allegra, Tarquin¡¯s aunt, was clearly displeased, ¡°Tarquin, the moment we heard Elijah was under the weather and admitted, we braved the snow to see him. A ¡®thank you¡® is the least we¡¯d expect. Now you are not thanking us but barring the door. What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± Tarquin didn¡¯t even grant her a nce, ¡°Elijah isn¡¯t pining for yourpany.¡± ¡°Nonsense! I¡¯m your father¡¯s sister and your aunt, and I¡¯m rted to him too! How dare you speak to me this way? Have you no regard for me or your own father?¡± Allegra scowled. Tarquin raised his head at the mention of his father, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for my dad, do you you¡¯d even be allowed to speak in my presence?¡± think ¡°You¡­ Listen to this, Dad. This is your darling grandson. Does he give a hoot about the Bradford family? He¡­¡± ¡°Enough! Zip it! This is a hospital, not some fish market. We¡¯re supposed to keep the peace here. As the madam of Bradfords, you are yelling all the time and stooping low instead of acting high and mighty. That¡¯s so inappropriate.¡± Gideon snapped back, silencing her. ¡°I¡­¡± Allegra was so taken aback by the retort that she started to cry. Verity quickly handed over a tissue to Allegra, ¡°Allegra, please, calm down. Tarquin¡¯s already on edge with Elijah being sick, and you¡¯re fanning the mes bringing up histe dad.¡± ¡°And what of it? My brother would never have dared to speak to me like that!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s just¡­ drop it, okay?¡± Verity attempted to soothe the tension before turning to Tarquin. ¡°Look, Tarquin, your aunt here is genuinely worried about Elijah.¡± Tarquin scoffed inwardly and lit a cigarette. Verity continued, ¡°Don¡¯t fret. Elijah¡¯s thest of the Bradfords. He¡¯s got his guardian angels and the old family luck. He¡¯ll pull through.¡± ¡°How¡¯s he doing, really?¡± Gideon inquired. Tarquin flicked ash from his cigarette, ¡°Same as always.¡± ¡°All these specialists and no improvement?¡± Annoyed, Tarquin didn¡¯t respond. Then Verity remarked, ¡°It¡¯s a mdy of the heart, and 20.07 that requires a therapy that regr doctors can¡¯t apply. If regr doctors can¡¯t do the job, then what about the extraordinary ones? We cant just let this drag on indefinitely. Allegra grumbled. ¡°We can¡¯t keep going like this. Elijah is the sole male heir of our generation. He¡¯s supposed to inherit the full weight of the Bradford legacy. But in this state, how can he take over the Bradford Group? Can we really hand over the reins to someone so frail? And besides, if he can¡¯t even¡­ She was cut off by a sharp look from Gideon. Allegra¡¯s lips moved, but no more words dared escape. Tarquin red at her and extinguished his cigarette with force. Tired of the theatrics, he decided to get straight to the point, ¡°What do you all want? Spit it out. Don¡¯t waste my time or yours. He knew they weren¡¯t here out of concern for Elijah. After a brief silence, Gideon said, ¡°We¡¯ve heard there¡¯s been a few business deals snatched right from under the Bradford name, which cost us a fortune. What¡¯s the deal?¡± ¡°Cuts and thrusts of business,¡± Tarquin replied coolly. Gideon narrowed his eyes, ¡°You¡¯ve been on top of the game for years. How did someone manage to outy you all of a sudden?¡± ¡°I¡¯m human, not infallible. Losses are part of the game.¡± ¡°Who¡¯s behind it? Someone from Jindale City?¡± Gideon was suspicious. Tarquin saw through his scheme, so he met his gaze with an inscrutable look, ¡°Granddad, you are getting on in years. You needn¡¯t worry about business affairs. I¡¯ve got it under control.¡± Gideon¡¯s brow furrowed in concern, while Allegra¡¯s temper red anew. Chapter 54 Chapter 54 arquin, you may run Bradford Group now, but don¡¯t you forget that it was your andfather who built thispany from the ground up. He has every right to meddle in the business affairs! Allegra snapped. Seems like you¡¯ve forgotten that Bradford Group was practically a goner before I stepped In and brought it back to life.¡± Tarquin bit back. ¡°Well¡­ no matter what you say, your grandfather is the founder of Bradford Group.¡± ¡°And what¡¯s your point?¡± ¡°My point? The founder always has more say, naturally. If your grandfather were no longer with us, sure, you¡¯d inherit the reins of Bradford Group. But he¡¯s still here, so¡­¡± ¡°So you want me to step down? Hand over Bradford Group on a silver tter? Kick me out and carve up thepany among yourselves?¡± Allegra choked on her words. Tarquin furrowed his brow, his face a mask of cold fury, ¡°You¡¯re getting ahead of yourself.¡± ¡°¡­ I¡­¡± Allegra tried to retort, but meeting his icy gaze, she shrank back in silence. Ferociousness passed through Gideon¡¯s eyes before he spoke in a softened tone, ¡°Don¡¯t mind your aunt¡¯s bbering. I¡¯m indeed getting on in years; I can¡¯t be bothered with the stress and I don¡¯t want to. You¡¯re the sole grandson of the Bradford family, it¡¯s only right that you manage thepany. But with thepany suddenly losing so much money, you owe us all an exnation. The exnation is not just for the Bradford family, but also for our shareholders. You need to make it clear.¡± Tarquin replied indifferently, ¡°I¡¯ve already exined.¡± ¡°And what was your exnation?¡± ¡°Businesspetition.¡± He added. Everyone fell silent. After leaving the hospital, Allegra started toin, ¡°Dad, I told you not to hand over Bradford Group to him, but you wouldn¡¯t listen. Look at the state of things now. He¡¯s treating Bradford Group like his personal piggy bank, keeping us out of it entirely, even disregarding you!¡± Yet Verity countered, ¡°Allegra, don¡¯t speak ill of dad. There was a reason why he gave Bradford Group to Tarquin and you know it. If it weren¡¯t for him, we¡¯d have handed it to the other family sure.¡± ¡°What difference does it make? It¡¯s practically the same as if we had handed it out already! 20 07 The biggest mistake was bringing him back from abroad! His mother was no good and her son was the same. He might be the only male descendant of the Bradford family, but my son Lionel is our family member too. Lionel has Bradford blood in him just the samel He has a right to inherit!¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Gideon roared, silencing the room. Allegra shuddered and fell silent while Verity quickly interjected, ¡°Dad, please, calm down. Allegra didn¡¯t mean it. We know how much you value the family lineage. Our kids and our brother¡¯s kid are not the same.¡± Allegra couldn¡¯t help but murmur again, ¡°If we¡¯re talking lineage, Elijah is the only heir in his generation. But with the way he is, can he really take over Bradford Group? Is he even going to live to eighteen if the worst thing happens? If he passes away, what then? The Bradford family has always had a single heir in each generation. Tarquin is unlikely to have any more sons. If you don¡¯t change your mindset, Dad, the Bradford legacy will be ruined! Lineage is important, but we must also consider the reality¡­¡± Gideon cut her off with a dark look, ¡°Instead of whining here, why don¡¯t you figure out how to raise your own son properly!? He hasn¡¯t even graduated college and he¡¯s already knocked up some girl. Think about how to handle that!¡± ¡°But¡­ but that¡¯s not Lionel¡¯s fault. That temptress seduced him. She saw Lionel as a rich kid and wanted to climb the socialdder just like Tarquin¡¯s shameless mother!¡± ¡°She managed to trap Lionel, didn¡¯t she? If that¡¯s not stupidity, what is? And you have the nerve to speak up!¡± Gideon bit back. Allegra was rendered speechless by the rebuke. Gideon, fuming with anger, stormed off to his car and drove away. Chapter 55 Chapter 55 Verity consoled her eldest sister, ¡°Don¡¯t beat yourself up over this. I¡¯m on Lionel¡¯s side here. We know how girls gang up on him. Lionel¡¯s in the prime of his youth, and how could he resist temptation?¡± Allegra nodded, ¡°Exactly. But you heard how Dad made it sound like it was all Lionel¡¯s fault.¡± ¡°That¡¯s just dad blowing off steam. Don¡¯t take it to heart. Right now, we need to figure out how to deal with that gold digger.¡± ¡°Yeah. That gold digger thinks she can waltz into the Bradford family¡¯s grand estate? In her dreams! I¡¯ll make sure she regrets it.¡± Allegra stormed off, her indignation fueling her stride as she hopped into her car and drove away. Verity¡¯s eyes narrowed with calction as she watched her sister¡¯s departure. Once inside. her car, she asked her driver, ¡°Did you get the scoop?¡± The driver replied eagerly, ¡°All clear, ma¡¯am. Elijah¡¯s sickness is indeed serious; he almost jumped out of a window.¡± ¡°Jumped out of a window?¡± ¡°Yes, the doctors say that if you leave children with psychological issues untreated, they often end up taking their own lives.¡± A flicker of excitement passed through Verity¡¯s eyes. The driver continued, ¡°Ma¡¯am, it seems Elijah might not have many days left. And with the Bradford family¡¯s tradition of male heirs, even if Tarquin remarries, he may not have another son. Not to mention that he won¡¯t remarry. Once Elijah passes away, the Bradford Group¡¯s heir will have to be chosen from among the left ones. But Lionel, from Allegra¡¯s ce, is nothing but a smug yboy. Saffron¡¯s boy is under ten and has been living abroad. In that case, our little master bes the most promising candidate. Perhaps we should bring him back home?¡± Verity was cunning indeed and had been coveting the Bradford Group¡¯s first chair for a long time. On the surface, Verity appeared to be uninterested inpeting for power with just a daughter living with her, always pleasant to everyone. But in reality, she was the most crafty of all. She had been nurturing her son so carefully away from the public eye, unbeknownst to even Gideon and Tarquin, preparing for a surprise power grab. She had long coveted the CEO position at the Bradford Group, never once abandoning her ambition. ¡°Now is not yet the time,¡± Verity mused. ¡°We wait. We make our move when Elijah¡¯s condition is critical. Did they say how long he has?¡± ¡°It¡¯s uncertain. He¡¯s got psychological issues, so even the doctors can¡¯t say for sure. But 20.07 they believe it will only worsen. This suicide attempt is just the beginning: there could be more to come.¡± Verity eneered, ¡°I refuse to believe Tarquin can always swoop in to save him in time! Once he¡¯s gone, our chance wille!¡± ¡°Indeed, our time of fortune is near.¡± ¡°Keep an eye on my son and make sure he¡¯s hitting the books hard, especially in economics and management. He¡¯s destined for great things!¡± She added. ¡°Understood!¡± Meanwhile, Gideon wasn¡¯t just wandering around either. As soon as he got into his car, he ordered his confidant, ¡°Find the person who¡¯s stealing Tarquin¡¯s business. Anyone who can snatch billions from his grip and breach his security system is no ordinary foe. If we can get to him, we might just be able to tie Tarquin¡¯s hands!¡± Like a king of ancient times, Gideon wouldn¡¯t abdicate until his dying breath. Had the Bradford Group not been on the brink of bankruptcy, he would have never handed it over to Tarquin. His pursuit of power was nearly obsessive. But Tarquin had been too formidable and kept him undepressed for all these years. It was only upon hearing that someone had cracked Tarquin¡¯s security system and stolen billions that Gideon saw a glimmer of hope for aeback. Chapter 56 Chapter 56 He knew it deep down that this person was his salvation. He had to find this enigmatic savior and bring them on board to take down Tarquin. His confidant said, ¡°Our guys have been on it, but so far, nothing¡¯se up. It seems even Tarquin hasn¡¯t sniffed out any leads. Whoever it is, they¡¯re a pro.¡± Gideon¡¯s face was a mask of frustration as he exhaled sharply, ¡°Of course they¡¯re a pro. You think someone would dare to square off with Tarquin if they weren¡¯t?¡± Gideon narrowed his eyes in thought. ¡°Get on the dark web and reach out to ¡®Baby ET¡¯S Support One¡°. Whatever price they name, we meet it¨Cas long as they can dig up who this person is. His confidant looked worried, ¡°But ¡®Baby ET¡¯s Support One¡® isn¡¯t easy to pin down. He¡¯s not always online and is so elusive. Plus, he doesn¡¯t take jobs based on money¨Che goes by what tickles his fancy.¡± ¡°Baby ET¡¯s Support One¡® was the current superstar of the hacking world. Two years ago, he burst onto the scene, breaching a foreign military¡¯s secure database in under a minute and made a name overnight. Back then, a horde of hackers tried to uncover his identity, but not a single clue surfaced. Instead, they ended up having their own secrets exposed by the very person they were after. Since then, no one has dared to challenge ¡®Baby ET¡¯s Support One¡®, and he has been sitting pretty at the top of the hacker hierarchy. The very definition of an instant legend. Many have tried to enlist his services, but with his clusive nature and fickle job selection, striking a deal with him meant you had hit the jackpot. Gideon continued, ¡°His user name is called ¡®Baby ET¡¯s Support One¡®, which means he cares about ¡®Baby ET. Maybe we could use this ¡®Baby ET¡® to get to this man?¡± The confidant replied, ¡°The problem is, we also don¡¯t have a clue who this ¡®Baby ET¡® is either. The whole hackermunity is buzzing with theories. Some say ¡®Baby ET¡® is his girlfriend, but there¡¯s no proof,¡± Gideon furrowed his brow, ¡°There¡¯s got to be a time when hees out for a job. If he is willing to take our offer, let him set the terms! If he gets involved, he¡¯ll definitely be able to unearth the identity we need. So, think of something, and think fast!¡± ¡°Understood! And, we¡¯vee across a woman named Elysia who¡¯s been mingling with the young master quite a bit. She¡¯s also sort of a child psychologist. The young master might consider having her treat Elijah since she managed to stabilize the condition of the Denton family¡¯s little boy.¡± 20.07 At the mention of Elysia, Gideon¡¯s gaze sharpened, ¡°Did you dig up her details? We did. Here they are. She¡¯s quite an ordinary woman. A mother of three boys, widowed. She¡¯s been raising her sons by herself in a small mountain town and only recently arrived In Jindale City.¡± Gideon scanned the information briefly, ¡°Set up a meeting with her.¡± Will do. Meanwhile, in the hospital, Lowell spoke to Tarquin, ¡°Gideon and the rest have left. They¡¯ve been quietly busy searching for the person who cracked our security system. Looks like they¡¯re looking for a partner.¡± Tarquin scoffed, his eyes brimming with disdain. He had the blood of the Bradford family coursing through his veins, but he and the Bradfords shared a deep¨Cseated enmity. If not for a few things yet to be resolved, he would havepletely turned his back on the Bradfords long ago! ¡°Tarquin.¡± Benjamin Lawson approached with a man envelope in hand. One nce and Tarquin knew what it was, ¡°The results are in?¡± Yeah.¡± ¡°And? How¡¯d it turn out?¡± ¡°See for yourself.¡± Benjamin handed over the envelope, letting Tarquin discover the contents. With the envelope in hand, Tarquin¡¯s expression was tinged with gravity. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he opened it and pulled out the DNA test results¡­ 56 Chapter 57 Chapter 57 There was no blood rtion shown in this report. Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed as he examined the DNA test results. He felt an odd mix of emotions though he had somewhat anticipated this oue. If Elysia were truly Elijah¡¯s biological mother, there was no reason for her to hide the truth. After all, acknowledging their rtionship would be in her best financial interest, no matter how one looked at it. Still, Tarquin asked further, ¡°Did you do this yourself?¡± ¡°Yeah, I didn¡¯t even let my assistant touch it.¡± Tarquin¡¯s frown deepened but he said nothing more. He stuffed the report into a envelope, handed it to Lowell, and turned to head back to Elijah¡¯s hospital room. Benjamin was a tad confused, ¡°Whose DNA results are those?¡± Lowell replied, ¡°I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s between Ms. Thorne and Elijah.¡± Benjamin¡¯s eyes widened in shock, ¡°Tarquin suspects Ms. Thorne is Elijah¡¯s mom? Why on earth would he think that? Elijah doesn¡¯t even resemble her.¡± ¡°It might be because of that night at the bar when Ms. Thorne kissed him. It probably triggered some memories.¡± Benjamin was even more stunned, ¡°Ms. Thorne kissed him?!¡± Lowell nodded significantly, ¡°And he didn¡¯t push her away.¡± ¡°Holy smokes! Is Tarquin gonna leave his life as a bachelor?¡± ¡°Hmm, I¡¯d say there¡¯s a chance. Better start treating Ms. Thorne nicely; she might just be the one to save Tarquin and be thedy of the house.¡± Lowell answered. As soon as Lowell finished speaking, his phone rang. It was a call from one of the bodyguards, ¡°Boss, we¡¯ve spotted Ms. Thorne. She¡¯s with Gideon.¡± Lowell was taken aback, ¡°With who?¡± ¡°Gideon.¡± Lowell was helpless. He had just finished suggesting that she could be part of the family, and now she was spotted cozying up with their enemy. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s her? No mistake?¡± he asked. ¡°Positive. Sent you the photos. Check them out.¡± After hanging up, Lowell hurriedly opened the photos. Sure enough, it was Elysia with Gideon. It looked like they were deep in conversation over coffee. 20.08 Benjamin was astonished, ¡°Ms. Thome knows Gideon?¡± Lowell frowned, ¡°I need to talk to Tarquin about this.¡± He took his phone to the hospital room where Elijah was still resting. Lowell handed the phone to Tarquin and whispered, ¡°Ms. Thorne is having coffee with Gideon.¡± Tarquin¡¯s gaze darkened as he looked at the photo, a menacing aura emanating from him. Meanwhile, Elysia was blissfully unaware that she had been caught in a misunderstanding and was currently the subject of Tarquin¡¯s suspicion. She was looking at the silver¨Chaired man before her, utterly baffled. She had been chatting with Blossom when an unexpected call came through, iming there was important business to discuss with her. Upon arriving, she was greeted by Gideon. But she didn¡¯t recognize him, ¡°May I ask who you are?¡± Gideon surveyed her and countered, ¡°Are you a child psychologist?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯ve read some books on the subject, but I¡¯m not certified. I¡¯m not a professional.¡± ¡°Tarquin wants you to treat Elijah?¡± The sudden mention of Elijah brought a certain someone to Elysia¡¯s mind. She eyed Gideon with suspicion, ¡°No, today¡¯s hospital visit was just a coincidence. I wasn¡¯t much help, really.¡± ¡°Oh, so you¡¯ve already treated Elijah?¡± ¡°Not exactly. Who are you, and why are you looking for me?¡± Instead of answering, Gideon maintained a calm demeanor, ¡°I¡¯ve heard you¡¯re quite short on cash. I¡¯m willing to make a deal with you. Whatever Tarquin is paying you, I¡¯ll double it.¡± Elysia was lost, ¡°What kind of deal? What money? He hasn¡¯t paid me anything.¡± In fact, she was the one in debt to him¨Ca whopping fifty million! Chapter 58 Chapter 58 ¡°He¡¯s not giving you now but he¡¯ll give itter. And you will know the deals when he gets you to talk about the terms and let you see Elijah.¡± Gideon said. Elysia was left utterly baffled. And then her confusion only deepened. For Gideon had suddenly produced a wad of cash and ced it before her. ¡°Consider this a little token for our first meeting.¡± He said. Elysia gaped, ¡°What on earth are you getting at? I have no idea what you¡¯re up to.¡± Gideon continued as though he hadn¡¯t heard her, ¡°Let¡¯s keep our little encounter between us for now. I¡¯ll be in touch.¡± With that, he stood up and left. Elysia hurried after him, only to be stopped by his bodyguard. Frantic, she pleaded, ¡°I don¡¯t know him, and I don¡¯t understand anything he said. I can¡¯t take this money! Please, let me return it to him.¡± But the bodyguard remained unmoved, blocking the doorway. Only when Gideon¡¯s car had pulled away did the bodyguard step aside, then climbed into another car and followed suit. Elysia was flummoxed. For now, all she could do was return to the caf¨¦ to count the cash. A whole hundred grand! Her heart was about to thump out of her chest. This wasn¡¯t right; why was she given so much money for nothing? ¡°Elysia.¡± Blossom ram in. Concerned about the stranger who¡¯de to see Elysia, she¡¯d followed along and had been waiting outside. Upon seeing that the visitor had left, she came in. ¡°What did that old man want with you?¡± she asked. Elysia shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Huh? He didn¡¯t say anything?¡± Elysia pushed the money toward Blossom, ¡°Look, this is what he gave me.¡± Blossom¡¯s eyes widened in shock, ¡°All this cash¡­ Why did he give it to you? You¡¯re not some long¨Clost granddaughter of his, are you?¡± Everyone knew Elysia was a foster daughter in the Thorne family. Elysia immediately shook her head, ¡°I told you, since I¡¯ve been back, I met a man who 20.08 looks so much like Eliot and Ivan. For a moment, I thought he might be Eliot¡¯s real dad, but I wasn¡¯t sure. A lot has happened since. The old man today, he came because of him. Hom? Coult he be that guy¡¯s grandfather who was thinking you¡¯vee back to hold the man ountable and trying to pay you off?¡± Not really: he didn¡¯t reveal his identity. He said that guy would pay me, so he¡¯d give me double What does that mean?¡± ¡°I have no clue. He talked about a deal but didn¡¯t specify what kind. And think about it, Evan scratched that guy¡¯s car. I owe him fifty million. He¡¯s more likely to demand money from me, not give me any, right? Even if it¡¯s to treat his son, it would be deducted from my debt, not paid out, right?¡± Blossom was just as puzzled, ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s the deal?!¡± Looking at the hundred grand, Elysia spected, ¡°There must be some secret between these two men.¡± ¡°So what will you do now? What about the money?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t take ill¨Cgotten gains, so I surely can¡¯t keep it. I have to return it because I don¡¯t want to be backfiredter on. I get the feeling the whole family are all pretty crafty. If they all y their tricks in sleeves, they¡¯ve probably turned the whole ce upside¨Cdown. Best I stay well clear of them.¡± She never intended to get close to that man, worried he might be Elliot and Evan¡¯s real father and come to im his children. And with a family as cunning as that¡­ Elysia hasn¡¯t met all of them. And if she has, she¡¯d know that they¡¯d even turn the whole world upside¨C down. Chapter 59 Chapter 59 But he already left what now?¡± End that man, he¡¯s got to know the old man, Elysia said with determination. But how are you going to exin? That old man clearly meant that man knew nothing about his appointment with you today.¡± 1 can¡¯t just take this money without a good reason. Whatever is going on between them, they can sort it out. I don¡¯t want to be dragged into their mess.¡± Blossom nodded earnestly, ¡°Makes sense. Let¡¯s go, I¡¯lle with you.¡± ¡°No, you stay. I need to stop by the hospital to return the money, and then I have to hit the county clerk¡¯s office for a divorce. I¡¯ll catch up with you once I¡¯m done.¡± ¡°Alright, then. Just give me the kids address. I¡¯ll go check on the little rascals.¡± Mentioning the kids brought a smile to Elysia¡¯s face. She passed the address to Blossom. They left the coffee shop together, heading toward the hospital On the way, Blossom, bubbling with excitement, asked her, ¡°Quick, tell me what each of the little rascals likes. I¡¯ve got to make a killer first impression, so they¡¯ll be thrilled to have me as their godmother.¡± The children hadn¡¯t even spoken yet, and here she was, appointing herself godmother. Bysia chuckled and said, ¡°They all love a pretty face, you won¡¯t need to bring anything to win them over.¡± That won¡¯t do! Godmothering is a serious business. I¡¯ve got to show my sincerity, make a heartfelt gesture.¡± Elysiaughed and filled her in, Elliot¡¯s into books, Evan loves his toys, and Emmett likes all things trendy, like colognes or creative clothing.¡± Blossom was surprised. ¡®Emmett¡¯s into cologne already?¡± ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t underestimate Emmett. You¡¯re in for a surprise when you meet him.¡± Blossom¡¯s eyes twinkled with anticipation. They arrived at the hospital entrance, and Elysia got out of the car. ¡°If anythinges up, give me a ring. I¡¯m on call for you,¡± Blossom said. ¡°Got it. Now off you go, and drive safe.¡± ¡°Will do, bye!¡± 2008 1 ¡°But he already left; what now?¡± ¡°111 find that man; he¡¯s got to know the old man,¡± Elysia said with determination. ¡°But how are you going to exin? That old man clearly meant that man knew nothing about his appointment with you today.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t just take this money without a good reason. Whatever is going on between them, they can sort it out. I don¡¯t want to be dragged into their mess.¡± Blossom nodded earnestly, ¡°Makes sense. Let¡¯s go, I¡¯lle with you.¡± ¡°No, you stay. I need to stop by the hospital to return the money, and then I have to hit the county clerk¡¯s office for a divorce. I¡¯ll catch up with you once I¡¯m done.¡± ¡°Alright, then. Just give me the kids¡® address. I¡¯ll go check on the little rascals.¡± Mentioning the kids brought a smile to Elysia¡¯s face. She passed the address to Blossom. They left the coffee shop together, heading toward the hospital. On the way, Blossom, bubbling with excitement, asked her, ¡°Quick, tell me what each of the little rascals likes. I¡¯ve got to make a killer first impression, so they¡¯ll be thrilled to have me as their godmother.¡± The children hadn¡¯t even spoken yet, and here she was, appointing herself godmother. Elysia chuckled and said, ¡°They all love a pretty face; you won¡¯t need to bring anything to win them over.¡± ¡°That won¡¯t do! Godmothering is a serious business. I¡¯ve got to show my sincerity, make a heartfelt gesture.¡± Elysiaughed and filled her in, ¡°Elliot¡¯s into books, Evan loves his toys, and Emmett likes all things trendy, like colognes or creative clothing.¡± Blossom was surprised. ¡°Emmett¡¯s into cologne already?¡± ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t underestimate Emmett. You¡¯re in for a surprise when you meet him. Blossom¡¯s eyes twinkled with anticipation. They arrived at the hospital entrance, and Elysia got out of the car. ¡°If anythinges up, give me a ring. I¡¯m on call for you,¡± Blossom said. ¡°Got it. Now off you go, and drive safe.¡± ¡°Will do, bye!¡± 20.08 Watching Blossom drive away, Elysia felt a warm glow inside, Even after all these years, their friendship hadn¡¯t changed a bit. Blossom was still the same lovable goofball, both endearing and heartwarming. Having someone to share your troubles with is so important. For years, Elysia had kept things bottled up inside. After all, the kids were too young to be burdened with her worries, and she didn¡¯t want to share her unhappiness with them. Her heart¨Cto¨Cheart with Blossom had left her feeling utterly rxed as if she had shaken off all the weight from her shoulders. The only regret was that her marriage to Tarquin was a secret; Blossom didn¡¯t know her husband was Tarquin. Otherwise, she could have been even more open. Once Blossom¡¯s car was out of sight, Elysia, with her backpack slung over her shoulder, walked into the hospital. Elijah was still resting, and Tarquin gave her a cold nce. Elysia¡¯s heart skipped a beat; his look was colder than when they¡¯d first met. She was puzzled, wondering what she¡¯d done to upset him now. And why was he so fickle? At first, he disliked her, which she got ¨C Evan had wrecked his luxury car. Then, out of the blue, he turned all sweet on her yesterday. But after just one day of tenderness, he was back to being cold as ice, even more so than before. Why was that? Elysia was clueless about the paternity test and the drama between Tarquin and the Bradfords. She just thought this man was iprehensible, flipping moods faster than flipping pages in a book. Not dwelling on his erratic emotions, she cleared her throat to speak. Chapter 60 Chapter 60 Has Lijah not woken up yet?¡± Elysia asked, but Tarquin remained silent, hisck of response serving as affirmation. Ely pressed on, ¡°Did Dr. Benjamin examine him?¡± Tarquin, clearly irritated, snapped back, ¡°What the heck do you want?!¡± Elysin purned her lips and got atraight to the point, ¡°You got a grandpa? Or some old family member? Someone who doesn¡¯t quite look like you but has a resemnce around the eyes. A tall, lean guy, looks to be in histe seventies or eightles?¡± Tarquin knew she was talking about Gideon. His brow furrowed as he stared at her. Elysia continued, ¡°He came to see me today, but I didn¡¯t recognize him, so I thought I¡¯d ask you.¡± A flicker of something passed through Tarquin¡¯s eyes as he asked, ¡°Whye to me about it?¡± ¡°Because he mentioned you and Elijah, and you guys kind of look like you could be rted.¡± Tarquin didn¡¯t expect her to bring up her meeting with Gideon so directly. He gave her a long, meaningful look before asking, ¡°You don¡¯t know him?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never met the guy.¡± Tarquin just stared at her, clearly skeptical Elysia rolled her eyes. ¡°Look, if I knew him, why would I hide it from you?¡± ¡°He¡¯s my grandpa.¡± ¡°Oh? Got any proof?¡± Tarquin looked at her, puzzled. Elysia hurried to exin, ¡°He gave me some cash, and I¡¯d like you to return it to him on my behalf. So, I need some kind of proof that you¡¯re actually rted.¡± Gideon had given her money? Tarquin looked at Elysia for a few seconds, then averted his gaze. ¡°No proof.¡± ¡°Just show me a family photo of you two.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t have one.¡± ¡°What? No family photos? Not even one?¡± ¡°Nope.¡± 20.08 Terquin shot Elysis a cold re as if to say, take it or leave it Elysia pouted, dissatisfied. She was worried that if Gideon wasn¡¯t really his grandad Tarquin might take the money and never return it. But she couldn¡¯t keep the cash ether Just then, Benjamin walked in, and Elysia had an idea. ¡°Dr. Benjamin, perfect timing! Can you help me make a vides? She set up her phone and handed it to Benjamin to record. She pulled out the ten grand and handed it to Tarquin. This is whet your granddad gave me today. I¡¯m giving it back to you now, this video is my proof. I¡¯m not taking a dime from your family, so don¡¯te after me After stuffing the cash into Tarquini¡¯s hand, she ran to check the video, saved it securely and pocketed her phone. ¡°Dr. Benjamin, I know you¡¯re a good guy. Please be my witness that I¡¯ve returned this money.¡± Benjamin was still trying to wrap his head around Elysia¡¯s swift maneuver when Tarquin asked coldly, ¡°Why did he give you money?¡± Elysia couldn¡¯t quite exin. ¡°It was weird. He said something about making a deal, that whatever you pay me, he¡¯d double it¡­ I don¡¯t really get it. You should go ask him yourself. Then she nced at Elijah, lying on the hospital bed, and walked over. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing? Tarquin barked as he saw her reach out Elysia, startled by his fierce tone, stammered, ¡®I¡­ I was just going to check his pulse.¡± Tarquin glowered at her, his face twisted with suspicion. Elysia cursed under her breath, Why so hostile? If I didn¡¯t care about the kid, I wouldn¡¯t bother trying to help!¡± Thinking to herself, ¡®No good deed goes unpunished, she still went ahead and carefully took Elijah¡¯s pulse. Tarquin shot Elysia a cold re as if to say, take it or leave It! Elysia pouted, dissatisfied. She was worried that if Gideon wasn¡¯t really his granddad, Tarquin might take the money and never return it. But she couldn¡¯t keep the cash either¡­. Just then, Benjamin walked in, and Elysia had an idea. ¡°Dr. Benisinin, perfect timing! Can you help me make a video?¡± She set up her phone and handed it to Benjamin to record. She pulled out the ten grand and handed it to Tarquin. ¡°This is what your granddad gave me today. I¡¯m giving it back to you now; this video is my proof. I¡¯m not taking a dime from your family, so don¡¯te after me.¡± After stuffing the cash into Tarquin¡¯s hand, she ran to check the video, saved it securely, and pocketed her phone. ¡°Dr. Benjamin, I know you¡¯re a good guy. Please be my witness that I¡¯ve returned this money,¡± Benjamin was still trying to wrap his head around Elysia¡¯s swift maneuver when Tarquin asked coldly, ¡°Why did he give you money?¡± Elysia couldn¡¯t quite exin. ¡°It was weird. He said something about making a deal, that whatever you pay me, he¡¯d double it¡­ I don¡¯t really get it. You should go ask him yourself.¡± Then she nced at Elijah, lying on the hospital bed, and walked over. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Tarquin barked as he saw her reach out. Elysia, startled by his fierce tone, stammered, ¡°I¡­ I was just going to check his pulse.¡± Tarquin glowered at her, his face twisted with suspicion. Elysia cursed under her breath, ¡®Why so hostile? If I didn¡¯t care about the kid, I wouldn¡¯t bother trying to help!¡± Thinking to herself, ¡®No good deed goes unpunished, she still went ahead and carefully took Elijah¡¯s pulse. Chapter 61 Chapter 61 The pulse reading suggested no major issues. Things are looking up at the moment. Just make sure not to ruffle his feathers when he wakes, and from now on, he shouldn¡¯t be left alone. This suicide attempt is just the beginning; there will likely be more toe! Tarquin furrowed his brow, troubled. Something clicked for Elysia, and she dug into her bag, pulling out a small bottle of pills. ¡°If he has another episode and the sedatives don¡¯t do the trick, give him one of these. It should stabilize him temporarily,¡± Benjamin gratefully took the bottle, inspecting its contents¨Cpills concocted from traditional herbal medicine. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Elysia hesitated to admit she¡¯d made them herself, so she improvised an exnation. ¡°I got them from an old herbalist. They work wonders, I¡¯ve tried them myself. If you¡¯re skeptical, feel free to consult another herbalist.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Benjamin said quickly. ¡°No worries. I won¡¯t be changing my number after I leave. If the kid runs into trouble, give me a ring. I¡¯ll help if I can.¡± Elijah¡¯s eyes reminded her of Elliot¡¯s¨Cit was a connection she couldn¡¯t ignore. Plus, she owed them a debt of fifty million. She might not admit it with a happy heart, but a debt was a debt. She couldn¡¯t pay it back with money just yet, but helping their son would ease her conscience. Benjamin looked surprised. ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡± Tarquin¡¯s frown deepened, throwing her a nce. ¡°Yeah, I came to Jindale City on business. I should be done by this afternoon, and then I¡¯ll be off.¡± She was pretty sure she¡¯d be able to get that sham of a marriage annulled by then. ¡°Where will you go?¡± asked Benjamin. Elysia nced at Tarquin subconsciously, not wanting to disclose her location in front of him. ¡°I haven¡¯t decided yet. I¡¯ll take the kids for a bit of a road trip before settling down.¡± Benjamin pressed, ¡°You don¡¯t have a permanent ce to stay?¡± ¡°Nope, we¡¯ve been country living for a while, but I¡¯m nning on city schooling for the kids. Just haven¡¯t picked the right city yet¡­ Before Benjamin could respond, Tarquin suddenly cut in, ¡°You¡¯re really leaving?¡± Yeah, ¡°Huh.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that look for?¡± ¡°People should keep their word. If you say you¡¯re leaving, leave. Don¡¯t just pay lip service.¡± Elysia frowned. ¡°Who¡¯s just paying lip service? I¡¯m seriously out of here! What would I gain from lying to you? Why would I even want to lie to you?¡± ¡°Just don¡¯t make me lose respect for you. If I see you around here again, I¡¯llugh you out of town.¡± ¡°Are you nuts? Rest assured, if I ever show up again, I¡¯ll eat my hat!¡± ¡°Get lost.¡± ¡°You!¡± Benjamin quickly stepped in to defuse the situation. ¡°Ms. Thorne, don¡¯t mind him. He¡¯s just in a bad mood today.¡± ¡°So he gets to snap at people because he¡¯s in a foul mood? Who let him get away with that terrible attitude?¡± Tarquin shot her a chilling look, and Elysia mmed up. She turned to Benjamin. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, and I¡¯m on a tight schedule. I should ge F OF I Take care, Dr. Benjamin.¡± Huffing, Elysia stormed out of the hospital room. going. Yet, as she walked away, she couldn¡¯t resist onest nce at Elijah through the window. The thought of leaving stirred an unexpected ache inside her¨Cshe felt oddly reluctant to say goodbye to the boy. But, then Tarquin¡¯s voice cut through from the room, ¡°If you¡¯re going, then go. No one¡¯s stopping you.¡± Elysia thought, ¡°As if I care about your approval. I don¡¯t want you to stop me, you jerk! Let this be the last time we ever cross paths!¡± Benjamin stepped out but couldn¡¯t spot Elysia, so he returned to the hospital room. ¡°What¡¯s the deal, Tarquin? Don¡¯t you want her help with Elijah?¡± Tarquin remained silent, his face dark. ¡°She¡¯s leaving, and you don¡¯t even try to keep her around, just antagonize her. s! honestly think she¡¯s a good match for Elijah. It¡¯s going to be hard to find anotherdy with her qualities.¡± A master of psychology, kind, caring, patient, and even a bit of a healer with her herbal know¨Chow¡­ A rarebination, indeed. Chapter 62 Chapter 62 Tarquin¡¯s voice was ice as he said, ¡°She¡¯s not going anywhere.¡± He sounded so sure. ¡°Huh? Why not? She said she was leaving.¡± Tarquin¡¯s eyes were full of mockery. ¡°Leave without getting anything in return? That¡¯d be a bad deal for her.¡± Benjamin was puzzled. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°She wouldn¡¯t keeping after me for no reason. She¡¯s after something.¡± ¡°But I don¡¯t think Ms. Thorne is that kind of person.¡± ¡°Appearances can be deceiving, everyone¡¯s an actor.¡± Benjamin hesitated. ¡°Tarquin, why do I get the feeling you¡¯re particrly resentful towards Ms. Thorne today?¡± The results of the paternity test only deepened his dislike for Elysia. He thought back to that moment in the bar when she had kissed him and wished he could erase it from memory His prejudice took root from there. And her meeting with Gideon only added to his suspicions. If she couldn¡¯t be of use to Elijah, he would have already cut her out of the picture. Meanwhile, after leaving the hospital, Elysia immediately called the Royal Community to inquire about her divorce from Tarquin. They asked her to hold on for a moment while they tried to contact Tarquin. Elysia politely said, ¡°Thank you for your efforts,¡± and hung up. She hailed a cab and headed towards the town hall to get in line for the divorce process. On the way, she called her friend Blossom, who had just finished shopping and was buzzing with excitement. ¡°I¡¯m going to see the kids now. Oh, I can hardly wait!¡± Elysia chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ve told the kids, and they¡¯re looking forward to your visit too. They¡¯ll be waiting for you at home! ¡°I can¡¯t wait either. Have you sorted everything out? Returned the money?¡± ¡°Yeah, just left the hospital. I¡¯ve given that jerk the money.¡± 3000 ¡°What did he say?¡± ¡°He just said it was his grandfather¡¯s doing, then put on a cold face and was puffing with anger the whole time, never showing me a good side¡± ¡°That dog of a man. If I were you, I¡¯d find a way to confirm whether he¡¯s really that bastard or not. If he is, we should take him downl Your husband¡¯s no good, and neither is hel if you let him off the hook, you¡¯re letting him off too easy¡± In Blossom¡¯s eyes, Elliot and Evan¡¯s father was nothing but a criminal! Elysia felt a pang of reluctance; after all, he was partly responsible for her tragic life. If it hadn¡¯t been for him, maybe she and Tarquin would have had a happy life together, But she was scared. Scared that in trying to uncover the truth, she¡¯d expose herself and set off a custody battle that could end everything. He was thriving while she was barely scraping by. It was like a battle between themon folk and the one percent¨Chow could the underdog possibly win? Better to let it go. Rather than getting even, the real solution was to finalize the divorce with Tarquin and settle down with her little ones. The kids had toe first, she couldn¡¯t let them live a life of constant upheaval. ¡°Let¡¯s deal with himter. I¡¯m off to the town hall to get this divorce.¡± ¡°You¡¯re sure about this?¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sure. But I don¡¯t know how long it¡¯ll take. I¡¯m going to queue up now. You guys. wait for me at home, and I¡¯ll call you when I¡¯m done.¡± ¡°Okay, looking forward to your victorious return! Tonight, I¡¯m treating you and the little ones to a feast to celebrate inheriting three great boys and to wee you to the single life.¡± Elysia smiled. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll toast to that tonight.¡± ¡°To not stopping until we drop!¡± ¡°Deal!¡± With the divorce settled, she could get the kids registered and then move to a new ce, find a job, find schools¡­ Life would finally get on track. Elysia dreamed of a brighter future, a joy she couldn¡¯t hide lighting up her face. But reality, as cruel as it is, was ready with a harsh blow from Tarquin. Chapter 63 Chapter 63 She never would have guessed that a member of the prestigious Bradford family could be so utterly duplicitous. He had agreed on a divorce, and yet, here he was, not going through with it. After queuing for over two hours at the city hall, Elysia was fuming to learn that Tarquin had once again changed his mind about the divorce. She was so angry she could have strangled him right then and there! To back out, to break one¡¯s word, he was worse than an animal¡­ Despite everything, Elysia had held a certain respect for Tarquin, but today, she couldn¡¯t help but curse him up and down in her mind. It took ages for her to calm down, her breaths heavy with rage as she stormed out of the city hall. If it weren¡¯t for Blossom and the triplets waiting for her at home, she would have marched straight to the Bradford Group¡¯s headquarters or the Bradford family estate to confront them! What kind of game was this, agreeing to a divorce and then refusing to follow through? It was outright bullying! Taking a cab back home, Elysia felt another pang of distress when paying the fare. Thesest few days, she¡¯d spent over a hundred just on taxi rides, and all for nothing¨Cthe divorce was still up in the air. However, her sorrowful mood was quickly dispelled by theughter echoing from inside her house. Blossom was ying with the kids, ¡°Now tell me, isn¡¯t your godmother just gorgeous?¡± The triplets chimed in unison, ¡°Gorgeous!¡± ¡°And am I not the cutest thing you¡¯ve ever seen?¡± ¡°Super cute!¡± ¡°Do I not remind you of a fairy?¡± ¡°You¡¯re a fairy!¡± The peals of Blossom¡¯sughter threatened to lift the roof off the house. Even Elysia couldn¡¯t help but crack a smile, pushing the door open to join them. The triplets spotted her and scrambled up from the floor, charging at her like little tiger cubs, shouting in chorus. 20.09 ¡°Mommyl ¡°Mommyl ¡°Mommyl Elysia echoed their calls, doling out kisses, one for each, perfectly fair and loving. Blossom was beside herself with excitement, ¡°The triplets are just too adorable and so handsome, too¨C I can¡¯t get enough!¡± Elysia chuckled, ¡°Well, why don¡¯t you have a few of your own?¡± ¡°No way, childbirth is painful and scary, plus I¡¯m all about good looks. What if they don¡¯t turn out as cute? It¡¯s not like I can just put them back!¡± Elysia teased her, ¡°Your folks have only you for a daughter, and they¡¯re eager for grandkids. You¡¯ll have to have a baby sooner orter.¡± ¡°Not happening. No matter what you say, I¡¯m their godmother now. When my parents get back, I¡¯m taking the triplets to meet them and telling them, ¡®Look at my three handsome sons!¡± Elysia smiled helplessly and asked, ¡°What¡¯s for dinner?¡± ¡°It¡¯s all set¨CJinpeach Restaurant, my treat.¡± ¡°That ce? Isn¡¯t it expensive?¡± ¡°A ce any less wouldn¡¯t do justice to my precious boys¡® good looks. I¡¯ve already reserved a private room, so no dilly¨Cdallying. Get ready to go.¡± Though Elysia was concerned about the cost, she didn¡¯t want to dampen everyone¡¯s spirits. She capitted and told the triplets, ¡°Go get changed; we¡¯re going out for a feast with your godmother.¡± ¡°Yay, feast time!¡± The triplets were ecstatic. Once the kids were out of earshot, Blossom leaned in, ¡°Congrats on ditching the deadbeat. Show me the divorce papers!¡± Elysia¡¯s face fell, ¡°Didn¡¯t go through.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Shh, the kids don¡¯t know about the divorce.¡± Anxious, Blossom lowered her voice, ¡°What happened? I thought you were finalizing it this afternoon. Why didn¡¯t it go through?¡± ¡°He stood me up.¡± Blossom anorted. ¡°What¡¯s his deal, anyway? He clearly doesn¡¯t like you, yet he won¡¯t let 1. go. Don¡¯t tell me he¡¯s doing this to get back at you? If that¡¯s the case, it¡¯s downright twisted.¡± Elysia was just as baffied as to why Tarquin refused to grant her a divorce. Chapter 64 Chapter 64 Tarquin seemed to have a distaste for her that ran deeper than the Mariana Trench. One would think he¡¯d want to steer clear of her entirely, to draw a thick line in the sand between them. Yet, against all odds, he was sticking around like a burr on wool. It was as baffling as a snowstorm in July. ¡°You know what, he¡¯s just bullying you. Spill the beans. Who is he, exactly? My folks will have a word or two on your behalf.¡± Blossom¡¯s parents were university professors, mentors to a legion of sessful students spread across various industries, boasting an extensivework of connections. Thought them Blythe family wasn¡¯t considered Jindale City¡¯s cream of the crop, their reputation soared high in all circles. Had they not been the embodiment of humility, they¡¯d be a household name in Jindale City. Elysia, however, shook her head. She knew better than to drag the Blythe family into a mess with the Bradfords, a family whose reputation in Jindale City was as murky as a stormy sea. Rumors swirled that the Bradfords had more skeletons in their closet than a cemetery. Climbing to the top of the wealthdder in this city was no cakewalk; they had their fingers in political andmercial pies alike, their reach extending into both thewful and the underbelly of society. And there was still the matter of a nondisclosure agreement in ce; her lips were sealed. ¡°I¡¯ll handle the divorce on my own. If things truly hit rock bottom, then I¡¯ll seek help from your folks.¡± Blossom heaved a sigh. ¡°Alright, but you better promise to tell me if you¡¯re in a bind. I might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but my parents sure are.¡± Elysia appreciated the hands¨Coff approach; it made their friendshipfortable, never too clingy nor too distant. The silent promise stood ¨C whenever help was needed, it was just a call away. Gratefully, Elysia nodded. Blossom then changed the subject, ¡°I¡¯ve gotta be honest, those three tykes don¡¯t take after you much. They¡¯re the spitting image of their deadbeat dad. s, if only he were a stand¨Cup guy, you two might have had a shot¡­¡± Elysia cut her off swiftly, ¡°Don¡¯t even go there. I won¡¯t be ying house with him, ever.¡± 20:10 She couldn¡¯t forget how he¡¯d coerced her, shattering her life to pieces. Not to mention his Icy demeanor ¨C no matter how handsome, it was as inviting as a mausoleum. Sharing a roof with him would be akin to dining with the Grim Reaper- no, thank you! Besides, the disdain was mutual. Blossom let out another sigh, her eyes swimming with concern, ¡°Do you think you might¡¯ve blown up Cupid¡¯s temple in a past life or something? Is that why your love life¡¯s a carousel of jerks? That ex¨C husband of yours, and then the kids¡® father¡­ sheesh.¡± Elysia, though, managed a light¨Chearted response, ¡°Not at all. My three little gems are the best boys anyone could ask for.¡± Blossom brightened at the mention of the children. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit! Our boys are golden- a sensation. You smart and handsome. Mark my words; if they went public, they¡¯d be should try posting a video of them online, just to see.¡± Again, Elysia shook her head. ¡°No way.¡± First off, she didn¡¯t want her sons to worry about making money at such a young age. Second, what if their estranged father caught a glimpse of them if they went viral? Their conversation continued when the ¡®three musketeers¡® emerged from the house. Elliot was the picture of a miniature executive in his tailored suit, shiny shoes, and a bow tie at his neck. Evan sported a cool, athletic look with ck joggers, a ck hoodie emzoned with a fierce dragon, and a matching cap- the epitome of a street¨Cstyle prince. And Emmett, he¡¯d gone for the trending look with a stylish kilt, paired with a white, vintage¨Cinspired shirt and a bow tie, looking every inch the dashing young noble. They were the very image of grace and youthful charm. Chapter 65 Chapter 65 Blossom was practically drooling, her eyes wide as saucers. ¡°Lord have mercy, I think I¡¯m gonna cry.¡± Elysia chuckled, nudging her. ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you?!¡± Blossom put on a choked voice, ¡°I just never thought¡­ that these little rascals could scrub up so well. Sniff, sniff. No, no, this won¡¯t do. I need a selfie, I need to blow up Twitter, I¡¯m gonna be the brightest star of the night!¡± Saying so, she cozied up to the three little tykes and went snap¨Chappy, taking dozens of photos in rapid session. She posted four updates back to back, eachid out in a perfect grid. The first was a about Elliot, with the caption, [My eldest.] The second was all about Evan, [My middle child.] The third was all about Emmett, [My youngest.] The fourth was a family shot of all five of them, [Family of five.] Considering the risk of the kids¡® dad finding out, Blossom carefully pixted the faces of the three little ones and Elysia. All you could make out were their vague outlines. Out of the dozens of photos, only in the group shot did she leave the eyes untouched. Blossom just couldn¡¯t bring herself to hide them. Their eyes were like deep oceans sprinkled with stardust ¨C too beautiful to conceal. Soon enough, Blossom¡¯s Twitter was on fire. As expected, she became the night¡¯s sensation. When inquiring DMs flooded in, Blossom replied with swagger: [They¡¯re all my boys!] When asked where she got them, she cheekily answered: [Found ¡®em.] [And where did you find them?j [Not telling.] [At least give me one.] [No way!] [Then I might just have to kidnap one. Quick, tell me, what color sack do they like?] Blossom couldn¡¯t stopughing. Elysia worried she might actually pass out from it. As for her boastful disy, Elysia was torn between exasperation and amusement. At seven sharp, they arrived at Jinpeach Restaurant. It was the oldest, most characteristic, and priciest eatery in Jindale City. Many celebrities. and foreign dignitaries would dine there during their visits. Blossom showed their reservation and followed the hostess to the front desk to check in: then, they were led to their private dining room. From the moment they appeared, all eyes were on them. Even behind masks, their allure was undeniable. Blossom had an air of erudition about her, a product of her upbringing in the Blythe family, and her cherubic figure added aforting charm. Elysia was naturally radiant, and years of living in the wild had left her skin fair and glowing; her entire being seemed to emanate a spiritual energy. It¡¯s said that thend nurtures its people, and a girl raised by mountains and springs had a purity and freshness about her as a nymph descended to earth. The word ¡®beautiful¡® was an understatement. The three little ones were outright irresistible, the kind you¡¯d want to whisk away at first nce. The young, attractive server couldn¡¯t help but gush, ¡°The three little angels are so adorable; they look just like child stars.¡± Blossom smiled, ¡°We¡¯re not child stars, but we¡¯re still the most dazzling kids you¡¯ll meet.¡± The server nodded with a smile, ¡°Indeed, you¡¯ve stolen the spotlight the moment you arrived.¡± After escorting them to the elevator and up to the top floor, a concierge led them to their private room. Once the door closed, the little ones finally took off their masks. Elysia had always told them to keep their masks on outside, citing the northern winter smog and poor air quality. But truthfully, she just didn¡¯t want their father to spot them. Despite all precautions, it had never crossed their minds that the server might know. Tarquin. So when the server saw the kids¡® faces, her smile froze instantly. ¡°They¡­ they¡­¡± ¡°Yes? What is it?¡± Elysia inquired curiously. The server, in shock, swallowed hard, at a loss for words. 50-10 The enrver couldn¡¯t muster a word. Chapter 66 Chapter 66 The three little ones were a sight to behold¨Ctwo of them were spitting images of her boss, Tarquin, as if he¡¯d been shrunk down to pint¨Csize proportions! But Tarquin was right next door, tucking into his meal. If these were his sons, why weren¡¯t they dining with him? And the word on the street was that Mr. Bradford had only one son. Could it be that these two were Tarquin¡¯s secret love children? The thought made the server¡¯s expression all the more animated, though she dared not pry into Tarquin¡¯s private affairs. To work at the Jindale Grand Hotel meant you knew when to keep your eyes open and your mouth shut. Noticing Blossom and Elysia¡¯s gaze, she snapped back to reality and stammered an apology, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, darlings. Your little ones are just so darn cute; I got a bit carried away there. My apologies.¡± Her exnation seemed to ease Blossom and Elysia¡¯s concerns. It was amon reaction from those laying eyes on the three munchkins for the first time. ¡°Can I interest you in our menu?¡± the server offered. ¡°We¡¯ll have a look ourselves first.¡± ¡°Sure thing. There¡¯s a detailed description behind each dish, and there¡¯s a button right here that connects you to our service team. Just press it and let us know what you need, and we¡¯ll take care of it,¡± she said with a smile before gracefully exiting the room. Elysia Immediately quipped, ¡°We¡¯re already splurging by eating here, and you had to go for the room with a view?¡± Blossom, ever the big spender, retorted, ¡°First time treating my boys to dinner, of course, I¡¯m going all out. If those two most expensive private rooms hadn¡¯t been booked already, I would have snagged them.¡± A ¡°You and your extravagances,¡± Elysia yfully chided. ¡°It pains my wallet just to think about it.¡± ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯m flush with cash; this won¡¯t break the bank. Look out there. Hasn¡¯t Jindale City changed so much?¡± Ely couldn¡¯t resist rising to her feet and gazing out the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window at the sprawling Jindale City below. The city¡¯s nightscape was a dazzling array of lights, towering buildings, and bustling traffic¨Ca testament to its prosperity. 2011 Once, she¡¯d felt an integral part of this city. Now, she still loved it, but it was no longer her world. Isn¡¯t that building new? I don¡¯t remember it from before.¡± ¡°Which one?¡± That tallest one, with the sphere on top. Looks like a pearl shining in the night.¡± ¡°Oh, that? That¡¯s the Bradford Group¡¯s new headquarters. Just finishedst year, I heard it cost a fortune, supposedly the most luxurious office building in all of the continent.¡± Elysia was taken aback, ¡°The Bradford family¡¯s?¡± ¡°Yeah. The year you had your¡­ incident, the Bradfords had their share of troubles, too. The Bradford Group was on the brink of disaster, nearly bankrupt. Then, Gideon stepped down, and the grandson, Tarquin, was called to take over the reins. He became the CEO.¡± Elysia¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, ¡°Tarquin¡­ he¡¯s the current CEO of the Bradford Group?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, everyone knows it. Didn¡¯t you?¡± Elysia hadn¡¯t known; cut off from the world in the mountains, she had paid no attention to her nominal husband. ¡°Wasn¡¯t he the least favored? And¡­ he¡¯s disabled.¡± ¡°Word was he wasn¡¯t the golden boy, and yes, he¡¯s disabled. But what does favoritism count for when you¡¯re the only grandson in the Bradford lineage? Gideon¡¯s grandsons from his daughters might bear the Bradford name, but they aren¡¯t of the direct line. The aristocracy cares about that sort of thing, bloodline and legacy. Besides, Tarquin¡¯s remarkable. The man¡¯s the epitome of determination despite adversity! They say God took away his ability to walk but blessed him with a brilliant mind. When he took over the company in crisis, he turned the Bradford Group from a sinking ship into a business titan, multiplying its market value over a hundred times. He¡¯s a legend in the business world! Tarquin quickly became one of the wealthiest men on the, topping the rich lists year. after year.¡± Chapter 67 Chapter 67 Elysia¡¯s heart sank like a stone dropped into the depths of the ocean. One moment, she was a nobody, and the next, she had somehow transformed into the wife of a billionaire. If it were anyone else, they¡¯d probably be over the moon, right? But her? She just wanted to cry. The higher Tarquin¡¯s pedestal, the more power he wielded, the less she felt capable of standing up to him. To everyone else, he was a titan, and if he refused to divorce, what could she possibly do against him? Oh heavens, she thought, why not just take her out of her misery? Elysia¡¯s sudden transformation into a picture of gloom didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Blossom, who mistook her friend¡¯s expression for shock at the bombshell news about Tarquin. ¡°You know, even though Tarquin¡¯s as handicapped as your hubby, stories about him could fill books,¡± Blossom said, not realizing the irony of her words. ¡°He¡¯s never shown his face around town¨Cno one knows what he looks like¨Cbut legends of him are everywhere. But, my dear, he¡¯s like a prince from a fairy tale, and we¡¯re just average Janes. There¡¯s no need to be scared at the mention of his name. We don¡¯t cross paths with his kind, and he doesn¡¯t know us from Adam, so no worries!¡± Elysia felt the urge to cry even more. How could she not know him? She was his wife! And not just any wife, but one used of infidelity, who had so angered him that he demanded she leave with nothing but the clothes on her back! Now, he was refusing to divorce her, clearly as a form of revenge. What was she to do? In a desperate attempt to keep herposure and not ruin the mood for Blossom and the kids, Elysia quickly made an excuse to leave. ¡°I need to use the restroom. You guys go ahead and order; I¡¯ll be right back.¡± ¡°You need the restroom?¡± Blossom pointed to a hidden door in the private dining room. ¡°It¡¯s right there.¡± ¡°I¡¯d rather use the one outside. Is there one?¡± ¡°Yeah, sure.¡± ¡°Great, you guys order. I¡¯m not picky; I¡¯ll eat anything.¡± 20:12 With that, Elysia hurried out of the room. In the restroom, she stared at her reflection, on the brink of tears. She had been nning on cornering Tarquin at his office to force a divorce, but now it seemed a distant dream. He was perched at the peak of the pyramid while she was stuck in the mud. It was like heaven and earth¨Chow could she possibly fight back? Elysia figured Blossom was right¨Cshe must have vandalized Cupid¡¯s temple in a past life, and now her love life was an obstacle course. She didn¡¯t want to get married, yet she was forced into it. Now she wanted out, and he refused to let her go! She felt like she was cursed, a regr jinx ma. ¡°Cash Thorne?¡± A familiar male voice suddenly echoed from behind her. Elysia snapped out of her thoughts and turned around. And there was Gage ter. Her heart skipped a beat. Gage¡¯s eyes widened the moment he saw her. ¡°Well, well, well, if it isn¡¯t you! Fate does love to y its games, huh?¡± His gaze was far from friendly, and Elysia instinctively tried to step away, but Gage. snatched her arm with a sleazy grin. ¡°Running away? Scared I¡¯ll bite? Please, everyone knows I¡¯m Gage, the gentleman. Especially with a pretty little thing like you, heh.¡± The stench of alcohol hit her, making Elysia¡¯s stomach turn. She wanted to grab the hand soap and hurl it at his head but worried about the cost of such an impulsive act. Instead, she wrenched her arm free and scolded, ¡°Mr. ter, I¡¯d advise you to keep your hands to yourself!¡± ¡°Keep my hands to myself? Pfft, you¡¯re a bartender, and you¡¯re lecturing me on propriety?¡± ¡°Serving drinks isn¡¯t the same as selling my soul. What¡¯s wrong with being a bartender?¡± ¡°In my eyes, it¡¯s all the same. You¡¯re all just waiting for someone to take you home. You got luckyst time, but your luck¡¯s run out today! Chapter 68 Chapter 68 Gage made a grab for Elysia with his greasy hands, intent on pulling her into a hug. Elysia quickly stepped back, her heart pounding. ¡°Touch me again, and I¡¯ll scream for help!¡± ¡°Scream? Go ahead,¡± Gage sneered, a leering grin spreading across his face. ¡°I¡¯d like to see who¡¯d dare stop me. Tonight, if I don¡¯t have my way with you, I¡¯ll eat my hat!¡± With those words, Gage lunged at Elysia like a predator. But as fate would have it, his foot slipped, and he met the floor with a less¨Cthan¨Cgraceful thud. ¡°Fuck!¡± Gage cursed, wincing in pain. Seizing the moment, Elysia dashed towards the bathroom door to escape. Gage scrambled to his feet and grabbed a bottle of hand soap, hurling it at the back of Elysia¡¯s head. The soap was in a fancy white porcin bottle, and had Elysia not dodged in time, it would have surely cracked her skull open. Elysia stood frozen, staring at the shattered white porcin on the floor, gasping for breath as she faced Gage. His lustful demeanor was bad enough, but his violent tendencies were even worse. ¡°If you try running again, I swear I¡¯ll finish you,¡± Gage threatened, his voiceced with fury. He had failed to bed Elysia multiple times, and it was driving him mad. The more unattainable she seemed, the more he wanted her. Fuming with rage, Gage approached Elysia, looking at her as if she were his prey, his to im. Elysia ran for her life. She had hoped to find help from the hotel staff, but the hallway was eerily deserted. She couldn¡¯t risk leading Gage back to her room, not wanting to endanger Blossom and the three little ones. Just then, a door to one of the private rooms swung open. Without a second thought, Elysia darted inside and mmed the door shut behind her. She braced herself against it, panting, ¡°Help! There¡¯s an attack!¡± The bustling room fell silent at her sudden appearance. The eyes that turned to her showed surprise, then shock, and a hint of something more profound. Elysia was undeniably beautiful, with an exceptional poise about her. Raised in the countryside, she had the pure and unblemished look of a pristine gemstone, untouched by society¡¯s harshness, invoking an almost instinctual desire to protect her. 2012 D Tarquin was sitting at the head of the table and puffing on a cigarette when Elysia burst in. He furrowed his brows. He hade for a meal, and here she was again, after swearing she¡¯d leave that day. How ironic! Keaton was seated beside him, and the moment he saw Elysia, his eyes narrowed into slits. As a notorious yboy, he was immediately smitten with her. Without even a nce at Tarquin¡¯s expression, Keaton stood up and approached Elysia. What¡¯s wrong, miss? What happened?¡± Booker and Upton also stood up, but Keaton waved them off dismissively. ¡°Sit down, guys. With those faces, you¡¯ll only scare her more.¡± Booker and Upton exchanged a resigned look. It was clear Keaton was enchanted, and the others could only regretfully step back. Though they were all well¨Coff bachelors, none couldpete with Keaton when it came to wooing women. Keaton was the talk of Jindale City, with a love life more varied than a diner¡¯s daily specials. Not only was he wealthy, but he had the looks to match: a towering six¨Cfoot¨Cthree frame, broad shoulders, and legs for days. And despite his pretty¨Cboy face, he was far from effeminate. Like Tarquin, he was into fitness, lean but muscr. Any woman would struggle to resist such a man. Admitting defeat, the others let Keaton take the lead. However, just as Keaton reached Elysia¡¯s side, something stopped him dead in his tracks. Chapter 69 Chapter 69 He stared at Elysia for a few seconds, then twisted his head to look at Tarquin with an enigmatic expression. That unique scent, it was the same aroma that lingered on Tarquinst time. This woman¡­ she was the one tangled up with Tarquin. Interesting¡­ There¡¯s an unwritten rule about not coveting a buddy¡¯s girl, and even though Keaton was a notorious yboy, he had his principles. When he looked back at Elysia, his gaze immediately softened, bing much more serious. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Tarquin¡¯s right here. He¡¯ll definitely keep you safe.¡± With those words, Keaton returned to his seat, sidled up to Tarquin, and nudged him teasingly. ¡°Come on, your food¡¯s here.¡± Tarquin frowned and shot him a fierce re. Keaton leaned back in his chair with a sly smile, clearly enjoying themotion. The others had confused looks on their faces. It was only then that Elysia noticed Tarquin. Seeing him, she was surprised, too. She really hadn¡¯t expected Tarquin to be in this private dining room. This damned twist of fate was just too absurd. She had just told him that afternoon that if she ever showed up in front of him again, she¡¯d eat her hat, and yet here she was in the evening¡­. Talk about awkwardness. It was like trying to dance gracefully after stepping on a rake! Elysia¡¯s cheeks flushed a deep red. Her fairplexion, now tinged with pink, made her look as if blossoms were unfolding on her face. To the onlookers, she was a sight to behold. Keaton couldn¡¯t resist prodding Tarquin again, ¡°What¡¯s with you, man? Go on, pay her some attention. Look, she¡¯s blushing.¡± One said, ¡°Tarquin, aren¡¯t you going to introduce her?¡± Another added, ¡°She¡¯s gorgeous. Is she yourdy?¡± One even stood up to offer his seat beckoning Elysia, ¡°Come on, take a seat, ma¡¯am.¡± Esa et bon flustered and embarrassed, not knowing how to react. Herrge eyes Buttered, her breathing uneven, and she looked utterly dazed and adorable. Sweet and charming everyone was just about to envy Tarquin fornding such a beauty when he seny let out a coldugh, ¡°Not leaving, then?¡± Eysia wished the ground would swallow her up. Her face still red, she stammered, ¡°ns changed.¡± Eysia other ip in frustration. What was that heh for? She was telling the truth! If Tarquin didn¡¯t follow through with the divorce, how could she possibly leave? Annovec, she retorted, ¡°Jindale City isn¡¯t your property. I cane and go as I please; it¡¯s none of your business¡± Her expression, tone, and words. To the onlookers, it was like she was yfully pouting. She seemed to be the ssic case of spoiled and proud. The group erupted intoughter. ¡®Oh boy, Tarquin, can you handle it? Whipped much?¡± Keaton stirred the pot further. ¡°Why are you asking Tarquin? You should be asking the little leck here.¡± Bysia was twenty¨Csix but looked much younger, like an early¨Ctwenties college student, clearly younger than the rest One of them turned to Elysia and asked. ¡®Tell us the truth, how does our Tarquin measure up? Another interjected, ¡°Are you crazy? You actually asked her?¡± ¡°Look, you¡¯ve made her ufortable.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mind him, ma¡¯am. The guy¡¯s not right in the head.¡± The term ¡®ma¡¯am¡® nearly made Elysia choke. Their teasing was also getting on her nerves. ¡°Stop talking nonsense; I hardly know the guy!¡± Keaton smirked at Tarquin. ¡°Hear that, Tarquin? She doesn¡¯t want to take responsibility for you. Could it be that you didn¡¯t take good care of her? That sounded like dissatisfaction to me.¡± Elysia pursed her lips and red at Keaton, speechless. Chapter 70 Chapter 70 Why on earth does a guy as handsome as him even have a mouth? And his buddy over there, was he born mute? Can¡¯t he speak up? ¡°Quit ying dead, you talk!¡± Tarquin flicked the ash off his cigarette and obediently uttered one word, ¡°Scram!¡± The crowd was absolutely bewildered. Laughter in the private room came to an abrupt halt. Elysia¡¯s face flushed even more with embarrassment. She couldn¡¯t stand the humiliation. Gritting her teeth, she stormed out! Counting on him to save her? No way! She¡¯d rather go down swinging with Gage. Ugh! That old lecher Gage wasn¡¯t worth her risking her neck. She was capable enough to end his lineage today! Gage had been pacing the hallway for ages, calling his bodyguards to check the surveince, trying to find where Elysia had hidden herself. Suddenly, he spotted her and chuckled, ¡°No need to check the cameras. I¡¯ve found her!¡± Elysia gritted her teeth and bolted, leading him toward a corner. She was worried that Blossom and the three little ones would be scared if they saw this mess. She wanted to corner him and give him a couple of jabs. Do the public a favor! But just as she reached the corner, she was blocked by Gage¡¯s bodyguards. Panting, Gage caught up and grabbed Elysia by the hair, cursing, ¡°You wench, trying to run?¡± Elysia, in pain, kicked out. When she couldn¡¯t hit Gage, she stomped on his foot instead. Gage let out a howl of pain and, in a fury, grabbed Elysia by the throat and mmed her against the wall, nearly choking her. The two bodyguards just stood by, watching coldly. ¡°Find an empty room. I¡¯m gonna deal with her right here!¡± The bodyguards nodded and left. ¡°You ungrateful bitch, being fancied by me is a blessing! In Jindale City, there¡¯s nothing I want that I can¡¯t get! Let¡¯s see how you¡¯ll run today!¡± Elysia¡¯s face turned beet red as she struggled to breathe. ¡°Scumbag! Your days are numbered!¡± She cursed inwardly. Elysia was determined to rid the world of this vermin. She was about to unleash her secret weapon when she suddenly heard a cold snort. ¡°What the hell is going on here?¡± Following the sound, Elysia locked eyes with a familiar face. It was Zane. Zane rushed over. Seeing Elysia, he was surprised. ¡°Elysia?¡± Elysia slowly retracted her weapon and looked at him for help. Zane forcefully pried Gage¡¯s fingers off and shielded Elysia behind him. ¡°Mr. Gage, what exactly are you doing?¡± Gage, fuming, snapped back, ¡°And who the hell are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m the General Manager of the Newsom Group, Zane.¡± ¡°The Newsom Group? Oh, so you¡¯re the guy who married into the Newsom family, the ¡®kept man.¡± Zane frowned, and a hint of menace shed in his eyes. He held back his anger and said, ¡°You seem to have had too much to drink. Do me a favor and let her go. She¡¯s my junior.¡± Zane was Winona¡¯s husband and their senior, ¡°Do you a favor? Who do you think you are? Even if your father¨Cinw came, I wouldn¡¯t give him the time of day. Beat it.¡± Gage tried to push Zane away but couldn¡¯t budge him and instead got his wrist caught. Zane loomed over him by a good half a head and gripped his wrist tightly, his brow furrowed, his words deliberate. ¡°Mr. Gage, you might not give a damn about the Newsom of family, but what about the Bradford family? This is the Jinpeach Restaurant, property the Bradford family. You¡¯re making a scene on their turf, smearing their reputation. What do you think the Bradford family would do if they found out?¡± At that, Gage sobered up quite a bit. He fell silent for a moment, then darkly said to Zane, ¡°You just wait!¡± Then, he red at Elysia. ¡°And you, you wait too!¡± With that, Gage stormed off, cursing under his breath. Elysia clutched her throat, taking deep breaths to recover. Chapter 71 Chapter 71 Zane looked at her with concern. ¡°You alright? Should we head to the hospital?¡± Elysia shook her head lightly. ¡°I just need a moment to catch my breath.¡± Zane quickly went to the nearby minibar and grabbed a bottle of spring water, twisting off the cap and handing it to her. ¡°Here, drink some water.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Elysia said, taking several sips. ¡°How do you feel now? You sure we don¡¯t need to make a hospital run?¡± ¡°Yeah, no need, I¡¯m fine.¡± Zane let her rest for a bit before asking, ¡°When did you get back to town? And how on earth did you get into a tiff with Gage?¡± Elysia replied, ¡°I¡¯ve been back for a while. Heard from Blossom that Winona was out of the country shooting a film, so I didn¡¯t drop by to visit.¡± Mentioning Winona¡¯s filming abroad, a fleeting shadow crossed Zane¡¯s eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s been gone sometime now. She got a gig that required hush¨Chush production and even signed a nondisclosure agreement. No clue when she¡¯ll be back. Heck, even I Can¡¯t reach her.¡± After saying this, Zane quickly changed the subject. ¡°So what¡¯s the real deal with you and Gage?¡± Elysia frowned. ¡°I was bartending the other night, and he set his sights on me. From the moment we met, he was trying to¡­¡± Zane got the picture and scowled. ¡°That Gage is a notorious womanizer in Jindale City, always loafing around, never serious about anything. If it weren¡¯t for his brother Donovan ter¡¯s reputation, he¡¯d have been taken down a peg long ago.¡± ¡°The ter family, they¡¯re powerful here?¡± ¡°Yep, they¡¯re one of Jindale City¡¯s leading families.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard of the Bradford family, never the ters.¡± ¡°The ter family¡¯s been on the rise these past few years. The reason being Ms. ter from their family is tight with¡­ well¡­¡± He caught himself, remembering Tarquin had disowned the connection, and quickly pivoted, ¡°Ms. ter¡¯s close friendship with the Bradfords has given the whole ter family a leg up. That¡¯s why people tread lightly around Gage.¡± 09:44 ¡°No wonder Gage¡¯s so brazen.¡± ¡°We can¡¯t mess with his likes, so it¡¯s best to steer clear.¡± ¡°Got it, and thanks for today.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. But how did you end up bartending?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t have a job lined up, so I took a part¨Ctime gig. Just my luck to run into him on my first night.¡± Zane frowned. ¡°That¡¯s no ce for someone like you.¡± Elysia gave a wry smile; she, a penniless soul, couldn¡¯t afford to be choosy. As long as it wasn¡¯t illegal, any job that paid was good enough. Zane asked her again, ¡°Where have you been all these years? We looked everywhere for you, nearly drove ourselves mad. We even filed a missing person report when we couldn¡¯t find any trace of you.¡± Elysia¡¯s lips moved, but she was at a loss for words. ¡°Ding, ding, ding¡­¡± Zane¡¯s phone suddenly rang, and he nced at the screen, ¡°Sorry, gotta take this call.¡± ¡°Sure, go ahead.¡± Zane stepped aside with his phone. ¡°Hello?¡± The voice on the other end was frantic. ¡°Zane, you here yet? Mr. Bradford¡¯s already arrived, and you¡¯re not here. Do you have any idea how much effort I put in to set up this meeting for you? We finally get a chance to have dinner with Mr. Bradford, and you¡¯re not seizing the opportunity to make a good impression. Get over here, pronto.¡± Zane nced at Elysia and responded, ¡°I¡¯ll be right there.¡± Seeing the situation, Elysia knew he had obligations. ¡°Go on, get to your meeting. We can catch up some other time.¡± With a hint of regret, Zane said, ¡°Business matters, never¨Cending socialmitments.¡± Chapter 72 Chapter 72 ¡°I know, go ahead.¡± ¡°Alright¡­ By the way, howe you¡¯re here? Did youe with someone?¡± This was the Jinpeach Restaurant, a ce with a steep bill that ordinary folks wouldn¡¯t just stroll into. Elysia told the truth, ¡°I came with Blossom. She¡¯s treating me to dinner.¡± ¡°Oh, that exins it. Well, enjoy your meal. I¡¯lle find you once I¡¯m done here. Give me your new number, and let¡¯s exchange contacts.¡± Elysia nodded, and they swapped numbers, also adding each other on WhatsApp. With that, Zane parted ways with Elysia. Elysia steadied her mind and made another trip to the restroom. She needed to freshen up, not wanting Blossom or the kids to notice anything off. But fate¨Cdamn it¨Chas its own ns! Right as she reached the restroom door, she spotted Tarquin in the smoking area. He was the only one there, standing at the railing, tall and straight, one hand in his pocket and the other holding a cigarette, taking asional drags. From her angle, she could only see his profile¨Csharp nose, long eyshes, and clear and distinct facial contours. To be fair, the guy was handsome! Elliot and Evan did bear a striking resemnce to him. Elysia didn¡¯t want to see him, though. Just a glimpse stirred annoyance within her. She decided against going to the restroom and turned to leave. She couldn¡¯t afford to offend him, but at least she could avoid him, right? But then, a man¡¯s voice came from behind, ¡°I really dislike it when people y games in front of me.¡± Elysia stopped in her tracks. Was he talking to her? She nced back at Tarquin who was still staring straight ahead, his posture unchanged, not looking at her. Was she imagining things? Just as she was about to continue walking, she heard him again, ¡°My patience is limited. If you¡¯re trying to y hard to get, save yourself the effort. Why don¡¯t you juste clean about what you¡¯re trying to get from me?¡± Now, Elysia was sure she wasn¡¯t hearing things. She looked around; they were alone in the hallway. He was speaking to her. Elysia¡¯s patience was wearing thin. She turned around and marched up to Tarquin, stopping a mere three feet away. She looked up at him and said, ¡°My patience is just as limited. I¡¯ve exined to you many times that I had no intention of getting close to you. I never even thought about knowing you, let alone getting something from you. Don¡¯t tter yourself.¡± Tarquin turned to look at her, his expression so cold it could have frozen the century. ¡°People who y mind games in front of me never end well!¡± Elysia, though startled by his demeanor, stood her ground, tilting her chin up bravely. ¡°I¡¯m not ying any games with you!¡± She knew she couldn¡¯t run; she had to stand up to him and make things clear, or else she¡¯d be guilty of all the usations he was hurling at her. I ¡°You¡¯re always suspicious of me, and I want to ask you¨Cwhat¡¯s your deal? They say a lecher sees lechery everywhere; is it just your paranoia, or do you have some sort of ulterior motive concerning me?¡± Tarquin¡¯s face darkened. ¡°What about you could possibly interest me?¡± ¡°Fine, if I¡¯m worthless in your eyes, then could you please stop with your baseless suspicions and leave me be? Let¡¯s keep our paths separate, and we¡¯ll mind our own business. Can we agree on that?¡± ¡°When have you ever not been the one to look for me first?¡± ¡°When? Can you be more specific?¡± Tarquin was silent¡­ Chapter 73 Chapter 73 Elysia took a deep breath, her resolve steeling as she spoke, ¡°If you¡¯re not gonna say it, then I willl The first time, you had someone snatch me from the motel. Sure, it was to confront me about Evan scratching your car, but the fact remains youe looking for me first. If you. hadn¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t even know you existed. The second time, I was just minding my own business on the street, and again, your had me grabbed. Then you just let me go after all that fuss. The third time, I was at the bar, working a shift, and I ran into you by ident. I admit, I approached you first that time, but it was to keep you quiet, to stop you from spilling the beans about me in front of Gage. The fourth time, Gage was taking me away from the hospital, and you just popped up out of nowhere, causing all that drama that followed. The fifth time, I came to you on my own because your granddad showed up out of the blue, spouting all sorts of nonsense, and then handed me ten grand. I came to the hospital to give it back, and yeah, I wanted to check on Elijah. He¡¯s the same age as my boy, and it breaks my heart to see him like that. The sixth time, this time, I admit I barged into your sight, but I swear, I had no idea you¡¯d be in that private room! If I¡¯m lying, may lightning strike me down; may I never have a moment¡¯s peace!¡± Tarquin just stared at Elysia, his face dark as a storm cloud, unable to find the words to counter her. Elysia continued, ¡°You might look like you¡¯re rolling in dough, and sure, you¡¯re easy on the eyes, but you¡¯re not every girl¡¯s dream. Not everyone¡¯s out to get close to you or wants something from you. Whatever others are thinking, I sure as hell am not! When I said I was leaving today, I meant it. But then I got stood up this afternoon, which means I¡¯ve gotta stick around Jindale City for a few more days. It¡¯s not some coy game I¡¯m ying! I¡¯m not gonna settle down here. I¡¯ve grown to dislike this city, and I n to take and start fresh somewhere far from here, far from o you.¡± my son Tarquin remained silent. ¡°I¡¯ve said my piece, believe it or not. Like I said before, I never wanted to know you, and I still don¡¯t!¡± 09:45 With that, Elysia turned on her heel and walked away, her back straight and her whole being radiating defiance. She didn¡¯t bow or break under the icy gaze that followed her. Only when she rounded the corner, out of Tarquin¡¯s sight, did she lean against a wall, clutching her chest as she tried to catch her breath. Meanwhile, Keaton stepped out of the private room and made his way to the smoking area. Standing next to Tarquin, he lit a cigarette and asked with an easy grin, ¡°What¡¯s the deal with you and that girl, anyway?¡± ¡°No deal,¡± Tarquin muttered. ¡°No deal, huh? Then why didn¡¯t you y the knight in shining armor?¡± It was unlike Tarquin. He might not be a saint, but he normally had a solid moralpass. And here was this girl, calling for help in his territory, indicating trouble right under his nose, and he just sent her packing. If it had been anyone else, he would¡¯ve at least had Lowell check it out. Something was up; Keaton could sense it. Tarquin and that girl had a history. And look at him now, stepping out to smoke with a scowl, clearly agitated. That girl had gotten under his skin. Anyone who could rattle Tarquin like this was no ordinary girl. ¡°Come on, man, are we friends or not? You¡¯re keeping secrets from me? Don¡¯t forget, I¡¯m the Don Juan of this town. When ites to women, I¡¯m the expert. Let me be your love guru, free of charge. Spill it, buddy. What¡¯s eating you up? I¡¯ll give you some sage advice.¡± Chapter 74 Chapter 74 Tarquin took a drag of his cigarette, his impatience evident as he said, ¡°Just a woman. ying games, nothing to get worked up about.¡± ¡°What, she¡¯s trying to get into your bed?¡± Tarquin shot him a re and took another drag. Keaton chuckled, ¡°Man, her wanting to hop into your sheets is a good thing. She¡¯s a looker; you wouldn¡¯t be losing out. You should¡¯ve seen the guys in the VIP lounge; their eyes were practically popping out of their heads. Even Upton, Mr. Prim and Proper, was drooling all over himself. If she¡¯s wrapping herself around you, consider it a blessing; don¡¯t be ungrateful.¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± ¡°Hey, don¡¯t get mad, I¡¯m serious. If she wasn¡¯t easy on the eyes, I¡¯d tell you to steer clear, but she¡¯s a knockout. She¡¯s got the curves, the face, the whole package. If I hadn¡¯t caught that unique perfume on her, you wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. I¡¯d have made my move.¡± Tarquin scoffed. ¡°Weren¡¯t you just swooning over some new girl yesterday? And now you¡¯re ready to jump ship?¡± Keaton shrugged with a grin. ¡°Well, that was yesterday, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Tarquin pursed his lips in disdain and took another puff. Keaton went on, ¡°Look, you¡¯re not getting any younger, spending every night alone in that big house of yours. Doesn¡¯t it get lonely?¡± ¡°Nope.¡± When he was alone, his thoughts always turned to Elijah¡¯s mother. Day in, day out, how could he feel lonely? Before Keaton could respond, Tarquin added, ¡°She¡¯s got backup. Her cozying up to me might not be all about getting between the sheets.¡± Keaton¡¯s expression turned serious, his eyes narrowing as he asked, ¡°What do you mean? Someone¡¯s trying to pull a fast one with a femme fatale?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Who? The Bradford family?¡± Tarquin furrowed his brows. ¡°Not sure, but she¡¯s had private meetings with Gideon.¡± Keaton took a contemtive puff on his cigarette, curiosity piqued, ¡°If you know she¡¯s got ulterior motives, why not send her packing? Why let her get close?¡± 09:45 Tarquin¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°She¡¯s good with child psychology and can help Elijah get better. When Corbin had his episode, she sorted him out.¡± ¡°What?¡± Now, Keaton was genuinely concerned. He was shocked. ¡°The ¡®prettydy¡® Corbin mentioned, that¡¯s her?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Keaton muttered, ¡°Oh my god! Lucky I didn¡¯t hit on her because of you today. Otherwise, my sis would¡¯ve gone medieval on me!¡± Mrs. Denton, Keaton¡¯s sister and Corbin¡¯s mother, was a force to be reckoned with. They say if you¡¯re going to beat your brother, do it while he¡¯s young; wait too long, and you¡¯ll lose your chance. Mrs. Denton never went easy on Keaton when they were kids, which is why, even now, he would get nervous around her. Just the other day, he¡¯d gone to see his nephew, and Mrs. Denton, in tears, told him that after three years, Corbin had finally called her ¡®mommy! She went on about how beautiful, gentle, aplished, and perfect Ms. Thorne was. In passing, he¡¯d joked, ¡°If she¡¯s that perfect, set me up, why don¡¯t you?¡± The response was a swift p that left his ears ringing. Mrs. Denton, pointing and wailing. ¡°If you dare make a move on Ms. Thorne, I¡¯ll thrash you! Keep your hands off the good women!¡± Elysia had be the Denton family¡¯s savior, and everyone from top to bottom was grateful to her. Chapter 75 Chapter 75 Keaton wiped the sweat from his brow and swallowed hard before speaking again, ¡°Buddy, you seriously saved my skin today!¡± Tarquin remained silent. Keaton tried to steady his racing heart and asked, ¡°So, what¡¯s your take now? If she¡¯s been sent by the Bradfords, we¡¯ve got to watch our backs. Can¡¯t let her anywhere near Elijah.¡± ¡°I know.¡± ¡°But I heard from my sis that she¡¯s pretty sharp. If she¡¯s got skills, keeping her away from Elijah might be a loss for him.¡± That was the crux of the matter. Tarquin was torn between giving her the cold shoulder and considering Elijah¡¯s well¨Cbeing. He couldn¡¯t afford to miss out on any chance to heal Elijah, no matter how slim that hope might be. Keaton probed, ¡°Didn¡¯t you have someone dig into her background?¡± ¡°Yeah, but came up empty.¡± ¡°Figures. If she¡¯s a Bradford nt, they¡¯d have covered their tracks well on her ID. But Elijah is thest of the Bradford bloodline, and knowing how much Gideon values lineage, even if he¡¯s not fond of Elijah, he wouldn¡¯t harm the kid. He sent a woman to get to you, not Elijah. So, I reckon even if she gets close to Elijah, she probably won¡¯t hurt him.¡± Tarquin flicked his cigarette ashes thoughtfully. ¡°If she really is a Bradford pawn, then Gideon¡¯s yed a cunning game!¡± An ordinary woman approaching him would stand no chance. But this woman, an expert in child psychology, who could help Elijah recover? That alone made it impossible for him. to just push her away. Moreover, if she could truly cure Elijah¡¯s mood swings, he¡¯d owe her his life. In other words, if she won Elijah over, she wouldn¡¯t need to bother with him. Victory would be hers without a fight. He¡¯d bepletely under her control¡­ Keaton hesitated, ¡°You¡¯ve got a point, but¡­ you can¡¯t just assume she¡¯s Gideon¡¯s spy after one encounter, right? Maybe Gideon just took a fancy to her know¨Chow in psychology and decided to meet her on purpose?¡± Tarquin shot Keaton a nce, his brow furrowed in thought. His prejudice against her had deepened because DNA tests proved she wasn¡¯t Elijah¡¯s biological mother. So when he saw a photo of her with Gideon, it was natural for him to lump them together. Even when she approached him to exin the meeting, he didn¡¯t believe her. But now, giving it more thought, Keaton might not be entirely wrong. Her meeting with Gideon and the money he gave her only suggested a high likelihood of her being a Bradford spy. But it was just a possibility. Thinking deeper, how could Gideon have the resources to hack into Bradford Group¡¯sputers? To pull off stealing so many deals overnight? Did Gideon actually have that kind of money? If he was truly capable, he wouldn¡¯t have been biting his tongue all these years. The biggest doubt was, if Gideon was the mastermind, why would he go through all the trouble to find the one who stole Tarquin¡¯s deals? He was desperate to find that person to use against him, right? So, Gideon couldn¡¯t be the one stealing the deals! Meaning, Elysia might not have lied¡­ After a moment, Tarquin dialed Lowell¡¯s number. ¡°Whatever it takes, make Gideon¡¯s confidant talk. I need to know everything Gideon and Elysia discussed at the caf¨¦ today.¡± Once he hung up, Tarquin lit another cigarette. Apart from this mess, Elysia¡¯s usations were gnawing at him. She had stood there, looking up at him with those determined eyes, spelling out her grievances word by word, even swearing oaths¡­. Chapter 76 Chapter 76 09:45 She was telling him that she would stake her life on every word she said, iming responsibility with the utmost sincerity. Could it be that he had misunderstood her all along? But how could he exin away the usations of bullying a youngdy? Who else had he bullied, if not her? Tarquin¡¯s expression darkened as he contemted. He hadn¡¯t mistreated her. He had his reasons for detaining her, and he conducted himself with integrity. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind now?¡± Keaton nudged him. Tarquin snapped out of his reverie, took a hard drag on his cigarette, and fell silent. ¡°Keaton, where did you and Tarquin run off to? Come on back, everyone¡¯s here. We¡¯re just waiting on you two,¡± Booker called out to summon them. ¡°Okay,¡± Keaton replied, ¡°we¡¯ll be there in a sec.¡± After hanging up, he turned to Tarquin and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go. Stop overthinking for now. The birthday boy is calling us in.¡± Tarquin let out a quiet sigh, stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, and followed Keaton to the private room. Keaton added, ¡°There¡¯s something I need to tell you in advance. My sister has taken quite a shine to that girl. If you n on doing anything to her in the future, you¡¯d better be discreet, or my sister will make a scene. She won¡¯t confront you directly, but she¡¯ll take it out on me, and then I¡¯ll be forced to draw a line between us. That could mess up our brotherhood.¡± Tarquin smirked. ¡°That¡¯s all the guts you have, huh?¡± ¡°Heh, easy for you to say. You don¡¯t have a sister. You have no idea how devastating an older sister can be to her little brother!¡± Tarquin rolled his eyes and continued back to the room. Booker greeted them cheerfully, ¡°The prodigal sons return! Now that we¡¯re all here, as today¡¯s birthday guy, let me just say thanks foring out to celebrate with me. Let¡¯s have a toast.¡± Everyone raised their sses to honor Booker¡¯s birthday. Sitting at the head of the table, Tarquin didn¡¯t stand up. He simply clinked his ss on the table and knocked back his drink in one gulp. The others, taken aback, followed suit. What was supposed to be a sip turned into a downing of sses. The table buzzed with lively conversation. As someone moved to toast with Tarquin, Keaton, knowing his friend was not in the best of spirits, intercepted, ¡°Why aim for Tarquin? Go toast with Booker. It¡¯s his birthday, and you guys should be getting him hammered and throwing him into the arms of a lovelydy to celebrate his manhood. If you don¡¯t, you¡¯re not really men.¡± The others, sensing Keaton¡¯s intent to shield Tarquin from more drinks and noting his sour mood, turned their attention to Booker instead. The crowd got rowdy, insisting that they would see Booker¡¯s bachelorhood ended that night, apanied by raucousughter and risqu¨¦ jokes. Not wanting to dampen the mood, Tarquin yed along for a bit before falling silent. He lit another cigarette, leaned back in his chair, and his gazended on Zane. Earlier, he had seen Elysia chatting with Zane. They seemed quite familiar with each other, and the way Zane looked at her was ambiguous. Feeling Tarquin¡¯s eyes on him, Zane quickly looked back, searching for a way to engage with Tarquin¨C now he had his chance. Zane smartly approached with a ss in hand and said cheerfully, ¡°Mr. Bradford, a pleasure to meet you. I¡¯d like to toast to you. No need for you to drink, I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± Zane tipped the ss and emptied it in one go, but Tarquin just continued to smoke, unmoved. Someone of Zane¡¯s caliber wasn¡¯t yet worthy of sharing a drink with him. 09 Chapter 77 Chapter 77 Had it not been for Booker¡¯s birthday bash, their paths might never have crossed. The high. society circles weren¡¯t exactly open for just anyone to stroll into. Booker was Tarquin¡¯s go¨Cto guy, his right¨Chand man, and Zane? Well, Zane tagged along with a mutual buddy of Booker¡¯s. Zane knew he was punching above his weight ss, but he was cool as a cucumber event when he realized Tarquin wasn¡¯t drinking. With a grin that never wavered, he said, ¡®Name¡¯s Zane; I¡¯m the current manager over at Newsom Group. Been looking forward to meeting. you, Mr. Bradford. Figured I¡¯d take a shot and introduce myself today¨Chere¡¯s my card.¡± Zane, with a gulp of courage, fished out his business card and extended it towards Tarquin. Tarquin nced at it but didn¡¯t take it immediately. Zane¡¯s cheeks red red with embarrassment, scrambling mentally for a graceful exit. Suddenly, Tarquin reached out, taking the card. Zane blinked, a rush of tion tingling through him as he silently cheered. Tarquin inspected the card briefly before sliding it into his pocket. Then, he lifted his ss and clinked it on the table before taking a sip. Zane, feeling honored, quickly topped off his own ss and downed three drinks in quick session! The rest of the guests, ever observant, had pretended to revolve around Booker, but their attention had never really left Zane¡¯s interaction with Tarquin. Once they saw Tarquin ept Zane¡¯s card and share a drink with him, they swarmed Zane, handing out their own. cards and clinking sses, eager to buddy up. Total strangers moments ago, now thick as thieves. Such was the pull of Tarquin¡¯s influence. Without uttering a word, he could alter someone¡¯s fate. What the crowd didn¡¯t know was that Tarquin¡¯s favor towards Zane was all for Elysia¡¯s sake. Meanwhile, Elysia had already returned to the private lounge. Despite her best efforts to mask her agitation, Elliot picked up on her difort. ¡°Mommy, what¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°Nothing, sweetie, why do you ask?¡± Elysia responded, feigning nonchnce. Elliot furrowed his brows, observing her. ¡°Your hair¡¯s a mess, and your hand¡­why is it 09:45 hurt?¡± Only then did Elysia notice the cut on her hand¨Clikely from the ceramic soap dispenser Gage had shattered earlier. She lied smoothly, ¡°Ran into an old friend, got a little too excited, and identally knocked over the soap dispenser in the restroom. It was ceramic, and the shards cut my hand.¡± Emmett pushed forward; concern etched on his face. ¡°Does it hurt, mommy?¡± ¡°Not at all, sweetie. Mommy wouldn¡¯t forget about it if it did.¡± ¡°Let Emmett blow on it; it¡¯ll heal faster,¡± he offered with childlike sincerity. Elysia chuckled, ¡°Thank you, Emmett. That¡¯s very sweet.¡± As she looked down, Elliot noticed the scratches on her neck but chose to stay quiet. Blossom, ever the carefree one, hadn¡¯t spotted the marks on Elysia¡¯s neck but did see the injury on her hand. She called for the waiter to bring some alcohol and a Band¨CAid while asking, ¡°Who got you so worked up that you weren¡¯t careful?¡± Elysia replied, ¡°Zane.¡± Blossom expressed surprise. ¡°You ran into Zane?¡± ¡°Yeah, he was here for some schmoozing, and we just happened to bump into each other.¡± ¡°So that¡¯s why you were out for so long. Ran into an old friend, huh? Zane¡¯s made quite a name for himself in Jindale City. Mr. Newsom¡¯s getting on in years, and with his daughter Winona, who is not really into the family business, it¡¯s all on Zane¡¯s shoulders. It¡¯s only a matter of time before the old man steps down.¡± ¡°Zane¡¯s got talent, always has since our school days. It¡¯s no wonder he caught Winona¡¯s eye.¡± Chapter 78 Chapter 78 ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s been over a year since Winona vanished, and Zane¡¯s been all wrapped up in his career. Not a single whiff of scandal around him, which is pretty remarkable if you ask 1. me. I heard there was this intern who had a thing for him and tried to make a move. Scared the crap out of Zane¨Cfired her on the spot that very night. Then he went and posted this long memo at work, dering he was a married man. And get this: the memo was like some grand love letter to Winona. There was nothing crude or sleazy about it; it was pure poetry. Knocked the socks off half the female fans in thepany. He even hung their wedding photo all over his office¨Con the back wall, desk, and even the screensaver on hisputer is a picture of them together. Dude¡¯s like a one¨Cman wife appreciation society, haha.¡± Elysia chuckled, ¡°Winona sure picked the right guy, and it wasn¡¯t for nothing she married him under all that pressure back then.¡± ¡°True that. It¡¯s only when I see Winona and Zane together that I believe marriage can actually be beautiful.¡± Blossom gave Elysia a look that said a thousand words. Elysia knew what she was getting at and teased, ¡°You can¡¯t judge the whole forest based on one withered sapling. Love can still be a beautiful thing.¡± ¡°Nope, it¡¯s not love that has to be beautiful¨Cit¡¯s true love that counts. Plenty of fake love out there.¡± Elysia teased back, ¡°And here¡¯s a bachelor giving love advice.¡± ¡°What do you know? The observer sees all; the yer is blind. Us single folks are the real love critics.¡± Elysiaughed. ¡°Sure you are.¡± As they chatted, the waiter came over, apanied by ady doctor and two nurses. Elysia was taken aback. Doctors and nurses in a hotel? It was just a little scratch, and they¡¯re making such a fuss? This ce was the cr¨¨me de cr¨¨me of Jindale City¡¯s hotels, alright. The service was impable. The doctor carefully treated Elysia¡¯s wound and asked gently, ¡°Any other injuries?¡± Elysia shook her head with a smile, ¡°No, that¡¯s it.¡± Elliot watched Elysia, frowning. There was clearly a bruise on her neck! After giving Elysia some advice, the doctor left. Elysia was impressed. ¡°No wonder it¡¯s pricey here; the service is top¨Cnotch.¡± ¡°Obviously, it¡¯s the service industry. If we¡¯re paying, we better get treated like royalty.¡± ¡°Exactly; only with money can you be a princess; otherwise, you¡¯re just Cindere.¡± ¡°Cindere had hereback, too. I¡¯m rooting for you, girl. You¡¯re gonna be a richdy one day.¡± Elysia was grinning ear to ear. ¡°With a little luck from you, if I do strike it rich, you¡¯ll be the first one I¡¯ll repay. I¡¯ll get all your heartthrobs to call you ¡®sweetheart.¡± Elysia was money¨Cminded, Blossom was into young celebs, and Winona was all about her career. Those were their quirks. At the mention of heartthrobs, Blossom¡¯s eyes lit up like Christmas trees, ¡°Hurry up and get rich, will you? I can hardly wait.¡± Seeing that lovesick look in her eyes, Elysia reminded her, ¡°Easy there, tiger. The kids are around; don¡¯t corrupt the young minds.¡± Blossom winked at her, then got serious. She handed the menu to Elysia and said, ¡°We¡¯ve already ordered. Take a look and see if you want to add anything.¡± Elysia didn¡¯t hold back, taking the menu and casually asking, ¡°Haven¡¯t seen Evan around. Is he in the restroom?¡± Without a second thought, Blossom replied, ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s off doing his business.¡± n = ; Elysia didn¡¯t think much of it. Meanwhile, Evan had just arrived at Tarquin¡¯s private room door. Chapter 79 Chapter 79 Elysia had been out for quite some time, and Evan was getting antsy about finding her. But Blossom, ever the protective one, wasn¡¯t keen on letting him venture out alone. So, Evan fibbed about needing to use the bathroom for a number two. With Blossom none the wiser, he made his sneaky escape. And just his luck, there he spotted Tarquin and Elysia engaged in conversation in the hallway. Hiding at a distance, he couldn¡¯t make out their words, but the stormy look on his mommy¡¯s face said it all. In his little mind, Tarquin was clearly the viin who had upset his precious mom. An eye for an eye, he thought. If Mom¡¯s upset, Tarquin won¡¯t get off easy either. So, the little guy was on a mission to even the score. He eavesdropped by the door, catching the lively buzz inside, punctuated by toasts to the ¡°birthday boy.¡± Evan scoffed silently. A birthday, huh? Big whoop. He spied a waiter wheeling over a cart with a birthday cake, and his eyes twinkled with mischief as he sauntered toward it. As he drew closer, he couldn¡¯t help but express his awe. ¡°Wow, what a gorgeous cake! I¡¯d kill for a slice.¡± The waiter, charmed by the cuteness, paused, saying with a smile, ¡°It sure is pretty, but it¡¯s for someone else. It¡¯s not polite to eat without asking. If you want some sweets, just ask your folks to holler at one of us. We¡¯ve got plenty of other treats in the back.¡± Evan pouted adorably. ¡°The best ones are always out of reach, huh? Oh, what¡¯s that on top? Is that a candle?¡± He pointed his tiny finger at the cake¡¯s top decoration. All three waiters nced up, and in that split second, Evan slipped a little something into the cake from his pocket. ¡°That¡¯s just a fancy topper, not a candle,¡± they exined. ¡°Oh, then better get going. Don¡¯t keep the birthday boy waiting!¡± ¡°Sure thing.¡± The waiters chuckled and rolled the cake away. Evan licked his finger, savoring the sweetness of the stolen frosting. ¡°Mmm, so good, what a shame,¡± he muttered, grinning wickedly as the cake disappeared Into the room. Soon after, a loud ¡°BANG!¡± erupted from the party room, followed by screams. Evan knew his ploy had worked. With a smug humph, he strolled towards the bathroom, whistling a tune, hands buried in his pockets. Inside, Booker¡¯s cake had exploded, showering Tarquin in a sloppy mess. Being the closest to Booker, Tarquin was now a cake monster, covered from head to toe. He gasped in shock, nearly losing his cool ¨C never had he been so humiliated, especially not in front of an audience! As confusion reigned, Booker finally burst out, ¡°Fuck! Who¡¯s fucking with me on my day? You win; you got me. Just wait till I find out who you are, and when your birthday rolls around, I¡¯ll show you¡­¡± Booker assumed it was a prank from one of the guests. The tension eased as everyone else thought the same, andughter filled the room. Tarquin didn¡¯t dwell on it. A little birthday prank among guys was nothing out of the ordinary. But with it being Booker¡¯s day, Tarquin swallowed his anger, storming off to the bathroom to clean up. With the party room¡¯s restroom upied, he headed to the one outside. That¡¯s when he encountered Evan. Evan, wearing a face mask, stood in front of the kiddie toilet, fumbling with his trousers. Their eyes met ¨C a grown man a and a boy. Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed. Had it not been for the boy¡¯s lively eyes, he might have mistaken him for Elijah. 09:46 ¡°Mmm, so good, what a shame,¡± he muttered, grinning wickedly as the cake disappeared into the room. Soon after, a loud ¡°BANG!¡± erupted from the party room, followed by screams. Evan knew his ploy had worked. With a smug humph, he strolled towards the bathroom, whistling a tune, hands buried in his pockets. Inside, Booker¡¯s cake had exploded, showering Tarquin in a sloppy mess. Being the closest to Booker, Tarquin was now a cake monster, covered from head to toe. He gasped in shock, nearly losing his cool ¨C never had he been so humiliated, especially not in front of an audience! As confusion reigned, Booker finally burst out, ¡°Fuck! Who¡¯s fucking with me on my day? You win; you got me. Just wait till I find out who you are, and when your birthday rolls around, I¡¯ll show you¡­.¡± Booker assumed it was a prank from one of the guests. The tension eased as everyone else thought the same, andughter filled the room. Tarquin didn¡¯t dwell on it. A little birthday prank among guys was nothing out of the ordinary But with it being Booker¡¯s day, Tarquin swallowed his anger, storming off to the bathroom to clean up. With the party room¡¯s restroom upied, he headed to the one outside. That¡¯s when he encountered Evan. Evan, wearing a face mask, stood in front of the kiddie toilet, fumbling with his trousers. Their eyes met ¨C a grown man and a boy. Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed. Had it not been for the boy¡¯s lively eyes, he might have mistaken him for Elijah. Chapter 80 Chapter 80 When Elijah was wearing a mask, his eyes were almost identical to this boy¡¯s. Only Elijah¡¯s brow was frequently furrowed, a clear sign that not even the most shocking events could easily stir his expression. ¡°Wowza, cake man! It looks super scrumptious!¡± Evan eximed as he dashed towards Tarquin, disregarding the setting entirely and grabbing a fistful of cake to stuff into his mouth. The cake was genuinely delicious, and he was drooling with desire. Tarquin quickly grabbed his wrist, ¡°No can do, buddy. You can¡¯t eat that.¡± Evan tried to power through and eat it anyway, but he was no match for Tarquin¡¯s strength. Staring at the tantalizing cake just out of reach, the little guy was far from pleased, ¡°Meanie!¡± He huffed indignantly and returned to his kiddie stool. Tarquin¡¯s brow creased with annoyance, but he didn¡¯t hold a grudge against Evan, instead opting to clean off the cake smears from his body at the sink. Just as he finished washing his face, Evan turned to him with a pitiful look. ¡°Sir.¡± Tarquin turned around with a silent question. ¡°I¡­ I gotta pee, like, really bad,¡± said Evan. ¡°Well, go ahead.¡± ¡°But I¡­ I can¡¯t unzip my pants. Can you help me out, please?¡± Before Tarquin could react, Evan started his performance. ¡°Oh no, I can¡¯t hold it anymore. I¡¯m gonna pee my pants, wah wah wah, Sir, please help me!¡± Tarquin¡¯s frown deepened. He wasn¡¯t one for small talk, especially with strangers, and that included kids. But he saw a shadow of Elijah in the little guy, and paternal instincts took over, so he didn¡¯t refuse this time. He walked over, squatted down, and began to help Evan with his zipper. Just as the zipper came undone, suddenly, a warm stream sprayed out¡­ Freshly baked boy pee, sshing onto Tarquin¡¯s face, clothes, hands, and shoes¡­ Tarquin was utterly bbergasted. 09:46 A sly smirk flickered in Evan¡¯s eyes, and he triumphed inside, ¡°That¡¯s for picking on my mom; take that!¡± He was internally gloating, though his face showed sheer panic. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Sir. I¡­ I couldn¡¯t hold it. You¡¯re not gonna hit me, are you?¡± Out of the corner of his eye, Evan noticed someone entering and burst into tears. ¡°It wasn¡¯t on purpose, Sir. I swear I didn¡¯t mean to pee on you. Let me wipe it off; I¡¯ll clean it up¡­¡± He made a move towards the trash can to pick up used tissues. Tarquin¡¯s eyes widened in horror, and he shot up, taking several steps back. ¡°You¡­¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need me to wipe it off?¡± ¡°No, I don¡¯t!¡± ¡°Well¡­ okay then, you clean up. I¡¯m gonna head out. Oh, and don¡¯t forget to rinse your mouth. I think I saw some pee fly into it.¡± Tarquin was speechless. Lowell walked in with fresh clothes, apanied by Keaton and Upton. Their eyes. widened in shock at the sight before them. Before they could utter a word, Evan pleaded with them in his most pitiful tone. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to make him drink my pee, and I didn¡¯t mean to pee on his face. I¡¯m a good kid, raised in a good home.¡± The group was at a loss for words. After his spiel, Evan left the restroom, immediately switching expressions once he was out of sight. Humming a little tune, he bounced back to their private room in the best of spirits. Elysia and Blossom were surprised to see him return. ¡°Evan, when did you go out?¡± ¡°Just now, I wanted to find Mommy, but thedy outside told me she was already back, so I didn¡¯t go far.¡± Elysia wasn¡¯t overly concerned about Evan running off, but the thought of him bumping into that bastard made her heart leap to her throat. If that man found out about the children¡¯s existence, what then? Chapter 81 Chapter 81 Elysia red, her voice tinged with concern, ¡°How could you just take off on your own in a ce you don¡¯t know, you¡­ Before she could finish, Evan sidled up to her and, with a smacking sound, nted a kiss on her cheek. ¡°Mommy, don¡¯t worry. You know I¡¯m super smart. I won¡¯t get lost or cause any trouble. I just missed you so much since you were gone for so long.¡± Elysia was at a loss for words. The scolding she had in mind dissolved in her throat. Evan knew exactly how to y her. Deciding not to reprimand him, Elysia asked anxiously, ¡°Did you run into someone who looks like you while you were out?¡± Evan guessed she was talking about someone specific. He had, indeed, encountered him, and not only had he ruined their birthday cake, but he had also managed to douse him in a little¡­ ident. Thinking this, Evan earnestly replied, ¡°Nope, the only person who looks like me is my brother, and he¡¯s been in the private room the whole time.¡± Relieved, Elysia breathed a sigh of relief and pinched Evan¡¯s cheek. ¡°From now on, you must talk to an adult before you do anything, okay? Do you hear me?¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± But Evan¡¯s agreement was only lip service, as he settled next to Elliot. As the waiter brought in the dishes and Elysia was engaged in conversation with Blossom, Evan whispered to Elliot, ¡°I just got back at that jerk Tarquin for Mommy. I peed right on his face.¡± Elliot furrowed his little brow, nced at Elysia to make sure she wasn¡¯t listening, then whispered back, ¡°Tarquin?¡± ¡°Yep!¡± ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°Well, I saw Mommy talking to that jerk Tarquin, and she looked super upset. He must¡¯ve been bothering her again. Someone was delivering a birthday cake to his room, and I nted a little firecracker inside. Kaboom! Cake everywhere. Then, when Tarquin went to clean up, I ¡®identally¡® bumped into him, and, oh boy, did he get a surprise!¡± Elliot frowned, his gaze shifting back to Elysia. Did Tarquin cause that bruise on Mommy¡¯s neck? ¡°Did you see him get physical with Mommy?¡± ¡°Nope, they were just talking, but both looked pretty upset. Mommy was definitely not happy, and he looked mean. He must¡¯ve been scaring Mommy.¡± ¡°Did he recognize you?¡± ¡°Nah, I had my mask on.¡± ¡°Does he know it was on purpose?¡± ¡°No way, they think the cake explosion was just a prank.¡± Elliot was silent for a few seconds before heading to the restroom. Once inside, he locked the door and quickly whipped out his high¨Ctech smartwatch, which looked like any other kid¡¯s toy but was packed with features He hacked into the restaurant¡¯s security system, copied the surveince footage, and then cunningly erased the video evidence. He knew Tarquin was a formidable man, and he couldn¡¯t let him find out about Evan. After dealing with the security footage, Elliot returned to the table. The copied videos would have to wait for a more thorough inspectionter. ¡°What¡¯s up, Elliot?¡± Evan asked softly, sensing something was off. Elliot replied in a low voice, ¡°Let¡¯s eat now; we¡¯ll talk tonight.¡± After dinner, they strolled through the nearby promenade before heading back to Elysia and the kids¡® ce. Blossom didn¡¯t want to part with Elysia and insisted on sleeping with her, yfully dering that she was going to stick to her for the night. Chapter 82 Chapter 82 Elysia had a heart full of thoughts she yearned to share with Blossom, and the idea of separating from her was thest thing she wanted. *Tonight, you¡¯ll have to rough it with us in our little rented ce,¡± she said with a yful pout. ¡°Rough it? This ce is amazing¨Cit must cost a fortune, Blossom replied, ncing around with wide, appreciative eyes. The topic had caught Elliot off guard. He had chosen this spot, a luxurious two¨Cbedroom vacation rental with a hefty price tag that ran into the thousands for just one night. But he had told Elysia it was a mere two hundred a night. Elliot quickly interjected, ¡°Well, it is usually super expensive, but thendlord took a real shine to us and gave us a massive discount, so it¡¯s just a couple hundred for the night.¡± Blossom chimed in immediately, ¡°You guys must have the luck of the Irish! If it were me, I¡¯d let you stay for free¨Cyou all look like little cherubs. Staying here is bound to sprinkle some good fortune on the ce, ha!¡± Elliot¡¯s mouth twitched in a forced smile. ¡°Yeah¡­ Birds of a feather flock together, he mused. Mom¡¯s best friend didn¡¯t seem to be the sharpest tool in the shed. ¡°Mom, you and Blossom should get some rest. We¡¯re beat too, Elliot said, ushering the conversation toward a close. ¡°Sure thing, let¡¯s go to bed,¡± Elysia agreed. ¡°Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Godmother,¡± the three kids called out before retreating to their room and closing the door behind them. As soon as they were alone, Elliot booted up hisptop with a serious expression. Evan peeked over, concern etched on his face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Emmett also huddled close, his big eyes brimming with curiosity. ¡°I wiped the restaurant¡¯s surveince footage today to make sure Tarquin couldn¡¯t track you down. And I snagged a copy for us. Mom got hurt today, and I need to see if Tarquin was behind it,¡± Elliot exined as he clicked away. Evan¡¯s eyes widened in rm. ¡°Mom got hurt? Where? How?¡± ¡°I saw Mom talking to that jerk Tarquin when I stepped out, but I didn¡¯t see himy a finger on her. You think he hit her?¡± Evan¡¯s breathing became erratic, his shock palpable. 09 46 Had he known Mom was hurt, he wouldn¡¯t have let Tarquin off so easily, ¡°Did someone hit Mom? Who hurt her? Is she in pain again?¡± Emmett¡¯s voice quivered with urgency. Elliot remained the calmest of the trio. ¡°Let¡¯s not jump to conclusions. We¡¯ll check the surveince first.¡± The three of them crowded around theptop, their heads touching as they focused on the screen. It didn¡¯t take long to find the footage of Gage striking Elysia. Evan¡¯s temper red instantly as he yelled, ¡°He dared to hit Mom! I can¡¯t believe he hit her! Bro, who is this bald creep?¡± Emmett, watching the video of Elysia being choked, began to cry from anger, ¡°He¡¯s a big bully! A mean, big bully! He¡¯s picking on Mom!¡± The little guy shook with fury. Elliot¡¯s lips were a tight line, his eyes dark with rage. He didn¡¯t speak immediately, instead, his fingers flew over the keyboard, and soon Gage¡¯s details filled the screen. His profile was littered with scandalous headlines. Gage, the notorious second son of the ter family, was a piece of work. Ugly, lecherous, and ipetent, he relied on his connection as the uncle of the famed starlet N ter to tie with the influential Bradford family, to throw his weight around in Jindale City. He was known for pressuring beautiful women into unsavory encounters, and if they resisted, he¡¯d resort to vile tactics to coerce them. He hadn¡¯t done a single good deed in his life, but he was well¨Cversed in all manner of vices. Evan was fuming with indignation. Chapter 83 Chapter 83 That jerk Tarquin¡¯s been covering for this guy. No wonder Mom wants to divorce that scumbag. If he¡¯s protecting this bald¨Cheaded troublemaker, he¡¯s no good either!¡± Tarquin sneezed loudly somewhere in the distance, as if on cue. ¡°And that woman, Isn¡¯t she the one who harassed Emmett at the airport? Birds of a feather flock together. They¡¯re all cut from the same cloth! No way I can let Mom take this lying down! I¡¯m going to take them down! I¡¯ll blow the ter family sky¨Chigh!¡± Evan wasn¡¯t just talking big. He opened his suitcase, pulled out a few marble¨Clike objects, and stuffed them into his pockets. He turned to head out and settle the score with Gage. Elliot grabbed him and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be rash.¡± ¡°How can I not be rash? Look what he¡¯s done to Mom! Our dear sweet Mom, the one we¡¯d treat with kid gloves because she¡¯s so precious, and he dares toy a hand on her! He even had the nerve to choke her! Damn it! His whole family deserves to pay!¡± Evan was so angry he was nearly in tears. He adored his mother too much. Elliot said, ¡°He¡¯s connected to Tarquin¡­¡± ¡°I know! And I¡¯m not afraid of him. Nobody messes with my mom!¡± ¡°It¡¯s not about being afraid. It¡¯s because he¡¯s connected to Mom. If we make a big scene now, the past scandals could resurface. Without the truth about Mom¡¯s supposed ¡®adultery¡®, bringing up old dirt will only lead to more insults. It¡¯s Mom who will get hurt. again! Gossip doesn¡¯t hurt physically, but it can drown you. Otherwise, Mom wouldn¡¯t. have left the city she loved so much.¡± Elliot didn¡¯t want to escte things, not before he had all the facts. Evan was stomping his feet in frustration. ¡°So what do we do? Just stand by and watch that creep bully Mom and do nothing? We can¡¯t avenge the past right now, but we can¡¯t just ignore what¡¯s happening to Mom, can we?¡± Elliot, brow furrowed, said, ¡°Of course we can¡¯t ignore it! I¡¯ll take care of this grudge today. Trust me, I won¡¯t let Mom suffer for nothing. Just give me a bit more time to figure everything out.¡± He couldn¡¯t let Evan get involved; his brother was too impulsive. The full story behind Mom and Tarquin was still unclear, and now Gage was under Tarquin¡¯s protection. If they went after Gage, it could draw Tarquin¡¯s attention. Elliot had been investigating the past events. Tarquin had been abroad since marrying Elysia. He hadn¡¯t evene back for the wedding day. In those two years of marriage, he hadn¡¯t once met with Elysia. Yet during that time, he seemed to have treated her well, never skimping on her living expenses. And on the day he returned to the country, the first draft of the divorce settlement offered her a substantial sum. But then suddenly, he used Mom of adultery and left her with nothing. There had to be some misunderstanding¡­ And how could two people, who supposedly never met, have conceived them? Evan was pacing anxiously. ¡°But we already know what happened, right? That jerk Tarquin and the Thorne family bullied our mom!¡± Elliot, still typing rapidly on the keyboard, suddenly stopped. His eyes went wide as he stared at the computer screen. ¡°I¡¯ve got it, I¡¯ve got it, I¡¯ve got it!¡± he eximed, emphasizing his shock. Evan and Emmett, tears forgotten, looked at him with red eyes. ¡°What do you know?¡± Elliot exined, ¡°When Tarquin returned to the country, Mom went to the airport to pick him up. Not long after, Tarquin publicly used her of infidelity. A monthter, Mom found out she was pregnant.¡± Chapter 84 Chapter 84 ¡°So, Mom had the ident on the very same day! I have a wild guess. The day Tarquin flew back home, Mom picked him up, and they got it on at the airport, which led to us being conceived. But for some reason, they didn¡¯t get a good look at each other, so they had no idea they had just hooked up with one another. And that¡¯s where all the misunderstandings started.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Evan and Emmett both stared at Elliot. Their eyes said it all: they didn¡¯t get it, not one bit. Elliot furrowed his brow and continued, ¡°So, that¡¯s why Tarquin changed the divorce papers, and Mom just silently admitted to everything because she didn¡¯t know that she had been with Tarquin. She thought she had actually cheated during her marriage.¡± Evan and Emmett blinked, asking, ¡°Then what?¡± Elliot exined, ¡°That could exin why Mom came back wanting a divorce from Tarquin, even though she had seen him several times but didn¡¯t recognize him. Because she had not idea what Tarquin looked like!¡± Evan, still puzzled, asked, ¡°So you mean to say, Mom confused Tarquin and our dad, thinking they were two different guys, but actually, they¡¯re the same person?¡± ¡°Exactly, that¡¯s what I¡¯m saying! Likewise, Tarquin didn¡¯t know that Mom was his wife in name.¡± ¡°Whoa, this is¡­¡± Evan scratched his head, ¡°So, tell me, is Tarquin a good guy or a bad guy?¡± ¡°If you look at it from his point of view, him saying Mom cheated isn¡¯t exactly wrong.¡± ¡°How can you say that? Wasn¡¯t he the one who slept with Mom? He¡¯s the one who wronged her and then uses her of cheating!¡± ¡°That¡¯s because he doesn¡¯t know that he was with Mom, just like she doesn¡¯t know she was with Tarquin.¡± Evan got all muddled again, ¡°So¡­ so¡­ do we still go after Tarquin for revenge?¡± ¡°Yes, we do. No matter what, he hurt Mom¡¯s feelings, and that¡¯s wrong!¡± ¡°Yeah, exactly!¡± Evan nodded vigorously. He was worried Elliot might suddenly say they shouldn¡¯t seek revenge. Evan didn¡¯t care about the details; anyone who made his mom sad deserved payback! ¡°But¡­¡± Elliot¡¯s tone shifted, ¡°We need to clear up two things first. One, Tarquin didn¡¯t want Mom, and he was the one who initiated the divorce, so why is he reluctant to go through with it now? Two, what exactly happened back then? Why did they get intimate but fail to 09 47 see each other¡¯s faces clearly?¡± Evan said, ¡°The first point is the most crucial because that¡¯s what¡¯s eating away at Mom. She came back to finalize the divorce.¡± ¡°Right, now things are starting to make sense. Although they didn¡¯t recognize each other, N picked on Emmett at the airport on the day we came back, and you went to settle the score. You ended up trashing Tarquin¡¯s car, which got Mom and Tarquin tangled up again. Because of that, Tarquin had Mom taken, but we smoked ¡®em out and got her to safety. Then, to get back at him for Mom, we snatched some of his business deals and cracked his security system as a warning. Plus, I made sure no one could track Mom! This made Tarquin think that Mom was some big shot who was deliberately making her presence felt and had a target on his back. That¡¯s why he¡¯s been so fixated on Mom, tossing attitude her way! The other day, I identally overheard Mom talking with her friend, and she mentioned that Tarquin has been misunderstanding her intentions the whole time.¡± Chapter 85 Chapter 85 ¡°But¡­ I still don¡¯t get it. Why does he have that delusion? Is that like, narcissism or something? Mom isn¡¯t even trying to get his attention, and yet he acts like she¡¯s been following him around,¡± Evan mumbled. Elliot replied, ¡°It¡¯s kind of narcissism but not exactly. Rich folks tend to overthink things way more than the average Joe.¡± ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± ¡°The richer you are, the more danger surrounds you, and the more enemies you have, which makes you super sensitive.¡± ¡°How do you know all this?¡± Elliot pursed his lips and said, ¡°Because, I happen to be one of those rich people.¡± Evan¡¯s lips twitched. ¡°So, are you always paranoid, thinking someone¡¯s out to get you?¡± ¡°Not really.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Because I keep a low profile. Other than you and Emmett, no one knows I¡¯m loaded, not even Mom babe in the So, no one¡¯s out to get me. To the rest of the woods.¡± world, I¡¯m just Evan paused. ¡°¡­No wonder Mom always says to keep a low profile. There¡¯s wisdom in that.¡± Wealth under wraps is another way to stay low¨Ckey. Elliot continued, ¡°Mom may not be a genius, but she¡¯s a good and honest person. Her advice is solid, and we should listen to her.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah, we should always listen to Mom. So, what¡¯s the game n?¡± Elliot let out a sigh and said, ¡°First, we clear up Tarquin¡¯s misunderstanding so he stops pestering Mom and giving her grief. Then we dig into why he won¡¯t grant her a divorce. Once we figure that out, we can help Mom.¡± Evan grumbled, ¡°Can¡¯t we just strong¨Carm him into divorcing Mom?¡± That was still his go¨Cto solution ¨C brute force! ¡°We could, but it¡¯s not the best move. Don¡¯t forget, Mom hasn¡¯t mentioned the past to us, nor has she told us her real reason foring back. If we push Tarquin, we might rip open Mom¡¯s old wounds and throw her back into the media frenzy. It¡¯s best to avoid that until we have all the facts.¡± 09:47 ¡°Alright, so how do we clear up Tarquin¡¯s misunderstanding?¡± Elliot furrowed his brow, looking all grown¨Cup, ¡°Let me think on that.¡± Meanwhile, next door. Elysia was blissfully unaware that her sons were turning her world upside down, She was handing Blossom her nightgown after her shower. It was a tad snug, showing off Blossom¡¯s curves. Blossomined, ¡°You¡¯ve had three kids, and I¡¯m still chubbier than you. That¡¯s just not fair.¡± Elysia chuckled, ¡°You¡¯re not chubby; that¡¯s just baby fat.¡± Blossom was the cuddly type- petite, cute, and absolutely adorable. She snuggled under the covers and said, ¡°I just can¡¯t control my eating. I don¡¯t want to, either. My motto is: Life is short, so eating is crucial. Never deprive your mouth or legs. If you can eat two pieces of chocte, never settle for one. If you can lie down, don¡¯t sit. Eat well, drink well, rest well- that¡¯s the way to live.¡± Blossom was a ssic foodie who wasn¡¯t into working out. Elysia climbed into bed, smiling. ¡°With your love for food, you better treat Emmett right. That boy can cook like a dream, and sticking with him means feasting like a queen.¡± The mention of the little guy perked Blossom right up, ¡°I know, I know! He showed me pictures on his phone yesterday. Oh my gosh, just looking at them made me hungry! And he even makes perfume. How can such a young kid be so talented?¡± ¡°Fashion sense definitely doesn¡¯t run in my genes,¡± Elysia admitted. Then Blossom asked, ¡°They say giving birth is like a woman¡¯s trial by fire. Was it really painful when you had them?¡± Elysia shrugged, ¡°Honestly, I didn¡¯t even have a chance to feel it. I don¡¯t even know how it all went down. By the time I woke up, it was all over, so I missed out on the pain of childbirth and didn¡¯t get to snap those first precious moments.¡± Chapter 86 Chapter 86 Blossom was baffled, her brow furrowed in thought. ¡°You passed out after work, and normally, if someone was to rescue you, they¡¯d take you straight to the hospital, not drop you off in the middle of nowhere. But if you ran into some bad news, well, they didn¡¯t hurt you or the babies. They just left you in the wilderness. It¡¯s like they wanted you to fend for yourself, but that doesn¡¯t quite add up either. If someone wanted to harm you, they wouldn¡¯t bother letting you give birth, let alone perform a C¨Csection and stitch you up afterward.¡± It had slipped out during their daily walk that Elysia and the children lived in the woods. But Elysia had skirted around the details of her saviors and life in the wilds, mentioning only a quaint vige at the foot of the mountains. Elysia was just as puzzled, this enigma nagging at her. The person who took her to the wilderness didn¡¯t seem to want to harm her, but didn¡¯t exactly seem to be helping her either. It was just¡­ weird. ¡°Didn¡¯t they leave any clues behind?¡± Blossom asked. Elysia shook her head. ¡°None.¡± ¡°And they never showed up again?¡± ¡°Not once.¡± ¡°That is so weird¡­¡± Blossom pondered for a moment, then shrugged. ¡°Oh well, why rack your brains over it? The truth wille out sooner orter.¡± Elysia nodded in agreement. That was often how things went; you could think until your head hurt and get nowhere. But the moment you stopped trying, the answers would hit like a lightning bolt. you ¡°Enough about me and the kids. I want to hear about you and Winona these past years,¡± Elysia urged. it¡¯s my mom Blossom chuckled, ¡°Same old, same old. But if I have to pick something, driving me up the wall with her matchmaking shenanigans! Can you believe it? A woman of her intellect, turned matchmaker! She¡¯s relentless! Between her and my aunt, it¡¯s like they¡¯re on a mission. I dread their visits. The second I see them together, I feel like it¡¯s doomsday¡­ Elysia couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°I can¡¯t picture Hollis getting into the matchmaking business.¡± ¡°Oh, the Hollis you knew is long gone. I swear my aunt has brainwashed her. Not only does she want me hitched, but she¡¯s aiming for blue blood! Like, seriously, why would any tycoon want to marry an average¨Clooking, average¨Cbuilt, average¨Ceducated, average¨Cjob woman like me? They¡¯d have to be blind!¡± Blossom¡¯s self¨Cdeprecation was ruthless, and she didn¡¯t stop there. Back in the day, she¡¯d get so mad at how slow I was, even cried over it. Kept wondering how two brainiacs like her and Dad could have produced such a dunce. She even toyed with the idea that I wasn¡¯t theirs. If it weren¡¯t for my striking resemnce to them, they might have dragged me to a paternity test by now. They used toment about how two positives made a negative. If they weren¡¯t so caught up in their careers and getting on in years, they¡¯d probably try for a do¨Cover with a new kid. Once I got a job, she stopped nagging, only to start her marriage crusade. All that smarts, and now she¡¯s turned Into a full¨Cblown matchmaker.¡± Elysia smiled, ¡°Well, you¡¯ve been out of school for a while. It is about that time to settle down, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Not interested. I¡¯m loving the single life. Why mess it up with a rtionship? Best¨Ccase scenario, Ind a guy like Zane ¨C treats his wife like gold, faithful, a real gentleman. Worst case, I get stuck with a deadbeat. Why would I risk that? I¡¯m happy where I am. I¡¯ve got my job, my friends, my own little world. I can party when I feel like it or enjoy some peace and quiet. I can jet off on a whim or lounge in bed all day without anyone nagging me. I make enough to get by, splurge on treats when I want. But if I got married? Ha!! might end up supporting him, and there goes my snack money. Just the thought gives me the shivers!¡± Blossom had a point.. Marriage could go either way: it could be your making or your undoing. And the thing about men? You can¡¯t always tell a saint from a sinner right away. Chapter 87 Chapter 87 09:48 Elysia leaned back in her chair, a contemtive look crossing her face. ¡°You know what they say, ¡°Marry in haste, repent at leisure. But if you don¡¯t get married and have kids while you¡¯re young, you might live to regret it. Blossom just shrugged it off with her usual carefree attitude. ¡°Ah, let life worry about itself. Life¡¯s too short to not enjoy the heck out of it. I just wanna be happy, that¡¯s all that matters. And love? You can¡¯t force that kind of thing. Look, I¡¯m not against marriage. It¡¯s just that my knight in shining armor hasn¡¯t trotted up yet. When he does, trust me, you won¡¯t have to nudge me¨CI¡¯ll be the first one shouting from the rooftops that I¡¯m getting married.¡± 23 E DR Blossom¡¯s tone shifted gears as she turned to Elysia with a curious tilt of her head. ¡°What about you, though? You nning on jumping back into the dating pool again?¡± Elysia shook her head decidedly. ¡°I¡¯ve had my fill of the bitter taste of marriage, no second helpings for me, thank you. Besides, I¡¯ve got my kids. They¡¯ll be mypany when I¡¯m old and gray.* Blossom scooted closer with a mischievous grin. ¡°Well then, what¡¯s yours is mine, right? From today on, I¡¯ve got kids too. If I end up a spinster, you can bet I¡¯ll be clinging to you and your three little munchkins.¡± ¡°Ha, you¡¯re on. By the way, did Winona ever mention when she¡¯sing back?¡± Blossom shook her head, her ponytail swishing ¡°No clue. Winona¡¯s been living the life, a real leading lady¨Cher career and love life are both booming. The only thing missing is a baby. I heard her say once that Zane wants kids, but she¡¯s too caught up with her career to even think about it. Good thing Zane adores her, or else they¡¯d be at each other¡¯s throats over it.¡± ¡°Yeah, deciding to have kids¡­ That¡¯s a conversation that needs both to be on board.¡± ¡°Exactly. But everyone¡¯s pushing back timelines these days. Winona can afford to wait a few more years. As Blossom¡¯s words trailed off, her stomach gave a loud, insistent growl. Sheughed and said, ¡°Time for a midnight snack.¡± ¡°You and your belly. I could whip up something.¡± ¡°No need, it¡¯ste. I¡¯ll just order in. I¡¯ll check on the little ones first. If they¡¯re still awake, I¡¯ll grab extra.¡± Tiptoeing over to the kids¡® room, Blossom gently pushed the door open. It was pitch ck; the trio was sound asleep. She tiptoed back, closing the door behind her. ¡°All tucked in. Let¡¯s get this party started.¡± She ordered some BBQ skewers and a couple of beers, and they settled into an evening of eating, drinking, andughter, much like the old college dorm days. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Tarquin kept a vigil by Elijah¡¯s bedside, restlessly awake. Gideon¡¯s men had crumbled under Lowell¡¯s tactics, spilling everything. Gideon had sought out Elysia only after hearing about her potential to help Elijah with his bipr disorder. Elysia wasn¡¯t lying; she truly didn¡¯t know Gideon. The encounter of Elysia and Tarquin at the bar was a mere coincidence. Tarquin¡¯s men confirmed she had signed up for the bartending gig long before he decided to show up looking for Keaton. In other words, Elysia had no idea he would be there when she applied for the job. Tarquin had misunderstood her twice over. But what about the smoke bomb in the basement, the elusive hero, the business rivalry, the breached security system, and the warning not to bully the littledy? Could it be that someone else, not Elysia, was the target of the message? He pondered, his mind racing. The ¡®littledy¡® wasn¡¯t just Elysia; there was also his estranged wife, whom he¡¯d never met and whose marriage he¡¯d used to fend off N. Andtely, she¡¯d been pushing for a divorce, which he¡¯d resisted. Could the person behind the business sabotage be standing up for her? Tarquin¡¯s expression darkened. Without a nce at the clock, he whipped out his phone and dialed the Royal Community. ¡°Get her on the line. I want to meet with her tomorrow!¡± Chapter 88 Chapter 88 He was determined to meet ¡®his wife¡® himself, to see if there indeed was such a powerful figure behind her! The next morning, Elysia was jolted awake by the shrill ring of her cellphone. It was Zane calling. Blearily opening her eyes, Elysia answered, ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Elysia, it¡¯s me, Zane.¡± ¡°I know. I saved your number yesterday. What¡¯s up, you need something?¡± ¡°Nothing major, just a bit worried about you. Sorry aboutst night. I had one too many and just woke up. You alright?¡± Elysia knew he was referring to the altercation with Gage. ¡°I¡¯m fine, don¡¯t worry about me.¡± ¡°Gage hasn¡¯t been giving you any more trouble, has he?¡± ¡°No, he hasn¡¯t.¡± Zane let out a sigh of relief, ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. Where are you at? You out of bed yet?¡± ¡°Not yet. Blossom¡¯s with me at this temporary ce I¡¯m staying at. But, yeah, we should probably get up.¡± ¡°Well, send me your location. I¡¯lle over and bring you guys some breakfast.¡± ¡°Wait, you¡¯reing over?¡± ¡°Yeah, is that not okay?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that. I know you¡¯re busy, and if you¡¯re just concerned about me, you don¡¯t have toe. I¡¯m really okay.¡± Zane replied with a chuckle, ¡°No matter how busy, I¡¯ve got to check on you. Plus, I¡¯m not busy today; it¡¯s Sunday, my day off.¡± Elysia was about to protest when Zane added, ¡°Winona¡¯s been looking for you for years. Now that you¡¯ve finally shown up, if I don¡¯te to see you, she¡¯d kill me. I¡¯m visiting on her behalf.¡± With that, Elysia had no ground to refuse. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll send you my location.¡± 09:48 After hanging up, Blossom asked, ¡°Zane¡¯sing over?¡± Yeah, he says he¡¯sing on behalf of Winona.¡± ¡°Quite the survival Instinct he¡¯s got. If Winona knew you were back and Zane didn¡¯t visit, she¡¯d definitely have his head.¡± Elysia just smiled, ¡°That¡¯s what he said himself.¡± Neither of them thought much of it. Since a gentleman was visiting, they quickly got out of bed to freshen up. Elysia was unaware that Royal Community had tried to call herst night. Her phone showed no missed calls. After drinking heavily, the mere thought of Royal Community issues was distressing. Under the influence, in a fit of irritation, she had blocked the number. Now that the alcohol had worn off, she¡¯dpletely forgotten about blocking the call. So, the number from Royal Community was still lying dormant in her cklist. Blossom headed to the bathroom first, while Elysia went to check on the three little ones. The trio were still sound asleep, having gone to bedte the night before, they hadn¡¯t awakened yet. Seeing the children, Elysia¡¯s heart warmed. She tucked them in properly and started tidying up. She and Blossom had not had the chance to clean up afterst night¡¯s drinking session. Half an hourter, Zane arrived. Elysia stood at the doorway, greeting him warmly into the house. Unbeknownst to them, someone was taking photos from a distance, and these pictures would soon be in Tarquin¡¯s hands. Lowell reported to Tarquin, ¡°As per your instructions, we¡¯ve been tracking Zane and captured these photos. No wonder we couldn¡¯t find Ms. Thorne¡¯s address; turns out she¡¯s staying at Wheatfield Homestay. The owner¡¯s son is a hacker, not famous, but with connections to some pretty skilled ones. Their cybersecurity is top¨Cnotch.¡± If their cybersecurity was that impressive, it muste with a hefty price tag. Tarquin frowned, ¡°I thought Elysia was broke? Where¡¯s she getting the money for such a fancy ce?¡± Chapter 89 Chapter 89 Thendy¡¯s special treatment only cost her 200 bucks for the night,¡± the man said with a grin, tossing a wink in Tarquin¡¯s direction. ¡°Excuse me?¡± Tarquin raised an eyebrow. ¡°Mrs. Thorne¡¯s three sons, they¡¯re thendy¡¯s darlings. She¡¯d let them stay for free if not out of concern for Mrs. Thorne¡¯s feelings, afraid that not charging her would cause undue worry.¡± Tarquin eyed him skeptically. ¡°¡­Really?¡± ¡°As true as the sky is blue. Don¡¯t believe me? Go ask her yourself,¡± Lowell insisted with a chuckle. Tarquin didn¡¯t know this was all prearranged by Elliot, nor did he give it much thought before he probed further, ¡°Did you figure out the connection between Zane and Elysia?¡± ¡°Got it. She and Zane¡¯s wife, Winona, are besties from their college days, and Zane was the big man on campus, their senior. The trio¡¯s quite tight¨Cknit. Oh, and we dug up some dirt on Ms. Thorne too. Turns out she¡¯s lived in Jindale City before. Ms. Thorne is the adopted daughter of the Thorne family, not exactly the apple of their eye. But she¡¯s a self¨Cstarter, academically brilliant. Blew her exams out of the water and got into Jindale University with flying colors. She was a star there too. Her professors and ssmates all said she was a sweetheart¨Ckind, helpful, and ambitious. If she hadn¡¯t dropped out to get married, she would¡¯ve had a bright future. After she married, though, rumors flew about her private life¨Callegations of an affair. Her husband caught her red¨Chanded and divorced her, leaving her with nothing. Then she vanished, just like that, for six whole years. And then, the day her son wrecked your car, she pops back into the picture.¡± Infidelity and left with nothing! Tarquin¡¯s thoughts suddenly turned to his own estranged wife, whom he¡¯d never met. But Elysia couldn¡¯t be her; Elysia was already divorced, and his marriage was still technically intact. Besides, their names didn¡¯t match. ¡°What¡¯s brought her back into town?¡± he asked. ¡°No idea.¡± ¡°Any y contact with Zane before she returned?¡± Lowell shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s a few years there, a gap we can¡¯t ount for. But since her return, it doesn¡¯t seem like she¡¯s been in touch with Zane. We checked his phone, no calls to Ms. Thorne, not even a WhatsApp message untilst night. Seems like their dinner at Jinpeach Restaurant was their first meet¨Cup in years.¡± Tarquin furrowed his brows. ¡°So, there¡¯s nothing shady about Zane and Elysia?¡± 09:48 Huh? What do you mean?¡± Tarquin shot him a displeased nce. Lowell quickly added, ¡°Got it, got it. But I doubt it. Zane and his wife seem to have a good. thing going. He¡¯s known to be a devoted husband.¡± Tarquin¡¯s lips twitched, clearly wanting to change the subject. ¡°Any connections between Zane and Gideon?* ¡°Nothing turned up. But Zane¡¯s been trying to get close to you for business reasons. He showed up at Booker¡¯s birthday bashst night, pulling strings to get your attention.¡± A flicker of disdain crossed Tarquin¡¯s eyes as he pondered. Lowell continued, ¡°You suspect Zane and Gideon might be in cahoots? Doesn¡¯t seem likely. Combine their fortunes, and you won¡¯t hit a billion. Thest time our business was under siege, the yer had tens of billions at their disposal. Zane¡¯s just the son¨Cinw in the Newsom family¨Cyeah, they¡¯re loaded, and Winona¡¯s a hotshot celebrity, but Zane¡¯s assets are minimal. Right now, as the general manager of the Newsom Group, he¡¯s more an errand boy than a power yer. The real shot¨Ccaller is still Mr. Newsom.¡± Tarquin remained silent for a moment, then instructed, ¡°See if there¡¯s a project we could coborate with Zane on. If there is, give him a shot.¡± This opportunity was a consideration of Zane¡¯s connection to Elysia. Although his suspicions of Elysia had lessened, he hadn¡¯t entirely ruled her out. 09 Chapter 90 Chapter 90 Tarquin couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint whether he wanted her to take care of Elijah or if he was trying to scope out her intentions. So, he paid extra attention to the people and events surrounding her. ¡°By the way,¡± Lowell mentioned casually, ¡°Professor Folly¡¯s daughter, Blossom Blythe, Is pretty chummy with Ms. Thorne. Justst night, Ms. Blythe treated Ms. Thorne to dinner and didn¡¯t return home. She checked into the Wheatfield Homestay instead.¡± Tarquin¡¯s eyelids flicked up at the mention, his gaze shifting to Lowell. ¡°Professor Folly¡¯s only child?¡± ¡°Yeah, I did some digging. Ms. Thorne, Ms. Blossom Blythe, and Ms. Winona Newsom were the inseparable trio back in school. Very tight¨Cknit.¡± There was a silence before Tarquin murmured an acknowledgment. The Blythe couple were two professors he held in high regard. His interest in ancient cultures ran deep, and the Blythes were experts in that field. He had visited them on multiple asions. He knew they had an only daughter, but he had never met her, nor did he know her name. He hadn¡¯t expected Elysia to be best friends with the daughter. ¡°Is Professor Folly still over in Border City?¡± ¡°Yep, they discovered some ancient tomb out there. The whole team¡¯s gone to Border City. Might be a while before they¡¯re back.¡± Noticing Tarquin¡¯s furrowed brow, Lowell continued, ¡°You probably don¡¯t need to worry about Ms. Blythe¡¯s safety. She and Ms. Thorne are genuine friends. When the news of Ms. Thorne¡¯s affair broke out, everyone familiar with her was bad¨Cmouthing her, except Ms. Blythe and Ms. Newsom. They actually hit back at the haters. They both faced a lot. of bacsh online, took a lot of k. Luckily, the Newsoms have deep pockets and managed to suppress the trending searches. That helped put an end to the whole ordeal.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s look into what Elysia was up to in the years she was out in the countryside before this,¡± Tarquin said after a pause. She used to be a model student, but who knows if she¡¯s changed? People do change over time. His thoughts drifted to his wife, and he asked, ¡°No word from her at the Royal Community?¡± ¡°Her phone¡¯s been ringing off the hook, but no answer.¡± Lowell knew what Tarquin was thinking and reassured him, ¡°But all things considered, I don¡¯t think she¡¯s rted to the troubles we¡¯ve had these past few days. If someone was trying to muscle in on our business to get back at her, they would¡¯ve acted again after you refused to divorce. But look, It¡¯s been days, no divorce, and no more stunts.¡± Tarquin¡¯s expression darkened, and he remained silent. Lowell¡¯s point was valid, but if it wasn¡¯t Elysia or his wife, who could the ¡®littledy¡® be? Tarquin.¡± Benjamin had arrived for work. Tarquin snapped out of his reverie and nced at Elijah, standing up. ¡°Look after him for me. I¡¯ve got to go. Call me the moment he wakes up.¡± Elijah was familiar with Benjamin, so Tarquin was confident that Elijah wouldn¡¯t throw a fit upon seeing him. Benjamin, aware that Tarquin had spent the night at Elijah¡¯s bedside, reminded him, ¡°You better go get some rest.¡± Tarquin grunted nomittally and headed straight to his car, saying, ¡°To the office. Lowell sighed and said, ¡°Tarquin, go home. You need some rest. You¡¯ve barely slept properly in days.¡± Between worrying about Elijah and work, he was running on fumes. Even an iron man has his limits. But Tarquin¡¯s response was a chilly, ¡°To the office first.¡± He closed his eyes for a brief respite as Lowell reluctantly started the car. Outsiders always said Tarquin was cold and ruthless, a heartless creature, but they had him all wrong. He was the epitome of a tough exterior housing a warm heart. He was the best father anyone could ask for. And the best friend and boss too! Chapter 91 Chapter 91 Wheatfield Homestay. Blossom¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment as she looked over the breakfast spread Zane had brought home, eximing, ¡°Goodness, breakfast from the Jinpeach Restaurant? Did you really go out of your way to get this? And so much variety!¡± ¡°Yep, it¡¯s the best breakfast in town, and Elysia hasn¡¯t been home in ages. I wasn¡¯t sure if her tastes have changed over the years, so I got a bit of everything just in case.¡± Blossom tsk¨Ctsked in amazement, ¡°How could it not be delicious? A single muffin costs a fortune.¡± Elysia gasped, ¡°How much?¡± Blossom gestured with her small hands, ¡°One muffin, 800 bucks!¡± ¡°That expensive?¡± ¡°Mmm¨Chmm, hard to believe, right? Tarquin really knows how to rake in the dough¨Ca true capitalist through and through!¡± Jinpeach Restaurant was one of the businesses owned by Tarquin. Elysia¡¯s expression changed slightly, given that Tarquin was her husband. With muffins priced at $800 each, Zane had bought six, in addition to three hearty oatmeal bowls and a dozen side dishes. The breakfast had cost them just shy of ten grand. Elysia, trying to calm her nerves, said to Zane, ¡°You¡¯ve really gone all out.¡± ¡°We¡¯re friends, no need for formalities. Come on, sit and eat before it gets cold.¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten either, have you? Join us.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± As the three of them ate and chatted, Elysia asked, ¡°Have you heard from Winonately?¡± Zane shook his head, ¡°Not yet. Blossom chimed in, ¡°She¡¯s been gone for over a year. You¡¯d think she¡¯d be back by now. A movie shoot usually only takes a few months.¡± Zane replied, ¡°This time it¡¯s different. She said to brace myself, that it might be a year or two before she could return. If there were anyplications, it could take even longer.¡± ¡°That long? Must be a major production.¡± ¡°Yeah, Winona¡¯s always been ambitious, always challenging herself.¡± ¡°Has she been in touch with her folks?¡± Elysia asked. Zana shook his head again. She signed a non¨Cdisclosure agreement and can¡¯t contact anyone.¡± Elysia looked embarrassed, not quite understanding the rules of their industry. ¡°How have you been these past years?¡± Zane steered the conversation towards her. ¡°Alright, I guess.¡± ¡°After the scandal, you disappeared so suddenly¡­ we were all terrified¡­¡± ¡°I had a bad rep back then and didn¡¯t want to drag you guys down with me, so I left. quietly.¡± ¡°You always saw things too ck and white. We¡¯re not just friends, we¡¯re practically family. There¡¯s no such thing as dragging us down. We know you, and there¡¯s no way you¡¯d do anything like ¡®cheating within marriage. Winona and I even reached out to the bestwyers to help you fight your case, but then you went off the grid. And that was six years ago.¡± Elysia felt remorseful as she said, ¡°I was young and scared, not thinking about fighting the case or assigning me; I just wanted to escape. I caused you all so much worry¡­¡± ¡°No need for formalities among friends. We never saw you as an outsider. If you ever decide you want to appeal, just say the word, and we¡¯ll be there to help.¡± Elysia smiled softly. ¡°It¡¯s all in the past now. I don¡¯t want to appeal anymore. I¡¯m living well now and don¡¯t want to dwell on past troubles.¡± ¡°Good point. If you don¡¯t want to appeal, then put it all behind you. We have to keep moving forward.¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± ¡°Got any ns for the future?¡± ¡°To live a good life with my kids.¡± Zane looked surprised, ¡°You have kids?¡± The triplets were still snoozing in the bedroom, unseen by Zane, which exined his astonishment. Elysia beamed, ¡°Three boys, they¡¯re five years old now.¡± Zane was taken aback. ¡°Five years old? They¡¯re his, and¡­ you went through with the pregnancy?¡± Chapter 92 Chapter 92 Zane looked perplexed. ¡°Did you ever find the kids¡® father?¡± No, I raped them by myself.¡± To was visibly impressed. ¡°That must be tough, a single mom with three kids. How did you manage? ¡°Just taking it one day at a time, you know? Sure, there have been tough spots, but overall, there¡¯s been more joy than not.¡± And you¡­ you don¡¯t ever want to find their father?¡± Elysia shook her head emphatically. ¡°No need. The kids are all I need.¡± Zane¡¯s gaze lingered on her, filled withpassion. Blossom too looked at her with an expression of deep sympathy. Elysia offered a reassuring smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯m doing really well. Once the divorce is finalized and the kids¡® paperwork is sorted, I n to move to a cozy town and settle down.¡± Zane was taken aback. ¡°You¡¯re not divorced yet?¡± She shook her head. ¡°I guess he hasn¡¯t signed the divorce papers yet.¡± Frowning. Zane asked, ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t he sign? ¡°I wish I knew.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been back for a few days now, right? Howe the divorce isn¡¯t final?¡± Elysia¡¯s face was a picture of frustration. ¡°He¡¯splicating things. I haven¡¯t even been able to see him.¡± ¡°What do you mean? Doesn¡¯t he want the divorce?¡± ¡°He says he does.¡± Blossom chimed in, ¡°I bet he¡¯s dragging his feet because he knows you really want the divorce. He¡¯s probably doing it out of spite, because of what happened back then.¡± Elysia was just as puzzled. ¡°But he¡¯ll want to get married and have his own kids someday, right? Holding onto this marriage isn¡¯t doing him any favors¨Cunless he ns on never getting married.¡± Otherwise, he¡¯d bemitting bigamy. Zane, with a furrowed brow, offered, ¡°If it¡¯s okay with you, you can tell me who he is. I¡¯ll 09:49 help you sort things out with him. If there¡¯s no love left, It¡¯s best to just end it. Blossom also looked at Elysia expectantly. Up to this point, she still had no idea who Elysia¡¯s deadbeat husband was. Elysia, however, remained firm. ¡°You two don¡¯t need to worry about this, I¡¯ll handle it.¡± She couldn¡¯t very well tell them¨Cthere was a confidentiality agreement from their secret marriage that she couldn¡¯t breach. More importantly, with Tarquin¡¯s current influence, she wouldn¡¯t dare let Blossom and Zane approach him. If Tarquin got angry and went after them in retaliation, she couldn¡¯t have that on her conscience. Seeing Elysia¡¯s resolve, Blossom and Zane didn¡¯t press further. Zane tried to lighten the mood, ¡°Listen, if you run into any trouble in Jindale City, youe to me. No need to be shy, okay?¡± ¡°Okay.¡± After chatting for a while longer, Zane was the first to leave. As soon as he got into his car, he whipped out his phone and transferred fifty thousand dors to a certain ount. Then he made a call.. ¡°I need you to dig up who Elysia¡¯s husband is. If you hit a wall, go ask the Thorne family. Do it fast, and there¡¯s another fifty thousand in it for you. And the job fromst night, all taken care of?¡± ¡°Yep!¡± ¡°Make sure you covered your tracks. If anyone gets wind of this, we¡¯re both done for.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Hanging up, Zane leaned back in his seat, aplex expression on his face as he stared at the Wheatfield Homestay. He hadn¡¯t expected Elysia to reappear in his life. He certainly hadn¡¯t anticipated that she was still married. And he had never imagined that Elysia would have kids, let alone triplets! After a while, he exhaled slowly, started the car, and drove off, dialing a number as he went. ¡°Hey, I want to ce an order for three kids¡® breakfast specials, delivered to Wheatfield Homestay, Building 1. And make it the deluxe versions, please.¡± 09:49 The trio woke up in a bit of a panic. Chapter 93 Chapter 93 Emmett nced at the clock on the nightstand and his face turned ghostly pale. ¡°Oh no, It¡¯s past ten! We¡¯re in trouble, Mom and Blossom must be starving.¡± Leaping out of bed, still in his pajamas, Emmett dashed out of the room. Elliot and Evan stirred awake as well. In the living room, Elysia and Blossom were lounging and chatting when they saw Emmett barrel through, anxious as a rabbit in a snare. ¡°What¡¯s the rush, Emmett?¡± Elysia asked. ¡°Mom, Godmother, are you hungry? I¡¯ll whip up some breakfast for you right now.¡± Emmett was all set to storm the kitchen when Elysia called him back. ¡°No need to cook, sweetheart. We¡¯ve already eaten, and your breakfast is ready too. Go freshen up, and then you can eat.¡± ¡°Ah? Did you make it, Mom?¡± ¡°No, it was delivered by a gentleman.¡± ¡°A gentleman?¡± ¡°Mmhmm, I¡¯ll tell you more about itter. Now go wash up and wake your brothers, too.¡± With a quick ¡®okay,¡® Emmett pivoted and headed back to their room. ¡°Mom said a gentleman brought us breakfast.¡± ¡°Which gentleman?¡± Elliot and Evan chimed in unison. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Elliot and Evan didn¡¯t bother with washing up; they were more interested in grilling Elysia. Suddenly, a man appeared in their mom¡¯s life, and they were naturally curious. With a smile, Elysia exined, ¡°It was your other godmom¡¯s husband, also an old college. friend of mine. He heard we were in Jindale City and came to check on us, bringing breakfast along. He even peeked into your room, but you boys were still asleep.¡± Elliot and Evan rxed a bit with the exnation. However, back in the room, Elliot couldn¡¯t resist checking the security cameras briefly, then did a quick search on Zane¡¯s background. Zane had severalbels: self¨Cmade man, tycoon son¨Cinw, ambitious youth, business 09:49 hotshot, supported husband, universe¡¯s best spouse Finding nothing rming about him, Elliot finally shut down theputer and went to freshen up. As long as the guy meant no harm to their mom, they were cool. Meanwhile, in the living room, Blossom suddenly gasped, ¡°Oh my stars, Gage is getting his comeuppance!¡± Hearing Gage¡¯s name, Elysia leaned in curiously. ¡°What happened to him?¡± ¡°Take a look. The guy¡¯s been neutered. You¡¯ve been away and might not know, but this Gage is an old lecher, a scourge of Jindale City. He loves bullying women, and he¡¯s brutally good at it. But because of his ties to Tarquin, no one dared to touch him. Now, finally, a hero has emerged.¡± Blossom was oblivious to the bad blood between Elysia and Gage; she was merely reacting to the news. Elysia had heard about the connection between Gage and Tarquin from Zane the night before, and she was intrigued. Who had the guts to strike at Gage? Weren¡¯t they afraid of Tarquin seeking revenge? Yet as she nced at Gage¡¯s miserable photos circting online, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of schadenfreude. Serves him right! What goes aroundes around! She didn¡¯t have the heart of a saint; she couldn¡¯t wish well for someone who had wronged her so. Blossom¡¯s exmation was loud enough for Elliot to hear from his room. Midway through brushing his teeth, he hurried back to hisputer to check on Gage¡¯s situation. A look of shock crossed his face as he researched. He hadn¡¯t even made a move yet, and someone had beaten him to the punch. ¡°Bro, did you do this?¡± Evan approached, eyes wide with curiosity. Elliot shook his head, ¡°Not me. I hadn¡¯t lifted a finger yet.¡± ¡°Then who did?¡± ¡°No idea. Gage has wronged so many, any one of them could be the culprit.¡± ¡°Whoever it is, they¡¯re a hero in my eyes¨Cridding us of a menace!¡± Chapter 94 Chapter 94 After a hearty breakfast of pancakes and bacon, Blossom suggested that they take the three kids out for a stroll downtown and catch a movie. The party of five set out the door, spirits high andughter in the air. Elysia sia didn¡¯t give the incident with Gage a second thought, but the ripples it caused were far from insignificant. Gage was nothing more than a contemptible little twerp, disliked by many, but he was a ter, and that meant he represented the entire ter n. And the ters had the powerful Tarquin backing them. So, by extension, hitting Gage was like pping Tarquin across the face. In current times, it seemed unthinkable that someone would dare to cross Tarquin, and so, the inte exploded with gossip. Everyone was wondering who would be foolish enough to offend Tarquin. But those close to Tarquin knew well his true feelings toward Gage. N ter was a lifesaver to Elijah; Tarquin was grateful to her, which extended to some level of care toward the ter family, but that was strictly business. As for Gage¡­ to speak frankly, Tarquin never really considered him worth his attention. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have let Gage make a fool of himself running naked through the streets that one time. Keaton¡¯s call came through, ¡°Was it you?¡± Tarquin stood before the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows of his executive office, a cigarette pinched between his fingers as he surveyed the skyline of Jindale City. ¡°Why don¡¯t you. ask your sister?¡± Tarquin was aware of the bad blood between Gage and Elysia. Seeing the news about Gage¡¯s mishap, he had a hunch it might be rted to Elysia. Now, with the Denton family indebted to Elysia for something, it was a possibility that they¡¯d take Gage down a peg for her sake. Keaton said, ¡°It wasn¡¯t them. My sister just called me, asking if it was you. She said if it was, to thank you for standing up for Ms. Thorne!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not that idle.¡± ¡°Then it¡¯s strange. Over the years, plenty have wanted Gage dead but held back out of respect for you. Now him suddenly getting in trouble? Everyone in the circle suspects he¡¯s pissed you off, and you handled it personally.¡± ¡°Me, personally? Is he even worth the effort?¡± 09:49 ¡°You¡¯re right. But whoever did this¡­ using Gage to offend you sounds pretty far¨Cfetched, If they really wanted to cross you, they¡¯de at me directly. Our bond is Irond; you¡¯d definitely blow a fuse if something happened to me.¡± Tarquin flicked off some ash. ¡°If you¡¯re so bored, go take a nap. Stop prying into. everything!¡± Keaton chuckled, ¡°I¡¯ve got nothing on today. Don¡¯t feel like sleeping or hanging with my girl. How about I keep youpany? Feels like ages since Ist graced you with my presence.¡± ¡°Beat it!¡± Tarquin hung up without another word. Lowell approached and said, ¡°Tarquin, I did some digging. The hit on Gage was by a pro, contracted through the dark web. The client only wanted Gage¡­ emascted, not dead.¡± With the job being on the dark web, tracing the client would be difficult. Tarquin took a drag on his cigarette, indifferent to Gage¡¯s fate. After all, Gage had made enough enemies who would want to harm him. ¡°What¡¯s Elysia up to?¡± Lowell, thankfully aware of his boss¡¯s attitude towards Elysia, held back a smirk. Otherwise, he might suspect his boss had fallen for her. Mentioning her name every chance he got¡­ ¡°Just got word that she¡¯s out shopping with Ms. Blythe, and they¡¯ve got the kids with them.¡± Tarquin remained silent, prompting Lowell to continue, ¡°Also, we got a call from Royal Community. Your wife has reached out again, asking when you¡¯ll be free to finalize the divorce.¡± At the mention of his wife, Tarquin frowned in annoyance. ¡°Tell her, if she doesn¡¯t want trouble, to stop harassing me. I¡¯ll get in touch when I¡¯m ready for the divorce.¡± Now that he no longer suspected her, he naturally had no desire to see her either. Lowell nodded in understanding, the office once again falling silent. Chapter 95 Chapter 95 Elysia was shopping on the bustling streets when her phone buzzed with a new message. She was fuming as she clutched her phone and confronted the caller. ¡°What do you mean he¡¯ll divorce when he feels like it? Can¡¯t he give me a straight answer? Can¡¯t I just see him, have a one¨Con¨Cone chat, I-¡± ¡°Beep, beep, beep¡­¡± Before she could finish her sentence, the call was abruptly ended. ¡°Son of a gun!¡± Elysia was seething, hands on hips, forehead creased in frustration. It was only when she reached the mall that she remembered to unblock the number for Royal Community and give them a call about the divorce. Realizing she had cklisted their number previously, she quickly salvaged the contact from digital oblivion and dialed back. The news that Tarquin had actually reached out to herst night, even setting up a meeting for today, had sent her over the moon with excitement. But, as fate would have it, things took a U¨Cturn. She didn¡¯t know if Tarquin was ticked off for not getting through to herst night, but all she knew was that she was fuming! Maybe if she had picked up the phonest night, they would have been at the courthouse signing divorce papers by now! Oh, if only she hadn¡¯t drowned her sorrows in wine! Blossom noticed Elysia¡¯s distress and sidled up. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Elysia was a mix of anger and helplessness. ¡°That jerk still refuses to sign the divorce papers. Today he was even more obstinate, telling me not to bother him, saying he¡¯ll divorce when he feels like it.¡± ¡°What?¡± Blossom¡¯s voice spiked in disbelief. The kids were busy at the arcade, and Elysia, not wanting to cause a scene, nudged Blossom to tone it down. In a hushed tone, Blossom prodded, ¡°What does he even want? What¡¯s this nonsense about divorcing when he feels like it? You two were at each other¡¯s throats, not to mention living apart for years! Him dragging his feet is just low¨Cdown dirty! Don¡¯t worry about it. Let¡¯s take him to court! I have a friend who¡¯s awyer. If he won¡¯t y nice, we¡¯ll show him tough.¡± Evsia¡¯s expression soust #tit were any ordinary man that might be an option but this was Tarquent Even if he weren¡¯t at the helm of the Bradford Grous shot stand no chance in court against him And now Forget about it! Whichwyer in their right mind would risk crossing Tarquin for her? It Tarquin was a rock, she wasn¡¯t even fit to be an eag Legal action was off the table And confronting him directly That avenue was shut down too. He made it clear any harassment would be on her own head This was just bullying! ¡°You leave it to me Just give me his details I¡¯ll rally my folks and my quest. With two renowned professors and a societydy on our side, how can we not handle one man? Blossom refused to back down Elysia nced at Blossom awkwardly, internally screaming ¡°Blossom, were no match for him, s¡± Esia sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s just forget about him for now it be wont divorce so be it Let¡¯s see who can oust the other. He¡¯s got some high and nighty giriftene. I bet she¡¯s itchines to take my ce. If she starts making waves, he¡¯lle crawling to the Blossom sighed in solidarity feeling frustrated on Evsia¡¯s behalt as she said, ¡°What kind of a jerk holds on to a rtionship that¡¯s long dead? He¡¯s disgusting! But whatever you¡¯re better off without him. Since you can¡¯t shake him off, just stay here in Jingale Oby Your biggest worry was the kids schooling, right? I¡¯ve got it covered. They can attend the preschool I¡¯m working at ¡°Are you sure? Is that okay? ¡°Trust me, I¡¯ve got this ¡°Isn¡¯t the tuition steep?¡± ¡°Stop fussing. I told you it¡¯s handled. Don¡¯t worry about the fees Chapter 96 Chapter 96 ¡°I can¡¯t ept this.¡± ¡°Think of it as a loan, sweetheart,¡± Blossom insisted, her voice warm and soothing like a cup of chamomile tea. ¡°When you¡¯re back on your feet, you can pay me back. Also, cancel that Airbnb you¡¯re staying at ande live with me. I¡¯ve got a three¨Cbedroom house with two rooms gathering dust. This way, I get to see my godsons every day, and I won¡¯t be so lonely. It¡¯s a win¨Cwin.¡± Elysia¡¯s heart swelled with emotion. She nodded, her words failing to capture the depth of her gratitude. ¡°Thanks, Blossom,¡± she murmured, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. ¡°Mommy, Godmother,e y with us!¡± Evan called out to them, his voice echoing in the excitement of the arcade. The two women exchanged a knowing smile and followed the sound of hisughter. Elysia¡¯s spirits were buoyed by her best friend¡¯s generosity. Her biggest worry had been the kids¡® schooling, and now, with Blossom¡¯s help, that concern was alleviated. ¡°Ah-¡± A sudden shriek pierced the air. Emmett had been pushed off a kiddie motorcycle by another little boy andnded with a thud on the carpeted floor. The usurper had already mounted the bike Emmett was riding, his hands gripping the handlebars, a triumphant ¡®vroom vroom¡® escaping his lips, oblivious to the injustice he¡¯d justmitted. Evan, with the temperament of a firecracker, didn¡¯t take kindly to the sight. He marched. over and gave the boy a shove, sending him tumbling to the ground, chin meeting carpet. ¡°The nerve! Who do you think you are, picking on my brother?¡± Evan¡¯s voice was fierce, his protective instincts in full disy. The little boy burst into tears as he cried out, ¡°Mommy, mommy, he pushed me!¡± A well¨Cdressed woman hurried over, scooping up her son in her arms. ¡°Oh, my poor baby, where did you get hurt? Tell mommy where it hurts!¡± ¡°My bum, it hurts,¡± he wailed, rubbing his backside. The woman turned her wrath on Evan, her voice sharp as a knife, ¡°You little brat, how dare you touch my son? You¡¯re going to pay for this!¡± Evan, undeterred, stood his ground. ¡°You¡¯re the brat, and so is your whole family!¡± ¡°Insolent child! I¡¯ll-¡± The woman¡¯s hand flew up, ready to strike, but Elysia caught her wrist mid¨Cair. no¨C50 Creding Emmett and shielding Evan behind her, Elysia red at the furious mother. What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± ¡°What am I doing? Your kid pushed mine, are you blind? As his guardian, you should teach him some manners. This is a public ce, the rides are for everyone. What gives your son the right to stop mine from ying?¡± Elysia was livid as she asked, ¡°Who started it? My son Emmett was ying peacefully. until your son pushed him off. Who¡¯s the onecking manners now?¡± The woman¡¯s face turned scarlet with anger. ¡°Do you know who I am to talk to me like that?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care who you are. We¡¯re all trying to make it through life for the first time. I see no reason to coddle you; I¡¯m not your parent! Your son wronged mine first, and If you so much as touch my child¡­¡± With a swift move, Elysia shoved her away. The woman, unsteady in her high heels, nearly stumbled, saved only by the quick reflexes of her nanny. ¡°You dare to strike me? You¡¯ll regret this, bitch!¡± she seethed, ready tosh out at Elysia. Blossom stepped forward, her own temper ring. ¡°Who are you calling bitch? You think you¡¯re something special because you¡¯ve got money? Try me,dy. I¡¯m not afraid to stand my ground.¡± Rolling up her sleeves, Blossom was ready to fight. Seeing the determination in Elysia and Blossom¡¯s eyes, the woman spat out a threat, ¡°This isn¡¯t over. Just you wait.¡± With a huff, she left with her son and the nanny, leaving Elysia and Blossom to calm Evan and Emmett, their hearts racing but their bonds stronger than ever. Chapter 97 Chapter 97 Elysia quickly asked Emmett, ¡°Emmett, are you hurt?¡± Emmett clung to Elysia¡¯s neck, crying softly, ¡°I¡¯m scared¡­¡± Unlike his brothers Elliot and Evan, Emmett was naturally timid, gentle in spirit, and particrly prone to tears. ¡°It¡¯s okay, baby, no need to be scared. Blossom and I have chased the bad guys away. Does your bum still hurt?¡± ¡°It hurts¡­¡± ¡°Let me rub it for you.¡± Blossom tried to distract him, ¡°Emmett, there¡¯s a milkshake stand over there. Want me to take you to get one?¡± The little guy blinked, clearly tempted. ¡°Come on, I will take you.¡± Blossom reached out, wanting to scoop Emmett into her arms, but the little guy clung to Elysia¡¯s neck and wouldn¡¯t let go. Although he knew Blossom was safe, their time together had been short, and he relied on Elysia more. Especially having just been upset, he didn¡¯t want to leave Elysia¡¯s side. Blossom, a bit helpless, asked, ¡°How about you stay here with your mom and I¡¯ll go get you one, okay?¡± Emmett snuggled into Elysia¡¯s embrace and gave a little nod between sobs. Seeing that Elliot and Evan were also sulking, Blossom took one child by each hand and led them off to get milkshakes. Elysia sat with Emmett in the seating area, soothing him tenderly. She had just calmed Emmett down when that high¨Csociety women suddenly came charging back. And she wasn¡¯t alone; several haughty¨Clooking women followed her, each dressed in designerbels, toting fancy handbags, and teetering on stiletto heels. Seeing their aggressive approach, Elysia held Emmett close and red at them. The women drew near, looking down their noses at Elysia and Emmett with disdain, ¡°Is it them?¡± Emmett, frightened, began to tremble but then jumped out from Elysia¡¯s arms, spread his arms wide, and stood in front of her. ¡°Don¡¯t bully my mommy!¡± The women watched Emmett with their arms crossed, unable to hide their amazement. 09:50 Emmett had an extremely good look, even by Hollywood standards. He and his brothers were different in appearance and aura. While all were cute, Elliot and Evan looked more rugged, whereas Emmett was softer. If they were characters from a ssic movie, Emmett would be the heartthrob, a face so handsome that even women would be impressed. The womeit stared at Emmett for a while before one snapped, ¡°Out of the way, you little brat! Mind I don¡¯t p you with my flip¨Cflop.¡± Emmett¡¯s breathing quickened with fear, but he didn¡¯t move. He might be scared, but he wanted to protect Elysia. She was his favorite person, and he wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to bully her. Touched, Elysia stood up, shielding Emmett behind her, and fixed her gaze on the aristocratic woman, ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°What do I want? I want you to learn what happens when you cross me.¡± Beside her stood a young woman in her early twenties, bearing a resemnce to her, who asked, ¡°Sis, is this the mother and son who bullied you and Quill?¡± The high¨Csocietydy used, ¡°Yes, them! My son Quill was ying on his electric bike when her son just pushed him off. The bruise on Quill¡¯s knee is their doing. And after pushing Quill, they didn¡¯t even apologize¨Ctypical uncouth behavior, no manners!¡± The young woman named Oriana had a venomous gaze despite her angelic looks. She red at Elysia, pulled out her phone, and dialed, her voice sickly sweet, ¡°Keaton,e to Wansh Mall, quick. My sister and I are being bullied, boo hoo.¡± As soon as she hung up, she turned to Elysia with a triumphant look. ¡°You¡¯re done for.¡± Elysia realized she was dealing with a maniptor. Chapter 98 Chapter 98 Elysia pursed her lips and said, ¡°Look, we¡¯re all adults here, no need to spin tales. It was your son who shoved mine first! Everyone saw it.¡± The onlookers huddled around, exchanging nces and whispers, none daring to utter a word. As it happened, Tarquin was in the area conducting an inspection. The mall was part of the Bradford Group¡¯s portfolio, and he made a point of personally checking on each establishment monthly. Lowell spotted Elysia and said, ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t Ms. Thorne. Talk about fate, eh? I heard she went shopping with Ms. Blythe, never imagined they¡¯d grace us with their presence. Must be divine intervention! The big guy upstairs knows you¡¯ve been all knotted up about Ms. Thoely, and arranged a little serendipity for you.¡± Tarquin shot back with a dry. ¡°Silence is golden, Lowell.¡± Lowell chuckled, ¡°Seems like Ms Thorne¡¯s caught up in some trouble. Should we go have a look?¡± ¡°ying the knight in shining armor, are you?¡± Lowell blinked, ¡°No, of course not. That wasn¡¯t my intention. But he was definitely hoping Tarquin would y that role. Ever since Elysia nted one on Tarquin, Lowell figured she had something special. After all these years, she was the only one who¡¯d managed to get that close! If she could help Tarquin forget about Elijah¡¯s mother and lead a normal life again, then Elysia would be golden in Lowell¡¯s eyes. Regardless of whether she had an agenda with. Tarquin, as long as she wasn¡¯t after his life, that was fine by them. Lowell cared for Tarquin and didn¡¯t want to see him suffer over a woman whose fate was uncertain. ¡°Do you like her?¡± Tarquin asked out of the blue, catching Lowell off guard. ¡°Tarquin, that¡¯s not funny.¡± ¡°If you¡¯ve got feelings for her, I¡¯ll y matchmaker for you.¡± The corner of Lowell¡¯s mouth twitched uncontrobly as he said, ¡°You might as well put me out of my misery.¡± Tve noticed you¡¯re quite interested in her, and you think highly of her. Don¡¯t worry about any past issues between us. If you truly like her, I can approach her and extend an olive branch.¡± Despite his magnanimous words, Lowell was close to losing his cool. ¡°I don¡¯t like her, not like that. I¡­ I may have been a bit enthusiastic, but that¡¯s because of you.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Lowell¡¯s lips moved but he said nothing more, aware that Tarquin harbored no feelings for Elysia. ¡°She stabilized Corbin¡¯s condition, didn¡¯t she? I think she can help our Elijah.¡± Tarquin nced at him with half¨Cclosed eyes but said nothing further. Meanwhile, Elysia was embroiled in a heated argument. A few women were making quite the scene, haughtily proiming, ¡°So what if she pushed your son? The fact that we didn¡¯t kick your kid out of the park is mercy enough!¡± ¡°Exactly. If it wasn¡¯t for Quill wanting to experience a ¡®normal¡® life, do you think you¡¯d even be allowed in here? You and your son should be on your knees, thanking him for not renting out the entire ce.¡± Another woman chimed in with a warning. ¡°Next time you pick a fight, make sure you know who you¡¯re dealing with. The bruise on Quill¡¯s body alone is worth more than your entire worth.¡± Elysia frowned at them, recognizing that these women, much like a certaindy of high. society, were beyond reason and devoid of manners. One woman, towering over Elysia, demanded, ¡°Get down and knock your head against the floor three times for Fleur, then p yourself ten times. Maybe then she¡¯ll forgive you.¡± Elysia responded with icy defiance, ¡°And what if I refuse?¡± ¡°Refuse? Then you¡¯re choosing the hard way.¡± As Elysia red at them and reached for her phone to call the police, one of the women snatched it away and smashed it on the ground, ¡°Thinking of calling the cops, are you? You must be out of your mind. Do you have any idea who you¡¯ve crossed today? Quill¡¯s uncle by marriage is none other than the renowned Mr. Keaton Huber of Jindale City. The cops will take your side? Fat chance.¡± The woman moved to crush the phone with her foot, but Elysia shoved her away. ¡°Psycho!¡± Chapter 99 Chapter 99 Elysia cursed under her breath and bent down to pick up her phone. No sooner had she grabbed it than she felt a sudden yank on her hair. Someone had grabbed her hair and pulled hard, sending a sharp pain shooting through her scalp. ¡°We haven¡¯t even started on you yet, and you¡¯re already swinging,¡± a woman sneered. ¡°You¡¯re asking for it, you wretch!¡± A gaggle of women surrounded her, hurling insults and readying their hands for a fight. Fuming, Elysia thought, if it weren¡¯t for her desire to avoid trouble, she¡¯d give each of them a dose of her own medicine. She stomped on the foot of the woman who had grabbed her hair, causing her to let go instantly and howl in pain. ¡°Ouch, ouch, ouch¡­ My foot, waaah¡­¡± She didn¡¯t need needles to handle these women; they were no match for her. They say a lioness bes fiercest when she¡¯s a mother, and since having her children, Elysia was no longer the pushover she used to be. Moreover, living in the countryside for so many years, doing dailybor like collecting herbs and chopping firewood, had made her body strong. These pampered flowers, raised in a greenhouse, stood no chance against her. Despite their numbers, they couldn¡¯t get the upper hand. Oriana frowned at the scene and fixed her gaze on Emmett. Striding over, she kicked Emmett to the ground. ¡°Think you canpete with us for Quill¡¯s toys? You¡¯re asking for it!¡± Emmett burst into tears, ¡°Mommy, mommy¡­ waaaah¡­¡± Seeing Emmett in distress, Elysia flew into a rage, pping and kicking the group of women until they were sprawled on the ground. She grabbed Oriana and delivered a few sharp ps across her face., Pushing her away, she scooped up Emmett. ¡°Don¡¯t be scared, Emmett, Mommy¡¯s here.¡± Emmett clung tightly to Elysia¡¯s neck and cried, ¡°Mommy, waaaah, mommy¡­¡± As Elysiaforted Emmett, the other women rushed to Oriana¡¯s aid. you alright? Did ¡°Oriana, are you get hurt? Did that fall hurt you?¡± Now that Oriana was dating Keaton, she was considered the most prestigious woman in their circle of friends. Everybody knew Keaton was a womanizer, changing girlfriends more often than his shirts, yet why were so many women eager to date him? And why did none of his ex¨Cgirlfriends evere forward to badmouth him? Firstly, Keaton, though flirtatious, never yed the field; he was devoted to one rtionship at a time. Secondly, his ¡®financial prowess¡® yed a role; every woman who dated Keaton not only benefited materially but also saw her social status soar. Keaton was famously indulgent with his girlfriends, treating them like queens during their rtionship. Even if Oriana and Keaton were to break up, with the reputation as Keaton¡¯s ex, her social standing would rise several notches. And right now, she was still very much in a rtionship with him. After today¡¯s incident, a single pout from Oriana couldnd Elysia in jail for a decade, as far as Keaton was concerned. So, when they heard Oriana¡¯s nephew had been bullied, they rushed to confront Elysia, eager to defend Oriana. In their minds, even if they publicly beat Elysia and her son to death, with Oriana¡¯s influence, Keaton would ensure they walked away scot¨Cfree. Oriana, with a twisted ankle, sat on the ground clutching her face, ring at Elysia with hatred. ¡°You dare hit me?¡± Elysia held Emmett close, her face a mask of anger. ¡°We¡¯re all adults here. If you¡¯ve got a problem, take it up with me. What kind of lowlife bullies a child? I thought you were just a typical mean girl, but you¡¯re worse than that! You¡¯re not even human, attacking a kid like that!¡± Chapter 100 Chapter 100 ¡°You¡­ you¡­ Tm warning you, don¡¯t push a mother too far. Touch my child and I swear, I¡¯ll go to the ends of the earth to make you regret it!¡± Elysia was livid! These women could pick a fight with her all they wanted, but her kid was off¨Climits! The gaggle of women had seen enough of Elysia¡¯s wrath to hesitate before approaching any further. They prodded Oriana instead, ¡°Come on, Oriana, call Mr. Huber and let him sort her out. She¡¯s got a death wish, hitting you like that!¡± ¡°Yeah, get Mr. Huber here.¡± Oriana, lips quivering with fury, shot Elysia a venomous look and redialed Keaton. As soon as he answered, she wailed into the phone, ¡°Keaton, I¡¯ve been attacked! Get over here, now! Wahhh¡­¡± Elysia frowned at the unfolding scene, well aware that whoever they were summoning was no ordinary Joe. The next few moments were not looking good for her. Without hesitation, Elysia whipped out her cell phone and dialed 911. Facing the powerful with nothing to her name, her only hopey in the hands of thew. Lowell stood by, torn between admiration for Elysia¡¯s pluck¨Ctaking on the lot single¨Chandedly¨Cand respect for her fierce maternal instinct. ¡°They¡¯re bringing in Keaton Huber. Looks like that¡¯s Keaton¡¯s new me. When he¡¯s smitten, he¡¯s famously at their beck and call. Ms. Thorne might be in for it today.¡± After sharing his thoughts with Tarquin, he added, ¡°Just for the mother bear act alone, we can¡¯t just stand by, can we? She¡¯s fighting for her kid. Plus, who knows, maybe she can actually help us with Elijah?¡± Tarquin, a thoughtful frown on his face, seemed moved by the sight of Elysia shielding Emmett. If only Elijah had such protection from his mother, what a blessed child he would be! ¡°I¡¯ll have the manager look into this.¡± Lowell reached for his phone, preparing to call the mall management. The mall¡¯s higher¨Cups didn¡¯t know about their visit. Before Lowell could make the call, Tarquin interjected, ¡°No need.¡± Who was at fault didn¡¯t matter, his patience with Ona and her clique was wearing thin ¡°No? So¡­ do we clue in Mr. Huber first?¡± Lowell asked. ¡°No! Didn¡¯t you say you saw Jessamine Huber earlier?¡± Jessamine, Keaton¡¯s elder sister and Corbin¡¯s mother, was also Mrs. Denton. Yeah, i did. But we¡¯re wearing masks, so she probably didn¡¯t recognize us.¡± ¡°Let someone tell her that Elysia¡¯s being harassed here.¡± Lowell paused, then with a light bulb moment, his eyes lit up. ¡°Tarquin, when ites to pulling strings, you¡¯re the master.¡± Tarquin, face dark, added, ¡°Keaton¡¯s eyesight must be failing, picking up any kind of woman! His sister needs to give him an eye cleanse.¡± Elysia was a godsend to the Denton family, yet here she was being bullied by Keaton¡¯stest squeeze. What would Keaton¡¯s sister, Jessamine, do? If they intervened, it would simply be a p on the wrist for those women, but with Jessamine stepping in, Keaton wouldn¡¯t be able to sidestep this mess. This was shaping up to be quite the spectacle! 09:51 Chapter 101 Chapter 101 It wasn¡¯t long before Jessamine hurried over. She had been picking out clothes for Corbin at the boutique when she heard that Elysia was also there, Concerned that no one had stood up for her, Jessamine made her way over as fast as she could. ¡°Ms. Thome.¡± A familiar female voice suddenly called from behind. Elysia turned around to see Mrs. Denton approaching. ¡°Mrs. Denton?¡± Jessamine looked surprised and asked, ¡°Is that really you? I saw your silhouette and thought it was you, but I wasn¡¯t sure. What happened to you?¡± Elysia fett a bit awkward and answered, ¡°Had a bit of a tiff with them.¡± Hearing this, Jessamine frowned and her gaze towards Oriana and her group was none too pleased. Oriana was the only one who knew of the so called Mrs. Denton¡¯s status and shivered with fear. The others didn¡¯t recognize Mrs. Denton and, buoyed by Ona¡¯s backing from Keaton Huber, one blurted out. ¡°What¡¯s this? You¡¯re the cavalry this little tramp has called in? Let me tell you, no one could save her now. She¡¯s done for!¡± Oriana¡¯s pupils shock with fear, and she quickly tried to hush her friend, ¡°Stop¡­ just stop talking.¡± ¡°What are you scared of? So what if she¡¯s some high¨Csocietydy? I refuse to believe there¡¯s anyone in Jindale City that Mr. Huber would be scared of! You¡¯re Mr. Huber¡¯s girlfriend, for heaven¡¯s sake. You don¡¯t have to be afraid of them.¡± When Mrs. Denton heard her brother¡¯s name mentioned, she gave Oriana a cold once¨Cover, her eyes filled with mockery. ¡°So, you¡¯re Keaton¡¯stest me?¡± One of Oriana¡¯s friends quickly chimed in. ¡°That¡¯s right, scared now, are you? Let me tell you, our darling Oriana is the apple of Mr. Huber¡¯s eye. She¡¯s his darling! You mess with her and see how Mr. Huber deals with you! Just you wait and weep!¡± ¡°Darling? Please! If I recall correctly, his girlfriend didn¡¯t look like this yesterday morning. Did he switch up yesterday afternoon, or was itst night?¡± Her words dripped with sarcasm, and the woman who had spoken earlier red up, ¡°What the hell, who are you mocking?! What does it matter when they made it official? Oriana is Mr. Huber¡¯s girlfriend now!¡± Jessamine¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Say that again. I dare you!¡± ¡°I will I-¡± Oriana quickly stood up, covering the woman¡¯s mouth with the fastest speed, and turned to Jessamine with a sheepish smile, ¡°Jessamine.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t try to cozy up to me. Let her go, and let her speak her mind, and after she¡¯s had her say, she won¡¯t be needing her tongue anymore!¡± People were stunned. ¡°Wha¨CWhat? She¡¯s saying¡­ she and Mr. Huber¡­¡± Oriana, blushing and biting her lip, clutched at her clothes, looking the very picture of misery as she said, *Jessamine, I¡¯m sorry, my friend didn¡¯t know who you are.¡± 89-38 Eter ¡°Don¡¯t you dare call me ¡®Jessamine, who do you think you¡¯re fooling? Whether you know me or not is beside the point. You¡¯re not so big yet you¡¯re already ying the bully with someone else¡¯s power, trying to leverage the Huber family¡¯s influence. But even if you want to be the Huber family¡¯spdog, you¡¯d first need to ask if th Huber family is willing!¡± Jessamine was not one to be trifled with, and Oriana¡¯s entourage bowed their heads in fear. Tears were wetting up in Oriana¡¯s eyes. ¡°Oriana!¡± Keaton rushed in, panting heavily. It was clear he¡¯d hurried over after receiving a call from his distressed girlfriend. A model boyfriend during the throes of romance. From afar, Keaton saw Oriana looking distressed and frowned deeply. He quickly strode over to her. Oriana looked up, seeing Keaton she felt even more aggrieved. ¡°Keaton.¡± Chapter 102 Chapter 102 Oriana¡¯s eyes welled up, and tears began to cascade down her cheeks, a picture of utter distress. Keaton, with a dark expression clouding his face, made his way towards Oriana, but before he could reach her¡­ ¡°Stop right there!¡± Jessamine¡¯s sharp voice cut through the air. It was then that Keaton realized his older sister was also present. He was taken aback and quickly mustered an apologetic grin. ¡°Jessamine, what are you doing here?¡± ¡°First, you¡¯re going to exin to me what the deal is with this woman.¡± Without hesitation, Keaton owned up, ¡°She¡¯s my girlfriend.¡± ¡°Your girlfriend? Have you lost your mind, or did you donate your eyes to charity? You¡¯re picking up random chicks off the street now! What, are you running a junkyard?¡± ¡°Come on¡­ let¡¯s talk this out. Why the anger? It¡¯s not good for your health; it¡¯ll make you age faster.¡± ¡°Shut it! If Mom and Dad were here, they¡¯d be furious! We Hubers may not care about family background when ites to choosing a spouse, but we insist on integrity and kindness. And look at what you¡¯ve brought home? Her friends have already started pointing fingers and hurling insults at me. What¡¯s next? Fisticuffs once she¡¯s through the door? I might not be important, but the Huber family¡¯s reputation is. She¡¯s already throwing her weight around now; imagine the havoc she¡¯ll wreak once she¡¯s part of the family¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s nonsense. You¡¯re the most important.¡± ¡°Cut the slick talk! You¡¯re not getting any younger. I told you to settle down and find a decent wife, but you¡¯d rather hang around these no¨Cgood women. You¡¯re a disgrace! A real disgrace!¡± Jessamine, unable to contain her fury,nded two ps across Keaton¡¯s face. Keaton, awkwardly wishing he could sink into the ground, could only try to cajole Jessamine. ¡°Come on, give me some credit here. I am your brother, after all.¡± ¡°If you weren¡¯t, I¡¯d have had you thrown into the river by now!¡± Keaton¡¯s mouth twitched in difort. ¡°Let¡¯s talk this through. What¡¯s the problem? Did Oriana upset you?¡± Jessamine ignored him, turning instead to Elysia. ¡°Ms. Thorne, what exactly happened here? Don¡¯t be afraid of them: I¡¯ve got your back. Speak freely.¡± Only then did Keaton notice Elysia, his eyes narrowing slightly as a look of intrigue flitted across his face. ¡°Well, well, Ms. Thome, fancy seeing you here.¡± Elysia was speechless. She hadn¡¯t expected the woman¡¯s backup to be Keaton! She didn¡¯t know Keaton personally, but she was aware of who he was. Justst night at the Jinpeach Restaurant, she had stumbled into a private room while trying to avoid Gage. He was there with Tarquin¡­ Considering they knew each other, Elysia immediately frowned, her distaste for Keaton apparent. Keaton noticed her reaction and with a puppy¨Cdog look, said innocently. ¡°Ms. Thome, don¡¯t be so hostile. Even though Oriana is my girlfriend, I promise I won¡¯t take sides. Just tell your story.¡± Jessamine saw her brother grinning at Elysia and scolded him. ¡°Move aside, and keep your distance from Ms. Thorne. Not every woman falls for your charm, and Ms. Thorne is definitely not interested.¡± Keaton was speechless. 09:38 Was there any other sister in the world who thought her brother wasn¡¯t good enough for a married woman with children? ¡°Ms. Thome, go ahead,¡± Jessamine encouraged her. Elysia steadied herself and recounted the events that had unfolded earlier. Jessamine was livid. ¡°Just as I thought, a piece of work who thinks too highly of herself.¡± She turned her wrath on Keaton, ¡°She¡¯s using your influence to bully others, and you¡¯re aiding and abetting hert What¡¯s your solution? If you don¡¯t make this right for Ms. Thorne today. I swear I¡¯ll thrash you myself!¡± Chapter 103 Chapter 103 Keaton furrowed his brow, turning his head to nce at Oriana and her entourage. Oriana¡¯s friends were clearly terrified, including her own sister, who stood to the side, trembling with fear. ¡°You gotta level with me,¡± Keaton said. ¡°If you¡¯re innocent, even if my sisteres at me with a baseball bat, I¡¯ve got your back. But don¡¯t you dare lie to me.¡± Oriana was adamant in her denial. ¡°It¡¯s her that¡¯s lying! Her son pushed my sister¡¯s son first, and he didn¡¯t even apologize. That¡¯s why I went to confront her. I just wanted to stand up for my nephew, but she went berserk and started throwing punches. Look at my ankle, Keaton! She injured me,¡± Oriana whimpered. Elysia snorted dismissively. ¡°We can just check the surveince footage, can¡¯t we?¡± At that, Oriana shivered noticeably. Keaton eyed her, then said, ¡°I¡¯m giving you one chance toe clean. If you admit it now, I can let you off with some dignity. But if you lie to me, don¡¯t expect me to go easy just because of our rtionship.¡± ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­ That¡¯s what my sister told me. Sister, tell him!¡± Oriana desperately shifted the me to the poshdy. The poshdy broke down in tears. ¡°Yes¡­ yes, it was my son who pushed first, but her son pushed mine too!¡± Keaton pursed his lips and called over security. ¡®These women caused trouble; take them to the station and let the officers teach them a lesson.¡± The women panicked at Keaton¡¯s words. If he was personally ensuring they were ¡°taught a lesson,¡± things were serious. Once in the station, it would be hard to get out. Desperate, they didn¡¯t dare beg Keaton for mercy, turning instead to Oriana. ¡°Oriana, please, talk to Mr. Huber for us. We can¡¯t go to jail! Oriana, help us out. We only stepped in for you,¡± they sobbed. Oriana hadn¡¯t expected Keaton to take such drastic action. Just as she was about to speak up, Keaton cut her off. ¡°You don¡¯t have to go to jail. Consider it severance pay for our breakup.¡± Oriana¡¯s eyes bulged in shock. After all her efforts to get close to Keaton, they were breaking up after just one day? ¡°Keaton, listen to me, I don¡¯t want to break up. I love you. It was my fault for listening to just one side of the story. I should¡¯ve stopped them from fighting with Ms. Thome. I¡¯ll apologize, okay? Can¡¯t we just not break up?! love you,¡± Oriana blubbered, trying to wash her hands of any me. Keaton remained cool and detached. ¡°I don¡¯t like clingy women. Don¡¯t embarrass yourself. If you keep this up, I might lose my temper and send you off too.¡± Oriana was speechless. She slumped to the ground, deted like a burst balloon. After the wailing group of women were led away, the mall finally quieted down. Keaton approached Elysia to apologize. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Ms. Thorne. This mess is partly on me. Is your son okay? Do you need to go to the hospital to get him checked out?¡± Before Elysia could respond, Jessamine interjected, ¡°Scram! We don¡¯t need your ¡®concern. Go back to where you came from and stop being an eyesore here.¡± 09:38: She didn¡¯t want Keaton lingering around Elysia. She was worried that Keaton might take a liking to Elysia. Jessamine knew her brother¡¯s character all too well, and she was truly grateful to Elysia. She didn¡¯t want to watch Elysia fall into a pit of fire. In Jessamine¡¯s eyes, any girl Keaton set his sights on was bound for misfortune. Of course, that didn¡¯t include those disreputable women. Chapter 104 Chapter 104 Keaton paused, the sarcasm dripping from his voice, ¡°Well, well, if it isn¡¯t my loving sister!¡± He was about to throw another quip when, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a certain someone standing on the second floor, enjoying themotion, His words halted as he excused himself from Jessamine and headed to find Tarquin. As soon as they met, the banter began. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you give a guy a heads¨Cup to handle this mess? If you¡¯d dealt with it earlier, my sister wouldn¡¯t have had the chance to chew me out, right?¡± Tarquin replied with a smirk. ¡°It was me who brought your sister here, to give you a reality check,¡± ¡°You? Hat What¡¯s the deal? You just doing this for kicks, tough at my expense?¡± ¡°I find it quite entertaining, actually. Your misfortune is quite the spectacle.¡± ¡°Dude, you¡¯re no friend of mine!¡± ¡°I¡¯m your boss.¡± ¡°Boss, my foot! What¡¯s the big idea? Just to cover for Ms. Thorne, you¡¯re going to take me down too?¡± ¡°It¡¯s got nothing to do with her.¡± He simply didn¡¯t appreciate Emmett being treated that way. Keaton didn¡¯t buy it. ¡°If you¡¯re into her, just man up and say it. No need to beat around the bush.¡± ¡°At least I¡¯m not afraid of women.¡± ¡°Oh, cut the cool act. You¡¯re not afraid because you don¡¯t have a sister! I¡¯m proud to have a sister who loves and spoils me. It¡¯s not fear, it¡¯s affection.¡± Jessamine might tease her brother constantly, but her love for Keaton was genuine. She had been his guardian angel since childhood, often putting herself at risk for his sake. Therefore, Keaton both feared and adored Jessamine. He swiftly changed the subject, ¡°At least I¡¯ll never be henpecked. Can¡¯t say the same for someone else here. He¡¯s got ¡®whipped¡® written all over him.¡± Tarquin just rolled his eyes and didn¡¯t respond. He nced down at Elysia and Emmett in her arms, deep in thought. ¡°Lowell¡­¡± Tarquin muttered something under his breath, and Lowell frowned. ¡°This¡­ doesn¡¯t seem quite right.¡± ¡°If I say it¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine.¡± Lowell just sighed silently. Keaton chuckled, ¡°Lowell, if you¡¯ve got a bone to pick, just jot it down in your little notebook for now. Trust me, Tarquin here is headed straight to being henpecked. Just you wait until hisdy love shows up. Stick with her. and when the timees, you can use her to get back at him!¡± Lowell¡¯s lips twitched slightly as he said. ¡°I¡¯ve got no issues with Tarquin.¡± Downstairs, Elysia felt a hostile gaze upon her, but by the time she looked up. Tarquin had vanished from the second floor. Jessamine had dispersed the onlookers and found a quiet spot to chat with Elysia. ¡°Your boy must¡¯ve been frightened.¡± 09:38 ¡®It¡¯s okay, Emmell¡¯s a tough cookie. Thanks a lot for today. I would¡¯ve been in a real bind otherwise,¡± Even if the cops had shown up, it wasn¡¯t certain she¡¯d have made it out unscathed. She owed Jessamine bag But Jessamine brushed it off. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. You¡¯re a lifesaver to the Denton family. You have no idea what it was like before we met you¡­ Corbin, he¡­¡± Jessamine¡¯s thoughts drifted to the past, and her eyes began to water, ¡°When he got sick, he wouldn¡¯t recognize anyone, not even me or his dad. He had only two ways of dealing with us. Either he¡¯d shut himself away, Ignoring uspletely, or he¡¯d¡­sh out, screaming, throwing punches¡­¡± Chapter 105 Chapter 105 Jessamine¡¯s eyes grew redder as she spoke, ¡°Seriously, only when you have a kid like that at home. can you understand how tough it is to be a parent. I haven¡¯t had a good night¡¯s sleep in two years, nor have I had a peaceful meal¡­ During the first couple of years after Corbin was born, I didn¡¯t dare to watch my diet too much because I was breastfeeding. It eventually led to binge eating, and at my heaviest, I nearly tipped the scales at 400 pounds. But ever since the incident with him, I¡¯ve dropped down to 180 pounds in just two months¡­ It¡¯s just so hard¡­ so incredibly hard¡­¡± Elysia listened quietly until Jessamine finished, then she spoke, ¡°I know, these years must have been so hard for you.¡± Empathy is just a word; those who haven¡¯t experienced it themselves can hardly fully understand someone else¡¯s feelings. But as a mother herself, she could understand Jessamine¡¯s pain. Her triplets were five this year, and they¡¯d been sick many times over those five years. Every time any of them caught a fever or a cold, she was terrified, sleepless, never daring to leave her child¡¯s side even for a moment. And Corbin¡¯s situation, with the potential for self¨Charm or worse¡­ The struggles of Mrs. Denton over these years were unimaginable. Jessamine sniffed and managed a smile. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe it but the other day after you talked to him, he suddenly called me ¡®Mommy¡­ I was so close to breaking down in tears. Then he said he wanted my homemade spaghetti, and I¡­ I¡­¡± Overwhelmed, Jessamine couldn¡¯t help but cry. Elysia reached for a tissue and handed it to her. ¡°It¡¯ll get better.¡± ¡°Yeah! It will get better. I only started believing that after I met you. Before you came along, both his father and I had lost hope. We¡¯re not short of money in our family, and we¡¯ve sought out renowned doctors everywhere, but none could cure him. It wasn¡¯t until we saw you that we began to hope again¡­ Ms. Thorne, you¡¯re Corbin¡¯s savior, a guardian angel to the Denton family!¡± Elysia quickly interjected. ¡°You¡¯re too kind. It was the least I could do. I haven¡¯t done much, and I haven¡¯t cured himpletely¡­¡± The treatment of mental illness is often a very long process. It requires a long period of recovery. stepping out of the shadowspletely, to regain health. ¡°What might seem like a small gesture to you is more valuable than heaven and earth to us.¡± Jessamine continued, ¡°The first time we met by chance, you had left before we could express our gratitude. The second time we tried to offer you something, you wouldn¡¯t ept anything. We really do want to repay you, it¡¯s just that we haven¡¯t found the right way yet.¡± They tried to give Elysia money, but she didn¡¯t take it. They wanted to gift her a house, a car, jewelry. but Elysia refused straight away. Plus, not knowing much about Elysia made it hard for the Denton family to find a way to show their gratitude. 09:39 Elysia was also quite helpless about this. The two times she helped Corbin were nothing out of her way, and she never thought about compensation, but then Mr. Denton handed her a check for a million dors one day. A million dors! That number scared her to death. If they¡¯d offered a few thousand as a token of thanks, she might have epted, given her financial situation at the time. ey were u After all, she knew and she was far from it. But a million dors right off the bat? That was too much, and she was too frightened to ept it! What was a great favor for the Denton family was, to her, too simple a task to merit such a sum. ¡°I helped you before, and today you¡¯ve helped me. Let¡¯s call it even. Jessamine immediately protested, ¡°How can this be even? I hardly did anything today,pared to how you helped Corbin¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s all the same.¡± Jessamine sighed, looking at Elysia before breaking into a gentle smile, ¡°In the future, don¡¯t call me Mrs. Denton, it¡¯s too formal. Just call me by my first name, I¡¯m Jessamine, or you can call me Jess if you like.¡± Chapter 106 Chapter 106 ¡°Ah? This¡­ this Isn¡¯t quite right,¡± Elysia hesitated, a frown creasing her forehead. ¡°Nonsense, it¡¯s perfectly fine if I say so. Unless, of course, you¡¯re looking down on me,¡± Jessamine retorted with a yful smirk. ¡°No, no, not at all. It¡¯s just that I feel¡­ I¡¯m out of my league here,¡± Elysia admitted, her cheeks flushed with modesty. ¡°Out of your league? If anything. I¡¯m punching above my weight with you! Look, because of Corbin¡¯s situation, I¡¯ve been a bit of a recluse these past years. Haven¡¯t really hit the social scene, my circle of friends has pretty much dried up. We met because of Corbin, and that¡¯s fate if you ask me. If you don¡¯t mind, let¡¯s be friends from now on. We can be there for each other, lend an ear, share our thoughts and troubles. What do you say?¡± Jessamine¡¯s eyes were earnest, searching Elysia¡¯s for agreement. Elysia found it impossible to refuse such a heartfelt offer. ¡°Okay!¡± Jessamine beamed. ¡°Great!¡± ¡°Ding ding ding¡­¡± The sudden sound of Elysia¡¯s phone interrupted their moment. It was Blossom calling. ¡°You go ahead and take that,¡± Jessamine said, gesturing towards the phone. Elysia nodded and swiped to answer, ¡°Hey, Blossom.¡± ¡°Elysia, Elliot and I are just outside the mall. The ce inside ran out of strawberry¨Cvored milkshakes, so we snagged some from a stand out here. It¡¯s a bit crowded; just let Emmett know there¡¯s no rush, okay?¡± No wonder they were taking so long; they had stepped out. ¡°Sure thing, send me your location, and Emmett and I wille find you guyster.¡± ¡°Will do.¡± After hanging up, Jessamine asked, ¡°A friend of yours?¡± ¡°Yeah, my bestie. We came out together, and she took my other two sons to grab some milkshakes.¡± ¡°Other two? You got three kids?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. ¡°That¡¯s lovely. When you¡¯ve got some free time, bring the kiddos and their dad over. We could have a family get¨Ctogether.¡± Elysia chuckled awkwardly. ¡°Well, the kids¡­ they don¡¯t have a dad. It¡¯s just me raising the three of them.¡± Jessamine paused, her brow furrowing with concern. ¡°Did something happen to him, or did you split?¡± ¡°It was a¡­ mutual parting.¡± Elysia said, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. Jessamine understood the unspoken hardship. ¡°You¡¯ve had it tough.¡± A mother knows another mother¡¯s heart. ¡°It was difficult at first, but we¡¯ve settled into a good rhythm. It¡¯s not bad.¡± ¡°Listen, the Huber family has some clout here in Jindale City. If you ever run into any trouble, just let me know. I¡¯ll have your back!¡± ¡°Thanks, Jess. I appreciate that.¡± ¡°I was hoping to take you out for dinner today, but since you¡¯ve got ns with your friend, I won¡¯t keep you. However, if you could find some time after you¡¯re done, could you swing by the hospital to check on Corbin? He¡¯s been doing okay, just starting to resist the hospital environment. He hates the smell of the disinfectants¡­ But I¡¯m not sure about his current condition, and whether he¡¯s ready to be discharged, so¡­ I could really use your help.¡± Before Elysia could respond, Jessamine hurriedly added, as though afraid of a rejection, ¡°If you¡¯re busy today, that¡¯s fine. Juste by whenever you can.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll try to make it today, but it might bete,¡± Elysia considered. Jessamine¡¯s face lit up with gratitude as she said, ¡°Oh, thank you, thank you!¡± Once Jessamine had left, Emmett chimed in, ¡°I like Auntie Jessamine. She¡¯s as kind as you, Mommy.¡± Elysia smiled gently. ¡°She¡¯s a wise and kind auntie. We owe her one for having our backs today. Otherwise¡­¡± They would surely have been at a disadvantage. Especially with Oriana around, Elysia knew she would have been at a loss. It seemed it always paid to do good deeds; you never knew when you¡¯d need a helping hand. If she hadn¡¯t helped Corbin that day, she wouldn¡¯t have met Jessamine. And today, she wouldn¡¯t have had Jessamine to stand up for her. Chapter 107 Chapter 107 ¡°Every good deed counts, Emmett. When you grow up, you¡¯ve got to be the kind of guy who helps out, you know? Lending a hand to someone else is like helping yourself.¡± ¡°Uh¨Chuh. I will be a good boy, Mommy.¡± Elysia chuckled, ¡°Let¡¯s put today¡¯s drama behind us, okay? When we see Blossom and your brothers later, let¡¯s not bring this up, alright?¡± Elysia didn¡¯t want Blossom or Elliot and Evan to get upset over something that had already happened. Emmett scrunched up his little forehead and reluctantly nodded. He was still itching to tattle to his big bros, have them cook up a scheme to get back at those who¡¯d wronged Mommy, but once Mommy said no, he knew he couldn¡¯t squeal. He had to listen to Mommy; he had to be her sweet boy. Elysia smiled and yfully pinched Emmett¡¯s tiny nose. ¡°You¡¯re the best, kiddo. Mommy¡¯s going to hit the restroom. You need to go?¡± ¡°Nope.¡± *How about youe with me, then? I don¡¯t want to lose you.¡± ¡°No way, that¡¯s embarrassing. I¡¯ll wait out here for you.¡± ¡°Okay, then. Don¡¯t wander off, you hear?¡± ¡°Mm¨Chmm.¡± Emmett stood guard outside the restroom while Elysia went in. She needed to ssh some water on her face, maybe fix her hair a bit so Blossom and the boys wouldn¡¯t notice anything off. Thankfully, she could handle herself well; there was no real damage to her face, just a bit of a tender scalp. A quick rinse and a brush¨Cthrough, and she looked as good as new. ¡°Phew¡­¡± Elysia exhaled in front of the mirror, shing her reflection a wry smile. A smile a day keeps the blues at bay. Life¡¯s still pretty sweet. Keep at it! Pep talk over, she stepped out. But Emmett was gone! ¡°Emmett?¡± No sign of the little guy. Elysia¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°Emmett? Emmett, Emmett! Emmett!¡± She called out, but there was no answer. Panic set in, and she started grabbing passersby, asking frantically, ¡°Excuse me, have you seen a little boy? Yay high, five years old, wearing a cream sweater and ck joggers, real cute kid.¡°. She rifled through her phone gallery for Emmett¡¯s photo to show around the mall. ¡°This little cutie here, with the chubby cheeks, was just waiting by the restroom for me.¡± ¡°Nope, haven¡¯t seen him.¡± ¡°Sorry, no.¡± After a fruitless search, Elysia broke down crying, ¡°Where are you, Emmett? Emmett, ohh¡­ Tears streaming, she fumbled with her phone to dial 911. Her gut told her those women were out for revenge; they¡¯d snatched Emmett. Then there was the fear of a kidnapper! Before she could call the police, a strange call came through. Without thinking, she swiped to answer, and a chilling, unfamiliar voice reached her. ¡°Your son¡¯s with us. If you want him safe, do exactly as I say.¡± She¡¯d never heard the voice before, rough and menacing. Elysia held her breath, her heart pounding as she asked, ¡°What do you mean? Who is this?¡± Then she heard Emmett¡¯s voice, ¡°Let me go! Let me go, you bad man! I want my mommy, I want my mommy¡­¡± Elysia¡¯s heart lodged in her throat, ¡°Emmett! Mommy¡¯s here! Where are you, baby? Emmett! Emmett!¡± ¡°He¡¯s with us, safe for now.¡± Elysia was gasping for air. ¡°Who are you? What do you want? Don¡¯t you hurt my son!¡± ¡°Just answer a few questions to our satisfaction, and we¡¯ll release your boy. But if you lie, we¡¯ll end this right now!¡± Trembling, Elysia could barely stand. ¡°Ask away! I won¡¯t lie, I promise I won¡¯t.¡± Chapter 108 Chapter 108 ¡°What¡¯s your reason foring back to Jindale City this time?¡± ¡°Reason? What reason?¡± Panic surged through Elysia, her words jumbled as she struggled to find an answer. The man repeated his question with visible impatience, ¡°You¡¯ve been away from Jindale City for years. Why the sudden return? Think carefully before you speak! Lie to me, and your son pays the price!¡± ¡°I¨CI-¡­ Oh, that¡¯s right, I came back to get my kids registered. They don¡¯t have social security numbers yet, and they need one to enroll in school and get health insurance.¡± ¡°And your frequent appearances around some man, what¡¯s the motive there?¡± ¡°Man? What man?¡± Elysia¡¯s thoughts raced, until it clicked, ¡°Are you talking about Elijah¡¯s father?¡± ¡°Mm¨Chmm.¡± Tears threatened to spill from Elysia¡¯s eyes. Not him again! ¡°I never intended to get close to him. I¡¯ve kept my distance all along. If it wasn¡¯t for my son Evan scratching his car the day we got back, I wouldn¡¯t even know he existed! I don¡¯t know why he suspects me of deliberately approaching him. I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re all suspicious of me, but I swear I¡¯m not lying! If I lie, may I never know peace! I have no clue who he is! To this day, all I know is he¡¯s Elijah¡¯s father, I don¡¯t even know his name¡­ oh my god¡­¡± Sobs wracked Elysia¡¯s body. Meanwhile, Lowell couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of pity. He turned to Tarquin and said, ¡°Tarquin, she doesn¡¯t seem to be acting. There might be some misunderstanding here.¡± Tarquin frowned, pressing on. ¡°Are you sure? If you dare to lie, your son is as good as dead!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure! I¡¯m positive! I haven¡¯t lied! Please, don¡¯t hurt him, he¡¯s only five. I swear I don¡¯t know that man. My return wasn¡¯t about him; it was for my children¡¯s registration!¡± She was chasing after Tarquin for a divorce, just to sever ties and settle her children¡¯s status. That was her only goal! Regardless of whether Elijah¡¯s father was the man from her past, she never intended to confront him, seek revenge or demand child support. She had resented him, yes, but once the children were born, she let go of the grudge. The children¡¯s presence had healed her bitterness and resentment. All she wanted was a normal life with her kids¡­ ¡°I¡¯m just a regr single mom, trying to live an ordinary life with my children! I haven¡¯t wronged anyone, haven¡¯t crossed anyone. Why am I always under suspicion? If you refuse to believe anything I say, if in your eyes I¡¯m nothing but a bad woman, then I beg you, don¡¯t harm my son. If you have a problem with me, take it out on me, but let my son go. He¡¯s only five. He¡¯s innocent! Oh god¡­¡± The love Elysia had for Emmett was beyond the typical motherly affection. She loved Elliot and Evan just as much, but for Emmett, her love was mixed with pity and tenderness. She felt sorry for him¡­ Tarquin watched the nearly broken woman on the surveince screen, his brows knotted. Clutching her phone, she had cried herself into a mess, her slender frame shaking and seeming on the verge of copse. Whether she was lying was clear to him. Her concern for her son was genuine; she wouldn¡¯t dare lie, which meant she hadn¡¯t been trying to get close to him after all. Chapter 109 Chapter 109 ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Tarquin asked, a hint of suspicion lurking in his tone. ¡°You didn¡¯t want to get close to Elijah¡¯s father, but what about Elijah? Did you worm your way into Corbin¡¯s life to get to Elijah?¡± Elysia shook her head fiercely. ¡°It was an ident, helping Corbin! I just stumbled upon him having a fit in the street, and I helped him instinctively. Later, when the Dentons put out a missing person¡¯s call, I was worried about his condition, so I visited him in the hospital. That¡¯s how our paths crossed. I had no idea who Elijah was before that! Elijah¡¯s father was the one who brought me there. If he hadn¡¯t taken the initiative, I wouldn¡¯t even know Elijah existed, let alone have met him. You can check the facts. I¡¯m not lying!¡± Tarquin watched her, his frustration palpable. After a moment, he said impatiently, ¡°Let her go upstairs to get her son.¡± Lowell quickly added, ¡°Your son¡¯s at the third¨Cfloor arcade entrance. Go find him yourself.¡± The call ended. Elysia¡¯s eyes were red¨Crimmed as she stumbled towards the third floor. At the arcade entrance, upon seeing Emmett, she felt a sting in her nostrils and lunged forward to embrace him, bursting into tears. ¡°Mommy¡­ Mommy¡­¡± ¡°Emmett, you scared me to death. I thought I had lost you, whoops, sorry. I¡¯m a terrible mom. I didn¡¯t look after you well. Did you get hurt? Did they harm you?¡± Emmett shook his head quickly. ¡°Some guy just picked me up all of a sudden. I struggled a lot, but he said he got the wrong kid, and didn¡¯t mean to, and then he told me you¡¯de for me and to wait here without wandering off.¡± ¡°What did this guy look like?¡± ¡°Tall, skinny, seemed pretty nice, and he even bought me candy. But I remembered what you said, not to take things from strangers, so I didn¡¯t eat it.¡± ¡°Good boy, Emmett. Were you scared?¡± ¡°Not really, the guy didn¡¯t hurt me or anything. He was nice.¡± Elysia held Emmett tight, her heart still racing. Her phone rang; it was Blossom. They had bought some milkshakes and couldn¡¯t find them on the first floor. Elysia said, ¡°Emmett and I are on the third floor.¡± ¡°Why¡¯d you go up there? We¡¯re heading straight to the seventh floor then. Let¡¯s meet outside the cinema.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± 09:39 Elysia calmed her nerves and gently told Emmett, ¡°If the man didn¡¯t hurt you, he probably did get the wrong person by mistake. Let¡¯s not tell your big brothers about this, okay?¡± She didn¡¯t want Elliot and Evan entangled with that man. ¡°Okay.¡± Emmett nodded obediently. ¡°Good boy.¡± Just as Elysia was about to take Emmett upstairs, she spotted Keaton! Keaton was a picture of casual charm with his floral shirt, crisp white suit, and the top two buttons carelessly undone, revealing a hint of corbone and a teasing glimpse of his chest. His eyes, when squinted, exuded a roguish charm. He was the epitome of a good¨Clooking¡­ rascal! Elysia wasn¡¯t drawn to men like him. It wasn¡¯t exactly repulsion, but a deep¨Cseated reluctance to engage more than necessary, sensing hisck of seriousness. She preferred men like Zane and Benjamin ¨C even Lowell was not bad, with a gaze that was clean and sincere. And Elijah¡¯s dad? Forget it. She liked him even less. It was clear he hadn¡¯t had a happy life before, which was probably why he always wore such a frosty expression. Like a walking freezer, chilling everything in his path! But out of respect for Jessamine, Elysia didn¡¯t show her disdain to Keaton, merely asking politely, ¡°Is there something you need?¡± Keaton squinted, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he said, ¡°Don¡¯t be so tense. That mess today was my ex¨Cgirlfriend¡¯s doing. I had no idea, honestly. Look, I even turned them all in to the police, that¡¯s got to count for something, right?¡± Chapter 110 Chapter 110 Elysia¡¯s lips twitched at Keaton¡¯s assertion. ¡°I¡¯m one of the good guys,¡± he had said. Who talks like that? The good guys certainly don¡¯t announce themselves in such a manner. If anything, it made him seem less trustworthy. Elysia wasn¡¯t interested in prolonging the conversation. ¡°Is that bit of drama from earlier all sorted then? Anything else you need?¡± If not, it was time to say goodbye, and not the see¨Cyouter kind. ¡°Yeah, there¡¯s one more thing.¡± ¡°Go on.¡± ¡°Look, that whole charade was just Elijah¡¯s father pulling your leg. No one¡¯s snatching kids. Don¡¯t be scared, and don¡¯t overthink it. Definitely no need to call the cops.¡± Elysia¡¯s eyes widened in confusion. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°It¡¯s exactly as I said. Elijah¡¯s father was the one who took the kid. He was just messing with you.¡± Her breathing grew erratic. ¡°How do you know that?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been with him the whole time. Though I did tell him not to freak you out, he didn¡¯t listen.¡± Through gritted teeth, Elysia challenged him. ¡°Why should I believe a word you say?¡± ¡°Do I look like I¡¯m lying? If you don¡¯t believe me, go ask him yourself. See, he¡¯s right there in the caf¨¦¡¯s private booth. Hasn¡¯t left yet.¡± Without uttering another word, Elysia nced at the caf¨¦ and, clutching Emmett tight, spun on her heel and left. She didn¡¯t seek out Tarquin. Instead, she stepped into the elevator and headed up to the seventh floor to find Blossom. ¡°Mommy, are you upset?¡± Emmett¡¯s voice was cautious. ¡°No, sweetheart. I just got worried when you disappeared all of a sudden.¡± Shaking with anger, Elysia knew it! She knew it had something to do with that rogue! Once on the seventh floor, she handed Emmett over to Blossom and whispered, ¡°Take the kids inside, and make sure they wear their masks, especially Elliot and Evan. We can¡¯t let that wild man spot them. He¡¯s lurking around the mall. I¡¯ve got to confront him, but I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± Blossom, sensing her anxiety, quickly asked, ¡°Is everything okay?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯ve got this. Just watch the kids for me. I¡¯ll exin when I get back.¡± ¡°Okay, call me if you need anything.¡± ¡°I will.¡± After Elysia headed back down, Blossom ushered the kids into the cinema. Elysia made a beeline for the caf¨¦ Keaton had mentioned and barged into the private booth. Tarquin, Lowell, and Keaton were all there. With fists clenched, Elysia red at Tarquin like a cornered wildcat. ¡°Was it you who took Emmett and grilled me over the phone?¡± Tarquin frowned, saying nothing. ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb. If you¡¯re a real man, own up to it! Hiding behind your actions, what kind of man does that make you?¡± Tarquin¡¯s expression darkened, but Keaton seemed amused by the whole scene. Lowell caught Keaton¡¯s look and immediately understood. Keaton had been chewed out by Jessamine because of Tarquin, and he was quick to seek revenge. No need to ask: Keaton¡¯s smirk said it all. He had been the one to spill the beans to Elysia. Lowell jumped in to diffuse the situation. ¡°Ms. Thorne, please, just cool off. It¡¯s a misunderstanding.¡± ¡°A misunderstanding? So he¡¯s too cowardly to admit it? All bark and no bite, a coward, a snake!¡± Tarquin¡¯s temper red. ¡°Yes, I did it! What are you going to do about it?¡± Admitting it so brazenly only infuriated Elysia further. She balled her fists, her breaths short and sharp, eyes locked on Tarquin. ¡°You¡­ alright, alright¡­¡± Shaking with rage, Elysia suddenly lunged at Tarquin like a pouncing tiger. Chapter 111 Chapter 111 Tarquin¡¯s eyes widened in shock, and he quickly grabbed Elysia¡¯s wrist! However, since he was holding a cigarette between his other fingers, his instinctive concern about burning her triggered a reflex, and he shifted that hand to the side.. And then, Elysia seized her opportunity. With one wrist in Tarquin¡¯s grasp, she used her free hand to strike, scratching and biting like a wildcat. Lowell and Keaton were dumbfounded by the sudden turn of events, their mouths agape in disbelief. It took Lowell a good few seconds to snap out of his stupor and try to intervene. ¡°Ms. Thorne, please, let¡¯s calm down and talk this out¡­¡± ¡°Stay out of this, it¡¯s none of your business,¡± Keaton said, standing up to pull Lowell away. ¡°What are you doing. Mr. Huber? Tarquin and Ms. Thorne¡­¡± ¡°They¡¯re sorting out their own mess. Don¡¯t meddle.¡± Lowell was speechless. After Keaton dragged Lowell out, he enthusiastically closed the door for Tarquin, then offered Lowell a cigarette. ¡°Tarquin¡¯s a man¡¯s man; he¡¯s not afraid of a dame. He can handle this, no need to worry. Here, have a smoke with me.¡± Lowell was conflicted. ¡°You¡¯re getting back at Tarquin with Ms. Thorne because he called your sis on you. You guys are friends, why keep score?¡± Keaton countered, ¡°Fair¡¯s fair, even among friends. He mocked me for being scared of ady, so let him see how fierce they can be.¡± ¡°Still, I worry Ms. Thorne might be at a disadvantage; Tarquin has a temper.¡± Keaton scoffed. ¡°Does Ms. Thorne look like a pushover to you? And sure, Tarquin¡¯s got a fuse, but he¡¯s fair. He¡¯s the one who¡¯s going to end up shortchanged here.¡± Lowell pressed his lips together, realizing Keaton was just enjoying the spectacle of Tarquin¡¯s troubles. Inside the room, Tarquin had finally subdued Elysia, his temper ring like a three¨Crm fire. ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡± ¡°Who¡¯s lost it?¡± Elysia retorted. ¡°And you, a grown man, resorting to such low tactics! Aren¡¯t you ashamed? Don¡¯t you fear karmic retribution? To stoop so low against a woman, toy hands on a five¨C year¨Cold child! I felt a twinge of sympathy for you when thinking of Elijah before, but now it¡¯s clear¨Cyou deserve no pity!¡± Earlier that day, when Jessamine spoke of the years of hardship, Elysia had spared a thought for 09:40 Tarquin, Jessamine had her husband for support, while Tarquin had nobody to share his burdens with. For a fleeting moment, Elysia had felt a pang ofpassion for him, but that sliver of sympathy had now evaporated like mist in the sun! To coerce her into spilling what he deemed the ¡®truth,¡® he had stooped to kidnapping a five¨Cyear¨Cold. To use such tactics against a woman, a mother, was nothing short of a sin against heaven! ¡°I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t push me,¡± Elysia threatened with a fire in her eyes. ¡°Even a cornered rabbit will bite. Push me too far, and I¡¯ll take you down with me!¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Tarquin growled, ¡°You¡¯re riddled with suspicion! It¡¯s not unjust for me to doubt you!¡± Elysia let out a bitterugh, incredulous at his gall. ¡°Oh, so now you¡¯re the one with the right to use? You oppress others and then me them for it? You¡­ you¡­ you despicable man, I¡¯ll make you pay!¡± Fueled by rage, she attempted tosh out at him again, but this time Tarquin had pinned both her hands, rendering her powerless. Unable to hit him, she resorted to biting! Elysia bit down hard, causing Tarquin to wince in pain. With a grimace, he flipped over, pinning Elysia beneath him on the couch. Chapter 112 Chapter 112 Gripping her wrists above her head with one hand and clutching her chin with the other to prevent her from biting. Tarquin red furiously at the defiant woman before him. ¡°What are you, a wildcat?¡± ¡°Only if you¡¯re the prey!¡± she spat back at him. For the first time in years, Tarquin was at a loss. He had been overpowered and publicly humiliated by a woman, no less! He knew he had no ground to stand on today, and it was infuriating him. He was well aware that using threats involving her child was a low blow, but without resorting to such tactics, how could he clear himself of her usations? Elijah¡¯s condition was worsening by the day, and Tarquin was desperate to use her skills but feared she might harm Elijah. There wasn¡¯t enough time to prove her innocence, so he had to y dirty. After ring daggers at her, Tarquin nced at his wrist. ¡°You¡¯ve drawn blood!¡± Elysia hadn¡¯t expected that to be hisint. Her lips twitched. ¡°Serves you right!¡± ¡°Who gave you the guts to bite me?¡± ¡°I did, and count yourself lucky I didn¡¯t bite it off. My teeth are the sharpest!¡± And with that, she bared her teeth at him, revealing two neat little canines, like tiny fangs. ¡°If you keep that up, I might just have to knock those teeth out,¡± Tarquin threatened. ¡°You¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got no reason to be upset about today. Sure, you were scared, but you¡¯ve cleared your name. You should be thankful.¡± ¡°Thankful? Oh, should I thank you then?¡± ¡°No need!¡± ¡°No need, my foot! I¡¯ve seen shameless before, but you take the cake! Are you even a man? Let me go! Let me go!¡± Elysia struggled fiercely, shaking her head and trying to free her hands while kicking wildly. Tarquin, left with no choice, pinned her down, trapping her legs with his own, rendering her immobile. Their bodies, separated only by thinyers of fabric, pressed tightly against one another, and their hearts pounded with force. Their breaths mingled, warm against each other¡¯s skin. Elysia¡¯s eyes widened with rage and embarrassment as she shouted out, ¡°You pervert! Get off me! Scoundrel!¡± Tarquin too realized their proximity and quickly released her, stepping back as her cheeks burned with fury. She lunged at him once more, ready to strike, but he warned in a cold voice, ¡°Stay away from me. I¡¯m warning you.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Gasping for air, Elysia managed to suppress her towering rage. ¡°You better stay away from me and my children. If you dare to mess with me again, don¡¯t me me for not being polite. Scoundrel! Beast! Scum!¡± She grabbed a pillow and hurled it at Tarquin with all her might before storming out. She wouldn¡¯t let him push her too far; years of practicing medicine had taught her more than just how to heal. Keaton and Lowell were still by the door. Seeing Elysia emerge, Keaton made an awkward attempt at being amiable, ¡°Ms. Thorne, take care, goodbye.¡± Elysia red at him without a word, her disdain evident. Lowell had already retreated into the suite, murmuring, ¡°Tarquin¡­¡± Tarquin stood frozen, holding the pillow Elysia had thrown, his face as dark as a thundercloud. With a smirk, Keaton teased him, ¡°Ouch, that looks painful. I thought you weren¡¯t afraid of any woman? Why not hit her back? Howe she got the better of you? And look at that blush, did she vite your honor or something?¡± Chapter 113 Chapter 113 Tarquin flung the couch pillow at Keaton, but it wasn¡¯t enough to vent his fury, so he grabbed the coffee mug from the table and hurled it next. Keaton dodged with ease, whipping out his phone and snapping a few photos. ¡°Think twice next time you try to backstab me, buddy. This right here is proof you got whooped by a dame. If I post this in our guys¡® group chat, let¡¯s see how you hold your head up then. The CEO of Bradford Group getting his butt kicked by a littledy, ha!¡± With that snarkyment, Keaton bolted before Tarquin could turn him into mincemeat. Tarquin was fuming, his chest heaving with rage. ¡°Keaton, you better hope I nevery eyes on you again!¡± Lowell just stood there, silent. Sure, the scratch marks on Tarquin¡¯s neck looked pitiful, but who was to me? He knew Elysia¡¯s kids were her life, yet he dared to use them as leverage. That¡¯s practically begging for a beatdown! Sure, Elysia scratched him up, and that was a bit sad, but sympathy was thest thing he deserved. Elysia headed to the seventh floor, not bothering to look for Blossom and the kids immediately. She sat alone in the cinema¡¯s lounge area, seething with anger that coursed through every organ. That dog of a man! How could he stoop so low? Lucky for her, she had the fortitude of a saint. Any other mom finding out her kid was kidnapped might drop dead from shock! He was beyond redemption! She¡¯d told him countless times she had no interest in getting close to him, but he refused to believe it! There wouldn¡¯t be a third time. Elysia wouldn¡¯t allow it. This was thest straw. If he dared to pull another stunt, she wouldn¡¯t hold back. All those years in the mountains, she didn¡¯t just study child psychology; medicine was her true expertise. She could heal, and she could harm. He¡¯d best not push her to that point. Lost in thought, Elysia was startled when Blossom suddenly appeared. ¡°Elysia, what are you doing sitting out here?¡± ¡°And why are you out here? How are the kids?¡± ¡°They¡¯re fine, tucked away in a VIP room I booked. It¡¯s just us in there, with a waiter at the door to keep out strangers. The kids won¡¯t wander off; they¡¯re engrossed in a cartoon. I was worried about 09:40 you going to see that wild man, so I was about to call you. What happened?¡± Elysia exhaled deeply. ¡°I must¡¯ve stepped out on the wrong side of the bed today, ran into a bunch of bimbos, and then he showed up to pick a fight.¡± ¡°A bunch of bimbos? He picked a fight? What do you mean?¡± Elysia recounted the ordeal with Oriana and her cronies, leaving Blossom¡¯s eyes wide as saucers. ¡°That happened? Why didn¡¯t you call me toe back? What if you couldn¡¯t handle them?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I didn¡¯t lose out. I¡¯m not the same person I was back then. Ever since I had kids, I¡¯ve changed.¡± Motherhood brings strength, and she was feeling mighty. ¡°But in today¡¯s world, just being able to throw a punch isn¡¯t enough, you know. Money talks.¡± ¡°Money talks, but that doesn¡¯t mean us folks don¡¯t have a say. The government¡¯s stepping up its game. We still have a voice. And I guess I was lucky today. Ran into Corbin¡¯s mother, Mrs. Denton. She really stood up for me, or I would¡¯ve been in a real mess.¡± ¡®Corbin? The one with the temper?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°My gosh, you got involved with the Denton family? They¡¯re old money, with a legacy of strong business. And Mrs. Denton is from the Huber family, they¡¯re old money too. Corbin¡¯s uncle is Keaton, right?¡± ¡°I only found that out today.¡± Chapter 114 Chapter 114 Blossom said with a sigh, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that poor kid¡¯s got it rough. Two years back he was kidnapped, and it¡¯s left him with some serious trauma. He¡¯s been living in fear ever since. Imagine being so young and scared all the time, day and night. No wonder he gets sick all the time. And the parents? They suffer too. Mrs. Denton used to be the belle of Jindale City, but after having kids, she put on a lot of weight, ballooning up to 400 pounds. No matter what she tried, she couldn¡¯t shed the pounds. But once Corbin had his incident, she dropped over a hundred pounds in just two months. Word is, she¡¯s been crying her eyes out¡­ When a child gets sick, it¡¯s not just the kid who suffers, the parents do too.¡± Elysia just listened quietly, a flicker of another person¡¯s image crossing her mind. Families dealing with a child¡¯s psychological issues, the parents are always to be pitied. Elijah has psychological issues too, and his mother isn¡¯t even around¡­ Mrs. Denton¡¯s heartbroken, but at least Mr. Denton¡¯s there with her, someone to talk to, someone to share the burden. But that other person¡­ he¡¯s got to bear all the hardship alone, ying both mom and dad. And yet, what of it? He deserves it! This time, thinking of him, Elysia felt no pity, only a burning resentment. There¡¯s truth to the saying: Those who are pitiable often have their despicable sides! ¡°So, getting back to it, how did you end up helping Corbin?¡± Blossom asked. Elysia snapped back to reality and recounted her interactions with the Denton family. Blossom was surprised. ¡°The missing person notice the Denton family put out was actually looking for you?¡± ¡°Yeah, over the years I¡¯ve read a lot about child psychology, case studies and stuff. I guess I¡¯m sort of a semi¨Cpro by now.¡± After all, without a degree or certification, that¡¯s all she could im to be. Blossom gave her a thumbs¨Cup, ¡°You go, girl! And what about that wild man, how did he start trouble again?¡± Mentioning him, Elysia was fuming as she recounted the story to Blossom. Blossom was outraged, ¡°What a scumbag! He actually kidnapped Emmett to scare you?¡± ¡°Even though they didn¡¯t hurt Emmett, I¡¯m still furious.¡± ¡°Of course, you are. Scaring someone like that is just cruel. If it were me, I¡¯d be scared to death! Elysia, you can¡¯t let this keep happening. That wild man and your ex, they¡¯re both trouble. They¡¯vetched onto you. If you ask me, you should just tell us who they are, or tell Zane. We¡¯ll help you deal with them!¡± Elysia took a deep breath and said, ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see. If there¡¯s a next time, I¡¯ll ask for help.¡± She didn¡¯t want to expose the wild man¡¯s identity for two reasons: she wasn¡¯t sure if he was the child¡¯s father, and she didn¡¯t want to get too entangled with him to avold revealing her child¡¯s existence. As for not exposing his husband Tarquin, she didn¡¯t want Blossom and Zane to cross the powerful. Bradford family because of him. you. Whenever you need us, we¡¯ll be there, no questions asked.¡± Blossom heaved a sigh, ¡°It¡¯s up to you. We won¡¯t push you, but just remember we¡¯re always here for ¡± Elysia smiled. ¡°Love you guys.¡± Blossom patted her cheek gently and said, ¡°Alright, no more sadness.¡± ¡°Yeah, I didn¡¯t lose out today. I even got a few scratches in on that wild man. He had no leg to stand on, didn¡¯t dare touch me back.¡± ¡°You should¡¯ve scratched him a few more times to vent!¡± Elysia chuckled again, ¡°You go on and keep an eye on the triplets. I¡¯ll just pop to the restroom to freshen up, and I¡¯ll be right there.¡± ¡°Sure thing.¡± Elysia headed to the restroom to wash her face and tidy up her hair, reflecting on the day¡¯s events with a sigh. Seems like her streak of bad luck wasn¡¯t over; even a simple outing could stir up so much trouble. Suddenly, she overheard a conversation nearby. Chapter 115 Chapter 115 ¡°You know what they say, ¡°You never know how scary someone is until you meet them.¡± They say Mr. Huber fears nothing under the sun except his sister. I thought it was just a tall tale, but turns out it¡¯s the gospel truth! If only I could be Mr. Huber¡¯s sister.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to be his sister; I¡¯d rather be his girlfriend, ha!¡± ¡°Stop dreaming, girls. Mr. Huber is the silver man of Jindale City. We¡¯re not even in his league.¡± Some of the girls didn¡¯t quite catch on. ¡°Why do they call him the silver man of Jindale City? Is there a golden one?¡± ¡°Sure is. It¡¯s Tarquin Bradford. They¡¯re the most attractive men of Jindale City. Word on the street is that Mr. Bradford is even more of a looker than Mr. Huber. Mr. Huber is pretty, but Mr. Bradford? He¡¯s downright dashing.¡± The mere mention of Tarquin sent a shiver down Elysia¡¯s spine. She was about to leave when she couldn¡¯t help but linger, pretending to wash her hands just to eavesdrop a little longer. One woman chimed in, ¡°It¡¯s a pity they¡¯re both men. Imagine if one was a woman and they had a child together? That kid would break hearts!¡± ¡°Ha, daydreaming, are we? If Mr. Huber were a woman, Mr. Bradford probably wouldn¡¯t give him the time of day. I heard that although Mr. Bradford is quite the head¨Cturner, he¡¯s not into thedies.¡± ¡°Really? No way!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not the one to judge if it¡¯s true or not. Have you not seen the buzz online? That¡¯s what they¡¯re all saying. Remember N ter? Always trying to ride Mr. Bradford¡¯s coattails, making their rtionship seem all hazy. Some folks said Mr. Bradford never spoke up because he used her to silence the gossip mongers. Then Mr. Bradford went on record to clear the air about him and N. Some say that¡¯s because there was trouble at home.¡± ¡°Trouble at home?¡± The woman¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper, ¡°Rumor has it Mr. Bradford¡¯s got a boy toy, and he couldn¡¯t stand the rumors about N and Mr. Bradford, so he pushed him to set the record straight.¡± ¡°No way! A boy toy? A man?¡± ¡°Yep!¡± Another woman added, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that too. There¡¯s even paparazzi gossip that Mr. Bradford and Mr. Huber, at opposite ends of the spectrum when ites to women, get along so well because they¡¯ve got a secret thing going on.¡± Elysia¡¯s jaw dropped. What in the world was she overhearing? Was this kind of juicy gossip free for the taking? The rumors about Tarquin liking men¡­ she had seen that online as well. 09:40 Back when she had just married Tarquin, she didn¡¯t take those rumors seriously. She was sure it was all made up. But now, she was starting to wonder. If Tarquin really liked men, it wasn¡¯t without evidence. He had always refused to divorce her. perhaps to use her as a shield against prying eyes? If the news about his preferences ever went public, he could im he was happily married to avoid scrutiny. Elysia smirked to herself. What era were they living in that people would still care about that? Liking men wasn¡¯t a crime. Tarquin and Keaton¡­ That wild man and Keaton¡­ Oh my, she felt like she had struck gold! That wild man and Tarquin shared a mutual friend! That wasn¡¯t the point, though. The real question was, if Tarquin was truly involved with Keaton, could she use that connection to push Tarquin to finally divorce her? She had no way to reach Tarquin, but Keaton? After all, Keaton was Corbin¡¯s uncle! Elysia felt like she had stumbled upon a path forward, a light at the end of the tunnel, and her mood instantly lifted. She gave herself a pep talk as she looked in the mirror. First, win over Keaton, then use him to get to Tarquin. A wless n! With this newfound strategy, Elysia¡¯s spirits were soaring, and she left the bathroom beaming with hope. Chapter 116 Chapter 116 As soon as Elysia got back, Blossom¡¯s curiosity was piqued. ¡°Something fun happen?¡± Blossom asked with a twinkle in her eye. Elysia just said, ¡°Heard a joke in the restroom that cracked me up.¡± ¡°What kind of joke has you grinning like a Cheshire cat? Share it! Lighten up the mood for us too.¡± The three little ones also looked at her expectantly. Elysia couldn¡¯t exactly discuss Tarquin and Keaton¡¯s gossip in front of the kids, so she made up some random joke to get by. After a full day of fun, by five in the afternoon the three little ones were struggling to keep their eyes open. They hadn¡¯t quite caught up onst night¡¯s missed sleep. Seeing them yawn, Elysia suggested that Blossom take them back to rest, while she went to check on Corbin at the hospital. ¡°Blossom, if you¡¯ve got stuff to do, just drop them at our ce and go. They won¡¯t wander off,¡± Blossom instantly offered, ¡°It¡¯s Sunday, I¡¯m off work, and there¡¯s no boyfriend to hang out with. What¡¯s there for me to be busy with? I¡¯ll take care of them at home. You go do what you need to do. The Denton family¡¯s got a solid rep ¨C honest folks, good people. Making nice with them might juste in handy if some jerk ever gives you trouble.¡± Elysia didn¡¯t argue, just smiled. ¡°Uh¨Chuh.¡± Previously, helping Corbin was just that¨Chelping. This time, she had an angle, she was admittedly using his uncle¡¯s connections. Even though she wasn¡¯t quite sure how to leverage that yet, she knew she wanted to. Arriving at the hospital entrance, Elysia gave Blossom a few instructions before they parted ways. Entering the hospital, Elysia caught sight of a familiar silhouette and paused, doing a double¨Ctake. Soon enough, Zane noticed her too, looking equally surprised before he excused himself from the girl beside him and jogged over to greet Elysia. ¡°Elysia, what brings you to the hospital? You okay? Feeling under the weather?¡± he asked. ¡°No, just here to see a friend.¡± While talking, she couldn¡¯t help but nce at the young woman near Zane. The girl, with her long. hair, porcin skin, and the striking features of a college student, was pretty but her gaze towards Elysia was less than friendly. Elysia¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. Zane caught the shift in Elysia¡¯s expression, looked back at the girl who quickly turned away, avoiding Elysia¡¯s gaze. The girl didn¡¯te over, just sat down in an empty spot, waiting quietly for Zane. 09:41 Zane turned back to Elysia, a look of helplessness on his face as he exined, ¡°That¡¯s my cousin. She should be in college but ended up getting pregnant by ident. She took a leave without telling my aunt, and recently she broke up with her boyfriend¡­ Now there areplications with the pregnancy, and she has to terminate, but she¡¯s too scared to tell my aunt. So she turned to me for help. We were poor growing up, and my aunt took care of me a lot¨Ceven paid for my high school expenses. So, I¡¯m really close to her family. She¡¯s my cousin, but she¡¯s like a little sister to me. She didn¡¯t want to tell her mom and she¡¯s all alone in Jindale City, so I¡¯m the one looking after her.¡± Elysia nced at the girl once more. ¡°You¡¯re not nning to tell her mom?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it, but what good would it do besides upsetting her? What¡¯s done is done, and getting angry won¡¯t change anything. My aunt¡¯s health isn¡¯t great; it might just kill her to find out.¡± Indeed, what had happened couldn¡¯t be changed and her mother would only be distressed upon knowing. ¡°I see her belly¡¯s quite big already, must be over five months. What¡¯s wrong with the baby?¡± Chapter 117 Chapter 117 ¡°Doctor says it¡¯s a malformation and rmends termination.¡± Elysia was taken aback, ¡°How did they only find out it¡¯s malformed now? It¡¯s quite far along, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Yeah, I only found out today.¡± Elysia couldn¡¯t help but steal another nce at the girl, her expression a mix of emotions. The girl was watching her warily. When their eyes met, the girl furrowed her brow, then lowered her gaze to avert her eyes. Elysia was puzzled; where was her hostilitying from? They had never met before and they didn¡¯t know each other, so why the resentment at first sight? Had she done something to provoke her? ¡°She¡¯s not in a good mood today, just ignore her,¡± Zane seemed to read her mind andmented. Elysia looked away, ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a tough break. You should talk her through it. And if possible, do your best to encourage her to go back to school after this. She worked hard to get into college, it¡¯d be a shame to waste that.¡± She knew the struggle of not having a diploma and how hard life could be once you stepped into the real world without it. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m thinking. After the surgery and some recovery time, I¡¯ll have her go back to school.¡± ¡°Right, then you better get her to the doctor. We can catch up some other time.¡± ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll call you.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± After saying goodbye to Zane, Elysia continued on her way to the inpatient department, while Zane led his cousin off to the obstetrics and gynecology wing. Stepping into the elevator, Elysia¡¯s thoughts were still swirling. That girl¡¯s strange look was as if she¡¯d seen a romantic rival. But Zane was her cousin, right? And she didn¡¯t know the girl¡¯s boyfriend. So where was the hostilitying from? Was she overthinking it? Or did she misread the situation? Or maybe, the girl was just in such a bad mood that anyone would trigger that hostility? If there was something between her and Zane, he wouldn¡¯t be so nonchnt, would he? Besides, what could possibly be between Zane and that girl? They were cousins. Deciding she was overthinking. Elysia shook off the nonsense in her head and went to find Corbin. Meanwhile, the girl was looking at Zane with teary eyes and said out of the blue, ¡°It¡¯s her, isn¡¯t it?¡± Zane furrowed his brows, ¡°Let¡¯s see the doctor first.¡± 09:41 The girl jerked her arm away from him and looked visibly upset, ¡°I¡¯m asking you, it¡¯s her, right?!¡± Her loud voice was drawing the attention of many onlookers. The people around them cast curious nces with varied expressions. Zane eyed the girl, his unreadable face revealed no sign of anger and his tone was neutral too. ¡°If you don¡¯t want mypany, I can call your mom right now.¡± His words seemed to hit a nerve, and she shivered, not daring to speak further. Even her sobs were quieter now. Zane handed her a tissue without any exnation as if she¡¯d never asked anything. ¡°The baby¡¯s not going to make it. Dry your eyes, we¡¯re waiting for the doctor to call us.¡± She took the tissue with her head bowed. She didn¡¯t dare to look at him while tears were streaming down her face. In Corbin¡¯s hospital room. Corbin was thrilled to see Elysia, ¡°Sis¡­ sis, sister¡­¡± Elysia smiled, ¡°I¡¯m quite a bit older than you, Corbin. You should call me ¡®auntie.¡± ¡°Aun¡­ auntie.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. How has your day been, Corbin?¡± ¡°Happy.¡± ¡°Happy, huh? Is there something special that made you happy? Share with me, so I can be happy too.¡± ¡°I¡¯m happy because¡­ you are here.¡± Elysiaughed, ¡°Seeing you makes me happy too.¡± The little guy¡¯s eyes sparkled even more at her words and looked exuberant. Jessamine was moved to tears, ¡°Corbin really likes you. He¡¯s only this happy when he sees you.¡± Chapter 118 Chapter 118 ¡°It proves that the encounter between Corbin and I is fate, right Corbin?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ fate.¡± Elysia softly caressed his cheek. Turning to Jessamine, she said, ¡°I need a moment alone with Corbin, if that¡¯s okay with you?¡± ¡°Of course, of course, you two chat. I¡¯ll just be outside, right by the door. If you need me, just holler.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Once Jessamine had left, Elysia waved her hand in front of Corbin¡¯s eyes and started counting on her fingers, ¡°Corbin, look at my hand. Let¡¯s count together, one, two, three, four, five¡­¡± With a snap of her fingers, Corbin suddenly passed out. Twenty minutester, Elysia emerged from the hospital room. Jessamine immediately asked, ¡°How is he? Is Corbin doing better? Can we take him home?¡± ¡°Yes, I just hypnotized Corbin to take a peek inside his mind. His inner world has changed a lot; there¡¯s sunshine, green fields, and cats. Did he used to like cats?¡± Jessamine felt a pang in her heart, ¡°¡­He did. He used to have one, and it was while looking for that cat that he was kidnapped. We lost both, the cat and our peace.¡± ¡°No wonder¡­ If it¡¯s okay with your family, you might consider getting another one. Cats are therapeutic and could help Corbin heal.¡± I ¡°I will! I¡¯ll arrange it as soon as I get home. So, can he be discharged now?¡± ¡°Yes, he can go home to recuperate. But keep in mind, psychological issues aren¡¯t like themon cold; full recovery will be a long road. You¡¯ll need to be patient.¡± ¡°I understand. Just seeing him improve is a blessing. We had lost hope before you came along. Elysia, you¡¯ve been an angel to the Denton family. I don¡¯t know how I could ever thank you enough, but if you ever face any difficulties, you must let me know.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for such formality. You helped me out today at the mall, and I¡¯m grateful for that.¡± Jessamine sniffled a bit, ¡°It¡¯s not the same. I¡­ I won¡¯t fuss over thanking you properly. Just know this, from now on, you¡¯re like a sister to me. And if anyone dares to cross you, they¡¯ll have to answer to me first!¡± Elysia smiled and said nothing. ¡°How about dinner tonight together?¡± Elysia was about to decline when Jessamine interjected, ¡°It¡¯s not just out of gratitude that I want to invite you for dinner. Ever since Corbin¡¯s incident, he hasn¡¯t stepped out. He¡¯s been shuttling between home and the hospital. I was thinking, since you¡¯re here, it might do him good to get some fresh air, to take that brave first step, right? If you weren¡¯t here, he definitely wouldn¡¯t want to go out, and we wouldn¡¯t dare to take 09:41 him.¡± Unable to refuse, Elysia agreed. While Corbin was still unconscious, she called Blossom to talk about dinner. Blossom said the little ones were still asleep and told her not to worry about them, that she would take care of their meals once they woke up. Hanging up, Elysia felt a warm glow inside. To have such a good friend in life, she thought, was truly¡± a stroke of luck. Blossom and Winona were her guardian angels. When Elysia was suddenly reminded of Winona, she also thought of Zane and his cousin, and the way his cousin had looked at her. That look one gives to a rival made her feel uneasy. After the call, Elysia somehow found herself wandering toward the maternity ward. Zane and his cousin had already left, so she tried asking the doctors for information. But the doctors were tight¨Clipped, not willing to disclose patient information. She understood it was their duty, so she didn¡¯tin. Just as she was about to leave, as luck would have it, she ran into Benjamin, who was on his way out after his shift. Chapter 119 Chapter 119 Benjamin was taken aback to see her at the maternity ward. ¡°Ms. Thorne? What brings you here? Feeling unwell?¡± he asked. ¡°No, I just came to check on Corbin. Ran into a friend and didn¡¯t get to catch up properly. Now that I¡¯ve got a moment, I thought I¡¯d see how they are.¡± ¡°A friend? Where are they?¡± ¡°Not sure. Couldn¡¯t find them.¡± ¡°What¡¯s your friend¡¯s name? I¡¯ll ask around for you.¡± ¡°Zane.¡± Benjamin took it upon himself to get the information. After all, he was a shareholder of the hospital. The attending doctor exined, ¡°Zane¡¯s here with his cousin for her termination surgery. There¡¯s a problem with the pregnancy; it can¡¯t be saved. Continuing could be life¨Cthreatening.¡± Elysia immediately asked, ¡°She looked to be about four or five months along. Why only find out there¡¯s a problem now?¡± ¡°It all seemed fine until yesterday. The woman has a peanut allergy but ate a bunch of peanut butter. That endangered the baby.¡± Elysia frowned, ¡°Didn¡¯t she know about her allergy?¡± ¡°She did. Said she ate something without realizing it contained peanut butter. A real unfortunate ident.¡± Benjamin chided, ¡°That¡¯s incredibly careless!¡± ¡°Indeed. She came alone yesterday and was adamantly against the procedure, insisting on carrying the baby to term. We had to contact her family out of necessit They only brought her in today. She¡¯s been admitted, and the surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning.¡± Elysia inquired further, ¡°Has that male rtive been apanying her to all her appointments since the pregnancy?¡± ¡°No, she used toe alone. Only today did she bring a rtive, and it was us who contacted him.¡± Elysia nodded, ¡°I see, thank you.¡± Once outside, Benjamin questioned her, ¡°You and this Zane guy, you¡¯re close?¡± ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s an old ssmate and married to my best friend.¡± Benjamin immediately got it. ¡°You suspect he¡¯s done something to betray your friend?¡± Elysia twisted her mouth in awkwardness, ¡°No, they have a solid marriage. I was just asking. ¡°Alright then.¡± 09:41 After Elysia left, Benjamin promptly called Tarquin. ¡°I just saw Ms. Thorne at the maternity ward.¡± Elijah had been discharged, and Tarquin was at home. He was supposed to go to the office, but Elysia had scratched his face, forcing him to work from home. Hearing Elysia¡¯s name made Tarquin grit his teeth, ¡°Whether she¡¯s dead or alive, it¡¯s no concern of mine! Don¡¯t mention her to me!¡± He hung up, tossed his phone on the desk, and yanked at his tie in frustration. Just the mention of her name made his blood boil! He couldn¡¯t focus on work and went to Elijah¡¯s room instead. Elijah hade hometest night. He hated hospitals and insisted on returning home as soon as he woke up. Not wanting to upset him. Tarquin brought him back. Elijah was still sitting by the window. Needless to say, he was waiting for his mommy. Tarquin¡¯s heart ached as he approached, ¡°Elijah.¡± Elijah didn¡¯t turn, didn¡¯t even blink, as if he hadn¡¯t heard him. Tarquin crouched down, his voice soft, ¡°Hungry? Daddy will make you something to eat.¡± Elijah was silent. Tarquin¡¯s heart felt heavy, and he tried again, ¡°Not eating will make your tummy hurt. Mommy would be sad to see you unwell when shees back.¡± At the mention of mommy, Elijah finally reacted, turning to look at Tarquin and suddenly asked, ¡°Is my mommy dead?¡± ¡°What? Who said that?¡± Elijah didn¡¯t reply, just stared straight at him. For a moment, Tarquin didn¡¯t know how to respond. If he said she wasn¡¯t dead, Elijah would undoubtedly ask why she hadn¡¯te to see him and where she was now. Chapter 120 Chapter 120 If he said she was gone¡­ he couldn¡¯t bear to say it and also couldn¡¯t bear the thought of her being dead. right? And if he did say it, surely Elijah would be heartbroken, right? It might even send him into shock. ¡°I get it now,¡± Elijah suddenly said. Tarquin asked in a rush, ¡°You get what?¡± ¡°Mommy¡¯s dead.¡± ¡°What???!¡± Elijah, staring towards the doorway, said dully, ¡°She must be in heaven. I wonder if she¡¯s lonely up there?¡± rm bells went off in Tarquin¡¯s head! Was his son¡­ thinking of joining his mother in heaven? Tarquin, sensing the dangerous turn of thought, said sternly, ¡°Elijah, don¡¯t let your mind wander. Your mom isn¡¯t dead, she¡¯s alive and well!¡± ¡°How do you know?¡± ¡°I¡­ I found some information about her.¡± Tarquin was forced to put on a grim face and lied to his own son. Elijah¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°Really? Where is she? Why don¡¯t you bring her back? Or take me to see her?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not the right time yet. Just wait a little longer.¡± Elijah frowned, ¡°Are you lying to me?¡± ¡°No! I really have her information, but we¡¯ve been apart for so long that we can¡¯t just bring her back out of the blue. It might startle her.¡± Tarquin bit the bullet and said it. ¡°So when can I see her?¡± ¡°Soon.¡± ¡°Tomorrow?¡± ¡°No, that won¡¯t do.¡± ¡°The day after?¡± ¡°That won¡¯t work either.¡± Seeing Elijah¡¯s frown deepen, Tarquin said, ¡°Let¡¯s wait for spring.¡± Elijah looked at him and after a moment said. ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll wait for spring!¡± Relieved that his son believed him. Tarquin let out a sigh of relief inwardly. ¡°Then you be a good boy and take care of yourself. You need to eat well and sleep well.¡± He said. 09:41 ¡°Okay!¡± That night, Elijah ate his dinner and went to bed without fuss. Tarquin sat by his bed, his head throbbing with worry. Elijah¡¯s condition was getting worse. His words today obviously hinted at suicidal thoughts. If he ever became convinced that his mother was dead, he would surely want to join her in heaven. Today¡¯s lie had worked, but when spring came and Elijah¡¯s mother was nowhere to be seen¡­ the consequences were unthinkable. Time was running out! He had to find a way to cure Elijah before spring arrived, or at least stabilize his condition. Tarquin watched Elijah for a long while, tucked in the corners of his nket, and then stepped out. The butler Heath was waiting at the door, ¡°Is the young master asleep?¡± ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t go in and disturb him.¡± ¡°Right, right. Oh, when will the young master get better? I heard that little Corbin from the Denton family is all better now, even went out for dinner.¡± ¡°Huh? Corbin?¡± ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s all over the inte. Today Mrs. Denton and Mr. Denton took Corbin out to The Jinpeach Restaurant, and he looked so happy in the arms of their nanny. Mrs. Denton and Mr. Denton were beaming with visible joy, and even the old Mr. Denton made an appearance. These past years, because of Corbin¡¯s illness, Old Mr. Denton was rarely seen in public, always looking morose. There were plenty of whispers behind the Denton family¡¯s back, but today, they finally had their moment of triumph.¡± In this day and age, envy was amon affliction. The Denton family, being wealthy, attracted their fair share of green¨Ceyed monsters. After Corbin fell ill, those envious of the Denton fortunes began to talk, ¡°What good does all their money do? Their child is still sickly!¡± ¡°The Dentons must havemitted some terrible sin in a past life for Corbin to be ill now ¨C karma!¡± ¡°God is fair. They got the money in exchange for their happiness.¡± it¡¯s There were even those who cruelly imed that Corbin would never recover, that he wouldn¡¯t live past ten years old. Chapter 121 Chapter 121 The Dentons had taken Corbin out to Jinpeach Restaurant today. What did this mean? It meant Corbin was getting better. His autism was receding, and he could now step out into the world like any other kid. It was such a p in the face to all those green with envy. Tarquin was taken aback. He whipped out his phone to catch up on thetest news. Sure enough, Corbin¡¯s outing to Jinpeach Restaurant was trending. Even though Elysia¡¯s face was blurred out in the photos circting online, Tarquin recognized her instantly. No need to wonder¨CElysia was the hero behind Corbin¡¯s brave new step! After staring at his phone for a while, Tarquin retreated to his study and dialed Benjamin¡¯s number. ¡°So, Elysia visited Corbin at the hospital today?¡± ¡°Uh¨Chuh. What¡¯s up? I thought you didn¡¯t want to hear about her anymore. Why the sudden interest?¡± Tarquin¡¯s face darkened, and he changed the subject, ¡°Corbin¡¯s out and about, eating like the rest of us. Is he recovering that fast?¡± ¡°Yeah, all thanks to Ms. Thorne. I told you she was good, but you wouldn¡¯t believe me!¡± Tarquin just grunted. Benjamin went on, ¡°Just you wait, the Dentons are going to offer Ms. Thorne a hefty sry to keep her on.¡± Tarquin frowned and hung up. He mused with a grim expression, then grabbed his car keys and left the house. After dinner, Elysia made her way back to Blossom¡¯s neighborhood. Blossom had messaged her earlier to say she¡¯d canceled the Airbnb and moved all her things over. The little trio was already there in the neighborhood. The Dentons had dropped her off, and after saying goodbye, Elysia walked towards the neighborhood entrance. But she hadn¡¯t gone far when she spotted someone! He was sitting in his car, smoking a cigarette with the window rolled down. She could see his handsome face and his hand resting on the window sill with a cigarette between his fingers. And there, on his chin, were the marks she¡¯d left. Elysia¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Why was he here? What was he doing here? Elliot and Evan were in this neighborhood. Could he-? No, that wasn¡¯t right. If he¡¯d found out about Elliot and Evan, he wouldn¡¯t be sitting out here alone. He would¡¯ve taken the kids for a DNA test already. So, he hadn¡¯t discovered Elliot and Evan. Then why was he here? Looking for her? She¡¯d just moved in tonight; how could he know she lived here? Maybe¡­ he didn¡¯t know? Maybe he was just visiting his friends, not her? Elysia thought quickly. She whipped out a mask from her bag, put it on, and lowered her head as she continued walking, pretending not to see him. The closer she got, the more nervous she became. She was almost beside him when she pleaded inwardly that he wouldn¡¯t see her. ¡°Stop right there!¡± Elysia was startled. She shrank into herself, pretending not to hear, and kept walking. But he sounded annoyed, ¡°Do you want me to get out of the car and invite you personally? Elysia!¡± Elysia clenched her teeth! He had called her out by name. There was no escape now. She reluctantly stopped, turned around, and looked at him warily. ¡°What do you want?!¡± she asked. ¡°Get in the car!¡± ¡°Why? If you¡¯ve got something to say, say it. If not, I¡¯m heading home.¡± Tarquin¡¯s brows furrowed, and his gaze was as sharp as a knife. Elysia¡¯s heart skipped again. Knowing she was at a disadvantage in front of him, she reluctantly got into his car. Once inside, she immediately said, ¡°I¡¯ve already warned you today. If you hassle me again, I swear I¡¯ll fight back! And just so you know, there are two security guards at the entrance. The security here is no joke. If you try anything outrageous. I¡¯ll scream.¡± Chapter 122 Chapter 122 Tarquin shot her a disdainful look, then got straight to the point, ¡°Come over to my ce tomorrow.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°To look after Elijah.¡± Elysia blinked and was a bit dazed, ¡°What do you mean?¡± Tarquin flicked the ash from his cigarette. The smell mingling with the air made Elysia cough a few times. Tarquin frowned in annoyance, but he extinguished his cigarette nheless. ¡°Benjamin mentioned you¡¯re versed in child psychology and have some medical skills. You¡¯re already briefed on Elijah¡¯s condition; he has bipr disorder. From tomorrow, you¡¯re going to start as a nanny and take care of him.¡± Despite the many questions still swirling in his head, after using Emmett to interrogate her at the mall today, he no longer doubted her. And with Elijah¡¯s condition worsening, he couldn¡¯t afford to hesitate anymore. That¡¯s why he hade. Elysia was stunned upon hearing it. Was he asking for a favor? Was this how you ask someone for help? She thought he wasing to tie up loose ends! Once Elysia understood his purpose, she regained some boldness, ¡°I get where you¡¯reing from. Any parent would do whatever it takes to help their kid, but I can¡¯t agree to your request. I¡­¡± Before she could finish. Tarquin cut her off impatiently, ¡°I¡¯m not here to ask you for a favor; I¡¯m here to give you an order.¡± Elysia red, ¡°An order? On what grounds do you order me around?!¡± He said coolly, ¡°Because you owe me money.¡± Elysia was deted like a balloon, her bravado suddenly vanishing. The little bit of confidence she had mustered up dissipated. Lips quivering, Elysia muttered, ¡°About the fifty million¡­ I¡­ Didn¡¯t I mention that before? Your girlfriend started it by hitting my son, and he only scratched your car in retaliation. That debt should be settled, right? We¡¯re even.¡± A hint of mockery shed in Tarquin¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t bother to rify his rtionship with N, simply stating, ¡°If someone hit your son, take it up with them. Your son damaged my car, so I¡¯ming to you. If you have a problem with that, I¡¯ll see you in court.¡± 09:42 Elysia was fuming, her lips pressed tightly as she red at him. She wanted to hit this man. Tarquin, with his handsome face, looked at her and continued, ¡°Either pay me back now, or start as a nanny at my ce tomorrow. Your choice.¡± Elysia huffed, ¡°You know I don¡¯t have the money and yet you¡¯re making me choose. Do I even have a choice?!¡± ¡°Good. Be at my ce tomorrow to start as a nanny.¡± ¡°What if I refuse?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll get the police involved.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± ¡°You have one minute to decide. If you can¡¯t, I¡¯m calling the cops.¡± ¡°Are you¡­ Do you even realize you¡¯re bullying me?¡± ¡°No clue. All I know is that debts are meant to be repaid. You¡¯re not skipping out on me.¡± Elysia was speechless. Tarquin nced at his watch, starting the countdown. Elysia¡¯s heart hammered in time with the ticking second hand. As the minute drew to a close, she blurted out, ¡°I¡¯ll go! I¡¯ll be at your ce tomorrow!¡± Tarquin, expressionless, wasn¡¯t surprised by the oue. He started the car, issuing an eviction, ¡°I¡¯ll send someone to pick you up in the morning. Get out.¡± Elysia, cheeks puffed in anger, held onto herst shred of dignity. ¡°I¡¯m not a morning person, so don¡¯t come looking for me at the crack of dawn. After eight¨Cthirty!¡± Tarquin rolled his eyes, ignoring her. The moment Elysia¡¯s feet hit the pavement, the car zoomed away, sshing her with slush. Elysia, breathing erratically with anger, watched his taillights disappear and cursed under her breath for a long time before finally heading home. Chapter 123 Chapter 123 Blossom caught sight of her and immediately called out, ¡°Aren¡¯t you home early? What took you so long?¡± Elysia heaved a sigh, but chose not to exin just yet. Instead, she asked, ¡°How are the kids?¡± ¡°Sound asleep.¡± ¡°Again?¡± ¡°Yeah, I took them down to the yground before you got home. They yed on the and were crashed aftering back. How was your meeting with the Denton family?¡± ¡°It went well. The Dentons were really appreciative.¡± as for a ¡°Of course they are grateful to you. Corbin is the only heir to the Denton legacy. They were beside themselves with worry when he fell ill, what with all the rumors flying around. Now that he¡¯s getting better, the Dentons must be over the moon. Heard you went out for dinner with them, and it event made the trending news.¡± ¡°What?¡± Blossom chuckled, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know you like to keep a low profile. They pixted your face in the photos.¡± Elysia breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡± ¡°You look beat. Go freshen up, we¡¯re bunking together tonight.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± After checking on the little ones and freshening up. Elysiay down and asked, ¡°Blossom, you¡¯re working tomorrow, right?¡± ¡°Yeah. Why? I can take a day off if you need something. Our boss is pretty easy¨Cgoing.¡± ¡°I do have something tomorrow. Could you possibly take the triplets to daycare for a bit of a trial run?¡± ¡°Sure thing, no problem at all. What¡¯s on your te?¡± Elysia felt the weight of her worries. She recounted the incident that had urred at the entrance of their apartmentplex. Blossom¡¯s eyes went wide as saucers, ¡°He¡¯s threatening you to work for him in secret? What¡¯s his angle? He¡¯s not got the hots for you, has he?¡± ¡°Hardly! Didn¡¯t you see how he treated me? He was downright nasty!¡± ¡°So¡­ he really wants you to nanny his son?¡± ¡°It looks like it. His son has bipr disorder too, and I guess seeing me help Corbin stirred something in him. Honestly, I wouldn¡¯t mind helping Elijah, I just don¡¯t want to deal with his father. If he turns out to be Elliot and Evan¡¯s biological dad, the more I interact with him, the more likely I¡¯ll blow their cover.¡± 09:42 Blossom nodded in understanding. ¡°So what¡¯s the n now?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± ¡°The best thing would be to pay back that 50 million! Let me talk to Zane about it, I¡¯ll ask my folks for a part of it, and maybe borrow some from Zane. We need to scrape together that 50 million to get him off your back!¡± Elysia immediately shook her head. 50 million was a huge amount! She knew Blossom¡¯s parents and Zane were well off, but that kind of money was astronomical to anyone. She didn¡¯t want her arrival to disrupt their peace. ¡°Let me first go see Elijah tomorrow. By the way, did you know Zane has a cousin?¡± ¡°The one who¡¯s into dance?¡± ¡°Yeah?¡± ¡°I heard about her from Winona, but I haven¡¯t met her. What about her?¡± Elysia felt it was wrong to gossip, but she trusted Blossom, so she shared, ¡°I saw Zane at the hospital today when I went to visit Corbin. He was there supporting his cousin through an abortion.¡± ¡°What?!¡± Blossom was shocked, ¡°Isn¡¯t she still in college? How did she end up pregnant and then having an abortion?¡± ¡°Zane said she got pregnant unexpectedly after dating a guy at school. She took a leave of absence, but then they broke up, and there wereplications with the pregnancy. The doctors said the baby couldn¡¯t be saved and rmended termination.¡± Blossom was taken aback, ¡°Winona mentioned she was quite a gentle soul. I never imagined she¡¯d be caught up in something like this. Getting pregnant, dropping out, cohabitating before marriage, abortion¡­ Those are all pretty heavy for someone her age.¡± Chapter 124 Chapter 124 Elysia pondered for a moment before asking. ¡°Does Winona know that girl?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Winona rarely talks about her; she maybe mentioned her once or twice. Why do you ask?¡± ¡°I saw her at the hospital today, and I just got this vibe that her gaze was kind of¡­ off when she looked at me.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Elysia didn¡¯t outright say it was like a jealous lover¡¯s look, but rather, ¡°It felt hostile.¡± ¡°Did you guys know each other before?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m positive I¡¯ve never seen her before.¡± ¡°Then why would she be hostile towards you?¡± ¡°I have no idea.¡± ¡°Did you talk to Zane about it?¡± ¡°No, but Zane noticed it too. He said she was just in a bad mood and told me not to mind her.¡± ¡°Well, that could be it. I mean, losing a baby is heartbreaking, but even so, that¡¯s no reason to be hostile toward a stranger. Sounds kinda cuckoo!¡± To be honest, if she was just being rude to her, Elysia could brush it off. The real issue was the way that girl looked at her with the eyes of a rival in love, which made Elysia¡¯s heart flip¨Cflop with anxiety. ¡°Hey, you never told me, what had you so chipper after you came back from the restroom at the mall today?¡± Blossom steered the conversation to a more intriguing topic. Elysia snapped back to reality, her mood instantly lifting as she recalled the incident, ¡°I heard my dear hubby is having a fling with Keaton.¡± She dared not speak her husband Tarquin¡¯s name directly. ¡°What?! No way!¡± ¡°For real!¡± ¡°But how? Keaton¡¯s known for being adies¡® man. The whole country knows he goes through girlfriends faster than he changes his socks.¡± ¡°He swings both ways, and my husband¡­ he¡¯s into guys.¡± ¡°Oh my¡­.¡± Blossom still found it hard to believe. Elysia exined, ¡°I only found out today that the reason he won¡¯t grant me a divorce isn¡¯t to get back at me, but to use our marriage as a shield from gossip. You know, an influential CEO liking another man is quite the talk of the town.¡± Blossom nodded, ¡°I get that. It¡¯s like something straight out of a TV drama, but it¡¯s the first I¡¯ve heard. 09:42 of it in real life. And shouldn¡¯t you be upset knowing this? If he¡¯s really using you to silence the chatter, he¡¯ll never agree to a divorce, which will it even harder for you to leave.¡± ¡°But I can use Keaton to pressure him, can¡¯t I? If they¡¯re involved, Keaton surely wouldn¡¯t want him tied to me, right? Me and Keaton, we¡¯re love rivals!¡± Blossom mulled it over, ¡°That sorta makes sense.¡± Elysia was excited, ¡°And I happen to have a connection with Keaton¡¯s sister, which means I have a way to get close to him!¡± ¡°What¡¯s your n?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t worked out the details yet, but at least I see a path forward. Today he called and blocked every exit I had, but now, there¡¯s light at the end of the tunnel.¡± ¡°Mmm, just be careful. Keaton¡¯s no easy mark. Whether you¡¯re going against him or using him, it¡¯s risky.¡± ¡°No worries, I¡¯ve got his sister backing me up.¡± ¡°Oh, right. He¡¯s scared of his sister.¡± Elysia chuckled, ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m on cloud nine today.¡± ¡°Well, so it does sound like good news.¡± ¡°Yeah, I need you to babysit the trio for me tomorrow. I¡¯m going to check on Elijah and then work out my next steps.¡± ¡°Sure thing.¡± The besties chatted back and forth for ages before finally drifting off to sleep. The next day, before the crack of dawn, Elysia¡¯s phone started ringing. The persistent sound of the rm was like a thunderp that not only jolted Elysia awake and nearly scared her hell out. Chapter 125 Chapter 125 Elysia snatched up her phone with a huff, only to see an unfamiliar number shing on the screen. Annoyed, she promptly hung up. But the caller was persistent and dialed again immediately. With a scowl, Elysia answered, ¡°What?! Who is this?¡± ¡°Get downstairs! You¡¯ve got ten minutes!¡± a frigid voicemanded from the other end before the call abruptly ended. Elysia was instantly wide awake. That jerk made the call! ¡°Who was that?¡± Blossom mumbled groggily. She was barely lifting her eyelids and still yawning as she asked. Elysia fought to keep her temper in check, ¡°Nobody. Go back to sleep, it¡¯s only five in the morning.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± Blossom yawned and drifted back off. Elysia, clutching her phone, stomped into the living room and onto the balcony to call back, her voice a hushed roar. ¡°Are you out of your mind? Didn¡¯t I tell you not toe around this early? Look at the time! You¡¯re gonna get what¡¯sing to you for waking people up. Things will alle back to you!¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got eight minutes. If you¡¯re not down, I¡¯ming up to get you. Gritting her teeth, Elysia spat back, ¡°You win!¡± She angrily ended the call and dashed to freshen up. After checking on the kids and nting a kiss on each forehead, she scrambled out the door. Reaching theplex¡¯s entrance, she saw no sign of a luxury car. As she scanned the area, a car horn beeped. It wasing from a nondescript Volkswagen parked on the street, which she nced at and quickly dismissed. That guy was loaded; he wouldn¡¯t be caught dead in anything less than a high¨Cend ride. ¡°Over here!¡± Tarquin¡¯s voice snapped as he rolled down the window, sounding none too pleased. Elysia did a double¨Ctake. He actually showed up in a Volkswagen? Since when did Mr. Moneybags roll up in such a car? Elysia approached and slid into the back seat, immediatelyunching into a tirade, ¡°What¡¯s your game by torturing me at this ungodly hour? Even the roosters are still snoozing.¡± Tarquin ignored her and pulled away from the curb. Elysia pouted at the back of his head and continued, ¡°We didn¡¯t finish our talkst night. Let¡¯sy it out now. I can look after your son, but I won¡¯t make any promises about my schedule. I¡¯m not nning to stick around Jindale City for long and not sure when I¡¯ll leave. When I¡¯m ready to leave. you can¡¯t stop me. 09:42 Also, I¡¯m not some live¨CIn nanny. I have my own kids and life to deal with, so I can¡¯t be at your beck and call 24/7. You need to let me head home by six every evening. And If somethinges up during the day, I need to be able to leave at a moment¡¯s notice.¡± Tarquin just drove in silence. Elysia clenched her jaw, ¡°If you don¡¯t say anything, I¡¯ll take it as you agree. Plus, I won¡¯t work for free. You¡¯ll have to pay me a fair wage, at least-¡± ¡°Do a good job, and it¡¯s ten grand a day.¡± Tarquin cut in suddenly. Elysia choked, blinking at him in disbelief, ¡°How much?¡± ¡°Ten thousand.¡± ¡°Ten thousand? A day?¡± He didn¡¯t respond. Swallowing hard, Elysia took another look at him and suddenly found him less punchable. If she hadn¡¯t suspected him of being that rogue from her past and getting her pregnant, she might have clung to this high roller and never let go. This guy was her golden goose! Elysia cleared her throat delicately and reiterated, ¡°You said it¨Cten grand a day!¡± ¡°There¡¯s a bonus if you do well,¡± ¡°A bonus?¡± Elysia¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Yeah. If you canst ten minutes with Elijah today, you get another ten grand, in cash, not as a sry deduction.¡± Ten minutes for another ten grand? It felt like finding money on the street. ¡°You¡¯re sure about this?¡± Chapter 126 Chapter 126 ¡°Hmm.¡± Tarquin replied. ¡°A man¡¯s word is his bond. If you back out now, you¡¯re nothing but a lowlife.¡± Tarquin pursed his lips and ignored thement. Elysia, not convinced, pressed him again, ¡°By saying ten grand in cash, you mean you¡¯ll hand it to me directly with no strings attached?¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°Ha!¡± Elysiaughed out loud, unable to contain her delight. Tarquin gave her a look of distaste. Her mood was sour as a lemon until money came into the picture. And when she heard that, she perked up like it was Christmas morning. Typical money¨Cgrubber. Realizing she might have shown too much enthusiasm, Elysia cleared her throat with a subtle cough, softening her gaze towards Tarquin. But Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed in response, ¡°I sought you out for Elijah¡¯s sake, not to cozy up to me. I can¡¯t stand women whock self¨Cawareness.¡± Elysia, taken aback, asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡± He nced at her through the rear¨Cview mirror, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about seducing me. I¡¯ve already got someone on my mind.¡± Elysia¡¯s good mood vanished in an instant. She retorted sharply, ¡°Are you out of your mind? Who¡¯s trying to seduce you? Do you think you¡¯re the golden boy everyone¡¯s after? Get over yourself! Don¡¯t forget that it was you who came to me, not the other way around. In fact, I should be asking if you¡¯re using your son to lure me in!¡± Tarquin let out a cold snort, his wordsced with mockery, ¡°Me, lure you? That¡¯s rich.¡± ¡°¡­¡± The car pulled into a rundown neighborhood, stopping in front of thest building in the row. Tarquin killed the engine and, seeing that she was still fuming, reminded her. ¡°That was just a heads¨C up.¡± Elysia shot back irately, ¡°I was giving you a heads¨Cup too. If you hadn¡¯t brought it up, I would¡¯ve forgotten. Let¡¯s get one thing straight: if you even think about ying me, I¡¯ll make you regret it.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I wouldn¡¯t dream of it in this lifetime!¡± ¡°Better stick to it!¡± Huffing with anger, Elysia reached for the car door, but Tarquin suddenly locked it and turned to her. ¡°I¡¯m entrusting Elijah to you because I want you to be there for him. If you dare hurt him, I will make you suffer.¡± His tone was even, but each word cut like a de of ice.. His gaze was even more chilling and worse than a ghoul. It was so intense it seemed like something sinister could leap out of his eyes at any moment. Elysia, frightened, quickly looked away. Swallowing hard, she said, ¡°I have no quarrel with him so why would I want to hurt him? Besides, you approached me. If you¡¯re worried, just tell me to leave.¡± Tarquin scrutinized her for a moment, then his gaze softened, ¡°I¡¯ll take your word for it now. If you do, well, there will be something in it for you.¡± With that, he opened the car door and got out. Elysia breathed heavily, shaken. That damn Tarquin could be really intimidating when he was upset. For a moment, she wondered if he was even human or some kind of ghoul! It was probably best to keep her distance from such a person. But as much as she wanted to stay away, she couldn¡¯t escape. Taking a deep breath, Elysia steeled herself and got out of the car. The scene before her was baffling. She had assumed that such a loaded man as Tarquin would surely live in some grand mansion, not in a ce that was falling apart at the seams. The neighborhood was even less inviting than the one in Blossom. It was full of battered tricycles, bicycles, and cars that were worth maybe a few hundreds dors at best. Tarquin¡¯s car, a model popr among the masses, seemed downright luxurious byparison. ¡°This is where you live?¡± she asked. ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°No, I mean, why would you live in a ce like this?¡± ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I?¡± Tarquin, with his long strides, entered the building and started climbing the stairs. There wasn¡¯t even an elevator. Chapter 127 Chapter 127 Elysia couldn¡¯t quite wrap her head around the situation. ¡°U thought you were loaded? I mean, your car alone is worth.a fortune, so surely you can afford a decent ce. But this¡­ this is pretty rough.¡± Tarquin¡¯s expression remained nk as he replied, ¡°I¡¯m broke and going belly up. ¡°What? You¡¯re broke?¡± Elysia gasped in disbelief. ¡°Got a problem with that?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s just¡­ how does someone just go broke overnight? When did this happen?¡± ¡°Last night.¡± Elysia was speechless. To avoid exposing his true identity. Tarquin had brought Elysia to this old family home after his son Elijah was discharged from the hospital the previous evening. This was the house his mother had lived in before she moved abroad.- ¡°Howe I can¡¯t see any sign of you being upset about this huge ordeal?¡± Elysia asked cautiously. Most people would be down in the dumps for a while after such a blow. Some might never get over it. But looking at him, there was no trace of the grief you¡¯d expect from someone who had just lost everything. ¡°How do you know I¡¯m not upset?¡± Tarquin countered. ¡°I can¡¯t see it.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not my close ones, so should I parade my sad feelings in front of you?¡± Elysia paused, thinking there was some sense in his words. But something inside her twisted, and she found herself offeringfort, ¡°Life¡¯s a roller coaster, you know. Ups and downs are part of the game. You¡¯ve gotta keep your chin up.¡± ¡°Chatterbox.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just trying to show some concern.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t need it.¡± Elysia¡¯s internal monologue was less than charitable. He was such an ungrateful jerk and it just served him right for going bankrupt! Tarquin climbed to the sixth floor and stopped at room 601. The old building was a walk¨Cup with six floors, and the sixth was the top. There was no elevator, and eachnding had two apartments. Across from him was 602. Elysia nced at 602; its door was marked with a cheery ¡°Wee¡± sign, and the doormat showed 09:43 signs of frequent use. Clearly, someone was living in thi Not like Tarquin¡¯s ce, which had no such warm greetings and a mat that looked brand spanking new. He must be a neer. ¡°By the way, what¡¯s your son¡¯s name?¡± Elysia asked. ¡°Elljah Bradford, but we just call him Elijah.¡± ¡°Bradford? So, yourst name is Bradford?¡± Tarquin turned to her, his eyes narrowing with a look that hinted at deeper meanings. Elysia¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Others called him Tarquin, and now Bradford. Tarquin Bradford?!! As her eyes grewrger, Tarquin looked at her with a hint of disdain, ¡°If you¡¯ve got something to say, spit it out.¡± He wanted to avoid any idle chatter before meeting Elijah. Elysia swallowed hard, ¡°What¡­ what is your name?¡± Tarquin squinted and didn¡¯t reply. Elysia scratched her head, ¡°It¡¯s not too much to ask what your name is if you let me take care of your son, is it? Tarquin replied tersely, ¡°Tarin.¡± He had revised his name a little for he didn¡¯t want Elysia to know his identity. Now that he was sure she wasn¡¯t trying to get close to him on purpose, he continued to conceal who he was. He didn¡¯t want her to harbor any ulterior motives. After all, the name ¡°Tarquin¡± carried an allure that was hard to resist. The public didn¡¯t know what he looked like, but there wasn¡¯t a soul who hadn¡¯t heard the name ¡°Tarquin.¡± Most women couldn¡¯t resist the lure of wealth and power that name suggested. If she knew, she might try every trick in the book to seduce him. Meanwhile, Elysia was still processing. Tarin? Not Tarquin? It couldn¡¯t be. Tarquin was a paraplegic and confined to a wheelchair, while this man¡¯s long legs were the picture of health. She must have been overthinking it. A few letters in names could change everything. ¡°If your folks had chucked ¡®q¡® and ¡®u¡® in your name, you¡¯d share it with one of the richest tycoons around,¡± she quipped. Tarquin just shot her a nce and didn¡¯t bite. Elysia prodded further, ¡°You and Tarquin wouldn¡¯t happen to be rted, would you?¡± Chapter 128 Chapter 128 ¡°My name¡¯s Tarin, and that fe is Tarquin. We have no more rtionships.¡± Elysia just blinked. Tarquin fished out an old¨Cfashioned key and unlocked the front door, pausing before stepping inside. to issue a reminder, ¡°Look, I brought you here to cheer him up, not to wind him up. If he throws a tantrum, just ride it out, will you? And don¡¯t go poking around about his mother. It¡¯s a sore spot.¡± Why, oh why, should she take k from this guy? Why couldn¡¯t she give as good as she got? But what could she do? She was outmatched, and her kids were only five. She had to cope. somehow. Elysia psyched herself up and pushed down the irritation to ask, ¡°So what¡¯s the deal with his mother? Why did she take off? You two weren¡¯t getting along?¡± Tarquin¡¯s frown was immediate and telling. ¡°Don¡¯t ask what you shouldn¡¯t. That¡¯s off¨Climits!¡± Elysia was taken aback. Wasn¡¯t it standard procedure to get they of thend before attempting to treat a patient? ¡°I just¡­¡± ¡°Get in here!¡± Tarquin cut her off. Elysia entered, speechless with frustration. She was starting to realize that having a normal conversation with this man was like talking to a brick wall. Once inside, she took a quick inventory of the ce. It was a cozy, not¨Ctoo¨Cshabby three¨Cbedroom with a living room, kitchen, and bathroom¨Clooked to be around 120 square meters. The decor was rustic charm all the way: hardwood floors, matching cabs, a dining set, and even a coffee table that all screamed vintage. The only modern touch was therge t¨Cscreen TV on the wall. ce was spotless and homely, with the wooden furnitureplemented by whitece curtains and a couple of tall, leafy housents making the room feel warm and inviting. She never would have pegged Tarin, Mr. Cold¨CShoulder himself, for a guy who¡¯d spruce up his home like this. She¡¯d thought his world was all shades of gray, never the warm hues of wood. Tarquin had already slipped into his house shoes and was heading toward a guest room. He opened the door just a crack and peered inside. Elysia guessed he was checking on his son and bent down to switch her shoes too. There was a new pair ofdy¡¯s slippers on the rack, obviously set out for her. She slipped into them without a word. But as she was about to follow, Tarquin closed the door to the room. Elysia¡¯s curiosity was piqued. ¡°Where¡¯s Elijah?¡± she asked. ¡°Still asleep.¡± ¡°He hasn¡¯t woken up yet?¡± ¡°Mm¨Chmm.¡± ¡°Then why the heck did you drag me here at the crack of dawn?¡± She had assumed Elijah was awake, and that¡¯s why Tarquin had driven to pick her up. But if the kid was still asleep, what was she doing there? Staring contest with the man? ¡°There¡¯s food in the fridge. Make breakfast,¡± he said, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, then closed the door behind him. Elysia didn¡¯t know if it was her imagination, but she thought she heard the click of his lock inside his room. She was stunned. No ¡®please¡® or ¡®thank you¡°? Just amand to whip up breakfast, like she owed him? Well, she did owe him¨Cfifty million. With the money in mind, Elysia bit back her indignation and stormed into the kitchen. When in Rome, right? She opened the fridge and surveyed its contents. It was impably organized, and the ingredients were fresh and plentiful. What to make? Elysia pondered briefly before knocking on Tarquin¡¯s door. She wanted to cater to Elijah¡¯s tastes. She might despise the man, but the kid was innocent. After a single knock, no response came. She knocked again, but still nothing. Elysia rapped on the door a few more times more assertively, ¡°Hey, open up. We need to talk.¡± The next second. Tarquin opened the door, now dressed in pajamas instead of his suit and shirt. Chapter 129 Chapter 129 Tarquin furrowed his brow, his face a mask of impatience. ¡°What now?¡± Elysia stood frozen, disbelief etching her features. ¡°You drag me out of bed at the crack of dawn to cook, and now you want to sleep?¡± Without a word, Tarquin¡¯s frown deepened. Last night, after meeting Elysia, he had brought Elijah over, then spent the entire night perched on the living room couch. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about his mother, Elijah¡¯s illness, and the woman who haunted his heart. Sleep had eluded him all night. That¡¯s why he had sought out Elysia so early. Elysia, unaware of his turmoil, felt a surge of indignation. He had deprived her of sleep, only to now im it for himself. ¡°Is this how you treat people? If you¡¯re tired, sleep in and then call for me. Instead, you drag me here and decide to snooze off. What am I to you, huh? I¡­¡± ¡°A debt peon.¡± Her brewing speech was cut short by his rebuke, silencing her mid¨Cvent. ¡°Fine! You¡¯re the big shot! You¡¯re the boss! Happy now?¡± she shot back, unable to contain her irritation. ¡°If you¡¯re not happy, pay off your debt,¡± Tarquin retorted coolly. Elysia was livid. ¡°Who said I¡¯m not happy? Which eye of yours saw me unhappy? I¡¯m totally content, and I¡¯ll have your know!¡± ¡°If you¡¯re content, watch your attitude.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± She was itching to p him into next week. ¡°What do you want?¡± he finally asked. Elysia swallowed her anger. ¡°What do you want for breakfast? What should I make?¡± ¡°You¡¯re the cook, not me. Figure it out yourself.¡± ¡°How am I supposed to know what you like?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need ttery; it¡¯s pointless and annoying.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not trying to tter you! I want to know what Elijah likes!¡± Tarquin¡¯s brow creased. Elijah wasn¡¯t particr about anything except his mother. He showed little interest in anything else. ¡°Just make whatever!¡± With a loud bang. Tarquin closed the bedroom door. Elysia was about to retort when the door swung open again, and he warned, ¡°I¡¯ve got an hour left to sleep. Don¡¯t disturb me.¡± Elysia was left gritting her teeth in rage. How do you deal with the urge to hit someone? Right now, she wanted to throttle him! Who knows a way to get rid of him without facing the consequences? Looking for advice, ASAP! Stuck at the doorway, she couldn¡¯te up with a n. Resigned, she consoled herself internally. Don¡¯t let anger get the best of you¡­ Stay cool, a princess. doesn¡¯t lose her temper. Unsure of Elijah¡¯s preferences, Elysia decided on making pancakes¨Ca safe bet. The batter was taking a beating, as if she was channeling her frustration at someone through the mix. An hourter. Just as Elysia finished preparing breakfast, two adjacent bedroom doors opened simultaneously. Tarquin and Elijah appeared in their respective doorways. Elijah resembled an emotionless machine. Except for the odd mishap due to his condition, he woke up at 6:30 every morning like clockwork. Tarquin had adapted to this routine. ¡°Morning, Elijah,¡± Tarquin greeted him, his eyes softening. Elijah remained silent, his expression nk, aloof, and detached. The little guy headed towards the bathroom but paused mid¨Cstep as he noticed the activity in the kitchen. His brow furrowed, and his expression shifted rapidly. ncing at Elysia¡¯s back, then back at Tarquin with a surge of anger¡­ ¡°Elijah, this is the new housekeeper Uncle Benjamin found for us,¡± Tarquin exined. ¡°Daddy¡¯s got a lot of work and can¡¯t be with you all the time. We need someone to help with the cooking and We need someone to help with the cooking and chores.¡± ¡°Let her go!¡± Elijah¡¯s rage red instantly, his body shaking violently. Chapter 130 Chapter 130 Tarquin quickly squatted down and took hold of his son¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Elijah, buddy, you need to chill. Listen to daddy¡­¡± ¡°Get out! Get out! Get out- ¡°Elijah¡­¡± ¡°Ah!¡± Before Tarquin could say another word, a piercing scream cut through the silence of the house. Both father and son whipped their heads around. Elysia stood there, eyes as wide as saucers, a look of utter shock stered across her face. Tarquin, worried she might set Elijah off further, snapped at her with a frostymand, ¡°What are you freaking out about?¡± Elysia¡¯s gaze was fixed on Elijah, petrified with fear. She charged over, shoved Tarquin aside, scooped up Elijah, and made a beeline for the bedroom! The door mmed shut and was locked in one smooth motion! Before Elijah could utter a word, Elysia hissed at him in a low voice, ¡°Evan, what on Earth are you doing here?¡± Elijah was just confused. ¡°Talk to me! Why are you here? Did you follow me here?¡± Elijah remained silent. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell youst night that you¡¯d be going to daycare with Blossom today? Who let youe here, huh?¡± Elijah frowned. Elysia was practically hopping mad, ¡°Do you want to drive me crazy?¡± Her heart was in her throat! Evan¡¯s cover was blown! That jerk of a man would surely fight for custody now! was bre Even if he he still had more than she did¨Ca car, a house¡­ She had nothing. And she was still legally married. If Elliot and Evan stayed with her, that would mean having a stepdad, and the courts would definitely favor him for custody. What to do, what to do? How could shepete with Tarquin? Elysia was beside herself, pacing back and forth, on the verge of panic. 09:43 ¡°Elysia, open the door!¡± Tarquin¡¯s voice demanded from outside. In her flurry, Elysia darted to the window, flung it open, and was greeted by a st of cold air that made her shiver and brought her partially back to her senses. She poked her head out the window, shivered again. She had thought about escaping with the child through the window, but it was too high¨Cjumping was out of the question. ¡°What to do? What to do? What to do?¡± ¡°Get out!¡± Elijah suddenly spoke up. Elysia was taken aback, ¡°What? Get out? Evan Thorne, you¡¯ve got some nerve speaking to me like that, young man. Just you wait, when we get home, I¡¯m gonna punish you!¡± ¡°Get out- Elijah, face dark as thunder, repeated himself. He was only a few years old, but those eyes were like chips of ice, chilling to the bone, and identical to Tarquin¡¯s in a fury. ¡°Evan¡­.¡± Wait. That¡¯s not right. Elysia locked eyes with Elijah, and that¡¯s when it hit her. Something was off. Evan might have been a handful, but he¡¯d never looked at her with such coldness. Evan was the master of making her smile, his face always lit withughter, always grinning. And his clothes¡­ And Elijah wasn¡¯t in this room. No, no, no. This wasn¡¯t Evan. This was Elijah! Elijah looked just like Evan? While Elysia was still reeling from the shock, Elijah had already flung open the ¡°bedroom door, shot a deadly re at Tarquin who was standing at the door, and stormed into the dining room. ¡°Make her leave!¡± He grabbed a bowl from the table and hurled it to the floor! Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed with rm, and he dashed forward, ¡°Elijah!¡± It took a moment for Elysia to snap out of her daze and follow suit. Seeing Elijah in the midst of his destructive spree, she caught her breath, her pupils dting. ¡°Elijah.¡± ¡°Get away!¡± Elijah shouted, flinging a te that shattered near her feet. Elysia held her breath, inching closer to Elijah. ¡°Elijah, honey, let¡¯s take a deep breath, okay? Just Chapter 131 Chapter 131 Tarquin quickly squatted down and took hold of his son¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Elijah, buddy, you need to chill. Listen to daddy¡­¡± ¡°Get out! Get out! Get out- ¡°Elijah¡­¡± ¡°Ah!¡± Before Tarquin could say another word, a piercing scream cut through the silence of the house. Both father and son whipped their heads around. Elysia stood there, eyes as wide as saucers, a look of utter shock stered across her face. Tarquin, worried she might set Elijah off further, snapped at her with a frostymand, ¡°What are you freaking out about?¡± Elysia¡¯s gaze was fixed on Elijah, petrified with fear. She charged over, shoved Tarquin aside, scooped up Elijah, and made a beeline for the bedroom! The door mmed shut and was locked in one smooth motion! Before Elijah could utter a word, Elysia hissed at him in a low voice, ¡°Evan, what on Earth are you doing here?¡± Elijah was just confused. ¡°Talk to me! Why are you here? Did you follow me here?¡± Elijah remained silent. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell youst night that you¡¯d be going to daycare with Blossom today? Who let youe here, huh?¡± Elijah frowned. Elysia was practically hopping mad, ¡°Do you want to drive me crazy?¡± Her heart was in her throat! Evan¡¯s cover was blown! That jerk of a man would surely fight for custody now! was bre Even if he he still had more than she did¨Ca car, a house¡­ She had nothing. And she was still legally married. If Elliot and Evan stayed with her, that would mean having a stepdad, and the courts would definitely favor him for custody. What to do, what to do? How could shepete with Tarquin? Elysia was beside herself, pacing back and forth, on the verge of panic. 09:43 ¡°Elysia, open the door!¡± Tarquin¡¯s voice demanded from outside. In her flurry, Elysia darted to the window, flung it open, and was greeted by a st of cold air that made her shiver and brought her partially back to her senses. She poked her head out the window, shivered again. She had thought about escaping with the child through the window, but it was too high¨Cjumping was out of the question. ¡°What to do? What to do? What to do?¡± ¡°Get out!¡± Elijah suddenly spoke up. Elysia was taken aback, ¡°What? Get out? Evan Thorne, you¡¯ve got some nerve speaking to me like that, young man. Just you wait, when we get home, I¡¯m gonna punish you!¡± ¡°Get out- Elijah, face dark as thunder, repeated himself. He was only a few years old, but those eyes were like chips of ice, chilling to the bone, and identical to Tarquin¡¯s in a fury. ¡°Evan¡­.¡± Wait. That¡¯s not right. Elysia locked eyes with Elijah, and that¡¯s when it hit her. Something was off. Evan might have been a handful, but he¡¯d never looked at her with such coldness. Evan was the master of making her smile, his face always lit withughter, always grinning. And his clothes¡­ And Elijah wasn¡¯t in this room. No, no, no. This wasn¡¯t Evan. This was Elijah! Elijah looked just like Evan? While Elysia was still reeling from the shock, Elijah had already flung open the ¡°bedroom door, shot a deadly re at Tarquin who was standing at the door, and stormed into the dining room. ¡°Make her leave!¡± He grabbed a bowl from the table and hurled it to the floor! Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed with rm, and he dashed forward, ¡°Elijah!¡± It took a moment for Elysia to snap out of her daze and follow suit. Seeing Elijah in the midst of his destructive spree, she caught her breath, her pupils dting. ¡°Elijah.¡± ¡°Get away!¡± Elijah shouted, flinging a te that shattered near her feet. Elysia held her breath, inching closer to Elijah. ¡°Elijah, honey, let¡¯s take a deep breath, okay? Just Chapter 132 Chapter 132 ¡°I¡­ I just can¡¯t exin,¡± Elysia stammered, her voice trailing off. She was flustered because of the uncanny resemnce between Elijah and Evan, which threw her off bnce and made her care more than she should have. When you care too much, it throws you into chaos. She had beenpletely out of sorts just a moment ago. ¡°So, what? You¡¯re taking out your anger on the kid because you¡¯ve got an issue with me? You don¡¯t want to deal with him, you¡¯d rather see him get into trouble?¡± The usation stung. Elysia rolled her eyes, exasperated. ¡°Are you out of your mind? That¡¯s not how you suspect someone. If I didn¡¯t care about him, why would I stay out in the cold after he kicked me out? I would¡¯ve just left!¡± ¡°And why can you calm down Corbin, but not Elijah?¡± ¡°I¡­ When I found Corbin, he was in the midst of a crisis; it was like he was a patient and I was the doctor. But Elijah wasn¡¯t having a crisis today. He was just angry, and anger is an emotion everyone feels. It can trigger health issues, but it¡¯s not an illness, so a doctor can¡¯t treat it. Doctors aren¡¯t miracle workers, and besides¡­ I¡¯m not even a doctor.¡± Tarquin red at her, a deep frown etched on his face, before he eventually turned away. He reached into the glovepartment, pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a long, sullen drag. The smoke made Elysia cough; she disliked the smell of cigarettes. but she knew she couldn¡¯t control him, so she just tolerated it. ¡°If you really want me to help Elijah, you¡¯d better tell me everything there is to know about him. If you don¡¯t want to share, then sorry, but I¡¯m not equipped to take care of your son!¡± Tarquin nced at Elysia again. She met his gaze unflinchingly. ¡°You¡¯re an adult. You must understand how much a family environment affects a child¡¯s development. Discord between parents, constant quarreling, domestic violence¡­ these things impact a child¡¯s mental and emotional growth.¡± Tarquin remained silent. After a few tense seconds of staring each other down, Tarquin was the first to look away. He took another puff of his cigarette and then said, ¡°Elijah has never met his mother. She disappeared shortly after he was born. So, the family conflicts you mentioned weren¡¯t part of his upbringing. What he¡¯s missing is maternal love, an obsession with finding out about his mother.¡± ¡°But plenty of kids grow up in single¨Cparent homes and turn out fine. Why is his fixation so intense?¡± Elysia was genuinely puzzled. Not every child is fortunate enough to be raised in the warmth of both parents¡® love. Someck a father, others a mother, and some are orphans from birth. Yet, most children manage to grow up healthy and happy. The environment a child grows up in is crucial. Tarquin seemed like a good father in Elijah¡¯s presence. It didn¡¯t add up that Elijah would end up this way. 00:15 Just like her own sons, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, who had never known the affection of a father, yet were still growing up happy and well¨Cadjusted. ¡°Are you sure his psychological issues are just because of his obsession with his mother?¡± Tarquin flicked the ash from his cigarette and said, ¡°He¡¯s not much of a talker. The only conversation he¡¯s willing to have is about his mother. He even dreams of her. We¡¯ve seen numerous psychologists, and they all agree that Elijah¡¯s mental health issues stem from his deep fixation on his mother.¡± Elysia furrowed her brow in thought. Something didn¡¯t quite add up. ¡°Has he ever had a full medical check-up?¡± ¡°Twice a year.¡± ¡°Can I see the reports?¡± Chapter 133 Chapter 133 Tarquin suddenly lifted hisshes to look at Ely. ¡°¡­I heard you were studying design at Jindale University before, nothing to do with medicine. How come you suddenly know about medical stuff?¡± Elysia was taken aback. ¡°You¡¯ve been looking into me?¡± Tarquin held her gaze, tantly admitting it without a hint of gullt. Elysia¡¯s heart leaped to her throat. ¡°What all did you find out?¡± ¡°Got something to hide?¡± Of course, she did! She feared he would discover the truth about the kids! ¡°You¡­ you checked on my kids, too?¡± Tarquin knew she was nervous about her children. This time, he didn¡¯t use them to provoke her. ¡°No.¡± ¡°For real?¡± Tarquin gave her a look. ¡°Do you want me to check?¡± ¡°No! They¡¯re just kids. Why would you look into them? I¡­ I¡¯m just afraid you might hurt them, given your history!¡± She purposefully brought up yesterday¡¯s incident at the mall to divert his attention. Tarquin frowned. ¡°Yesterday was an ident. I was after you, not your son. I didn¡¯t hurt him.¡± The fact that he could be so frank about targeting her! Elysia red at him, taking a silent, deep breath, relieved that he hadn¡¯t looked into the kids. The next second, sheined, ¡°Do you have a problem? Why are you snooping around me? You know that¡¯s an invasion of privacy, right?¡± Tarquin retorted, ¡°If you¡¯ve got nothing to hide, you wouldn¡¯t fear an investigation.¡± ¡°What¡¯s there to hide? I¡¯ve never broken thew!¡± ¡°Dropping out of school to get married, for one. And then there¡¯s the infidelity during marriage.¡± Elysia¡¯s breathing halted, her cheeks flushed. And a secondter, her eyes brimmed with tears. She stared at Tarquin, her gaze burning into him, tears rolling in her eyes, her breath bing heavier. Was she crazy? Was getting married by her own choice? Was the infidelity by her own choice? Being forced into marriage wasn¡¯t his fault, but whose fault was the infidelity? 00-15 Elysia clenched her fists, biting her lip, ring at Tarquin¡­rage boiling up within her¡­ Tarquin noticed her emotional shift, his face darkening. ¡°I only answered because you asked. Your past messes are none of my business, but while you¡¯re taking care of Elijah, you need to stay clean. Don¡¯t corrupt him.¡± Elysia looked at him, feeling swallowed up by her own misery. Anyone could me her, but he had no right! He had shattered her virtue and ruined her life! And now he had the audacity to warn her to stay clean! ¡°You¡¯re not human!¡± After hurling the usation, Elysia stormed out of the car, mming the door behind her, and marched towards the neighborhood entrance against the biting wind. Tarquin sat in the car watching her, his expression dark as thunder. She dared to insult him? What had he said that was wrong? She herself had a track record of disgrace, and now she couldn¡¯t stand being called out for it? Not wanting to be talked about, then whymit those shameless acts? Getting into Jindale University was like winning half the game of life. Landing a good job post¨C graduation, even if not earning a fortune, could at least make her livefortably. And look at her current predicament, a good hand yed utterly poorly! A seemingly neat and pretty woman, but upon investigation, covered in stains. She should be cursing herself, not others! Tarquin thought Elysia¡¯s anger was because he had dug into her past, and after internally grumbling, he smoked a few cigarettes and went back to spend time with Elijah. He didn¡¯t take her to heart. Elysia walked several blocks in the freezing cold, tears streaming down her cheeks, each gust of wind like a knife slicing her face, hurting terribly with every cut. Chapter 134 Chapter 134 Memories can be a real thorn in the side. If anyone else had uttered those words today, Elysia might have coped a little better. But of course, it had to be that rogue! Ariger and resentment churned within her as she fumed internally¨Cwhat right did he have to judge her? By what right could he point fingers when he was the architect of her misery? Yet, her rage was tempered by the nagging doubt that he might not be the rogue who fathered her children. If she was wrong about him, then hurling insults his way would only make her the guilty party. She was tormented by this lose¨Close mental struggle, feeling utterly wretched. It seemed as though, no matter what, she was always in the wrong. Her life had been a tragedy from the start, and now, six yearster, the tragic narrative, persisted. Her marriage to Tarquin was a shambles, never finalized. And then there was this man who very well could be the father of her children, with no proof but suspicions galore. To make matters worse, she had somehow ended up owing him a staggering fifty million dors. Years had passed, and upon their reunion, she should have been the one to p some sense into him. But what happened? She ended up being the one firmly in his grasp! Being manipted was bad enough, but he had the nerve to mock her for being unfaithful. Oh, the irony! Others in her shoes would return triumphantly, script in hand, ready to face down their past with secret skills and wealth aplenty. They¡¯d be the rich, powerfuldies, the femme fatales! But look at her, also returning with children in tow, yet still clutching the script of the downtrodden. The powerful narratives seemed to have been imed by the men in her life, turning into tales of male dominance. Her husband had morphed into the mighty CEO of the Bradford Group, a king in his high castle. And that rogue? Despite his alleged bankruptcy, he still overshadowed her. Her life was a mess, unchanged and unchallenged. Six years wasted in a failed attempt to turn the tables. 09-565 Elysia¡¯s tears turned toughter as she sat alone in a hidden corner, alternating between sobs and chuckles like a fool. Her phone buzzed. It was a video call from Evan. Elysia quickly wiped her tears andposed herself before answering. ¡°Mommy, mommy!¡± Three cherubic, rosy¨Ccheeked faces squeezed in front of the camera, each moring for her attention. Her heart instantly softened. ¡°What are you munchkins up to?¡± ¡°We just had breakfast, and Blossom said she¡¯s taking us to preschool.¡± ¡°Alright then, you listen to Blossom, okay?¡± ¡°Mommy, where are you? Are you sitting outside by yourself?¡± Elliot was always so perceptive. Elysia quickly improvised, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m just waiting for the bus.¡± ¡°Is it cold out? Your face is all red, and your eyes too¡­¡± Elysia mustered a weak smile. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve just got watery eyes, and they tear up with the wind, and then I rubbed them, so they got red. Don¡¯t worry, my darlings. The bus is almost here, so I can¡¯t talk long. You go on to preschool and listen to Blossom. Once I¡¯m done with my errands, I¡¯lle to see you. Be good, okay?¡± ¡°Okay, Mommy. And don¡¯t worry about us, I¡¯ll take care of Evan and Emmett.¡® ¡°Good boy, Elliot.¡± ¡°I¡¯m good too!¡± Evan interjected. Emmett, unable to get a word in, puffed up his little red face as he said, ¡°Me me me¡­ and me me me¡­¡± Elysia¡¯s smile bloomed. ¡°You¡¯re all my good boys. Elliot, Evan, Emmett, you¡¯re all mommy¡¯s precious angels.¡± Theirughter was as bright as three little suns, warming Elysia¡¯s heart through and through. After hanging up the phone, her anger had dissipated. What did it matter if fate was cruel? So what if life was a tragedy? Who needed a heroic lead¡¯s script anyway? She had her three wonderful boys, and that was her pride and joy. Chapter 135 Chapter 135 Elysia¡¯s day took a turn for the better after a video call with her sons, recharging her spirits. Her mind immediately drifted to Tarquin. The encounter with the rugged stranger was just a hup; Tarquin was the prize she had returned for. Sure, he had told her not to bother him, but a phone call wasn¡¯t exactly bothering, was it? She hadn¡¯t shown up on his doorstep unannounced or anything. With her mood in check, Elysia dialed the number for the Royal Community. She swallowed her pride, asking meekly, ¡°Excuse me, is Mr. Bradford avable for a quickie divorce today?¡± The response was polite enough, ¡°No, if he happens to free up, Mr. Bradford will reach out to you. Just wait for his call, no need to ring us up.¡± With that, the line went dead. Elysia pouted. Wait for his call? Till when, the twelfth of never? She still thought that pressuring Tarquin through Keaton was the best y. But Keaton was no pushover, and he definitely wasn¡¯t a fool. How to leverage him was the real puzzle. ¡°Ring, ring, ring¡­¡± Lost in thought, Elysia was pulled back by the sound of her ringing phone. It was Zane. She answered, ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Elysia, you free today?¡± Zane sounded downcast. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re avable, could you swing by the hospital and talk some sense into Sarah ?¡± ¡°Sarah? Your cousin?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°She¡¯s¡­ given up on life. Tried to slit her wrists. Thank God the nurses found her in time, or she¡¯d be gone.¡± Elysia gasped, ¡°Over the baby?¡± ¡°Maybe. I¡¯m just her cousin and a guy to boot. I¡¯m not cut out for this, and my mind doesn¡¯t always catch the subtleties. Don¡¯t really know how tofort her, and Winona¡¯s out of town. I¡¯m clueless about who else to turn to.¡± 00-56 ¡°Have you not reached out to her folks?¡± ¡°She forbade it, threatened to jump out the window if I so much as contacted her mother. Elysia sighed, ¡°I¡¯m free today. I¡¯ll head over in a bit.¡± Zane sounded relieved, ¡°Great, great. Need me to pick you up?¡± ¡°No, stay with her. I¡¯ll grab a cab.¡± After hanging up, Elysia¡¯s brow furrowed in thought. She had always been curious about Zane¡¯s cousin, and today seemed like a fitting chance to meet her. Half an hourter, Elysia arrived at Heart Hospital. Zane was waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing her, he rushed over and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you cold dressed like that?¡± ¥ß¥ß¥ë¥ß¥ë¥ß¥ì¥ß ¥ß¥ë¥ß¥ë¥ß¥ä¥ß¥ë¥ß¥ë¥ß¥ë¥ß ¥¢¥ß¥¢¥ß¥ë¥ß¥ë¥ß¥ë¥ß¥ë ¥ß¥ë¥ß¥ë¥ß¥ë¥ß¥»¥ß¥ë¥ß¥ë In her haste that morning, Elysia had thrown on a thin down jacket, which seemed insufficient now.* ¥ß¥ë¥ß ¥ß¥Î While talking, Zane had already started to shrug off his trench coat to drape over her. Elysia caught a flicker of something odd in his gesture and quickly declined, ¡°I¡¯m fine, keep it on. How¡¯s your cousin doing?¡± Zane realized he might have been a tad too enthusiastic, even for a good friend. There should be boundaries, after all. He put his coat back on, his face creased with worry. ¡°She¡¯s been refusing food and drink since the surgery, and this is her second suicide attempt. The aides are keeping a close eye on her, can¡¯t leave her alone for a second.¡± ¡°Is she¡­depressed?¡± Elysia spected. Postpartum depression wasmon, and though Sarah hadn¡¯t given birth, her trouble seemed even more severe. Terminating a pregnancy early on usually has less impact, as the emotional bond isn¡¯t as strong. But at five months, the psychological blow could be devastating. Zane shook his head and said, ¡°Not sure yet. We¡¯ll get a doctor to assess herter.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± They proceeded to Sarah¡¯s room together, entering a spotless, brightly lit private ward. Sarah was in a hospital gown, staring out the window, with an aide sitting quietly by her side. Chapter 136 Chapter 136 When they entered the room, the caregiver quickly stood up to greet them, ¡°Mr. Zane.¡± Zane nodded and said, ¡°Take a break. We¡¯ll stay with her.¡± ¡°Sure thing.¡± The caregiver left the room. Sarah turned her head, and upon seeing Elysia, her expression changed instantly, as if she had just spotted an adversary. Her lips pressed tightly together, brows furrowed, her breathing became more rapid. ¡°Sarah!¡± Zane, noticing her hostility, chided her with displeasure in his voice. Sarah looked at Zane, biting her lip, her face a picture of hurt feelings. Zane said, ¡°I invited Elysia over, and she¡¯s here to keep youpany.¡± Sarah nced at Elysia again, the animosity not as intense as before, but still far from friendly. This time, she only gave Elysia a quick look before shifting her gaze away. Elysia grew even more suspicious. Women are sensitive, and Sarah¡¯s hostility towards her, unrted to her mood, seemed ingrained in her very bones. But Elysia had no recollection of meeting Sarah before. Where was this animositying from? Elysia decided to clear the air. ¡°Zane, could you step out for a moment? I¡¯d like to have a word with her alone.¡± Zane immediately nodded. ¡°Alright, you haven¡¯t had breakfast yet, right? I¡¯ll go grab something for you.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± Before leaving, Zane gave Sarah another inscrutable look. Elysia pulled up a chair beside the hospital bed and got straight to the point, ¡°Do I know you from before?¡± ¡°No!¡± ¡°Did I ever offend you in any way?¡± Sarah¡¯s lips quivered as she looked at Elysia, her eyes brimming with tears. ¡°Your expression says I did something to upset you, but I¡¯m sorry, I really can¡¯t recall. I don¡¯t know you, and I¡¯ve never seen you before. Is there a mix¨Cup, or is there some kind of 09:56 misunderstanding?¡± Sarah bit her lip and then blurted out, ¡°I would recognize you even if you turned to ash. Elysia was taken aback. ¡°So, it¡¯s not a case of mistaken identity. But I can¡¯t remember any incident between us. Can you be more specific?¡± Sarah fe!! silent again. Elysia kept her cool, saying, ¡°I¡¯m close friends with your cousin¡¯s wife Winona and went to school with your cousin. They know what kind of person I am. I wouldn¡¯t hurt someone for no reason¡­¡± ¡°Are you implying that I¡¯m using you falsely?¡± Sarah snapped back angrily. Elysia shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m saying, let¡¯s talk it out. If I¡¯m really at fault, I¡¯ll apologize.¡± ¡°Apologize? Ha, who cares about your apology? Do you think it¡¯s that valuable? Do you think a simple sorry can fix the hurt you¡¯ve caused me? I despise you! I loathe you! Why don¡¯t you just die? You¡¯re such good friends with Winona, right? You should have died with her! I wish you all were dead!¡± Suddenly, Sarah began to scream and thrash, pounding on the bed sheets. Themotion was so intense that it alerted the doctors and nurses. A flurry of medical staff rushed in, and without letting Elysia utter a word, they injected Sarah with a sedative. ¡°Hello, are you a rtive of the patient?¡± the doctor asked. Elysia sat in shock at the bedside, her mind reeling from Sarah¡¯s outburst. ¡°Hello, you¡­¡± As the doctor tried to speak further, Elysia stood up abruptly, gripping Sarah¡¯s arm tightly, and asked, ¡°Exin yourself, what do you mean I should have died with Winona? What happened to her? Speak up! Talk!¡± Now it was Elysia¡¯s turn to unravel. Sarah¡¯s words had left her pale, her heart pounding furiously in her chest. Chapter 137 Chapter 137 09:56 The doctors and nurses were at their wits¡® end, one patient¡¯s episode after another breaking the early morning calm. Two young nurses clung to Elysia, trying to pacify her. ¡°Lady, please calm down. She¡¯s been sedated and is out cold; you won¡¯t be able to wake her.¡± ¡°Wake her up! She has to wake up! I need to talk to her! I have urgent things to ask her!¡± ¡°She won¡¯t be waking up anytime soon. If you¡¯ve got questions, you¡¯ll have to wait. Cool off, or we¡¯ll have no choice but to sedate you too.¡± Elysia finally settled down, copsing into a chair, staring nkly at Sarah, her face ghostly pale. Zane rushed back as soon as he got the news, a breakfast sandwich and coffee in hand for Elysia. Seeing Elysia¡¯s expression and the medical staff in the room, he was taken aback. ¡°What happened? What¡¯s going on?¡± The attending physician stepped forward. ¡°Mr. Zane, is this youngdy a friend of yours?¡± ¡°Yes, she¡¯s a friend. She came to visit my cousin. What¡¯s wrong¨Cwhat happened?¡± ¡°We¡¯re not entirely sure. We came running when we heard the argument. Your cousin was very agitated, screaming and shouting. We had to sedate her to prevent her from hurting herself. But just as your cousin settled down, this youngdy started¡­¡± Zane frowned deeply, looking at Elysia. ¡°I understand. Thanks for your efforts. I¡¯ll talk to her and see what¡¯s going on.¡± ¡°Alright, once you¡¯ve handled this, swing by my office. I suspect your cousin might be suffering from depression; we need to conduct a thorough evaluation.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± After the staff left, Zane put the breakfast on the nightstand without even ncing at Sarah and hurried over to Elysia. He squatted down beside her, not asking about the situation but instead reassuring her. ¡°Elysia, don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯m here for you.¡± Elysia snapped back to reality, her brows knitted tightly, gasping for breath. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Winona?¡± ¡°Winona? What do you mean?¡± He looked genuinely confused. 00-67 Tears welled up in Elysia¡¯s eyes as she pointed at Sarah. ¡°She said¡­ she said I¡¯m such good friends with Winona that i should have died with her!¡± Zane¡¯s face darkened instantly, a mix of anger and disgust as he nced at Sarah beforeforting Elysia. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to her nonsense. You heard the doctor¨Cshe¡¯s likely depressed,¡± ¡°Even if she¡¯s depressed, that¡¯s no excuse for such words! Tell me the truth, Zane. Did Winona really go overseas for a film, or did something happen to her?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Tell me the truth! I want the truth! Don¡¯t you lie to me!¡± Elysia¡¯s voice broke as she trembled, tears streaming down her face. Zane panicked, reaching out to wipe her tears. Elysia swatted his hand away, stamping her foot in frustration. ¡°Talk to me! Say something!¡± NENE Zane took a deep breath. ¡°She really went to shoot a movie. She¡¯s fine! If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask her parents. She¡¯s the only daughter of the Newsom family¨Cif anything had happened to her, her parents would definitely know!¡± Elysia, still gasping for breath, looked at him, searching for reassurance. Zane continued, his voice firm and resolute, ¡°Elysia, I swear to you, if I¡¯m lying, may I be struck down this very day. Winona is fine, she¡¯s just away for a shoot.¡± ¡°But why would Sarah say that then?¡± Zane furrowed his brow and sighed. ¡°Before Winona left for the shoot, they had a falling out. It wasn¡¯t pretty.¡± 1512 Chapter 138 Chapter 138 09:57 ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Winona just doesn¡¯t trust Sarah¡¯s boyfriend, thinks he¡¯s bad news, so she¡¯s been trying to get Sarah to dump him. But Sarah¡¯s got love on the brain, you know? So now she¡¯s all mad at Winona. Then, to open Sarah¡¯s eyes to the guy¡¯s true colors, Winona staged this whole scene to get him to show his sleazy side. But when the dude showed his true face, Sarah didn¡¯t get mad at him¨Cnope, she went straight to Winona and threw a fit. She used Winona of sticking her nose where it didn¡¯t belong, of being petty and not wanting to see her happy, even called Winona a disgraceful drama queen¡­¡± Elysia frowned. ¡°She¡¯s that clueless? You didn¡¯t step in?¡± ¡°I did. I was so close to losing it, almost pped her right there. If Winona hadn¡¯t stopped me, I would have. I told her she was being ungrateful, and she just cried, saying, ¡®But I love him, what can I do? It¡¯s not that he can¡¯t leave me, it¡¯s that I can¡¯t leave him¡­¡± Elysia was speechless. Zane continued, ¡°She¡¯s a ssic case of being lovestruck. My aunt¡¯s family isn¡¯t exactly living the dream, you know? They¡¯re on welfare, and Sarah¡¯s got a younger brother who dropped out early, old enough to get married but they¡¯re still living in that old pboard house. Winona and I know about their financial struggles, so we¡¯ve been covering Sarah¡¯s college tuition and living expenses¡­ But after this mess, I cut her off. She got mad and didn¡¯t dare confront me, so she took it out on Winona instead. No matter what I said, she wouldn¡¯t listen. She just kept ming Winona¡­ That¡¯s why she cursed Winona, why she was so hostile when she saw you, ¡®cause she knows you¡¯re Winona¡¯s bestie, guilt by association.¡± Elysia was silent. Zane continued, ¡°Winona¡¯s a big star, always in the public eye. If something really happened to her, just think about the media frenzy, huh?¡± Elysia let out a deep breath, believing Zane¡¯s words. It made sense; if anything happened to Winona, there was no way to keep it under wraps. Feeling relieved, Elysia steadied herself and looked at Sarah again, her brow furrowed, ¡°If what you¡¯re saying is true, then isn¡¯t she just an ingrate?¡± Putting it nicely, she¡¯s an ingrate. But frankly, she¡¯s a dog that bites the hand that feeds it! Zane didn¡¯t object. Seeing Elysia¡¯splexion returning to normal, he felt a bit more at ease. ¡°I¡¯m pissed at her too. I¡¯m only looking after her for my aunt¡¯s sake, as I¡¯ve told you. My aunt paid for my high school, and I¡¯m grateful to her, so I¡¯m taking care of Sarah.¡± 09:57 TH Elysia said with a frown, ¡°Your aunt took care of you, and you should be grateful to her, but she never did anything for Winona. Winona doesn¡¯t owe them anything and doesn¡¯t deserve their curses.¡± Elysia was indignant on behalf of her friend. What a mess! Zane nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯ll have a serious talk with Sarah when she wakes up.¡± Elysia added, ¡°And you knew about her beef with Winona and still asked me toe see her? From her perspective, isn¡¯t that just rubbing salt in the wound?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t realize she¡¯d be so hostile towards anyone close to Winona.¡± ¡°If you really want tofort her, it¡¯d be better to call her friends. She¡¯s studying in Jindale City, so she must have ssmates and friends. Let theme talk to her. They¡¯d be better than me.¡± ¡°I suggested that, but she wouldn¡¯t have it. She¡¯s scared of being theughingstock. She doesn¡¯t want her ssmates to know about her pregnancy and the miscarriage.¡± Chapter 139 Chapter 139 Elysia said, her voice filled with cancer. ¡°Let her family handle this, Zane. Keeping it a secret ren¡¯t helping anyone. She¡¯s showing suicidal tendencies now. If something happens, how will you exin it to her folks? y auntter. frane nodded in agreement. Tll find a time to discuss it with my After a pause, he turned to Elysia with a look of sincere apology, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Elysia, for dragging you into this mess. I didn¡¯t mean to Cause you any trouble¡± Elysia was indeed upset, primarily because of Sarah¡¯s harsh words about Winona. She was still fuming. If Sarah weren¡¯t in such a fragile state, Elysta would have been tempted to confront her¨Ceither physically or at the very least, yell at her to vent her frustration. I¡¯m okay. I didn¡¯t really help much, and now I can¡¯t do anything more. Take good care of her. I should get going.¡± As Elysia stood up to leave, Zane quickly rose to his feet. ¡°Haven¡¯t you skipped breakfast? The food I bought must be cold by now. Let me take you out for a bite to eat.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. Stay with her. I¡¯m not hungry.¡± ¡®At least let me walk you downstairs. The doctor gave her a sedative, she won¡¯t be waking up anytime soon.¡± Elysia, seeing his insistence, didn¡¯t refuse. They went out together, and along the way, Zane kept repeating his apologies. Elysia was annoyed, but not at him; her anger was directed at Sarah. So she didn¡¯tin to Zane. Not wanting to dwell on Sarah, she changed the subject, ¡°When exactly is Winonaing back?¡± Zane shrugged helplessly and said, ¡°I wish I knew. When she left, she told me to brace myself. It could be as short as a year or as long as two or three.¡± ¡°That long, huh?¡± ¡°Well, you know Winona. She¡¯s a powerhouse¨Cvery career¨Cdriven, always gives her all to her acting.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you try to reach out to her agent? Even if there¡¯s a confidentiality agreement, as her husband, you have the right to be kept in the loop about her personal life, don¡¯t you?¡± Zane pondered for a moment and then said, ¡°I¡¯ve tried contacting her agent before, but I couldn¡¯t get through. I¡¯ll think of something else. As soon as I hear anything about Winona, I¡¯ll let you know.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Zane then looked at Elysia with a gentle concern and asked, ¡°Is your divorce finalized yet?¡± Elysia shook her head in frustration. ¡°Haven¡¯t been able to reach him.¡± Zane frowned. ¡°Is he avoiding you on purpose?¡± Elysia hesitated, unsure of how to exin. She used to think Tarquin was deliberately avoiding her, Blossom that he was using it as a way to spite her. But now she knew the truth¨CTarquin liked mer to silence the gossip. He was using her as a shield. greeing with her friend > clinging to their marriage However, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to share this with Zane, so she simply said, ¡°His job keeps him too busy.¡± Zane shook his head and said, ¡°No job is that demanding. There¡¯s always time for a divorce. Or is it¡­ does he still have feelings for you? Is that why he doesn¡¯t want the divorce?¡± ¡°That¡¯s even less likely. You know how he¡¯s always treated me.¡± Zane knew; Her husband¡¯s usations of infidelity had indeed made Elysia¡¯s life miserable once upon a time. ¡°Maybe you should just tell me who he is, and I¡¯ll talk to him for you.¡± Since leaving Elysia¡¯s ce, Zane had tried to investigate Elysia¡¯s husband, to no avail. Elysia shook her head, ¡°No, thanks. I¡¯d rather handle it myself.¡± Zane¡¯s eyes flickered with an unreadable expression but he didn¡¯t press further, switching the topic instead, ¡°What are your ns now?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t figured it out yet. I¡¯ll y it by ear. I won¡¯t leave Jindale City until the divorce is settled.¡± She had returned with the intent to divorce and to secure citizenship for her children. Elysia was determined not to leave things unfinished. Chapter 140 Chapter 140 Elysia couldn¡¯t just walk away from her marriage ¨C without a divorce, the kids couldn¡¯t be registered under her name. Without that, everything would be a hassle. School, health insurance, you name it ¨C all required proper documentation. ¡°Look, if you¡¯re hitting any rough patches these days, just holler at me. I might not be king of the hill, but after all my years in Jindale City, I¡¯ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to lend a hand. And don¡¯t you y the stranger with me. We¡¯re not just old school pals; given your bond with Winona, I can¡¯t very well leave you in the lurch. She¡¯d have my hide if she found out,¡± Zane assured her with a friendly nudge. Elysia offered a polite smile in response, ¡°Thanks.¡± That smile, however, didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Tarquin. After settling things with Elijah, he called the butler, Heath, over; he had to dash off to the office. He happened to pass by the hospital entrance just then. The traffic light ahead was red, over 40 seconds left. Tarquin peered through the car window at the two figures chatting amiably at the entrance and snorted. Lowell, behind the wheel, followed Tarquin¡¯s gaze and spotted Zane and Elysia. ¡°Why¡¯s Ms. Thomne at the hospital again?¡± he asked. Tarquin¡¯s voice dripped with , ¡°Blind, are we? Can¡¯t you see she¡¯s here to see someone? Didn¡¯t they say she and Zane were just friends?¡± ¡°The talk around town is just that. Zane¡¯s her senior and son¨Cinw to the Newsom family. His wife¡¯s their only daughter, Winona, and she¡¯s best friend with Ms. Thorne. So naturally, Elysia and Zane are tight,¡± Lowell exined. Elysia, ¡°Best friend, indeed,¡± Tarquin mocked, as though suggesting Elysia was cozying up to Zane behind Winona¡¯s back. Lowell failed to sense any romance in the air, ¡°They¡¯re friends, after all. What¡¯s the harm in meeting up privately? If Winona were in Jindale City, it¡¯d probably be a threesome.¡± Tarquin shot back, ¡°No sense of decency, some folks. Never changes.¡± Lowell was puzzled, ¡°What¡¯s got you so riled up about Ms. Thorne? You seem to have it out for her. Is it because she kissed you?¡± That remark only fanned the mes. Tarquin bristled, feeling¡­ vited, in a sense! As Lowell went on, ¡°I mean, you didn¡¯t lose out when Ms. Thorne kissed you. After all, you¡¯re a man, and she¡¯s a woman.¡± Tarquin grabbed a newspaper and smacked it against Lowell¡¯s head, ¡°Feeling too cocky these days? Fancy a stint out in the border town?¡± Lowell felt a chill down his spine and quickly recanted, ¡°Ignore me. I take it back.¡± Who¡¯d want to go to a border town, facing nothing but rubble all day? Just look at Charlie. Six months there and he¡¯s as dark as night, looking like a refugee. He¡¯d be lucky to find a wife when he¡¯s back! Tarquin gave Lowell a cold look, then turned back to look for Elysia. But she was no longer in sight at the hospital entrance. ¡°Keep tabs on her!¡± ¡°Oh, and I heard that Ms. Thorne suggested getting a cat for Corbin. Mrs. Denton obliged, and the kid¡¯s over the moon. Maybe we should get Elijah a cat too, cheer him up?¡± ¡°Elijah doesn¡¯t like cats!¡± ¡°Seems like Elijah isn¡¯t a fan of Ms. Thorne either.¡± Tarquin frowned, considering how much Corbin adored Elysia, he¡¯d assumed Elijah would feel the same. But apparently not¡­ Lowell sheepishly added, ¡°You made Ms. Thorne cry today. Think she¡¯d still be up for looking after Elijah?¡± Tarquin¡¯s displeasure was palpable, ¡°Whether she¡¯s willing is irrelevant. She doesn¡¯t call the shots!¡± ¡°Whether Lowell tried a different angle, ¡°So, do we still want Ms. Thorne toe over tomorrow?¡± Tarquin didn¡¯t immediately respond. He hadn¡¯t quite figured it out yet. Chapter 141 Chapter 141 After leaving the hospital, Elysia went to find her friend Blossom. She had two things on her mind. First, she wanted to check on the kids at the preschool. It was their first day and she couldn¡¯t help but worry. Second, she was still shaken up by the whole ordeal with Sarah. Blossom was both shocked and outraged when Elysia exined what had happened. ¡°That ungrateful snake! Winona was nothing but kind to Zane¡¯s cousin, and to think she¡¯d wish death upon her behind her back. And to top it off, she¡¯s got it out for you, too. Seriously, some people just don¡¯t appreciate a good thing when they have it. There¡¯s a saying that fits perfectly here: ¡®No good deed goes unpunished.¡® I mean, sure, it¡¯s sad she lost her child, but considering how she treated Winona, I hate to say it, but she had iting!¡± Elysia sighed, ¡°What a peculiar person.¡± ¡°Peculiar? That¡¯s putting it mildly. She¡¯s heartless, that¡¯s what she is.¡± ¡°Blossom, did Winona really go off to shoot a movie?¡± Elysia asked, furrowing her brows with concern. Even though Zane had exined everything, she still couldn¡¯t shake her unease. ¡°Yeah, she talked to me about it before she left. And Zane¡¯s right, Winona¡¯s a celebrity. If anything had actually happened to her, we¡¯d have heard about it by now. It¡¯s impossible to keep that kind of thing under wraps.¡± Blossom¡¯s certainty finally put Elysia¡¯s mind at ease. Still, Blossom couldn¡¯t help butin, ¡°And Zane, dragging you intoforting Sarah when he knows you two aren¡¯t close. He¡¯s just adding to your stress.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about them anymore. How are the kids doing?¡± ¡°They¡¯re in their ssroom. Look, they¡¯re having a st.¡± Blossom pulled up the ssroom¡¯s live feed for Elysia to see. Elysia watched the three little ones ying joyfully and felt a smile spread across her face, ¡°Kids really do have the most fun with other kids.¡± Blossom agreed, ¡°At their age, preschool is the right move. They might not learn much in the way of book smarts, but it¡¯s good for their development.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Seeing that they were alone in the office, Elysia asked in a low voice, ¡°The kids still don¡¯t have their paperwork sorted. Can they still attend?¡± ¡°Sure, private preschools are much more flexible with their requirements.¡± Elysia breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°As long as they can attend, that¡¯s what matters.¡± ¡°Hey, don¡¯t worry about your boys and school. I¡¯ve got your back! If you want, they cane with me ay.¡± ¡°It¡¯s great having a best friend who¡¯s a preschool teacher,¡± Elysia said with augh. Blossom made a face, ¡°Proud of yourself, aren¡¯t you? My parents are beside themselves. Both of them prominent intellectuals, they¡¯d hoped for a postdoc, but got a preschool teacher instead.¡± Elysia chuckled. This was the ongoing joke in Blossom¡¯s family. Two academic heavyweights had produced a daughter who was anything but. Blossom¡¯s admission to Jindale University had been a special case; her grades alone wouldn¡¯t have cut it. The fact that she passed her teaching certification was a surprise to everyone. But Elysia genuinely admired Blossom¡¯s parents for their parenting sess. She believed that a child¡¯s worth wasn¡¯t determined by a diploma. Values, personality, and nature were what truly mattered. Blossom was free¨Cspirited, endearing, and resilient. Never once did she look down on others because of her parents¡® status, nor did she feel inferior because of her academic struggles. She had strong moral principles, a kind heart, and clear-cut likes and dislikes. She didn¡¯t waste time wallowing in self¨C pity. She was simply herself, living a simple and happy life. Elysia thought to herself, only after having children do you understand what it¡¯s like to be a parent. The best thing isn¡¯t how aplished they are, but that they¡¯re healthy and have good natures. Chapter 142 Chapter 142 If the triplets grow up to approach life with the same zest as Blossom, she¡¯d be over the moon. Positive, optimistic, living life to the fullest. ¡°Almost nap time, you heading over to check on them?¡± Blossom asked. Elysia pondered for a moment. ¡°Nah, I¡¯ll let them get used to school. No need for me to disturb their routine.¡± ¡°Alright then, wait for me. We¡¯ll grab lunch together. It¡¯s about that time.¡± ¡°You can go out for lunch?¡± ¡°Sure, today I don¡¯t have to sit with the kids during nap time. We¡¯ve got other teachers on duty. I just need to be back by 1:30,¡± ¡°Okay.¡± They left the kindergarten and didn¡¯t have to walk far to find a bustling food street nearby. Skewers, a mutual favorite. Chatting and eating, Blossom asked, ¡°Did you leave early today to see that wild man?¡± ¡°Yeah, and let me tell you, if you saw Elijah, you¡¯d be stunned. He¡¯s the spitting image of Evan! If I hadn¡¯t been away from Jindale City when I gave birth, and that my kids never would¡¯ve ended up with him, I would think Elijah¡¯s mine. To be honest, I can¡¯t stand that wild man, but when I see Elijah, my heart aches, especially when he throws those tantrums and breaks things. It¡¯s pitiful.¡± Blossom suggested, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s ¡®cause he looks like him. You see Elijah and you¡¯re reminded of Evan.¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what I think too.¡± ¡°Are you going to be hanging around their ce for a while now?¡± Elysia shook her head. ¡°Not sure. We didn¡¯t part on great terms today, no telling if he¡¯ll want to see me ¡°What happened? Did he give you a hard time?¡± Elysia thought it over and said, ¡°Elijah¡¯s condition is more serious than Corbin¡¯s. I told youst night. Both of them have bipr disorder, but the causes are different. Corbin was kidnapped as a child and has psychological trauma, but Elijah¡¯s condition stems from an excessive longing for his mother. Corbin¡¯s easier to deal with. Every year there are simr cases, and the medical field has a pretty solid treatment n for these kids. But Elijah¡¯s different. A psychological disorder caused by an obsession with his mother? That¡¯s new to me.¡± round it. So many kids grow up in a single¨Cparent Blossom remarked, ¡°When you told mest night, I couldn¡¯t wrap my head household, some even orphans, and you don¡¯t hear about them getting sick from missing someone too much. But ¡®Longing turned to sickness¡® isn¡¯t a saying for nothing. There must be simr cases, just not in our radar.¡± ¡°Yeah, rare, but that doesn¡¯t mean they don¡¯t exist.¡± Blossom asked, ¡°So the kid¡¯s fixated on his mother. Where is she?¡± ¡°No clue. The wild man said she vanished after giving birth to Elijah and hasn¡¯t been seen since.¡± ¡°She took off after having the baby? Why? Don¡¯t tell me she was driven away by that wild man.¡± ¡°Who knows? But with his icy demeanor, it¡¯s a wonder he can keep anyone around at all. Always looks like someone owes him a fortune. Elijah¡¯s mom must¡¯ve been quite the woman¨Cto date that guy and have his kid. Respect!¡± Blossom said, ¡°You tell me he¡¯s handsome and loaded, so why would a woman run off? There¡¯s gotta be something wrong with him!¡± ¡°I feel the same way. It¡¯s just Elijah I feel sorry for. I haven¡¯t had the chance to talk to him yet. I don¡¯t even know if his illness reallyes from being too attached to his mother.¡± 10 Chapter 143 Chapter 143 ¡°Didn¡¯t you just go see the kid this morning? Howe you haven¡¯t had a chance to talk to him yet?¡± Elysia sighs, ¡°You probably wouldn¡¯t believe me if I told you.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Before we went there today, the wild man said that if I could spend enough ten minutes with his son, I¡¯d be rewarded ten thousand dors, in cash.¡± ¡°Holy shit, isn¡¯t that a giveaway?¡± ¡°I thought so at that time, but not to mention ten minutes, I was kicked out by Elijah in just three minutes.¡± Blossom gasped, her wide¨Ceyed shock unmistakable. ¡°Does he have a history of violence or something?¡± *Bipr disorder, so yeah, he can be impulsive. And when he has an episode¡­ let¡¯s just say he doesn¡¯t just smash vases. He¡¯s been known to hurt himself, too.¡± Blossom paused, her voice tinged with concem. ¡°You know, I¡¯ve worked with a lot of kids, but they¡¯ve all been healthy. I¡¯ve never had to deal with anything like this.¡± ¡°Well, of course you haven¡¯t,¡± Elysia replied. ¡°Kids with mental health issues don¡¯t usually go to regr schools. They¡¯re often introverted, unwilling to open up and connect with others.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just heartbreaking, you know? You wish all kids could be happy and healthy.¡± Elysia let out a soft sigh. ¡°With Elijah, it¡¯s a tough situation.¡± ¡°So what¡¯s the wild man saying now? If his son won¡¯t even let you near him, does that mean he¡¯ll stop bothering you?¡± ¡°I think so. He hasn¡¯t reached out since I left. Probably realized I¡¯m not the one who can help Elijah and has given up on me.¡± Blossom shrugged. ¡°Maybe that¡¯s for the best. You didn¡¯t want to get too involved with him anyway.¡± Elysia nodded. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s true.¡± But as much as she said she didn¡¯t want to be involved, theck of contact from him was strangely unsettling. She couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious about Elijah. Blossom continued, ¡°The design industry is cutthroat these days. There are more designers than jobs, and thepetition is fierce. Honestly, you might be better off focusing on child education, maybe even specializing in special needs. There¡¯s a real demand for that.¡± Elysia was pulled back from her thoughts. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking.into certification for special education. Gotta get that paper first.¡± ow, you¡¯re actually lucky. speaking, leaving Jindale City ¡°Exactly, it¡¯s all about the credentials now. Without them, schools and parents won¡¯t trust you. But yo Bumping into Corbin and helping him has made you somewhat of a name in their circles. Profession might not be the smartest move. Corbin¡¯s family could lead to a lot of resources and referrals.¡± Elysia understood what Blossom meant. There were many kids like Corbin and Elijah, struggling with mental health issues, and their families oftenworked. With Corbin¡¯s improvement, her reputation had been bolstered. Elijah had sought her out based on Corbin¡¯s progress, and more parents could follow. As much as she wished for all children to be healthy, reality was different. Many needed help, and she could support herself by providing that help, much like a doctor treats patients. Staying in Jindale City could mean a flourishing career, but¡­cking certification was a major obstacle. And deep down, she didn¡¯t want to raise her kids in this city, with all its painful memories. Shaking her head, Elysia made up her mind/¡°I still want to leave Jindale City. Find a new ce to call home.¡± Blossom nodded understandingly. ¡°Whatever you decide, you¡¯ve got my support. And hey, with the way things are connected these days, wherever you settle down, I¡¯ll be there in a heartbeat to visit.¡± 10 Chapter 144 Chapter 144 After sharing lunch together, Blossom headed back to school, and Elysia made her way home. Once there, Elysia fired up Blossom¡¯sptop, coaxed the password out of her, and logged in. She furiously began scouring the inte for information on Elijah¡¯s condition. She just couldn¡¯t shake her concern for him. Was it because he bore such a striking resemnce to Evan, or was it something else? Every time she thought about his current plight, her heart raced. The boy was impulsive, even going as far as holding a fork to his own neck in a threat. It was a clear sign that suicidal thoughts were taking a stronger hold within him. If he didn¡¯t get treatment soon, something terrible might happen. She hoped to stabilize his condition before she left, if not fully cure him. Sadly, despite her efforts from dawn till dusk, she couldn¡¯t find a shred of useful information. With Blossom and the kids due to return, Elysia shut down theptop. She stood up and headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner. By the time the boys arrived home, Elysia had dinner ready and waiting. The kids bubbled over with stories from preschool, each more excited than thest. Their happiness was contagious. ¡°Do you guys like preschool?¡± she asked, ¡°Yeah! The only bummer is that we can¡¯t see Mommy all day. It¡¯d be awesome if Mommy was at preschool too.¡± Elysia yfully pinched Evan¡¯s nose. ¡°You go to preschool to learn. What would Mommy do there? The teachers wouldn¡¯t want to teach Mommy? ¡°Mommy could be a teacher, like Blossom!¡± ¡°Not everyone can be a teacher at preschool like your Blossom.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°Because you need degrees and certificates to teach, and Mommy doesn¡¯t have those.¡± ¡°Blossom has them?¡± ¡°Of course, she does. Otherwise, how could she work at the preschool!¡± Evan and Emmett looked up to Blossom with admiration, chiming in unison, ¡°Blossom is so brilliant!¡± Blossom beamed as if she¡¯d won the lottery¨Cit was the first time anyone had called her brilliant! ¡°Keep it cool, kids. No biggie. I have plenty more cool things up her sleeve. Want to hear about my heroic deeds and my epic life?¡± ¡°Yeah! Tell us!¡± Evan and Emmett were instantly captivated by Blossom, their eyes wide with anticipation. So, Blossom found her moment and began to regale them with her tall tales. Elliot, being more mature for his age, wasn¡¯t as interested in Blossom¡¯s ¡®epic life. He turned to Elysia and asked, ¡°Mommy, are you worried about something?¡± ¡®Hmm?¡± ¡°You seem distracted, like you¡¯re hiding something.¡± With loving eyes, Elysia replied, ¡°Elliot, you¡¯re so observant. I do have something on my mind. Today, I met a little boy who looks a lot like you and Evan. He¡¯s about your age, but he¡¯s not happy at all.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°Because he doesn¡¯t have a Mommy. He misses her so much it¡¯s making him sick. He¡¯s angry, irritable, withdrawn, and he even hurts himself.¡± Elliot furrowed his brow, ¡°Where¡¯s his mommy?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure. When I met him, I wanted to help, to see him happy like you boys. But he didn¡¯t like strangers and pushed me away, so I couldn¡¯t help him.¡± 10-00 ¡°Is Mommy thinking about how to help him?¡± ¡°Yes, but I haven¡¯t found the right way yet.¡± ¡°I have an idea¡± Chapter 145 Chapter 145 Elysia gasped in surprise, ¡®What kind of idea?¡± Elliot replied. ¡°Since he¡¯s so temperamental and withdrawn, and really restate etrangers, you shouldn¡¯t just barge into his life first, let him know you¡¯re a good person whe won¡¯t hurtm, samenns he can take a liking to Then you can get closer to ham? Elysia pondered Elliot¡¯s wonda seriously He had a point But stil it i don¡¯t meet with him, how can I let him know I¡¯m a good person?¡± telp him out on the down low, or show some goodwill. Make something he loves to eat or y with, and have his family pass it stong to him¡® ¡®But I don¡¯t know what he likes to eat, or what he likes to y with. From what his family says, he¡¯s not interested in anything but stuff about his mom¡± ¡°No womes, the point of showing goodwill is to let him know you mean no harm, that you won¡¯t hurt him. That¡¯s how you¡¯ll eventually get closer to him¡± ¡°I think your n might work. I think about how to put it into action.¡± ¡°Mhmm, but remember, getting close to someone isn¡¯t just about putting in the effort, it also takes time. Are you nning on settling down here for good? Are we not leaving?¡± Elysia said, ¡°We¡¯ll definitely leave, but we can¡¯t just yet¡± ¡°Why? Have you not finished your business here?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Elliot knew the unfinished business was because the divorce hadn¡¯t gone through. ¡°So¡­ Are you in a hurry to leave?¡± If Elysia was really anxious, he would have to intervene. Elysia neither nodded nor shook her head. ¡°I am quite anxious, but¡­ there are other things I need to take care of now, and with all three of you settled in school, I¡¯m not in a particr rush.¡± Elliot breathed a sigh of relief. If there was no rush, he wouldn¡¯t need to step in for now. ¡°Do you want to leave soon?¡± Elysia suddenly asked. Elliot shook his head. ¡°I can be anywhere, as long as I¡¯m with you, Mommy.¡± Elysia chuckled, her eyes brimming with happiness as she gently tousled Elliot¡¯s hair. ¡°I feel the same. As long as I¡¯m with you guys, I¡¯m happy anywhere.¡± Across the room, Blossom was boasting to Evan and Emmett, eliciting gasps and cheers from the two little guys,pletely turning into adoring fans. Elysia watched the trio with a smile ying on her lips. Three treasures, indeed. One dares to tell tales, the other two dare to believe, and they¡¯re all quite the audience. Elliot nced at the three of them and then back at Elysia, asking, ¡°Do you envy Blossom¡¯s job?¡± ¡°Hm? No, not really. I don¡¯t have a teaching credential, and I¡¯m not particrly interested in teaching preschool. So no, I¡¯m not envious. But I do envy that Blossom has a job.¡± ¡°Do you really want to work?¡± ¡°Yes, having a job means making money, and money is needed to take care of you.¡± Elliot looked serious. ¡°We can take care of ourselves.¡± Elysiaughed again, ¡°You guys are still little. You can¡¯t go out and make money, so how will you take care of yourselves?¡± ¡°We can make money.¡± ¡°How so?¡± she chuckled. They could try the stock market, invest, or even start a business. All of those were ways to make money. But Elliot didn¡¯t dare say that out loud, afraid it might startle his mother. After thinking for a moment, Elliot said, ¡°We could be child stars. I¡¯ve seen some kids online, not even a year old, making money. People say I look like a little star, so I think I could be one too.¡± 10:09 Elysia asked ¡°Do you want to be a child star Not at allt Ellot was only interested in business, but he still said, ¡°I could be a child ster, make money and take rate of Womeny a my Chapter 146 Chapter 146 Elysia¡¯s smile broadened, her heart swelling with pride at her son¡¯s thoughtfulness. It was impossible not to grin when faced with such care She affectionately pinched Elliot¡¯s cheek, her voice tender with love. ¡°You know, you didn¡¯t seek the spotlight, but if you did, you¡¯d outshine every kid in town. You could be the next big thing in Hollywood in no time at all. But looking after you kids is my job. I brought you into this world, and I¡¯ll be damned if I don¡¯t see you all grown up. Don¡¯t worry, sweetheart. Times are tough now, but I will work my socks off, earn more dough, and make sure we live that sweet middle¨Css dream!* Chasing that dream with her three little ones was Elysia¡¯s grand mission in life. Elliot sighed silently, wishing he could magically produce money from his piggy bank to help out Elysia, but she never gave him a chance. ¡°What¡¯s with the face? Don¡¯t believe in me?¡± she teased. Elliot quickly shook his head, ¡°No way, Mommy. You¡¯re like a superhero to us. You¡¯re amazing, and I know you¡¯ll make our lives better.¡± Elysia beamed with confidence, ¡°You bet, kiddo. Mommy won¡¯t let you down!¡± She firmly believed that hard work always paid off. She mightck formal education, but she was far from foolish. Achieving afortable life with her three kids was a hopeful prospect. Elliot, watching her closely, suddenly lit up with an idea. ¡°Mommy, Blossom said you¡¯re awesome at special education and even saved a kid by ident.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say ¡®awesome,¡¯ just experienced. What about it?¡± ¡°At preschool today, a kid said her mom writes articles from home and makes good money. Maybe you could write about special education and earn some cash?¡± Elysia blinked, considering the idea she had never thought of before. If it were possible, it would be more than ideal. Working from home meant flexibility, and she could take care of her kids. It was a perfect job opportunity. ¡°I¡¯ll look into it,¡± she said with newfound hope. ¡°Okay!¡± Elliot had just shown Elysia a promising path. He excused himself to the bathroom, took a seat, and began to search for writing opportunities on his kiddie smartwatch. He was determined to find a well¨C paying gig for his mom. Settling into bed that evening, Blossom sighed contentedly, ¡°Today was a st, felt like a real celebrity.¡± Elysia chuckled, ¡°Congrats on gaining two little fans.¡± ¡°Die¨Chard fans! You should¡¯ve seen Evan and Emmett¡¯s adoring gazes. If it weren¡¯t for Elliot¡¯s cool demeanor, I¡¯d start believing I was some kind of superstar!¡± Elysiaughed, ¡°Elliot¡¯s mature for his age. He admires you too.¡± Blossom was over the moon as she quizzed Elysia, ¡°Any word from that wild man?¡± Elysia shrugged, ¡°Nope.¡± ¡°He¡¯s really giving up on you?¡± ¡°Looks like it.* ¡°I¡¯m shocked he discarded you so quickly. Congrats, though! No more dodging his advances, and you¡¯re finally free.¡± Elysia murmured an agreement, but inwardly/she wasn¡¯t as thrilled, even a bit resentful. What was that about? He¡¯s really just gonna toss her aside after one day? She genuinely wanted nothing to do with the man, yet she couldn¡¯t help but worry about Elijah. That boy, a mirror image of Evan, tugged at her heartstrings. Chapter 147 Chapter 147 At the same time, over In Sunshine Community¡­ Tarquin was perched on the edge of Elijah¡¯s bed, trying to have a heart¨Cto¨Cheart. ¡°So, thedy you met this morning, you¡¯re not a fan?¡± ¡°Nope!¡± ¡°But she was handpicked by your Uncle Benjamin, and you know how much he adores you. For his sake, if not for hers, could you maybe give her a chance for a few more days?¡± ¡°No way!¡± ¡°You realize Uncle Benjamin will be upset if you send her packing so soon.¡± Elijah furrowed his little brow and looked up. ¡°Is it Uncle Benjamin who¡¯ll be upset, or is it you?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Did Uncle Benjamin really find her, or was it you?¡± Tarquin was silent. Then suddenly, Elijah asked, ¡°Do you like her or something?¡± Tarquin¡¯s face darkened. ¡°No, I do not!¡± ¡°Then why are you so nice to her?¡± ¡°Me? Nice to her?¡± ¡°This morning, you even walked her out. N¡¯s been my lifesaver, but she always leaves on her own. You never walk her out.¡± Tarquin was at a loss for words. After he¡¯d calmed Elijah down this morning, and the kid had gone to freshen up, he¡¯d taken the opportunity to escort Elysia downstairs to discuss Elijah¡¯s issues. Clearly, there had been a misunderstanding. ¡°I wasn¡¯t seeing her out, I was discussing¡­ your situation with her.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me?¡± Tarquin frowned, careful not to directly say the word ¡®sick¡®. Elijah never admitted to having any illness, and mentioning it would only anger him. ¡°I just wanted to exin that you didn¡¯t mean any harm when you threw out the breakfast she made. You scared her, and I had to rify things.¡± ¡°And what did you tell her?¡± ¡°That¡­ you didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡± ¡°You¡¯re lying. It was totally on purpose.¡± Tarquin was speechless. Elijah¡¯s brows knitted further as he said, ¡°You once said, you only loved my mom.¡± ¡°I did!¡± ¡°Then you need to keep it clean and stay away from other women.¡± ¡°Elijah, you¡¯ve got it all wrong. She¡¯s not here because I like her, but because I worry about you being alone. I need someone to keep youpany and handle the chores. Heath¡¯s got his own things to handle; he can¡¯t be here, so I arranged for her.¡± ¡°Who chose her, you or Uncle Benjamin?¡± ¡°Your Uncle Benjamin.¡± ¡°Call him then. I¡¯ll exin that I don¡¯t like that woman and don¡¯t need her.¡± Tarquin felt a wave of irritation, ¡°No need, I¡¯ll talk to him.¡± Again, Elijah asked, ¡°How¡¯s my mom doing? Have you worked things out with her? When can I see her?¡± Tarquin¡¯s lips moved, but no sound came out. After a while, he said, ¡°Still working on it.¡± Elijah frowned and turned away, dismissing him. 10:10 Torquin heaved a mental sigh and left the bedroom. Back in his study, he immediately lit a cigarette, his mood at rock bottom. Elysia¡¯s first encounter with Elijah had been a letdown, but he wasn¡¯t ready to throw in the towel. Elijah¡¯s condition might differ from Corbin¡¯s, but there were simrities. If Elysia could help Corbin, surely she could do the same for Elijah Perhaps with a little more time, things would start looking up. But Elijah was adamant about not seeing her again. Tarquin had even suspected that Elysia might be Elijah¡¯s birth mother. What a harebrained idea. If that were true, their reunion would have looked nothing like this. He nced at Elysia¡¯s number over and over, tempted tomand her toe over the next morning, but the memory of Elijah¡¯s determined gaze made him hesitate. In the end, he didn¡¯t make the call. Chapter 148 Chapter 148 The next day At the crack of dawn, around 6 30 AM, Tarquin¡¯s phone erupted into a cacophony of chimes, dragging him from the depths of sleep. Groggily, Tarquin grabbed his phone from the nightstand, assuming it was some work¨Crted emergency But when he nced at the screen, he was stunned to find it was Elysia calling. Instantly, his grogginess vanished Sitting up, ne leaned against the headboard, eyeing the phone with suspicion. His brain kicked into high gear, wondering if she was sleepwalking or had dialed by mistake. As he pondered, the ringing ceased only to start up again. Back 16 back calls meant it was neither a mistake nor sleepwalking. With a slight frown, Tarquin answered the call. He didn¡¯t speak first, but Elysia did, ¡°Could youe down here?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°I said,e down. I¡¯m outside your ce.¡± ¡°What are you doing down there?¡± ¡°Just get down here, and don¡¯t let Elijah catch on.¡± Tarquin threw off his covers, got out of bed, and peered out the window. He had a clear view of the scene below. Elysia, swaddled in a puffy winter coat, stamped her feet in the snow, asionally ncing up at the building, her face red from the cold. Tarquin didn¡¯t know what she was up to, but after a few seconds of hesitation, he still left his apartment. As he stepped outside the building, Elysia hurried over to him, noticing his sleepwear, she couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°You¡¯re out in this freezing weather dressed like that? Aren¡¯t you cold?¡± Her unexpected concern caused Tarquin a moment of difort, and he asked with a dark expression, ¡°What do you want?¡± Elysia took out a thermos from within her coat. ¡°Take this to Elijah.¡± Tarquin looked puzzled, ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I made breakfast for Elijah. Give it to him, but don¡¯t tell him I made it. If you do, he probably won¡¯t eat it.¡± Tarquin looked confused. She exined, ¡°After I left yesterday, I thought things over. Elijah¡¯s reaction was intense, probably because my appearance was so abrupt that it scared him. He¡¯s got this mood disorder, makes him extra sensitive. Plus, I¡¯m a woman. The deeper his obsession with his mother, the more he rejects other women. My sudden appearance probably made him overthink. He might even assume you¡¯re trying to find him a stepmom, so I can¡¯t just show up unannounced again. If I appear today, his reaction will likely be even more intense than yesterday. So, it¡¯s better if you give him the food. Just see if he likes it, okay?¡± Tarquin ¡°Why the sudden kindness?¡± ¡°Yeah, just trying to make a good impression.¡± Tarquin¡¯s expression shifted, and Elysia quickly added, ¡°Don¡¯t get the wrong idea, I mean a good impression, not seduction! And it¡¯s not directed at you, it¡¯s for Elijah. This meal is for him!¡± ¡°Yesterday you were so reluctant, why are you suddenly seeking him out today?¡± Elysia¡¯s lips moved slightly as she admitted the truth, ¡°I feel sorry for him.¡± Tarquin ¡°He has nothing to do with you, so why do you feel sorry for him? Are you some kind of saint who feels sorry for every child?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like that¡­ Look, don¡¯t ask anymore. Basically, I just really want to help him, I¡¯ve got no ulterior motives. If you don¡¯t trust me, there¡¯s nothing I can do. If you think I have other intentions, then just throw the food away. Anyway, I need to tell you, your son¡¯s condition is already pretty serious. If you don¡¯t find a way to treat him soon, it¡¯s going to lead to trouble!¡± With a stem look, Elysia faced him for a moment, then turned and walked away. Watching her slender figure disappear into the distance, Tarquin¡¯s expression was a mix of emotions. Only when she was out of sight did he look down at the thermos in his hands. After a moment of silence, he carried it back inside the building Chapter 149 Chapter 149 What¡¯s with her friendly overture? Is there a difference between being kind and outright flirting? What is this woman up to? Tarquin returned home, his mind a tangled web of confusion. He opened the thermos and was greeted by an inviting aroma. Inside, she had prepared two side dishes, a fluffy omelet, six delicate pastries, and a serving of mixed fruitpote. The sides were fresh and vibrant, the omelet a perfect golden brown, the pastries tender and pale, and thepote sweet and sticky¡­. It looked downright appetizing. Tarquin hesitated for a moment, but then decided to sample each dish a personal poison test of sorts. No poison detected, but his appetite certainly was. Before he knew it, he had polished off most of the meal. If he hadn¡¯t pulled the brakes in time, he might have devoured Elijah¡¯s share too. ncing at the clock, it wasn¡¯t even 6 AM yet. Tarquin carefully packed the remaining breakfast back into the thermos and retreated to his bedroom. Sleep was now a distant dream. Hey on his back, hands sped behind his head, staring at the ceiling in a daze. All he could think about was Elysia. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what she was up to. At 6:30 AM sharp, Elijah got up, ready to start his day with his usual grooming routine. Tarquin had already set the remaining breakfast on the dining table, waiting for Elijah to finish up so he could invite him to eat. Elijah looked at the spread on the table, then at Tarquin, his gaze inquisitive. His breakfasts were usually made with expensive ingredients, a variety ofvish dishes. By comparison, today¡¯s meal looked modest, which had never graced Elijah¡¯s table before. Tarquin knew what Elijah was wondering and exined, ¡°I made it.¡± Elijah was skeptical, ¡°You¡¯ve never made these before.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯ve never made them that I wanted to give it a try, to see if you¡¯d like the taste,¡± Tarquin said, picking up a pastry and cing it on Elijah¡¯s te. ¡°Try it, see if it suits your taste.¡± Without overthinking, Elijah eyed the pastry for a moment, took a bite, and chewed thoughtfully. Tarquin sat across from him, watching intently. After a while, Elijah uttered two words, ¡°It¡¯s good.¡± Tarquin¡¯s eyes flickered with unbidden joy, and a weight lifted from his heart. ¡°Good to hear. Have some more, these are also for you, and try the omelet,¡± he said with a smile. Elijah said nothing more, just quietly ate his breakfast. Watching him clean his te, Tarquin was deeply touched. His son was finally eating well! But then, unexpectedly, ¡°Is there more?¡± Elijah looked up at him, eyes full of hope. Tarquin was taken aback, ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not full. I¡¯d like some more,¡± said Elijah! If Tarquin had truly been the cook, he would have dashed into the kitchen by now. Nothing pleased him more than to see his son enjoying his food; he¡¯d even cook in the middle of the night if asked. But the truth was, he hadn¡¯t made the breakfast, and he couldn¡¯t replicate it. Even if he tried, the taste would surely not match Elysia¡¯s handiwork. All he could say was, ¡°Not now, kiddo. Daddy¡¯s got some urgent business. I¡¯ll make some more for you later.¡± A shadow of disappointment crossed Elijah¡¯s face. He didn¡¯t speak, just got up to wash his hands and returned to his room. Tarquin¡¯s emotions were aplex mix, both ted and regretful. Chapter 150 Chapter 150 Elijah was finally taking an interest in something other than his mother, and the fact that he¡¯d asked for the food proved he liked it. Regrettably, there was a missed opportunity to delve into Elijah¡¯s interests and treat him to a hearty breakfast. The meal wasn¡¯t his own handiwork, and he felt he hadn¡¯t fully satisfied Elijah¡¯s appetite. But overall, it was a good sign that Elijah enjoyed Elysia¡¯s cooking. He quickly called Heath to look after Elijah and then headed out the door. Meanwhile, Elysia was saying goodbye to the three little ones. The kids didn¡¯t need breakfast at home as they¡¯d eat at school, so they¡¯d left early with Blossom. Elysia was tidying up the house, ncing at her phone now and then. She wanted to call Tarquin to see if Elijah liked her cooking and if he had eaten, but worried about interrupting father and son time, she waited anxiously. Her phone chimed. She dashed to the coffee table, hoping it was the man. When she saw it was him, she felt a rush of excitement. Her heart pounding, she answered, ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Make some more pastries when you get a chance. Elijah loves them,¡± Tarquin said, almost like he was giving orders. Despite his cool tone, his excitement was barely contained. He was in a good mood, somewhat happy. Elysia was thrilled. ¡°Really? Did he say anything else?¡± ¡°He¡¯s still hungry.¡± ¡°Huh? Still hungry? Does Elijah eat that much? I thought I made plenty: an omelet, six pastries, arge serving of oatmeal with mixed fruits, plus two side dishes. He ate all that and wasn¡¯t full?¡± Tarquin, embarrassed that he¡¯d eaten more than his share, grunted an acknowledgment. ¡°Make some extra next time.¡± Elysia, not overthinking it, agreed, ¡°Sure, when does he want more?¡± ¡°Tonight, or maybe tomorrow morning.¡± ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll make it this afternoon, have it ready for his dinner. I¡¯ll contact you once it¡¯s done.¡± As Elysia was about to hang up, Tarquin added, ¡°Come out for a chat.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± *Meet me downstairs in ten minutes, I¡¯lle to you.¡± ¡°What do you want to talk about?¡± ¡°About Elijah.¡± Relieved, Elysia agreed, ¡°Alright, see you downstairs in a bit.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± After the call, Elysia was ted. She didn¡¯t know why, but the fact that Elijah enjoyed her cooking made her incredibly happy. It felt like the first step of a thousand¨Cmile journey had been taken! Movement meant progress, didn¡¯t it? She didn¡¯t know when she would leave Jindale City, but before she did, she genuinely hoped Elijah would get better. Elysia put down her phone and went to change into her outdoor clothes. Just as she finished changing, the doorbell rang. Expecting Tarquin, she opened the door without hesitation. But instead of him, two unfamiliar men stood there. Elysia was wary, ¡°Who are you¡­?¡± In the next instant, one of the men lunged, covering her mouth and dragging her into the elevator forcefully. Muffled cries escaped her as she struggled, but she was no match for the two men. They took her to the parking garage, shoved her into a car, and quickly drove out of theplex. 11:02 The car drove for what felt like ages, finally stopping in an unfinished building or Stepping out of the car Elysia panicked even more. Brought to such a deste ce, the feared the worst were they gor 11 Chapter 151 Chapter 151 Elysia was shoved into the skeleton of an unfinished high¨Crise by two burly men. Inside, a handful of others awaited her arrival. Her heart raced, lodged firmly in her throat, as she realized she didn¡¯t recognize any of them. They sized her up, their gazes predatory and amused. One of them whistled and remarked, ¡°Man, we hit the jackpot with this one. She¡¯s a looker. I¡¯d pay good money to get cozy with her, no joke¡± The bald man sitting on a makeshift throne of stacked crates, his eyes gleaming with malice, gestured for his cronies to rip the duct tape from her mouth. As soon as she could speak, Elysia blurted out, ¡°What do you want with me? Who the hell are you guys? Why did you bring me here?¡± ignoring her questions as if she hadn¡¯t spoken, the bald man leaned forward. ¡°Listen, doll, we¡¯re gonna ask you a few questions. y nice, and this won¡¯t get ugly¡± Gasping for air, her eyes darting around for an escape, she asked, ¡°What questions?¡± ¡°You got anything to do with what happened to Gage ter?¡± ¡°Gage?¡± Her mind reeled, fear made her forgetful. She couldn¡¯t ce the name. ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb with me, sweetheart. You¡¯ve crossed paths with him plenty,¡± the bald man said, his voice low and dangerous. After a moment to collect her thoughts, Elysia replied, ¡°I know of him, but we¡¯re not exactly buddies.¡± ¡°Oh, really? ¡®Cause word on the street is you had someone snip his manhood.¡± Elysia¡¯s eyes red with indignation. ¡°That¡¯s a damn lie! I can¡¯t stand the guy, but I never ordered someone to do that.¡± Skepticism creased the bald man¡¯s forehead. ¡°Don¡¯t test my patience, or you¡¯ll find we¡¯re not so gentle.¡± ¡°I¡¯m telling you the truth!¡± With a subtle nod, the bald man signaled his goons. Without warning, two thugs grabbed Elysia by the hair and dunked her head into a barrel filled with ice¨C cold water. Every cell in her body screamed in shock, and her mind buzzed on the cusp of unconsciousness. Her world was submerged, her lungs screaming for air. The suffocating pressure mounted until her consciousness began to fray at the edges¡­ Suddenly, she was yanked back to the harsh reality, drenched and sputtering, her senses returning as she took greedy, ragged breaths, shivering from the cold. The man persisted, ¡°Gonna talk straight now? Did you have anything to do with Gage¡¯s ¡®ident¡®?¡± She shook her head with fierce determination. Admitting to such an usation would have dire consequences. The next moment, another bucket of ice water drenched her, soaking what little had remained dry. ¡°Spill it, or we go again. Did you do it?¡± Elysia shouted, her voice hoarse, ¡°I¡¯ve told you a thousand times, it wasn¡¯t me! Even if you torture me to death, I won¡¯t confess to something I didn¡¯t do!¡± The men frowned deeply, about to react, when suddenly a woman burst in from the shadows. ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± It was Oriana Sutton, Keaton Huber¡¯s ex¨Cgirlfriend! The bald man turned to her, his demeanor shifting to one of respect. ¡°Ms. Sutton.¡± It was clear that they knew each other. Recalling the incident at the mall, Elysia¡¯s brows knitted in suspicion. ¡°Did you set me up? Are these your goons?¡± Oriana ignored her, stating coldly, ¡°When Mr. Gage was assaulted, the attacker mentioned you, said it was all ¡®cause of you, and warned him to stay away. You still im you have nothing to do with it?¡± Elysia was dumbstruck. Someone had sought revenge on Gage, mentioning her name? Impossible. She had just returned to Jindale City. Other than Blossom and Zane, she had no connections here. Who would take such a risk for her? 11:02 Chapter 152 Chapter 152 What did Gage¡¯s mess have to do with Oriana? Elysia tried to keep her cool, locking eyes with Oriana for a moment. Then, something clicked, and her forehead creased. ¡°You want toer me into confessing, then use Gage¡¯s family to do your dirty work?¡± Oriana, her thoughts exposed, furrowed her brow. ¡°Who¡¯s forcing you? It¡¯s obvious, Mr. Gage¡¯s ident is your doing!¡± Elysia pressed her lips together. ¡°In your dreams! If it wasn¡¯t me, it wasn¡¯t me. Don¡¯t try to pin this on me!¡± Seeing Elysia wasn¡¯t ying ball, Oriana turned to the bald guy, ¡°If she won¡¯t confess, show her what¡¯s what until she does. I don¡¯t care how, but she must admit it today!¡± Only with Elysia¡¯s confession could Oriana crush her. This whole setup wasn¡¯t Oriana¡¯s brainchild; someone had approached her. Without that someone¡¯s backing, Oriana wouldn¡¯t dare be so brazen. She loathed Elysia, sure, but without the ¡®ex¨Cgirlfriend of Keaton¡® tag, she was nothing. The Suttons in Jindale City were well¨Coff, tops, nowhere near the elite. But that someone, a real tycoon of Jindale City. That person had said they¡¯d back her, quell any noise she made, no matter how loud. But first, she had to get Elysia to admit to messing with Gage. Oriana didn¡¯t know the point of the recording but saw it as a chance to vent. The more she thought, the bolder she got, glowering at Elysia, ¡°Just don¡¯t off her. Leave her breathing. Anything else, have at it!¡± The henchmen nodded eagerly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ms. Sutton. We¡¯ve been around the block; we know how to make people talk.¡± Elysia¡¯s heart raced as she shouted, ¡°Oriana, did you even think about the consequences? Did you forget what Mrs. Denton and Keaton told you when they left? You mess with me, and the Huber family won¡¯t let you off easy!¡± Oriana¡¯s eyes dripped with disdain. ¡°If I were afraid, I wouldn¡¯t havee for you. You should be the worried one, not me! Think about whether you¡¯ll have the chance to tattle to the Hubers! Right now, you can talk big, stand tall, but who knows if you¡¯ll be able to speak or stand after a bit?¡± Oriana¡¯s malice distorted even her pretty face. Elysia frowned. ¡°I hear you¡¯re a college student. Educated, yet you can¡¯t tell right from wrong? me me for what happened at the mall? Your niece started it with my son, and your sister admitted as much. If you hadn¡¯t bullied us, none of that would¡¯ve happened, and maybe you and Keaton would still be an item. You made your bed, now lie in it. Instead of reflecting, you¡¯re digging your grave. Are you legally blind? Attacking me, you¡¯re dragging yourself down too! At the mall, it was just a spat. But now, you¡¯re crossing legal lines! Big trouble!¡± ¡°Heh,¡± Oriana scoffed, ¡°I¡¯m no legal eagle, but wanna know why I dare? Because my backer¡¯s a rock! Even if you die, I¡¯d walk free.¡± Elysia shot back coldly. ¡°No backer¡¯s above thew.¡± ¡°Oh, really? What if I say my backer¡¯s Tarquin Bradford, CEO of the Bradford Group?¡± Elysia¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Who?¡± Chapter 153 Chapter 153 Oriana gazed at the shocked expression on Elysia¡¯s face and, assuming she was scared, repeated with a smug look, ¡°Tarquin Bradford!¡± Elysia frowned. ¡°What¡¯s your deal with Tarquin?¡± ¡°That¡¯s none of your business, but rest assured it¡¯s way closer than whatever you¡¯ve got going with him. I bet you couldn¡¯t even get a seat at Mr. Bradford¡¯s Thanksgiving table.¡± Elysia¡¯s his wife, for Pete¡¯s sake! Elysia mentally snapped back, fuming, but didn¡¯t dare voice her thoughts out loud. After all, their marriage was a secret, bound by a confidentiality agreement. ¡°Did Tarquin send you to confront me, and to make me confess to framing Gage?¡± Elysia asked. Oriana¡¯s brow furrowed; she didn¡¯t dare admit it outright. Although Tarquin¡¯s ties with N ter were special, it was N who had sought her out, not Tarquin. ¡°You don¡¯t need the details. All you need to know is that if you don¡¯t confess, you won¡¯t be leaving here without a scratch today¡± Elysia retorted, ¡°So even if I confess, I can¡¯t leave unharmed, right?¡± Of course not! Once Elysia confessed, she would suffer even more! This was just the beginning; Oriana hadn¡¯t even started ying hardball yet. ¡°So you¡¯re saying, even if I confess, you won¡¯t let me go. Why should I confess then?¡± Oriana red at her and said, ¡°At least if you confess, you might get off a bit easier.¡± Elysia red back, unsure whether Oriana was bluffing. If she wasn¡¯t, what was Tarquin¡¯s angle? Was he making trouble for her just because she¡¯d pushed for a divorce? If that was the case, Tarquin was nothing but a scoundrel! Elysia clenched her jaw, deciding not to dwell on Tarquin¡¯s motives for now. She eyed Oriana, her gaze calcting, and said, ¡°You¡¯re so eager for me to confess because you¡¯ve got a mission, right? Well then, we might have somemon ground.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Oriana was suspicious. ¡°If you really want me to confess, it¡¯s not impossible. But I have my conditions.¡± Oriana was wary, ¡°What conditions?¡± ¡°I can cooperate with a recording, a video, whatever you want, as long as you let me go afterward.¡± ¡°Heh.¡± Oriana scoffed. ¡°Let you go? No way!¡± Elysia replied calmly, ¡°What if I bring Keaton Huber into this? What¡¯s more important for you, hurting me or getting back together with Keaton?¡± Currently, with her hands tied, Elysia had no chance of fighting back. She would only lose out if she tried to force her way through. She needed to outsmart them. First, she had to free her hands. Oriana took the bait, a flicker of interest crossing her eyes before she mocked, ¡°You think you can get me back with Mr. Huber? Who do you think you are?¡± to reunite you two!¡± ¡°I¡¯m just an ordinary person. Mr. Huber might not even remember who I am now, but I have a way Elysia sounded confident, and after a moment of hesitation, Oriana seemed tempted. The lure of returning to Keaton¡¯s side was too strong to ignore. ¡°How would you manage that?¡± ¡°Untie me first!¡± Oriana frowned. Elysia pressed on, ¡°I¡¯m asking you to untie me, not to let me go. What, you and your crew can¡¯t handle one woman?¡± After another moment¡¯s hesitation, Orian¨¢ turned to a bald henchman and ordered, ¡°Untie her!¡± Two menplied and released the ropes. Once freed, Elysia quickly flexed her wrists, feeling immensely relieved. When she was bound, she could only be bullied. But now, it was anyone¡¯s game. If they dared to rough her up, they¡¯d better be prepared for her ruthless retaliation. ¡°Spill it, how are you going to get me back to Mr. Huber?¡± Oriana pressed eagerly. Chapter 154 Chapter 154 Elysia steadied herself, her resolve as firm as steel. If it weren¡¯t for Oriana bringing up Tarquin, she wouldn¡¯t waste another breath on their petty squabbles. She wasn¡¯t afraid of crossing Oriana, but she did fear the bacsh from Tarquin. After all, she was itching for a divorce! Elysia said, her voice carrying a nonchnt confidence, ¡°Purely by chance, I saved the son of Jessamine Huber, and now, I¡¯m hailed as the Huber family¡¯s savior. Jessamine¡¯s gratitude knows no bounds. That¡¯s why she was so darn nice to me at the mall and took a stand for me and even publicly chastised Keaton. If you don¡¯t believe me, go ahead and investigate.¡± Oriana furrowed her brow and asked, ¡°And then what?¡± ¡°And then? Well, you know how much Mr. Huber dreads his sister, right? If I go to Jessamine and y up the favor I did for her son, asking her to put in a good word with her brother to give you a chance, do you think she¡¯d refuse?¡± ¡°But¡­ Mr. Huber doesn¡¯t like me anymore, and he¡¯s never gotten back with an ex.¡± In Keaton¡¯s own words, that¡¯s beating a dead horse. Once it¡¯s over, it¡¯s over for good. No second chances! Elysia couldn¡¯t care less about Keaton¡¯s habits. She simply stated, ¡°With Jessamine in your corner, even if he loathes you, he¡¯ll agree to give it a shot. I¡¯m certain Jessamine can twist her brother¡¯s arm. As for how things pan out between you two, that¡¯s on you. Maybe you¡¯ve got the charm to win his heart, and who knows, you might just snag the title of Mrs. Huber.¡± Mrs. Huber? Oriana¡¯s eyes went wide as saucers, her mind reeling with the possibility. For her, it was a dream so out of reach, yet so desperately coveted. If she became Mrs. Huber, well then, who in all of Jindale City could outrank her, save for Tarquin¡¯s lady? Tarquin was the city¡¯s golden boy, and Keaton the runner¨Cup. She¡¯d be the second most esteemed woman in town! Seeing Oriana take the bait, Elysia continued to feed her delusions, ¡°Worst case scenario, even if you can¡¯t capture Mr. Huber¡¯s heart and don¡¯t end up as Mrs. Huber, at least you¡¯ll have had a second run. And if things end, they¡¯ll end amicably. Word has it Keaton¡¯s quite the gentleman when breaking things off. Whatever parting gifts he offers won¡¯t be meager, and your reputation will be restored, your stock rising exponentially. Because, let¡¯s face it, you¡¯ll be the only one who got back with him after a breakup, something none of his exes can im.¡± Oriana¡¯s expression had transformed, now filled with breathless anticipation. Elysia had hit her where it hurt. The reason she loathed Elysia so was that, aside from losing Keaton, she¡¯d be theughingstock of their circle! She was the only one who got nothing out of a breakup with Keaton! The only one he truly despised! Others were let go because Keaton grew bored, his interest waning. But her? She was dumped under the worst of circumstances! Now, any mention of her name elicited ridicule. Ever since the split, she¡¯d been holed up at home, too ashamed to even nce at her social media notifications. If she could salvage her good name and snag some benefits on the side, well, that would be the ultimate vindication! Oriana¡¯s thoughts raced with excitement, and after a long pause, she finally said, ¡°How can I trust you? What if I let you go and you don¡¯t approach Jessamine on my behalf?¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare! I¡¯m just an ordinary woman. If you can catch me once, you can catch me again. If I don¡¯t plead your case, you¡¯ll never let me off the hook. You¡¯d hound me to the ends of the earth. I¡¯m not that foolish.¡± Oriana was silent, contemting Elysia¡¯s words. Chapter 155 Chapter 155 She eyed Elysia for a moment, a flicker of something sinister in her gaze as she dered, ¡°Deal!* Yet Elysia didn¡¯t feel a surge of joy. Her gaze was fixed on Oriana, sensing something off in her demeanor. It was as if she had taken the balt, yet not quite. Indeed, she had underestimated Oriana¡¯s ruthlessness! Turning to the bald man, Oriana said, ¡°I¡¯ve now reached an agreement with Ms. Thome, so don¡¯t you guys hurt her. And all that stuff you¡¯ve prepared? Don¡¯t bother using it. Instead, take good care of her. After all, a gentleman always shows kindness to ady¡± Elysia¡¯s heart skipped a beat. The bald man instantly got the message, chuckling smugly, ¡°Thanks to you for the generosity. The boys have been drooling for a while now, genuinely scared you¡¯d tell us to just let her go, heh.¡± Oriana replied coolly, ¡°We had an agreement, so of course, I won¡¯t let youe here for nothing. Remember to shoot plenty of videos.¡± ¡°Uh¨Chuh, Ms. Sutton, don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll be satisfied!* ¡°Oriana! What do you mean by this?* Elysia frowned. Oriana squinted at her and said, ¡°The terms you offered are indeed tempting, and I¡¯m willing to work with you. But before I let you go, I need something to hold over you. What if you break your promise once you¡¯re free? I don¡¯t trust your words, but I do trust leverage. You just cooperate with them, let them shoot some videos, leave some evidence, and I¡¯ll have no reason not to trust you. After all, if you dare renege on our deal, III release your videos for the whole world to see you delighting beneath men.¡± After instructing the bald man once more, ¡°Remember to focus on the details. Capture Ms. Thome¡¯s moments of pleasure clearly, in case we need to share it publiclyter, to give everyone an eyeful.¡± ¡°Sure thing, you can count on us, heh heh.¡± The bald man nodded obsequiously, his eyes leering at Elysia, saliva almost dripping from his mouth. ¡°Oriana, you¡­¡± Elysia¡¯s breathing was heavy, her mind racing. Oriana was nning to let these men abuse her and then use the videos as ckmail! Indeed, looks can be deceiving! Beneath that innocent facade hid a heart of pure malice! But Oriana countered, ¡°Don¡¯t look at me with those eyes. I know your husband passed away early, leaving you with just your three sons. It¡¯s been years without a man, so don¡¯t you miss it? I¡¯m actually doing you a favor. Just enjoy it.* She then said to the bald man, ¡°Be gentle with Ms. Thome.¡± ¡°Hehe, don¡¯t worry, Ms. Sutton, we¡¯ll make sure Ms. Thome has afortable night. Us seven or eight big guys will definitely take her to cloud nine, heh.* A smirk curled on Oriana¡¯s lips as she headed towards the door. Elysia called out, ¡°Oriana, stop right there!¡± She attempted to follow, but two of the bald man¡¯s cronies blocked her path. ¡°Come on, sweetheart, let¡¯s have some fun, heh heh.* ¡°Oriana!¡± She watched helplessly as Oriana disappeared, anger boiling inside her. Suddenly, a man grabbed her, going in for a kiss. Elysia¡¯s hand flew up, delivering a stinging p as she yelled, ¡°Back off!¡± ¡°Damn it!¡± the man cursed. The bald man stepped in and shouted to the man, ¡°Get lost. Didn¡¯t I say to treat her gently? What are you doing, getting rough?¡± The man, still holding his face, snickered, ¡°I just got a little excited, man. You see, my little brother here¡¯s been eager for a while now, all stiff and ready. This woman¡¯s just too damn fine.¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s not your turn, get in line,¡± the bald man said, then turned to Elysia with a sleazy grin, ¡°Don¡¯t be scared, sweetheart, I¡¯ll treat you right.¡± Elysia, panting, red at him and backed away, ¡°Stay away from me, get out!¡± ¡°Heh heh, ying hard to get? No need for games, darling. We all know you want it too. We¡¯re all adults here, be honest. Come on.¡± Chapter 156 Chapter 156 The bald man was closing in, his every step heavy and menacing. Elysia stumbled backward, her footing lost, and she crashed to the ground with a thud. Seizing the opportunity, the bald man pounced on her, pinning her down with his weight. Up close, the proximity seemed to trigger something primal within him. He shuddered with a feral intensity, his predatory gaze fixed on Elysia¡¯s neck as he began to gnaw at her. ¡°Damn, I can¡¯t hold it anymore. I¡¯m about to burst!¡± he growled, inhaling deeply as if intoxicated by her scent. ¡°This gal is something elscl Roughly, he yanked at the hem of Elysia¡¯s blouse, his hand snaking under her clothes with a crude urgency. Elysia¡¯s grip on his wrist was irond, her teeth clenched so tight they seemed to creak with the strain. This moment was achingly familiar. Six years ago, at the airport, she had endured a simr vition. As the memories flooded back, Elysia trembled uncontrobly. Back then, she had been pinned down just like this, her pleas for mercy ignored as he had his way with her. Back then, he had thrust into her so forcefully that pain had knocked her unconscious. She hadin there, tormented into repeated ckouts, feeling as if her very bones were being crushed. Back then, she had lost her innocence and been branded with names like tramp and harlot. Her life had spiraled down into the abyss, forcing her to flee her hometown. She had endured the hardship of washing dishes while carrying a child, all for the sake of a meager living¡­ She had never harmed anyone, nevermitted any atrocity. All she wanted upon her return was to live a decent life with her children. Was that too much to ask? What sins had Elysiamitted to deserve such a wretched existence? ¡°Damn it, she¡¯s strong for her size! You two, hold down her arms. Let¡¯s get her out of these clothes and see just how ¡®beautiful¡® this body really is,¡± the bald man cursed as he struggled with Elysia. At hismand, his cronies moved in to pry at her arms, hands already reaching for her cor. Elysia¡¯s eyes zed red with rage, her appearance morphing into that of a bloodthirsty she¨Cdevil. ¡°You¡¯re forcing me! This is all on you!¡± she roared. The men were taken aback, but before they could react, the bald man¡¯s eyes bulged, his hands clutching at his throat. ¡°You¡­ you¡­¡± His words were cut off by terror as he stared at Elysia, copsing lifelessly on top The others were in shock. ¡°Boss! What¡¯s happening?¡± of her. Elysia shoved the man off her and was about to fight back when a cold snort came from behind. ¡°What the hell is going on here?¡± The men turned at the sound, and upon seeing the neer, they instantly got to their feet. ¡°And who the hell are you?¡± one asked. Tarquin ignored them, his gaze locked on Elysia lying disheveled on the ground, a surge of fury rising within him like a stormy sea. His lips pressed into a thin line, his face dark with anger, his fists clenched as he moved toward Elysia. The men furrowed their brows in confusion. ¡°Are you one of Ms. Sutton¡¯s boys?¡± Tarquin remained silent, his expression frosty, an aura of chilling menace emanating from him. Sensing a hostile presence, one of the men called out, ¡°He¡¯s here to mess things un boys. Let¡¯s take him!¡± The two closest men lunged at Tarquin, only to have their wrists caught in an iron grip, and with a sickening snap, their bones broke. The men were stunned for a second before they screamed in unison, ¡°Aaah, aaah, aaah-¡± The others paused, then charged in unison. And then there was a chorus of cracks and thuds, followed by screams echoing through the abandoned building. Chapter 157 Chapter 157 11:02 By the time Lowell arrived, a scrum of people was already sprawled out on the ground, writhing and groaning. Tarquin had just made his way to Elysia¡¯s side. With a furrowed brow and aplex look on his face, he draped his coat over her, shielding her from the cold floor. Elysiay there, gazing up at him. He was dressed in a ck shirt with buttons made of polished ck pearls that shimmered in the light. It was identical to the one he wore six years ago on the night that had scarred her life. Now, as she looked up at him, her emotions surged even more powerfully. Tears welled in her eyes as she gasped for air, her body shaking uncontrobly, her gaze fixed on him, tears streaming down her cheeks¡­ Tarquin felt an inexplicable pain in his heart, a deep ache. He was so focused on Elysia that he didn¡¯t acknowledge his own feelings. He thought she was frightened and, with trembling lips, he uttered, ¡°It¡¯s okay, you¡¯re safe now.¡± With the echo of his words still hanging in the air, a pnded fiercely on his face. Tarquin was stunned. ¡°What the¡­?¡± Elysia raised her hand to strike again, but Tarquin quickly grabbed her wrist and asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°Let go of me! Let go! I¡¯ll kill you! I swear, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Elysia struggled frantically. When she couldn¡¯t free her hand, she turned to sobbing and cursing, ¡°You¡¯re going to get what¡¯sing to you! There will be retribution! The universe will punish you, you brute, you beast!¡± Tarquin¡¯s breath became erratic with fury. He had saved her, yet instead of gratitude, sheshed out at him, cursed him, struck him in the face ¨C twice! Did his face look that cheap to her? ¡°Elysia! Don¡¯t bite the hand that feeds you. I just saved your life!¡± ¡°Saved me? Ha! You think you saved me? I never asked for your help! Get away from me! I can¡¯t stand the sight of you¨Cjust go away!¡± ¡°Elysia!¡± Tarquin¡¯s voice thundered as he gripped her wrist tighter. His face was dark, his jaw clenched, a storm brewing in his eyes. It looked like he might explode at any second. Elysia felt a chill of fear. She didn¡¯t dare fight back or scream, just looked at him with a mix of hatred, anger, and fear, completely powerless. She wished she could end him, but she was no match for his strength. The frustration and helplessness brought her to the brink of copse. With a piercing scream, she fainted in his arms. In the abandoned building, her angry echoes were the only sound left, stirring a blend of pity and fear. Lowell came running over. ¡°Tar¡­!¡± Tarquin¡¯s face was a storm cloud, his breathing heavy with anger. Lowell immediately tried to smooth things over, ¡°Ms. Thorne is just shaken up. You¡­ you shouldn¡¯t take it to heart.¡± He had heard everything ¨C the p and the curses Elysia had hurled at Tarquin. Before Tarquin could respond, Lowell quickly added, ¡°We¡¯ve figured it out. Oriana was behind Ms. Thorne¡¯s kidnapping, but we¡¯ve got her under control now. I¡¯ve also contacted Mr. Huber, and I believe he¡¯ll be arriving shortly.¡± Tarquin didn¡¯t reply, his gaze fixed on Elysia for a long moment. ¡°Take her to the hospital!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Lowell reached out to lift Elysia. But before his hands could touch her, Tarquin bent down, scooping her up. Elysia was still unconscious, her small face nuzzled against his chest. Tarquin frowned, causing Lowell to flinch, ready to take over. Tarquin was known for disliking contact, especially with women, and Lowell half¨Cexpected him to drop her. 11:02 Instead, Tarquin just darkened his expression and did not cast Elysia lide. Holding her, he strode towards the wait Right as they reached the entrance The ditepted structure, Kenton rushed towards them Chapter 158 Chapter 158 Keaton¡¯s hair was a tousled mess, a clear sign that he¡¯d just rolled out of bed in a hurry. His usually perfect hair was in wild disarray as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and tried to make sense of the commation. ¡°What the hell is going on here?¡± Oriana was on the floor, her body shaking like a leaf in a storm, tears streaming down her face. When she saw Keaton, it was as if she had seen an angel. She finally allowed herself to cry out, ¡°Mr. Huber, please, save me! Oh God, save me.¡± Keaton nced at her briefly before his eyes found Elysia cradled in Tarquin¡¯s arms. His heart raced with panic. ¡°What in the world happened?¡± Lowell looked at him with pity ¡°Your ex¨Cgirlfriend¡¯s a real piece of work! Keep her in line, will ya? I never want to see her face again!¡± Tarquin¡¯s roar was so fierce it could have blown the roof off the building. Anyone who knew Tarquin knew that he was seriously pissed off. This wasn¡¯t just anger, this was fury. Keaton stood there, dazed, watching Tarquin¡¯s retreating back. Lowell leaned in and whispered, ¡°That ex of yours kidnapped Ms. Thorne and brought a gang to¡­ well, you know. Tarquin was supposed to meet Ms. Thorne for coffee and couldn¡¯t get ahold of her. He went to her ce and found out what happened. Man, you need to sort this mess out. Tarquin¡¯s really furious. Your ex¡­ she¡¯s really something else¡± Lowell cast a nce at Oriana, shook his head in disgust, and walked away. He didn¡¯t even mention that Tarquin had been pped, not wanting to embarrass him further. Once everyone had left, Keaton turned to Oriana, his normally warm brown eyes now icy cold. ¡°So, did they get it wrong? Are you innocent?¡± Oriana was too frightened to lie, her tears unstoppable as she shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Huber, I just¡­ I was just so mad, I¡­¡± ¡°Mad? What gives you the right to be mad? You me others for your own failures in the market?¡± ¡°L¡­ I just¡­.. ¡°Oriana, I underestimated you. You had the gall to mess with Tarquin¡¯sdy.¡± ¡°Tarquin? Tarquin Bradford?¡± ¡°Who else?¡± The fear in Oriana¡¯s eyes intensified as realization dawned on her. She had never met Tarquin, so she didn¡¯t recognize him earlier. Now, understanding who she had crossed, she was terrified, bowing her head repeatedly in desperation. ¡°Mr. Huber, please, I didn¡¯t mean to, I swear. I didn¡¯t know she was with Mr. Bradford. Please, have mercy!¡± Keaton looked at her, devoid of any sympathy, ¡°Ever hear the saying ¡®y stupid games, win stupid prizes¡°?¡± Oriana gasped. ¡°And another one, ¡®You reap what you sow.¡± The murderous intent in Keaton¡¯s gaze was unmistakable. ¡°Mr. Huber, I¡¯m begging you, don¡¯t kill me! It was all N¡¯s idea. She said she would help me get even. She told me if I could force Ms. Thorne to confess to Gage¡¯s mess, I could take my anger out on Elysia. N promised that even if the sky fell, Mr. Bradford would have my back. I didn¡¯t know Elysia was his woman, I swear¡­¡± ¡°N?¡± Keaton¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Yes, yes, I¡¯m telling the truth¨Cyou can check! Please believe me¡­¡± Keaton¡¯s eyes flickered with thought, then he turned to his bodyguard, ¡°Looks like it¡¯s time for the Suttons to vanish. Tarquin doesn¡¯t want to see her again. Let her and the Sutton family disappear together.¡± Oriana¡¯s eyes widened in horror. ¡°Mr. Huber, please, don¡¯t kill me, I¡¯m begging you¡­¡± ¡°Kill you? Why would I dirty my hands? Murder is for those without ss,¡± Keaton said tly, already turning to leave. As Oriana watched him walk away, the phrase ¡®worse than death¡® echoed in her mind. She screamed after him, ¡°Mr. Huber, please¡­ Mr. Huber!¡± But her pleas were swallowed by the chill of the morning air. Chapter 159 Chapter 159 Keaton didn¡¯t even nce back as he climbed into his car, scratching his head while he dialed Benjamin. ¡°Did Tarquin swing by to see you?¡± ¡°Yeah, Lowell just called me, asked me to hustle over to the hospital. Said Ms. Thorne fainted from shock. I¡¯m off duty today, so I¡¯m not at the hospital, but I¡¯m heading there now.¡± Keaton let out a sigh. ¡°Alright, you get there fast. I¡¯m on my way too. And hey, make sure she¡¯s taken care of, alright? Keep Ms. Thorne safe, and I swear I¡¯ll bankroll a new top¨Cnotch hospital for you.¡± ¡°What? What happened?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a long story, damn it, got screwed over by a woman! Gotta go, just get to the hospital and round up your best docs. Make sure she¡¯s okay!¡± After hanging up, Keaton couldn¡¯t help but scratch his head again. Damn, done in by a dame, capsized in the gutter! This was the first time an ex had caused him such trouble, and boy, did it blow up in his face! Driving towards the hospital, Keaton made another call. ¡°Dig up everything on N messing with Oriana to get at Elysia. I want the full scoop in thirty minutes!¡± Once Elysia was taken to the hospital, shey in bed, eyes closed, yet screaming, ¡°Get away from me! Don¡¯t touch me! Go! Go! Go away- Tarquin stood by the bed, his face stormy. ¡°Is she awake or not?¡± Benjamin said, ¡°She¡¯s not awake. This is a reaction to the trauma. She must be terrified.¡± Tarquin just stood there, brooding. ¡°Please step out. I¡¯ll do a full exam to see if she¡¯s hurt anywhere.¡± Tarquin nced at Elysia, and then, as if possessed, he said, ¡°Get a female doctor.¡± Benjamin was puzzled. Tarquin, looking like he knew exactly what he was talking about, said, ¡°She was nearly humiliated today. Seeing a man might upset her more. Have a woman check her.¡± With that, he turned and left. Benjamin was frozen for a few seconds but decided to follow his advice and called in two female doctors to examine Elysia. Stepping out into the hallway, Benjamin saw Tarquin at the end of the corridor, lighting up a cigarette, and asked Lowell, ¡°What the hell happened? Keaton also called me, said to take care of Ms. Thorne no matter what.¡± Lowell shrugged in resignation, ¡°Mr. Huber was yed by a woman.¡± No matter who was behind it, or whether they had broken up or not, the fact that Oriana was his ex couldn¡¯t be changed. It was because of him that Oriana had picked a fight with Elysia. So, one way or another, Keaton was responsible. Benjamin was still curious about what exactly had gone down when Keaton rushed in, anxious. ¡°How is she? How¡¯s Ms. Thorne?¡± ¡°Nothing serious from the initial check, no obvious injuries. We¡¯re still running a full exam.¡± Keaton breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°No serious harm, that¡¯s good. Where¡¯s Tarquin?¡± ¡°Over there, having a smoke.¡± Keaton nced toward the smoking area and once again scratched his head, ¡°Wish me luck.¡± With that, he braced himself and walked toward the smoking area. Upon reaching Tarquin, Keaton immediately pulled out his phone, presenting all the gathered info. ¡°I can¡¯t duck responsibility for what happened today. Rest assured, I¡¯ve got people on it. I promise you by today the Sutton family will be history in Jindale City. They won¡¯t be bothering you again. And look here, I¡¯ve pieced together the whole mess. The mastermind is 11.02 Chapter 1DU N Turns out, when Gage was in trouble, someone really did threaten him to stay away from Elysia! They said if he dared to hassle Elysia again, next time they¡¯d go straight for his life! Chapter 160 Chapter 160 N was fuming, and she hatched a n to teach Elysia a lesson through Oriana¡¯s unwitting help! She also intended to capture evidence of Elysia conspiring against Gage, and then confront Tarquin with it, demanding he take her side. After Tarquin read the message, he didn¡¯t utter a word, just took a long drag on his cigarette. Keaton, sensing Tarquin¡¯s irritation, kept quiet too, sharing a silent smoke. A littleter, Benjam¨ªn came to call them, ¡°Ms. Thome wasn¡¯t hurt. She¡¯s just shaken up. She¡¯s awake now.¡± ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? A that, Tarquin stubbed out his cigarette and hurried to the hospital room. Elysia was propped up in her bed, staring out the window in a daze. Seeing Tarquin, she burst out, ¡°Get out! Just get out!¡± Tarquin scowled, ¡°I didn¡¯t even do anything to you!¡± But Elysia, trembling with rage, tossed a vase at him, shouting, ¡°Get out, I can¡¯t stand the sight of you! Go away-¡± She couldn¡¯t contain her fury. Just the sight of him infuriated her! It annoyed her! It reminded her of that night¡¯s madness and terror! Benjamin quickly pulled Tarquin out of the room and said, ¡°Ms. Thomne just woke up; she can¡¯t be agitated. What did you do to her to make her react like this?¡± Tarquin felt wronged, ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything! No, wait, I saved her! That¡¯s right, I saved her, for heaven¡¯s sake!* ¡°Huh? If you saved her, why is she so hostile towards you?¡± ¡°How should I know?!¡± Tarquin roared. Benjamin flinched and tried to calm him down, ¡°Take a breath, man. Ms. Thome probably mistook you for one of those jerks that hurt her.¡± ¡°But she was awake when I saved her!¡± ¡°Really? That¡¯s odd. She should be grateful to see you* He didn¡¯t need her to weep with gratitude; if she could just appreciate what he did and take good care of Elijah, that would be enough. But instead¡­ ¡°No good deed goes unpunished!¡± Tarquin bellowed, storming out of the hospital and leaving Elysia behind Lowell, at a loss, contacted Blossom, knowing she was Elysia¡¯s close friend. Blossom rushed to the hospital as soon as she got the news. Seeing Elysia on the bed, she paled. ¡°Elysia! What happened to you? What¡¯s going on?¡± Elysia, seeing her friend, burst into tears and hugged her. ¡°Blossom¡­* ¡°I¡¯m here, I¡¯m here. Don¡¯t be scared, I¡¯ve got you.¡± Once Elysia calmed down, she recounted the ordeal to Blossom, ¡°I was angry at them, but I hadn¡¯t lost my mind, not until I saw him. His face was just too much for me. I really thought he was that brute from years ago! When those guys were on top of me, I shed back to that night six years ago. And then he showed up¡­ It was like reliving the past. I wanted to hurt him! But I couldn¡¯t fight him off; he had my hands pinned, and I couldn¡¯t even hit back. I was powerless¡­ These past days, she¡¯d slowly gotten used to his face. She¡¯d even started to approach him for Elijah¡¯s sake. But today, the nightmare resurfaced, and her emotions spiraled out of control. Chapter 161 Chapter 161 30.09 After listening to the whole story, Blossom was both furious and heartbroken, her eyes reddening with emotion. ¡°Damn it, Oriana has the nerve to pull this crap? We¡¯re suing her, let her rot in jail! And that guy, that¡­ that jerk. Okay, so he helped you out this time, but it doesn¡¯t erase what he did to you before! We¡¯ll sue him too! They think they¡¯re above thew? Well, they¡¯re not! I¡¯m calling my folks right now to get us a lawyer. We¡¯re not letting them get away with this!¡± Blossom started fumbling for her phone, tears choking her voice, but Elysia stopped her, ¡°Wait, let¡¯s not be hasty.¡± ¡°What do you mean? You don¡¯t want to sue them?¡± Elysia sniffled, ¡°I¡¯ve already called the police. Oriana will get what¡¯sing to her. Thew will handle it.¡± ¡°And what about¡­ the jerk?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want anything to do with him anymore. I want a divorce with my husband, and I want out, fast!¡± Just this morning, she was all excited, making breakfast for Elijah, braving the snowstorm to deliver it to Sunshine Community. She wasn¡¯t in a hurry to leave anymore. But now, she couldn¡¯t stand to stay another second. She wanted out! More than getting back at Oriana or dealing with the jerk, she wanted to leave now! ¡°But isn¡¯t your husband refusing to divorce? He won¡¯t even meet with you. How can you divorce him? Will you just leave without it?¡± Elysia shook her head and said, ¡°No, I need to be divorced before I go.¡± ¡°But¡­ do you have any ideas?¡± Elysia thought hard, frowning. ¡°Keaton!¡± ¡°Huh? What¡¯s the n?¡± Elysia exined, ¡°Oriana is his ex, and even though they¡¯re broken up, this mess started because of him. If Jessamine finds out, she¡¯ll tear him a new one. I can use this to talk to him¡­ Plus, isn¡¯t he close with my husband? I¡¯lly it out for him. If he can get my husband to divorce me, I¡¯ll drop today¡¯s incident.¡± Blossom pondered for a moment and said, ¡°It sounds like it might work, but who knows if it¡¯ll be sessful.¡± ¡°Sess or not, we¡¯ve got to try! I need this divorce, and fast!¡± While Elysia was plotting her divorce, Tarquin had already arrived at the ter family residence. Donovan ter was at the office when he heard Tarquin wasing, so he rushed home. He greeted Tarquin with more warmth than he would his own father, ¡°Tarquin, you should have told me you wereing; I would have waited for you at home instead of making you wait here.¡± Tarquin was cool andposed as he said, ¡°No need. I¡¯m here for N, and to check in on Gage while I¡¯m at it.¡± Donovan, an old fox, could tell something was off with Tarquin and started to panic. He forced a smile, ¡°N¡­ Did she upset you again?¡± Tarquin didn¡¯t bite. Donovan¡¯s eyelids twitched madly as he quickly said. ¡°I¡¯ve spoiled her rotten, to the point where she dares to upset you! She¡¯s just taking advantage of being Elijah¡¯s lifesaver, that¡¯s why she¡¯s acting so entitled around you. Just wait until she gets back; I¡¯ll set her straight!¡± In criticizing N, Donovan was actually reminding Tarquin that N was Elijah¡¯s lifesaver. Tarquin could read between the lines. He didn¡¯t respond and just waited with a stern face for N. Donovan swallowed nervously and reached for his phone to call N. Just then, N arrived, bursting through the door and starting to rant. Chapter 162 Chapter 162 ¡°Tarquin! What brings you by today? Got some time on your hands?¡± N chirped, her voice bubbling with surprise and delight. She was in the midst of a shopping spree with her friends while waiting for a message from Oriana. The news that Oriana had sessfully kidnapped Elysia had sent waves of glee through N¡¯s heart. With a grand gesture, she treated her group of girlfriends to high tea and avish lunch. They were all buzzing with excitement when word got out that Tarquin hade to see her. The girls couldn¡¯t hide their envy as one sighed dramatically, ¡°Ah, N¡¯s got the golden ticket. We can¡¯t even get a glimpse of Mr. Bradford, and there he goes knocking on N¡¯s door!¡± ¡°Exactly! N, you gotta spill the beans. Did you and Mr. Bradford have a tiff after he announced you two weren¡¯t an item?¡± ¡°Is that even a question? It¡¯s all a lovers¡® tiff. They have a spat, pretend to break up, and now here he is, making amends. Bet they¡¯ll be announcing their engagement before we know it.¡± ¡°Oh N, you¡¯re so lucky. Who else but you to fill Mrs. Bradford¡¯s shoes?¡± ¡°Remember us when you¡¯re rolling in it, N. Once you¡¯re Mrs. Bradford, you better not forget your old pals.¡± N basked in their ttery, feeling on top of the world. was ¡± he¡® It was as if Tarquin¡¯s visit was truly a peace offering, as if about to be Mrs. Bradford herself. Without giving Tarquin a chance to speak, N bubbled over, ¡°Tarquin, I¡¯m in such a great mood today. If you¡¯re free, why don¡¯t you join me for some shopping?¡± Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed, and he gave her a cold, piercing look. N, oblivious to Tarquin¡¯s irritation, was still lost in her own joyous bubble. ¡°Tarquin, don¡¯t be shy. Just say what¡¯s on your mind.¡± His voice was ice, ¡°Did you contact Oriana?¡± N¡¯s heart skipped a beat, her expression shifting instantly. ¡°Tarquin, what are you talking about?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t like games or maniptions,¡± he said, his tone hardening. ¡°I¡¯m only here because of the time you helped Elijah.¡± N panicked. Tarquin pressed on, ¡°Did you reach out to Oriana?¡± ¡°LL¡± Donovan, clueless about the extent of the situation and seeing Tarquin¡¯s serious demeanor, quickly chided his daughter, ¡°Speak up! Tell the truth!¡± N, feeling cornered, confessed, ¡°I¡­I did reach out to Oriana.¡± ¡°What for?¡± Facing Tarquin¡¯s icy gaze, N stammered, ¡°I heard that¡­ that wretch Elysia caused Oriana and Mr. Huber to break up. We¡¯re like sisters, so I went to console her.¡± ¡°And then?¡± ¡°And then¡­ I told her not to be afraid of Elysia, that I¡¯d help her.¡± ¡°So you suggested that she kidnap Elysia, force her to confess to setting up Gage, and then¡­ what? Have people take advantage of her?¡± Tarquin¡¯s voice was rising with usation. Realizing that Tarquin was here to call her out, N quickly tried to defend herself, ¡°I didn¡¯t tell Oriana to go that far. That was all her doing. I just wanted her help to find out if Elysia was behind my uncle¡¯s troubles. My uncle said the assant warned him to stay away from Elysia or else he¡¯d be killed! That¡¯s my uncle we¡¯re talking about. I was furious. Elysia seduced my uncle first and then got him into such a mess!¡± ¡°Are you any better than her?¡± Tarquin suddenly cut her off, his voice sharp and unforgiving. N was taken aback. Even Donovan was startled. Chapter 163 Chapter 163 Tarquin, despite his influential position, always acted like a true gentleman around them. He was invariably polite and never let a swear word slip from his lips. So N thought she must have misheard him. ¡°Tarquin, what¡­.. what did you just say?¡± Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed as he articted every word, ¡°Do you think Elysia is cheap? If she¡¯s cheap, what does that make you?¡± N¡¯s eyos instantly brimmed with tears, ¡°Tarquin, you¡­¡± *If she¡¯s cheap, you¡¯re not even worth that!¡°. ¡°Tarquin! What are you saying? Waaah¡­¡± N burst into tears. Donovan listened in stunned silence, not daring to interrupt. Only Tarquin could have the audacity toe into his home and insult someone like this. Anyone else would have been beaten senseless by now! Tarquin continued, ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know what kind of man your uncle is? As if anyone would be interested in seducing him. Does he even have what it takes to be seduced? With his character, it¡¯s a sign of strength for a woman not to feel disgusted at the sight of him, let alone go out of her way to seduce him. What woman would be so desperate?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°And you, do you really think that just because you helped Elijah, you can act however you want around me? I¡¯m grateful, but I¡¯m not a fool, and I certainly won¡¯t indulge you! Oriana is already in custody, and you can watch the news to see how that turns out for her. It¡¯s only because she doesn¡¯t have direct evidence against you that you haven¡¯t been arrested by the police! If you were taken away, don¡¯t expect me to bail you out! I can provide financial support to the ter family, but I won¡¯t be an essory to wrongdoing! You¡¯re an adult, and adults must face the consequences of their actions. This world is harsh, everyone¡¯s struggling to make their way, and nobody¡¯s going to coddle you out of the goodness of their heart! I¡¯mying it out for you today, Elysia is under my protection ¨C dare to mess with her again, and you¡¯ll see!¡± With those cold words, Tarquin got up and left. N copsed to the floor in a sobbing heap¡­ Seeing this, Donovan snapped out of his daze and hurried after Tarquin, ¡°Tarquin, Tarquin, please cool down. N¡¯s just being foolish, she¡­¡± ¡°You know she¡¯s foolish, then keep her at home and teach her some sense until she¡¯s fit to be seen in public! It¡¯d spare everyone else from her nonsense!¡± Donovan¡¯s face turned beet red with embarrassment, ¡°Tarquin¡­¡± Tarquin continued, ¡°A father¡¯s failure is not teaching his children. Mr. ter, you failed as a father and are not qualified to coborate with the Bradford Group. All dealings with the ter Group are suspended, effective immediately! Mr. ter, you¡¯d best spend this time at home teaching your daughter.¡± Donovan gasped, his eyes wide with shock. All their dealings suspended? This could be the death of the ter family! ¨C Donovan rushed out after him, ¡°Tarquin, listen to me, I¡¯ll discipline N, but we can¡¯t stop the coboration if it stops, the ter family will¡­¡± Tarquin had already gotten into his car, not even ncing back. Lowell held Donovan back, his tone polite but his eyes distant, ¡°Mr. ter, don¡¯t bother chasing after him. Tarquin¡¯s not in the mood to talk. You might as well spend your energy having a heart¨Cto¨Cheart with your daughter. What Ms. ter has been up to¡­ well, it¡¯s a sad state of affairs.¡± With a sigh, Lowell got into the car. Donovan watched Tarquin¡¯s car drive away, stamping his foot in frustration. ¡°Damn it all!¡± Donovan stormed off, cursing as he went to find N. Lowell, driving the car, nced in the rear¨Cview mirror to see Tarquin rubbing his temples and offered some advice, ¡°Don¡¯t let it get to you. At least Ms. Thorne is safe.¡± 10:10 ¡°Am I upset over her? What does her being in trouble or not have to do with me?¡± Tarquin snapped back. Lowell¡¯s lips twitched, ¡°Right, right, my mistake. You¡¯re not upset because of Ms. Thome, you¡¯re upset because of Ms. ter. She¡¯s truly a femme fatale.¡± ¡°Are you blind? Does she look like a femme fatale to you?¡± Lowell cleared his throat awkwardly. ¡°Ahem, no, she¡¯s just trouble.¡± Chapter 164 Chapter 164 the doesn¡¯t even deserve to be called trouble! She¡¯s so vile and nasty, she¡¯s a venomous viper!¡± ¡°Yeah! A venomous viper!¡± ¡°What do you mean, yeah? Do you just echo everything I say? Don¡¯t you have a mind of your own?¡± Lowell was speechless. Lord have mercy, let me vanish right here and now. Whatever I say is wrong! Might as well be invisible! Tarquin¡¯s fuming because he went out on a limb for Elysia, and instead of gratitude, he got pped, berated, and bickered with, right? And he won¡¯t even admit it! Lowell thought blowing off some steam at the ter family gathering would do the trick, but it¡¯s only getting worse. At this rate, was Lowell gonna work himself into an early grave? The vibe in the car was all kinds of awkward, and Lowell, with a lump in his throat, said, ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t have opinions; I¡¯m just scared to voice them. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll make you madder.¡± ¡°So I¡¯m such a tyrant that you can¡¯t even speak up?¡± Lowell scrambles to rify, ¡°No, no, you¡¯ve got the patience of a saint.¡± ¡°If you can¡¯t talk right, then get lost, and don¡¯t give me that sarcastic tone.¡± Lowell was on the verge of tears as he thought, ¡°Saying you¡¯re patient is no good, but suggesting you¡¯re not would probably get me booted out of the car!¡± ¡°Tarquin, cool it, will ya? Let me break it down for you. Take today for instance. It¡¯s definitely Ms. Thorne who¡¯s out of line. You saved her, you¡¯re her hero. Instead, she not only hits you but curses you out. That¡¯s just ungrateful.¡± It¡¯s like biting the hand that feeds you!¡± ¡°Exactly, that¡¯s what I¡¯m saying.¡± Tarquin snorted coldly. Lowell went on, ¡°But see, I get where she¡¯sing from, too. She was bullied today, nearly got in a real mess. She must have been scared, desperate, and all worked up. When she saw you, her first thought wasn¡¯t how good you¡¯ve been to her; it was your past behavior towards her¡­¡± ¡°I treated her badly in the past?¡± ¡°Well¡­ not your finest hour.¡± Tarquin¡¯s face darkened as he said, ¡°Even if it wasn¡¯t great, it¡¯s her own doing.¡± ¡°Right, right, it¡¯s all her fault. You couldn¡¯t possibly be wrong.¡± Tarquin, mistaking Lowell¡¯s agreement for sarcasm, shot him a re. Lowell quickly switched gears, ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say is, regardless of who was at fault before, you definitely don¡¯t have a ster image in Ms. Thorne¡¯s eyes. So after her ordeal today, she took out all her frustration and anger on you.¡± Tarquin frowned. ¡°So she thinks I¡¯m a pushover?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that. It¡¯s one thing after another. I think she¡¯s getting a bit spoiled.¡± ¡°Who¡¯s spoiling her, huh?¡± Lowell¡¯s scalp tingled. ¡°No one, 1 misspoke, my apologies.¡± If you¡¯re not spoiling her, would you be holding her? If you¡¯re not spoiling her, would she have you this riled up? If you really weren¡¯t spoiling her, Elysia wouldn¡¯t dare to throw a tantrum in front of you, let alone p you. ¡°I treat her differently, all because of Elijah. If it wasn¡¯t for him, she¡¯d have been gone a hundred times over!¡± Lowell nodded. ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± Whatever you say is right. But from what I know about you, even for Elijah¡¯s sake, you wouldn¡¯t let a woman get away with that. Last time at the bar, it was Elysia who made the move on you, you were caught off guard. But this time, you held her of your own ord, didn¡¯t 10:10 you? You¡¯re the one holding her, and you¡¯re the one getting worked up about it! If it were someone else, say N, you¡¯d probably steer clear! The onlooker sees tho of the game, you might think your special treatment of Elysia is all because of Elijah. But actually? Your body know what I mean, Lowell thought clearly doesn¡¯t reject Elysia. A kiss here, a p there, and getting up close and personal ¨C ahem, you silently. Lowell can¡¯t figure it out. Isn¡¯t this what falling in love looks like? Calling it love might be a stretch since someone is still in denial, but saying love is on the way? That sounds about right. Chapter 165 Chapter 165 ¡°Dig deep and find out who did this to Gage!¡± Tarquin blurted out suddenly. Lowell snapped back to the present, his expression growing stern. ¡°Right, I¡¯ll make a call.¡± After visiting the ter family, Tarquin had made a point of seeking out Gage to get the lowdown. Gage had confessed that the attacker made it clear he was targeted because he had been bullying Elysia, The attacker had threatened that if Gage messed with Elysia again, next time he would be signing his own death warrant! Gage had even tried to bribe his way out, offering the attacker ten times the payoff to let him off the hook, but the attacker just sneered and said, ¡°Money isn¡¯t my only motivator. I¡¯m not some gun for hire that jumps at the highest bidder!¡± So, it was all because of Elysia. Someone was avenging her. It could be that the attacker knew Elysia personally, harbored deep feelings for her, and after learning of Gage¡¯s repeated harassment, decided to take matters into his own hands. Or it could be that the person who paid for the hit knew Elysia. And that the attacker and the client had a close bond, leading the former to act in defense of Elysia. But after all this time getting to know her, they were almost sure of one thing: Elysia was just an ordinary woman. She hadn¡¯t been back to Jindale City for ages, with no clout to speak of there. The most influential people she knew were Winona and Blossom. But Blossom came from an esteemed academic family, and with her demeanor, she wasn¡¯t the type to orchestrate something as heinous as castrating Gage. Winona, though a fiercedy, wasn¡¯t even in Jindale City and was probably oblivious to Elysia¡¯s return. So, the mystery remained: who was taking up arms for her? This person must have strong feelings for Elysia, considering Gage¡¯s sensitive status and his ties to Tarquin. Without a deep affection for Elysia, no one would dare make a move. Then there was the time someone breached the Bradford Group¡¯s security system, sent him an invitation, and hijacked his billion¨Cdor deal overnight¡­ Tarquin was now suspecting that Elysia had a guardian angel. And it was very likely someone she was unaware of! Or perhaps she knew of this person, but was clueless about his actions. In any case, Tarquin wanted to get to the bottom of it. After Lowell hung up the phone and delegated the tasks, Tarquin said, ¡°Focus on Zane.¡± ¡°Huh? You still suspect Zane? But he doesn¡¯t have that kind of money. Not Zane, not even the entire Newsom family could cough up billions overnight.¡± 09:56 Lowell thought Tarquin was still on about Zane stealing their business. Tarquin replied city. The one who breached our security might not be him, but the one who hurt Gage could well be Lowell was taken aback. ¡°You think Zane was the attacker? But he knows full well Gage is connected to us. Would he dare touch Gage¡± re¡¯s nothing he wouldn¡¯t dare if Gage crossed a line. Forget about emascting him; he¡¯d kill him if pushed You mean, Ms. Thome is Zane¡¯s breaking point?¡± Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, but he didn¡¯t respond. Lowell ventured, ¡°But Zane and Ms. Thome aren¡¯t that close, and she¡¯s not his wife.¡± ¡°She doesn¡¯t have to be his wife. She could be his one that got away.¡± Really? But the rumor mill says Zane¡¯s head over heels for Ms. Newsom. High school sweethearts turned life partners, the picture of love. Ms. Newsom¡¯s his ¡®one that got away.¡± ¡°The one that got away¡® is the one you can¡¯t have. If he¡¯s already married her, how does she fit that bill?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got a point there, but how did you figure Zane has a thing for Ms. Thorne?¡± ¡°Just a hunch¡± ¡°Strange¡­ I¡¯ve seen them together as much as you have, and I didn¡¯t catch a whiff of that.¡± ¡°You¡¯re blind and dense!¡± Lowell was left speechless. Wasn¡¯t this just a friendly chat? How did it turn into a personal attack? The sound of iing messages interrupted their tense exchange. Chapter 166 Chapter 166 Tarquin¡¯s phone rang, and it was Heath, the butler, on the other end of the line. Whenever Heath called, it usually meant there was something up with Elijah. Tarquin picked up, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Heath was practically buzzing with joy, his voice quivering with emotion, ¡°Mr. Bradford, Elijah asked for food on his own! He¨Che¨Che just came looking for me to ask when you¡¯d be back. Said he wanted some pastry! It¡¯s the first time in years I¡¯ve heard him ask for food himself! I¡¯m so moved! He mentioned you made him pastry this morning, along with some side dishes, and he said he wanted more of the same. I¡¯ve already got people gathering the ingredients as per Elijah¡¯s request. When will you be back to cook for him? What time can you make it home?¡± Tarquin¡¯s lips twitched uncontrobly. His son suddenly showing interest in food should be a cause for celebration, pure joy! But those pastry and side dishes were made by Elysia! Considering Elysia¡¯s current attitude towards him, Tarquin felt a headacheing on. She can¡¯t stand the sight of me, how¡¯s she supposed to take care of my boy? ¡°Just say I¡¯m still tied up and might bete getting back. Have him eat something else in the meantime.¡± After hanging up, Tarquin dialed Keaton immediately, ¡°Elijah wants the meal Elysia made. If you can¡¯t get Elysia to cook for him, you¡¯re in for it!¡± Keaton¡¯s eyes bulged, ¡°What?¡± Tarquin hung up, passing the buck Keaton¡¯s way. When Keaton tried to redial, Tarquin cut the call. Keaton tried again, but found himself blocked. With a head full of troubles, Keaton had no choice but to call Lowell. ¡°What¡¯s the situation? What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Lowell exined sheepishly, ¡°Ms. Thorne made breakfast for Elijah this morning. Elijah took quite a liking to it. Heath just called to say Elijah¡¯s asked for food himself, wanting more of what he had this morning.¡± ¡°What? Elijah¡¯s asking for food? That¡¯s progress, isn¡¯t it? A sign his condition¡¯s improving! Tarquin should be over the moon! Why¡¯s he biting my head off?¡± Lowell, realizing Keaton had missed the crux of the matter, repeated, ¡°But the meal Elijah wants is the one Ms. Thorne made. And right now, Ms. Thorne can¡¯t bear to be around Tarquin, so¡­ it¡¯s on you to make something happen.¡± Keaton finally got it, his eyes wide. ¡°What am I supposed to do?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know either.¡± Lowell groaned, ¡°Because your ex¨Cgirlfriend ticked off Ms. Thorne, Tarquin is catching the fallout. If it weren¡¯t for today¡¯s mess, Tarquin would¡¯ve approached Ms. Thorne himself.¡± Keaton sighed after hanging up, racking his brain to the point of near baldness from all the scratching. Elysia couldn¡¯t even stand Tarquin, let alone him. If he approached Elysia, would she send him packing with a swift punch? 09:57 After all, Oriana wasn¡¯t Tarquin¡¯s ex, she was his! ¡°Jeez¡­ Do I look like I¡¯m cursed or what?¡± Keaton muttered to himself. He needed to figure out how to apologize to Elysia. And he had to think of a way to persuade her to cook again for Elijah. If he couldn¡¯t manage that, never mind Tarquin killing him, he wouldn¡¯t be able to face Elijah. His godson finally showed some interest in eating, and because of him, he might go hungry. Wasn¡¯t that just a sin? How could he ever face Elijah and still be called ¡®godfather¡®? If he couldn¡¯t handle this right, his conscience would eat him alive. But how to handle it? Keaton thought long and hard, his neurons firing on all cylinders, but couldn¡¯te up with a solid n. So, with sheer grit, he decided to take a gift and go see Elysia. Chapter 167 Chapter 167 The hospital room was now a solitary sanctuary for Elysia, the hum of the fluorescent lights above a steadypanion. Blossom went to pick up the boys, a routine as familiar as the back of her hand. The police hade and gone, their questions and Elysia¡¯s answers now just echo in the sterile space. When Keaton walked in, Elysia couldn¡¯t help but furrow her brow in instinctive disapproval. Keaton, caught in an awkward moment, tried to break the ice with a sheepish grin. ¡°Hey there.¡± Elysia eyed him warily, letting silence speak volumes. Clearing his throat to pierce the silence, Keaton set down an expensive¨Clooking gift beside her bed and took a seat, resembling a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. ¡°Look, about today¡­ I apologize. I had no idea Oriana could be such a drama queen! I messed up, and I¡¯m sorry.¡± Elysia¡¯s expression softened slightly at his seemingly sincere contrition. After all, it wasn¡¯t his face that needed pping¨Cit was Oriana¡¯s, and she wasn¡¯t even here. Besides, Oriana was nothing more than Keaton¡¯s ex¨Cwater under the bridge. If Keaton thought he was off the hook, Elysia wasn¡¯t one to argue, especially considering the legalities. And there was something she needed from him. Her potential divorce from Tarquin might very well hinge on his assistance. So, with Keaton¡¯s apology hanging in the air, Elysia offered her olive branch, ¡°This mess isn¡¯t your fault, it¡¯s Oriana¡¯s.¡± Keaton seized the truce eagerly, ¡°You¡¯re younger than me, so I¡¯ll just call you Elysia, alright? You are, without a doubt, the most understanding and level¨Cheaded woman I¡¯ve ever met. Not to mention beautiful. I really dig that about you.¡± Elysia shot back instantly, ¡°Don¡¯t go falling for me now.¡± Keaton¡¯s face dropped, baffled by her mix of suspicion and distaste. He knew all too well the number of girls who would kill for his attention, but Elysia was out of his league¨Cfirstly, his sister would never have it, and secondly, Elysia was Tarquin¡¯s territory. ¡°I mean, I admire you, that¡¯s all,¡± Keaton backpedaled, ¡°With my sister breathing down my neck, I wouldn¡¯t dare make a move on you.¡± Elysia¡¯s lips twitched slightly, ¡°I¡¯ve reported today¡¯s incident to the police. They¡¯ve already taken statement. I hope you won¡¯t cover for Oriana.¡± She was afraid Keaton might shield Oriana, allowing her to evade justice. ¡°You have my word, I won¡¯t cover for her,¡± Keaton pledged earnestly. my Silence reimed the room as Elysia pondered how to broach the subject of Tarquin, while Keaton wondered how to tell her about Elijah¡¯s sudden craving for pastry. They both started to speak, then stopped, and Keaton, ever the gentleman, insisted, ¡°You first,dies first.¡± 09:57 Not one to decline, Elysia cut to the chase, ¡°I hear you know Tarquin Keaton looked puzzled. Of course, he knew Tarquin; she had seen them together. Why the sudden curiosity? ¡°I need to meet him. Could you possibly arrange that?¡± Elysia requested. Now Keaton was utterly perplexed. Hadn¡¯t she just been with Tarquin? Seeing his confusion, Elysia hastened to rify, ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I¡¯m not into him. It¡¯s strictly business. His status makes him hard to reach, and I¡¯ve heard you¡¯re close. I need your help to arrange a meeting.¡± Keaton¡¯s interest was piqued as he asked, ¡°Do you know who that good¨Clooking guy was who brought you here?¡± ¡°Elijah¡¯s father?¡± Elysia replied, with a hint of intrigue, not fully grasping the depth of the man¡¯s identity. Chapter 168 Chapter 168 Elysia frowned 1 didn¡¯t know him before I¡¯ve only met him recently: his name is Tarin. But I¡¯m not looking for him¨CI need to find Tarquin,¡± Keaton was silent for a moment Tann, huh Bold of him to im, and of her to believe Clearly. Tarquin was hiding his true identity, but Keaton didn¡¯t want to burst that bubble just yet. Instead, he asked, ¡°What do you want with Tarquin? lose it ¡°It¡¯s personal, I¡¯d mother not disclose it.¡± She had thought abouting clean to Keaton, maybe even enlisting his help to find Tarquin and get a divorce, but after giving it some serious thought, she decided it wasn¡¯t wise A secret mamage and a confidentiality agreement forced her to keep quiet. She couldn¡¯t tell anyone. If Keaton could just help her get a meeting with Tarquin, she was confident she could persuade him to sign those divorce papers Keaton considered for a few seconds before responding. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll keep it in mind. I¡¯ll let you know as soon as I hear anything.¡± ¡°Thanks in advance.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Actually, I¡¯ve got a favor to ask you too. Elijah¡¯s been hankering for more of those pastry you made. Would it be too much trouble to whip up another batch?¡± Elysia paused. ¡°Elijah?¡± Keaton rubbed his neck awkwardly, ¡°It was supposed to be Tarin who asked you, but since you don¡¯t want to see him, I¡¯m stepping in. Forget about Tarin for a second¨Cthink about Elijah. The kid might have a scumbag for a father, but he¡¯s a good kid. He¡¯s had it rough. with a mother who doesn¡¯t care about anything but herself. It¡¯s rare for him to ask for anything, so when he does, it means a lot. He¡¯s never asked for anything before, so could you possibly help out? I know it¡¯s tacky to talk money, but if you¡¯re still mad, go ahead and milk Tarin for all he¡¯s worth. Open your mouth wide and extort him¨Cit¡¯ll serve as your revenge.¡± Elysia replied, ¡°I¡¯m not so greedy as to kick a man when he¡¯s down and out.¡± ¡®Down and out?¡± ¡°Yeah, I know he¡¯s bankrupt now. I¡¯m not doing this for the money; it¡¯s just for Elijah,¡± After Elysia finished speaking, her phone rang. It was Blossom calling. She nced at Keaton and said, ¡°Til make something for Elijah and get in touch once it¡¯s ready. You can pick it up then. If there¡¯s nothing else, you can go back now.¡± Keaton nodded. ¡°Sure, sure. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll keep the Tarquin thing in mind¡± ¡°Thanks for your help.¡± Keaton left with a squint and a smile. As soon as Keaton stepped out, he saw Tarquin sitting in a car, smoking. Keaton slid into the passenger seat before Tarquin could argue and quickly said, ¡°Mission aplished. Elysia will make something for Elijahter¡± Tarquin gave him an inscrutable look and took a drag of his cigarette. He then exhaled slowly, trying to hide his relief that Elysia hadn¡¯t abandoned Elijah in her anger. Keaton was in high spirits as he asked, ¡°Heard you changed your name and went bust?¡± Tarquin flicked ash from his cigarette. ¡°Did you tell her who I am?¡± ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. So, how about treating me to dinner?¡± Tarquin pursed his lips and rolled his eyes, ignoring him. Keaton chuckled, ¡°I won¡¯t make you buy me dinner, but I kept your secret and asked her to make food for Elijah. We¡¯re even now.¡± Tarquin kept his cool and didn¡¯t reply Keaton pressed on, ¡°What¡¯s your game n here? Hiding your identity is one thing, but telling people you¡¯re bankrupt? Hoping for sympathy or looking to be a kept man? But from what I hear, Elysia isn¡¯t exactly living in thep of luxury. Aside from her stunning looks and figure, she doesn¡¯t have much else going for her. No connections, no influence, and three sons to raise. She doesn¡¯t have the spare cash to take pity on you.¡± Chapter 169 Chapter 169 partum Splithebeant what your mal agenda blowing t ng you about m it, jus Theard me right the specifically said Taron, not Tann And why does she want to meet me Baked but she was all hush¨Chush about said it was something important took a drag of cigarete, deep in thought what one could possibly want with hunt Did you guys have a past encounter or something Without hesitation, Tarun shook his head we looked into it, nothing ¡± ¡°That¡¯s just werd then the doesnt know you do what¡¯s this at about Tangan just shrugged. in silence If you go to this meeting, pode batrale nuding menat, an innat Tarquin ¡°Huh? You¡¯re actually gong ¡°Yeah¡± Enough with the proping¡± ¡°Hal You¡± Kestors sing was cut to cut to sina ¡°This Thesitate at Chane and Cysga mesa¡± is it. Soon enough, Elysia got the message that Tanquils agreed a meat her kamustive at suit Realy Dynia was ecstatic ¡°Yeah, totally So, where¡¯s gonna be call pets? Tm fine with anything to You had¡± ¡°Okay, 19 chucks fun and sand you The mais as soon ¡°Thanks M H did the Can the coun confident she cod persuade tem to di With the divorce he and pull the samona might if une could just jer su tum, r mai Sence Elijah loved her cooking she make a tightly set scored the meeting with Keaton chuckled, shaking her head with a yful smirk. ¡°So, spill the beans, what¡¯s your mal agenda here?¡± Tarquin remained silent Keaton ventured a guess. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re worried about blowing your cover because someone might fall for you? Don¡¯t tter yourself, buddy. Elysia told me today that she¡¯s just not that into you¡± Tarquin¡¯s expression dark ened ¡°What¡¯s she telling you about me for? She asked me to et up a meeting with you ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°You heard me right. She specifically said Tarquin, not Tarin!¡± ¡°And why does she want to meet me?¡± ¡°Beats me. I asked, but she was all hush¨Chush about it. Just said it was something important.¡± Tarquin took a drag of his cigarette, deep in thought. What on earth could Elysia possibly want with him? ¡°Did you guys have a past encounter or something?¡± Without hesitation, Tarquin shook his head. Tve looked into it, nothing That¡¯s just weird then She doesn¡¯t know you, so what¡¯s this all about?¡± Tarquin just shrugged in silence ¡°If you go to this meeting, you¡¯re basically outing yourself, you know?¡± Tarquin puffed on his cigarette in silence for a long moment before finally speaking up, ¡°Set it up!¡± ¡°Huh? You¡¯re actually going?¡± ¡°Yeah!¡± ¡°Are you sure? N Not womed about exposing yourself?¡± ¡°Enough with the yapping!¡± ¡°Ha! You ¡°Keaton¡¯s teasing was cut short by a call from Jessamine. His face went pale. ¡°This is it. This gotta be about Oriana and Elysia¡¯s mess.¡± Tarquin raised an eyebrow, a sarcastic glint in his eyes. ¡°Looks like karma¡¯s knocking.¡± Keaton just stared at his phone in dread. Soon enough, Elysia got the message that Tarquin agreed to meet her tomorrow at noon. ¡°Really? Elysia was ecstatic ¡°Yeah, totally. So, where¡¯s it gonna be? Your call or his?¡± Im fine with anything, I follow his lead.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll check with him and send you the details as soon as we¡¯ve got it pinned down.¡± ¡°Thanks, Mr. Huber¡® Keaton was almost bashful. ¡°No need to th didn¡¯t see the Oriana thinging¡± ¡°Uh, sure.¡± thank me, but hey¡­ if my sister calls you, could you put in a good word for me? I honestly After hanging up, Elysia was buzzing with excitement. She¡¯d see Tarquin tomorrow at noon. If she could just get to him, she was confident she could persuade him to divorce! With the divorce, she could finally register her kids, and put all this drama behind her. Elysia, in high spirits, processed her hospital discharge. She wasn¡¯t really hurt, it was just a shock to the system. Now that she had steadied her mind, she was ready to turn the page. Standing at the hospital¡¯s entrance, she hailed a cab, nning to hit the grocery store. Since Elijah loved her cooking, she¡¯d make a feast tonight, especially since she had scored the meeting with Tarquin ¨C a cause for celebration She called Blossom and shared the good news about her discharge, asking what she and the kids fancied for dinner so she could pick up the groceries. 11-21 ¡°Howe you¡¯re out already?¡± Blossom asked. 1 was fine, honestly. You didn¡¯t tell the kids, did you?¡± ¡°As you wished, not a word. They¡¯re in the living room, and I¡¯m in the bedroom. ¡°Good. Every cloud has a silver lining, right? I¡¯ve nailed the situation with my husband!¡± ¡°That so? Keaton came through?¡± ¡°Yeah, all set for tomorrow noon. ¡°Keaton¡¯s quick on his feet. This calls for a little celebration, doesn¡¯t it? How about I bring the little trio and we meet up?¡± ¡°Sounds good, let¡¯s head to Happy Mart.¡± ¡°Need a lift? ¡°No need. You bring the kids, and I¡¯ll cab it from the hospital.¡± ¡°Alrighty, kids, gear up! We¡¯re off to Happy Mart to meet your mommy.¡± ¡°Mommy¡¯s at Happy Mart? I thought you said Mommy might note home tonight because of some errand?¡± The three little ones babbled excitedly, vying for answers. Chapter 170 Chapter 170 Before knowing if Elysia could be discharged, Blossom had already given them a heads up. She prepared them for the possibility that Elysia might not be home tonight. Blossom¡¯s voice was bubbly over the phone. ¡°Your mom has wrapped up her business, and she¡¯s in such a great mood that she¡¯s nning to hit Happy Mart for some treats. She¡¯s gonna whip up a feast tonight.¡± ¡°Wow!¡± The three little ones screamed with excitement. Elysia, phone in hand, couldn¡¯t help but let a smile spread across her face as she listened to her children¡¯sughter. Their voices were the sweetest sound in the world. Keaton and Tanquin caught sight of that smile. After Elysia finished the discharge process, Tarquin followed her out. Maybe it was because Elijah was eager for her home¨Ccooked meals, he stuck close to her side. ¡°That smile of hers is as lovely as a blooming flower,¡± Keaton remarked from the driver¡¯s seat, genuinely moved. At that, Tarquin shot him a re. Keaton¡¯s brow arched in amusement, ¡°What are you ring at me for? You¡¯re not into her! If you¡¯re not, and she¡¯s not taken, so why can¡¯t I admire her? Tarquin rolled his eyes and took a drag of his cigarette. Keaton prodded, mischievously, ¡°Be a man and admit it, are you interested in her or not?¡± ¡°No.¡± Tarquin replied without a second thought. For real?¡± ¡®T¡¯m bored.¡± Keaton chuckled, ¡°You two would actually make a good match, at least where looks are concemed. Both single, both raising kids on your own. If you could make a family together, it¡¯d be perfect.¡± Keaton was on the same page as Lowell. Better to build something new with Elysia than to wait endlessly for a woman who was nowhere in sight. Elysia was beautiful, had a great figure, and was Tarquin¡¯s match. So what if if she was a bit less well¨Coff and ordinary? Tarquin didn¡¯t need a woman¡¯s status to bolster him. After all these years, it was only with Elysia that Tarquin¡¯s interactions had a hint of intrigue. And Tarquin was different with her than with other women. That¡¯s why both Keaton and Lowell were ying matchmaker. But Tarquin¡¯s response was a dark scowl, ¡°Buzz offi Keaton pursed his lips, exasperated, ¡°See, you¡¯re no fun. Can¡¯t even take a little talk What, Elysia isn¡¯t good enough for you? I think if Elysia got together with you, it¡¯d be you who¡¯s reaching. Look at you, not getting any younger, a bachelor past his prime. Stop being choosy. And honestly, I think you¡¯re into Ms. Thome. You definitely like her¡­¡± Tarquin interrupted, ¡°Should I get in touch with Jessamine and let her know you¡¯re fanciful about Elysia?¡± ¡°Damn! That¡¯s spreading rumors, man!¡± ¡°If you can gossip, why can¡¯t I?¡± Keaton paused for a moment before saying, ¡°Using my sister to threaten me? That¡¯s low.¡± ¡°I¡¯m your boss.¡± Keaton grumbled and stepped out of the car He needed to keep his distance from Tarquin and from Elysia too, to avoid his sister¡¯s wrath. In their phone conversation today, his sister had nearly chewed his head off. Lucky for him, they weren¡¯t face¨Cto¨Cface, or she would have killed him! After Keaton left, Tarquin lit another cigarette and watched Elysia in silence. Lowell, sitting at the wheel, had heard every word of their exchange. He couldn¡¯t help but add. ¡°Ms. Thome is quite a looker, and she¡¯s 11:20 hapter 170: got a beautiful smile. Plus, she¡¯s got a good heart. Any other woman might have been scared or upset for ages after what happened today. But look at her, just a few hourster, and she¡¯s already bouncing back. Either she¡¯s seen some real storms in her life, and today¡¯s troubles are nothing to her, or she¡¯s just exceptionally positive and optimistic about life.¡± ¡°Or she could just be an alrhead! Clueless and cheerfully oblivious.¡± Lowell was left speechless, thinking, ¡°Can¡¯t we just say something nice about her?¡± Chapter 171 Chapter 171 Over here, Elysia had just hung up the phone with Blossom when Jessamine¡¯s call came through. Jessamine said she had just finished tome shopping and was on her way to the hospital when Keaton told her Elysia had been discharged. Elysia replied with a chuckle. ¡°Yeah, I just got discharged. Don¡¯t bothering over; I¡¯m fine. It was just a bit of a scare, but I¡¯m all good now ¡°Ugh, I only just found out. And let me tell you about that One ¨C she¡¯s got some nerve! Not only is she audacious, but she hasn¡¯t shown a shred of remorse! The whole mall incident was brushed off by Keaton because she was his girlfriend at the time ¨C he treated it like a breakup settlement. But she¡¯s so ungratefull if I had known, I wouldn¡¯t have let her off so easily that day! Thank goodness you¡¯re okay. What if something serious had happened?¡± ¡°I¡¯m alright, so let¡¯s just put it behind us.¡± ¡°I gave Keaton an earful over the phone just now. Every day it¡¯s a new drama with him and his girlfriends. And now look, he¡¯s caused a scene! I haven¡¯t seen him in person yet, but just you wait until I do I¡¯m going to give him a piece of my mind¡± ¡°Well, Mr. Huber didn¡¯t see iting either, after all, Oriana is an ex of his, so I wouldn¡¯t say he¡¯s at fault.¡± ¡°Not at fault? He¡¯s the one who stirred up this mess! If he hadn¡¯t dated Oriana in the first ce, there wouldn¡¯t have been the mall incident, nor what happened today!¡± You could hear the frustration in Jessamine¡¯s voice. Elysia tried to soothe her, ¡°Mr. Huber already came to apologize today, and he actually did me a e a huge favor. I¡¯m quite thankful to him.¡± ¡°He owes you an apology! And if you ever need anything, just ask him. If he dares not help, I¡¯ll take care of him!¡± Elysia giggled, ¡°Sure.¡± After chatting with Jessamine for a bit and making ns to catch up another day, Elysia hung up. She felt a warm glow inside ¨C Jessamine had been really good to her and was like her guardian angel. If it weren¡¯t for Jessamine, Keaton might not have agreed to her request so readily. The fact that Keaton had gone to the hospital to apologize so humbly today. Elysia believed, was also because of Jessamine. Keaton was probably afraid of getting an earful from Jessamine, which was why he hurried to apologize. That was Elysias assumption, but in reality, Keaton¡¯s visit wasrgely motivated by Tarquin The way Tarquin had roared at the construction site had been terrifying! If Keaton didn¡¯t make things right with her, Tarquin would surely have his head. Putting away her phone, Elysia looked around. It had been over twenty minutes, and she still couldn¡¯t hail a cab. It was rush hour, and the area around the hospital was busy not the best time to find a ride Elysia checked her GPS and saw that the supermarket wasn¡¯t too far, a bike ride would only take about twenty minutes. Without hesitation, she walked a few steps forward and got a shared bicycle. Pedaling off, she hit the road. Lowell was dumbfounded as he asked, ¡°Tarquin, are we still going to follow her?¡± ¡°Keep up,¡± Tarquinmanded. Lowell sighed inwardly, ¡°But how?¡± If she were driving a sports car, he wouldn¡¯t be worried about keeping up. But cycling? How was he supposed to follow her without drawing attention? The gas pedal was a delicate matter ¨C too much pressure, and he¡¯d speed past her; too light, and the car might not even move. And even if he managed it, it would be too easy for her to spot them! After mulling it over, Lowell turned to Tarquin and suggested, ¡°Maybe you should get down and grab a bike too, Tarquin. Its the safest way. If you wear a mask, she won¡¯t repognize you. Just pedal slowly and follow her. Otherwise, if I keep driving this car¡­ it¡¯s a sure bet well get noticed.¡± Tarquin¡¯s expression darkened as he said, ¡°Cut the chatter and get moving.¡± With a silent groan, Lowell had no choice but to reluctantly start the car. Elysia continued her leisurely bike ride in the bikene, while Lowell followed in the luxury vehicle, crawling along the road at snail¡¯s Chapter 172 Chapter 172 The ring ought Byens attention, and when the light turned red the nced back, her gaze skimming over the vehicles. Lewel g¨¹ckly ducked his head and even Tarquin turned his face away, fearing that Elysis at the crosswalk might catch sight of them away as Luckily after a beef nce, the pedaled the light switched toge Lower spoke up again, Targain, this aint gonna by Ms. Thoma int churters thell definitely catch on if we keep this in Not only will she figure out you¡¯re not bankrupt with that fancy set of wheels, it also tick her off she gets mad just seeing you, and if she finds but you¡¯re talling her shell hit the roof What if she gets so steamed the refines to cook for Elijah? Either you listen to me and chase after her on a bike, or we drop this Tean have someone follow her instead With a dark expression, Tarquin remained silent for a moment before pushing open the car door and stepping out By then, traffic was backed up behind them like a parade Targum, dressed in a pricey designer suit, donned sunsses and a face mask, and amid the curious stares, he made his way to the sidewalk and got a bike Onlookers watched as he with his long straight legs, pedaled away The crowd was abuzz with confusion and excitement ¡°Holy cow is that some celebrity causing a scene? Are they filming a movie?¡± don¡¯t see any cameras Doesn¡¯t look like a movie shoot¡± ¡°Maybe its some nich kid slumming it? I saw him get out of that luxury car!¡± vibe a I nich kid, it¡¯s more big shot CEO Holy moly, did I just step into a novel? My boss CEO is hitting the streets! Those legs. that figure, that nom. I¡¯m head over heels! No, no, I gotta follow my CEO and experience life, I¡¯m hopping on one of those shared bikes What are you riding for? Your house is just up the road¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care. I wanna nde, I wanna follow the CEO and strut down the street¡± ¡°Me too me too And just like that, a group of girls, giddy as can be, started scrambling for city bikes to chase after Tarquin Lowell watched the procession behind Tarquin and facepalmed. Didn¡¯t say it wasn¡¯t a good idea to follow? And even if we did, did he really have to do it personally? Doesn¡¯t he hate being seen in Yet there he was, not only making an appearance but also riding a city bike. Holy cow, what a sight to behold! And what was the big deal today that he had to follow her? Lowell was still clueless about Tarquin¡¯s actual motive for tailing Elysial He quietly pulled out his phone, snapped a photo, and discreetly sent it to the group chat Then the chatterboxes and the silent ones in the group exploded into conversation. Meanwhile, Elysia was blissfully unaware that her solo bike ride had sparked a cycling frenzy. She arrived at the Happy Mart and parked her bike in the designated area While heading towards the supermarket, she dialed Blossom¡¯s number, Blossom, have you guys made it yet?¡± ¡°We¡¯re still stuck in traffic. You there already? ¡°Yeah, I biked over¡± ¡°Told you, two wheels beat four during rush hour. Well need another fifteen minutes or so. It¡¯s chilly out, go on inside, and I¡¯ll call you when we get there¡± ¡°Okay¡± Hanging up, Elysia grabbed a shopping cart and entered the supermarket Tarquin, having shaken off his trail of admirers, followed her inside ?¡¯?? ¡¯ ¡¯ ¡£ ¡¯ He couldn¡¯t go unnoticed, wherever he went, eyes followed. Even thedy sweeping up at the supermarket entrance couldn¡¯t help but give him a few extra looks, chuckling as she said. ¡°This young man sure is handsome.¡± 11:20 Chapters The incessant honking behind them was getting impossible to ignore. This traffic was moving slower than the walking ones! The ring homs caught Elysia¡¯s attention, and when the light turned red, she nced back, her gaze skimming over the vehicles. Lowell quickly ducked his head, and even Torquin turned his face away, fearing that Elysia at the crosswalk might catch sight of them. Luckily, after a brief nce, she pedaled away as the light switched to green. Lowell spoke up again. ¡°Tarquin, this ain¡¯t gonna fly! Ms. Thome isn¡¯t clueless. She¡¯ll definitely catch on if we keep this up. Not only will she figure out you¡¯re not bankrupt with that fancy set of wheels, but it¡¯ll also tick her off. She gets mad just seeing you, and if she finds cut you¡¯re talling her, she¡¯ll hit the roof! What if she gets so steamed she refuses to cook for Elijah? Either you listen to me and chase after her on a bike, or we drop this. I can have someone follow her instead.¡± With a dark expression, Tarquin remained silent for a moment before pushing open the car door and stepping out. By then, traffic was backed up behind them like a parade. Tarquin, dressed in a pricey designer suit, donned sunsses and a face mask, and amid the curious stares, he made his way to the sidewalk and got a bike¡­ Onlookers watched as he, with his long, straight legs, pedaled away. The crowd was abuzz with confusion and excitement. ¡°Holy cow, is that some celebrity causing a scene? Are they filming a movie?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t see any cameras. Doesn¡¯t look like a movie shoot.¡± ¡°Maybe it¡¯s some rich kid slumming it? I saw him get out of that luxury car!¡± ¡°That vibe ain¡¯t rich kid; it¡¯s more big shot CEO! Holy moly, did I just step into a novel? My boss CEO is hitting the streets! Those legs, that figure, that ours, I¡¯m head over heels! No, no, I gotta follow my CEO and experience life. I¡¯m hopping on one of those shared bikes too.¡± ¡°What are you riding for? Your house is just up the road.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care. I wanna ride, I wanna follow the CEO and strut down the street. ¡°Me too, me tool¡± And just like that, a group of girls, giddy as can be, started scrambling for city bikes to chase after Tarquin. Lowell watched the procession behind Tarquin and facepalmed. Didn¡¯t I say it wasn¡¯t a good idea to follow? And even if we did, did he really have to do it personally? Doesn¡¯t he hate being seen in crowds? Yet there he was, not only making an appearance but also riding a city bike¡­ Holy cow, what a sight to behold! And what was the big deal today that he had to follow her? Lowell was still clueless about Tarquin¡¯s actual motive for tailing Elysia! He quietly pulled out his phone, snapped a photo, and discreetly sent it to the group chat. Then the chatterboxes and the silent ones in the group exploded into conversation. Meanwhile, Elysia was blissfully unaware that her solo bike ride had sparked a cycling frenzy. She arrived at the Hoppy Mart and parked her bike in the designated area. While heading towards the supermarket, she dialed Blossom¡¯s number, ¡°Blossom, have you guys vs made it yet?¡± ¡°We¡¯re still stuck in traffic. You there already? ¡°Yeah, I biked over.¡± ¡°Told you, two wheels beat four during rush hour. Well need another fifteen minutes or so. It¡¯s chilly out, go on inside, and I¡¯ll call you when we get there.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Hanging up, Elysia grabbed a shopping cart and entered the supermarket. Tarquin, having shaken off his trail of admirers, followed her inside. He couldn¡¯t go unnoticed: wherever he went, eyes followed. Even thedy sweeping up at the supermarket Chapter 173 Chapter 173 When others gotpliments, they beamed with pride. But when Tarquin was praised, it was as if he¡¯d been catcalled. A scowl was stered across his face! Even the janitor was too intimidated to clean around him, clutching her mop and scurrying away to tidier pastures. The onlookers who¡¯d been ogling him also quickly averted their gaze and pretended to be engrossed in something else. Tarquin stormed into the supermarket, his expression as dark as a thundercloud. It had been ages since he¡¯d set foot in a supermarket and the bustling chaos inside made him furrow his brow in disdain. He cherished his peace and quiet and loathed the noisy crowds. But for the sake of following Elysia, he endured, Like Elysia, he grabbed a shopping cart, determined to buy whatever she bought. She headed for the fruit section, picking up bananas and¡­ what was that spiky monstrosity? Dunian! He grimaced at the pungent aroma but, not wanting to draw attention, he reluctantly hoisted thergest one into his cart. Next was the vegetable aisle. Elysia went for cabbage, Tarquin did the same. She chose broli; he added it to his cart. Then came the spices and condiments, and he doggedly followed suit¡­ It wasn¡¯t long before Elysia sensed something was off, feeling eyes constantly on her. Yet every time she nced back, there was no suspicious figure to be found. Meanwhile, Tarquin caught the eye of everyone in the supermarket. His striking looks, impressive build, and extraordinary aura were impossible to ignore. Plus, his behavior was nothing short of bizarre. He shadowed the beautiful woman ahead, mimicking her every purchase without fail, a first for many of the store¡¯s patrons. If he knew her, why didn¡¯t he speak to her? And if he didn¡¯t, why on earth was he copying her shopping list item for item? His odd behavior reached its peak when he even followed her to the personal care section, grabbing a pack of sanitary pads¡­ The Saleswoman at the feminine hygiene products couldn¡¯t help but whisper to Elysia, ¡°Miss, that gentleman must be your husband, right? Did you two have a spat?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be shy, darling Couples bicker¨Cit¡¯s perfectly normal. Don¡¯t take it to heart. Especially since your man is such a catch! Have you seen the way those girls have been eyeing him since he walked in? You let him go today, and they¡¯ll pounce right away. And sure, you¡¯re gorgeous too, but a handsome guy like that is rare. Most men out there are as appealing as a bag of lemons. I¡¯ve been around for a good thirty years, and he¡¯s one of a kind, I tell you. You¡¯re one luckydy¡± Elysia was utterly confused. Husband? What spat? She looked around swiftly but saw no one. ¡°There¡¯s nobody following me, ma¡¯am. You must be mistaken¡± ¡°Oh, no mistake. Everyone¡¯s noticed. He¡¯s been tailing you the whole time, copying your every move. He¡¯s just ducked behind that shelf over there, probably trying to muster up the courage to apologize.¡± With a frown, Elysia pushed her cart around to the other side of the shelves. That¡¯s when Tarquin emerged. Not seeing Elysia, he scrunched his brow in frustration He approached the spot where Elysia had been standing and, without a second nce, grabbed a few packets of whatever she had been looking at and tossed them into his cart. The saleswoman couldn¡¯t resist chipping in, ¡°Handsome, getting those for your wife? Trying to make up after a tiff? I can tell you¡¯re one of the good ones. Let me help you out! Don¡¯t pick that brand. Go for this one¨Cit¡¯s the top seller in our store. A bit pricier, but quality speaks for itself. Your wife is stunning, and only the best will do for her. Trust me on this and go for this brand¡°¡± Chapter 174 Chapter 174 The woman wanted to sell more products, but Tarquin was only interested in the same brand that Elysia favored. She couldn¡¯t convince him otherwise, so she just loaded his cart with several more packs without further ado. Tarquin didn¡¯t dive into his rtionship with Elysia after grabbing the feminine products, he set off to find her. And as luck would have it, he looked up to see her at the end of the aislel No need to search¨Cshe had made herself known! Her fierce demeanor gave Tarquin the unsettling feeling of a stalker caught in the act. He furrowed his brow and froze, unsure how to react. Elysia was seething! Even with his mask and sunsses, she recognized him instantly! Damn him! How dare he follow her! Charging with her shopping cart, Elysia advanced with a stormy presence. Seeing her, Tarquin wanted to flee for some reason, but his p pride rooted him to the spot. As Elysia approached and saw her own shopping list mirrored in his cart, her anger red. She mammed her cart against his with a thud ¡°What the heck?¡± she demanded. Tarquin scowled. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Why are you stalking me?¡± ¡°Im not stalking you!¡± ¡°Then howe everything you¡¯ve got is exactly what I¡¯m buying?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a free country! I can buy whatever I want. It¡¯s not like I¡¯mining about you copying my shopping list,¡± he retorted. ¡°You¡­ Are you some kind of creep?¡± ¡°Watch yournguage!¡± Tarquin¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Watch mynguage? You want me to watch mynguage when you¡¯ve been tailing me all morning? You gonna tell me you didn¡¯t follow my lead on these items?¡± Tarquin, with a stony expression, yed his hand of denial. ¡°Nope!¡± ¡°Not admitting it, huh? Well, exin this: Why y are you buying the same sanitary pads as me?¡± ¡°The manufacturer didn¡¯t make them exclusively for you, did they?¡± ¡°I mean, I use them for their intended purpose. What¡¯s your reason?¡± ¡°I use them too.¡± Elysia choked up, momentarily at a loss for words. Tarquin thought he had the upper hand and continued, ¡°So, only you can use them, and I can¡¯t? You sure are nosy¡± He then grabbed a few more packs from the shelf and dumped them into his cart, adding. Tve always used this brand.¡± After his snidement, he gave Elysia a mocking look. Stunned, Elysia forgot her anger, staring at him incredulously. ¡°You, a grown man, how can you possibly need these?¡± ¡°Who says they¡¯re only for women? They¡¯re for women!¡± Tarquin¡¯s face tumed dark as he took another nce at the products. He had been too focused on following Elysia and hadn¡¯t paid attention to what he was actually grabbing, mistaking them for toilet paper¡­ ¡°You¡¯re a freak, aren¡¯t you?¡± Elysia snapped again. Tarquin clenched his teeth in frustration. He had lost this round and couldn¡¯t muster aeback. Reluctantly, he returned the feminine hygiene products to a distant shelf and coolly said, ¡°My mistake, I¡¯ve always used this brand¡¯s tissues.¡± ¡°You¡¯re lying! This brand only makes sanitary pads, no tissues! And you still im you¡¯re not copying my shopping list? If you¡¯re a man, you¡¯d admit it openly! Don¡¯t make me lose respect for you!¡± 11:20 Tarquen felt his face being metaphoneally ground into the dirt Aware of the onlookers, he abandoned his cart and grabbed Elysia, pulling her behind another nigle They found themselves in the bedding section, amongforters and quilts, with no one else around. Elysia struggled, Let go of met Let go Tarquin pulled her in, pinning her against the shelf to prevent her escape. Chapter 175 Chapter 175 Their breathing wes rapid, a sure sign of mounting fury Get off mer Elysia¡¯s cheeks flushed mu as she shoved at him, trying to push him away. Tarquin stood firm as a rock, Teeling like a kitten was yfully scratching of his chest. Cut it out! If you don¡¯t back off, I swear I scream! Get lost, you creep!¡± The moment she tried to hit him, Tarquin caught her wrist and held it high above her head. When she attempted to kick, Tarquin leaned in, pinning her in ce. Anonly embarrassed, Elysia nearly walled, ¡°Help¡­ mmmph¡­¡± Tarquin quickly covered her mouth with his other hand, silencing her cries. ¡°Shut it! I admit I followed you here today, but it wasn¡¯t for you¨Cit was for Elijah! He loves the meals you cook, and I just wanted to see what ingredients and seasoning packets you¡¯re using.¡± The reason he had been following Elysia all day was just that. Elysia shook her head violently, trying to escape his grip. Tarquin issued a waming, ¡°I can let you go, but if you dare scream, I¡¯ll just have to silence you again.¡± He released her, and Elysia didn¡¯t scream. She just faced him, fuming, ¡°Are you insane? If you wanted to know what ingredients and seasoning packets I use, you could have just asked! Don¡¯t you have a mouth? Or you could¡¯ve messaged me!¡± Tarquin was even angrier than she was. ¡°Do you think you would¡¯ve told me if I asked? The moment you sow me today, you told me to get lost!¡± ¡°And why do you think I told you to get lost? Don¡¯t you have any clue?¡± ¡°What clue? All I did was save you!¡± ¡°You¡¯re using me of ingratitude? What right do you have to say that? If I hadn¡¯t thought about Elijah being orphaned if you died, I would have ended you right there in that abandoned building today!¡± ¡°You wanted to end me? How is that not ingratitude? Why the hell would I have gone to that derelict site if not to save you?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t need your rescue!¡± Tarquin was so angry he was practically gasping for air. I¡¯ve dealt with unreasonable women before, but never someone as ungrateful as you. If I¡¯d known, I would¡¯ve left you to their mercy!¡± ¡°You. It¡¯s you who¡¯s ruined me! I¡¯ve already died once because of you, what more do you want?¡± ¡°You say I¡¯ve ruined you? rify that right now!¡± 1. Elysia¡¯s eyes reddened with anger. If it wasn¡¯t for the kid, she would drag all their past drama into the light of day. To face him head¨Con, to have it out once and for all! ¡°Don¡¯t y dead! You won¡¯t leave until you make yourself clear today!¡± Tarquin red at her like a parent disciplining a wayward child. He believed he hadn¡¯t done anything unforgivable to Elysia. At first, he did suspect her motives for approaching him, but it was nowhere near as severe as she imed. Ruined? If someone else heard that, they¡¯d think he¡¯d done something terrible to her! Elysia bit her lip, ring furiously at him. She wanted to speak but didn¡¯t dare, only puffing up in silent rage. As she struggled with what to do, her phone¡® suddenly rang. She knew it had to be Blossom arriving with the boys. Thinking of the boys, Elysia¡¯s heart raced, her pulse throbbing in her throat. Seeing her reaction, Tarquin narrowed his eyes as he said, ¡°Answer the phone: Elysia shook her head frantically. The more she resisted, the more Tarquin suspected there was something amiss with the call. He reached straight into her pocket. Elysia exploded, ¡°You jerk, what are you doing? Don¡¯t touch me!¡± Through the thin fabric, Tarquin felt the heat of her skin, a flicker of something crossing his face, but he didn¡¯t linger and quickly Chapter 176 Chapter 176 Terquin stealthily slipped her phone out of her pocket. The screen was alight with a bold notification. Squinting. Tarquin read aloud, ¡°Love No. 1. ¡°Back off, jerk! Who said you could just grab my phone without asking? No manners, no ss! Give it back! Give me my phonel¡± He chuckled dryly, ¡°All this panic, they say your sins will find you out. If you¡¯re bold enough to have a lover, why fear getting caught? Love No. 1 got a sidepiece, do we?¡± ¡°It¡¯s none of your business! Just give me back my phone! ¡°Shameless, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Whether I¡¯m shameless or not is none of your concem, your dog! Dare to answer my phone and see what happens. I¡¯ll go to war with you!¡± A video call was iing! If he swiped to answer. Elliot¡¯s face, identical to his own, would appear on the screen. And then, they¡¯d both be caught¡­ She couldn¡¯t bear to think about it, the mere thought of what might happen next was too horrifying to entertain. Luckily, just as Elysia¡¯s anxiety was reaching a peak, the phone call disconnected automatically. Elysia¡¯s body slumped, her breathing in heavy gasps. But then- The phone rang again! This time, the screen disyed ¡°Love No. 2.¡± The mockery in Tarquin¡¯s eyes was so evident, even a blind man could see it! This time, however, before Elysia could speak up, he released her and tossed the phone back to her. ¡°You¡¯re right. Your morals, orck thereof, are none of my business. My request is simple, just look after Elijah. Keep your vices away from him, and I won¡¯t interfere. Take good care of him, and there will be benefits for you. Fail, and don¡¯t expect me to be nice!¡± His final words were a knot of brows and a gaze filled with threats and wamings. But Elysia was too preupied to notice, clutching the phone to her chest as if it were her lifeline, fearing Tarquin might snatch it away again. Love No. 2 was Evan, and she couldn¡¯t answer this video call just yet. With his warning delivered. Tarquin turned to leave. Only then did Elysia¡¯s heart rate begin to normalize But, as luck would have it, her eyes caught a glimpse of Evan at the end of the aisle! Clearly, the kid had seen her too. His eyes lit up, and he started toddling her way. Elysia¡¯s heart nearly stopped. She grabbed Tarquin, who was about to turn away, not caring as the phone slipped from her grasp and ttered to the floor She smacked Tarquin¡¯s face with her hands. This time it was Tarquin¡¯s turn to get mad, ¡°What the-?¡± Elysia nced sidelong at the approaching Evan, tongue¨Ctied, ¡°Go¡­ go that way.¡± ¡°What way? There¡¯s a wall and shelves, it¡¯s a dead end!¡± ¡°You¡­¡­.. just¡­ just¡­¡± Elysia was at a loss, her whole body trembling. Tarquin sensed something was off and felt the presence of someone small racing towards them. He turned his head to look, but Elysia, in a panic, grabbed his face, preventing him from seeing. The more she resisted, the more he wanted to look. He pried her hands away, about to turn his head, when Elysia suddenly lunged at him! On tiptoes, she aimed a kiss at him. She didn¡¯t know any other way to distract him.. 11.201 dejapter Horquin was stunned, ¡°What the lis In the chaos, Tarquin stumbled backward into a shelf, sending it crashing down. Caught by inertia, Elysia tumbled after him¡­. ¡°Mummy Evan cried out, terified, and raced over. Chapter 177 Chapter 177 She caught sight of Elysia¡¯s frantic gestures and realized something was up. Grabbing Evan by the hand, she made a beeline for the exit. Evan resisted, ¡°Blossom! Mommy fell down!¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay, honey¡­ we¡¯ll check on her in a bit. Look, she fell into those shelves of quilts and pillows. They¡¯re soft. She¡¯s fine¡± ¡°But, but I saw Mommy with a man, and they were¡­ they were¡­ kissing.¡± Blossom¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Really? Tell me more!¡± ¡°Yeah! And Mommy was the one who kissed him first.¡± Blossom Interally groaned. Oh, what juicy gossip! How she yeomed to dig into it! No, no, she must prioritize. Kidse before gossip. If Elysia didn¡¯t want Evan to go over there, there must be a reason. She couldn¡¯t let her friend downl Blossom reined in her gossip¨Chungry heart, and said, ¡°Evan, put on your face mask, and let¡¯s go find Elliot and Emmett¡± ¡°But¡­ ¡°No buts. Your mommy¡¯s going to be okay, trust me!¡± With that, Blossom scooped up Evan and left without looking back, denying the little guy any chance to protest Meanwhile, Elysia felt a wave of relief seeing Blossom take Evan away. She slumped into Tarquin¡¯s embrace. Tarquin stiffened. Lying on his back, he was cushioned by the soft quilts, with a warm, heavy person copsed on top of him! He wasn¡¯t hurt, but he was definitely irritated! What was this woman doing? Taking advantage of him again? He thought to himself¨Cshe really was- ¡°How romantic, like a scene straight out of a movie.¡± ¡°The good¨Clooking ones are different. Knocking over shelves looks like a scene from a soap opera, such a treat for the eyes.¡± ¡°Ha, aren¡¯t they they the couple that was arguing earlier? Looks like they¡¯ve made up.¡± ¡°Couples don¡¯t hold grudges overnight, a little kiss and cuddle and everything¡¯s mended.¡± The bystanders chuckled andmented as they looked on. Tarquin, already disliking attention, now found himself the center of a spectacle. Not only was he the subject of public scrutiny, but hope ere was a scandal brewing. And, Elysia had kissed him again! Even though it was through a mask, Tarquin was fuming. Hey on the quilts, staring nkly at Elysia, his face a shade of thunder His anger was palpable, veins throbbing at his neck! He was so aggrieved that he couldn¡¯t even speak, just clenching his sculpted lips tightly, ring at Elysia with a chest that heaved with every breath. Elysia, realizing the situation only when she heard the crowd¡¯s remarks, hastily got up frim atop bim, her cheeks zing as she said, Tm¡­ Im so sorry. Tarquin didn¡¯t utter a word. After ring at her, he stood up and stormed off. Elysia sighed in relief seeing him go, though her ears still burned at the thought of her bold move. Even through a mask, it was quite the¡­ well, quite something. But she had no other way to divert his attention. If there had been another option, she certainly wouldn¡¯t have resorted to such measures. A young saleswoman approached, not immediately concerned with tidying the shelves but rather asking. ¡°Miss, is that your boyfriend or husband? He must be a movie star right?¡± Elysia¡¯s mouth twitched uncontrobly and said, ¡°No, he¡¯s not.¡± 09:58 ¡°Awe don¡¯t be shy. You two are such a good match. It¡¯s a pity he had sunsses and a mask on. I couldn¡¯t see his face clearly, but with his demeanor, he must be Incredibly handsome!¡± Elysia didn¡¯t know what to say. After apologizing to the saleswoman and helping to straighten the shelves, she quickly went to find Blossom and the boys. Chapter 178 Chapter 178 The moment they met, Emmett blurted out. ¡°Mommy, why¡¯s your face all red? Your ears, too?¡± Elysia flushed with embarrassment and said, ¡°Oh, I was just helping the clerk restock some items, and it got a bit warm Emmett bought the story. ¡°So you were just hot Elysia chuckled, gearing up to change the subject when Evan, the little straight¨Cshooter, suddenly asked, ¡°Mommy, who was that man you just kissed?¡± ¡°What?¡± Elysia was dumbstruck. ¡°I saw everything. Mommy You jumped right into his arms and even stood on your tiptoes to kiss him. When the guy fell back, he wrapped his arms around your waist, just like couples do on TV. You were all huggy and kissy¡± Elysia was speechless. She wished the ground would swallow her up, hearing that from her little boy! Now, not only were her face and ears red, but her neck was flushed too! ¡°Are you in love, Mommy?¡± Evan probed further Elysia¡¯s eyshes fluttered madly, at a loss for words If not so why kiss the guy? If yes? She didn¡¯t want to weave that web of lies. Just when she didn¡¯t know what to do. Elliot came to her rescue, ¡°Evan, Mommy¡¯s ady, and asking her directly like that will make her shy ¡°Huh? How should I ask, then?¡± Evan¡¯s face was the picture of innocence. Elliot nced at Mommy as he said, ¡°Don¡¯t ask at all. It¡¯s Mommy¡¯s little secret.¡± With that, he took Evan and Emmett by the hand and headed for the toy department, distracting them with the promise of choosing new 10ys ¡°Elliot is such a sweetheart Blossom remarked, giving Elliot a nod of approval before elbowing Elysia with a mischievous grin, ¡°So, spill the beans, what¡¯s the deal?¡± Elysia exhaled. ¡°It¡¯splicated,¡± ¡°Complicated? Who did you kiss? Any guy you¡¯d take the initiative with has to be someone special Come on, dish the dirt, I want the scoop.¡± ¡°Special, my foot Elysia was fuming. ¡°It was Elijah¡¯s dad! He¡¯s been tailing me, copying everything I buy. I confronted him and we had a row. I didn¡¯t expect Evan to show up. If he¡¯d seen Evan, we would¡¯ve been in a world of trouble. So, thinking on my feet, I just¡­um, grabbed his face to distract him. And besides, he was wearing a mask. Blossom gasped. ¡°It was him?¡± *Who else?¡± ¡°Holy smokes, lucky I grabbed Evan and got out of the ¡°Yep! Nicely done, you¡¯ve earned an extra drumstick tonight Blossom was still shaken, ¡°But why is he stalking you and buying the same things?¡± ¡°He says it¡¯s because Elijah likes the meals I make and wanted to check out my ingredients and seasonings.¡± ¡°Why not just ask you? Oh wait, you stated clearly that you want nothing to do with her now, so that excuse kinda holds water.¡± Elysia pressed her lips together. Regardless of the reason, having Evan see her kiss a man was not a good thing. She felt like she hadn¡¯t set a good example for her kids! ¡°We better be more careful from now on, especially since we¡¯re in the same city. Running into each other is just too likely,¡± Blossom advised. Elysia nodded firmly. ¡°Yeah!¡±¡°¡± They had to be careful, Jindale City wasn¡¯t that big, and the chances of bumping into each other were high. She should really get moving on the divorce with Tarquin! And take the kids and get out of here! Tomorrow, she¡¯d confront Tarquin and force him to finalize the divorce! Chapter 179 Chapter 179 In the evening Elysia had whipped up an array of scrumptious dishes. She even packed a separate portion just for Elijah and texted Keaton to swing by the entrance of the complex to pick it up Keaton was genuinely touched. ¡°I can¡¯t thank you enough, Elysin. You¡¯re a saint.¡± Elysia wasn¡¯t too keen on Keaton calling her by her first name as if they were old churns. But she didn¡¯t correct him, keen to keep the chit¨Cchat to a minimum. Keaton extended a sleek, designer tote bag adorned with the iconic Herm¨¨s logo¨Cunmistakably high¨C end. ¡°This is just a little something from me to you, a token of appreciation for all the great food you¡¯ve been making for Elijah.¡± Elysia didn¡¯t take it. Instead, she said, ¡°No need for that Just make sure Tarquin shows up for our meeting tomorrow, and we¡¯re even, ¡°You can count on that. Hell be there on time. We¡¯ve got it all arranged,¡± Keaton assured her. Elysia felt a wave of relief and said, ¡°Just take your gift back. I don¡¯t need it. Oh, and do me another favor, would you? Tell Elijah¡¯s dad to give me a call if it¡¯s about the boy from now on. No more following me!¡± Keaton raised an eyebrow and asked, ¡°He¡¯s been following you?¡± Elysia didn¡¯t borate. ¡°Just get that food to Elijah before it gets cold, will ya? Bye! With that, Elysia wrapped her coat tighter and disappeared into theplex. Keaton, carrying the food, climbed into his limited edition Maybach parked curbside. Tarquin was already inside, smoking As soon as Keaton got in, he teased, ¡°So, been ying the secret admirer, have we?¡± Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What did she say?¡± ¡°She reckons you¡¯re trying to hit on her!¡± Tarquin¡¯s expression turned icy cold The next second, he abruptly pushed the car door open as if he was about to storm out and set things straight with Elysia. Keaton quickly held him back, ¡°Come on, man, can¡¯t you take a joke? Sit down. She didn¡¯t say that. But she did say you can call her about anything to do with Elijah. No more following her around, okay?¡± Seeing Tarquin retract his long legs and close the car door, Keaton couldn¡¯t help but rib him, ¡°Starting to tail her now, huh? Sounds like someone¡¯s got it bad.¡± ¡°Shut Back at Sunshine Community, Keaton and Tarquin made their way upstairs. Elijah was still perched by the window, with Heath keeping himpany. Noticing Tarquin¡¯s return, Heath stood up promptly to greet, ¡°Yeah, you can head out,¡± Tarquin replied. Bradford, Mr. Huber Once Heath left, Keaton approached Elijah cheerily, ¡°Hey there, little Elijah, I¡¯m here to see you!¡± Elijah didn¡¯t so much as nce his way, treating him like he was invisible. Keaton attempted to ruffle Elijah¡¯s hair, but the boy sharply dodged and shot him a re Keaton was taken aback but also heartbroken. Tarquin called out, ¡°Got your favorite pastries here. Why don¡¯t youe and have some? Only then did Elijah get up, went to wash his hands in the bathroom, and sat down at the dining table. Tarquinid out the meal: besides the moming¡¯s pastries and egg crepes, there were four side dishes, and a bowl of soup. It was a modest spread, each dish small but varied. Keaton couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°Looks good, but where¡¯s yours?¡± Clearly, Elysia had only prepared Elijah¡¯s portion and left Tarquin out of the equation, Tarquin shot Keaton a look that said ¡®zip it¡± Under the watchful eyes of the two men, Elijah picked up a pastry and bit into it. After finishing it, he moved on to the side dishes. 09:58 Both men were silently pleased. Elijah seemed to particrly enjoy the dish, continually reaching for it. Keaton asked, ¡°Do you like that, Elijah?¡± Elijah didn¡¯t respond at first, but after a while, he finally nodded. Keaton¡¯s eyes widened in surprise! It was a casual question, and he hadn¡¯t expected any answer, but Elijah had actually responded. It was probably the first time in two years that Elijah nad acknowledged him. Chapter 180 Chapter 180 Back in the day, no matter how much Keaton jumped around in front of Elijah, Elijah just turned a blind eye and a deaf ear, treating him like he was thin airl Before Keaton left, he and Tarquin stood downstairs, taking a smoke break. ¡°You know, you cant knock it¨CElysia¡¯s got some chops. I¡¯ve hired a string of fancy chefs to cook, but none could win over Elijahis stomach the way she did ¡°Why don¡¯t you just have here over to take care of Elijah?¡± Tarquin frowned, flicking ash from his cigarette. ¡°She came over once, but Elijah didn¡¯t take to her, sent her packing.¡± ¡°Huh? Likes her cooking but not herpany?¡± ¡°Vep.¡± ¡°The kid¡¯s probably feeling threatened because Elysia¡¯s such a looker. Thinks you and she might be an item.¡± Tarquin took a drag on his cigarette, mulling it it over. That was probably it. Elijah never liked it when he was around other women. He was ying his Mommy¡¯s little sentinel! Keaton said, ¡°Try to get them to spend more time together. Elysia¡¯s an opportunity. If Elijah likes her cooking, maybe hell warm up to her too. Once he does, things can only get better from there.¡± Yeah.¡± ¡°By the way, she asked again about meeting up tomorrow. You nning on seeing her? Decided to come clean about who you are? Tarquin flicked more ash, lost in thought Keaton said, ¡°Don¡¯t leave things up in the Where does that leave my reputation?¡± the air, man. I¡¯ve already vouched for you. If you bail tomorrow, how am I supposed to exin it? Tarquin scrunched his eyebrows and said, ¡°Ill see her tomorrow¡± ¡°Good!¡± After Keaton left, Tarquin went upstairs. Elijah had polished off everything on the dinner table.. Tarquin was stunned. ¡°You finished?¡± ¡°Yep.¡± ¡°Feeling stuffed?¡± Elijah shook his head and retreated to his room tem Tarquin stared at the tes that looked licked clean by a dog for a long while. Then he made a call to the nutritionist, asking how much a kid Elijah¡¯s sile should be eating. Elijah used to pick at his food like a kitten, now he was devouring it like a little tiger! He could polish off so much! When he learned that it was fine for Elijah to eat that much, Tarquin sank into a deep self¨Creproach. It wasn¡¯t that Elijah had eaten a lot today, it was that he had been eating too little before. Elijah¡¯s previous appetite was like that of a three¨Cyear¨Cold, but he was already five Tarquin condemned himself for not being a better father, not even knowing how much his child should be eating, and at the same time, he felt a pang of heartache. But looking at the empty tes on the table, he felt a bit of relief. No matter what, it was good that Elijah was eating well now, Tarquin rolled up his sleeves, gathered the tes and cutlery to wash in the kitchen, and decided to whip up someone for himself. He thought Elysia might have left a portion for him as well, but. He was expecting too much. 09:58 Just after he finished his meal, his phone rang. It was Benjamin. *Tarquin, that bald guy¡¯s turned into a vegetable ¡°Who?¡± ¡°The bald dude who copsed in the abandoned building on Ms. Thome today. Cops took him to the general hospital. My little bro works there, just told me about it.¡± ¡°Any idea what caused it?¡± ¡°No clue, they haven¡¯t figured it out yet. Weird thing is, he was in good shape before, no idea what happened today. Suddenly copsed and never woke up. But here¡¯s the kicker, his goons are saying he got taken down by Ms. Thome.¡± Tarquin was taken aback. ¡°Elysia?¡± Chapter 181 Chapter 181 ¡°Ugh! Word on the street is that when that bold brute was getting all up in Ms. Thorne¡¯s face, she just snapped¨Cwent totally bonkers. shouting it was all their doing that pushed her! Then nobody really saw her do anything, and the next thing you know, the bald guy just keeled over. Some of the guys reckon he¡¯d never seen a gal that stunning before, got all hot and bothered, and down he went.¡± That exnation didn¡¯t hold water Tarquin asked, ¡°No toxins in his system? ¡°None.¡± op your friend on him, and let me know if there¡¯s any new intel ¡°Keep ¡°Got it¡± Hanging up the call. Tarquin lit up a cigarette. When he¡¯d arrived on the scene today, the guy was sprawled over Elysia, a perfectly healthy man, suddenly turned into a vegetable. What the hell had Elysia done to him? No, the real question was how could Elysia¨Cunder the watchful eyes of the public¨Crender a fully¨Cgrown manatose in mere minutes? 2 3 3 2 E 6 PE & She must be something special! Tarquin was clearly skeptical. In his eyes, Elysia wasn¡¯tpletely useless, but she was definitely not the sharpest tool in the shed. She was the kind of foolish woman with more tears than cunning Meanwhile, the ¡®foolish woman¡® Elysia had just finished dinner and was cleaning up the kitchen. Blossom had dashed to the loo and came running back, phone in hand, all flustered, ¡°Elysia, check this out¨Csomething happened to the Sutton family!¡± The Suttons had hit rock bottom, debts up to their eyeballs, and were hawking their Jindale City vi and other properties like there was no tomorrow. n Mrs. Sutton Their fleet of cars and even Mrs. Sutton¡¯s jewelry and designer bags were up for grabs Oriana Sutton had skipped town, iming she¡¯d lost her marbles and jetted off abroad for treatment Elysia was stunned. ¡°This is so sudden!¡± ¡°It is, but when you think about it, not really. Oriana messed up big time today, royally pissed off Mr. Huber. When Mr. Huber gets mad, anything can happen.¡± Elysia didn¡¯t argue; she too suspected Keaton had a hand in the Sutton family¡¯s downfall. She didn¡¯t have an ounce of sympathy for Oriana. She mosaint, after all. It wasn¡¯t like she¡¯d wish well on those who wronged her. She was just shocked at the power of the capitalists! The Suttons were loaded, yet they crumbled so easily after crossing big money¨Cimagine regr Joes like them, they¡¯d probably lose. more than just money! Best to steer clear of those folks. No contact, no conflict. No matter what, she had to get that divorce tomorrow, and once it was final, she¡¯d be out of this city and far away from certain people. The next day. Elysia hadn¡¯t nned on making breakfast, but the image of Elijah¡¯s tiny frame just wouldn¡¯t leave her mind. So, she whipped up breakfast and took it to Sunshine Community. She didn¡¯t reach out to Tarquin Instead, she just camed the breakfast towards the apartment block. She nned to leave the food at the door and shoot him a text so he could pick it up himself. That way, she could avoid seeing him. She didn¡¯t want to see him at all. 09:59 But fate had other ns. Just as she reached the apartment entrance, there he was! Elysia froze at the sight of Tarquin It was barely six in the moming, theplex was quiet, and there he stood, alone. Dressed in a ck turtleneck and a long coat, he loomed beside the flowerbeds, a cigarette pinched between his fingers, taking the asional drag. Against the backdrop of the snow¨Cnketed ground, he was like a ck rose. Though using use¡® didn¡¯t quite fit the man with his chiseled features and an air of icy detachment when his brow furrowed. He was anything but delicate, all cold indifference But as frosty as he was, no one could deny his looks. He was a knockout. At six¨Cthree, broad¨Cshouldered, with a lean waist and long legs, he exuded amanding presence whether standing or sitting, always ramrod straight. His physique was impressive, and his features? No wonder he caused a stir like a celeb hitting the streets whenever he went out Chapter 182 Chapter 182 It was obvious that Tarquin had noticed Ely too He had another sleepless night, tossing and turning in his bed, haunted by the memory of their unexpected kiss in the grocery store. The thought of seeing her this morning to make breakfast for Elijah set his blood boiling with initation. He didn¡¯t want to deal with her, and because of that, he¡¯d tormented himself all night long, caught in a tug¨Cof¨Cwar between reaching out and staying silent. Finally, without contacting her, he sumbed to a restless night of Insomnia. When dawn broke, he didn¡¯t quite know what drove him, but he found himself dressing and heading downstairs. Not really knowing what he was doing, he lit a cigarette to pass the time. Before he could even finish smoking. Elysia appeared. It seemed, perhaps, he hade down just to wait for her. They stood there, locking gazes, neither speaking nor stepping forward. A standoffish dance separated by a mere twenty feet After what felt like an eternity, a cool breeze swept by, provoking a sneeze from Elysia She had been too frugal to take a cab that day, riding over on Blossom¡¯s electric scooter, now parked just outside theplex. Only those who¡¯ve braved the crisp, bitter momings on a scooter could truly understand the mix of pain and pleasure it brought Even bundled up in a mask and hat, the chill cut through her, ¡°Achool¡± Another sneeze wracked her body, a telltale sign of a cold nipping at her heels. Tarquin frowned at her condition, his resolve wavering. Eventually, he snuffed out his cigarette and took the first step towards her. As he approached, Elysia¡¯s heartbeat quickened, a reflexive urge to retreat bubbling up inside her. His icy aura felt like a confrontation waiting to happen. Clutching the thermos tighter, she stood her ground, straightening her spine, refusing to show weakness. She hadn¡¯t done anything wrong, so why should she cower? ¡°Stand strong, and d your enemies weaken,¡± she reminded herself, clearing her throat and scowling as if to say, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of you!¡± Tarquin rolled his eyes and stopped in front of her. Noticing the thermos in her hand, his tone softened¨C rtively speaking, of course; he was still colder than most ¡°Bringing Elijah breakfast?¡± he asked, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. Yeah. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let me know ahead of time?¡± ¡°I have other things to do. I was just going to drop the breakfast off and leave¡± ¡°Don¡¯t want to see me?¡± Elysia blinked up at him, wordlessly questioning his blunt approach. ¡°I¡¯m not a monster, Elysia. As long as you don¡¯t overstep, we won¡¯t have a problem, Tarquin stated matter¨Cof¨Cfactly ¡°I haven¡¯t overstepped!¡± ¡°The incident at the bar, and yesterday at the supermarket¨Cexpect them not to happen again. Your personal life is your own business, but don¡¯t set your sights on me. I¡¯m not interested.¡± Elysia¡¯s eyes widened at his words. Was he insinuating she was some kind of siren, luring men into her net? ¡°L¡­¡± Elysia was ready to fire back when he continued, ¡°Look, you¡¯ve been bringing Elijah food, and he enjoys it. That¡¯s your doing. We¡¯ll stick to our agreement: a day¡¯s meal counts as a day off your debt. Once Elijah warhis up to you, we can discuss your remuneration separately¡± At the mention of money, Elysia¡¯s retort swallowed itself back down her throat. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Exactly what I said. You¡¯re contributing to his wellbeing. That¡¯s worth something. We¡¯ll deduct ten thousand a day from what you owe for now. Well settle the restter.¡± Elysia¡¯s eyes sparkled. Suddenly, the man before her seemed a bit more noble, even more handsome! Christer the apvalt vil potentar prosperity Pyret galing sale ???? ?????? ???? ??? ???? ?? ??? ?? ?????? ?? ??? ? thele benile retained to win on bike ??? ? ??? ??? What the asked pued Without responding Targum stride up the stars with long steps. Eve for moment before following with the thermos in her arm As they arcended the stars, the elderly couple from the neighboring apartment descended, greeting them warmly, ¡°With your wife? What a beauty¡± Tarounmp Elyta could embarrassed and chuckled as they continued down the couple? look perfect together, a mate, made in heaven¡± Bysac anng under breath. Im not your houseke b be the housekeeper? Want to be my Terguns He stepped passive. ¡°Good, because you¡¯re not my type Elysia pursed trips, tempted to dump the contents of the thermos over his head But then she thought of the money and restrained ¨C inside, she slipped off her shoes and ced the thermos on the dining table, her coat still on a clear sign she wasnt nning to stay long She hade to pick something up, but once inside, she couldn¡¯t resist peeking to Elijah room, hadn¡¯t seen him in a while and found herself missing tem 09 Chapter 183 Chapter 183 Elysia wasn¡¯t bringing Elijah meals for the cash, but who in their right mind would pass up easy money? Ton grand a day, even just to break even, made the future seem a bit bughter. ¡°Did he eat all ofst night¡¯s dinner?¡± Elysia asked, taking the initiative. ¡°Yep, licked the te clean. He really dug the dishes.¡± ¡°Alright, I whip up another batch for lunch.¡± Under the spell of potential prosperity, Elysia found herself growing softer Another gust of cold wind swept by, and she couldn¡¯t help but sniffle, her nose turning a rosy red from the chill. Tarquin watched her for a few seconds, his brow furrowed. ¡°Come in with me¡± He tumed and headed towards the apartment building entrance. Elysia humed to rify, ¡°I¡¯d rather not go in, just in case Elijah wakes up and throws a fit seeing me ¡°He won¡¯t be up till six thirty It was just past six Still, Elysia hesitated to enter. With Elijah asleep, it would be just the two of them alone in that room ¨C it just didn¡¯t seem proper. Tarquin, already at the entrance, nced back to see her standing still, his expression growing more stem.. ¡°Come in and grab some stuff.¡± ¡°What stuff?¡± she asked, puzzled. Without responding, Tarquin strode up the stairs with long steps. Elysia hesitated for a moment before following with the thermos in her arms As they ascended the stairs, the elderly couple from the neighboring apartment descended, greeting them warmly. ¡°My, my, is this your wife? What a beauty!¡± Elysia felt awkward. Tarquin replied politely to the seniors, ¡°She¡¯s not.¡± ¡°Oh? Not your wife, then who might she be? ¡°The housekeeper.¡± The old couple seemed a bit embarrassed and chuckled as they continued down the stairs. Elysia could still hear their banter. ¡°Why aren¡¯t they a couple? They look perfect together, a match made in heaven.¡± ¡°Matches made in heaven are a dime a dozen, doat they¡¯re all meant to be.¡± ¡°What do you know? They¡¯re destined to be together, inse by fate itself.¡± ¡°Come in.¡± Tarquin was already at the doorstep, unlocking the door Elysia climbed the stairs, muttering under her breath, ¡°I¡¯m not your housekeeper: ¡°Don¡¯t want to be the housekeeper? Want to be my wife instead?¡± Elysia blushed. ¡°What nonsense are you spouting?¡± Tarquin¡¯s face remained impassive. ¡°Good, because you¡¯re not my type.¡± He stepped into the apartment after that deration. Elysia pursed her lips, tempted to dump the contents of the thermos over his head. But then she thought of the money and restrained herself. Inside, she slipped off her shoes and ced the thermos on the dining table, her coat still on a clear sign she wasn¡¯t nning to stay long. She hade to pick something up, but once inside, she couldn¡¯t resist peeking into Elijah¡¯s room ¡°Can L¡­ take a look at Elijah?¡± She hadn¡¯t seen him in a while and found herself missing him. 09:58 ¡°Sure¡± With permission granted, Elysia rushed to Elijali¡¯s room, her hand on the doorknob. She paused to ask over her shoulder, ¡°Elijah¡¯s still asleep, right?¡± Her main concem was not to agitate him. If she did and he refused to eat her cooking, she¡¯d lose any chance to get close to him again. Tarquin nced at the clock on the wall and said, ¡°He has another fifteen minutes.¡± Hearing that, Elysia quickly pushed open the door and stepped inside. The room was dark, and she tiptoed towards the bed. Just one look at Elijah¡¯s face made her heart skip a beat. He looked so much like Elliot and Evan!: Chapter 184 Chapter 184 fast as The little guy was sprawled out, the nket pulled up to his chest, fast asleep. Elysia eased herself down beside him, unable to resist touching his soft cheek. Elijah was such a beautiful and adorable chilld. How could his mother bear to abandon him? What was she thinking? If it were Elysia, she¡¯d never be able to leave him behind. Even if she couldn¡¯t stand the kid¡¯s aloof father and had to leave, she¡¯d find a way to take her baby with her! She withdrew her hand from his cheek, intending to check his pulse. Suddenly, her wrist was caught by a small hand. ¡°Mommy!¡± Elysia froze. Tarquin, who had been standing at the doorway, furrowed his brows. Elijah¡¯s eyes snapped open, fixing on Elysia. She held her breath, petrified, fearing that any second now, Elijah might erupt in distress. But instead, Elijah sat up, his eyes brimming with joy as he asked, ¡°Mommy? Is it really you, Mommy? When did youe back? Did you miss me and that¡¯s why you¡¯re here? You won¡¯t leave again, will you? You¡¯re going to stay with me forever, right?¡± Elysia was dumbstruck. She blinked in bewilderment, looking from Elijah to Tarquin for some kind of guidance, some clue as to what she should do. Tarquin, clearly taken aback by this unexpected turn, approached the bedside. ¡°Elijah¡± The boy was ecstatic. ¡°Daddy, Mommy¡¯s back! Look, it¡¯s Mommy! The Mommy I¡¯ve been dreaming off She¡¯s back! She¡¯s really back!¡± Watching his son¡¯s excited little face, Tarquin was lost in thought When was thest time Elijah hadughed like this? When was thest time his boy had been this happy? ¡°Daddy, why aren¡¯t you excited? My mommy, your wife! She¡¯s back! She won¡¯t leave us again! We don¡¯t have to be lonely anymore. Mommy¡¯s back!¡± Seeing his son in this state, Tarquin started to panic Thest time he had seen Elysia, he had been furious. Why was it that this time, Elijah suddenly mistook her for his mother? Had his fixation on his mother deepened? Was his illness getting worse? Tarquin¡¯s frown deepened with concem. ¡°Are you dreaming ¡°Huh? I¡¯m not dreaming, Daddy Can¡¯t you see Mommy? Look, Mommy¡¯s right here.¡± Tarquin turned to Elysia. Elysia¡¯s expression was serious, she had regained herposure. She locked eyes with Elijah and said gently. ¡°Elijah, look at me and let¡¯s count together, okay?¡± ¡°Okay, whatever you say, Mommy!¡± ¡°One, two, three, four, five Elysia snapped, her fingers, and Elijah copsed back onto the bed. ¡°Elijah!¡± Tarquin moved to step forward but stopped when he saw Elysia¡¯s demeanor. He held back He knew Elysia had hypnotized Elijah. Like other pediatric psychologists, she had always wanted the chance to delve into Elijah¡¯s psyche. This was her opportunity Tarquin didn¡¯t want to interrupt and didn¡¯t leave either, staying in ce to keep thempany. Time passed, and Elysia¡¯s breathing suddenly became rapid, her chest heaving Tarquin watched her with a furrowed brow, anxiety etched on his face. ¡°Elysia_¡± 09:58 Elysia turned to Tarquin, her eyes brimming with tears, ¡°He¡¯s in bad shape! Really bad! Something serious is happening! He he he.¡± 09:58 Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed in concern. Chapter 185 Chapter 185 ¡°Elysial¡± Her eyes reddened with unshed tears as she said, ¡°He¡¯s in a bad ce right now! A very bad ce!¡± Tarquin held his breath, trying to quell the storm rising within him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡± ¡°He has no light inside him. No water, no life, and nothing positive or uplifting. Just an endless fog and swirling dust. He¡¯s lying in a deste wastnd, battered and barely hanging on¡­ He¡¯s not going to make it.¡± Tarquin¡¯s head buzzed as though struck by a gong. ¡°What do you mean, hot going to make it? Be clear¡± in his mind, he¡¯s not going to make it. When he can¡¯t hold on any longer, in reality¡­ he will¡­ ¡°He will what?¡± ¡°He will die!¡± Tarquin gasped, the words hitting him like a ton of bricks. Elysia continued, ¡°When he loses the will to live and the belief in his spirit, he will lose the desire to continue in reality. He¡¯ll find any way to end it all, and that¡¯s often the oue for children with severe psychological issues.¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be! I told him I had found his birth mother. Shouldn¡¯t he be excited and looking forward to it? Why would he still be so injured?¡± ¡°You told him you found his mother?¡± ¡°Yes. ¡°He might not believe you, knowing you lied. Or maybe deep down, he feels that as long as his mother isn¡¯t back, she¡¯s not really found, and the search must go on to solve his current predicament. Only bringing his mother back might change that ¡± Terquin was silent. The room stayed quiet until an rm broke the silence from outside. It was 6:30 am, Elijah¡¯s time to wake up, but he remained asleep Elysia exined, ¡°I had to hypnotize him earlier, so he needs to sleep a bit longer.¡± Tarquin said nothing. Elysia wasn¡¯t sure what else to say. Elijah had been keeping her at arm¡¯s length, preventing her from offering him any psychological counseling, Mental illness wasn¡¯t something that could be cured with medication alone. After a whi upsetting him when he wakes.¡± a while, sensing that Elijah would soon awaken, Elysia stood to leave. ¡°I should go, to avoid upset Tarquin nced at Elijah and followed Elysia out of the room. ¡°You don¡¯t need to escort me,¡± she said as he approached the door. Tarquin didn¡¯t reply, only grabbing a child¡¯s scarf from a hook near the door and tossing it to her. It was soft and adorned with cartoon monsters- Cijah¡¯s Elysia was taken aback. ¡°You called me here just to giveme T Tarquin didn¡¯t speak, closing the door behind him, heading downstairs. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Elysia followed. Tarquin was still at the same spot, lighting a cigarette, taking puffs in silence Elysia looked at him, feeling a twinge of pity. Perhaps as a parent herself, she understood what it was like when a child was in trouble. But there was little she could do to help. She offered her final advice, ¡°If Elijah shows any strange behavior when he wakes up, call me. If he bes extremely agitated, give him the medication I provided earlier. Try to avoid gedatives. It¡¯s harmful for kids¡± Tarquin continued to smoke, his face a mask of stoicism Elysia left with the scarf, but as she reached themer, she couldn¡¯t resist looking back. In the cold, snowyndscape, the man stood alone against the whiteness, cigarette smoke curling around his furrowed brow, a picture of destion. If his demeanor had been less stem, the image would have been one of utter heartbreak. Elysia pursed her lips, her feelings a tangled knot. She didn¡¯t wish him well, so sympathy wasn¡¯t quite night, but she couldn¡¯t muster any joy at his plight either. Chapter 186 Chapter 186 She had stumbled upon a heart wrenching story online once a case where a father, unwilling to spend time and energy on his son who suffered from bipr disorder, had cold¨Cheartedly chained the boy like a dog and locked him away in a cage. When the story broke, the poor kid was found curled up in a corner of the cage, filthy and cold to the touch, breathless. And just recently, a man from Fest City, eager to start over with his new me, had mercilessly pushed his young son and daughter down the stairs, resulting in their tragic deaths. Some people are supposed to be parents. Others, it seems, are devils iate. She didn¡¯t really know Tarin. Given that he might be the man who bullied her years ago, she felt animosity towards him. He might not be a good guy, but there was no doubt in her mind that he was a good father. The way he looked out for Elijah made that clear, Elysia approached her snow¨Ccovered scooter, hesitated for a second, then wrapped the scarf he¡¯d given her around her neck and left the neighborhood. The scarf was soft, a cozy bamier against the winter chill. No sooner had Elysia disappeared than the photo of her sneaking a peek at Tarquin was sent to N¡¯s phone. ¡°That little tramp! She dares to make a y for Tarquin! Dad said I was just stiming up trouble, and used me of being dramatic. Mom, can¡¯t you see? Am I wronging her?¡± Alleen squinted at the photo, her gaze fierce. Alleen, N¡¯s mother, was closing in on fifty but took such good care of herself she could pass for forty. She was the epitome of a trophy wife, bom and bred in wealth. She was Donovan¡¯s second wife, the other woman who had sessfully climbed her way to the top. In Alleen¡¯s second year as Donovan¡¯s mistress, his first wife passed away. The year she mamed Donovan and gave birth to N, Donovan¡¯s son met his untimely death. The drama that unfolded wasn¡¯t something you could sum up in a few words To describe Aileen in one sentence: she was ruthless and cunning. She had been away in King City attending a high¨Csocietydies¡® gathering when N got into trouble, and she rushed back only after a furious call from Donovan, demanding she take better care of their daughter. ¡°Speak up, Mom! Does she look innocent to you, the way she looks at Tarquin? No! I must find a way to get rid of her!¡± N was about to make a call when Alleen snatched her phone away. ¡°How many times must I tell you, N? Stay cool¨Cheaded in the face of trouble. Don¡¯t act on impulse. Do you even know this woman? Have you looked into her rtionship with Tarquin?¡± N was livid. ¡°Do I need to investigate? It¡¯s obvious she¡¯s seducing Tarquin! Alleen pursed her lips. ¡°Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will never be defeated. You go picking a fight without understanding her, and you¡¯ll be the one to suffer! And you dare to go after her directly? Have you forgotten what happened to the Sutton family? Did Tarquin¡¯s warning fall on deaf ears? If you keep this up, the ter family will be the next Suttons!¡± N red ¡°That¡¯s impossible! I saved Elijah¡¯s life. I¡¯m bis savior, Tarquin would never turn on me! Besides, it was Keaton who bankrupted the Suttons, not Tarquin!¡± ¡°Foolish girl! Without Tarquin¡¯s pressure from behind the scenes, Keaton wouldn¡¯t have had the heart to act so ruthlessly. And another thing, stop unting your deed of saving Elijah. Some debts of gratitude should remain unspoken. If you keep using it as leverage, it¡¯s no longer a favor, it bes ckmail. Do you think Tarquin would tolerate that?¡± ¡°Then¡­ what do you suggest? That woman Elysia is clearly here with a n. She¡¯s barely been here a few days, and Tarquin is already shielding her. If we don¡¯t deal with her soon, who knows? They might end up together!¡± ¡°That won¡¯t happen. Tarquin is yours, and I won¡¯t let him end up with another woman.¡± As Aileen¡¯s words faded, her phone rang. She nced at the screen, her eyes narrowing. Chapter 187 Chapter 187 Alleen¡¯s eyes flickered with disdain as she Patened to the voice on the other and of the line. ¡°I¡¯ve got it¡± she said curtly as she hung up the phone and turned to N ¡°Got the scoop Tarquin isn¡¯t into her He¡¯s just mingling because of Elijah. She¡¯s got nome tricks up her sleeve with child psychology and Tarquin¡¯s hoping she can work some magic on Elijah¡¯s condition.¡± ¡°What are you saying? She can cur Elijah? Oh no, this is bad. If she really cures Elijah, Tarquin would give her the moon!¡± Alleen remained unfared. ¡°She won¡¯t cure Elijah. She doesn¡¯t even have a license, she¡¯s nothing but a chatan Got lucky a couple of times with Corbin Denton, and now Tarquin¡¯s clinging to hope.¡± ¡°A chatan? You mean she¡¯s using Elijah to get close to Tarquin?¡± ¡°Exactly¡± ¡°We need to expose her, now!¡± ¡°There¡¯s no rush. If she can use Elijah, so can we.¡± ¡°Mom, what¡¯s your n Alleen¡¯s eyes gleamed with strategy as she said, ¡°Don¡¯t forget, we¡¯re not the only ones who want that little brat out of the picture. Some folks in the Bradford family are itching for it too. If we let slip that Elysia can save Elijah, what do you think they¡¯d do?¡± N blinked rapidly and said, ¡°They¡¯d get rid of Elysia for sure! They¡¯d never let Elijah survive! Mom, are you nning to use them as a pawn?¡± ¡°Smart girl. That¡¯s how you learn. A woman needs to be cunning if she wants to secure her ce in high society.¡± Elysia was oblivious to the schemes brewing against her. The moment she returned to the apartment, she dived into the study. She sat at herptop, eamestly searching for anything rted to Elijah¡¯s case Perhaps it was Elijahs stnking resemnce to Elliot and Evan an that stirred her resolve, or maybe it was the way he¡¯d called her ¡®Mommy¡® in a moment of haze. She desperately wanted to help him. She hoped for his recovery, for him to live like any other child, full of joy andughter. Elysia sat in front of the screen for hours until the lunch hour called her away. Her search had yielded little, leaving her disappointed. The best way to ease Elijah¡¯s condition was to integrate into his life, to observe, understand, and eventually guide him out of his psychological shadows. But with Elijah¡¯s aversion to her, finding a way to break through was a puzzle she had yet to solve. The ringtone of her phone broke her concentration. It was Kylton. She had almost forgotten about the noon meeting with Tarquin in her pr preupation with Elijah¡¯s troubles. She quickly picked up. ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Elysia, we¡¯re meeting at Azure Caf¨¦ at twelve, all good on your end?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be there on time.¡± ¡°Great, just confirming. Tarquin¡¯s all set. Have a good chat¡± ¡°Thanks!¡± After hanging up, Elysia nced at the clock, freshened up in the bathroom, and rushed to the kitchen. She prepared lunch but didn¡¯t have a bite. Packing it up, she sped off on her electric scouter Arriving at Sunshine Community, she messaged Tarquin. I¡¯m at the gate of your ce. Come down, please.] Tarquin didn¡¯t reply, and as she was about to call, she spotted him. She parked her scooter and hurried over, clutching the lunchbox. But in her haste, she slipped, sprawling on the ground as the lunchbox skidded away. The fall stung, and as Elysia tried to stand, she slipped again,nding back on the icy pavement. Sitting on the ground, hurt and frustrated, her cheeks flushed with anger. She was bundled in a light¨C colored down coat with a teddy bear hat from Blossom and Elijah¡¯s little monster scarf around her neck. 09:59 Clumsy yet endearing, she looked to Tarquin like a light¨Cfurred bear cub In the snow Chapter 188 Chapter 188 Tarquin approached, bending down to pick up the lunchbox from the ground without a word, his gaze lingering on Elysia. Elysia sat on the pavement, tilling her face up at him in surprise when he made no move to help her up. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to give me a hand here?¡± she eximed After all, she had taken a tumble while trying to deliver lunch to his son! ? ¨² ?? ? ? ? ?? Tarquin frowned, hesitating for a moment before extending his hand His palm faced downwards, clearly not inviting her to grasp it, but rather offering his arm as a support. What¡¯s with all the caution? She wondered indignantly. Did he think she was some sort of femme fatale? Elysia¡¯s pride was stung. She ignored the offered anm, instead reaching up to grab his trousers to pull herself up. Tarquin¡¯s eyes widened in m, but before he could scold her, Elysia¡¯s footing slipped, sending her crashing towards him. Her eyes wide with panic, and she instinctively reached for his tie. Just as she grasped it, her heels slid back, and she toppled over Camed by momentum, Tarquin also fell backwards. As they both seemed destined to hit the ground, Tarquin¡¯s quick reflexes kicked in. He caught her by the waist and pulled her into his embrace. Elysia gasped, ¡°That was closel Tarquin¡¯s breathing was slightly erratic too. Suddenly,ughter echoed nearby. ¡°Tar¡± It was the elderly couple from across the hall. Both Tarquin and Elysia were mortified and quickly separated. Tarquin swallowed hard before managing to greet them, ¡°Leander, Odette, good to see you.¡± The old couple beamed and asked Elysia. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Elysia¡¯s cheeks were flushed as she replied, ¡°You can call me Elysia¡± ¡°Oh, Elysia, what are you two doing out here in this bitter cold? Go inside before you freeze!¡± ¡°Why would they go inside when they¡¯re having such a romantic moment out here in the snow? Young love always seeks a little adventure.¡± ¡¯ ¡¯ ¡¯?? ¡¯?? ¡¯ ?¡¯? ¡¯?? ? ¡¯ ¡¯¡¯¡¯¡¯ ¡¯¡¯ ¡¯ ¡¯ ? ¡¯ ? ¡¯ ¡¯¡¯ ¡¯? Elysia¡¯s eyes widened in a mix of shock and indignation as she tried to exin, ¡°No, you¡¯ve got it all wrong, I was just- ¡°Ha! Have your fun, we¡¯re off,¡± they chuckled, not waiting for her to finish As the couple walked toward the building¡¯s entrance, they continued their banter. ¡°I told you Elysia wasn¡¯t Tarquin¡¯s housekeeper, right? No housekeeper gets that cozy with the man of the house. Look at them, they¡¯re so sweet together.¡± ¡°Why are they so shy about it, though?¡± ¡°It¡¯s obvious! They¡¯re smitten. Probably in the early stages of dating. Hot married yet, just sweethearts! Ah, isn¡¯t it lovely? They¡¯re a match made in heaven.¡± Elysia and Tarquin exchanged a nce, both at a loss for words. ¡°People grow old and their eyesight fades. Don¡¯t overthink it Tarquin finally said- Elysia shot back, ¡°I¡¯m not overthinking anything. You¡¯re the one who should stop jumping to conclusions!¡± Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed. Let¡¯s not have a repeat of this.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Tve told you before, I¡¯m not interested in you. Stop ying these little games around me.¡± Elysia blinked, absorbing his words and her frustration peaked ¡°ying games? Ive seen narcissists, but never one as self¨Cabsorbed as you!¡± ¡°You.. ¡°You are shameless! Unreasonable!¡± Elysia cut him off before he could continue, leaving him speechless. As usual, Tarquin was at a loss for words, only managing to grumble after a long pause, ¡°You¡¯re a woman; you should have some self¨Crespect.¡± 00:50 ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Just because you¡¯re a man, you don¡¯t need self¨Crespect? Jerk!¡± Tarquin fell silent. Not for the first time, Elysia was misunderstood by him. She decided not to argue and got straight to the point. ¡°How¡¯s Elijah? Did he react at all when he woke up this moming?¡± Switching the subject to Elijah, Tarquin calmed down a bit and replied coldly. He didn¡¯t have much of a reaction when he woke up. Seemed in good spirits, said he had a dream about his mom. And he ate all the food you brought this morning.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good news, I guess. At least he¡¯s not showing any signs of distress. Give him this, it¡¯s got his favorite dish. With that, Elysia hopped on her scooter and sped off. She still had to hurry to the Azure Caf¨¦ to meet his husband Tarquin¡¯s appointment Chapter 189 Chapter 189 The ground was slick with ice, and Elysin creened awkwardly on her electric scooter, barely managing to keep it upright as she made her way Tarquin watched her clumsy attempts with a look of disdain curling his lips, and without another word, he turned on his heel and headed home. As fate would have it he bumped into the old man from across the street, who was out throwing the trash. The old man had lived in the neighborhood fo. years and was quite familiar with Tarquin¡¯s mother, which meant he wasn¡¯t a stranger to Tarquin either. He was the chatty type, and upon seeing Tarquin, he struck up a conversation. ¡°Tar back on your lonesome, eh? Where¡¯s Elysia?¡± ¡°She had to take off; something came up.¡± ¡°Gone? Aint you two shacked up yet?¡± Theer of Tarquin¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°You got it all wrong. She and I aren¡¯t on item? ¡°Come on,e on, you¡¯re both adults. No need to be shy about a little romance. Il tell you what, I¡¯ve got a knack for reading people, and Elysia, she¡¯s got a good head on her shoulders, a real lucky charm. Plus, I hear she¡¯s the kind to bring prosperity to a household. If you snag her, you¡¯ve struck gold, my boy. Don¡¯t let someone else sweep her off her feet. You¡¯d better catch that good fortune while you can. Tarquin just stared at him, speechless. No sooner had he walked through his front door than Keaton¡¯s call came through. Tarquin, it¡¯s nearly 12, you ready? Don¡¯t forget your date with Elysia!¡± *¡­Il be there shortly.¡± After hanging up, he spoke to Elijah, ¡°Daddy¡¯s got to head out. I¡¯ll let Heath keep youpany. I brought back some dinner, your favorite dish is in there. Dig in.¡± Elijah didn¡¯t say a word, just trotted off obediently to the dining room and climbed into his high chair to wait Tarquin cast a thoughtful nce at Elijah, then reminded Heath, ¡°Call me if you need anything.¡± With the roads clear, Tarquin¡¯s car easily outpaced Elysia¡¯s scooter, and he alrived at the cafe well before her. He settled into a private booth on the second floor, Keaton at his side. Through the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows, they saw Elysia pushing her scooter, struggling against the cold. Keaton remarked, ¡°Is Elysia nuts or what? It¡¯s freezing out, and she¡¯s not taking a cab? Riding that scooter must be like an icebox.¡± *She¡¯s broke, but yeah, she¡¯s also nuts.¡± ¡°You could at least spring for a car for her. Wouldn¡¯t you be quitted if she caught frostbite?¡± Tarquin rolled his eyes at Keaton, took a drag of his cigarette, and kept his gaze locked on Elysia. She was shaking off snow, then carefully removed Elij folded it neatly, and stashed it in her pocket Keaton added, ¡°What¡¯s her rush to see you? She didn¡¯t even bother with makeup, clearly not trying to seduce you¡± Tarquin was curious too, he barely knew her. What was her motive for asking Keaton to set up this meeting? Unaware of their scrutiny, Elysia¡¯s nerves spiked at the thought of meeting Tarquin, She took several deep breaths at the entrance before mustering the courage to walk in Inside, a man sat at the arranged booth. From her vantage point, she could only see the back of his head. Though she couldn¡¯t see his face, his demeanor screamed sess. That had to be Tarquin! Elysia steeled herself against her jitters, clutching her hands as she approached, ¡°Hello, I- ¡°Hmm? Elysia? Callum turned around, surprised to see her Elysia was taken aback, not expecting to run into an old acquaintance here. Without greeting him, she quickly checked her phone for Keaton¡¯s table number, thenpared it to the one on the booth. It matched She was baffled, ¡°Why¡­ why are you here?¡± Callumn smiled and said. Tve got a meeting. Are you waiting for someone too?¡± Elysia nodded, still dazed. no ¡°Hasn¡¯t your date arrived?¡± ¡°No, not yet.¡± ¡°Well, since we¡¯re both waiting, have a sent and let¡¯s catch up. Waiter!¡± Callum, ever the warm host, ordered a coffee for Elysia as she settled into the unexpected reunion. Chapter 190 Chapter 190 Elysia plopped down onto the chair with a sense of forced bravado, her mind a whirlwind of confusion Callum asked, ¡°It¡¯s been years since west met. How have you been doing?¡± ¡°Fine, just fine¡± Elysia replied, taking a sip of her coffee to calm her nerves. Callum continued. ¡°You know, after that incident years ago, Winona was half out of her mind with worry. I heard she¡¯s been looking for you all this time. Now that you¡¯re back, she must be thrilled, right?¡± Callum was also Elysia¡¯s senior of college. He was Zane¡¯s ssmate. He had a crush on Winona and used to woo her by bringing treats to her dorm, like fresh baked cookies and apple pastries. To get closer to Winona, he had often gone out of his way to be nice to her and Blossom, so they were all familiar with each other Elysia steadied her thoughts and asked, ¡°Have you been in touch with her recently?¡± ¡°No, we lost touch after she started dating Zane. You know I pursued her once. I¡¯ve kept my distance to avoid any misunderstandings or unnecessary drama ¡°Right. I remember you studied film direction. Are you a director now?¡± ¡°Yeah, what about it?¡± ¡°You must know Winona¡¯s agent, night?¡± ¡°I know of the person, but we¡¯re not close, and I haven¡¯t contacted Winona¡¯s agent I¡¯ve always been careful to maintain professional boundaries¡± Elysia continued, ¡°I heard from Zane and Blossom that Winona has gone off to shoot a movie and signed some sort of non¨Cdisclosure agreement. She¡¯s not allowed to have contact with anyone outside the production crew and has been off the radar for over a year now. Do you have any news of her?¡± Callum looked shocked. ¡°No contact for over a year? That doesn¡¯t sound right. In our industry, NDAs are emon, but I¡¯ve never heard of an actor being cut off from their family. They just need to keep the script confidential.¡± y increased Elysia¡¯s concem. ¡°Could you find out what¡¯s going on? I¡¯m worried since there¡¯s been no word from her.¡± This only i ¡°Sure, Ill ask around as soon as I get back and let you know if I hear anything Let¡¯s exchange numbers.¡± They swapped contact information, and then Elysia couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Did you book this table in advance for your meeting?¡± ¡°Yeah, why?¡± ¡°That¡¯s strange. I also lso had a reservation for this table¡± Callum paused, then it clicked. ¡°You¡¯re meeting Tarquin?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± Callum¡¯s face twitched as he nced upstairs, cursing under his breath. Busted. He was Tarquin¡¯s buddy who had just flown in from abroad and gotipped into this setup by Tarquin himself. Tarquin had asked him to meet a woman on his behalf, just to listen to what she had to say. Who would have thought it would be Elysia? Realizing the situation, Elysia red at Callum before gritting her teeth in anger quin asked you to meet me?¡± Callum awkwardly admitted, ¡°Well, yeah¡­¡± Elysia was livid. She grabbed her phone to call Keaton. Keaton¡¯s phone exploded with rings, making him jump in rm. ¡°Oh no, the gig is up! You¡¯ve really screwed me over. If you were going to get someone to stand in, at least pick someone she doesn¡¯t know! What am I supposed to do now, huh?¡± Tarquin was stone¨Cfaced, silent. He hadn¡¯t expected Elysia to know Callum. Callum was a film director with a background in screenwriting, a true professional in the craft. Tarquin had thought that hiring an actor would be the perfect cover, but he hadn¡¯t anticipated this twist. Keaton¡¯s phone was relentless. He answered reluctantly ¡°Hello?¡± 09:59 ¡°What the hell is Torquin ying at?¡± asked Elysia Keaton, sticking to the code of every man for himself, foigned ignorance. ¡°What do you mean? Didn¡¯t Tarquin show up for the meeting?¡± Chapter 191 Chapter 191 ¡°He stood me up! Can you believe it? He sent someone else in his ce! Elyalo ranted, her voiceced with disbelief and anger ¡°Whoa, talk about being a jerk? Keaton raised his eyebrows, clearly taken aback by the audacity ¡°Could you just confront him? Ask him if he even has the guts to call himself a man? It¡¯s downright despicable! We had ns to meet and he sends a stand in What¡¯s he ying at? A man¡¯s word is his bond, and this¡­ this is just shameless! He doesn¡¯t even have the courage to face a woman? That¡¯s cowardly, not what you¡¯d expect from a real man. I¡¯ve lost all respect for him.¡± Elysia¡¯s trade was relentless, leaving Kentonpletely dumbfounded. She was spitting fire with words that even Keaton wouldn¡¯t dare say. Not only did Keaton let the speakerphone capture every word, but he also thrust the phone in Tarquin¡¯s face, making sure none of Elysia¡¯s verbalshing was wasted. Tarquin¡¯s lips were pressed into a thin line, hisplexion darkening. Snatching Keaton¡¯s phone, he ended the call, tossed it onto the table, and got up to leave ¡°Hey, hey, hey, that¡¯s thetest model! Don¡¯t you dare break in Keaton¡¯s concern for his phone was palpable. Without looking back, Tarquin left the private room and headed straight for Elysia. Elysia, having been hung up on, didn¡¯t bother to call back. She was fuming. She had high hopes for today ¨C hopes of finalizing her divorce from Tarquin. And now this¡­. It felt like a cruel joke! She had felt guilt over him, never once bad¨Cmouthing or resenting him, and he couldn¡¯t even bother to show up! If he didn¡¯t want to see her, he could have simply said so. But agreeing to meet and then pulling a no¨C show? Her frustration was akin to that of ser fans who¡¯d bought tickets to see a ser star y, only to find out he wasn¡¯t taking the field. Feeling yed and utterly annoyed. While fans could at least chant for a refund, what could she do? Apart from yelling at Keaton, she couldn¡¯t even get a glimpse of Tarquin. At this point, Callum was thoroughly shocked. He even wondered if Elysia truly knew who Tarquin was. How could she dare to curse him out like this? ¡°Elysia, just calm down, will you? What¡¯s going on between you and Tarquin? if there¡¯s something you want to say, I can pass it on. I mean, you guys.. Before Callum could finish, Tarquin appeared, his anger evident. Callum opened his mouth to speak, but Tarquin cut him off with a terse, ¡°Move¡± Keaton quickly pulled Callum away, not allowing him a singer word. Surprised to see him, Elysia asked with discontent. you want, Tarin? Got something to say to me?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t this what you wanted?¡± Tarquin would rather reveal hue tharlet Elysia continue to brand him as dishonest and cowardly. But Elysia, seemingly without a clue, frowned and asked, ¡°Who asked for you? Wait¡­is something wrong with Elijah?¡± It was Heath. Just as Tarquin was about to respond, his phone rang. ¡°Mr. Bradford, you need toe back. Allegra Bradford has shown up!¡± Allegra was Tarquin¡¯s aunt who always seemed to be waiting for Elijah¡¯s downfal Tarquin¡¯s expression darkened, and without a word, he dashed out of the caf¨¦. Elysia was left bewildered. ¡°Hey, you¡­¡± By the time she ran outside, Tarquin was powhere to be seen. over being stood up and hopped on her Uncertain whether something had happened to Elijah, she momentarily pushed aside her anger o scooter, racing towards Sunshine Community. The winter was harsh, with snow falling thick and fast Elysia stumbled several times on the way, finally arriving at Sunshine Community out of breath. As she approached the entrance, a woman¡¯s scream pierced the air ¨C ¡°Ah! Ah! Ah¡­¡± Before Elysia could react, a woman dressed to the nines came tumbling down the stairs, crashing at her feet. 09:59 Elysia was stunned. ¡°Madam!¡± A man nished over, showing Elysia aside to help the fallen woman. The man¡¯s push was forceful, sending Elysia sprawling several feet away 09 Chapter 192 Chapter 192 As Elysia teetered on the brink of falling, a strong hand abruptly sped her arm and yanked her upright with a forceful tug She nced up at the man who had saved her from a nasty spill, her heart pounding with the close call. Today had been a frightening dance with gravity! On the ground, a woman was clutching her twisted ankle, barely managing to stand with the help of a passerby, her voice drenched in tears as she hurled usations of Torquin. s? You¡¯re trying to kill me! I¡¯m your father¡¯s own sister, and you treat me like this? Have ¡°This is a curse! You dare push me down the stairs? you no humanity? You disgraceful wretch¡­¡± Tarquen¡¯s grip on Elysia¡¯s arm didn¡¯t loosen. In fact, when he heard the woman¡¯s rant, his grip tightened, as though he intended to crush her bones. Wincing in pain, Elysia bit her lip and dared not make a sound. Tarquin red at Allegra with a chilling aura and wamed her, ¡°Don¡¯t test my patience. If you dare mess with Elijah again, I won¡¯t be so nice!¡± His words seemed to be squeezed out through clenched teeth. They sounded as if they were uttered from the depths of Hades itself. Elysia risked a cautious look at him. He was staring at the woman with a gaze so murderous that Elysia¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She had thought his looks were cold enough when directed at her, but now she realized that in her presence, he was practically tender The old woman was livid. ¡°You¡­ you want to murder me, your aunt! You¡¯ll get yours in the end! No, you¡¯re already getting it! Why do you think Elijah is in such a state? He¡¯s your retribution! The severity of Elijah¡¯s illness is proof of God¡¯s punishment upon you! Just you wait, God will take Elijah away from you as the ultimate punishment, and let him descend to hell¡­¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Elysia couldn¡¯t help but blurt out in protest. For some reason, hearing this woman curse Elijah like that imitated her to no end. Allegra tumed her attention to Elysia, ¡°And who are you to talk to me like that? ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who I am. What matters is children shouldn¡¯t be dragged into the feuds of adults. They¡¯re innocent! Cursing a hell is simply vile!¡± ¡°How dare you! Who is this nobody speaking to me this way?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not important who I am, but you can¡¯t curse Elijah!¡± ¡°You wretch!¡± child to Allegra raised her hand to strike Elysia, but Tarquin pulled her behind him, shielding her and facing Allegra with a menacing re. ¡°Touch her and see what happens!¡± Allegra¡¯s raised hand hesitated, then retracted as she skeptically at Elysia. ¡°Is she the one who can save Elijah?¡± She hade in haste after receiving a tip¨Coff from N, intending on seeing Elijah¡¯s condition for herself. She had no wish for Elijah to survive! ¡°With no education and no certificate, you expect her to help? She Elijah! How foolish you must be to trust her,¡± Allegra¡¯s eyes were full of as she looked at Elysia. She¡¯s clearly just ashy woman using her looks to snare you by preying on Before Elysia could retaliate, Tarquin already spat out a waming, ¡°If you insult her again, il cut out your tongue right now!¡± Murderous intent was evident in his eyes. ¡°You¡± ¡°I¡¯ve made myself clear. This is yourst warning. Get out!¡± Allegra, both frightened and furious, spat out, ¡°Fine, fine, I¡¯m leaving! You¡¯re here threatening me when you should be checking on Elijah. Just a moment ago I saw him quite agitated; he might not have long left!¡± With those words, she stormed off, limping from her fall. Once she was gone, Tarquin and Elysia rushed upstairs. 09:50 They had barely reached the fifth floor when they heard Heath¡¯s cries, Elijah, don¡¯t scare mel Please wake up. Don¡¯t frighten me, you can¡¯t leave us like this. If you go, how can your father bear 117 Elijah, open your eyes. Tarquin¡¯s expression shifted rapidly, meing three steps of a time into the room. ¡°Elijah!¡± Chapter 193 Chapter 193 Elysia¡¯s heart was pounding like a drumline on parade day, her entire body shaking like a leaf in a storm. If it weren¡¯t for the wall the was clutching for dear life, she would have copsed right there on the spot. Her legs were like they¡¯d been swapped with someone else¡¯s; they wouldn¡¯t obey her, and wouldn¡¯t even lift off the ground. It wasn¡¯t until Tarquin¡¯s hysterical screams cut through the air again that she snapped back to reality and bolted up the stairs toward the sixth floor. When she burst into the room, Tarquin was desperately performing CPR on Elijah. Elijahy there as still as a statue, his eyes shut tight, his face as pale as a ghost, and his lips colorless and lifeless Elysia felt a knot in her throat and tears cascaded down her cheeks. She copsed beside the bed, kneeling on the floor, her hands trembling as she reached for Elijah¡¯s wrist, searching for a pulse, But there was nothing. Elijah¡¯s heartbeat had vanished. Elysia¡¯s mind went nk, her heart felt as if it had been carved out, leaving a searing pain that made it hard to breathe. ¡°Needle, I need a needle¡­¡± she mumbled, desperate to give Elijah a needle treatment. But her hands were shaking so violently from panic and distress that she couldn¡¯t even hold the needle steady Elysia was frantic, her frustration boiling over into tears. ¡°Come on!¡± She wanted to calm down, to steady her hands and give Elijah the treatment, but the more she tried, the more she berated herself. ¡°Snap out of it!¡± she yelled, pping herself across the face with a force that left a bright red mark on her pale skin. The p wasn¡¯t just a wake¨Cup call for her; it also snapped Tarquin and Heath out of their daze. After a few stunned seconds, Tarquin leaped off the bed, bent down to scoop Elijah into his arms, ready to dash to the hospital. Elysia blocked him. ¡°There¡¯s no time! Put him down and let me try!¡± Tarquin hesitated. ¡°If we wait for you to drive him to the hospital, he¡¯ll be gone before we get there!¡± Elysia roared, shoving him aside. ¡°Strip him down. Get his clothes off, all of them!¡± While she directed Heath, she started to prepare the treatment ¡°There¡¯s medicine in my pocket. Crush a pill, mix it with water, and make him drink it!¡± Heath was peeling off Elijah¡¯s shirt when Tarquin, frowning in confusion, reached into her pocket and pulled out a small bottle. ¡°What is this?¡± he asked. ¡°It¡¯s a lifesaver!¡± she snapped without looking up from her ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t want to give up on Elijah, then do as I say!¡± Tarquin didn¡¯t waste another second. He rushed to the kitchen and came back with a small bowl prepared with the crushed pill. h with a Elysia snatched the bowl and gently forced the medicine down Elijahs throat, then tenderly wiped his mouth As Benjamin arrived with the doctors and nurses, Elysiamanded, ¡°Perfect timing. Get him to the hospital, now!¡± In a whirlwind of urgency, they loaded Elijah onto the ambnce and sped toward the Hospital. a tissue. Before they even reached the emergency room, Elijah suddenly coughed violently. Everyone on board was stunned. His coughing brought color back to his cheeks. Elysia¡¯s eyes lit up with hope. She checked his breath, felt for his pulse, and then blurted out incoherently with joy, ¡°He¡¯s¡­ he¡¯s awake. He¡¯se back to us!¡± Overwhelmed with relief, Elysia dived into Tarquin¡¯s arms, tears streaming down her face. ¡°He¡¯s okay! He¡¯s awake! He¡¯s the strongest little fighter in the world,¡± she sobbed. Tarquin, his own eyes red¨Crimmed, didn¡¯t push her away for the first time. Instead, he held her close, letting her cry her heart out in his embrace 09 Chapter 194 Chapter 194 Elysia was shaken, but Tarquin was even more so! If today were to im Elijah¡¯s life, it would be as though Tarquin himself had perished. Without Elijah in this world, there would be no Tarquin left to speak of! Heath and Benjamin were right there with him, tears streaming down their faces. Today had indeed scared them half to death! After the bustle at the hospital, and once it was clear that Elijah was out of danger, Elysia slipped away without a word, leaving the hospital behind. The snow was heavy today, and the air was bitterly cold, but the intense anxiety she had felt made her break into a heavy sweat. All she wanted was to head home, and take a long, hot shower to unwind. She didn¡¯t bother asking about Allegra¡¯s situation. She didn¡¯t want to pry into Tarin¡¯s family matters; her concern was for Elijah. Now that he was safe, she felt at peace. No sooner had Elysia left than Gideon Bradford arrived at the hospital with an imposing entourage in tow. Members from the main branch, along with some from the extended Bradford family had all converged. Dozens of them, crowding the corridors to the point of impassability. ¡°Tarquin, how is Elijah now?¡± Gideon asked, his face riddled with worry. Tarquin stood leaning against the rail, a cigarette in hand, staring nkly ahead, not sparing a nce nor a word for them. His face was ashen, the atmosphere around him heavy with tension. Gideon, frowning deeply, shot an ominous re at Allegra! His men dumped Allegra in front of Tarquin. A p mark was visible on her cheek, and her clothes were stained with blood. It was clear, without needing to ask, that Gideon had enforced family discipline. Gideon then spoke to Tarquin, ¡°I know you¡¯re angry, and I¡¯m furious too! If I had known she was this malicious, I never would have let her be born! To think she¡¯d even attempt to harm the sole heir of the Bradford family, she deserves to die! Today, I bring her before you, with the authority to decide her fate in front of the entire Bradford family. Whatever punishment you deem fit, even death, is at your disposal!¡± Allegra was terrified as she pleaded, ¡°Dad, please! No! I know I¡¯ve made a mistake, and I never meant to harm Elijah. Who knew the kid would be so sensitive. Just seeing me set him off. I, I, I didn¡¯t want him dead, please¡­¡± Her sobs were loud and fearful, clearly shaken by Gideon¡¯s demeanor. Upon receiving the news, Gideon had stormed Allegra¡¯s home and beat her senseless. Seeing Gideon¡¯s indifference, she turned to the other family members, ¡°Please help me, beg for mercy on my behalf, please¡­¡± The rest of the Bradford family, knowing Gideon and Tarquin were truly enraged, each felt their own skin at 09:51 risk. They hunched their shoulders, too afraid to utter a sound. No one darede forward to plead for Allegra. Gideon had summoned them as a warning, a demonstration that anyone who dared cross the sole heir of the Bradford family would meet this fate! Now, everyone wished they could vanish, so who would dare step forward and take the bullet? Gideon bellowed, ¡°Silence! What face do you have left to cry? As a Bradford, you dared to harm the family¡¯s only heir. It seems you¡¯re asking for death! Today you can poison Elijah, and tomorrow it could be me, and the day after, the entire Bradford family! You, you¡­¡± He swung his cane, striking Allegra repeatedly, blood streaming from her head on impact. Allegra, petrified, ignored the pain and turned to Tarquin for salvation, ¡°Tarquin, I¡¯m sorry. Please forgive my foolishness. I won¡¯t ever dare to cross Elijah again. Spare me this once, will you? Your grandfather wants to kill me, please¡­¡± Tarquin remained expressionless. Ever since the Bradford family had appeared, not a single flicker of emotion had crossed his face. The heavier his silence, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. Just as everyone felt as if they were about to suffocate from the tension, Tarquin suddenly spoke up. 212 Chapter 195 Chapter 195 ¡°Beat it. Scram!¡± Tarquin barked without specifying at whom, snuffing out the cigarette in his hand and striding toward Elijah¡¯s hospital room with his long legs. aly ¡°Tarquin¡­¡± Gideon tried to call out, but Lowell cut him off with a timely gesture, his tone neither warm nor cold, ¡°Mr. Bradford, please head on home and get some rest. Tarquin¡¯s got a lot on his mind right now and isn¡¯t in the mood for chitchat.¡± Gideon frowned. ¡°How¡¯s Elijah doing, anyway?¡± ¡°He¡¯s out of the woods now.¡± Hearing this, Gideon let out a relieved sigh. So did Allegra. The rest of the Bradfords, however, had mixed expressions. In the Bradford family, only Gideon didn¡¯t want Elijah to kick the bucket¨Che still had ns to use the boy to keep the others in line. The rest of them, though, wouldn¡¯t mind if the sole heir bit the dust sooner rather thanter. There could only be one heir in the Bradford legacy, and Tarquin had only this one son¨Cthe sole heir to it all. If Elijah were to die, the spot for the heir would be up for grabs, and all their offspring would have a fair shot at the throne. The Bradfords were a cunning lot, each with more tricks up their sleeve than you could count. A bunch of schemers! Gideon shot Allegra a venomous look. ¡°Get back to your house and stay in there till I say otherwise. You¡¯re not to step out without my say¨Cso! Your branch of the family won¡¯t be meddling inpany affairs for a while. All the projects under your name will be transferred to me. I¡¯ll handle them personally!¡± Allegra¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of her skull! Being grounded was one thing, but being taken their branch¡¯s projects was tantamount to taking their lives! ¡°Dad, no way! I¡¯ll stay at home for as long as you want, but you can¡¯t take our projects away. We¡¯ve still got Lionel and his father¨Cthey can handle the business. Those projects are our livelihood; if you take them away, how are we supposed to live?¡± ¡°You should¡¯ve thought about that before you acted! You reap what you sow!¡± With that, Gideon huffed angrily and left, leaning on his cane. No one else dared to utter a word; they hung their heads and quickly left the hospital. Allegra was left sobbing her heart out. Once everyone had cleared out, Lowell¡¯s eyebrows knotted in anger as he cast a cold re in their direction. He was shocked to hear today¡¯s news. Allegra had really crossed the line¡­ 09:51 As Heath reported, Allegra had burst in unannounced, barging into the room while Elijah was eating. The shock had triggered Elijah¡¯s condition, causing him to reflexively hurl things around. Allegra didn¡¯t soothe him or leave promptly, but instead berated Elijah for hisck of respect and manners. She even told Elijah his mother was long dead, and had died a horrible death! Believing her, Elijah copsed on the spot. Thankfully, Elysia was there; otherwise, who knows what might have happened to Elijah¡­ Now Elijah was out of danger, but if anything had happened to him, it wouldn¡¯t just be Tarquin after Allegra¨Cnone of them would let her off the hook! They had watched Elijah grow up. Although there was no blood rtion, he might as well have been their own flesh and blood! Lowell entered the hospital room, his eyes full of pity for the still unconscious young Elijah, and whispered to Tarquin, ¡°The Bradford lot has cleared out. I¡¯ve made arrangements; those snakes won¡¯t be slithering into Sunshine Community anymore.¡± Tarquin, gripping Elijah¡¯s hand, asked indifferently, ¡°What¡¯s Lionel Bradford up to these days?¡± Lionel was Allegra¡¯s son, taking after Allegra¡¯sst name. So he was technically a Bradford, too. ¡°Word is he¡¯s been running with some rich kids, and hasn¡¯t been home in ages. Rumor has it he¡¯s gotten into drugs.¡± ¡°Find out for sure. If he¡¯s using, notify Axel.¡± Axel never did anything by halves. Lowell got the message and nodded furiously. ¡°Got it!¡± As evening fell, Elijah woke up, and Benjamin immediately called Elysia. Elysia was thrilled. She had just finished cooking dinner for Elijah, packed it up, and was out the door at once. She didn¡¯t ride her bike this time; she took a taxi instead. After her fall earlier that day, she was too spooked to ride, and with the thick snow on the roads, it wasn¡¯t feasible anyway. Chapter 196 Chapter 196 At the hospital, Elysia didn¡¯t dare to barge into Elijah¡¯s room. Instead, she stood outside the door, peering in secretively. Watching the little guy in his hospital gown, sitting quietly by the window, gazing outside, she felt a mixture of relief and heartache. She remembered Benjamin telling her once how Elijah loved to sit by the window, waiting for his mom. He wanted to be the first to see her when she returned so he could dash out and leap into her arms. Elysia could almost picture the scene in her mind¡­ A beautiful, gentle woman suddenly appears outside the window, looks up at Elijah, and smiles, waving at him. ¡°Elijah, Mommy¡¯s back!¡± Overwhelmed with excitement, Elijah would rush out of the room, tumbling into his mommy¡¯s embrace¡­ What a wonderful picture that would be. At that moment, Elijah would surely feel like the happiest child in the world! s, why would a mother leave behind such an adorable son? Did she even know her child was sick from missing her so much? If she didn¡¯t know, that was one thing, but if she did, that was quite heartless! Noticing some movement, Tarquin turned his head and saw a little head quickly retract. Then it peeked out again, sneaky as ever. Realizing it was her, a flicker of emotion crossed Tarquin¡¯s eyes. He rose and walked towards the door of the room. Seeing him, Elysia said, ¡°I heard from Dr. Benjamin that Elijah woke up calm, as if he¡¯d forgotten everything that happened.¡± ¡°¡­Yeah.¡± ¡°That¡¯s probably for the best. If he remembered, he might get agitated. I made him some chicken soup at home. Take it to him. He can¡¯t eat much else right now.¡± Hesitantly, Tarquin took the thermos, and after a moment, he managed to utter a ¡®thank you¡®. Elysia was startled. He could say thank you? Before she could react, Tarquin added, ¡°Wait for me afterward. I need to talk to you.¡± ¡°Uh? Oh, sure.¡± With the thermos in hand, Tarquin entered the room as Elysia continued her covert surveince. Opening the thermos, the aroma wafted out, and Tarquin¡¯s stomach embarrassingly growled. He hadn¡¯t eaten all day, and the worry for Elijah had drained him. He was famished. But clearly, Elysia hadn¡¯t prepared anything for him. The small portion was just enough for Elijah alone. He served a bowl of soup, stirring it until it cooled enough to eat, and set it before Elijah on the small 09:52 round table. ¡°Elijah, time for soup.¡± Elijah nced at it, sensing something, and turned his head towards where Elysia was hiding. Elysia quickly ducked away, but in her haste, she bumped her head, wincing in pain and silently rubbing the sore spot. Tarquin caught a glimpse of her little ident, his expression subtly changing, but he remained silent. Elijah looked back at the soup and said, ¡°This isn¡¯t Daddy¡¯s cooking.¡± Tarquin was like, ¡°This time, he couldn¡¯t lie.¡± Elijah had been awake, and he¡¯d been by his side the whole time, with no chance to cook. ¡°Yeah, Daddy didn¡¯t make it, but it tastes good. Try it.¡± Elijah eyed the bowl of soup, hesitating. Both Tarquin and Elysia held their breath. Fortunately, Elijah¡¯s hesitation was brief. He didn¡¯t reject it outright and eventually picked up the spoon to take a taste. After a moment, he said nothing, simply nodding and continuing to sip the soup. Tarquin¡¯s heart settled back into ce. Outside, Elysia also took several deep breaths. If Elijah had refused to eat her cooking, she would have lost another chance to get close to him. After a while, Tarquin came out of the room, leaving Benjamin inside with Elijah. ¡°Let¡¯s talk on the terrace,¡± he suggested. ¡°Huh? Can¡¯t we talk here?¡± Without responding, Tarquin turned and strode towards the terrace with long, purposeful steps. Elysia eyed his tall, retreating figure with suspicion and followed him out. Chapter 197 Chapter 197 Tarquin had sparked up a cigarette, his only sce against the chilly breeze that swept through the yard. But no sooner had he taken a drag than the wind changed course, sending the smoke billowing straight into Elysia¡¯s face. She coughed violently, her delicate features reddening with each sharp intake. Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed in concern, but Elysia just waved him off. ¡°Don¡¯t mind me. If it helps you rx, go ahead.¡± Still, Tarquin hesitated for a brief moment before crushing the cigarette under his heel. Elysia couldn¡¯t help but sneak another nce at him, noticing a softness in his demeanor that was uncharacteristic of the man she knew. Her pulse quickened as she recalled the words Keaton had said over the phone just before her arrival at the hospital, making her all the more anxious. Breaking the silence, Tarquin spoke, ¡°I owe you one for today, for helping Elijah.¡± ¡°It was nothing!¡± ¡°What do you want in return?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want anything.¡± ¡°Come on, you¡¯ve earned a favor. I¡¯ll see it done whatever you ask.¡± Elysia blurted out, ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary!¡± ¡°Oh?¡± She looked straight into his eyes, her expression serious. ¡°You may not think much of me, and the feeling is mutual. So let¡¯s forget about any grand gestures of indebtedness. I can¡¯t ept that!¡± Beforeing to the hospital, Keaton had called her out of the blue. He had thanked her for saving Elijah and then hinted that someone was interested in a more¡­ personal form of gratitude. But Elysia wouldn¡¯t entertain the thought of being with that someone, not even for a second. She wanted to clear the air before things got awkward. But Tarquin hadn¡¯t considered that angle at all. His eyes narrowed slightly as he asked, ¡°Are you suggesting that I should offer myself to you?¡± Elysia¡¯s face flushed, her eyes widening in disbelief as she denied, ¡°No, not at all! Don¡¯t twist my words. Or was it you who was dropping hints?¡± ¡°Me? Never.¡± ¡°But you just said I could ask for anything. Doesn¡¯t that mean you were expecting me to bring it up?¡± Tarquin was at a loss for words. Was she being naive or was there a hidden meaning behind her words? Regardless, he wouldn¡¯t offer himself to anyone. ¡°My heart belongs to Elijah¡¯s mother. There¡¯s no chance of me being with another woman, so let¡¯s put that idea to rest. I was referring to other kinds of favors.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a relief!¡± Tarquin gave her a probing look before adding, ¡°But since you saved Elijah, I am willing to grant you any 09:52 Chacher 197 favor but that¡® 1ddit save him for a reward.¡± All she wanted now was to get a divorce from Tarquin, but Tarin didn¡¯t know Tarquin. And though she was in dire need of money, Tarin was broke and burdened with Elijah¡¯s medical bills. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to ask After all, saving Elijah had been her own choice, without any expectation ofpensation Tarquin watched her for a moment, then said, ¡°Fine, consider it a debt I owe you. If you ever need anythinge to me 1 don¡¯t need your favors either.¡± It was surprising to him. Many would bend over backward for the chance of such a debt, yet she was indifferent What he didn¡¯t realize was that in Elysia¡¯s eyes, he was nothing more than a pauper now. ¡°However Tarquin continued, ¡°if there¡¯s ever a conflict between us, I hope you¡¯llpromise once! Elysia¡¯s brow furrowed as she spoke with a seriousness that belied her usual demeanor She was thinking of the kids. If it ever came down to a custody battle, she hoped he¡¯d be on her side and grant her the right to keep them. ¡°What kind of conflict?¡± Tarquin asked, puzzled. Elysia pursed her lips and lied, ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. Just if.¡± ¡°Fine¡± he agreed. ¡°If that dayes, I¡¯ll let you have your way.¡± ¡°A gentleman¡¯s promise is his bond,¡± she reminded him. He nodded in acknowledgment, ¡°You have my word.¡± Chapter 198 Chapter 198 Elysia¡¯s heart settled a notch, feeling like she was securing a safety for the future, Of course, she hoped that day would nevere, that the triplets¡® secret would stay just that¨Ca secret, Her phone chimed¨Ca new message. Elysia checked the screen and gasped, ¡°No way!¡± There was a deposit of ten thousand dors! She looked up at Tarquin, who was also on his phone, having just made the transfer, ¡°You¡­¡± ¡°You saved Elijah. I couldn¡¯t just do nothing¨Cthat would weigh on my conscience.¡± Tarquin had wanted to send more, but thinking back to how Elysia reacted to getting money from the Denton family, he coolly removed a couple of zeros. She loved money but was timid; too much would surely scare her off. And sure enough, the ten thousand had already blown her away! After all, she was just an ordinary gal, and ten thousand was more than she might make in a year. ¡°I¡­¡± ¡°Take it,¡± Tarquin said, as if afraid she¡¯d refuse. ¡°Elijah loves your cooking. Consider it a fee for your culinary services.¡± Elysia hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll hold onto it! If Elijah craves anything, just let me know. As long as I¡¯m in Jindale City, I¡¯ve got his meals covered!¡± She¡¯d been skimping before, serving Elijah simple fare, heavy on the veggies. For a growing boy, that wasn¡¯t cutting it nutritionally. With the ten thousand, she could whip up something way more appetizing. ¡°And mine,¡± Tarquin added suddenly. ¡°Huh?¡± Tarquin didn¡¯t miss a beat, seizing the opportunity. ¡°Make extra. Elijah likes it when I join him for meals.¡± The logic was sound¨CI¡¯m not after your cooking; I just want to dine with my son. Elysia hadn¡¯t expected this request and paused before agreeing cheerily, ¡°Deal!¡± ¡°And about that fifty million you owe me¨Cit¡¯s now just five million.¡± Elysia¡¯s eyes widened in shock as she asked, ¡°Excuse me?¡± ¡°You heard me,¡± Tarquin repeated. ¡°From today, you owe me five million dors.¡± Elysia couldn¡¯t believe it; he was shing the debt by forty¨Cfive million? 09:52 ¡°So¡­ so you¡¯re saying I only have to pay you back five million now?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Like, I¡¯m only in debt for five million?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not kidding me, right? This isn¡¯t some kind of joke, is it? Because I¡¯m taking this seriously Tarquin looked at her with a mix of disdain and amusement. ¡°If you don¡¯t ept, forget I mentioned it.¡± ¡°I ept it! I never said I didn¡¯t!¡± Would she be crazy to refuse? Though five million dors was still a daunting figure, it paled inparison to fifty million. Before, with a fifty million debt, she didn¡¯t see an end to it. An insurmountable debt, impossible to repay, it was a lifelong burden! But now it was down to five million¨Ca light at the end of the tunnel. Now, taking care of Elijah for ten thousand a day, she could be debt¨Cfree in less than two years! Elysia rubbed her hands together excitedly, her cheeks flushed, her eyes rolling around with anticipation as her thickshes fluttered wildly. Then, she let out a goofyugh. Tarquin just stared at her¡­ Elysia was buzzing with excitement, feeling both thrilled and relieved. ¡°You know,¡± she said, ¡°you¡¯re not that bad. You might not seem like the good guy, but you¡¯re not the worst, either. You have a conscience, though not a huge one, it¡¯s there¡­¡± He doesn¡¯t seem like a good guy? A conscience, though not a huge one? Tarquin¡¯s expression darkened. If this was her way of giving apliment, he wasn¡¯t sure whether to say thanks or something else entirely. 0 Chapter 199 Chapter 199 ¡°Don¡¯t you n on settling down here in Jindale City?¡± After today¡¯s events, Tarquin had gained a profound respect for Elysia. He wanted her to stay in Jindale City long¨Cterm, to look after Elijah. Instead of wiping out the entire fifty million debt, he had left a five million bnce, a little insurance on his part. He was concemed that someday she might decide to stop caring for Elijah, and he¡¯d have no leverage over her. The sudden shift in conversation made Elysia eye him suspiciously. ¡°No,¡± she stated tly. ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t like this city.¡± Is it because of that scandal six years ago?¡± Tarquin ventured, which immediately caused Elysia¡¯s brows to furrow, her mood turning sour as she red at him. Thinking he¡¯d hit a nerve by bringing up the past, Tarquin hurried to smooth things over. ¡°Let bygones be bygones. If you want to make a life here in Jindale City, I can help you. You won¡¯t have to worry about being exposed online again, or about¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to stay in Jindale City! Mind your own business!¡± Elysia snapped, turning on her heel and storming off. Tarquin stood there, perplexed. ¡°What did I say to tick her off this time? She flips faster than a pancake!* Had he made a mistake by offering his help? Was she being ungrateful? Tarquin was seriously bummed out. That evening, Elysia was lost in thought. Blossom, ever the nosy friend, prodded until Elysia revealed, ¡°After I saved his son, he just handed me a hundred grand and knocked off forty¨Cfive million from my debt!¡± Blossom¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Really? Well, that shows he¡¯s got some decency in him.¡± ¡°Yeah, I used to think he was good for nothing, but today¡¯s actions proved otherwise. But him suddenly being so concerned about whether I¡¯ll settle down here in Jindale City has me worried.¡± Blossom analyzed the situation. ¡°You saved his son today. He obviously doesn¡¯t want you to leave Jindale City¨Che wants you by Elijah¡¯s side.¡± ¡°I know, and that¡¯s what¡¯s freaking me out. I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll try to stop me from leaving Jindale City. I don¡¯t want him paying too much attention to me. The more he does, the higher the chance he¡¯ll find out about the triplets.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ true that. So, what¡¯s your n? Gonna ditch Elijah and steer clear of this wild card?¡± Elysia frowned. ¡°I want to avoid him, but Elijah¡­ I feel a bond with that kid. I can¡¯t just abandon him.¡± ¡°So what now?¡± Elysia sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Maybe just take it one step at a time. Don¡¯t overthink it. If he¡¯s shown he has a conscience, that¡¯s a good thing. If he ever does find out about the triplets, we¡¯ll reason with him. The kids have a say too. If it ever came down to a custody battle, the court would listen to them, and they¡¯d surely want to stay with you.¡± ¡°That makes sense.¡± *So don¡¯t worry. Finding out he¡¯s not aplete viin is good news.¡± ? :?? ?? ? ? ? ?? ? ? Elysia nodded, somewhat reassured. It was better than dealing with a total monster. But any relief she felt, along with the smidgen of improved regard she held for him, vanished the next day. Because Lionel Bradford had died. Lionel, the only son of Allegra, was found dead early that moming in Military Courtyard, an overdose the cause. The incident, taking ce in the high¨Csecurity Military Courtyard, was immediately hushed up. Such a scandal, hinting atwlessness within the military¡¯s own ranks, would cause an uproar if it got out¨C questioning the very integrity of the military establishment. Chapter 200 Chapter 200 So, the higher¨Cups went straight to Gideon, insisting that the Bradford family handle the situation privately and swiftly. Gideon, of course, didn¡¯t want the family¡¯s reputation tarnished. He promptly announced that Lionel¡¯s death was due to a sudden, fatal reaction to alcohol. Not a whisper about drugs, and he wouldn¡¯t dare mention the notorious Military Courtyard One. Allegra was beside herself with grief, confronting Gideon, demanding justice, and using Tarquin of murdering her boy in an act of revenge against her! But Gideon¡¯s face turned stormy. Not only did he wash his hands of the matter, but he also pressured the Bradfords to bury Lionel post¨Chaste, forbidding any inquiry into the affair! Enraged, Allegra stormed the hospital to settle scores with Tarquin. Elysia was clueless about Lionel¡¯s fate, but as she brought Elijah his breakfast, she stumbled upon the scene. Allegra was shrieking like a banshee. ¡°You killed my son, you bastard Tarquin! I only had one boy, how could you be so cruel¡­ I admit I wronged Elijah, but he¡¯s still alive, isn¡¯t he? I¡¯ve apologized, so why harbor murderous thoughts against my Lionel? If you¡¯re angry, take it out on me, kill me! What kind of man goes after a child?¡± Child? Lionel was 33 for heaven¡¯s sake. Tarquin, with a cigarette dangling from his fingers, looked on with icy detachment. ¡°Bring evidence and let the copse for me; otherwise, get lost.¡± Allegra roared,cking evidence to use him, but daring him to swear on Elijah¡¯s life that he wasn¡¯t involved. ¡°I swear, if I¡¯ve wronged you, may I be struck down by a car the moment I step outside! Do you dare say if you did it, let Elijah drop dead right now?¡± Tarquin¡¯s expression darkened ominously. ¡°If you¡¯re itching for a car ident, I can oblige.¡± His calm voice belied the storm raging within. He wasn¡¯t just arguing; he was issuing a serious warning, a threat. Elysia¡¯s heart pounded. She couldn¡¯t believe what she had overheard. Seeing his chilling demeanor, she felt an icy dread, even from a distance. ¡°Go on, kill me too!¡± Allegra yelled at Tarquin. Suddenly spotting Elysia, Allegra charged at her like she was a punching bag, yelling, ¡°You meddler! I¡¯ll kill you myself!¡± Yesterday, Elysia had saved Elijah from death¡¯s door, and the Bradfords all knew it. Elysia stepped back, startled by Allegra¡¯s frenzy. Just as Allegra lunged, a towering figure stepped in front of her, shielding herpletely. Before Allegra could get close, Tarquin sent her flying with a kick. He didn¡¯t nce at Allegra but turned to her husband, his voice heavy with an impending tempest, ¡°If you want to keep your ce in Jindale City, take her and get out. Now!¡± Allegra¡¯s husband, pale as a ghost, hauled her away without a word. Down the corridor, Allegra¡¯s voice echoed threats of doo ¡°You bitch, you wait! You¡¯re gonna die! If you can cure Elijah, you¡¯re lucky, and if you can¡¯t, you¡¯re gonna die! You¡¯re dealing with a demon now. I think you¡¯ve got a few days to live! You will die worse than my Lionel¡­¡± Elysia¡¯s face was ghostly pale, drained of color. Tarquin turned to her, frowning. ¡°Scared?¡± She was terrified, not by Allegra, but by the implications of her words. Had Elijah¡¯s near¨Cdeath yesterday driven Tarquin to¡­ to kill Allegra¡¯s son? Was he a murderer? Elysia gazed up at Tarquin, her eyes wide with terror. Chapter 201 Chapter 201 It was the kind of terror that runs deep in the bones when facing a murderer! Tarquin frowned at her murderer¨Cstaring¡® look, clearly displeased. Quickly averting her gaze, Elysia shoved a lunchbox into his hands, ¡°This¡­ This is Elijah¡¯s breakfast. I¡¯ve got stuff to deal with back home, so¡­. I gotta run.¡± With that, she turned and sprinted away, as if a murderer was hot on her heels. Tarquin watched her retreat, his expression darkening. Benjamin humed over and asked, ¡°What¡¯s up with Ms. Thome? She seemed all flustered when she left. She didn¡¯t even respond to my hello¡± Tarquin pushed the thermos into Benjamin¡¯s arms. ¡°I need a smoke!¡± With that he stormed off. Benjamin was puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s going on here? You two had a row? She¡¯s all panic¨Cstricken, and you look like you¡¯ve been wronged big time. It¡¯s been just a moment, and you¡¯re at odds again?¡± Everyone knew that Elysia had saved Elijah, and Tarquin¡¯s attitude towards her hadpletely changed. They even embraced each other emotionally in the ambnce¡­ It was a silver lining that everyone around Tarquin was relieved to see. Lowell and Keaton were even more enthusiastic, wishing the two could just get married on the spot. If they got together Tarquin wouldn¡¯t have to suffer the pangs of unrequited love anymore. They believed that Elysia could bring Tarquin happiness, much more than that woman whose whereabouts were uncertain. And yet, just a few hours in, they were at odds again? Tarquin stood on the balcony, smoking, his mood sour. Allegra misunderstanding him didn¡¯t bother him much, but Elysia¡¯s misunderstanding really got under his skin. He summoned Lowell and asked, ¡°What exactly happenedst night?¡± Lowell was Tarquin¡¯s right¨Chand man, with a status simr to his own. However, his temperament was entirely different from Tarquin¡¯s. Lowell was about the same height as Tarquin, simr in personality ¨C both were men of few words and rather cold demeanor. Lowell responded emotionlessly, ¡°By the time I got there, Lionel was already dead, killed by an enemy.¡± ¡°Which enemy?¡± ¡°Last month, Lionel and a buddy had their eyes on a college girl, dragged her into a hotel, and assaulted her. The girl reported to the police, but without evidence, nothing could be done. Instead, Lionel and his friends ndered her, iming she was promiscuous and that she had seduced them for their money, andter tried to ckmail them. The girl was dishonored, her reputation ruined, and she was expelled from school. A few days ago, she found out she was pregnant, so she confronted Lionel and got beaten up and assaulted again. In her rage, shemitted suicide. The girl was an orphan, living only with her brother. They were very close, and her brother happened to be serving in Military Courtyard. Last night, taking advantage of their drug use, he sneaked into the room and injected Lionel with a lethal dose.¡± Tarquin frowned and asked, ¡°if those guys harassed his sister, why did he only kill Lionel?¡± Lowell replied tersely. ¡°The exact reason is unclear, but Gideon had approached him before the incident.¡± Tarquin was silent. That exined why only Lionel was killed while the others were spared. Gideon wanted only Lionel dead! Gideon was using Allegra¡¯s situation to warn the Bradford family to stay in line and not mess with Elijah. At the same time, he was drawing fire towards Tarquin! With Lionel¡¯s death at this critical time, no one would suspect Gideon. They¡¯d all think Tarquin killed Lionel to avenge Elijah! Only those close to him would know that murder wasn¡¯t his style. If he disliked someone, he¡¯d just make their life a living hell. Chapter 202 Chapter 202 ¡°Nobody knows for sure, but ever since the incident, Gideon¡¯s people have been on the hunt for that girl¡¯s brother. I reckon they¡¯re aiming to silence him for good.¡± Tarquin furrowed his brows. ¡°Find him and send him to Charlie¡¯s,¡± Lowell asked, ¡°To Charlie¡¯s to chip rocks?¡± ¡°Better than ending up dead at Gideon¡¯s hands.¡± In today¡¯s world, life¡¯s already stacked against the poor. If you¡¯ve got money and power, you¡¯re set. Without it, you¡¯re nothing. Too many have suffered and died in silence, just like that girl! Lionel¡¯s death was a heavy sin, but why should her brother pay the price? The darkness in society runs deeper than most folks realize, with only glimpses shown in movies. Rich brats like Lionel, with their endless dirty deeds, are a dime a dozen! His death should be a cause for celebration! That girl¡¯s brother is not a criminal here; he¡¯s a hero! But Gideon¡¯s clever, using others to do his dirty work. Looks like Tarquin had been too lenient with him lately. Time to crack him down again! Meanwhile, Elysia returned home and immediately burrowed into her nkets, shivering. She was terrified. Though she wasn¡¯t sure if he had actually killed anyone, the fear was real. Normally, if someone was falsely used, they¡¯d defend themselves. But when Allegra used him, he stayed silent. Why didn¡¯t he refute it? Deep down, she believed he was the murderer. The thought of dealing daily with a murderer was enough to terrify her, especially given her timid nature. And what about Allegra¡¯s threats? If she couldn¡¯t cure Elijah, would he turn on her? After all, the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. Now, he was filled with hope for her. Elysia¡¯s mind was a mess, torn between feeling wrong for presuming guilt without evidence and the fear of getting too close to that man, which felt increasingly dangerous. The next day, Elysia still went to the hospital to deliver breakfast for Elijah. But she didn¡¯t go to Elijah¡¯s room directly. She asked Benjamin to deliver it instead, and she kept up with Elijah¡¯s condition through Benjamin. It was clear she was avoiding Elijah¡¯s father. Benjamin, puzzled, took the food to Elijah¡¯s room and asked Tarquin, ¡°What¡¯s going on between you and Ms. Thorne? Why is she avoiding you?¡± Tarquin looked up and asked, ¡°She was here?¡± ¡°Yeah, came and left. Here, she asked me to bring breakfast for Elijah.¡± Tarquin¡¯s mood soured immediately. Benjamin said, ¡°With Elijah¡¯s situation, I thought this might bring you two closer, maybe even patch things up. Why did it onlyst a day? We¡¯re all in this together; why not just clear the air?¡± Tarquin scowled, ¡°You might consider her one of us, but that doesn¡¯t mean she feels the same. Stop wasting your time warming up to someone who¡¯s cold.¡± Benjamin was taken aback. ¡°What do you mean?¡± If she saw Tarquin as one of her own, she wouldn¡¯t lump him in with the Bradfords and misjudge him. ¡°Not everyone can be considered ¡®one of us¡®. Don¡¯t cheapen yourself.¡± Despite his sharp words, Benjamin suggested, ¡°Whatever the issue, bring it out into the open, instead of this silent treatment.¡± ¡°Who¡¯s giving silent treatment?¡± ¡°She¡¯s avoiding you, and you are making snide remarks behind her back. If that¡¯s not silent treatment, what is?¡± 09:47 Tarquin frowned, ¡°If she wants a silent treatment standoff, she¡¯s got to be in my league first.¡± Implying that Elysia wasn¡¯t even qualified to have a silent treatment with him. Benjamin was speechless again, but before he could say anything else, Tarquin had already left the room. Feeling down, Tarquin decided to crash Allegra¡¯s memorial service for Lionel. Normally, funerals took a few days of preparation, but given Lionel¡¯s unique circumstances, both the higher¨Cups and Gideon were eager to have him buried as soon as possible. So, the funeral was set for that moming. Chapter 203 Chapter 203 Tarquin was in a foul mood, and as his right hand man, Lowell saw right through it. Driving down the highway, he tried to lighten the atmosphere. ¡°Tarquin, if something¡¯s eating at you, why don¡¯t you just hash it out with Ms. Thorne? No point in bottling it up. You keep this up, and it¡¯s clear Ms. Thorne¡¯s feeling it too.¡± Tarquin¡¯s reply was icy. ¡°And what¡¯s her difort to you?¡± Lowell¡¯s smile was strained. ¡°Nothing, but it¡¯s obvious she¡¯s getting under your skin, and it¡¯s tough watching you like this.¡± ¡°And you¡¯ve seen this how? What, are you psychic now?¡± Lowell barely managed a chuckle. ¡°Come on, even an idiot could see it! Ms. Thorne¡¯s been a godsend to Elijah, and besides, she¡¯s ady. Even if she¡¯s at fault, we could afford to be a bit more gracious and give her some ck.¡± ¡°N¡¯s been good to Elijah too. Am I supposed to bend over backwards for her as well?¡± ¡°That¡¯s different. N ter and Ms. Thorne aren¡¯t in the same league. N¡¯s efforts are, well, laughable, but Ms. Thorne¡¯s a stand¨Cup woman.¡± ¡°If she¡¯s so great, from now on, you can stick with her and leave me be!¡± Lowell sighed. Every time Tarquin had a spat with Elysia, he¡¯d turn into an unreasonable kid. ¡°Tarquin¡­¡± ¡°Zip it!¡± The funeral was a spectacle. The Bradfords were abuzz with whispers at the sight of Tarquin. ¡°Why¡¯s he here?¡± ¡°No idea. Didn¡¯t hear about him being invited. Maybe Gideon requested his presence?¡± ¡°Hardly. He wouldn¡¯t be that senile. Inviting him¡¯s like asking for trouble.¡± Tarquin hadn¡¯t been invited; he came unasked. His arrival sent a chill through the Bradfords, who watched him, uneasy and silent. Allegra, weeping in front of the chapel, saw Tarquin and screamed, ¡°Why are you here? Who let you in? Get out! Lionel wouldn¡¯t want you here, get out!¡± Tarquin ignored her. He wasn¡¯t there to mourn Lionel. Gideon, seated prominently among the guests, caught Tarquin¡¯s approach. Tarquin, hands in pockets, walked over, ignoring the murmurs of the crowd. But no one dared say a word, only Allegra¡¯s hysterical cries filled the air. Lowell moved to the chapel, lighting a candle for Lionel on Tarquin¡¯s behalf. Gideon frowned at Tarquin. ¡°Why did youe?¡± ¡°I¡¯m here for you,¡± Tarquin replied, lighting a cigarette and taking a seat. ¡°You could¡¯ve just called. You know Allegra¡¯s got a bone to pick with you! Lionel just died, and here you are, adding to her grief. She¡¯s still your aunt, your dad¡¯s sister.¡± Tarquin scoffed. ¡°Her son¡¯s death isn¡¯t on me.¡± Gideon was puzzled. ¡°It sounds like you¡¯re suggesting Lionel¡¯s death was my doing.¡± This piqued everyone¡¯s interest, no one wanting to miss out on the drama. Tarquin didn¡¯t hesitate to give them something to talk about. He summoned Lionel¡¯s father Larry, the folks from Verity¡¯s side of the family, and even the elders to join in. Gideon, clueless about Tarquin¡¯s intent and visibly annoyed, pressed, ¡°What are you trying to do?¡± ¡°Some things don¡¯t add up. Thought I¡¯d get some rity from you here, Grandpa.¡± ¡°Why air this in front of everyone? Couldn¡¯t you have said it over the phone?¡± 09:47 Chapter 204 Chapter 204 ¡°Talking face to face is the only way to make things clear¡± Gideon was visibly upset. ¡°Then out with it. What¡¯s the deal?¡± Tarquin¡¯s expression was nonchalent as he said, ¡°I just wanted to ask you what you were discussing with Mike before Lionel¡¯s incident?¡± Mentioning Mike caused Gideon¡¯s expression to shift dramatically! He red, eyes fixed intently on Tarquin. The crowd, keen observers all, sensed something was amiss, stirring whispers among themselves, ¡°Who¡¯s Mike?¡± I think I know. A while back, Lionel and his crew bullied a girl. She ended up taking her own life, and Mike was her brother.¡± ¡°Does this mean Lionel was killed by Mike?¡± ¡°He¡¯s just a nobody. Without someone backing him, he¡¯d never get close to Lionel. I bet he¡¯s just a pawn, there¡¯s gotta be a mastermind behind the scene.¡± Everyone tumed towards Gideon, their eyes filled with varying degrees of suspicion. Gideon¡¯s face turned beet red as he yelled, ¡°Nonsense! Tarquin, are you suggesting I had Mike kill Lionel?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m just curious why you were meeting Mike before the incident and why you sent people after Mike afterward. What could Mike possibly have done to offend you so much, Grandpa?¡± Tarquin might as well have had silencing a witness written all over his face. Gideon, struggling for breath, hisposure lost, retorted, ¡°What are you talking about? I don¡¯t even know this Mike.¡± Calm as ever, Tarquin produced a photograph. It showed Gideon and Mike in mid¨Cconversation. The evidence was as loud as a p to the face. Gideon stood up so fast from his chair it might as well have been a jump. The crowd was in shock. Tarquin didn¡¯t outright use Mike of being the murderer. But with the conversation taking this turn, the Bradfords, sharp as they were, got the gist Tarquin then reverted to his usual cold demeanor ¡°Elijah is my life. Whoever dares to target my Elijah won¡¯t face death from my hands, but a fate worse than death!¡± He rose, looking down on Gideon. ¡°And another thing, don¡¯t treat me, Tarquin, like a fool. If you¡¯re nning to use me or frame me, you better check if you¡¯ve got the brains or the means for it!¡± With that parting shot, he left. Silence enveloped the room. After what felt like an eternity, Allegra suddenly lunged forward, grabbing Gideon¡¯s wrist, kneeling before him with eyes brimming with tears. ¡°Dad! Tell me, what¡¯s going on?¡± Gideon, gasping for air, pushed Allegra away, roaring, ¡°You believe Tarquin¡¯s divisive words? Foolish With that, Gideon left the scene, escorted by his bodyguards. Allegra was heartbroken as she screamed, ¡°Dad! You¡¯ve destroyed your own daughter! You might as well have taken my life directly¡­¡± The rest of the Bradfords exchanged looks between Allegra¡¯s despair and Gideon¡¯s retreating figure, shocked! They all thought Tarquin was behind Lionel¡¯s demise, but now¡­ Back in his car, Gideon passed out from sheer rage, revived only by a quick¨Cacting nitroglycerin pill administered by his confidant. The confidant tried to soothe him, ¡°Sir, please calm down. Although Tarquin publicly used you, he has no proof! Without evidence, its just his word against yours. No one will believe him!¡± ¡°Quick, get in touch with Baby ET¡¯s Support One. I want to talk to them today! As long as they¡¯re willing to support me, I¡¯ll hand over that iter today!¡± Mentioning the item, the confidant¡¯s eyes widened as he asked, ¡°Sir, are you sure?¡± ¡°Do it- Gideon¡¯s voice was a hysterical roar. Chapter 205 Chapter 205 Elliot was in the midst of a typical day of kindergarten when the smartwatch in his pocket buzzed, with a squint, he excused himself and headed to the bathroom. His attention had always been on Tarquin and people around Tarquin, making it easy for him to spot when Gideon reached out. Gideon¡¯s confidant messaged him. Hey, my boss urgently needs your skills. We¡¯ve attached a token of our sincerity. Please check it t] Elliot squinted at the image that popped up, taken aback by what he saw. Gideon wanted to use that it Item for a deal? Did Gideon even grasp its value? Did he know how rate it was? Even Elliot and Tarquin didn¡¯t have it! Rumer had it Tarquin had been on a wild goose chase for this item, with no luck so far. But with this item, what couldn¡¯t they achieve? What was Gideon nning that he needed Elliot, when he had such a trump card? After a moment, Elliot typed back, [With that in your hands, you could do anything. Whye to me?] The reply came swiftly, My boss said it¡¯s great, but it¡¯s a one¨Cshot deal. Using it on the wrong thing would be a waste.] Meaning, trading it with him could aplish more. Elliot got it Gideon was indeed a sly fox! [ll make a deal, but I only agree to help you with three tasks, within my moral and legal boundaries, and within my capabilities.] There was a brief pause before the response came, [Deal! How shall we deliver the item? [§±l send you a locationter Just leave it there, and someone will pick it up). [Great! My boss hopes you can swiftly uncover who breached the Bradford Group¡¯s security and swiped billions from the Bradford family¡¯s dealings overnight] Elliot squinted again, tasked with investigating himself¡­ Revealing his identity to Gideon was off the table! But he couldn¡¯t just pin it on someone else; he had to maintain integrity. How to reply needed careful thought. [That¡¯s the first task. I¡¯ll get you the information as soon as I have it. Elliot replied. [Thank you, looking forward to a fruitful coboration] Elliot didn¡¯t respond, lost in thought as he stared at the photo of the item. is going ing all out against Tarquin! And this item was exactly what Tarquin had been searching for Gideon was What if he leaked hints of its existence? Tarquin would surely make a move, offering terms for it! Could he use it to make Tarquin divorce his mom? After all, as precious as the item was, it paled inparison to Elysia¡¯s happiness. Pondering, Elliot toyed with his smartwatch for a bit. Soon, the news that Gideon was trading the item for the services of a top hacker, was buzzing in Tarquin¡¯s ears. Tarquin, in the middle of an executive meeting, stormed out upon hearing it. Back in his office, he demanded. ¡°Is this reliable?¡± Lowell showed him the tablet. ¡°Absolutely. It all over the dark web, posted by Baby ET¡¯s Support One himself.¡± Using ¡®Baby ET¡¯s Support One¡® as his alias, known simply as Mr. E. Elliot had stirred the dark web with a post, using the image Gideon sent him [With the right offer, ill make your wishese true!] Thements section exploded with shock and envy. (OMG! It¡¯s surfaced again! Shocked!] [Who¡¯s asking Mr. E for a favor with such a bounty? Must be a matter of great importance) [Only someone influential could possess this, could it be the government?) heard our government has one, and it¡¯s been coveted by foreign powers and traitors! Could this be It? is the government fecing a dilemma, hoping Mr. E can solve (17) Others eximed I thought it was a myth, but it¡¯s reall To possess it means¡­ OMG! I¡¯ve been living under a rock!] Chapter 206 Chapter 206 Tarquin was scrolling through his tablet with a determined look. ¡°Make contact now!¡± hemanded. Lowell knew Tarquin had been on the hunt for this for a while, and he understood the reason behind it, but ¡°Given Mr. Ex fondness for the item, he might not be willing to part with it even if we want it.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll make him an offer he can¡¯t refuse. Let him name his price!¡± Hmm, and what about Gideon? If he¡¯s asked Mr. E to find the person who breached our system, and that person is both talented and wealthy, it could spell trouble for us if Gideon gets to him first¡± Tarquin frowned. Forget him for now Let¡¯s secure this item first!¡± . ¡°Alright then.¡± Lowell began to reach out to Baby ET¡¯s Support One¡°. But despite sending numerous messages, there was no response. Tarquin was visibly annoyed by this! Little did he know, Mr. E was actually his eldest son. At the moment, his son was surrounded by a group of little girls, too busy to respond to his messages, his favor. It was recess, and the girls were showering Elliot with gifts in an attempt to win One girl offered him choctes, another gave him a pack of marshmallows, and there were those who presented stickers, colored papers, and even y Doh ¡°Elliot, if you ept my gift, you¡¯ll have to marry me, okay? A man of his word can¡¯t go back on his promise!¡± Elliot was baffled. Did I ept? Did I even say anything? Before he could speak up, another girl chimed in, ¡°Elliot can¡¯t marry you because he just got my has to be my husband. He can only have one wife, so if he mamies me, he can¡¯t marry you!¡± ¡°But I want to marry him too!¡± ¡°Then go find Evan or Emmett.¡± ¡°No way, Evan and Emmett already have their crushes¡± marshmallows. If he eats my treat, he Evan and Emmett¡¯s crushes were none other than their beloved mommy. They dered their undying love for her and her alone! Elliot had said the same, but these girls weren¡¯t having any of it ¡°What do we do then? We all want to marry Elliot!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got an idea. Let¡¯s ask Elliots mom to have more kids just like him, then we won¡¯t have to fight over him.¡± ¡°Right, that¡¯s a great n.¡± So, the girls surrounded Elliot, saying, ¡°Elliot, when you go home today, could you talk to your daddy and mommy? Tell them to try harder and have more kids like you. That way, we won¡¯t have to fight over you.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine! Nine more, and that should be enough for all of us!¡± ¡°We¡¯re not asking for much. Even if the new kids don¡¯t look like you or Evan, resembling Emmett would be fine too.¡± ¡°Elliot, our happiness is in your hands. Please talk to your parents tonight and get them to work on Elliot was exasperated. He wasn¡¯t a fan of the constant chatter from the girls. But his mommy had taught him that a boy must always be a gentleman, especially towards girls, and treat them with respect. With a sigh, Elliot replied. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I have to disappoint you. My daddy and mommy won¡¯t be having any more kids.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± the girls pressed. Elliot couldn¡¯t tell them his parents were considering divorce. Instead, he said, ¡°Because my daddy¡­ he¡¯s not capable anymore.¡± ¡°Ah? Not capable? Is your daddy sick? Is he dying?¡± ¡°No, he¡¯s not dying anytime soon. But he¡¯s got a condition that means he can¡¯t have more kids with my mommy¡± And so, the news that ¡°Elliot¡¯s daddy can¡¯t have kids anymore¡± spread like wildfire throughout the kindergarten. Even the kids in the younger sses heard about it! Some of the girls were particrly emotional. The thought of Elliot¡¯s parents not being able to have more kids, and thus their chances of marrying him dwindling, brought them to tears. 09:29 ¡°I don¡¯t want Elliot¡¯s daddy to be sick. I want him to have more kids, waaah¡­¡± ¡°I want Elliot¡¯s daddy to have kids tool Wasah¡­¡± Chapter 207 Chapter 207 The rumor mill was running wild, and by the time it reached the teacher, Mr. Miller, it had morphed into something utterly bizare. ¡°Mr. Miller, you¡¯ve got to call the principal. Let him have a word with Elliot¡¯s dad. The poor guy¡¯s in a bad way, and he can¡¯t have kids wnymore¡­ Mr. Miller was taken aback by the news While heforted the little girl, wiping away her tears, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Shoy Elliot¡¯s dad in a man, and you know, men don¡¯t give birth to babies.¡± ¡°But i want Elliot¡¯s dad to have babies! And he needs to have nine of them¡± The teacher was puzzled. ¡°Why nine?¡°. Because we¡¯re short by nine husbands¡± The innocence of children, Mr. Miller thought. When Blossom heard this, she had just taken a sip of her coffee. And she spat it out! All over the colleague she was gossiping with. She didn¡¯t even pause to apologize before blurting out, ¡°The schoolgirls want Elliot¡¯s dad to have babies?¡± ¡°Yep! That¡¯s the talk of the day. Our little girls have been in tears over it! Didn¡¯t you hear the wails downstairs just now? ¡°I thought I heard something, but I had no idea it was over this¡­ Are they all calmed down now? What did you say to them?¡± ¡°I had Elliot tell them that he¡¯d talk to his dad when he got home, to take good care of himself, and maybe, just maybe, try harder to bring these nine sons into the world. Blossom was in stitches! First she nearly choked on her drink, and now, she was dying ofughter! Elysia couldn¡¯t believe her ears when she heard the story. It was ridiculous, exasperating, and yet, somehow, hrious. The world of children is simple and yet so fantastical, their thoughts so wild and free But thinking of Elijah, her smile froze, and she couldn¡¯t help but sigh While most children¡¯s worlds were full of vibrant colors and life, Elijah¡¯s was a desert storm of confusion and fog. Elysia¡± Hearing her name, Elysia snapped back to reality Callum had taken a seat across from her. He had reached out to her for a meet¨Cup today, mentioning something important to discuss. They decided on a coffee shop near the hospital, conveniently where she had just finished delivering lunch to Elijah, making her arrival at the cafe slightly ahead of Callum. ¡°Sorry, the parking was a nightmare, took me forever to find a spot,¡± Callum said. ¡°It¡¯s alright, I¡¯ve only been here a minute myself.¡± Callum signaled for the waiter, ordering two cups of coffee before he began apologetically. ¡°About ut that mess with Tarquin, I¡¯m really somy. I¡¯d just gotten back from abroad when Tarquin hit me up asking for a favor. Didn¡¯t think much of it until it was toote.¡± ¡°I never saw iting, either.¡± To think Tarquin, of all people, capable of such deceit! She had him pegged as a man of integrity, never imagining¡­ ¡°You and Tarquin go way back?¡± Elysia asked. Callum nodded. ¡°I met him overseas, and I have known him for years.¡± ¡°Weren¡¯t you educated here?¡± ¡°Yeah, but my family moved abroad early on. I met Tarquin before I came back for university. He¡¯s been overseas for a while too.¡± ¡°Ah, that exins it And Tarin?¡± That meeting, Tarquin was a no¨Cshow but Tarin unexpectedly appeared. Before she could probe further, Elijah had his emergency. Callum hesitated, not wanting to deceive Elysia, especially since she was close to Winona. After that day, Keaton had filled him in on Turquin and Elysia¡¯s situation. Though Keaton hadn¡¯t shared much, he got the gist: Tarquin had concealed his true identity from Elysia, going by Tarin! 09:29 Callum fumbled for words, ¡°Met him overseas too.¡± ¡°He¡¯s been abroad?¡± ¡°Yeah, his family was well¨Coff.¡± ¡°Well, they were. But now they¡¯re bankrupt Chapter 208 Chapter 208 Callum remained silent for a moment, sipping his coffee awkwardly to ease the tension before turning ¡°I heard you were looking for Tarquin. If you trust me, you can tell me, and I¡¯ll pass the message along¡± Elysia¡¯s lips quivered slightly, but she shook her head in refusal, Bound by a secret marriage and a non¨Cdisclosure agreement, she couldn¡¯t even confide in Blossom, let alone anyone else. ¡°I need to speak to him in person.¡± ¡°Well, you might be disappointed then. He doesn¡¯t seem to want to see youtely.¡± Elysia frowned, her frustration bubbling over. ¡°I don¡¯t get it. Even if he¡¯s swamped, he could make time to see me! It feels like he¡¯s avoiding me! I¡¯m not some kind of monster, what¡¯s so hard about meeting me?¡± Callum was just as clueless about Tarquin¡¯s reasons and could only offer a helpless shrug Seeing that Elysia wouldn¡¯t divulge her reasons for wanting to see Tarquin, Callum didn¡¯t press further, steering the conversation elsewhere. ¡°Don¡¯t be too upset. Tarquin is a hard man to read. When he¡¯s ready to see you, he¡¯ll reach out. Just be patient. I came here not just to apologize but also to ask about Winona¡¯s overseas movie shoot. What did Zane and Blossom tell you?¡± The mention of Winona cooled Elysia¡¯s temper slightly. ¡°Is there news about Winona?¡± Callum frowned lightly and said, ¡°The news I¡¯ve got might be a bit different from what you¡¯ve heard, so I wanted to check in with you.¡± Elysia tensed up, recounting to Callum what Zane and Blossom had shared with her. Callum shared, ¡°Winona¡¯s agent did indeed hype up a secretive big project, telling everyone to stay tuned for a blockbuster surprise! But word on the street is, she¡¯s been gallivanting abroad for over a year, with no news of her working on any new film.¡± ¡°How could that be? Could it be that only the actors had to sign NDAs and not the agent? But Zane clearly said he couldn¡¯t even reach Winona¡¯s agent ¡°It¡¯s either Zane lied, or there¡¯s something up with Winona¡¯s side. I had my people check, and there¡¯s no record of Winona leaving the country.¡± Dysia¡¯s heart skipped a beat! She widened her eyes, ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± ¡°Positive! Winona hasn¡¯t been spotted, and if I¡¯m not mistaken, she didn¡¯t even leave Jindale City.¡± ¡°Crash-¡± Elysia identally shattered her coffee cup, spilling dark coffee all over herself and the floor. Stunned, she stood up, frozen in ce. Callum quickly asked. ¡°Are you okay?¡± The waiter rushed over, assuming her pale face was from the shock of breaking the cup, and reassured, ¡°No worries, miss. I¡¯ll get you another cup right away¡± After the waiter cleaned up, Elysia sat back down, her brows furrowed. ¡°If Winona didn¡¯t leave the country, or even Jindale City, why hasn¡¯t she contacted anyone? She didn¡¯t reach out to Blossom and Zane, not even her parents. Wait, have you tried contacting her agent?¡± Callum¡¯s expression grewplicated, ¡°Her agent¡¯s gone off the radar.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Right after I found out Winona hadn¡¯t left the country, I tried reaching her agent. But the calls go unanswered, and there¡¯s no reply to messages. Even her close rtives and friends can¡¯t reach her,¡± The waiter brought over a fresh cup of coffee, and Elysia, trembling slightly, took a sip. The coffee was bitter, but she couldn¡¯t taste it, feeling numb. She had been harboring doubts about Winona¡¯s disappearance for over a year. Now, those doubts intensified Something might have truly happened to Winonal Chapter 209 Chapter 209 After parting ways with Callum, Elysia wandered the streets, lost in thought and deeply troubled. The situation with Winona weighed heavily on her mind. Winona hadn¡¯t left the country, she might not even have left Jindale City, and now even her agent was unreachable. These odd circumstances all pointed to one homifying conclusion: Winona was in trouble! Images shed through Elysia¡¯s mind, unbidden and terrifying¡­.. Dark, filthy basements hidden away from the light of day. Disfigured performers on the stage of a bustling cereus. Cold merciless iron cages. Bleached bones scattered across deste wildemess. Even girls being trafficked to the Myan District¡­ Each image sent shivers down Elysia¡¯s spine. She was already faint hearted, getting scared for months on end by a single horror movie. Now, with these gruesome images flooding her mind, she was petrified. She tried to reassure herself, ¡°Winona¡¯s fine, Winona¡¯s fine, stay calml But no matter how much she tried to convince herself, the terrifying images kept surging forward¡­ ¡°Screech- ¡°Honk! Honk! Honk!¡°: A ck sedan suddenly swerved towards the guardrail, cousing other vehicles to m on their brakes in a panic! People honked their homs in frustration, cursing, ¡°Leam how to drive, psychol ¡°If you wanna die, go do it somewhere elsel Domn, scared the hell outto me!¡± Ignoring everything, the driver of the sedan, after failing to break through the guardrail on his first try, reversed and, with increased speed, crashed through it again! Realizing the danger, bystanders yelled, ¡°Lady, run! It¡¯s dangerous!¡± The roaring engine of the sedan and the shouts of the crowd snapped Elysia out of her daze. Seeing the ck sedan charging towards her, her eyes widened in terrori In her panic, she froze, unable to move. Holding her breath, she watched the sedan approach, screaming in fright, ¡°Aaah- ¡°Crash! Boom-¡± A van suddenly appeared, mming into the ck sedan and leaving a huge dent in its side. Realizing things weren¡¯t going his way, the sedan¡¯s driver tried to flee, turning the steering wheel frantically. But the van didn¡¯t give him a chance! Backing up a few meters, it elerated again, ramining into the sedan and sending it flying. After tumbling through the air, the sedan crashed to the ground with a heavy thud The van didn¡¯t stop there; it powered forward, pushing the sedan towards a tree until it waspletely wrecked. Passersby and drivers, forgetting to scream, stared in shock at the scene unfolding before them, as if they were watching a live¨Caction Fast & Furious movie! The driver of the sedan, his legs useless and covered in blood,y unconscious in the wreck. Tarquin red at him before unbuckling his seat belt and calling Lowell, ¡°Here, near the hospital on Minster Road Wake him up and get some answers before the cops show up!¡± It was clear the driver was targeting Elysia, intending to kill her If Tarquin hadn¡¯t received a call from Benjamin about Elijah waking up and decided to visit the hospital, Elysia might have ended up a casualty of the sedan¡¯s rampage. After giving his instructions, Tarquin hurried out of the van and ran towards Elysia. Elysia stood frozen, pale as a ghost. Tarquin approached. ¡°Elysia!¡± Elysia looked up, her face a picture of shock. She was already pale, but now she was even more so, Her lips trembled, unable to utter a sound. Chapter 210 Chapter 210 ¡°Hey¡­¡± Tarquin said, hoping to offer Elysian fewforting words, but before he could finish, she cop into his arms like a house of cards caught in a gust of wind The ordeal with Winona had already scared her half to death, and thistest fright had shattered her last bit of defiance. Her heart couldn¡¯t withstand the immense terror and she lost consciousness entirely Caught off guard, Tarquin instinctively reached out to catch her Elysia felt as light as a feather and as fragile as a leaf in the wind in his arms. If he let on, she would surely fall. Tarquin, unaware of the situation with Winona, thought she was merely scared by the recent ident. Without overthinking, he scooped her up in his arms and dashed toward the hospital The streets were choked with traffic, paralyzed in the rush hour. Not even bikes or scooters could squeeze through the congestion The hospital wasn¡¯t terribly far, but on foot, it felt like miles. Tarquin, desperate ran with Elysia in his arms. Her as dangled lifelessly, swaying with his movements like a limp doll Sweat beaded on Tarquin¡¯s forehead as he called out to her ¡°Elysia, wake up! Elysia! Elysia¡± Elysia teetering on the edge of consciousness, saw nothing but a vast fog before her eyes. It felt like floating in the clouds, weightless and adeft ¡°Elysia stay with me¡± a firm voice called from behind, sounding like a parent summoning a child who hadn¡¯te home for dinner Confused Elysia looked back but saw no one, only a hand reaching out through the mist. The hand was strong and well¨Cshaped, the kind of hand you¡¯d expect from a handsome man. The voice came again, more urgent this time. ¡°Elysia¡± It sounded almost angry, as if ready to scold her for not responding sooner. Yet, Elysia wasn¡¯t afraid, the voice reminded her of a strict but caring guardian. She drifted toward the hand and ced hers in it. The grip tightened immediately, pulling her out of the fog. Elysia coughed violently, her face tuming red, but her eyes remained closed. Tarquin kept running, ncing at her asionally, relieved to see signs of her regaining consciousness but too worried to slow down He burst into the hospital shouting for help, ¡°Quick, help!¡± Benjamin, startled by themotion, rushed over and asked, ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°She got scared¡± After a thorough examination, Elysia was taken to a room for recovery and ced on an IV to replenish her nutrients. Lowell, amiving in a hurry, checked on Elysia first, ¡°Ms. Thome alright?¡± Tarquin, standing by the bed, grimaced, ¡°She¡¯s fine! What did you find out? ¡°It was Allegra¡¯s doing, probably still upset about Lionel. They needed someone tosh out at, and they chose Ms. Thome¡± The Bradfords now knew that Tarquin wasn¡¯t responsible for Lionel¡¯s death, it was likely Gideon acting out of a grudge rted to Elijah. Allegra, not daring to confront Gideon or Tarquin directly, targeted Elysia because she had inadvertently saved Elijah. The logic was simple yet twisted: Elysia had to pay Tarquin¡¯s expression darkened with anger, but before he could respond, Elysia suddenly asked, ¡°Who¡¯s taking out on me? Chapter 211 Chapter 211 Lowell and Tarquin froze, their gazes instinctively shifting towards Elysia Elysia had just woken up, her mind still foggy, and she hadn¡¯t quite caught the name Lionel had mentioned. She asked again, ¡°Is it that woman who wants to kill me? Because of Elijah?¡± The truth was indeed so. But if they admitted it, would Elysia never dare to involve herself with Elijah again? Lowell hesitated to speak, waiting for Tarquin to respond. After a moment of tense silence, Tarquin finally spoke, his brows knitted tightly. ¡°Yes! But only this once. She won¡¯t dare to try anything ever again!¡± Elysia stared at him in horror Was it because of Elijah that he had taken out that woman¡¯s son, and now she was seeking revenge? But since the woman feared him, she didn¡¯t dare to touch him directly, so she targeted Elysia instead? So, she almost got run over because of him! Elysia was already terrified knowing he was a murderer, but now, her fear of him had reached its peak! Looking at him falt like staring at a pathogen, capable of dragging her into the abyss at any moment! Lowell hadn¡¯t expected Tarquin to just outright admit it, but that was indeed Tarquin¡¯s style. All he could do was to try and reassure Elysia, ¡°Ms. Thorne, his family situation is quiteplicated. A lot of people don¡¯t want to see Elijah doing well, so, don¡¯t be afraid. This sort of thing definitely won¡¯t happen again, you¡­¡± Before Lowell could finish, Elysia suddenly threw back the covers and sat up. She wanted to get out of bed, to leave. As she reached to remove the IV from her hand, Tarquin quickly grabbed her wrist. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Elysia, like a bird spooked in its cage, began breathing rapidly, her eyes wide with terror as she looked at him. That look in her eyes only infuriated Tarquin further, his expression turning even colder. Elysia became more frightened her eyes brimming with tears. ¡°I want to go home.¡± Tarquin replied coldly. ¡°You¡¯re not well enough to leave, so you can¡¯t go home!¡± But Elysia shook her head and shouted, ¡°I want to go home!¡± ¡°No!¡± ¡°I want to go! Let me go! I want to go home!¡± she cried out like a child throwing a tantrum. Tarquin¡¯s face darkened with anger, thinking she was simply distressed from the near¨Cdeath experience and missing her kids. He said, trying to keep his cool, ¡°You need to stay in the hospital right now! If you¡¯re missing your kids that much, I have Lowell bring them Dver. Bring her kids over? Elysia¡¯s eyes widened in rm as she shouted, ¡°You can¡¯t bring my kids! Stay away from my kids! Leave, just leave! I don¡¯t want to see you! 1 never want to see you again! Just go!¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Tarquin was fuming now! He was involved in the situation, true, but it wasn¡¯t him who had so had someone And if it weren¡¯t for him, she would have been dead! o try to run her over! In that moment, Tarquin felt a level of frustration he hadn¡¯t experienced in years! But he was powerless to change her mind, eventually releasing her wrist and storming out in anger. ¡°Tar¡­¡± Lowell called out to him, but he didn¡¯t stop or look back Lowell sighed, not understanding why Elysia was so opposed to them getting her kids but he could empathize with her current state Anyone would be traumatized after nearly being killed in a hit¨Cand¨Crun. Allegra had targeted her because of Elijah, but Elysia wouldn¡¯t direct her fear and anger towards a child, only towards Tarquin. After all, the ordeal had started because of him. ¡°Ms. Thome, please calm down, we won¡¯t go after your kids. He didn¡¯t want you to leave because he¡¯s worried about your health. You fainted from shock today, and it was him who brought you to the hospital. Dr. Benjamin says you need to rest and receive fluids. 09:29 Elysia didn¡¯t respond, her gaze fixed on the doct as if fearing the man might return. Seeing no other option, Lowell called for the doctor before going out to find Tarquin, who was outsid Chapter 212 Chapter 212 Today y wasn¡¯t about drawing loneliness from the smoke, it was pure, unadulterated rage Lowell let out a sigh and made his way over trying to mediate the situation. to cool off, she¡¯lle ¡°Don¡¯t take it to heart with Ms. Thome. It¡¯s normal for her to be against you today. Just give her some time to cool of around¡± ¡°Cool off? When has she ever not been against me? When someone fundamentally dislikes you, even breathing can seem like a mistake!¡± Lowell was at a loss for words, sensing the heavy bitterness in the air. ¡°I know it¡¯s tough on you, and honestly, neither you nor Ms. Thome are at fault hem. It¡¯s Allegrol She¡¯s really crossed the line this time!¡± At the mention of Allega. Tarquin took a fierce drag of his cigarette, his face clouded with a menacing aura ¡°Take Larry to the racetrack!¡± Larry, Allegra¡¯s husband, and Lionel¡¯s father, was the unfortunate target this time. Soon, Tarquin¡¯s racetrack was filled with the sounds of eene screams. Larry ran like a man possessed on the track, constantly looking back in terror. ¡°Help! Somebody, please help!¡± A car chased him like a bolt of lightning,ing dangerously close every second. Larry fell to the ground, screaming in sheer panic, ¡°Ah, ah, ah- Allegra, seated in the stands, watched everything unfold with horror. ¡°Tarquin, you monster! He¡¯s your uncle! If you dare to hurt him, there will be hell to pay! I¡¯ll kill you myself!¡± She tried to rush forward but was firmly held back by two bodyguards. Tarquin, with a cold and ruthless expression, was in the driver¡¯s seat. The car narrowly missed Larry, who scrambled to get up and continue running. With a skillful drift. Tarquin tumed the car around and charged at Larry again.. The car grazed Larry, knocking him down and scraping off ayer of skin from his face. Wincing in pain, Larry struggled to his feet, only to see Tarquin bearing down on him once more The sleek, dark sports car was like a beast, relentlessly pursuing Larry with its jaws wide open. Larry was petrified, desperately looking to Allegra for help. ¡°Allegra, help me! Please, help me! Tarquin¡¯s lost it. He¡¯spletely lost it!¡± ¡°Tarquin!¡± Allegra¡¯s cries were hysterical, but beyond crying, she was powerless. Tarquin made another approach, she was trembling so much she couldn¡¯t even swear, joining Larry in his screams of terror. Tarquin chased Larry around the track for over half an hour Allegra screamed herself hoarse in the stands, eventually losing her voice. At one point, both she and Larry fainted from fear, only to be revived with buckets of ice water. Tarquin forced the couple into a cruel game: one to run, the other to watch He was like an executioner, toying with their lives on the track, every moment filled with thrilling danger It wasn¡¯t until he felt his anger sufficiently vented that he finally stopped. Larry was so scared he wet himself multiple times, aplete mess Allegra ran over, a shadow of her former self, no longer the dignifieddy but a terrified mess. Tarquin stepped out of the car, removed his helmet, and looked down at them with disdain, Tm only going to warn you once. Touch Elysia again, and you¡¯ll relive today¡¯s ordeal every single day. Don¡¯t test me.¡± He then took Lowell¡¯s phone, uploaded the video to the Bradford family¡¯s group chat, and walked away without another word. The Bradford family¡¯s chat was silent as a grave. The entire family was petrified. They had all seen the video, yet no one dared to speak. Chapter 213 Chapter 213 Tarquin¡¯s actions were a direct p in the face to Gideon! Allegra, regardless of her standing in his favor, was still Gideon¡¯s daughter. Tarquin¡¯s treatment of her was a tant disregard for Gideon. st Gideon he disregarded, it was the entire Bradford family he had scored! It wasn¡¯t just But since Gideon was the eldest and held the most sway within the Bradford family, his fury was unparalleled! Seething he pounded his walking stick on the floor with a resounding thud and shouted, ¡°The nerve! The utter gall! This is a direct affront to me! He¡¯s taking me less seriously by the day! The absolute nerve!¡± His confidant rushed to soothe him, ¡°Sir, please, calm yourself. Today¡¯s incident was also a result of Allegra¡¯s impulsiveness. Had Tarquin not arrived in the nick of time, Elysia would have been a goner right there and then! Allegra didn¡¯t realize whoever could assist Elijah is golden in Tarquin¡¯s eyes! Her wanting to off Elysia is akin to quashing Elijah¡¯s only hope, effectively killing Elijah indirectly! Can you me Tarquin for his rage?¡± Gideon¡¯s anger was through the roof. ¡°The headstrong fool! Has she leamed nothing from Lionel¡¯s death? Does she wish to be a widow?¡± ¡°Ah you know how headstrong Allegra can be.¡± ¡°Please, sir, take a deep breath. Although Tarquin¡¯s actions were extreme, this ensures no one dares target Elysia and Elijah again, which is beneficial for us.¡± Gideon, face darkened with anger, took a deep breath and sipped some tea from a cup on the desk to quell his fury. ¡°Even so, we can¡¯t let him continue this brazen behavior! Any word from Mr. E yet?¡± ¡°Nothing yet, sir. The package was left as requested. Given his reputation on the dark web for efficiency, I expect we¡¯ll hear from him soon.¡± ¡°Mm¡­ Go through our assets these next few days. If we¡¯re to coborate, we need to show what we bring to the table.¡± ¡°I just worry, what if Mr. E locates this person, but they refuse to cooperate with us?¡± ¡°That won¡¯t happen. Once we find this person, I have ways to ensure they¡¯ll willingly work with me.¡± Gideon was confident, clearly holding some aces up his sleeve. His confidant didn¡¯t dare pry further changing the subject, ¡°What about Allegra¡¯s situation?¡± Gideon¡¯s expression darkened as he said, ¡°Leave her to her own devices! Let her face the consequences of her actions!¡± This news quickly reached N and her daughter. N was beside herself with worry. ¡°I knew it, I just knew it! Look, Mom, in his bid to avenge that woman, Tarquin didn¡¯t just go after Allegra from the Bradford family harshly, but he also made it public by sharing the video in the family group as a warning! We can¡¯t rely on Allegra anymore! Tarquin must really be smitten with Elysial Oh, what do we do now?¡± Alleen rolled her eyes and said, ¡°Enough! How did I end up with such a fool for a daughter! Do you think Tarquin is avenging Elysia? It¡¯s all for Elijah! Elysia is currently Elijah¡¯s lifeline, and that¡¯s the only reason Tarquin gives her the time of day! Without Elijah, she¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°Right, Tarquin cares for her because of Elijah. If Elijah were out of the picture, Tarquin would surely lose interest! Mom, we¡¯ve got to find way to get rid of Elijah!¡± Aileen pped N and shouted, ¡°Have you lost your mind? What makes you think you can seed where others in the Bradford family have failed? They¡¯ve been trying to take down Elijah and haven¡¯t managed it. And you think you can do better? Look at the fate of those who¡¯ve tried!¡± ¡°So¡­ should we go after Elysia?¡± Chapter 214 Chapter 214 ¡°You¡­ Can¡¯t you use your head for once?¡± N was hopping mad. ¡°How can I even think straight right now? Tarquin¡¯s ghosting me. He won¡¯t take my calls or reply to my texts, and he won¡¯t see me! Now he¡¯s all fired up over some woman, and I¡¯m freaking out here!¡± ¡°Calm down! This whole mess is nothing but good news for us!¡± ¡®Really?¡± Think about it. If it were you, would you stick your neck out for some kid you barely know, almost get yourself killed in the process, and then keep meddling? No way!¡± N blinked a few times, confused. Aileen continued, ¡°After this scare, Elysia won¡¯t dare to mess with Elijah¡¯s business anymore. Who would joke with their own life?¡± N¡¯s eyes widened, finally getting the point! ¡°Exactly! If Elysia backs off, Tarquin won¡¯t have anything to do with her. And he might even get mad at her for not helping Elijah anymore!¡± ¡°Right, so chill. We do nothing and just wait for the good news. Once Elysia is out of the picture, I¡¯ll find a way to make Tarquin forgive you and treat you like before.¡± ¡°Got it!¡± Aileen wasn¡¯t the only one banking on this. The whole Bradford family, even Blossom, had this figured out. At the moment, Blossom was driving Elysia home. Lowell had called her, asking her to keep Elysia company. By the time she arrived, Elysia had already been discharged from the hospital. Driving, Blossom said with tears in her eyes, ¡°If it¡¯s too much, let¡¯s just stop poking our noses into other people¡¯s business. You couldn¡¯t even be sure to save Elijah, and you almost lost your life! What if you actually find a way to save him and end up dying even quicker? What would happen to your three little ones?¡± Elysia, sitting in the passenger seat, feeling woozy, said in a weak voice, ¡®I¡¯m fine, don¡¯t worry¡± ¡°You say you¡¯re fine, but you almost got hit by a cart¡± Blossom was both angry and anxious, tears streaming down her face Elysia, feeling sorry for her, tried to raise her hand to wipe Blossom¡¯s tears but found she didn¡¯t even have the strength to Wt her arm. Her breathing became more rapid. Noticing something was wrong. Blossom quickly wiped her tears away and asked, ¡®Elysia, what¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°I¡­ feel dizzy.¡± Blossom, panicking, pulled over to the side of the road. Touching Elysia¡¯s forehead, Blossom felt it was burning up! ¡°Oh no, you have a fever!¡± Luckily, there was a clinic nearby Blossom quickly helped Elysia out of the car. The thermometer showed over 104¡ãF! The doctor rushed to give Elysia an injection and fever¨Creducing medicine. ¡°Why did you wait so long toe in? A littleter, and it could have been toote! Fevers can kill, you know!¡± Blossom exined, ¡°She almost had a car ident today, got a huge scare, and had already been to the hospital for IV fluids. We just left the hospital.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s focus on bringing the fever down.¡± Blossom wanted to transfer Elysia to arger hospital, but seeing how weak Elysia was, she decided it was best to wait until the fever subsided. Elysia weakly asked. ¡°Aren¡¯t the little ones about to get out of school?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that now. You need someone by your side. I¡¯ve already texted a colleague, and after school, she¡¯ll bring them here.* Elysia shook her head and said, ¡°Just send them home. They¡¯ll cry if they see me like this.¡± Don¡¯t worry. They¡¯re good kids, and they can take care of themselves. Don¡¯t tell them I¡¯m sick.¡± Blossom hesitated but then nodded and texted her colleague again. She also told the little ones that She and Elysia were at a friend¡¯s party and would be homete Chapter 215 Chapter 215 The boys didn¡¯t give it much thought and, amid a chorus of reminders, they left school for the day. The girls, persistent as ever, kept nudging them. Every day after school, they¡¯d remind them over and over, telling them not to forget to nudge their parents about having a baby brother, nine of them if possible! Following Blossom¡¯s instructions, the teacher made sure the kids were safely home before she left. Once the teacher was gone, Elliot announced, ¡°Mom¡¯s not home today, perfect. After dark, Evan, you¡¯reing with me to pick something up.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Evan asked, intrigued. Elliot squinted and said, ¡°Something that¡¯ll make Tarquin obediently divorce Mom!* ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yeah!* Emmett, ever curious, asked, ¡°What is it, Elliot?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll see when we get it, Emmett. Just wait at home for us while I go out with Evan. Don¡¯t run outside, don¡¯t open the door for strangers, and call me immediately if anything happens. We won¡¯t be far, just around the neighborhood.¡± ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll wait at home for you guys. ¡°Good boy, Emmett.¡± After nightfall, Elliot and Evan headed out. They left Emmett behind, worried about potential dangers since they were retrieving something so valuable. They couldn¡¯t be sure if Gideon would y tricks on them. The brothers, masked and wearing baseball caps, made their way towards the nearby park. This was the spot Elliot had agreed on with Gideon. Since it was winter and getting dark, the park wasn¡¯t crowded, though there were a few people in the small za near the entrance. The deeper they went, the fewer people they encountered. Walking along, Evan whispered to Elliot, ¡®Elliot, we¡¯re being followed.¡± ¡°How many?¡± Elliot frowned. ¡°Just one.¡± Elliot was on edge. He had monitored the area after instructing Gideon to leave the item there. He was sure no one had noticed it and that Gideon¡¯s men had left before he and Evan arrived to retrieve it Now, who could be following them? ¡°But don¡¯t worry, with me here, no one can hurt us.¡± Evan said confidently ¡°Let¡¯s not jump to conclusions; it could just be someone out for a walk,¡± Elliot replied softly. They decided not to head straight for the item but instead meandered through the park. The figure continued to trail them, making it unclear whether they were being followed or if it was merely a coincidence. Growing impatient, Evan whispered again, ¡°Elliot, let me handle this.¡± ¡°Be careful!¡± They couldn¡¯t keep this up indefinitely, Evan decided to confront the follower. However, as Evan turned and greeted the figure, it suddenly darted into the bushes, clearly indicating something was amiss. Who avoids greeting children unless they¡¯re up to no good? With agile steps, Evan gave chase, with Elliot quickly on his heels. Though not as physically adept as Evan, Elliot had learned some self¨Cdefense during his time in the mountains. They quickly caught up to the figure without much effort since it had stopped running, seemingly waiting for them. Stopping a few meters away, Evan demanded, ¡°What are you following us for? And why the run? What¡¯s the deal?¡± The figure slowly turned around, chuckling eerily. ¡°Heh, heh.¡± 09:40 Both Elliot and Evan¡¯s hearts skipped a beat at the sight! The person was wearing a terrifying mask. Luckily, they weren¡¯t as easily frightened as other kids their age; otherwise, they might have burst into tears. The figureughed in a distorted voice, clearly using a voice changer. Evan frowned. ¡°Cut the act! Speak up!¡± Chapter 216 Chapter 216 The man, cloaked in a long coat, slowly lifted his arm and pointed towards the brothers¡® side. ¡°Kill! Kill!K!¡± The brothers quickly looked in the direction he was pointing and saw a person lying not too far away. This person seemed to be unconscious, not reacting at all. And, coincidentally, the spot where this persony was exactly where Elliot was about to retrieve something! The item he needed was right underneath that person! Elliot, furrowing his brow and mustering his courage, walked over. Pretending to check on the person, he slickly grabbed the item into his palm. The masked figure said nothing, just watched him move the body lying on the ground and chuckled sinisterly. ¡°She¡¯s just passed out,¡± Elliot returned to Evan¡¯s side. There were no streetlights around, and it was quite dark, Elliot couldn¡¯t see her face clearly but could tell it was a woman. ¡°Kill! Kill! Kill!¡± the masked figure murmured, suddenly pulling out a tablet to show them a video. It was a video of Elysia narrowly escaping being hit by a car! Elliot and Evan¡¯s breaths synced, their expressions changing instantly. ¡°She¡¯s the murderer! Kill! Kill! Kill!¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on? Is it Mommy? But didn¡¯t Blossom say Mommy went to a party with her?¡± Evan was panicking. ¡°Calm down!¡± Elliot tried to stabilize his emotions and quickly checked his smartwatch. He swiftly found out the whole story about Allegra trying to run Elysia over with a car. IF ¡°That¡¯s Allegra?¡± The masked figure nodded. ¡°Kill her! For revenge! Revenge!¡± Evan gritted his teeth. ¡°She tried to kill Mom?¡± Elliot tapped a few more times on his smartwatch and then said, ¡°Mom¡¯s okay, don¡¯t worry.¡± Evan, fists clenched, rushed towards Allegra, but Elliot pulled him back. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°She dared to try and kill Mom! I¡¯ll beat her to death!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be rash!¡± Elliot scolded, looking up at the masked figure. With the mask on, Elliot couldn¡¯t see his expression. After pondering for a few seconds, in front of the masked figure, Elliot picked up his smartwatch and dialed the police with a burner number. The masked figure tilted his head, seemingly puzzled by his action. Only when the sound of police sirens was heard did the masked figure turn and run, quickly disappearing from their sight. Elliot, frowning at the direction he left, dragged Evan and hid behind some bushes. Seeing the police arrive, he then quietly left with Evan. As soon as they left the park, Evan asked anxiously, ¡°Elliot! What the heck is going on?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure myself, but I know Mom is safe now. Let¡¯s head home! We won¡¯t tell Emmett and Mom about tonight. It would scare them.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t we going to Mom now?¡± ¡°Blossom is with Mom. Let¡¯s get home and figure out tonight¡¯s events first! I need to find out who that masked man is!¡± cing Allegra on top of that item didn¡¯t seem like a mere coincidence; it felt more like he knew about the deal between him and Gideon! Yet, he didn¡¯t take the item, which was odd. which w That item was extremely precious; anyone who saw it would want it! Could it be that the masked man didn¡¯t know about the deal, and cing Allegra there was just a coincidence? 09:41 But then- The masked man must¡¯ve known that he and Evan were no ordinary kids, especially since he was coaxing them intomitting murder tonight! Who would lead two kids to murder? So, the masked man must have been aware of their abilities! But, he and Evan had always kept them well hidden. Except for their benefactor in the mountains, no one knew of their capabilities. Who was he then? Elliot felt this person was dangerous! He was unsettled and needed to find this masked man quickly! Chapter 217 Chapter 217 The two brothers rushed home, barely noticing the sinister gaze that followed them from the shadows. Cloaked in ck, the masked figure whispered eerily, ¡°Naughty boys, never listening, heh, naughty boys, never listening.¡± Suddenly, a stray cat emerged from the bushes. With a swift motion, the figure caught it. His hands were pale and elegant, nails clean and fingers slender ¨C clearly not the hands of aborer. He caressed the stray cat¡¯s head gently, murmuring, ¡°Naughty ones get punished¡­¡± With a chilling snap, he twisted the cat¡¯s neck, killing it instantly before it could even cry out. After performing such a brutal act, he tenderly stroked the cat, dug a small grave, and carefully buried it, whispering, ¡°Sleep now, sleep now¡­¡± That night, Jindale City was hit by a torrential downpour, as if foreshadowing some looming disaster. Elijah had been discharged and was back at Sunshine Community. Tarquin stood before his study window, sleepless through the stormy night. As dawn broke, the rain persisted, and so did he, hoping to catch a glimpse of a familiar figure below. But Elijah had woken, and Elysia was nowhere to be seen. The breakfast table wasden with an assortment of dishes, some brought over by Heath from the mansion, some cooked by Tarquin himself. Elijah scanned the table, frowning at Tarquin. ¡°Your usual breakfast courier was unavable today. Please, help yourself to what¡¯s here,¡± Tarquin exined. Elijah remained silent, then turned and retreated to his room, locking the door behind him. It wasn¡¯t to his taste. He chose not to eat. Heath looked worried, ¡°Elijah seems to have grown ustomed to Ms. Thorne¡¯s cooking. If it¡¯s not by her hand, he refuses to eat. What do we do?¡± Tarquin gazed toward Elijah¡¯s room, his brows furrowed. He was worried about his son but also angry with Elysia for possibly abandoning Elijah, just as the rumors suggested. Yet, he knew he had no right to be angry. Elysia¡¯s help had always been voluntary, and considering recent events, her hesitation was understandable. ¡°Pack it all up,¡± he sighed, losing his appetite as well. Just as he lit a cigarette in his study, Lowell called with urgent news. ¡°Tarquin, there¡¯s trouble with Ms. Thorne.¡± Tarquin¡¯s forehead creased as he asked, ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°Allegra was attackedst night. Fingerprints of Ms. Thorne¡¯s eldest son were found on her, and she¡¯s using Ms. Thorne of attempted murder, iming it was a plot to kill her.¡± Attempted murder was a serious usation. Tarquin¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°And now?¡± ¡°The police are involved. Given the Bradford family¡¯s influence, the authorities might be biased. If we don¡¯t step in, Ms. Thorne could be at a disadvantage.¡± Without hesitation, Tarquin put out his cigarette, grabbed his car keys, and dashed out, forgetting his umbre in his rush. He only realized it when faced with the pouring rain at the doorstep. Frowning, he braved the downpour. Continuing the conversation in his car, he asked, ¡°Why would Elysia¡¯s eldest son¡¯s fingerprints be on Allegra?¡± ¡°That¡¯s still unclear.¡± ¡°Have they found who attacked Allegra?¡± ¡°Not yet. She was found in the park by policest night, but someone tampered with the park¡¯s surveince. There¡¯s no way to trace who brought her there or how.¡± ¡°Elysia¡¯s son is only five, right? How could he be involved?¡± Chapter 218 Chapter 218 ¡°So, she didn¡¯t use Ms. Thome¡¯s son. She used Ms. Thorne herself. Even though we didn¡¯t find Ms. Thorne¡¯s fingerprints, we did find her son¡¯s. That makes Ms. Thome very suspicious. We¡¯re still digging into the details.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s hurry over. Don¡¯t let the cops take anyone away!¡± ¡°Got it!¡± At that moment, Elliot was simmering with frustration but remained politely firm as he exined to the police, ¡°I was the one who made the 911 callst night. My brother and I sneaked out to the park while our mom was away, and we stumbled upon her unconscious, so I called for help.¡± The officer was taken aback. ¡°You made the call?¡± ¡°Yeah, you can check if you don¡¯t believe me.¡± ¡°Then why didn¡¯t we see you when we arrived?¡± ¡°Well, my brother and I had sneaked out, and we were afraid of getting scolded by mom, so we hid behind some bushes. We only after the officers arrived.¡± left One of the officers came over and whispered, ¡°We just checked, the emergency call was indeed made from this kid¡¯s smartwatch, and Ms. Thorne was sickst night, with alibis to prove she couldn¡¯t have committed the crime.¡± The officers exchanged looks and reluctantly decided to leave for now. Despite what Allegra had told them, the evidence spoke louder, and without it, their hands were tied.- If they dared to take someone into custody today without solid proof, and it got out, they¡¯d be finished! Elysia was also at home by now, having rushed back in a panic after receiving a call from the police this morning. After hearing Elliot¡¯s exnation, she finally felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Out of courtesy, she escorted the officers to the door. And as she opened it, Tarquin¡¯s handsome face suddenly appeared, catching her off guard! Tarquin had just arrived. Elysia¡¯s heart skipped a beat, her anxiety peaking once again! With a ¡°bang,¡± she quickly shut the door, standing guard as if facing an intruder, eyeing Tarquin warily. Elliot and Evan were inside, Tarquin was outside, separated only by a door! This was the closest Elysia knew the father and sons had ever been to each other! Tarquin was unaware he had sons out there, especially not right behind this very door! Seeing Elysia so frightened of him, Tarquin frowned in displeasure. PS D F F & Fe Re The officers didn¡¯t recognize Tarquin, but having just seen Elliot and Evan, they could tell Tarquin was their father by the striking resemnce. Tarquin was visibly upset, and the officers, feeling a bit intimidated, quickly exined, ¡°Sorry for the intrusion. We were just doing our routine inquiries. It¡¯s clear now that neither your wife nor your sons are involved in this matter.¡± Elysia, her heart racing, turned to the officer and exined, ¡°I¡¯m not his wife! And my sons aren¡¯t his!¡± ¡°Oh? They¡¯re not?¡± ¡°No!¡± ¡°But they look so much like¡­¡± The officer was cut off by a call from his superior. ncing at the caller ID, he quickly apologized for the interruption and left. As soon as the police left, Elysia grabbed Tarquin¡¯s arm, determinedly dragging him into the elevator. Not stopping at just getting downstairs, she pulled him out into the pouring rain, heading out of the complex. Tarquin tried to shake her off a couple of times but couldn¡¯t get free. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Elysia remained silent, her grip firm, her entire demeanor screaming defiance! Tarquin stopped resisting and let her pull him out of theplex. Once they were outside, Elysia finally exploded, ¡°Who asked you toe? What do you want? Haven¡¯t I made it clear I don¡¯t want to see you again?¡± 09:41 She had waited until they were well away from Elliot and Evan before unleashing her fury. Chapter 219 Chapter 219 Elysia¡¯s scream,ced with the howl of the wind, was particrly plercing, grating on the nerves. Tarquin stood in the pouring rain, his lips pressed tightly together as he red at her, infuriated by her reaction! Lowell quickly stepped in to mediate, ¡°Ms. Thorne, he came rushing over when he heard you were in trouble. He was worried you¡¯d be at a disadvantage.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t need his help! First, it was me in trouble, and now my son is dragged into this. Who is to me for all these incidents? He¡¯d be helping us by staying far, far away!¡± Elysia was yelling! Tarquin, chest heaving with suppressed rage, was at a loss for words to counter her. ¡°Stay away from me! Stay away from my sons!¡± Elysia, pushing the rain from her face with force, finished speaking with fiery eyes and turned to leave. As she reached the door, she even told the security guard, ¡°Officer, that man doesn¡¯t belong in our neighborhood. Please don¡¯t let him in again. He could harm me and my family!¡± Lowell was speechless. Watching the guard¡¯s wary gaze, Tarquin stormed back to his car in a huff! Lowell, feeling helpless, took a call before getting into the car. In just a couple of minutes, the car was filled with smoke, the scent of cigarette overwhelming. Tarquin had smoked most of a cigarette in one go, as if channeling his anger through the smoke. Lowell, taking the driver¡¯s seat, turned to him and sheepishly said, ¡°Just found out, the situation with Allegra wasn¡¯t Ms. Thorne¡¯s fault. She had a feverst night and was at the clinic for IV fluids. Her sons were ying in the park and stumbled upon Allegra. It was her eldest son who called the police, and that¡¯s how they found Allegra. Ms. Thorne has an alibi; Allegra can¡¯t pin anything on her. However, we still haven¡¯t found out who attacked Allegra.¡± Tarquin, with a dark scowl, remained silent. The car fell into a brief silence before he suddenly spoke, ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear about her anymore!¡± ¡°Tarquin¡­¡± ¡°Alive or dead, it¡¯s none of my business!¡± ¡°But Elijah only eats the meals Ms. Thorne prepares. He refuses anyone else¡¯s cooking.¡± ¡°Then he can go hungry!¡± Tarquin suddenly raised his voice, startling Lowell into silence. The rtionship between Tarquin and Elysia, already tumultuous, had now solidified into a frosty impasse after these events. *** Upstairs, Blossom saw Elysia return and quickly handed her a clean towel, asking, Is he gone?¡± She wasn¡¯t asking about the police, but Tarquin. She had been standing by the door, and the moment it opened, she saw Tarquin. So, after Elysia closed the door, she immediately stopped Elliot and Evan from chasing after, iming their mom had important matters to discuss with the police, and they shouldn¡¯t interfere. Luckily, from their vantage point, Elliot and Eyan couldn¡¯t see the situation outside, and given their preupied minds, they obediently stayed back. Elysia nodded, taking the towel to wipe herself off briefly. ¡°He¡¯s gone.¡± Blossom sighed in relief. ¡°That scared me! It was so close¡­¡± ¡°Where are the kids?¡± ¡°In their room.¡± Elysia walked over, knocked, and pushed open the door. Elliot was sitting in front of hisputer. Seeing Elysia enter, he quickly switched the screen and stood up. ¡°Mommy,¡± Chapter 220 Chapter 220 Hearing rumors that he might be a murderer, Elysia was petrified. Hearing that Winona might have never left the country and was out of touch, she was scared out of her wits. Nearly getting hit by a car while crossing the street had her heart racing. Receiving a call from the police in the midst of a fever, iming they found Elliot¡¯s fingerprints at a crime scene and using her of attempted murder she was terrified. But all these fearsbined paled inparison to the moment she saw that man standing at the doorstep. She almost choked on her breath! Only a door separated him from Elliot and Evan, not even six feet apart! It was a close call, way too close¡­ Had Elliot and Evan been discovered by him, what could she possibly do topete? The mere thought of possibly losing Elliot and Evan to him, never seeing them again, brought tears streaming down her face. Her heart ached with worry. Worrying about her children being taken away, she felt miserable. Worrying about Winona¡¯s safety, she was distressed. Worrying about meddling further with Elijah, fearing for her and her children¡¯s safety, she was distressed. And worrying about what might happen to Elijah if she didn¡¯t intervene¡­ It pained her! Elijah might not have been her responsibility, but he was just a kid, and she couldn¡¯t stand the thought of himing to harm. Elysia cried, and her three little ones panicked. Elliot reassured her, ¡°Mommy, don¡¯t be afraid, no one can hurt us!¡± Evan pleaded, ¡°Mommy, please don¡¯t cry. I¨CI¨CI¡­ I won¡¯t wander off anymore. I¡¯ll listen to everything you say. If you tell me to stay home, I¡¯l stay. If you tell me to go to bed, I¡¯ll sleep. Whatever you say, goes, okay?¡± Emmett sobbed, ¡°Mommy, please don¡¯t cry¡­¡± 3 3 2 5 2 & F = @ 5 D Standing at the bedroom door, Blossom couldn¡¯t hold back her tears either. She understood Elysia¡¯s turmoil and helplessness, her fears, her hesitations, and her sorrow. She felt for Elysia. The sound of knocking suddenly broke the silence. Blossom quickly wiped away her tears and nced towards the door. ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s me, Zane.¡± Blossom hesitated, not rushing to open the door, but instead turned to Elysia, ¡°Elysia, Zane is here.¡± Upon hearing that, Elysia frowned immediately. She remembered Callum¡¯s words and thought of Winona. Though it was still uncertain if Zane was lying, as a husband, he bore responsibility if anything had happened to Winona! Elysia calmed herself, momentarily putting aside all other concerns to dry her tears and reassure her little ones, ¡°I¡¯m not ming you guys. I was just a bit scared because the police showed up unexpectedly. But everything has been cleared up now, and I feel better.¡± Elysia tenderly kissed each of their faces and yfully pinched their cheeks. ¡°Let¡¯s not dwell on the past. I¡¯m going to greet a friend now. You three y here.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Elysia left the bedroom, making sure to close the door behind her. ¡°You can open the door. I¡¯ll go freshen up.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± Blossom then went to open the door, weing Zane inside. ¡°What brings you here all of a sudden?¡± Zane, holding a breakfast bag, said, ¡°just happened to be passing by and thought you guys might still be home since it¡¯s early. I tried calling, but no one answered, so I came up. Hope I¡¯m not intruding.¡± Blossom, unaware of Winona¡¯s situation, shook her head. ¡°Not at all,e on in.¡± She took the breakfast from him, inviting Zane to sit down. As soon as Zane entered, he asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Elysia? Has she already left, or is she still asleep?¡± Chapter 221 Chapter 221 Elysia sshed her face with cold water and trudged back into the living room. Zane caught one look at her and knew something was off, ¡°What¡¯s going on? You look bit under the weather!¡± Elysia shot him aplex look, trying to maintainposure. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just a bit of a cold, I¡¯m not feeling my best.¡± Zane¡¯s concem was evident in his voice. ¡°Have you seen a doctor? With the flu and all that going around, you should get checked out. Blood tests, meds, the whole package.¡± *I saw sonicone yesterday, it¡¯s nothing serious.¡± Elysia waved Zane over to sit down and smoothly changed the subject to Winona, ¡°Heard anything about Winonately?¡± ¡°Nothing yet¡± ¡°Have you reached out to her agent?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been trying, but it¡¯s like they¡¯ve vanished into thin air. Even got a friend to check with her agent¡¯s family, and they¡¯re clueless about her whereabouts too.¡± Zane spoke with an openness, his expression not giving away anything out of the ordinary. Elysia frowned. ¡°If ites down to it, we might have to notify the authorities.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Zane blinked in surprise. Blossom was equally taken aback. ¡°Notify the authorities? Why?¡± ¡°Winona¡¯s been missing for a while now, and I¡¯m getting worried,¡± Elysia exined. ¡°But she¡¯s a high¨Cprofile celebrity. Wouldn¡¯t involving the police tarnish her reputation?¡± Blossom looked worried, but Zane, with a furrowed brow, agreed, ¡°Elysia might be onto something. If we can¡¯t get a hold of Winona soon, we might have no other choice.¡± Elysia eyed Zane. His agreement to involve the police made her wonder if he truly was unaware of Winona¡¯s situation. In the bedroom, Elliot and Evan huddled over theirputer with a secret to discuss, sending Emmett out to keep Elysiapany. ¡°Any luck yet?¡± Evan was anxious. Elliot had been digging into the mysterious figure behind the mask sincest night, but to no avail. Given his reputation in the hacking world, the inability to find any leads on this person only proved their cunning and secrecy. The more elusive and formidable their adversary, the greater the threat they posed. With the police¡¯s visit earlier that day, Elliot pieced together some troubling thoughts. The masked man must have known about their n to retrieve the item! By cing Allegra in direct contact with it, they aimed to capture Elliot or Evan¡¯s fingerprints ¨C framing them for a crime. But why? What could be their motive? Had they actuallymitted a murder that night, would this person leverage the evidence to ckmail them? Or was there another agenda at y? Considering their secluded upbringing and their mother¡¯s unassuming nature, it was unlikely they had crossed paths with such a formidable enemy. Their connection to Tarquin seemed the most usible exnation. Being Tarquin¡¯s sons, they were perfect pawns against him. However, one question lingered ¨C how did the masked man know they were Tarquin¡¯s sons? Without concrete information, it was difficult to determine if this masked figure was their enemy or Tarquin¡¯s. Eager for answers, Elliot¡¯s thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a message from Gideon¡¯s confidant. [Mr. E, did you manage to retrieve the item?] Elliot frowned. Given Allegra¡¯s incident, Gideon¡¯s inquiry hinted at suspicion, Elliot responded affirmatively, despite the circumstances. [As long as you had the item, that was all that mattered, especially after the previous night¡¯s chaos.] Chapter 222 Chapter 222 Elliot had pulled a fast one on him, dering he¡¯d already retrieved the items during the day. Without waiting for Gideon¡¯s response, he sent another message. [The person you¡¯re looking into? I¡¯ve got a lead. I¡¯ll hand over what I¡¯ve found about him in a couple of days.] [Much appreciated.] Gideon¡¯s confidant responded politely before turning to Gideon, ¡°Sir, it seems we were mistaken. This Mr. E isn¡¯t the assant fromst night. He had already taken what was needed during daylight.¡± Gideon frowned, puzzled. ¡°But the spot where Allegra was found is exactly where we stored the items. It¡¯s too coincidental.¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s understandable. Mr. E chose that spot for its seclusion, and naturally, the attacker would seek a simr setting to target Allegra.¡± After a moment of contemtion, Gideon nodded. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s set this matter aside for now. We¡¯ve got a lead on Mr. E. Make sure our assets are in order, ready to coborate with him at a moment¡¯s notice.¡± ¡°Understood! Oh, and Sir, the annual Bradford family ancestral tribute ising up next month. Traditionally, the entire Bradford family ventures into the woods for the ceremony. Given Elijah¡¯s conditionst year¡­ it nearly ended in disaster. Should we still inform him about it this year?¡± Gideon¡¯s voice was stern, ¡°He is the sole heir to the Bradford legacy. He¡¯s our future. Skipping such a crucial family tradition is out of the question. Let him face ridicule or disdain; I don¡¯t care. As long as he¡¯s breathing, that¡¯s all that matters. It¡¯s also a perfect chance to knock Tarquin down a peg. What does hispetence matter if his son is naught but a frail shadow of a man?¡± In the following days, Jindale City was besieged by relentless rain, as if the heavens themselves mourned for someone. Elysia had fallen ill again, copsing soon after Zane¡¯s departure. Thebination of fear, stress, and being caught in the rain had left her feverish for days. Meanwhile, Tarquin¡¯s life had reverted to its previous routine. It was a simple existence, osciting between caring for Elijah at home and burying himself in work at the office. After his argument with Elysia, Tarquin had been in a foul mood. Elijah¡¯s refusal to eat properly, even shunning the meals he prepared, only worsened his temper. His mood affected everyone around him. Tarquin was a workaholic by nature, channeling his anger into his work rather than away from it. Normally, the office would empty at half¨Cpast five, following Tarquin¡¯s departure. Lately, his extended hours kept everyone on edge, afraid to leave before him. Under hismand, paperwork flew and projects progressed at breakneck speed. His team struggled to keep up, barely managing bathroom breaks without theirptops in tow. Typically, Tarquin¡¯s bad moods neversted more than three days, meaning the staff could see an end to their suffering. But this time, a week had passed with no end in sight. Desperate, they turned to Lowell for relief, ¡°Lowell, what¡¯s gotten into the boss? Who¡¯s upset him this time? If this keeps up, we¡¯re all going to copse.¡± Lowell was equally concerned, empathizing with both the staff and Tarquin. He prepared Tarquin¡¯s favorite coffee himself and braced himself to knock on the boss¡¯s office door. Upon entering, Lowell ventured, ¡°Tarquin, are we workingte again tonight?¡± Chapter 223 Chapter 223 Tarquin was buried in paperwork, not even bothering to lift his head. ¡°Mhm.¡± Lowell¡¯s lips twitched slightly. ¡°You know, you haven¡¯t spent the evening with Elijah in ages.¡± ¡°Is there anything wrong with Elijah?¡± Tarquin finally looked up, his expression serious. Lowell hurriedly said, ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong with Elijah. I just meant¡­ don¡¯t you think he might be getting a bit upset, you not being home and all?¡± Tarquin went back to his documents. ¡°He won¡¯t be Lowell rubbed his temple. ¡°Tarquin, let¡¯s just take a break, yeah? You keep pushing like this, I¡¯m worried you¡¯ll run yourself into the ground¡± Tarquin looked up at Lowell, clearly annoyed. ¡°Whoever can¡¯t hack it can take a hike! No one¡¯s forcing them to work overtime! Everyone, out! But I want these reports on my desk before work tomorrow. I need to review them.¡± Lowell left the CEO¡¯s office looking defeated and was immediately swarmed by his colleagues. ¡°Is he still at it tonight?¡± Lowell just shrugged. ¡°Yep.¡± There were groans all around. Someone asked mournfully, ¡°What¡¯s gotten into the boss? Did someone tick him off? Can¡¯t we just¡­ I don¡¯t know, try to cheer him up somehow?¡± Another chimed in, ¡°If anyone can get the boss to crack a smile, I swear I¡¯d give him my paycheck!¡± Lowell sighed. ¡°Sometimes, it takes more than just good intentions.¡± Tarquin was upset because of Elysia. But Elysia¡¯s hostility towards Tarquin was so palpable, she saw him as nothing short of a gue. So, there was no way Elysia would reach out to him. Not to mention trying to cheer him up! As for Tarquin making the first move? With the way he was, prideful and aloof, that was out of the question. After reaching out only to get rebuffed harshly by Elysia multiple times, there was no way he¡¯d do it again. Both of them too stubborn for their own good meant the problem remained Meanwhile, the kids were too worried about Elysia to even think about school. Emmett was on a mission to cook Elysia¡¯s favoritefort foods around the Evan tried every trick in the book to bring a smile to her face. Elliot, the quiet one, simply stayed by her side, offering silent support. Elysia could always count on waking up to see him there. Elysia felt a mix of heartache and reassurance. ¡°Elliot, what time is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s four in the afternoon. Thirsty, Mom?¡± She nodded, and Elliot helped her sit up, propping a pillow behind her. ¡°Where are Evan and Emmett?¡± Elliot handed her a ss of water. ¡°We ran out of groceries. Blossom took them to the supermarket.¡± After taking a few sips and setting the ss aside, Elysia looked at Elliot. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sweetheart. I¡¯m feeling much better today.¡± Elliot was wise beyond his years. ¡°It¡¯s the heartache that needs healing for you to truly recover.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°I can tell, you have got a lot on your mind. You always say a person¡¯s heart can only hold so much. If it¡¯s too full, it hurts, and can even make you sick. So, why do you keep everything bottled up inside?¡± Elysia was speechless. Elliot might not have been the most talkative kid, but when he spoke, it was always with insight. Despite being only five, he carried himself like the man of the house, the pir of their little family. Chapter 224 Chapter 224 Elysia paused for a moment, then nodded in agreement. ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯ve been carrying a lot of worriestely, but I didn¡¯t want to trouble you kids with them.* ¡°Well rather be involved than worried sick. Besides, haven¡¯t you always said two heads are better than one? You should share what¡¯s on your mind. Together, we might just figure it out¡± said Elliot Elysia sighed deeply, hesitant to bring up Winona¡¯s situation. After all Winona¡¯s troubles might be linked to a criminal investigation, and she didn¡¯t want her children getting involved. She then mentioned Elijah, ¡°Lately, I¡¯ve been trying to help this kid, the one I told you about before, who¡¯s struggling with mental health issues.¡± ¡°Eljah?¡± Elliot was aware of Elijah¡¯s existence but didn¡¯t know he was his own brother. He had always thought Elijah was the child of Tarquin and another woman. ¡°Yes, exactly! But now, there¡¯s aplicated issue. Some people seem to not want Elijah to get better, so they¡¯re against me treating him.¡± Elliot knew Elysia was talking about Allegra. He pretended to be clueless. ¡°Did they threaten you?¡± Yes. ¡°And what about Elijah¡¯s dad? Didn¡¯t he step in to say something, to warn those people off?¡± Tm not entirely sure. He did say that no one would treat me like that again.¡± Elliot frowned slightly, realizing that Tarquin¡¯s handling of Allegra had been kept from Elysia. Why isn¡¯t he speaking up? Elysia, not fully understanding their family dynamics, would naturally still be afraid. ¡°So, you want to keep helping Elijah but are afraid of getting hurt, right?¡± Elysia quickly nodded. It was one thing if it was just her, but now Elliot and Evan were involved too. She couldn¡¯t just think about Elijah without considering her sons. Elliot thought for a moment and then said, ¡°Actually, this problem isn¡¯t too hard to solve.¡± ¡°Really? Do you have an idea?¡± ¡°Yes. Think about it, Mom. Those people¡¯s goal is to stop you from treating Elijah. If you stop treating him, they wouldn¡¯t care about you seeing him anymore.¡± Elysia was puzzled, ¡°But I¡¯m seeing Elijah to treat him.¡± ¡°You can still treat him, just without letting anyone know.¡± *Secretly?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s too risky. If those people find out, it would be even more dangerous.¡± Then make sure they don¡¯t find out.¡± ¡°How can I possibly do that?¡± Elliot said, ¡°Make them lose interest, and they¡¯ll give up on snooping.¡± Elysia was getting more confused. ¡°Elliot, can you please rify? Don¡¯t beat around the bush; I¡¯m not followin Elliot smiled indulgently, ¡°Just publicly announce that Elijah is already better.¡± Elysia was taken aback when Elliot continued to exin, ¡°If everyone believes Elijah is already cured, who would bother keeping an eye on him? Even if you¡¯re with Elijah every day, no one would care anymore. Why are they threatening you now? Because they think you can cure Elijah. But if Elijah is already ¡®cured¡®, you be irrelevant to them.¡± This time, Elysia understoodpletely. ¡°Right! That could work! Pretend Elijah is already better, then I can get close to him and treat him in secret. But wait, those people won¡¯t easily believe Elijah is cured. We need a way to convince them, but with Elijah¡¯s mental health issues, I can¡¯t just make him act cured.¡± Elliot sighed inwardly, thinking, Oh, dear Mom. ¡°That part is even simpler.¡± Chapter 225 Chapter 225 Elliot leaned in close to Elysia and whispered something into her ear. Elysia¡¯s eyes initially sparkled with excitement, but then her brows furrowed in concern. The idea was brilliant! But for her, it was just too risky! Seeing her troubled expression, Elliot asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a good idea, Mom?¡± Elysia neither nodded nor shook her head. ¡°I¡­ need to think about it.¡± She really had to mull over whether to go through with it or not! Understanding his mom¡¯s hesitation, Elliot didn¡¯t press further but offered some reassurance, ¡°Take your time, Mom. Whenever you¡¯re ready, just let me know, and I¡¯ll handle it personally. I won¡¯t involve Evan. You can trust me to take care of it.¡± Elysia nodded seriously. She did trust Elliot¡¯s judgment. Every n Elliot had executed had gone off without a hitch. Changing the subject, Elliot asked, ¡°Did you get everything sorted out in Jindale City that you needed to?¡± ¡°Eh?¡± Elysia was momentarily taken aback before she realized Elliot was referring to her divorce from Tarquin. Lately, her mind had been preupied with Elijah and Winona, almost forgetting about the divorce matter. When she first returned, her thoughts were dominated by the divorce, but now, with Elijah and Winona on her mind, she felt less urgent about it. Elysia shook her head. ¡°Not yet, but there¡¯s no rush.¡± Elliot slightly narrowed his eyes. He had been ready to use a certain leverage to negotiate with Tarquin if Elysia was in a hurry. Tarquin had already reached out, eager to get his hands on that leverage, willing to meet any of Elliot¡¯s demands. But seeing Elysia¡¯sck of urgency, Elliot decided to wait. They would cross that bridge when they came to it. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about my issues. You and your brothers have been home for a few days now. Tomorrow, why don¡¯t you all go to school? It¡¯s a great opportunity you shouldn¡¯t miss. Understand?¡± Elysia suddenly chimed in. The mention of going to kindergarten made Elliot grimace, his mind flooded with images of little girls chattering incessantly around him. Seeing his frown, Elysia asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you want to go?¡± ¡°Mm, I¡¯m worried about you, Mom. I just want to be with you.¡± Elysia smiled gently, ¡°I¡¯m fine now, no need to worry. And while we¡¯re a family, we¡¯re also individuals. We can¡¯t be glued together 24/7. You boys are at the age to go to school, and you can¡¯t skip that.¡± ¡°¡­Okay, I¡¯ll listen to you, Mom. We¡¯ll go tomorrow.¡± The next day, Elysia felt a bit more spirited. After sending off her little ones to school, she used the excuse of needing a check¨Cup to see Benjamin. ? ? ? Benjamin was surprised to see her. ¡°Ms. Thorne, what a nice surprise!¡± Walking into the clinic somewhat awkwardly, Elysia said, ¡°Dr. Benjamin, I came to get some medicine.¡± ¡°Oh? Are you sick?¡± ¡°Yeah, I had a fever a few days ago. It¡¯s gone now, but I¡¯ve run out of medicine.¡± Benjamin promptly asked her to sit and take her temperature, followed by a basic examination. ¡°You¡¯re not feverish anymore. Your throat¡¯s a bit swollen, though. I¡¯ll prescribe some anti¨Cinmmatory medication. Make sure to drink plenty of water and rest.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± She knew her condition well. Having studied medicine for years, her skills were not to be underestimated. Her visit to Benjamin was actually a pretext. She wanted to inquire about Elijah¡¯s condition. For some reason, she couldn¡¯t let go of Elijah even though she was almost hit by a car because of him. Even though Elijah didn¡¯t seem to reciprocate her feelings, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a deep, inexplicable connection to him. While Benjam¨ªn was busy preparing the medicine, Elysia took the opportunity to ask, ¡°Has Elijah been discharged?¡± ¡°Yes, he left the hospital a few days ago. He dislikes staying in hospitals, and with his psychological condition, there wasn¡¯t much point 09:39 in him staying? How has he beentely? Any improvement?¡± Benjamin sighed softly, shaking his head. He¡¯s not even eating now* Why not? After a moment¡¯s hesitation. Benjamin exined, ¡°He¡¯s just like his father, stubborn. Once he sets his mind on something, that¡¯s it. Lately. Figah only wants to eat food you¡¯ve made. If anyone else makes it, he won¡¯t touch it. Chapter 226 Chapter 226 Just like Tarquin had eyes only for Elijah¡¯s moin, swearing he¡¯d spend his life with her and no other woman would do, Elysia frowned, her concern wasn¡¯t his devotion, her heart was set on Elijah! ¡°It¡¯s been days, can he really go without eating?¡± ¡°He¡¯s notpletely fasting, just nibbling here and there, barely enough to keep going. I heard he¡¯s lost a few pounds in just a matter of days.* Elysia was shocked. ¡°Lost a few pounds?¡± ¡°Yeah, Elijah¡¯s always had a lot on his mind, andtely, he¡¯s been alck on and off. When he was eating well, he could at least maintain his weight, but now, he¡¯s shedding it fast.¡± Elysia¡¯s frown deepened, her heart ached with worry and quilt! The thought of Elijah, pale and thin, plunged her into a sea of self¨Creproach. It was all her fault! If only she had made the effort to cook delicious meals for him every day, he wouldn¡¯t be wasting away. After leaving the hospital, Elysia made a beeline for the supermarket. She filled her shopping cart without a second thought! Once home, she shed her coat, kicked off her shoes, rolled up her sleeves, and dove into the kitchen. For over two hours, she was a whirlwind of culinary activity, preparing a dozen dishes, all for Elijah. But then she hit a snag. How was she going to get the food to Elijah? After all that had happened, she couldn¡¯t just waltz up to him. Even if she wasn¡¯t considering her own safety, she had the kids to think about. She couldn¡¯t risk everything for one child and ignore the rest. After much brainstorming, inspiration struck! ? ? ¡¯ ???? ? ?? ? ? ? She grabbed her phone and ordered a delivery. She noted down the address carefully and told the delivery guy to keep mum if asked who sent it. She was worried that if Allegra found out about the food, she¡¯de knocking again. As long as Tarin saw those dishes, he¡¯d know it was from her and would let Elijah eat in peace. However- The delivery guy barely got to the neighborhood gate and started asking for the apartment number when he was stopped by some bodyguards lurking in the shadows. After Allegra¡¯sst visit, Tarquin had beefed up security around the house. This sudden delivery raised suspicions, especially since the guy wouldn¡¯t say where it came from. Tarquin¡¯s bodyguards, all imposing and stern, terrified the delivery guy. He immediately called Elysia, ¡°Miss, I¡¯ve been stopped. They¡¯re demanding to know who sent this food. What should I do?¡± Elysia panicked and asked in a hurry, ¡°Who stopped you?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know them. Just two guys in suits, pretty intimidating.¡± 2 2 2 2 3 Not sure if they were Tarin¡¯s men, Elysia replied, ¡°Bring the food back then. I¡¯ll still pay you.¡± The delivery guy sounded almost in tears, ¡°But they won¡¯t let me leave without an exnation.¡± Feeling cornered, he blurted out Elysia¡¯s name to the bodyguards. Upon hearing Elysia¡¯s name, the bodyguards lit up and immediately contacted Lowell, ¡°Lowell, you won¡¯t believe it! Ms. Thorne arranged for food to be delivered to Elijah!¡± Lowell was astounded, ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes! The delivery guy¡¯s right here. Ms. Thorne didn¡¯te herself, sent it through a courier. There are three thermal boxes full of delicious food.¡± ¡°Keep him there; I¡¯ll confirm and get back.¡± Trying to contain his excitement, Lowell quickly reached out to Elysia. Once confirmed, he dashed out of his office towards the CEO¡¯s suite. Seeing his excitement, a colleague stopped him, ¡°Lowell, something good?¡± 09:39 Lowell, unable to contain his joy, announced, ¡°Get ready to celebrate; no work today! And definitely no overtime!¡± Everyone was over the moon. ¡°For real?¡°. ¡°Just wait for the news!¡± Bursting with confidence. Lowell barged into the CEO¡¯s office, too thrilled to even knock, ¡°Tarquin, it¡¯s a day for celebration!¡± Chapter 227 Chapter 227 Tarquin was buried in paperwork, the air in the office thick and warm. He had shrugged off his zer, now just in a dark shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing muscled forearms and an expensive wristwatch. Hunched over his desk, his brow was furrowed, back ramrod straight. His attractive hands clenched a pen, signing his name with a flourish at the bottom of the document before looking up, annoyance evident in his tone. ¡°What¡¯s got your feathers all ruffled now?¡± ¡°Ms. Thome¡­ Before Lowell could finish, Tarquin snapped, ¡°Didn¡¯t I make myself clear? Don¡¯t bring her up in my presence!¡± ¡°But, Ms. Thome, she¡­¡± Out! ¡®Tarquin¡­¡± ¡°Get out!¡± Tarquin¡¯s fury seemed to shake the very foundations of the room, sending Lowell scampering out in a hurry. The others crowded around him. ¡°Lowell, any luck? Can we get the day off?¡± Lowell shook his head in defeat. ¡°Back to the grind, folks.¡± Groans filled the room, ¡°For the love of God, is there no one who can save us?¡± Lowell just sighed. Ms. Thome could have been their savior¡­ if only. Lowell knew Elysia meant well for Elijah, but without Tarquin¡¯s word, he dared not let the meals be delivered to Elijah. So, he had to make a call, ¡°Cancel the delivery, no hard feelings. Just return the meal as it was, and yeah, the delivery fee¡¯s covered.¡± Soon, the delivery guy was back with the untouched meal. Elysia was beyond surprised when she found out, immediately calling Lowell, ¡°Why was the meal returned? Why can¡¯t Elijah have it?¡± Lowell was at a loss for words, stammering, ¡°Elijah¡¯s meals¡­ need his father¡¯s approval. And he¡¯s¡­ busy right now.¡± Elysia got the message loud and clear. It was him blocking the meals! Fuming, Elysia tried calling him, only to be hung up on. And again. And then blocked. Seething, she called Lowell back, ¡°Please, just get him to answer. It¡¯s urgent, about Elijah.¡± Lowell, knowing better than to linger, ced the phone on Tarquin¡¯s desk with the speaker on, ¡°Ms. Thorne for you.¡± Then dashed off without looking back. ¡°Hey! Tarin, you listening?¡± Elysia¡¯s voice filled the room. Tarquin¡¯s frown deepened. Elysia was livid as she shouted, ¡°Say something! Don¡¯t y dead! If you¡¯re a man, you¡¯d talk!¡± Tarquin¡¯s expression darkened as he said, ¡°Stay out of my business! Don¡¯t harass me!¡± Before he could hang up, Elysia was already unleashing her fury, ¡°Harassing you? Dream on! If it wasn¡¯t for Elijah, do you think I¡¯d bother contacting you? And you dare hang up on me, block me? You spineless, selfish jerk!¡± ¡°You¡­¡± ¡°What about me? I risked my life to bring Elijah food, and you, his father, can¡¯t even care for him because of your petty feelings! Are you even a man? A father? You won¡¯t let Elijah have the food I sent over. Have you ever thought about it from his perspective? He¡¯s been starving these past few days! Even if you despise me, think about Elijah for once! Your actions are just¡­¡± ¡°What did you say? You sent food for Elijah?¡± Elysia stopped in her tracks, her anger unabated. ¡°Don¡¯t act like you didn¡¯t know! You had it sent back to me!¡± Tarquin frowned as he yelled, ¡°Lowell!¡± Lowell, who had been eavesdropping, quickly entered. ¡°Yes?¡± Tarquin red at him and asked, ¡°She sent food for Elijah?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ? ???? And why didn¡¯t you tell me? I was trying to, but you wouldnt listen and and just kicked me out ¡± Tarquin sighed, exasperated. Couldn¡¯t you have just gotten to the point?¨C Chapter 228 Chapter 228 Lowell felt utterly wronged ¡°You didn¡¯t even give me a chance.¡± ¡°And you¡­ you think you¡¯re in the right now?¡± Lowell remained silent. Justice lies in the heart of the beholder. Right now, he might be feeling wronged, but he won¡¯t say it out loud. On the other end of the phone, Elysia was all ears. She knew he didn¡¯t know about the food. So, her little rant earlier¡­ wasn¡¯t unjustified after all! And it was him who didn¡¯t give a proper ear to the matter. Not letting Lowell finish his piece, that¡¯s on him! ¡°You¡­¡± They both started at the same time. Elysia pouted, ¡°You go first.¡± Tarquin exined, ¡°I didn¡¯t know you made Elijah food.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± The response was cold. Tarquin was silent, the tension thick in the air. Lowell, ever the peacemaker, chimed in, ¡°Ms. Thorne, is the food still up for grabs? If so, Tarin and I can swing by and pick it up. We¡¯re free.¡± Elysia retorted, ¡°Youe alone. I don¡¯t want to see him.¡± Lowell was taken aback. ¡°Ah?¡± Elysia added, ¡°Seeing him annoys me!¡± Tarquin clenched his teeth in silence, seething. Lowell, with a brave face, said, ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll head over now. I¡¯ll call you when I¡¯m there.¡± *Okay. Elysia hung up. Lowell quickly grabbed his phone, safeguarding it from Tarquin¡¯s wrath. Given Tarquin¡¯s current mood, dark and stormy, it was best to y it safe. ¡°Regardless, it¡¯s good news that Ms. Thorne decided to whip up something for Elijah. He hasn¡¯t been eating well these days, and today he can finally have a proper meal.¡± go.¡± Thinking of Elijah, Tarquin¡¯s expression softened noticeably, He shut down hisputer, stood up, and donned his jacket. ¡°Let¡¯s Seizing the moment, Lowell suggested, ¡°Today¡¯s been a good day. How about we take a break? The team¡¯s been through the wringertely.¡± be day Tarquin, while adjusting his tie, agreed, ¡°Give them two days off. Pay triple sry for this month.¡± ¡°Right on.¡± The news spread like wildfire among the staff, sparking excitement. ¡°Lowell, was it that phone call that sweet¨Ctalked Mr. Bradford into a good mood?¡± ¡°I heard a woman¡¯s voice! Was it, Lowell?¡± Lowell squinted. ¡°Eavesdropping on the boss¡¯s calls now, are we? Looking for trouble?¡± ¡°No way, I just happened to overhear by chance. So¡­ it was thatdy on the phone who cheered him up?¡± With Lowell¡¯s tacit acknowledgment, excitement burgeoned. ¡°Wow, Mr. Bradford is finally smitten, huh?¡± ¡°Who¡¯s the luckydy that caught his eye? She must be a real gem!¡± ¡°No wonder Mr. Bradford has been so moodytely. Turns out he¡¯s in love. They say men in love can be so childish, flying off the handle at the slightest thing¡­¡± The office door suddenly opened, and Tarquin stepped out. The chattering crowd instantly fell silent, quickly returning to their desks as if nothing had happened. Tarquin, stone¨Cfaced, strode to the elevator without a word. 09:40 Lowell hurried after him. As the elevator doors closed, Tarquin asked, ¡°Who¡¯s in love?¡± Lowell¡¯s heart skipped a beat, managing a nervous chuckle, ¡°You heard that, huh? Just a misunderstanding.¡± Tarquin coldly said, ¡°Fizone is always looking for volunteers.¡± Lowell pleaded, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Tarquin. I won¡¯t gossip about you again. Rather than sending me to Fizone to mine rocks, you might as well just end me.¡± Tarquin replied icily, ¡°If you don¡¯t fancy mining, then quit daydreaming. Elysia and I are never happening!¡± ¡°Well, you never know about the future, right?¡± ¡°If I ever end up with her, you can have my CEO spot, and I¡¯ll call you ¡®boss¡®.¡± After those chilling words, Tarquin stormed out of the elevator. Lowell was left pondering¡­ Should Lowell hold out some hope? Could this be his chance to rise? Chapter 229 Chapter 229 The rain in Jindale City had finally let up, leaving a vibrant rainbow painting the sky. People on the streets couldn¡¯t resist the urge to capture the moment, with their smartphones out, eximing, ¡°Look, look, a rainbow! So pretty.¡± Lowell couldn¡¯t help but remark, ¡°Ever since Ms. Thorne took Elijah under her wing, it¡¯s like even the heavens stopped crying and threw a rainbow into the mix to celebrate. Seems like there¡¯s some real chemistry between Ms. Thorne and Elijah. Even the universe is taking notes.¡± Tarquin nced up at the rainbow but didn¡¯t join in the conversation. He wasn¡¯t sure about Elysia and Elijah¡¯s chemistry; he was just happy that the gloomy days were behind them, reced by clear skies. He also snapped a photo with his phone, nning to show it to Elijahter. When they reached Blossom¡¯s apartmentplex, Lowell parked the car and called Elysia. Soon enough, she appeared. She was wearing a cream¨Ccolored down jacket and snow boots, her face bare of makeup, her hair unstyled and blowing in the wind, covering her eyes. She brushed her hair behind her ear, revealing ears reddened by the cold. Not just her ears, her nose was red too. Maybe it was Tarquin¡¯s imagination, or perhaps it was the contrast, but he thought she looked paler than before. Lowell got out of the car, and Elysia waved at him, indicating where she was. Tarquin stayed inside, lighting a cigarette. He couldn¡¯t hear their conversation, but they seemed to be having a good time. She smiled at Lowell, her white teeth and dimples showing. It was, a sweet sight, like that of a gentle woman. She could smile at Lowell, Benjamin, Zane, and Callum. But never at him! Hmph! Tarquin didn¡¯t know where this irritation came from, but he took a deep drag of his cigarette. Soon, Lowell returned to the car, cheerfully announcing, ¡°Ms. Thorne has prepared a feast today. Elijah¡¯s in for a treat.¡± Tarquin kept a straight face, not responding. As Lowell got in and closed the door, he turned and said, ¡°Guess what Ms. Thorne told me?¡± ¡°Not interested.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you a bit curious?¡± ¡°What could she possibly say? It¡¯s not like something good wille out of her mouth about me. It¡¯s all just trash talk.¡± Lowell paused and then said, ¡°You¡¯re wrong. She didn¡¯t mention you at all.¡± 10:55 Embarrassment opened the door, and humiliation walked right in. That was even worse than trash talk! ¡°Why didn¡¯t she mention me?¡± ¡°No idea. Not a word about you.¡± Asking more just made things more awkward. Sensing Tarquin¡¯s mood, Lowell quickly changed the subject, ¡°Ms. Thorne said she hadn¡¯t been cooking for Elijah because she was sick. She asked us to tell Elijah that she¡¯s more than happy to cook for him as long as he wants.¡± Tarquin looked away, peering out the window, noticing Elysia was no longer in sight. As Lowell started the car and buckled up, he added, ¡°Ms. Thorne is genuinely nice. I thought she stopped cooking for Elijah because she was scared after the Allegra incident. Turns out, she was ill. She looks much more worn outtely, very pale.¡± Tarquin thought, ¡°No wonder she looked paler than before. It must be the paleness of illness, drained of vitality.¡± ¡°Send her some health supplements from home, and have Heath prepare some soup to send over as well.¡± Lowell was pleased to hear that. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit! Why can¡¯t you always be nice to her? If you¡¯re nicer, maybe she¡¯ll warm up to you, right?¡± ¡°Who said I was being nice to her?¡± ¡°Then why send health supplements and soup? What¡¯s that about?¡± Tarquin frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t want to owe her anything!¡± Chapter 230 Chapter 230 Tarquin wanted to give Elysia the health supplements to repay her kindness with his own thoughtful gesture, ensuring they were even¨Csteven. As he walked in, Heath made a quick exit, mentioning something about heading over to the vi to whip up aforting soup for Elysia. Elijah, who had been gazing out the window, seemed to sense Tarquin¡¯s arrival, turning his head at the sound. The sight of the food container in Tarquin¡¯s hands subtly shifted his expression, a flicker of eagerness passing through his eyes. Without a word, Tarquin set the container on the dining table and proceeded to open it. Elijah, catching the cue, washed his hands and took his seat at the table, clearly looking forward to the meal. However, Tarquin didn¡¯t immediately serve the food. Instead, he sat down across from Elijah, his gaze serious and intent. ¡°A few days ago, she was under the weather, which is why she couldn¡¯t cook for you,¡± Tarquin began, referring to Elysia. ¡°She wanted me to tell you that if you enjoy her cooking, she¡¯s more than happy to make you meals.¡± Elijah remained silent, prompting Tarquin to continue. ¡°But here¡¯s the thing, Elijah. The person cooking for you is a woman, a young and attractive one at that. You¡¯ve met her before, remember? The one who showed up out of the blue.¡± Elijah¡¯s brow furrowed slightly at the mention of Elysia, clearly recalling their encounter. ¡°First off, I want to make it crystal clear: there¡¯s nothing between her and me. We¡¯re just friends, and if it weren¡¯t for you, our paths would rarely cross. She¡¯s cooking for you because she cares, and as a man, if you can¡¯t ept her kindness or even stand to be around her, then you shouldn¡¯t ept her generosity. It¡¯s only fair. No one should be expected to offer their kindness without some level of eptance in return.¡± Elijah looked displeased, but Tarquin held his gaze, unflinching. ¡°I want you to understand that love and care should be mutual. And more than that, I¡¯m hoping Elysia can do more than just cook for you. Maybe, just maybe, she can help heal some of the pain you¡¯re carrying, much like Corbin found his way back to happiness.¡± Elijah remained quiet, prompting Tarquin to add, ¡°If you can¡¯t ept her, then I won¡¯t let you enjoy her meals, no matter how much you might want to. It wouldn¡¯t be right, not if you can¡¯t offer her the same sincerity in return. And if she decides to leave because of that, adapting to someone else¡¯s cooking will be tough, as you¡¯ve experienced these past few days.¡± With that, Tarquin slid the food container closer to himself, distancing it from Elijah as a symbolic gesture. He was trying to teach a hard lesson, one steeped in love and long¨Cterm thinking, knowing all too well that Elysia, an independent spirit, might not always be around. Elijah¡¯s frown deepened, clearly upset by the turn of events. Tarquin hated to see him distressed but felt these truths needed to be aired. Elijah wasn¡¯t oblivious; he understood the message, even with his struggles. 10:55 After a tense moment, Elijah stood and retreated to his room, leaving Tarquin staring at the closed door, wondering if his son would rather go hungry than ept Elysia¡¯s kindness. Chapter 231 Chapter 231 The phone suddenly rang, a call from Lowell. Tarquin picked up and walked back to his room. Stepping out onto the balcony, he lit a cigarette. Lowell sounded like he was trying to keep a lid on his anger, ¡°Tarquin, got news from the old family estate. Next month, on the fifth, there¡¯s a memorial service for our ancestors. They¡¯ve even roped Elijah into it, saying now that he¡¯s turned five, it¡¯s time he followed the Bradford family tradition. The poor kid¡¯s supposed to light candle, bow his head in respect to our forefathers, all on his own. And they want Elijah to prepare a speech, officially marking him as the next heir to the Bradford family, addressing the entire family.¡± Tarquin¡¯s brows furrowed deeply as he took a harsh drag from his cigarette. Lowell was seething, ¡°Gideon¡¯s doing this on purpose! He knows damn well that Elijah¡¯s struggling with his mental health, and yet he¡¯s pushing for this whole ceremony, not to mention having Elijah speak in front of the whole Bradford family. It¡¯s like he wants to make a mockery out of Elijah!¡± Elijah, with his autism, finds it hard enough interfacing with strangers, let alone climbing up to some memorial service or delivering a speech! Last year¡¯s service was a nightmare. They dragged Elijah up there, and everyone was giving him these sideways nces, whispering behind his back. Elijah couldn¡¯t stand it. He got so upset he tried to leave, but ended up tumbling down the hillside. It was a close call! Aside from Tarquin and Lowell, no one else seemed to care. If anything, there was mockery. And when they learned Elijah had only passed out, not perished, you could sense their disappointment. Lowell could still picture their sneering faces! It made him grind his teeth in fury! ¡°Tarquin! We can¡¯t gamble with Elijah¡¯s life. As for the Bradford ancestors, we can skip paying respect this year. Let¡¯s just refuse to attend. Let them deal with it!¡± After another drag, Tarquin¡¯s expression was dark and stormy. ¡°Tell them Elijah will attend the memorial service but won¡¯t perform the rites. No speech!¡± Gideon caught wind of this soon after and scoffed. His confidant remarked, ¡°I thought Mr. Tarquin would refuse to let Elijah participate this year, given his worsening condition. Surprising they¡¯ve agreed.¡± Gideon responded icily, ¡°Elijah is the sole heir to the Bradford family. He must attend the service! If he skips this, he might as well be disowned. Besides, Tarquin has always respected his father. It¡¯s not just about honoring our ancestors; it¡¯s about his father too. He wouldn¡¯t miss it for the world!¡± ¡°So, shall I pass this along?¡± ¡°No, tell Tarquin that rules are rules. I was five when I recognized my ancestors, so was his father, his grandfather, and all our forebears. It can¡¯t stop with Elijah. If he struggles, he can be given guidance, but even if it¡¯s just a few words, he must speak. It¡¯s part of our tradition!¡± stop 10.55 Tarquin and Gideon were like gods at war, with a host of spectators eager for drama. However, this time, the spectacle wasn¡¯t Gideon¡¯s to enjoy but Tarquin¡¯s. The entire Bradford family, distant rtives included, anyone with even a drop of Bradford blood, was itching to see Tarquin and Elijah falter. Elijah¡¯s condition was well known. But to openly revel in Tarquin and Elijah¡¯s misfortune? That opportunity only came once a year! After all, it was the only time they got to see Elijah. As Gideon said, no matter how formidable Tarquin might be, his son remained his Achilles¡® heel. Incapable of even delivering a few words of speech was utterly humiliating! The Bradfords were all eagerly awaiting the fifth of next month, ready for the show. Chapter 232 Chapter 232 Tarquin¡¯s mood plummeted as he read Gideon¡¯s reply. It was clear as day that Gideon was using the ceremony as leverage against him and Elijah. ¡°Let¡¯s not respond for now,¡± he decided, ending the call and lighting up a cigarette to calm his nerves. The current state of affairs made it impossible for Elijah to participate in the speech and acknowledgment ceremony. It would only serve to turn him into the butt of their jokes. And if the stress triggered another episode¡­ Suddenly, a crash from the living room cut his thoughts short. Tarquin quickly snuffed out his cigarette and rushed to investigate. Elijah stood at the kitchen doorway, surrounded by the remnants of a shattered ceramic spoon. ¡°Are you okay, Elijah? Did you hurt yourself?¡± Tarquin asked, rushing over. Elijah shook his head. ¡°Why were you trying to get a spoon by yourself? What did you need it for?¡± Tarquin inquired, ¡°I wanted to eat,¡± Elijah replied calmly. ¡°Do you remember what I told you just now?¡± Tarquin prodded after a pause. Elijah frowned slightly, taking a moment before responding, ¡°I want to meet her, but only if there¡¯s nothing between you two.¡± Tarquin¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Was Elijah considering epting Elysia? He couldn¡¯t help but let out a chuckle, the tension from before dissipating entirely, leaving only joy. Elijah¡¯s willingness to meet Elysia was a significant step forward, something Tarquin hadn¡¯t dared to hope for. Elysia¡¯s cooking must have really won him over, he thought with a sense of pride. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t lie about something like this. You can see for yourself if there¡¯s anything to worry about. Eat now, and I¡¯ll contact her to arrange a meeting,¡± Tarquin assured Elijah, who then nodded in agreement. After setting Elijah up with a fresh te at the dining table andying out the array of dishes Elysia had prepared, Tarquin couldn¡¯t help but watch Elijah eat with a sense of fatherly contentment. It was a simple joy to see his child eat heartily, Once Elijah finished, Tarquin asked, ¡°When do you want to see her?¡± ¡°Whenever suits her,¡± Elijah responded indifferently. With that, Tarquin set about cleaning up, his mood significantly brighter. However, when he tried to reach out to Elysia, he realized he had blocked her number in a moment of pique. Embarrassed but determined, he unblocked her and attempted to make contact, only to be met with rejection and eventually blocked in return. In a fit of frustration, Tarquin reached out via WhatsApp, trying to salvage some dignity by iming it was Lowell¡¯s idea. But his attempts at contact were ignored, and Lowell¡¯s subsequent call only added insult to injury, 10:56 revealing Tarquin¡¯s plea had been in vain. Frustrated and with nowhere left to turn, Tarquin demanded, ¡°Lowell, pick me up, we¡¯re going to see Elysia!¡± His pride was the least of his concerns now; his son¡¯s well¨Cbeing took precedence. Chapter 233 Chapter 233 When Tarquin came looking for Elysia, she had just hung up the phone with Callum. After worrying about Elijah, her concerns had shifted to Winona. Communicating with Callum about Winona was her only option. First, Callum¡¯s family was well¨Coff and had the means to dig up more information. Second, Winona was his high school sweetheart, and her well¨Cbeing was of utmost importance to him. She hadn¡¯t yet shared the news about Winona¡¯s situation with Blossom. Knowing Blossom would only fret alongside Elysia, unable to offer any real help. Zane was also in the dark. Elysia had a nagging suspicion about him and feared that mentioning anything might tip him off. The doorbell rang, and Elysia, d in casual loungewear, emerged from her bedroom. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Silence greeted her question. Outside, Tarquin stood with a scowl, ring at Lowell, ¡°Speak up!¡± Lowell was puzzled. Why was he expected to talk when it was Tarquin who wanted to see Elysia? Outmatched, Lowell cleared his throat and replied cheerfully, ¡°Ms. Thorne, it¡¯s me, Lowell.¡± Elysia had a good impression of Lowell and dropped her guard, opening the door, ¡°Lowell, what brings you here?¡± Her expression soured instantly upon spotting Tarin behind Lowell. Her brows knitted together, and her demeanor turned frosty. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± The stark contrast between her warm greeting for Lowell and her icy reception for Tarquin didn¡¯t sit well with Tarquin. His lips thinned, barely containing his irritation. It had been a while since anyone dared to give him such attitude! Quick to smooth things over, Lowell intervened, ¡°We just wanted to thank you for the meal you prepared for Elijah today and talk a bit about him.¡± Knowing they wereing, Lowell had made a detour to the mansion to pick up a few gifts. He brought a prized skan king crab and a rare Brittany lobster, both freshly airlifted in luxurious gift packages. With gifts in hand, implying a wish to be weed inside, and considering Elijah was involved, Elysia reluctantly let them in. No sooner had they entered, Lowell¡¯s phone rang. ¡°Ms. Thorne, I¡¯ll leave you with Tarin for a moment. Need to take this call downstairs.¡± Left alone with Tarquin, Elysia poured him a ss of water with such vigor it seemed more like she intended to ssh it in his face than offer a drink. ¡°I¡¯m not thirsty!¡± Tarquin dered, on guard.. Elysia mmed the half¨Cpoured ss on the table and said, ¡°Whatever.¡± Tarquin remained silent. 10:56 Sitting opposite him, Elysia¡¯s simple yet conservative loungewear, adorned with dainty chrysanthemums and whitece,plemented her demure charm. She appeared gentle and docile, a picture¨Cperfect belle. Yet, the moment she spoke, she transformed from a belle into a fiery dame, her gentle demeanor reced by a fierce resolve. ¡°Spit it out! What do you want?¡± Tarquin, struggling to keep his cool, managed, ¡°Thanks for looking out for Elijah.¡± ¡°No thanks needed. My concern for Elijah has nothing to do with you!¡± Her care was purely out of empathy for Elijah¡¯s resemnce to Elliot and Evan, and nothing more. Tarquin insisted, ¡°I¡¯m his father!¡± Elysia shot back, ¡°That¡¯s irrelevant to me! In my eyes, Elijah is his own person. My concern is for Elijah alone. If that¡¯s all you came for, you can leave. You¡¯re not welc Chapter 234 Chapter 234 Tarquin felt like he was about to erupt, the frustration boiling inside him was nearly uncontroble. ¡°Can¡¯t we just have a normal conversation? I didn¡¯te here to fight.¡± Elysia, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t even trying to keep her cool. ¡°Who¡¯s fighting with you? Do I know you that well that I need to argue? Get over yourself!¡± ¡°You¡­ Ie here to say thanks, ant! this is how you treat me?¡± ¡°Who thanks someone with that attitude? You look like you¡¯re here to pick a fight! If you didn¡¯t want to come, you shouldn¡¯t have bothered!¡± *Elysia!¡± *Jerk!* His voice was loud, but Elysia¡¯s was even louder! He called her by her name, but she called him a jerk! Bring it on! Tarquin¡¯s breathing became erratic with anger, ¡°What did you call me? You are just¡­ He tried to speak but was cut off by Elysia again, ¡°Completely unreasonable, right? That¡¯s me, unreasonable. What are you gonna do about it?¡± ¡°Elysia!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t shout my name! If you can¡¯t handle it, then leave! Now! Stop annoying me!¡± Tarquin was so furious that he was lost for words. Oh my god! Sharp¨Ctongued Elysia, victorious! The usuallymanding, assertive, and dignified Mr. Bradford, lost an argument! Tarquin had never felt this humiliated in his life. Even those in the Bradford family, who spent their days plotting against him, had never dared to be this brazen in his presence! His pride couldn¡¯t take it, and he thought about just walking away and never dealing with this infuriating woman again! But the thought of his son made him bite his lip hard, clench his jaw, and re at her! ring fiercely! For the sake of his son, he endured! Through gritted teeth, Tarquin said, ¡°You think, if it wasn¡¯t for Elijah asking me toe, I would have bothered?¡± Never in a million years! Elysiapletely redefined his understanding of women. He had seen all types of women, but never one 10:02 like her! Belligerent, illogical, unreasonable! Hearing this, Elysia¡¯s demeanor softened a bit. ¡°Elijah asked you toe?¡± Tarquin scowled. ¡°Elijah wants to see you! ¡°What? Say that again?¡± ¡°I said Elijah wants to see you.¡± Elysia¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, blinking rapidly as she asked, ¡°Elijah wants to see me?¡± ¡°Yeah!¡± ¡°Why would he suddenly want to see me? I thought he was annoyed by me.¡± Before Tarquin could respond, the sounds of little footsteps approached from outside,¡°Mommy will be so happy to see us back early, wonder what she¡¯s up to?¡± ¡°Shh, keep it down, let¡¯s surprise her.¡± The door unlocked and swung open. Elysia leaped from the sofa, panic¨Cstricken! Without thinking, she grabbed his arm and dragged him into the nearest bedroom. Before they could even shut the bedroom door, the little ones burst in, ¡°Mommy! We are back early! Surprise or what?¡± Surprise? More like a total shoc She was on the verge of a heart attack! In a frenzy, Elysia pulled open a closet door and shoved him inside! It wasn¡¯t until the closet door was closed that she realized she was in there with him. By the time she thought about leaving, it was toote; Evan had already run into the room. ¡°Mommy!¡± Chapter 235 Chapter 235 resisted. Unable to control his physical reaction yet disliking it, he forcibly pried her hands off, ¡°Elysia¡­¡± ¡°Mommy!¡± His voice ovepped with that of Evan.¡± 10:03 Evan, sharp as ever, questioned, ¡°Hm? Did I just hear a man¡¯s voice?¡± Elysia¡¯s heart thundered against her chest, like a drumroll in overdrive. Though Tarquin¡¯s vision was obscured by her hands, he could hear the rapid beat of her heart. He couldn¡¯t fathom her panic. Yet, she pressed even closer to him. Suddenly, Elysia pressed against his evident arousal! Tarquin felt as if struck by lightning, his body tingling, a suppressed groan escaping him. Elysia, panicked, tiptoed to seal his lips with hers. Tarquin¡¯s body shuddered again, desire peaking uncontrobly. Without a second thought, as soon as her lips touched his, he grabbed the back of her head to prevent her escape. One hand secured her head, the other pressed against her lower back, pulling her fiercely into his embrace. The force as if he wished to meld her into him. Elysia was stunned, never anticipating such a reaction from him. Caught off¨Cguard, she was overtaken, his breath filling her mouth¡­ He was like a predator, iming his territory. Or a parchednd greeting a long¨Cawaited rain, desperately absorbing. Elysia was terrified by his intensity or body heating up, her chest heaving. Her lips sealed by his, she was deprived of even the space to breathe. Tension, thrill, madness, chaos, shame¡­ She was on the verge of suffocating. Chapter 236 Chapter 236 Elysia tried to push Tarquin away, but couldn¡¯t. She wanted to struggle, but knowing Evan was just outside, she dared not make a sound. Outside the closet, her three little munchkins were wondering where their mommy had vanished to, while inside, Elysia was wrapped tightly in Tarquin¡¯s arms, his lips demanding the sweet taste of hers. ¡°Huh? Where did everyone go? Elliot, Evan, Emmett,e see what I brought you!¡± Blossom had just returned from picking up a delivery. At her words, the kids scampered off. Elysia snapped back to reality, managing to push Tarquin away with a stumble that nearly brought her to her knees. Tarquin pulled her back into his embrace to prevent her from falling. Elysia raised her hand to p him, but Tarquin caught her wrist, his brows furrowed, looking down at her intensely. Her face was flushed red, lips bitten, holding his gaze defiantly. She wanted to yell at him, but the fear of rming Blossom and the kids kept her silent. Time seemed to stand still as they stared at each other, one with aplex expression, the other angry and embarrassed with tears rimming her eyes. Until the kids¡® voices echoed again outside, ¡°Mommy¡¯s jacket and shoes are here, but she¡¯s nowhere to be seen. Where could she be?¡± Elysia quickly nced outside, forcefully shrugged off Tarquin, and rushed to the door, mming it shut and locking it from the inside. The noise caught the kids¡® attention, who ran to the door, ¡°Mommy, you¡¯re in there! Where were you hiding just now?¡± Elysia, panting, replied, ¡°I¡­ I was changing my clothes. You kids go y; I¡¯ll join you in a bit.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± The kids ran off, and Elysia leaned against the door, catching her breath. Tarquin emerged from the closet, his forehead sweaty, his suit wrinkled. He looked at Elysia, leaning against the door, with aplex expression. Her cheeks had a hint of crimson, like a budding red rose, tempting and alluring.. Now, she seemed less innocent, and more seductive, as if she had transformed from a girl to a woman¡­ all because of his kiss. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t talk!¡± He barely started, and Elysia cut him off. She bit her lip, walked over to the bed, and texted Blossom. 7./2 10:03 Soon, Blossom¡¯s voice was heard outside, shepherding the kids back to their rooms along with the sound of doors closing. Elysia peeked outside first to ensure the kids had returned to their room, then she red at Tarquin, teeth clenched. ¡°Get out!¡± Tarquin didn¡¯t move, so she took action. She dragged him out the door and into the elevator, her face flushed as she coldly warned, ¡°Don¡¯t you daree to my ce again! If you have something to say, call!¡± Tarquin was left speechless. Downstairs, Lowell, having just ended a call, saw Tarquin descending and greeted him. Tarquin, with a dark expression, ignored him. Noticing his mood, Lowell paused and asked, ¡°What happened? Something wrong?¡± ¡°Back to the office!¡± Tarquin spat out cold got in the car, and started smoking. He didn¡¯t utter another word the whole ride, just smoked. Lowell, concerned, ventured, ¡°You didn¡¯t have another fight with Ms. Thorne, did you?¡± Tarquin¡¯s face was stormy as he said, ¡°From now on, you handlemunications with her. Unless absolutely necessary, I don¡¯t want to see her!¡± With that, he locked himself in his office. Lowell was left dumbfounded, then received a text from Elysia. [Lowell, please tell Elijah I¡¯m avable to meet anytime. Just set up a time and let me know. Also, from now on, please direct all matters concerning Elijah to me directly, and keep his father out of sight. I don¡¯t want to see him ever again!] Lowell was more confused than ever as he thought, ¡°What did I miss? What in the world had happened?¡± Chapter 237 Chapter 237 ¡°What on earth is going on?¡± Blossom was equally baffled. Elysia, putting her phone down, was too embarrassed to mention the kiss with that man, so she simply said, ¡°He came to talk to me about Elijah, and then you guys almost walked in on us.¡± Blossom¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°No wonder you were so flustered! The daycare had a sudden closure today, and I forgot to tell you before I came back! And these gifts, they¡¯re from him?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± M ¡°King crab from ska, a giant lobster from Maine, and such a huge sea cucumber¡­ My God, didn¡¯t you say he was bankrupt? Where did he get the money to buy these expensive gifts? They must¡¯ve cost a fortune!¡± Elysia was taken aback as she asked, ¡°Are they that expensive?¡± ¡°Yeah!¡± ¡°He must be really worried I¡¯d stop looking after Elijah, so he went all out!¡± ¡°Are you still nning to take care of Elijah? Aren¡¯t you afraid of retaliation?¡± ¡°I am, but I can¡¯t just abandon him. We¡¯ll take it one step at a time, starting with getting him the medical care he needs.¡± Elysia, looking at the seafood, took ¡®eep breath and rolled up her sleeves. ¡°Seafood feast tonight!¡± Normally, she would¡¯ve hesitated to ept suchvish gifts, but today was different. She was upset! After all he did, why not enjoy some seafood on him? It¡¯s only right! Not to enjoy it would be a loss! Both the king crab and the giant lobster were fresh, a sight neither Elysia nor Blossom had ever seen before. The kids were thrilled, ying and searching for recipes online. One wanted it cooked this way, another that often required the simplest cooking metho Steam it! way, but they all agreed that the most expensive ingredients The seafood was delicious, and the cooking process was filled with joy. After the meal, Elysia suggested a trip to the mall. First, to make the most of the kids¡® day off and take them out for some fun. Second, she wanted to buy some gifts for Elijah. It was their first official meeting, and she didn¡¯t want to show up empty¨Chanded. T 10:03 Plus, she hoped the gifts would help her learn more about Elijah¡¯s preferences. At the mall, Elysia let the kids pick out their favorite toys. With each child having different tastes and personalities, she decided to buy an extra set of whatever they chose. The extra set was for Elijah, allowing him to choose and thus revealing his preferences and character. If he chose the toy Elliot liked, it might mean he shared simr traits with Elliot. Should he prefer Evan or Emmett¡¯s toys, it would suggest he had more inmon with them. While the kids were busy picking toys, Blossom suddenly eximed, ¡°Sarah?¡± Elysia followed her gaze and indeed spotted a familiar face! Zane¡¯s cousin. Blossom whispered, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say Sarah had a miscarriage? Then who is she buying all those baby clothes and socks for?¡± Watching her pick out baby clothes with such care and kindness, Elysia frowned slightly. ¡°She seems a bit off.¡± Right after Elysia spoke, Sarah looked up and saw her Their eyes met, and Sarah¡¯s instantly changed from gentle to fierce. It was as if she was looking at her worst enemy! Overwhelmed with emotion, she started gasping for air, struggling to breathe, which rmed¡­e store clerk who quickly offered to call a doctor. ¡°Mommy, can I get this?¡± Evan, having chosen his toy, ran over to ask Elysia. it w Sarah¡¯s gaze immediately shifted from Elysia to Evan. That fierce look, it was like something out of a thriller! Elysia instinctively pulled Evan close and watched Sarah warily. After a few tense seconds, Sarah, still frowning, shot Elysia a venomous look and left. Elysia¡¯s heart was racing. She entrusted the kids to Blossom and hurried after Sarah. Chapter 238 Chapter 238 Elysia was convinced that Sarah had gotten the wrong end of the stick about her! And it seemed like Sarah was also privy to some dirt on Winona. As Sarah was about to step out of the mall, Elysia called out, ¡°Sarah!¡± Sarah turned around, her face a mask of fury as she spat out, ¡°Murderer!¡± The people at the mall entrance stared, a mix of shock and curiosity in their eyes as they turned towards Elysia. Frowning, Elysia realized she couldn¡¯t let Sarah leave just like that. She quickly approached Sarah and grabbed her wrist. ¡°Hold on, exin yourself. Who did I kill?¡± Sarah¡¯s face twisted in anger, her facial muscles twitching uncontrobly. ¡°You killed my son, and mark my words, I¡¯ll get back at you by taking your son! Just you wait!¡± Her unwavering gaze and expression sent a chill down Elysia¡¯s spine. ¡°How could I possibly have killed your son, I¡­¡± ¡°Looking for Winona, are you? You¡¯ll never find her! Search all you want, but it¡¯ll be in vain,¡± she cackled menacingly, like something out of a horror movie. Elysia shivered, releasing her grip. Seizing the moment, Sarah pushed Elysia away with a shove, sending her stumbling backward. ¡°Elysia!¡± Fortunately, Zane was ther catch her in time. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Zane asked, concern written all over his face. Elysia didn¡¯t look at him, her gaze fixed on Sarah. When Zane turned to face Sarah, his expression immediately darkened, his brows furrowed in anger as be shouted, ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Sarah seemed intimidated by him, shrinking back without a word. ¡°Take her away!¡± At Zane¡¯smand, two middle¨Caged women hurried over to escort Sarah away. Turning back to Elysia, Zane asked, ¡°Are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?¡± Catching her breath, Elysia looked at Zane and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Winona? Who killed Sarah¡¯s child?¡± ? Zane paused, then exined, ¡°Don¡¯t mind her. She¡¯s been dealing with severe depression, spouting nonsense. To her, everyone¡¯s responsible for her child¡¯s death, even the doctors and nurses are not spared. As for Winona, we should hear from her soon. I¡¯ve gotten in touch with her agent, who¡¯s figuring out a way for Winona to reach out.¡± Elysia stared at Zane. He met her gaze, calm and concerned. Elysia looked away. His words suggested Winona was alright. 10:03 But hadn¡¯t Callum said Winona¡¯s agent had vanished? How had Zane managed to get in touch? Coincidentally, Tarquin drove past the mall just in time to see Zane and Elysia together, appearing quite intimate. From his perspective, Elysia looked like a damsel in distress, nestled in Zane¡¯s arms, while Zane was all concern, showering her with attention. Something inside Tarquin snapped. Angrily adjusting his tie, hemanded, ¡°Tell them they¡¯re working overtime tonight!¡± Lowell, focused on driving, was taken aback. ¡°Tarquin, we just gave them the day off. Who knows what they¡¯re up to now? I thought we were meeting Keaton Huber.¡± ¡°Back to the office! Notify the board and senior management, we¡¯re having a meeting!¡± Lowell was at a loss. Was this about making those below suffer, and now those above? What exactly had set him off today? After a while, Tarquin added, ¡°Did you find anything linking Zane to Gage ter¡¯s case?¡± Lowell replied uncertainly, ¡°Nothing so far that connects him to the case.¡± Tarquin¡¯s brow furrowed deeper, remaining silent. ¡°Also, Elijah has invited Ms. Thorne to dinner. Are you sure you don¡¯t want to show up?¡± Lowell didn¡¯t dare mention the message from Elysia, expressing her reluctance to meet again. Tarquin¡¯s frown deepened, yet he stayed silent, lost in thought. Chapter 239 At the mall entrance, Elysia steadied her emotions and turned to Zane, saying, "Please, let us know the moment you hear anything about Winona. And remember, depression isn''t something to take lightly. Keep an eye on Sarah, and it''s probably best not to let her wander off alone." "Of course! The second I get any news about Winona, you''ll be the first to know. As for Sarah, we''re keeping a close watch. Her sneaking out today was an unexpected slip; we''ll be more vignt moving forward." "Alright." Elysia chatted casually with Zane for a few more moments before bidding him goodbye and walking away. The moment she was out of Zane''s sight, her expression shifted, and she quickly called Callum, "Hey, could you possibly check on Zane''s cousin Sarah for me? I have a hunch she might know something about Winona. Also, Zane mentioned he got in touch with Winona''s agent." Callum was taken aback. "He got in touch with Winona''s agent?" "Yes." "How is that possible? I''ve been trying to reach her for days with no luck." "I''m not sure of the details; that''s just what Zane told me." "Alright, I''ll keep you posted." "And... try to keep it on the down-low, okay? We don''t want to startle anyone." "Got it." Elysia was distracted for the rest of the afternoon, her thoughts consumed by Winona''s situation. As evening approached, signaling dinner time, she finally shifted her focus to Elijah. Elijah had agreed to meet her for dinner. It was their first official meeting, and she couldn''t afford to be careless. She wanted to make a good impression on Elijah to facilitate future interactions and provide him with psychological counseling. Elysia prepared a feast and brought along many gifts, feeling confident about her effort. However, the meeting didn''t go as well as she had hoped. Elijah, although not overtly upset, was cold and unresponsive. He ignored her attempts at conversation as if he were mute. When she offered him to choose from the gifts she brought, he merely nced at them indifferently, selecting none. After dinner, he retreated to his room, and when Elysia tried to follow, she found his bedroom door locked. For three days, Elysia racked her brain trying to get Elijah to speak to her, all in vain. Elijah was just as aloof and prideful as his father, keeping her at arm''s length. Feeling slightly defeated after three days of efforts, Elysia didn''t give up. Before attempting to meet Elijah again on the fourth day, she first sought out Evan. "Evan, I have something to discuss with you." "What is it, mommy?" "I was wondering if I could borrow White for a day." Evan''s eyes widened, and his face showed rm. "You''re not nning to get rid of it, are you? Trust me, Mommy, it doesn''t bite unless provoked." Elysia chuckled, "I know, which is why I want to borrow it to keep a little friendpany for the day." "Are you talking about Elijah? I heard about him from my brother." "Yes, Elijah. He''s been feeling down, and I thought it might cheer him up." "Then how about taking me to see him? I''m a real mood booster, much more than White!" "That''s not possible!" Elysia immediately refused. Considering how much Elijah meant to Tarin, even a mosquito buzzing around Elijah would not go unnoticed. If Evan were to cheer Elijah up, Tarin would definitely catch wind of it. And Evan''s presence would be revealed! Even though she hadn''t seen Tarin in the past few days, she was aware that the house was under surveince, and every move she and Elijah made was being monitored. Under no circumstances could she allow Evan to visit Elijah. Seeing Elysia''s firm stance, Evan didn''t press further. Although he had his grievances with Tarquin, he knew Elijah wasn''t to me. Evan readily handed over White, instructing the little critter not to bite Elijah and to listen to Elysia before entrusting him to Elysia. "Here, take it." Elysia was delighted, giving Evan a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, my darling!" White was Evan''s prized possession, not something just anyone could borrow! With a hearty breakfast and White in tow, Elysia made her way to Sunshine Community. Elijah''s attitude towards her remained unchanged, effectively ignoring her presence. Chapter 240 It wasn''t until Elysia pulled out White, that a flicker of emotion crossed Elijah''s face. Seizing the moment, Elysia quickly said, "Its name is White." Elijah lifted his eyelids, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. Elysia chuckled, "You must be wondering, why is it all ck and yet named White, right?" Elijah, furrowing his little brows, didn''t reply. Elysia took it upon herself to answer, "Because it can perform magic! It''s naturally ck, but when it meets someone it likes or when something makes it happy, it turnspletely white." Elijah clearly didn''t buy it, finally speaking his first words to Elysia, "Why is it ck right now? Does it not like you?" Elysia, thrilled that Elijah was talking to her, pinched herself discreetly to calm down, worried about scaring Elijah with her excitement. "It''s not too fond of me. It''s my son''s pet. Initially, I was afraid it might hurt my son, and I didn''t want my son to keep it. I guess it might hold a bit of a grudge against me." White seemed to understand her words. It nced at her, then turned away with a snooty air, the epitome of aloofness. Elijah''s interest in White deepened. He stared at White for a while, then ced his little hand on the table, palm up, coaxing White to crawl onto it. White was a small ck snake, about the length of a pencil, with a sharply pointed head and potent venom. That''s why Elysia initially refused to let Evan keep it when they found it in the forest. But Evan and this little creature had a special connection. Despite releasing it several times, White always found its way back to Evan. Unable to part with it, Evan secretly took it in, and it took half a year before Elysia found out. She was terrified until she realized White never bit Evan and obeyed him well. Evan had told it not to bite, and it never attacked anyone. Moreover, White would fiercely protect Evan if it ever sensed danger. Only then did Elysia fully trust it. Beforeing over, Evan had instructed White not to attack Elijah, so it slowly, somewhat reluctantly, crawled onto Elijah''s hand and coiled around his wrist. A dark ring appeared on Elijah''s fair wrist, as if he was wearing a ck bracelet. Seeing that White didn''t change color, Elysia exined further, "It''s not familiar with you, so it didn''t change. Maybe someday, I can have Evan show you. I''m not lying, it really does turn white." Despite White remaining ck, Elijah seemed genuinely interested, his eyes fixed on it. "What makes it happy?" he asked. Elysia thought for a moment, "Going out for a frolic." Elijah looked puzzled. Elysia exined seriously, "It spends most of its time sleeping on Evan, but it gets really happy when it goes out to y. I''ve seen it turn white while frolicking in the meadow once. I guess, like children, it enjoys going out for fun." After a moment of hesitation, Elijah turned and walked towards the door. Elysia quickly stood up. "Elijah, where are you going?" Without a word, Elijah sat down on the bench by the entrance to change his shoes. Elysia was astonished. "Do you want to go outside?" Still silent, Elijah''s actions made his intentions clear - he wanted to go out. Elysia hadn''t expected Elijah to take the initiative to go outside. In her eyes, it was a remarkable urrence! Elijah, struggling with psychological issues, was not only prone to aggression but also reclusive, often locking himself in his own little world, allowing no one in. His eptance of her presence, engaging in conversation with her, and now taking the initiative to step out of the house were all unexpected surprises! Seeing him push open the door, Elysia snapped back to reality and said, "Elijah, wait up." She rushed to the entrance, grabbed Elijah''s coat, and helped him put it on. Then she picked up a scarf, knelt down to wrap it around his neck, and even fetched a hat for him. "It''s cold outside." Elijah, frowning, looked at her. His eyes, not as innocent and pure as those of younger children, resembled more his father''s - deep, unfathomable, and enigmatic. After giving Elysia a deep look, he went downstairs. Stunned for a moment, Elysia hurried after him. Chapter 241 Hiding in the car and watching the surveince feed, Lowell was taken aback when he saw Elijah head downstairs. He turned to Tarquin, his eyebrows knitted in worry, and asked, "What do we do now, Tarquin?" Tarquin had been avoiding Elysia these past few days, yet he couldn''t stop worrying about Elijah. Whenever Elysia visited, he would just stay in the car. Before Tarquin could respond, Elysia and Elijah emerged from the building. Elijah paused at the entrance, seemingly asking Elysia where they were heading. Elysia, knowing she couldn''t just take him out of the neighborhood without a n, scanned the area. It was bleak; not a speck of green in sight in the old-styleplex devoid of anyndscaping. Pointing towards a yground behind some flower beds, Elysia suggested, "How about we check that out?" Elijah didn''t respond but walked towards the yground with Elysia following closely. It was quiet around the yground with no other kids in sight. Approaching the slide, Elijah eyed it with disdain. "You expect White to y on that?" Elysia chuckled, "Well, it won''t y by itself, but you can give it a try. Climb up, slide down, and I''ll catch you. Sounds fun, right?" "Childish!" Elysia was at a loss for words... Elijah rolled up his sleeve, revealing White, and squatted down, attempting to encourage it to y. However, White, as if disliking the cold, quickly darted back under Elijah''s sleeve. With quick reflexes, Elijah grabbed it, preventing its escape. White, clearly upset, turned its head and flicked its tongue out in annoyance. Elysia jumped at the sight, but Elijah remained unfazed, bold as ever. He frowned slightly, taking White off his arm and cing it on the ground. White seemed to dislike the dirty or perhaps too chilly ground and immediately turned towards Elijah. Elijah stepped back, and White followed. They continued this dance until White, seemingly irritated, swiftly jumped into Elijah''s shirt pocket. Elijah''s eyes sparkled, impressed by White''s agility. Unafraid of being bitten, he reached into his pocket and lifted White out. White, tongue flicking angrily, red at him. Elijah, with a hint of disdain in his gaze, locked eyes with it. Elysia stood by, staring at Elijah. His defiant expression was the spitting image of his father''s! Indeed, the environment ys a significant role in shaping one''s personality. Even without any psychological conditions, living with his father would inevitably mold Elijah into a cold and distant person. "What''s that you''ve got? Show me!" A voice suddenly broke the silence. A rambunctious boy demanded to see what Elijah was holding. White turned its head, its presence emanating a chilling aura, far from that of a harmless pet, its danger apparent. Elijah nced at the boy, his brows furrowing. He quickly tucked White back into his pocket and turned to leave. The boy, unhappy, blocked his path. "Hey, I''m talking to you! Are you deaf or mute?" Elysia''s brows furrowed in displeasure. Whose ill-mannered brat was this? "How dare you speak like that? Where are your parents?" she chided. The boy stuck his tongue out at her. "I came here by myself! Now, show me what''s in your pocket, or else I''ll beat you up!" Just as Elysia was about to give the boy a piece of her mind, Elijah suddenly spoke up, "Move!" Though shorter than the boy, Elijah''smand, delivered with a look upwards, carried an aura that utterly crushed the boy''s bravado. His presence was like a mini version of his father! The boy, visibly shaken by Elijah''s demeanor, pouted and scooted away on his skateboard. Chapter 242 Elysia was on edge, worried that Elijah''s temper might re up and he''d lose control. Quickly, she crouched down, cing her hands on his shoulders to calm him. "Elijah, don''t bother with him. Not everyone has manners. Getting mad at someone like that is just making things hard on yourself. It''s not worth it." Elijah didn''t say a word but started walking towards their apartment building. Elysia hurried after him. They had barely reached the entrance when that boy suddenly appeared again, zooming towards them on his skateboard with a deliberate look of mischief! By the time Elysia snapped back to reality, the boy was already too close to avoid. Just as the collision seemed inevitable, Elijah ran over and knocked the boy down, tumbling to the ground himself in the process. "Elijah!" Elysia was horrified, rushing over to help him up. Tarquin and Lowell were also taken aback, rushing over quickly. "Did you get hurt anywhere?" Tarquin asked, full of concern. Ignoring them, Elijah stood up and red coldly at the boy still lying on the ground. The boy, either from pain or fear, started crying loudly. His cries attracted an elderlydy in her sixties, who began shouting from a distance, "Oh dear, what''s happened? Has someone been bullying you? What did you do to my grandson? If you''ve hurt him, I''ll have your heads..." Elysia frowned. No wonder the kid was such a brat; he had this kind of grandmother. A rotten apple doesn''t fall far from the tree! "Lowell, handle this!" Tarquin clearly didn''t want to argue with these people and carried Elijah upstairs. "Ms. Thorne, you go with Elijah. I''ll handle this," Lowell told Elysia. "This isn''t Elijah''s fault. It was him..." "I know, we saw everything. You go upstairs." Elysia paused for a moment before turning to go upstairs. Tarquin had already removed Elijah''s jacket and shoes, checking him for injuries. Elijah had taken a fall trying to protect Elysia, resulting in scrapes on his legs and arms. Seeing the scrapes, Tarquin''s expression darkened with concern. "I''m going to clean these with alcohol. It''ll hurt, but try to bear with it." Elijah remained silent as Tarquin went to fetch the first-aid kit. Elysia rushed back into the room, her heart aching for Elijah, ming herself, "I''m so sorry, Elijah. This is all my fault." Elijah ignored her, but turned to Tarquin and said, "I did it willingly." Tarquin looked at him surprised, saying nothing. He was taken aback that Elijah would stand up for Elysia. When he said he did it ''willingly,'' it meant he didn''t want Elysia to be med. He was protecting her, even though she had only been with him for a few days. Tarquin silently handed Elysia the first-aid kit without a word. Elysia''s focus was entirely on Elijah as she opened the kit and quickly grabbed some cotton swabs and alcohol. "Elijah, this might sting a bit. If it hurts, just let it out, okay? Don''t hold it in." Elijah gave Elysia another look. His dad had always told him to bear the pain. But Elysia said to let it out if it hurts, not to keep it inside. Elysia, moved, tended to his wounds with tears welling up in her eyes. "Does anything else hurt?" Elijah gave her a look as if she were a ''sobbing little girl.'' "No more." He said coldly, then got up, took White back to his room, and locked the door behind him. It was a clear sign he wanted to be left alone. Elysia sniffled, tidying up the first-aid kit. Tarquin was sitting on the living room sofa, frowning at her. Chapter 243 Elysia pouted apologetically, "I''m so sorry about today. I didn''t mean for him to get hurt, I..." "Did you find out anything?" Tarquin cut her off mid-sentence. Elysia understood exactly what he was asking. Sitting across from him on the sofa, she sincerely assessed Elijah, "His condition is not as bad as I feared. From his actions today, it''s clear he knows right from wrong and understands empathy." His defense of her today was obviously a result of her looking after him these past few days. She cared for him, and he protected her, a clear disy of understanding and empathy. "It''s like, you scratch my back, and I scratch yours. He''s not one for big expressions, but he knows what''s in his heart. His aloof nature has to do with some personal challenges and his upbringing. He''s a lot like you in that way." Tarquin raised an eyebrow at her, the implication clear - was he being called aloof? Elysia continued, "Environment shapes character. If you''re always giving off a frosty vibe, don''t expect a kid to be all sunshine and rainbows." Tarquin pressed his lips together, saying nothing. Elysia, ignoring his icy demeanor, went on, "But really, Elijah is warm-hearted beneath that cool exterior. He''s a good kid, brave too, not easily bullied, as today''s events have shown. All in all, Elijah''s doing better than I expected." A flicker of pleasure crossed Tarquin''s eyes but vanished almost immediately. "What''s the next step?" he asked. Elysia frowned. "Healing the mind requires a touch of the heart. To truly help him, we might need to start with his mom." Tarquin replied icily, "We have no leads on his mother''s whereabouts right now." "I know, let me think..." Elysia nced toward Elijah''s room for a moment. "I''ll go start on lunch first." Without a clear n in mind, she headed to the kitchen. Tarquin watched her leave, then retreated to his own room. Aside from discussing Elijah, they had little else to talk about. Neither brought up their kiss; not out of forgetfulness, but a mutual decision to avoid awkwardness. Lowell returned, and Elysia asked, "Everything sorted?" "Yeah, the boy''s parents came forward to apologize." "A child''s misdeeds reflect on the parents. It was right for them to apologize." "Yeah. How''s Elijah?" "Just some scrapes and bruises." "And his father?" "In his study. Keep an eye on Elijah for me, will you? I''m heading to the grocery store to pick up some things. Be back soon." "What do you need? I can go." "No need. Oh, and I was thinking of making burgers for lunch. No need to go out, let''s eat in." With that, Elysia grabbed her coat and left. Lowell thought to himself, Elysia would make an amazing wife for Tarquin. She''s beautiful, kind, and caring. What''s not to like? Inside the study, Lowell mumbled, "A whole family of oddballs. I called the cops. They''ll handle it." Tarquin responded coolly, "A child''s misdeeds reflect on the parents. This might teach them a lesson." "Yeah, Ms. Thorne said the same. You two are on the same wavelength." Tarquin shot him an unamused nce, but Lowell just chuckled, "I mean, when ites to raising kids, you''re both in agreement." Tarquin flicked his cigarette ash, quickly changing the subject, "Any news from Baby ET''s Support One?" Lowell''s smile faded into concern. "I''ve sent loads of messages, but no replies. They say working with him depends on fate and his mood. Can''t rush it." Tarquin''s expression darkened with frustration. He desperately needed what he had! With it, there was a 99% chance of finding Elijah''s mother. Finding his mother would heal Elijah''s emotional wounds, freeing Tarquin from his own longing. "Also, your grandfather''s been on us about the ancestral rites again, saying we need to n the ceremony in advance. And Elijah''s speech needs to be sent to the family ahead of time too." Chapter 244 Tarquin''s face darkened, his eyes filled with a fierce determination. The best thing about the old neighborhood was its convenience. Right at the entrance, there was a row of small shops - a breakfast diner, a fruit stand, a greengrocer, and even a clothing store. Elysia had picked up some fresh meat and vegetables. Noticing the oranges looked particrly fresh, she decided to make some orange juice for Elijah, so she bent down to pick the best ones. As she was selecting the oranges, a man''s voice suddenly rang out, "You nearly got yourself killed meddling in his affairs. Are you foolish, or do you just think you''re invincible?" Elysia''s heart skipped a beat! Unbeknownst to her, a man had appeared beside her, his face obscured by a mask. A luxury car was parked by the curb, its windows tinted so she couldn''t see who was inside. Elysia knew it had to be those who wished Elijah harm,ing to warn her again! She clenched her jaw and, with furrowed brows, said, "Elijah''s doing better now. I''m just here to cook for him, earn a bit of hard-earned money. That''s all." The man was taken aback, "He''s better?" "Yeah." Elysia nodded and hurried back home. Once inside, she leaned against the door, catching her breath. Lowell and Tarquin, hearing themotion, came out to see her pale face. Lowell asked, "What''s wrong, Ms. Thorne?" Elysia, with a serious look and furrowed brows, turned to Tarquin. "We need to talk!" Tarquin, puzzled, nced at her and led her into the study. As soon as the study door was closed, Elysia immediately said, "You need to announce that Elijah is better now!" Tarquin, confused, asked, "Why?" "I''m scared of being targeted again! If you say Elijah is better, no one will pay attention to me anymore." Lowell couldn''t help but interject, "But Elijah isn''t better, and lies are easily exposed." ¡°We just need to make sure no one sees Elijah." Lowell mentioned, "We have a family gathering next month, and Elijah has to attend. He''ll definitely meet others there." Elysia was curious. "Family gathering? Will all of Elijah''s rtives be there?" "Yes." This could actually be a good opportunity. But, if they really did as Elliot suggested, it would be too dangerous for her! Was it worth taking such a risk for Elijah? Thinking of his young, innocent face... Elysia gritted her teeth, "I don''t care! If you don''t do as I ask, I''m leaving now, and I will never bother with him again!" Tarquin''s face darkened, and Elysia stood her ground, defiant. "I mean it!" Lowell looked awkwardly at Tarquin; they didn''t understand what Elysia was thinking. They thought she was just afraid of retaliation. While they could understand Elysia''s feelings, if they really announced it, wouldn''t they be theughingstock at the family gathering? Tarquin and Lowell shared the same thoughts. Tarquin sternly said, "If you''re just afraid of retaliation, I can ensure your safety, I..." "I don''t trust you! If you can''t meet my conditions, then we have nothing more to talk about, goodbye." Elysia turned to leave when Tarquin urgently called out, "Okay, okay!" Elysia stopped in her tracks, pressing, "Announce it now." Tarquin, visibly annoyed, red at her and grabbed his phone. He sent a message in the family group chat. [Announcement: Elijah''s condition haspletely improved.] Just one sentence, and the Bradford family chat exploded with activity! The next second, Tarquin''s phone rang, Gideon was calling. Tarquin didn''t answer; instead, he looked at Elysia and asked, "Satisfied?" Elysia''s demeanor softened, "... Yeah." But then, Tarquin snapped, "Then get out!" Elysia was taken aback by his sudden outburst. Chapter 245 Elysia pouted, turning on her heel and exiting the room. Tarquin scowled, lighting up a cigarette before finally picking up the phone. "Is Elijah okay now?" Gideon asked. Tarquin remained silent, prompting Gideon to ask again, "What happened so suddenly? How did he get better?" Impatiently, Tarquin snapped, "He just did." "How is that even...?" "How is it not?" Clearly in a bad mood, Tarquin''s attitude left Gideon silent for a few seconds before he said, "I''ming over to see him." "Not a good time." Tarquin ended the call bluntly. Listening to the dial tone, Gideon cursed under his breath, "Damn it!" His confidant tried to calm him down, "Sir, didn''t you notice? If Tarquin isn''t happy, it means something''s off. If Elijah was truly better, he''d be thrilled." Gideon narrowed his eyes and asked, "So, he''s lying?" "It seems pretty obvious." "Why would he lie?" "Who knows, but this means the family reunion will be even more interesting. The moment Elijah shows up, it''ll be a p in Tarquin''s face. And now that Elijah is ''better,'' he can participate fully in the reunion ceremonies." After a pause, Gideon chuckled coldly and sent a message to the family group chat. [This is a momentous asion for the Bradford family! We must pick a perfect day to celebrate! And since Elijah is ''better,'' the reunion ceremonies can go as nned. Tarquin, make sure Elijah''s speech is ready in advance.] Following Gideon''s message, congrattions for Elijah''s recovery flooded the chat. But the Bradfords were a skeptical bunch, keeping a careful watch to see if Elijah truly had recovered. Seeing no response from Tarquin, Gideon wasn''t bothered. He put away his phone and asked his confidant, "Have we gotten in touch with Alpha Thorne yet?" Shaking his head, the confidant replied, "No, sir. After Mr. E gave us his information, we tried to reach out immediately, but there''s been no contact. It''s possible Mr. E''s information was inurate." "Impossible! With Mr. E''s resources and standing, he wouldn''t deceive us. Alpha Thorne has been an enigma since he burst onto the scene a year ago, shocking the entire financial world. It''s no wonder we can''t reach him! But to think he''s the one who breached Tarquin''s security system... well, it makes sense. Who else but him could pull off such a feat, both financially and technically?" Alpha Thorne was the moniker Elliot used in the financial circles. Gideon had used the item in exchange for this investigation into Tarquin''s security breach, d it didn''t constitute deception while preserving his own identity. "Alpha" was a known entity in the business world, yet Elliot''s real identity remained a mystery. The confidant nodded in agreement. "So, what''s our next move? We want to partner with him, but we need to make contact first. Should we ask Mr. E for more help?" Gideon frowned. "I traded something of significant value with Mr. E, and he agreed to assist us with three inquiries. We''ve already used one; we can''t waste another on this. Keep trying to reach Alpha. Once we make contact, I''m sure I can convince him to coborate with us." Unable to contain his curiosity, the confidant asked, "Sir, you sound very confident. Do you have something else up your sleeve?" Chapter 246 Gideon squinted his eyes, exuding an aura of arrogance, yet he chose not to respond directly. Instead, he simply stated, "Try contacting him first!" Meanwhile, in the study, Tarquin was puffing away at his cigarette, his brow furrowed and his expression sour. He was clearly not in a good mood. Lowell knew the reason and tried to offer some advice, "Don''t be mad at Ms. Thorne. She''s not familiar with us; it''s normal for her not to trust you. She''s just trying to protect herself by setting those conditions." Tarquin continued to drag on his cigarette, not willing to engage in the conversation. He understood the logic, but the fact that she didn''t trust him irked him nheless! And now, the uing family gathering was going to be even more of a challenge. He said Elijah was getting better, but if Elijah wasn''t, it would be his reputation on the line! And the request for Elijah to give a speech, there was no way to dodge it now. But how could Elijah possibly stand up and deliver a speech in his current state? Seeing him so troubled, Lowell changed the subject to divert his attention, "I just got word today. Gideon has identified the person who breached our security system. It''s Alpha Thorne." Tarquin lifted his eyelids slightly to nce at him. "The sharp-eyed, never-loses Alpha?" "Yes! The one who invested billionsst year and made a fortune, almost catching up to your worth!" Tarquin frowned. "Is the information from Gideon''s side reliable?" "Yes. It came from Mr. E." Tarquin scowled, taking another drag of his cigarette. Lowell continued, "If Gideon really teams up with Alpha against us, that could be troublesome. Gideon is not the issue; it''s Alpha who''s dangerous. Alpha remains a mystery in the financial world. Since his appearance, no one knows his real identity, nor has anyone seen him. But so far, Gideon hasn''t been able to contact him. Even if he does in the future, it''s not certain Alpha would coborate." "Keep a close eye on Gideon. The moment he makes contact with Alpha, inform me! And, let''s dig deeper into this Alpha character." "Understood." At this moment, Tarquin was angry, while Elysia was anxious. She was afraid he''d refuse her request, and now that he agreed, she started to worry all over again. These days, she had been pondering over the strategy Elliot provided! She kept hesitating whether she should take such a big risk for Elijah. Today, she finally made up her mind! Now that she had made her choice, there was no turning back. If things went well, it would be a cause for celebration; if not, it would be digging her own grave! For Elijah, she was truly going all in. It was not easy for someone as timid as her to make such a bold decision. "Ouch-" Apse in concentration often leads to idents, and while Elysia was chopping ingredients for stuffing, she identally cut her finger. Tarquin and Lowell heard themotion and came out, with Elijah following close behind. All three of them turned their attention towards her. Seeing her bleeding finger, Lowell quickly rushed over. "Ms. Thorne, what happened?" "Just cut my hand by ident." "Is it bad? Do we need to go to the hospital?" "It''s not serious. I just need a bandage. Could you please..." Before Elysia could finish her sentence, Tarquin had already brought over the first aid kit. Without uttering a word, he took her injured hand to inspect it, then picked up the alcohol to clean the wound. "Ah!" Elysia winced at the sting. Tarquin nced at her under his eyelids. Elysia, with a grimace, muttered, "It hurts." Tarquin, with a look of disdain, retorted, "Drama queen!" Elysia was left speechless. Drama queen, really? Chapter 247 Tarquin''s actions softened significantly despite his tone. Lowell, standing off to the side, couldn''t help but internally groan at his own awkwardness. "He might as well have been born mute," he thought, "at least then he''d be endearing!" All because of his "drama queen" remark, after bandaging Elysia up, she didn''t even mutter a thank you. Elysia pouted, ready to continue chopping the stuffing, when suddenly Elijah swiped the knife off the cutting board. Elysia jumped. "Elijah?" Without a word, Elijah turned and handed the knife over to Tarquin. Tarquin frowned, clearly annoyed. Seeing the situation, Lowell quickly took the kitchen knife from Elijah''s hand. "I''ll do it." He then swiftly tied an apron around himself and started chopping the filling for the burgers with a ''thunk thunk thunk''. Elijah didn''t say anything, just turned and went back to his room. Elysia stared after him, a bit stunned. She hadn''t interacted much with Elijah and didn''t really understand him yet, but it turned out he took the knife from her because he was worried about her hurting her hand. A warmth spread through Elysia''s heart, and she made her way towards Elijah''s bedroom. Seeing Elysia enter Elijah''s room without getting kicked out, Lowell remarked, "You know, Elijah and Ms. Thorne are really getting along better. It''s clear he''s quite fond of Ms. Thorne, even looking out for her. Tarquin, have you noticed Elijah seems happiertely?" Tarquin nced meaningfully at Elijah''s bedroom door but didn''t respond. He shifted his attention back, scrolling through his phone on the living room couch. Lowell, feeling cheerful, continued chopping the filling happily. In his room, Elijah was sitting by the window, frowning slightly as he looked outside. Elysia walked over and pulled up a little chair to sit next to him. "Elijah, thank you for caring about me." Elijah, as stoic as his dad, just frowned a bit more, ignoring her. Elysia, full of maternal warmth, raised her hand to pat his head, but Elijah dodged, wary. Elysia''s hand froze mid-air for a few seconds before awkwardly dropping it down, seizing the chance to bond, "Elijah, do you miss your mom?" Elijah looked at her, his expression unreadable. Elysia continued, "If there''s anything you''re confused about regarding your mom, you can ask me. I probably understand your mom''s thoughts better than your dad." Elijah was silent for a long while before finally asking, "Why?" "Because I''m a mother too. Mothers understand mothers best." Elijah frowned, looking at her as if he had a thousand words to say but was too guarded to speak. Elysia gently said, "You don''t have to be so wary of me. I''m not interested in your dad, and he''s not interested in me, so I won''t take your mom''s ce. I care about you because I have three kids of my own. They''re about your age and... they look a lot like you. Seeing you reminds me of my own kids, so I really hope you''re happy, just like how I want my little ones to be happy every day." Elijah remained silent. Elysia added, "I know you''re not much of a talker, but you''re smart. You know who cares about you and who doesn''t. You understand what I''m saying, right?" Elijah''s expression softened slightly, but he still didn''t speak. Elysia, struck by a sudden idea, offered, "Elijah, do you want to know what it feels like to have your mother by your side?" Elijah tensed at the question! Elysia said, "If you want, you can tell me. I can help you." Elijah didn''t say yes, but he didn''t say no either. He frowned and looked at her for a long while before turning his gaze back to the window, as if deep in thought. Elysia let out a silent sigh, not wanting to disturb him further. Hisck of refusal meant he was considering it. If he agreed, she could engage in role-ying with him to understand him better! Elijah looked out the window, and Elysia watched him... If he wasn''t frowning, he''d look exactly like Elliot or Evan. Having been around him this long, she hadn''t seen him smile. How could she make him smile? Chapter 248 Elysia furrowed her brow as she recalled what Lowell had said. Lowell mentioned how Elijah had been the butt of jokes for years. Elijah was just quiet, and people mocked him, calling him mute. He was actually struggling with mental health issues, yet theybeled him crazy. And because of family interests, some were even hoping Elijah would just vanish. Thinking about the harsh words Allegra had once spat at Elijah, Elysia felt her blood boil. Some rtives are kin by blood, but utterly heartless in spirit. "It''s all going to be okay." Elysia suddenly spoke up, causing Elijah to turn his head towards her. Before he could react, she had pulled him into a hug! Elijah shivered, his breathing quickened, and his cheeks flushed red. This was his first embrace from a woman, ever! Half nervous, half shy. He tried to wriggle free, but Elysia''s grip was too strong, he couldn''t escape. "You..." "Elijah, believe me, everything will get better! I''ll fill your heart with sunshine, turn you into a healthy, lively kid! I''ll make all those who mock you, curse you, and wish you ill, shut their mouths!" Outside, Tarquin''s hand lingered on the doorknob, yet he didn''t push the door open. His expressionplex, he stood at the doorway, Elysia''s words reaching him loud and clear. Lowell was still in the kitchen. "What''s up, Tarquin?" Tarquin withdrew his hand, turning back to the kitchen, ncing at the meat Lowell was preparing for the meatloaf, "Just like that, huh? Did you season it?" "Not yet." Tarquin took off his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves, washed his hands, and started seasoning. Lowell asked, "Not calling Ms. Thorne anymore?" "No." Lowell was taken aback, "Are we both cooking?" Tarquin, clearly annoyed, "Can''t do it?" "I... I can prep the meat because that''s grunt work, but making burgers and meatloaf, that''s a skill, and I might not be up to it." Tarquin rolled his eyes. "Out of the way!" Lowell was left speechless. When Elysia came out of Elijah''s room, Tarquin was nowhere to be seen, only Lowell bustling in the kitchen. Seeing the meatloaf ready on the counter, Elysia was surprised. "Lowell, you know how to make meatloaf too? You''re amazing!" Lowell chuckled awkwardly, "Not me, Elijah''s father did." Elysia was astonished, "He can cook too?" "Yeah, he often cooks. He''s pretty good at it." Elysia looked at the meatloaf Tarquin made, perfectly shaped. "I wouldn''t have guessed. With his temper, I thought he was only good at snapping at people!" "He''s had it tough, looking after Elijah all these years, ying both mom and dad." Elysia admitted it internally but muttered, "You''ve had it tough too, putting up with his temper every day. If it were me, I''d have bolted. No way I''d stick around." Just as Elysia finished speaking, a cold voice came from behind, "You think I''d want you to stick around? Not a chance!" Elysia jumped, turning to see the person who had just washed up from the bathroom. He red at her, clearly having heard her and not pleased. Elysia wanted to retort, but her attention was diverted by his appearance. Because of cooking, he had removed his suit jacket, now in dress pants and a shirt. The pants were crisply tailored; the shirt fitted perfectly, not a wrinkle in sight. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, the shirt neatly tucked into his pants. Lean waist, long legs, a figure of poise. Without a tie, the top two buttons of his shirt undone, revealing a hint of his corbone and a well-defined throat, he exuded a casual sexiness. His exposed forearms were strong and muscr, setting off a surge of attraction. Admiration is natural, and Elysia couldn''t help but swallow. Then, with a frown and clear displeasure, he shot back at her, "Are you ogling me?" Chapter 249 Elysia was taken aback for a second, and then her cheeks flushed a brilliant red, stammering, "Who, who''s ogling you?" Tarquin responded with calm directness, "You." Elysia''s eyes widened further, her face growing even redder as she retorted fiercely, "Y-you... Stop talking nonsense! I did not! So, looking at you once is inappropriate? Get over yourself! So full of it! Such a... a narcissist!" Elysia, refusing to admit anything, fired back with righteous indignation before quickly turning to busy herself with making a sauce, her heart pounding rapidly. Tarquin, lips pursed, rolled his eyes at her but didn''t engage further, heading to Elijah''s room instead. Dinner was still a bit away, and he took this opportunity to chat with Elijah. They''d talk about Elysia, and also about the Bradford family''s annualmemoration of their ancestors. Elijah was ying with White, sitting at a small round table with White on it, engaging in a staring contest. It was like watching an eagle, seeing who would blink first. Tarquin''s expression softened a bit. Though he wasn''t fond of Elysia, he had to admit, Elijah had been in a much better state these days, thanks to her. Tarquin took the seat Elysia had just vacated. Elijah and White turned their gazes towards him. White, fearless, didn''t shrink away like other animals might upon seeing him. The little one, head held high, flicked its thin, red tongue out, looking coolly at him. Tarquin narrowed his eyes, taking a closer look at White. At first nce, it was all ck and somewhat adorable. But upon closer inspection, one could see the subtle patterns on its body. These patterns, unique and barely visible, floated across its skin like shimmering waves. Looking at it felt like peering into an ancient, mystical pond, those patterns like the hidden forces beneath a calm surface. Mysterious, dangerous, chilling to the bone. No wonder it captivated Elijah, it was small and cute, yet had a cool demeanor, much like Elijah himself. And it wasn''t just its appearance that was rare, it was clearly intelligent. Its eyes moved observantly, clearly taking in everything around it. Tarquin asked Elijah, "You like it?" Elijah, not directly answering, implicitly agreed. "Did Elysia give it to you?" Elijah responded coolly, "It''s her son''s pet, not for giving." "Do you want it?" Elijah paused before saying, "A gentleman doesn''t covet what others love." Though he desired it, he couldn''t simply take it by force. Tarquin, touched, ruffled his hair. "Elysia was right, Elijah, you''re a good kid, very sensible when you''re well." "I''ll get someone to find you one just like it." Elijah remained silent, and Tarquin continued, "Are you fond of Elysia?" Elijah looked at him, countering, "Do you like her?" Tarquin openly replied, "She''s good to you, so naturally, I don''t dislike her. But not disliking doesn''t mean liking. My interactions with her are because of you, unrted to whether I like her or not." Elijah, seeming to ponder Tarquin''s words, finally remarked, "She''s both silly and naive!" Tarquin knew he was talking about Elysia. Though it sounded derogatory, it wasced with affection. Elijah liked her. "Her kids must be really lucky. She loves them dearly," Elijahmented out of the blue. Tarquin added, "She loves you too, always trying to make you happy." Elijah''s lips twitched, but he didn''t argue. Tarquin then suggested, "If you''re okay with it, I''ll talk to herter, see if she can stay with you longer, alright?" Elijah frowned, "What about when Momes back? Kick Elysia out again?" "No, we''ll see what she wants by then. If she wishes to stay, that''s possible. Like Heath, she can stay with us, and I''ll pay her a sry." Chapter 250 When Elijah heard the word "mom," his expression turned noticeably gloomy. "Didn''t you say there was news about Mom? When is sheing back?" Tarquin''s brow furrowed slightly as he fibbed, "She''s been held up by other matters. It''ll be a little while longer before she can return." "Did she tell you that?" "Um... yeah." "Does she not like me?" "What? No, of course, she likes you." "Does she not miss me?" "She does miss you." "Then she must not miss me that much," Elijah said, a hint of hurt in his voice, before turning his gaze out the window. His little face scrunched up, looking wounded. If she really missed him, she''d havee to see him at the first chance. What could possibly be more important than seeing him? Tarquin knew what Elijah was thinking and it pained him. Every time this topic came up, he couldn''t help but resent her. How could she leave her son like this, not care for so many years, not even want to check in on him? Even if she was angry about what happened back then, what fault did their son have? Tarquin grumbled in his heart but insisted out loud, "No mother doesn''t love her child. She must have her reasons for leaving. Let''s give her some more time. I believe she wille back, and I believe she loves you." After a moment of silence, Elijah asked, "What kind of person is mommy?" "She''s...," Tarquin sighed, "very gentle, tears up easily, like a kitten when she cries." Elijah frowned, "Why would she cry in front of you? Did you always make her upset?" Tarquin choked on his words. Elijah continued, "What does she look like when she smiles?" Tarquin was stumped - he didn''t know. But he couldn''t say that to his son. He had to make something up, "When she smiles, it''s like the sunshine, or a blooming flower... just like when Elysia smiles." Elijah looked out the window again, falling silent. "You have to believe love is mutual. You love her so much, and she surely loves you too. You miss her, and she''s definitely missing you as well." Tarquin said those words as much tofort his son as to reassure himself. He missed her, hoping she missed him just as much. After a brief silence, Tarquin changed the subject. "Elijah, in a few days, it''s the Bradford family''s annualmemoration day. We''ll be going up to the hill to pay our respects." "I''m not going," Elijah said without hesitation. Tarquin wasn''t surprised by his response but insisted, "It''s a requirement for everyone. Your grandfather would want to see you too. It''s not just about honoring them; it''s about remembering your grandfather as well." Elijah''s little brow furrowed deeply. Tarquin knew he disliked such events but continued, "This year is different. You''re turning five, and ording to tradition, you''ll have to pay respect to our ancestors on your own, get to know each of them, and even prepare a speech to give in front of everyone." Elijah turned to Tarquin, his voice firm and cold, "I''ll only pay respect for Grandpa!" That was hispromise. Tarquin knew this was his limit. He wanted to say more, but Elijah suddenly got up and left the room, heading to the bathroom. Tarquin watched him go, his expression gloomy. He knew Elijah wouldn''t agree. If it weren''t for Elysia insisting he announce Elijah was well, he could have avoided the other traditions. Now, he had no excuse to skip them. Chapter 251 Because of this, Tarquin hadn''t shown Elysia a single smile all day. And Elysia? She didn''t bother with him either. It''s not like he was ever Mr. Sunshine towards her! After fixing dinner, Elysia was ready to head home. These past few days, she''d spent her mornings here with Elijah, only to return home in the evenings to her three little rascals. When it was time to leave with White, Elijah clearly seemed reluctant to part ways. Elysia could onlyfort him, "I''ll talk it over with Evan, see if we can bring White over again tomorrow to hang out with you." As much as she wanted Elijah to be happy, White was Evan''s pet; she couldn''t just decide to give White to Elijah without consulting Evan. Neither could she just cheer up Elijah and ignore how Evan felt. Elijah, silent, handed White back to her and turned his gaze towards the window. With a doting tone, Elysia said, "I''lle by again tomorrow, see you then." Elijah didn''t respond, the epitome of aloofness. It wasn''t until he heard the door close behind her that he turned around, looking both aggrieved and unhappy. He didn''t want her to go, but pride kept him from asking her to stay. Just like his dad, too proud for his own good. In the living room, Elysia was surprised to find Tarquin, dressed and ready, standing by the door. "Are you driving me?" "Yeah." "What about Lowell?" It had been Lowell who was driving her aroundtely. Tarquin, frowning, didn''t exin but retorted, "Are youing or not?" "What about Elijah? You''re leaving him alone at home?" "There''s someone to look after him. Don''t worry about it." Elysia pouted, reluctantly following him downstairs. He was still driving that same old sedan, and the ride was silent between them. It wasn''t until they reached the gate of herplex that Elysia realized he''d locked the car doors. Elysia, wary, asked, "Why''d you lock the doors?" Tarquin killed the engine, lit a cigarette, and took a few puffs before speaking up, "The Bradford family has a family reunion next month, and we need Elijah to attend. He''s also expected to give a speech; think you could convince him?" So, that was why he''d personally driven Elysia today. He knew he wouldn''t be able to handle it himself, so Elysia was his best shot. Elysia, already having ns in mind, frowned. "He has to give a speech?" "Yeah." ¡°Can''t he just attend without speaking?" "Nope." "Why does your family reunion have to be such a big deal?" Elysia grumbled. Tarquin shot her a look. "I''ve already talked to Elijah about it, but he didn''t agree. He might listen to you, though." "Why would he listen to me?" "He likes you." A flicker of joy passed through Elysia''s eyes. "He told you that?" "I can tell." Elysia, ¡°I''ll talk to him about it tomorrow then." ¡°Good. Elijah likes you, and if you treat him well, you won''t miss out on your reward. For now, it''s ten thousand a day, and if you do well, there might be a bonus at the end of the month." The mention of money immediately perked Elysia up. "There''s a bonus?" Seeing her eagerness, Tarquin pressed his lips together in disdain. She was the typical type, eyes wide open at the sight of money-a true money- grubber! "Do well, and the bonus starts in the five figures." Elysia''s eyes went wide, "For real?" "Yeah." "Once the bonus is in, the work''s a breeze. I''ll definitely shine, you can bet on it!" Even though she wasn''t taking care of Elijah for the money, getting paid would definitely put a smile on her face. She was really struggling financially right now, so any opportunity to earn some cash had to be seized. After all, she still had three sons relying on her. Seeing her react like she just got a jolt of electricity, Tarquin added, "If you can convince Elijah to cooperate and attend the ancestral ritual, it''s a 50 thousand bonus." He didn''t want to scare her off with too many details. 50 thousand was like winning the lottery for Elysia, her eyes widening even more, "50 thousand dors?" "Yep." "Not five thousand? Not five hundred?" "Nope. It''s 50 thousand." "A gentleman''s agreement is hard to break. You said fifty thousand, not a penny less. Going back on your word is a dog move!" Chapter 252 Tarquin flicked his cigarette ash with a look of disdain. "First think about how you can convince Elijah. I''m not just asking him to attend; I want him to give a speech in front of everyone. If you screw this up, you won''t get a dime." Elysia was brimming with confidence, "A public speech? Piece of cake, no problem at all!" Seeing her full of confidence, Tarquin squinted his eyes, "You have a n?" "Yep!" "What''s the n?" Elysia immediately shot him a wary look, "It''s a secret! A top-secret!" "You''re not even gonna tell me?" "Especially not you. You''re not privy to this information!" Tarquin was dumbfounded. Watching her being both foolish and overly confident, yet so irritating, he felt a mix of annoyance and reassurance. "As long as you can handle it, money is no object." Elysia stood tall and proud, "I''ll nail it, 100%. Just make sure you have the money ready!" Elliot had already thought of a n for her, so that 50 thousand dors was as good as hers! At this moment, Elysia was happy, and even Tarquin was in a good mood. To him, any problem that money could solve wasn''t a problem at all. Her love for money only made her easier for him to control. Tarquin took another drag of his cigarette and then said, "There''s one more thing." "What''s up?" "I''ve warned you, don''t get any ideas about me." Elysia was taken aback. It took her a moment to realize he was referring to today''s ''inappropriate advance!! She pouted and retorted with a flushed face, "I admit I looked at you a bit more today, but to say I''m interested in you just because of that is ridiculous! Do you think you''re as beloved as a dor bill, loved by everyone? I''ll have you know, I don''t like you one bit!" "Good, I have someone in my heart." "And I have people in mine too! Quite a few!" So having someone in your heart is something special? As if everyone doesn''t have a few names in theirs, like Elliot, Evan, Emmett, including Elijah, they''re all in her heart. Quite a few? What a yer! Tarquin looked at her with contempt and flicked his cigarette ash again, "You into Zane?" "Who?" "Zane, the son-inw of the Newsom Group." Elysia had a three-second meltdown, furious, "Are you out of your mind? Spouting nonsense! Zane is my best friend''s husband! He and I are just friends! Saying that is even worse than saying I like you! Are you picking a fight on purpose?" Her attitude was hostile, and Tarquin frowned slightly, "Why are you angry? If you''re innocent, you have nothing to worry about, unless there''s something you''re guilty of." "You... You use me and now I can''t get angry?" "I didn''t use you, I was just asking." "You can''t just ask!" Elysia was seething, "From now on, unless it''s about Elijah, don''t talk to me! And for thest time, I don''t like you! Narcissist!" "You..." "Buzz off!" "Elysia!" "Don''t you dare call me!" Tarquin''s face turned stormy, utterly provoked, "You dare insult me?" "I wish I could hit you! Narcissist! Lunatic! Open the door! I''m getting out!" "You..." "Stop talking nonsense! Hurry up and open it! If you don''t, I''m calling the cops!" Tarquin, with a grim face, pursed his lips, silently repeating Elijah''s name a hundred times in his head to calm himself, and finally unlocked the door. "You''re crazy!" "Not as crazy as you!" Elysia huffed off the car, mmed the door, and walked away! Tarquin, infuriated, felt pain in his heart, liver, lungs... everything hurt. He mmed the steering wheel hard and floored the gas pedal, driving away! From a corner, a shadowy figure watched Tarquin''s departure, then nced at Elysia walking away, and chuckled slyly, "They''re fighting. Hehe, they''re fighting..." Chapter 253 Elysia stormed into her house, swearing under her breath the whole way home. If he suspected she had a crush on him, she might have been able to stomach it. But using her of falling for Zane? Ridiculous! What a jerk! A downright sleazy jerk! If it weren''t for Elijah, she''d swear off seeing him for the rest of her life! How much did she detest him at the moment? Just the thought of his face made her grind her teeth, wishing she could bite his head off! It took her a moment topose herself before opening the front door. Thest thing she wanted was to bring her foul mood home. Blossom and the three little ones were all at home. The moment they saw her, the kids rushed over, "Mommy!" Seeing her three sons lightened Elysia''s mood immediately, hugging one, kissing the other two. Evan asked, "Mommy, how did it go? Did White help Elijah?" "Yeah, Elijah really took to it, didn''t even want to part when it was time." Elysia handed White back to Evan. On seeing Evan, White seemed to transform, acting as if reuniting with its young master after ages, nuzzling Evan affectionately. Its dark skin turned white, and the little ck snake became white. Evan beamed, "Good job, White! You made me proud!" Elysia smiled, "Can White spend another day with Elijah tomorrow?" ¡°Sure, as long as he doesn''t try to steal White from me.¡± "No worries, Elijah is well-behaved. He knows not to covet what others cherish." "Then I can lend White to him for a few more days." Elysia nodded gently, "You are the most caring." After spending some time with the kids and chatting with Blossom, she took Elliot aside. "Elliot, I''ve made up my mind. We''ll do as you suggested! I''ve already had Elijah''s dad announce that Elijah is better. Now, we just need to create an opportunity to convince everyone. Coincidentally, Elijah''s family is hosting a memorial service next month on the fifth, and Elijah and his family will all be there. That day is a good opportunity; we should n carefully!" "Next month on the fifth?" "Yeah!" Elliot slightly narrowed his eyes, looking all grown-up, "Mommy, leave it to me. I guarantee everything will go smoothly." ¡°Alright! Oh, and there''s a speech that day, you okay with that?" "No problem!" Seeing Elliot brimming with confidence, Elysia felt relieved and her moodpletely lifted. After dinner, Elysia and Blossom took Evan and Emmett out for a walk. Elliot, preupied with his ns, made an excuse not to go. Upon returning, Evan immediately told Elliot, "There''s a weirdo in the neighborhood." "Oh?" "Yeah, the janitor found a dead cat by the wall. A bunch of people went to look, and I went to see what the fuss was about. That cat must''ve been dead for days, all dirty, like it was buried and then washed out by the rain. But that''s not the point. The point is, it was killed by someone who twisted its neck while it was still alive." Elliot frowned, "Are you sure?" "Of course, I''m Evan. I knew the cause of death the moment I saw it! Who in their right mind does that to a stray cat? Kittens are so cute, and most people would want to hold them, pet them. Only a psycho would twist its neck like that." At the mention of a psycho, Elliot''s mind immediately drifted to the masked figure. Ever since that encounter in the park, he hadn''t seen him again. Chapter 254 Elliot had been sleuthing around for days on end, trying to dig up anything he could on the mysterious figure haunting their mom, but to no avail. He even went through the list of all the potential enemies Elysia might have, but came up empty-handed. As for Tarquin''s enemies, well, that was a list too long to even start with, leaving them with no suspects at all. So, the masked figure remained just that - a mystery. "Since we''ve got a creep on our hands, be extra careful when you and Mom go for your walks downstairs. Stay safe, okay?" "Absolutely, don''t worry. No one''s touching us with me around. Huh? Did that jerk Tarquin send you a message?" Evan was glued to Elliot''s tablet screen. It was flooded with messages from Tarquin, whom Elliot had saved under his name. Elliot nodded. "He knows I got something from Gideon Bradford, and now he wants it." "What does he want with it?" "It''s valuable; everyone''s after it." Evan was intrigued, "Is it really that powerful?" "Yeah, don''t let its looks deceive you. It packs a punch." "Then why don''t you just use it to make that jerk Tarquin divorce our mom?" "Mom''s been tied up with Elijah''s stuff recently. She''s not in a rush to divorce. Plus..." Elliot had been rethinking the whole divorce idea because, despite everything, he realized Tarquin wasn''t entirely useless. If it hadn''t been for Tarquin, Elysia might have been seriously hurt in that incident Allegra orchestrated. Fair''s fair, Tarquin did save their mom once. "Plus what?" Evan was curious. "Never mind." Just as Elliot finished, the tablet pinged twice more - this time, it was Gideon reaching out. Tarquin was after Baby ET''s Support One, namely Mr. E. Gideon was after Alpha Thorne. Neither knew Mr. E and Alpha were the same person, let alone that it was Elliot. "Elliot, didn''t you and Gideon wrap up your deal? Why''s he still reaching out?" "He wants to team up with me against Tarquin." Evan was confused. "But isn''t Gideon Tarquin''s grandfather? Aren''t they family? Mom always says families should stick together and love each other. Why don''t they love each other?" Elliot sighed, "In a normal family, yes, but the Bradfords are anything but normal." Evan pouted, "We should get Mom to divorce that jerk Tarquin sooner rather thanter. She shouldn''t have to deal with that dysfunctional family. They''re not worthy of our mom." "Yeah, I''ll handle it. Now that we have something Tarquin wants, we can make them divorce anytime mom''s ready." Elliot wasn''t as concerned about the divorce now; his main worry was the masked man. The less he found out, the more anxious he became. He felt the masked man was like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment! ... The next morning, it was Lowell who picked up Elysia. When they arrived at Sunshine Community, Elysia didn''t even see Tarquin. Which was fine by her; she didn''t ask where he went, focusing instead on spending time with Elijah. She brought up the topic of paying respects to their ancestors with Elijah, who coldly replied, "I''m only going to pay respects to my grandpa, no one else!" Elysia tried to broach another topic, but Elijah cut her off, "I don''t want to talk about it." Elysia felt helpless but didn''t want to upset Elijah further, so she dropped it. Time flew, and before they knew it, the eve of the family ceremony had arrived. Chapter 255 Blossom could see that Elysia was on edge about Elijah''s uing family ceremony. She tried to reassure her, saying, "You know, Elliot might be young, but he''s got a good head on his shoulders. You can trust him to handle things smoothly. Nothing''s going to go wrong." Elysia trusted Elliot, of course, but the thought of all the things that could potentially go wrong was still a nagging worry in her mind. Blossom added, "Besides, you''re not even sure if he''s really Evan and Elliot''s dad. Maybe it''s just a resemnce, you know? Think about Daniel. Daniel looks so much like his dad! Everyone says he''s the spitting image. But in reality, there''s no biological connection there." "Yeah, you''re right," Elysia conceded. "So, don''t worry. First off, Elijah''s dad might not be that wild man. And even if he is, Elliot is smart enough to keep things under wraps. Everything will be fine." Elysia let out a sigh of relief, "To make sure everything goes smoothly tomorrow, I''m not going toe home tonight. I''ve already told the little ones, so they''re all set. I''m counting on you to look after them. Thank you!" Blossom waved off her thanks, "No need for formalities between us. I''m on standby too. My phone''s glued to my hand, ready for your call. Just ring me if you need anything!" "Will do." Elysia couldn''t help but hug Blossom tightly. Having such a supportive friend was truly a blessing. ... The day proceeded as usual, but the evening brought Tarquin home. It was their first confrontation since their argument, and the tension was palpable. With Elijah already asleep, it left them alone in the living room - one sulking on the couch, the other pouting at the dining table. Neither wanted to break the silence or acknowledge the other. But with the family ceremony looming the next day, they had tomunicate. After a long silence, Tarquin finally spoke up, "The ceremony is tomorrow." "I don''t need a reminder!" Elysia snapped back, her tone harsh. Tarquin shot her a displeased look, trying to keep his cool, "Have you and Elijah got everything prepared?" ncing towards Elijah''s bedroom, Elysia replied tersely, "Yes." "And Elijah''s got his speech down?" Tarquin continued. "...Yes." "If everything goes smoothly tomorrow, you''ll get your money," he added. At the mention of money, Elysia''s mood seemed to improve slightly, reminding him, "50 thousand dors!" Using her own words against her, Tarquin retorted, "I don''t need a reminder!" Elysia red at him, annoyed, "Tomorrow, while you guys are up there paying respects, I''ll be waiting in the car." "You don''t have toe." "I want to!" Elysia insisted, her voice tinged with urgency. Seeing her worked up, Tarquin tried to reassure her, "If you''ve got everything sorted with Elijah, there shouldn''t be any issues." "But... but it''s better to be safe than sorry," Elysia argued, her fears getting the better of her. "Afraid of the Bradford family, are you?" Tarquin raised an eyebrow. Of course, she was afraid. But there were things she feared more. Elysia tried to deflect, "Your family isn''t the high and mighty Bradfords. What''s there to be scared of?" Little did she know that the man before her was indeed her husband, Tarquin, the CEO of the Bradford Corporation, and one of the wealthiest men in Jindale City. She had always assumed their shared surname was just a coincidence. Tarquin didn''t pursue the topic further, simply reminding her, "We leave at 6 AM. You''ll sleep in the study tonight." With that, he retreated to his own room, leaving Elysia to pout in his direction. She didn''t head straight to the study, though. Instead, she made her way to Elijah''s room. The little guy was fast asleep, bathed in the soft, warm glow of the nightlight. His peaceful expression and the gentle rise and fall of his chest were a stark contrast to his usual stern demeanor - so much like his father''s. Sitting by his bedside, Elysia couldn''t resist caressing his cheek. She had longed for such a moment, and now, with Elijah asleep, she finally had her chance. His skin was soft and smooth, melting Elysia''s heart. She loved him dearly. Even though they shared no blood rtion, it did nothing to diminish her love for him. Elijah was so adorable, so sensible, and yet so pitiful. How could his mother have abandoned him? Chapter 256 Did she never miss Elijah after all these years? With a soft sigh, Elysia gently kissed the little one''s forehead, tucked him in, turned off the bedsidemp, and tiptoed out of the room. The bathroom light was on, the sound of running water filling the air. Tarquin was taking a shower. Elysia pursed her lips, letting out a cold huff before heading to the study. The study was prepared with a long sofa, nkets, and pillows, all set up during the day. Elysia closed the door behind her and locked it from the inside. This was her second visit to the study. The first time was to negotiate with him, to ask him to announce that Elijah was doing better. But she was so preupied with the negotiation that she hadn''t really taken in the room. Now, taking a proper look, she had to admit, the study didn''t quite fit his usual style. Instead of reflecting his icy personality, it exuded a warm atmosphere. The bookshelves were filled with ssics, many of which seemed to cater to female readers. Elysia couldn''t help but wonder, was this study previously owned by Elijah''s mother? She randomly picked a book from the shelf and, sure enough, found a woman''s handwriting inside. The script was elegant and neat, clearly that of a learned woman. Flipping through a few more books, she noticed the handwriting belonged to the same person. This further confirmed her guess that the study once belonged to a woman. "I wish to be acquainted with you, for life without end. Mountains mayck edges, rivers dry up. Thunder in winter, snow in summer. Only when heaven and earth unite, dare I part from you." Elysia couldn''t help but read aloud the poem she found on a bookmark, signed by a woman named Elizabeth. Elizabeth? Was Elijah''s mother named Elizabeth? "Elizabeth... Why does that name sound so familiar? I swear I''ve heard it before," Elysia murmured to herself. She felt she had heard the name before but couldn''t recall where. The sound of running water in the bathroom suddenly stopped, followed by the rustling sounds of drying off and getting dressed. Elysia snapped back to reality, quickly putting the book down and slipping under the covers. The sound instion in the old apartment was poor; she could hear the bathroom door open and Tarquin returning to his room, just next door to the study. Once he was back in his room, she could hear everything even clearer. The sounds of him pulling back the covers, getting into bed, and even flipping through a book. Surprisingly, he liked to read too. Was it because of this woman named Elizabeth that he took up the habit? Half an hourter, Elysia heard him close the book, turn off themp, and settle down for the night. But Elysia found herself wide awake, her mind racing. Elijah was about the same age as Evan and Elliot, meaning Elijah''s mother and she would have been pregnant around the same time. Did Elijah''s mother leave him because she found out about his ''one-night stand''? She must have thought he had cheated, leading her to leave him. The room, filled with books and notes, and the elegant handwriting, all pointed to Elizabeth being a woman of talent and depth. A woman of her intellect and depth of feeling would surely not tolerate infidelity. If Elizabeth had left because of what happened at the airport, did that make her the ''other woman''? And all the suffering Elijah had endured over the years, was it all because of her? The more Elysia thought about it, the more restless she became. Feeling wronged, angry, and even a bit guilty, she couldn''t stand not knowing the truth. Was this man the same one from that night all those years ago? If he wasn''t, she wouldn''t have to worry about the family ceremony the next day or torment herself with these thoughts anymore. How could she find out for sure? Tonight might just be her chance. With determination, Elysia bit her lip and carefully sat up, ready to confront the situation head on. Chapter 257 She slipped from under the covers and tiptoed out of the study, making her way to Tarquin''s bedroom door. Elysia was never the brightest bulb in the box, not given to overthinking. Her approach was straightforward and blunt. To prove if he was the wild man from years ago? Easy! Just sneak a peek at his shoulder. Back when he had bullied her, she had bitten his shoulder fiercely. If he was indeed that wild man, there would be a significant bite mark! Luckily, Tarquin hadn''t locked his door. Elysia sneaked into the room, crouching and tiptoeing to the bed. Tarquin was lying on his back, hands crossed over his chest, in a neat sleeping position. His eyes were tightly closed, breathing even, deep in sleep. Seeing his face, Elysia paused... He was incredibly handsome in his sleep! It wasn''t an exaggeration; he was the most handsome man she had ever seen! Cool and detached when awake, strikingly handsome in sleep. Phrases like ''broad-shouldered and bright-eyed'' or ''chiseled features'' didn''t do him justice. He was like a favored creation, not shaped by hand but meticulously painted by some divine artist. Elliot, Evan, and Elijah, although resembling him, were just toddlers over five, still cherubic. None had his masculinity or his rugged charm! With his looks, he could have blown up the acting scene! Too bad his personality was... less than pleasant. A terrible temper paired with a venomous tongue! Such a waste! Elysia bit her lip in regret over his wasted good looks while waving her hand in front of his face to see if he was truly asleep. Confirming he was, she tried to check for the bite mark on his shoulder, but he was wearing a shirt, a crew-neck pajama top. No choice, she reached out to tug at his neckline, trying to pull the shirt down to reveal his shoulder. But before she could see the bite mark, her wrist was caught in a tight grip! Startled, she lost her bnce, tumbling right into his shoulder! "Oof¡ª" Her forehead hit his corbone, a sharp pain shooting through her. Just as Elysia tried to get up, Tarquin pulled her onto the bed, quickly flipping her beneath him. Without giving her a chance to resist, he swiftly captured her hands above her head and pinned her legs, trapping her beneath him. "Click " He turned on the bedsidemp. The light flooded the room, blinding Elysia for a moment. As her eyes snapped open, meeting Tarquin''s gaze, her heart began to race. Tarquin was ring down at her, his expression dark and grim. His grip was strong, devoid of any tenderness, as if he was dealing with an adversary. His tone was chillingly cold, "What are you trying to do?" Elysia, intimidated by his menacing look, feared for her life. "I... I... I can exin!" Tarquin stared down at her, waiting for an exnation. But Elysia was at a loss for words. How could she exin this? Telling the truth was out of the question. He hadn''t even noticed Elliot and Evan yet. Confessing now would be foolish, wouldn''t it? What should she say? Losing patience, Tarquin demanded, "Trying to seduce me?" "Huh?" Elysia quickly shook her head, "No, not at all!" "Trying to kill me?" Elysia''s eyes widened in shock! Such a grave usation could scare her to death! "Don''t be ridiculous, I can''t even kill a chicken, let alone you. I didn''t want to kill you." "Then why sneak into my room in the dead of night, staring at me for ages and tugging at my shirt?" Chapter 258 "Huh? You''ve been up this whole time?" Tarquin''s brows furrowed deeply. "Tell me the truth!" Elysia''s heart pounded wildly. When she had entered and seen him with his eyes closed, breathing steadily, she thought he was deep in sleep. Little did she know, he was faking it! He''s so cunning! "I wasn''t trying to seduce you! And I definitely wasn''t nning to kill you. I was... oh, right, I was sleepwalking! Yeah, that''s it, sleepwalking." The grip on her wrist tightened suddenly, clearly showing he didn''t believe a word she said. "Ouch¡ª" Elysia felt like her wrist was about to snap. She was a mix of pain, fear, and a touch of feeling wronged, her nostrils red, and she was on the verge of tears. "I really wasn''t trying to... could you, maybe, lighten up? It hurts." Seeing her eyes well up, Tarquin''s expression softened slightly, and the grip loosened but didn''t let go entirely, his voice cold as he warned, "Then give me a reasonable exnation, or don''t me me for being ruthless. Killing you would be no different to me than stepping on an ant." Elysia''s breathing hitched, fear evident in her eyes. She looked at Tarquin, and he stared back. In his gaze, she truly saw a willingness to kill! Elysia started to breathe heavily, "I... I just wanted to see your..." "See what?" The words ''shoulders'' danced on her tongue, but she dared not speak them. In the end, she gritted her teeth, "I thought you were well-built, so I wanted to strip off your shirt to have a look!" Such a scandalous admission! Tarquin stared at her for a long moment before finally speaking, "...That''s not seduction, that''s harassment!" "I..." Elysia wanted to argue but gave up after making eye contact. Letting him think she wanted to harass him was still better than him thinking she wanted him dead, right? Tarquin released her and got out of bed. He lit a cigarette, leaning against the window, his gaze lingering on her. Elysia, drenched in cold sweat, quickly jumped out of bed, eyeing him cautiously. Tarquin took a few drags of his cigarette, eyeing her coldly, his tone calm, "I''ve had my fair share of women trying to get a peek. What they think is their business, but those who act on it don''t end up well." Elysia wanted to exin but didn''t know how without making things worse. She couldn''t reveal her true intentions, so any attempt at exnation would only add to the confusion. Tarquin took another drag, his handsome face showing indifference. "Because of Elijah, I can tolerate and even indulge you. If you''re honest with me, I''ll respect you. I made it clear before. I have someone in my heart, and you shouldn''t set your sights on me. Apart from Elijah''s mother, there''s no one else for me. You''re pretty and have a nice figure. Although not the brightest, that''s not a w. If you want a man, there are plenty out there who would be interested in you. If you''re looking for a quality man, I can introduce you to someone. But if you''re aiming for me, you''re barking up the wrong tree." Elysia turned red with embarrassment, "I''m not looking for a man! And I definitely wasn''t looking for you!" "Not looking for me? So sneaking into my room tonight was just for a bit of fun?" "I didn''t! I..." "I don''t care what you want. But people need to maintain their dignity. Even if you don''t care about your own reputation, think about the children''s future. If you don''t want them to be the talk of the town, you need to learn to respect yourself and understand the concept of shame." His tone wasn''t harsh, but every word struck deep! Wasn''t he basically saying she had no self-respect, no sense of shame? Chapter 259 Before Elysia could even utter a word, he went on, "I don''t know if it''s because of that kissst time that got you mixed up, so let''s clear the air tonight. You know the reason behind that sudden kiss as much as I do. We''re adults, and it''s normal to have certain... urges. Sometimes things get out of hand, but that doesn''t mean I have feelings for you. Let me say this onest time tonight - my heart belongs to Elijah''s mom and no one else. Alive or not, she''s the only one I''ll ever want. I''ll wait for her, till Elijah''s all grown up, till my dying day. No one elsees close, including you! No matter what you do, it''s never going to happen between us. So whatever motive you had approaching me, drop it tonight. I''m not a saint, and I hate repeating myself. It''s best you don''t mess with me." Elysia was livid, every word he said felt like a p in the face. If she had harbored any such intentions, she might have epted the me. But she didn''t! All she wanted was to see if he was that wild man from years ago! Swallowing her pride like a bitter pill, Elysia''s eyes reddened as she retorted, "Rest assured, I don''t fancy you that much! My interest in you is purely because of Elijah! Hope you keep your word and never spare me another nce!" With those words, she turned and left. Back in the study, she buried herself under the covers, tears streaming down her face. Furious at his harsh words, and at herself for being foolish! She had marched into his room, all guns zing, only to leave with her tail between her legs. His usations of her being shameless and disrespectful hurt more than if he had physically pped her. Sobbing intermittently, her cries seeped through the walls to Tarquin. Frowning and in a foul mood, he was frustrated. He had wanted to maintain a cordial rtionship with her for Elijah''s sake, but she had to go and make it difficult! Elysia eventually cried herself to sleep, while Tarquin spent the night smoking, restless and sleepless. ... The next day, before dawn, there was noise in the living room. Lowell had returned with Elijah! Tarquin, having been informed, stood in the living room, a mix of surprise and concern on his face as he looked at Elijah, "When did you go out?" Elliot instinctively clenched his fists, aplex expression crossing his face at the sight of Tarquin. This was his dad! The dad he and Evan shared! Every time his dad was mentioned before, it was with regret and indifference. But learning that Tarquin was his dad and still alive, he felt a mix of anticipation and anger. Anticipation because no child doesn''t yearn for their father''s presence, no matter how tough they act. Anger because of the pain he caused Elysia, and for not providing a warm home for them. Beforeing, he thought he would keep his cool upon seeing Tarquin. He was Elliot, not Evan, alwaysposed. He nned to observe Tarquin with a cold detachment. But now, faced with his concerned gaze, Elliot felt an unexpected sting in his nose. It felt like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. Tarquin had already crouched down, cing his hands on Elliot''s shoulders, "Elijah, tell me what happened. Why did you run off alone at night?" Clearly, Tarquin mistook him for Elijah. Elliot furrowed his brows, turning his gaze away, "I don''t want to talk to you!" "Elijah......." Just as Tarquin began to speak, Elysia, hearing themotion, rushed out. She locked eyes with Elliot for just a second and immediately knew something was off. This was Elliot, not Elijah! Elliot''s affection for her was loud and tender, unlike Elijah''s. Elysia''s heart skipped a beat, and she rushed over, scooping Elliot into her arms and darting into Elijah''s room! Chapter 260 "Click " The door locked behind them. Tarquin furrowed his brow and took a nce but didn''t pursue, turning to Lowell instead, "What''s going on?" His expression was all business. "Something really odd happened today! Just a while ago, our guys found this weird dude in the backyard. He was standing outside, grinning like a madman at Elijah''s window and was about to hurl a dead cat through it. Our guys rushed to check it out, but this fellow, slippery as an eel, vanished before anyone could blink. And before we could catch him, Elijah suddenly showed up downstairs. Worried sick, I immediately brought him up here. Elijah said he didn''t want to talk to you, probably spooked by that dead cat ordeal. When that man bolted, he left the cat behind, and when we found Elijah, he was just staring at that dead cat with a scowl." Tarquin''s brows knitted tighter as Lowell finished exining. He strode into the study and powered up hisputer. ... Inside Elijah''s room. Elysia was nearly scared to death by Elliot. "Why didn''t you call me beforeing? And you didn''t even say you''d be here now!" Elliot calmed himself first, whispering reassurances to Elysia, "I thought it''d be trickier by daylight, so I came earlier. Don''t worry, Mom, he didn''t even notice anything. We didn''t give ourselves away." Elysia was still unnerved. What had been bothering her these past few days was Elliot taking Elijah''s ce! Elliot''s n was to appear as Elijah in front of everyone. Being a healthy kid, once he showed up, everyone would naturally believe Elijah was truly well. After all, he and Elijah looked identical; no one could tell them apart. But Elysia feared Tarquin would see through Elliot''s scheme! She was always on edge, hiding this big secret, fearing he would discover Elliot and Evan. And before he could, she had inadvertently brought Elliot right before him. So, as good as the n was, it was too risky for her liking! If it hadn''t been for Elijah, she wouldn''t have dared to do it! "Mom, you need to stay calm. The more nervous you are, the easier it''ll be for him to spot something''s off," Elliot reminded her. "Right, you''re correct! I can''t afford to be nervous!" Elysia took several deep breaths to steady her nerves. "Is this Elijah?" Elijah was still asleep. Elysia nodded, "Yeah, I gave him some medicine, so he''ll sleep well today." "He really does look just like me and Evan." "Indeed." Elliot gazed at Elijah for a few more seconds. "There won''t be any mishaps today; we just have to put Elijah through this for one day." "A little hardship now is for a better future. Elijah would understand," Elysia said, her eyes full of sympathy as she nced at Elijah, then steeling herself to move him under the bed. Elliot and Elijah couldn''t be seen together, so to avoid Tarquin getting suspicious, they had no choice but to hide Elijah. The hiding spot under the bed in a cab was pre-selected by Elysia. It was lined with nkets and had air holes to ensure Elijah couldfortably sleep there all day without issue. After stowing Elijah away and straightening the bed sheet, which perfectly concealed the cab, it was as if nothing was out of ce. They had considered moving Elijah out, but after much thought, decided it was safer and more convenient to keep him hidden in the room. Just as they finished tidying up, Tarquin pushed the door open and entered. He didn''t speak but just stared intently at Elliot, his expression unreadable, leaving one to wonder what was on his mind. Elliot slightly narrowed his eyes in response, mirroring theplexity in his expression. Only Elysia felt her heart leap to her throat! She held her breath, her fingernails digging into the palm of her hand, forcing herself to remainposed, not to lose it! But then, Tarquin''s next words nearly made her crumble. "I just checked the security cameras, you''re..." Chapter 261 "Seriously? Of course, he is!" Elysia was a mess of nerves, her words slicing through the air like a knife as she interrupted. With a fierce protective instinct, she positioned Elliot behind her, eyes zing with a clear message for Tarquin: ''Dare to mess with my kid, and you''re messing with me!'' Tarquin furrowed his brows, his gaze a mix of annoyance and confusion as he looked at her. Elliot didn''t like the way Tarquin was ring at his mom. He tugged quietly at Elysia''s shirt, signaling her to keep her cool for a moment. Stepping forward, Elliot faced Tarquin with a slight frown. This was their second encounter, and Elliot was better at controlling his emotions now. His eyes mirrored his dissatisfaction, but confusion was there too. He had made sure to wreck the surveince himself, so what could Tarquin have possibly seen? Uncertain, Elliot didn''t jump into conclusions but simply asked, "What''s up?" Tarquin shifted his focus back to Elliot. "The security cams at home went kaput all of a sudden. Just checking, did you head downstairs on your own just now?" After moving in, they had beefed up their security with cameras everywhere. But when Tarquin checked the footage earlier, he found their system had been sabotaged, knocking out the surveince throughout the area. So, he couldn''t track down the mysterious man or figure out when or why Elijah had gone downstairs. Nor could he tell if Elijah had gone down on his own, been taken, or perhaps led down. That''s why he rushed over to ask Elijah. Elysia, caught off guard by his question, rxed a bit, then silently fumed. Man, can''t he speak nicely for once? She had thought he knew Elliot wasn''t Elijah because of the surveince footage! She had been scared to death! Elliot, hearing this, unclenched his fists and replied coldly, "I don''t remember how I got downstairs." "You don''t?" Tarquin was puzzled. "No." "Howe?" "Why should I know?" "You were awake all this while, so you should remember how you got downstairs." "Just because I was awake doesn''t mean I keep tabs on everything. Like, you were awake too, right? Howe you don''t know when my mom left, or why she left?" Elysia was shocked. Tarquin frowned. Nobody expected Elliot to burst out like that. After a moment of silence, Elliot added coldly, "I don''t remember. Maybe I was sleepwalking." Tarquin stared at him for a few seconds. "You''ve never slept walked before." "That was then. Past doesn''t define the present." "But why would you start sleepwalking all of a sudden?" "Don''t know. I said maybe, were you even listening?" "I..." "If you''ve got nothing else, just leave. I don''t want to see you." Tarquin''s frustration was palpable, mixed with surprise and sadness, "Elijah, what''s gotten into you tonight?" "I''m fine." "Fine?" "What, you got a problem with me being fine?" "No, it''s just... Elijah..." "Out!" Elliot''s frown deepened, clearly annoyed. Tarquin couldn''t believe his eyes. Elysia felt that Elliot was being a bit harsh and gently tugged at his shirt. Elliot dered, "Some guts you''ve got, showing a cold shoulder to a woman, yet can''t even figure out what you want to know. Pathetic." Tarquin was taken aback, his son''s disdain hitting him hard. No father wants to be seen as anything less than a hero in their child''s eyes. Tarquin felt wounded to his core. He stared at Elliot for a few seconds before turning to leave. As the door closed behind him, he asked Lowell, "Did that man get to Elijah?" Chapter 262 "Not sure. What''s wrong with Elijah," Lowell asked, scratching his head. "He''s giving me the evil eye, and his tone''s all off." "Really?" It seemed like Elijah was harboring some resentment towards Tarquin. His words wereced with sarcasm, and his nces were challenging. This resentment was new, only cropping up tonight. Elijah, though usually reserved and not much of a talker, clearly adored and respected him before. He could feel it. But tonight... Elijah was contradicting him at every turn, even going as far as to disrespect him with a disdainful look! Something was off tonight, and when things are off, there''s usually trouble brewing! Tarquin couldn''t for the life of him connect the dots that the person he was dealing with wasn''t actually Elijah. He suspected Elijah''s odd behavior had something to do with that mysterious stranger! Could the guy have said something to Elijah? Stirring up trouble, perhaps? No, he had to find that guy and get to the bottom of this! "Expand the search area! That man couldn''t have just appeared out of thin air, there must be some clue! And check on that dead cat again!" "Right away!" ... Inside Elijah''s room. Elliot was holding Elysia''s hand, trying tofort her, "Mom, don''t be afraid of him. If he res at you, just re back. If he''s mean, you be mean back. And if he dares to insult you, you give it right back!" Elysia asked timidly, "Elliot, do you not like him?" She could tell from Elliot''s tone that he wasn''t fond of Tarquin. Elliot was always gentle, even to strangers he was nothing but polite. But his words to Tarquin earlier were harsh. Considering it was their first meeting, and Elliot didn''t really know him, his attitude seemed uncalled for. "Not really a fan." "Why not?" "Because he red at you. Of course, I won''t like anyone who does that! Plus, he''s not a good dad, nor a good husband, which makes him not a good man." Elysia''s heart raced. "Why do you feel that way? How do you know he''s not a good dad or husband?" "If he was a good dad, Elijah wouldn''t be acting this way, and Elijah''s mom wouldn''t have left him." Elliot only knew Tarquin as his dad but was unaware of the exact rtionship between himself and Elijah. He thought Elijah was his half-brother from another mother. So, the ''Elijah''s mom'' he was referring to wasn''t Elysia. Elysia swallowed hard and cautiously asked, "Elliot, aren''t you curious why you, Evan, and Elijah all look alike?" Elliot looked at his mom with aplex expression, pondering his response. He knew Tarquin was his father, but was unsure if his mom wanted him to know. "Why?" Elliot pretended to be clueless. Elysia hurriedly exined, "There''s no real reason. It''s just a resemnce, like how Daniel looks like his dad. It doesn''t mean anything." Elliot didn''t say anything. Whatever his mom says goes. His own mom, his own queen! "Yeah, I get it. Everyone has a nose and two eyes. Resemnces are normal.¡± Elysia let out a sigh of relief, "Exactly." Ah, my silly mom. Elliot sighed internally, but then smiled. "It''s almost dawn. We should get going. Mom, you should get ready. You''ve got to trust me, I''m pretty awesome. Today, I won''t give us away!" "Okay!" Elliot had interacted with Tarquin a couple of times without a hitch, and Elysia was gradually bing less anxious than before. She smiled and affectionately pinched Elliot''s cheek, "Elliot is the best! I''ll go make something to eat. Elijah usually gets up at 6:30 to get ready, but today''s a special case. Just wait for me to call you." "Alright." Elliot nodded obediently, but as soon as Elysia left, his expression changed! He rushed to the window to peer outside. Chapter 263 Before dawn could even hint at its arrival, the streetlights outside were a dim glow against the pervasive darkness. Elliot scanned the area, but the enigmatic figure he was certain had crossed paths with him and Evan before was nowhere in sight. He was convinced it was the same masked figure they had encountered before. Downstairs, hidden in the shadows, the figure had let out a chilling, sinisterugh directed at him. It was clear the man knew Elliot woulde. For days, Elliot had been on the hunt for clues about him but to no avail. Yet, today, the man had appeared near Elijah''s home, of all ces. Elliot was here to prepare the speech for the ceremony. Anticipating security in the area, Elliot had crafted a n to avoid drawing attention from Tarquin''s security team. His efforts seemed unnecessary, though, as the masked figure had inadvertently distracted the guards, almost as if aiding Elliot in his secretive endeavor. What was the masked figure''s game? Did he know about Elliot''s n to impersonate Elijah in tomorrow''s ceremony? Why encourage him and Evan towards violence while simultaneously aiding his stealthy approach to Tarquin? And then, there was the matter of the dead cat. It was exactly as Evan had described - a cat brutally killed by having its neck twisted. This meant the local "psycho" Evan mentioned was none other than the masked figure, who seemed to know not only where they lived but also personal details about them. Who was he, and what were his intentions with them? Lost in thought, Elliot closed the curtains and sat down at Elijah''s desk, booting up theputer. He intended to use Elijah''sputer for research but was met with a password prompt and additional security measures. Despite being ''Baby ET''s Support One'' - a hacker of considerable renown he couldn''t crack Elijah''s security. This was telling. Meanwhile, in the living room, Tarquin eagerly questioned Elysia as she emerged from Elijah''s room. "Did Elijah say anything?" Elysia yed dumb, "Nope." "Nothing at all?" "Uh-huh." "Lowell said he saw a dead cat downstairs tonight. Didn''t he mention it to you?" "A dead cat? No, he didn''t!" Elliot really hadn''t brought it up. Tarquin furrowed his brow, "Did he tell you why he suddenly went downstairs?" "You asked him, didn''t you? He doesn''t even know himself." "Why would he suddenly go downstairs?" "I have no idea!" "Can''t you just get into his head and figure it out?" Elysia tied her apron and turned around, sounding irritated, "You want answers, ask Elijah yourself! Don''t ask me, I don''t know anything!" Then, she remembered Elliot was still in the room and quickly added, "And don''t bother him either, he''s resting! He''s not in the mood to talk!" Tarquin immediately asked, "Why isn''t he in the mood?" "I don''t know!" "You didn''t notice he was in a bad mood?" "I did, but he''s only in a bad mood when he sees you. When he sees me, he''s fine. Who knows what you did to upset him. Instead of interrogating me here, why don''t you reflect on your own behavior?" Tarquin paused. Just then, Lowell came back in, looking serious, "There''s a call from Gideon. They said they''ve been trying to reach you, but you''re not answering." Chapter 264 He handed his phone to Tarquin. Tarquin frowned, holding the phone as he walked to the study. Gideon asked, "Is something up? You''ve been dodging calls." "Nothing!" "Alright then, just wanted to confirm the details about the memorial ceremony today. Elijah is all good, right?" Tarquin''s brow furrowed deeper, irritation bubbling inside him. He wasn''t even sure if Elijah was okay! His mind wasn''t on the memorial ceremony at all! "If you don''t say anything, I''ll take it as a yes. The ceremony is important, and you and Elijah are the present and future heads of the family. Don''t bete." "Got it." Tarquin''s response was cold as he hung up the call. He tossed the phone to Lowell and lit up a cigarette. Lowell pocketed the phone, cautiously trying to advise him, ¡°Today''s focus should be on Elijah and the memorial service. Let''s put the mystery man on hold for now. I''ll inform you immediately if there''s any news about him. We''ve already escted the surveince issue." Tarquin took a harsh drag on his cigarette, "Did you see that cat?" "Yeah, someone twisted its neck, killed it. Must be a real piece of work." Tarquin''s expression darkened even more. A ruthless person showing up outside their house and fixating on Elijah''s window with a creepy grin wasn''t a good sign! "Find him, no matter what it takes!" "I know. Also, Ms. Thorne mentioned she wants to join us at the ceremony. If she goes, wouldn''t she find out who you are?" Tarquin''s voice was cold, "She won''t figure it out." "Huh? Why?" "Too dumb! Doesn''t have the brains for it!" True to Tarquin''s words, Elysia indeed followed them to the Bradford family''s private cemetery without piecing together Tarquin''s identity. All the way there, her heart was in her throat, worrying that Tarquin might discover Elliot. But upon reaching the cemetery, her focus shifted. At the entrance of the cemetery stood a tall stone monument inscribed with "The Bradford Family." Elysia sat in the car, looking through the window at the monument, she couldn''t help but remark, "Old money, huh? Hey, did your family have some famous ancestor or something?" Tarquin pressed his lips together, not bothering to answer, annoyed by herck of insight. In the whole of Jindale City, besides the wealthy Bradford family, who else could afford such a grand private cemetery on this primend? And that big ''Bradford'' inscription - in Jindale City, how many families with wealth and power like the Bradfords could there be? Anyone with a bit of sense could figure it out, except for her, apparently. How she managed to get by with that kind of intellect was a mystery! Lowell, driving, couldn''t help but grimace. Just as Tarquin said, Elysia hadn''t suspected a thing about his identity! Such an obvious clue... Her intellect was indeed worrisome. Elliot nced at his clueless mom, unsure how to continue the conversation. The car continued up the mountain, passing rare and valuable trees. Rare meant scarce, and scarce meant precious. A single precious tree could cost anywhere from thousands to millions, and with the mountain full of such rare species, the total value was unimaginable. Reaching the mid-mountain, arge parking area was constructed as the road ended there. Cars had to be parked here to proceed further on foot. And the Bradford family''s cemetery was up the mountain. The Bradford family had all arrived, filling the parking area with a fleet of luxury cars. Chapter 265 Tarquin hadn''t instructed Lowell to park the car just anywhere; instead, he had him navigate a narrow path, take a turn, and halt at a secluded cliff side. Nestled on the edge of the cliff was an ancient-looking oak, beneath which sat a stone table nked by several stone benches, the area awash with a vibrant array of flowers and greenery. The view was breathtaking, capturing Elysia''s attention instantly. As soon as the car stopped, she couldn''t help but push open the door and step out. The mixed scent of flowers and earth hit her, refreshing and invigorating. A waterfall cascaded down the cliff in the distance, with awn and pebbles underfoot, surrounded by blooms in full glory ¡ª a true beauty. Winter''s chill usually meant only the hardiest of flowers, like winter jasmine, could bloom. So, the sight of these flowers swaying in the breeze was a delightful surprise to Elysia. "Howe these flowers are blooming in this season? Are they specially cultivated? Is someone taking care of them? What ce is this?" Lowell was about to respond, but a nce at Tarquin, who remained silent, made him hold back. Instead, he simply said, "This ce has the perfect ambiance for a break, Ms. Thorne. You can wait for us here." Prepared on the stone table was a grill, sizzling with treats like sweet potatoes, oranges, corn, peanuts, and chestnuts. At the center was a small coffee pot, its aroma filling the air, while the stone benches were adorned with cushy nkets. It was evident that everything had been prepared in advance, especially for her. Elysia was touched, "Thank you, Lowell. This is so thoughtful." Lowell, taken aback, quickly corrected her, "You''re thanking the wrong person. He arranged all of this. I''m just a simpleton, not nearly as thoughtful as he is." This revtion took Elysia by surprise, and she nced at Tarquin. Tarquin, however, just gave her a stern look. Elysia was baffled. "Him, thoughtful?" Even Elliot found it unexpected. He hadn''t imagined Tarquin would go to the lengths of preparing a grill and snacks for his mom. He softened his gaze towards Tarquin, the resistance fading a bit. A gust of wind stirred, causing the wind chimes to tinkle melodiously. Elliot''s gaze shifted to Tarquin, suspicion narrowing his eyes. "Elijah, let''s go," called Tarquin. Elysia, her attention now on them, asked, "Are you leaving?" Tarquin remained silent, but Elliot nodded reassuringly at her, "I''ll be back soon." Elysia''s brow furrowed with worry. Elliot leaned in, whispering something that made her eyes sparkle. "Really?" He nodded earnestly, "Just wait for me here." "Okay!" Elysia nodded eagerly, like an obedient child. Elliot shed her a discreet smile before following Tarquin away. He wasn''t worried about her safety; Tarquin had made sure to station guards all around. Today, Tarquin had not only prepared a cozy setup for Elysia but also ensured her protection, which made Elliot regard him more favorably. Chapter 266 As they trekked up the hill, Tarquin, in a bid to break the silence, initiated a conversation. "What did you tell her?" "It''s a secret." Tarquin pursed his lips, deciding not to pry further and switched topics, "Elijah, were you mad at Dad this morning?" Elliot knew exactly what he was referring to and admitted openly, "You were rude to her, and I didn''t like it." "Elysia? Because I red at her?" "Yeah, I won''t allow you to re at her, to give her the cold shoulder! She''s nice to me, so of course, I''ll be nice to her too. She looks out for me, so I''ll protect her. Besides, women are often at a disadvantage, and she''s both innocent and kind. She deserves to be treated well." Tarquin fell silent for a few seconds before asking, "What if she has feelings for Dad?" "Huh? She has feelings for you?" "She likes me." Elliotughed outright, finding the idea ridiculous. Mom clearly doesn''t like him. If it weren''t for Elijah, she''d stay as far away from him as possible! That''s not liking. That''s outright disdain. "Where did you get the crazy idea that she likes you?" Tarquin''s face was a picture of mixed emotions, especially since Elliot''sughter was so apparent. He hadn''t seen his sonugh in a long time, and even though it was at his expense, he couldn''t help but ponder. "I''m just saying ''what if."" "Then you''d be the luckiest man." "Huh?" "If she ever looked your way, that''d be your good fortune," Elliot repeated. Tarquin''s expression grew even moreplex. Elijah''s world revolved around his mom, showing resistance towards other women, fearing they might take her ce. He had thought Elijah would be opposed to the idea of Elysia liking him, but... "You like her that much?" Tarquin couldn''t help but ask. Elliot faced him, his expression earnest, "Very much!" Tarquin was taken aback, "So much that you''d be okay if she took your mom''s ce, if I was with her?" Elliot frowned slightly. Tarquin was Elysia''s one and only, yet she wasn''t his only woman. Being with him would be a loss for her. But if Elysia truly liked him, wanted to be with him, Elliot wouldn''t object. Nothing mattered more than her happiness. "If she really wants to be with you, then treat her well. If you make her unhappy, I''ll be the first to stand against you!" Tarquin was utterly astonished! In just a short span of half a month, Elijah had grown to like her this much? Was he bewitched by Elysia? Elliot seized the moment to drive his point home, "Bullying a woman is not what a gentleman does. Like her or not, the least you can do is show some respect. You''re a father, and you should set an example for me." With that, Elliot marched ahead, leaving Tarquin a step behind, staring at his retreating figure in a daze. Dressed in a long coat, just as he always was, his posture as straight as ever. But today''s Elijah was different from before. He seemed less hostile, more mature and stable. And he spoke more than usual, his words reflecting the demeanor of a young gentleman-courteous yet firm. This was a side of Elijah Tarquin had never seen before! He didn''t seem like a child troubled by dark thoughts or psychological issues but rather like a young heir raised in a prestigious family. Chapter 267 Tarquin was still puzzled when both his and Elliot''s phones rang simultaneously. Elliot nced at his smartwatch, his brows knitting together as his expression shifted rapidly through a series of emotions. Heposed himself and turned to Tarquin, saying, "I need to hit the restroom." With that, he hurried off toward the public bathrooms ahead. Tarquin, not thinking much of it, stayed behind to answer the call, "What''s up?" "Tarquin, we''ve got a lead on that mysterious guy!" Tarquin''s face darkened. After a while, still on the call, Gideon and his entourage found their way over. A tumultuous crowd approached, some crying, some causing a ruckus, each face more expressive than thest! Allegra, in particr, was livid, shouting at Tarquin, "You have gone too far this time! If you don''t give me an exnation here and now, in front of our ancestors, I swear I''ll haunt you, making your nights a living hell!" Gideon, face set in a grim line and supported by his confidant, was visibly seething with anger. Tarquin frowned, ending the call to address them, "What''s this about?" "Don''t y dumb with me! Like father, like son, huh? Your family''s always been trouble!" Tarquin''s expression turned icy as he fixed his gaze on Allegra. The intensity of his stare made everyone shudder, and Allegra, intimidated, started sobbing uncontrobly, "Oh, the injustice, it''s simply unbearable..." Tarquin ignored their drama and signaled Lowell with a nce before turning to Gideon, "What happened?" Gideon, propped up by his aide, was furious, "This is your son''s doing! And where''s Elijah?" At the mention of Elijah, Tarquin''s demeanor turned even colder, "What about Elijah?" "As if you don''t know! Tarquin, today of all days, on our family reunion, you dare... This is outrageous! See for yourself!" Gideon''s confidant shakily handed over a tablet. He quickly retreated to Gideon''s side as Tarquin took it, as if fearing retaliation. As Tarquin yed the video, his expression shifted dramatically... There was ''Elijah,'' dressed in a ck tracksuit, kicking Allegra across the room in front of everyone! Allegra cursed out loud, and ''Elijah,'' balling his fists, charged at her, using arge leaf to scoop up some animal droppings and shove them into her mouth. Not satisfied, he then proceeded to beat her up. When Verity tried to intervene, ''Elijah'' flung her aside, causing her to fall and break her two front teeth on a rock. "Enough is enough! Elijah, you rogue, stop it this instant!" Gideon, leaning on his cane, shouted. ''Elijah'' rushed over, snatched the cane Gideon had used for decades, and snapped it in two right before his eyes! Gideon gasped for air, almost fainting from anger, "Teach this boy a lesson!" Hearing this, the Bradfords, seeing an opportunity, charged at ''Elijah''. But before they could reach him, Elijah dered boldly, "I came here for Allegra; this has nothing to do with you! Mess with me, and I''ll dig up your ancestors'' graves, and parade their remains around!" Everyone was shocked and speechless until Verity suddenly cried out, "Call Tarquin! Get Tarquin here! Let him see the result of his parenting! His son''s about to disgrace our ancestors!" Chapter 268 ''Elijah'' stopped in his tracks when he heard the warning. He darted over to Allegra, throwing a few warnings her way before bolting down the hill like a little monkey, disappearing from sight in a matter of seconds. Tarquin''s expression was a mix of emotions after watching the video. Just moments ago, Elijah was with him, dressed in a suit and a long, ck trench coat. When did he have time to change? Lowell rushed over, whispering urgently, "Tarquin, I got the scoop. Elijah caused a ruckus at the cemetery, threw punches, and even tried to dig up the Bradford family''s ancestral grave. Even Gideon''s cane didn''t survive; Elijah snapped it in half! Our guys said Elijah was a sight to behold!" Tarquin was speechless. He tossed the tablet to Lowell and strode towards the restroom. He had seen Elijah enter the restroom with his own eyes but never saw him leave. How did he suddenly end up causing chaos at the cemetery? Meanwhile, Evan had just finished exining the situation to Elliot. Biting his lip nervously, he looked up at Elliot, "Did I mess up? Did I ruin your and Mom''s n? I just... I just couldn''t stand that old hag Allegra! The thought of her hiring someone to run mom over. I just lost it." Evan was aware of Elliot taking Elijah''s ce in today''s ancestral ritual. Despite Elliot''s clear instructions to stay out of it, Evan couldn''t help himself. He was worried about Elliot and his mom being bullied by the Bradfords, especially since his mom wasn''t a fighter and Elliot was only moderately skilled. He snuck out to protect them. Before Elliot and his mom arrived, Evan had already made his way to the hills. He never expected to lose control at the sight of Allegra. Hearing her mock Elijah and his mom was thest straw for him. When he learned about Allegra''s n to run his mom over, Evan was ready to confront her, but Elliot stopped him, insisting on handling it himself. Evan held back until he saw Allegra today, unable to restrain himself any longer. Now, Evan knew he had done something wrong, "Elliot..." Elliot, with a stern look, replied, "It was wrong toe here without letting us know first. But, I understand where you''reing from. Just remember, don''t act on your own again." "Yeah, but... what do we do now? About your and mom''s n..." "It''s okay, I have a n B." "n B?" "Yes, I never go into battle unprepared." Elliot didn''t borate on n B, simply instructing, "Take off your jacket. If you can''t avoid Tarquin and the Bradford''s bodyguards, just stay put in the restroom until it''s safe to leave. If you think you can leave without being noticed, go ahead. Don''t worry about Mom and me." "Got it! Also, they had an ambush set up today, wanting to kill Elijah!" Elliot''s brow furrowed, "What do you mean?" As Evan stripped off his jacket, he quickly ryed his findings to Elliot. With a grim expression, Elliot said, "Such heartless viins. Lucky for us, Elijah didn''t show. Here, lend me White; I have a n." "Sure, White, listen to Elliot," Evan said. White, his pet snake, flicked its tongue out at Evan in acknowledgment before slithering up Elliot''s sleeve. "Elijah." Tarquin suddenly appeared. Elliot and Evan, shocked, turned to face him, eyes wide with surprise. Chapter 269 Evan''s quick reflexes saved the day once again. Before Tarquin could even catch a glimpse of who was there, Evan had already darted into the little cubicle. Tarquin, puzzled, turned to Elliot, "Who were you talking to just now?" Elliot, clutching his small hands, let his deep eyes roll around before calming down and countering, "Did youe here to read me the riot act, Dad?" He knew very well that Evan''s antics would not have gone unnoticed by Tarquin. Before Tarquin could reply, Elliot went on, "What''s done is done. I''ll stand by my actions and won''t drag you into this. If the Bradfords have a bone to pick, they cane at me." Tarquin looked at him with aplex expression, "I''m not here to reprimand you. Are you hurt?" Elliot was skeptical. Evan had caused such a mess, and Tarquin wasn''t angry? It seemed he had a soft spot for Elijah. Elliot answered, "I''m fine." "That''s good to hear. When did you sneak out of the bathroom? I was outside the whole time and didn''t see you leave." "I knew you wouldn''t let me go, so I changed into different clothes and jumped out the window." Tarquin nced at the open window and then at the clothes on the floor, "Why the need to change clothes?" Elliot replied smoothly, "I''m going to pay respects to Grandpater. Didn''t want to dirty these clothes. It wouldn''t be respectful." Tarquin pondered for a moment before asking, "When did you prepare the clothes?" "Today." "Where did you get it? You don''t like that style. You never wear it." Elliot coolly answered, "Elysia gave it to me. She thought my clothes were too mature and not lively enough. She wanted me to try a new style. I had this set under my coat, so you didn''t notice." "Weren''t you wearing a suit under your coat?" "I had the sportswear on over the suit." Tarquin was momentarily speechless, feeling something was off but couldn''t pinpoint what exactly. He decided to believe Elliot''s exnation for now and asked, "Was the fight with Allegra over Elysia?" "Yeah. Elysia almost got hit because of me. I had to stand up for her! Otherwise, the Bradfords might think Elysia''s an easy target without anyone to back her up." Tarquin was puzzled, "Who told you Allegra was behind the attempt on Elysia? Did Elysiain to you?" "No, she didn''t say anything. I identally overheard you talking to Mr. Lowell about it." Tarquin sighed, "I''ve already settled things with Allegra." "You did what you had to; I have my own score to settle. Elysia was wronged and frightened because of me, and I needed to make it right." Tarquin fell silent again, studying Elliot. The boy seemed different from the reserved and aloof Elijah he knew. Now, reflecting on it, he seemed distinct from the one who just made a scene at the cemetery - he was mature andposed, whereas the fighter was more impulsive and lively. These differing personalities seemed like three separate individuals, yet Tarquin knew he only had one son, and there was no mistaking that they were the same person in appearance. Confused, Tarquin softened his tone, "You don''t need to worry about the Bradfords or bother with them. I''ll handle this situation. Let''s go pay respects to your grandpa." Elliot couldn''t help but give Tarquin another look. Not a single word of criticism and such gentleness in his voice... it was just like a tender father. Chapter 270 Hesitating for just a moment, Elliot ced his tiny hand in Tarquin''s hand, and found himself being led out of the restroom. Before leaving, Elliot shot Evan a secretive nce, signaling for him to stay cool; everything was under control. Outside the restroom. The Bradfords immediately bristled at the sight of Elliot, their faces contorted with anger as they red at him. But Elliot was unfazed, quietly standing by Tarquin''s side, his gaze filled with disdain. Allegra bellowed, "Tarquin! You owe everyone an exnation today!" Tarquin''s expression grew icy. Just as he was about to speak, Elliot stepped forward to ask, "What exnation do you want?" "You publicly assaulted your elders, humiliated them, and made a huge scene in front of our ancestors. This is disrespectful, irreverent, and outright rebellious! You''re inviting retribution!" Elliot replied coldly, "And what about all of you wishing me dead? What does that make you? You show no respect for your elders, so how should I respect, honor, or revere you? Regardless of whether you love me or not, I am still a life. You all have murder in your hearts; who really deserves retribution?" "You..." Elliot''s gaze turned icy as he stared down Allegra, "You should be thankful Elysia wasn''t killed by you, or you''d truly be finished. Even the lives of your entire family wouldn''t be enough topensate!" His intense look genuinely frightened Allegra and shocked everyone else. Although Elliot''s anger differed slightly from Tarquin''s, his presence was equally formidable. Every look, every word from him was enough to send shivers down their spines! Elliot then scanned the rest of the Bradfords, "Since you''re all here, I might as well speak my mind so I don''t have to tell each of you individually. Elysia is under my protection, my care. If any of you dare to harm her again, just try me!" The crowd was left breathless, their breaths caught at his aura. How could a 5-year-old child be this imposing? And wasn''t he supposed to be sick? His eloquence didn''t seem to indicate any illness! After a tense silence, Gideon finally spoke up, "Elijah! Are you really going against your own family for an outsider?" "Outsider?" Elliot narrowed his eyes at Gideon, "I want to ask, what defines an outsider? And what defines family?" Gideon, fuming, replied, "Family is bonded by blood! Outsiders are those without blood ties!" "Hah! That''s your belief, not mine! In my eyes, those who treat me well are my family. And those who wish for my death... are my enemies!" The Bradfords were stunned into silence. Gideon, brows furrowed, looked at Elliot in shock. "You consider us your enemies?" "You should ask yourselves, what am I to you?" "You''re just a kid! How can you be so scheming? You''re the sole heir to the Bradfords. Everyone in the family hopes for your well-being, nobody wishes for your death!" "Really? Dad wouldn''t wish for my death, I believe that. And you, I can believe you don''t wish for it either. But ask them, who among them doesn''t wish for me to die sooner rather thanter?" The room fell into an uneasy silence. Gideon''s expression softened slightly, relieved by Elliot''s faith in him, but then Elliot added, "And yourck of ill will is not out of love for me. You''re just using me. After all, if I were to die, the Bradfords would be thrown into chaos. Everyone would want to be the heir, and you wouldn''t be able to control anyone." Gideon''s face went pale as his deepest motives wereid bare for all to see. Chapter 271 Elliot tossed out a line with a weight that would sink any ship, "Other families hope for their descendants to thrive, but you? You''re just hoping for your own good. Having you in the Bradford family is like hitting the jackpot in reverse. A triple dose of bad luck." "You... you... you... Insolent child! Scoundrel! Cough cough cough..." Gideon was so worked up that he started coughing violently, and then he copsed. Thankfully, his confidant was quick on his feet and caught him before he hit the ground. He then immediately performed CPR and managed to shove several aspirin down Gideon''s throat, which somehow brought him back from the brink. Gideon, weak and wheezing, red at Elijah, gasping for air. Allegra took this chance to stir the pot, "Dad! Now do you see? So much for ''the only heir''! He''s nothing! He doesn''t deserve to be the Bradford family''s heir! Scratch his name from the will! The Bradford family would rather end with us than have someone like him as an heir!" "Shut your mouth!" Gideon roared. Even though Elijah was disrespectful and had exposed his old secrets, making him furious, he was speaking the truth. Without Elijah, the Bradford family would instantly dive into a civil war for power, with every branch of the family pushing their own candidate for the throne! At that point, Gideon would have no chance ofing out on top! No one would listen to him! His standing and influence within the Bradford family would plummet even further! Right now, they were all ying nice with him because they were wary of Tarquin and wanted him to take the lead in the fight against Tarquin, so they were all ears. But if Elijah were gone, it would be total chaos! "Bad as he may be, he''s the only bloodline the Bradford family has! It''s been a tradition for generations that only one son can be the heir. Everyone else, don''t even think about it!" "Dad, you''re not thinking clearly!" "Indeed, he has really gotten old. Can''t he see the times have changed? Why hang onto this nonsense? Our kids also carry the Bradford blood." The Bradfords were all talking over each other, making a racket, while Elliot stood off to the side, his eyes narrowing slightly. A tradition of passing down with only one son through generations? Then what were he and Evan? Was Tarquin not their real father? Elliot looked puzzled, turning to Tarquin. Tarquin, observing themotion with a cold gaze, felt Elliot''s eyes on him and turned to meet his son''s gaze. They looked at each other, their expressions and thoughts worlds apart. Elliot was questioning whether Tarquin was his biological father. Tarquin, on the other hand, wondered if his son, Elijah, was having an identity crisis? Elijah''s words and behavior today were totally out of character for him! Even if Elysia had convinced him to participate in the family''s memorial ceremony, the most he would do is go through the motions. He certainly wouldn''t be verbally sparring with the Bradford family. He would just be angry and throw a tantrum! But Elijah''s words today? Not even a well-adjusted child could have pulled that off! After a moment of contemtion, Tarquin sighed, "Let''s go pay our respects to your grandpa first." "Okay." Elliot didn''t argue and followed Tarquin to the family gravestone to light a candle in honor of Killian Bradford. Just as they finished, something stirred in Elliot''s sleeve. He quickly nced down to find White coiling tightly around his arm, its head peeking out and its forked tongue tasting the air, eyes locked on a distant hilltop. Following its gaze, Elliot spotted a lone wolf. And then another, and another... Soon, a whole pack of wolves appeared in his sight. The alpha wolf locked eyes with Elliot, spotting its target, and led the charge. Elliot''s brow furrowed. It was on. Chapter 272 He quickly whispered something to White, who instantly left his side and disappeared within moments. White, being small and nimble, went unnoticed as everyone''s attention was fixated on the wolves, a rare sight for the Bradfords. Panic ensued among the Bradfords, "Where did all these wolvese from?!" "Isn''t the forest supposed to be monitored? How did wild wolves get here?" "Run, run! These wolves look mad; they''re going to attack!" Lowell quickly chimed in, "Tarquin, get Elijah to safety! These wolves mean trouble!" Tarquin''s brow furrowed as he scooped up Elliot, saying, "Get Elysia back to the car, alert everyone, and don''t let the wolves get to Elysia!" "Right away!" Lowell hurriedly called the bodyguards. Elliot gave Tarquin a meaningful look. Despite his cold demeanor towards his mom, the fact that he thought of her safety in danger earned him a point in Elliot''s book. "What''s with these wolves? They seem to be targeting us specifically!" Lowell noticed after making the call. The rest of the Bradfords also caught on, then halted their escape to specte, "Look, they''re heading straight for Elijah and Tarquin!" "Oh my, what''s going on? Are those wolves trying to tear and eat them?" Allegra screamed as if out of her mind, "Karma, it''s all karma! They''ve done so much wrong, and now the heaven has sent these wolves to rip them apart! Herees the karma, ha ha!" Silence followed Allegra''s manicughter and shouting. Her voice was loud enough for Elliot and Tarquin to hear. Elliot pressed his lips together in frustration. These were trained animals specifically targeting Elijah, obviously sent by someone with a vendetta. He''d seen on TV how animals could be used to harm or kill. People trained them with pictures of their targets. But he''d never heard of such a thing happening in real life until Evan mentioned it today, leaving him both shocked and angry. Elijah was just a 5-year-old boy. What had he done to deserve such cruelty? Angered, Elliot had borrowed Evan''s White, intending to teach those responsible a lesson. White was no ordinary snake. It could take on a pack of wolves, or even lions, without breaking a sweat. Suddenly, the leading wolf fell on the ground. The rest of the pack skidded to a halt, eyeing their fallen leader warily. Elliot''s eyes narrowed, knowing White had struck. Momentster, the leaderless wolves changed direction, charging at the Bradfords. Lowell was baffled, "What''s happening now?! They''ve changed direction!" Tarquin, with furrowed brows, nced over before quickly carrying Elliot towards Elysia. The Bradfords panicked, scattering in all directions, "Weren''t they after Elijah and Tarquin? Why are theying for us now?!" "They''re here, they''reing, oh my... Ah... Oh..." Soon, cries of terror and the sounds of struggle emanated among the Bradfords. Elliot, held by Tarquin, watched ominously. His mom always said, "Do good deeds daily, and you''ll be rewarded manifold. Build virtue, and happiness will follow." She also said, "Evil deeds will lead to one''s downfall. Those who sow injustice will reap cmity." And she said more, "Good people will find peace for eternity, while evildoers will eventually face divine retribution." No matter the reason, the Bradfords were utterly evil to harm a child with such cruelty. They deserved to be punished, to suffer the consequences of their actions. Chapter 273 Elysia had barely settled into the car when she noticed the eerie silence, punctuated by distant howls that seemed almost ghostly. She couldn''t quite make out the sounds from where she was sitting, given the car''s excellent soundproofing and the distance from the source. Her worry was just beginning to spike when Tarquin came sprinting back to the car, Elliot clutched in his arms, both of their faces painted with panic. "What''s going on? Did something happen? Is the family reunion over?" Elysia asked, her voiceced with concern. Tarquin, too out of breath to exin, and Lowell, in too much of a rush, didn''t offer any exnations as they piled into the car and sped off. Elliot, not wanting to worry his mom further, chimed in, "Some wolves showed up out of nowhere in the woods. It was really scary, so we ran back." Elysia was perplexed. "But isn''t this property private? How could there be wolves?" Elliot, with a hint of mischief, nudged Tarquin, "I''m not sure. Maybe someone let them in on purpose. You should''ve seen them; those wolves were on a mission. They were likely trained or something." Tarquin''s face darkened at the suggestion. Lowell''s brow furrowed in concern. Elysia, missing the subtext, clung to her fear, "On a mission? Did they attack anyone?" "The bad guys." Elysia let out a sigh of relief, "As long as they didn''t hurt you guys." The implication was clear; they were not the intended targets. Catching her drift, Tarquin nced at her before lowering his head to send a message to Axel to investigate the mysterious wolves at the cemetery. Once home, Elysia hurried Elliot to Elijah''s room, locking the door behind them to check on Elijah''s wellbeing. Meanwhile, in the study, Tarquin was on the phone with Axel, "Turns out, those wolves were kept by a guy who exhibited illegal animal battles. We found loads of Elijah''s pictures at his training ground, some even torn up. He was training those wolves to target Elijah." Taking a drag from his cigarette, Tarquin''s frustration was palpable, "What about the guy?" "Still missing. Could be dead or alive." "How did the wolves get into the cemetery?" "They must''ve followed the scent. They appeared out of nowhere, and the security tried to chase them off and informed us. But the wolves were faster than the message. We had no warning before they were upon us." "Keep searching. Dig up the earth if you have to, but find that trainer. And check his associations too!" "Got it." After hanging up, Tarquin stubbed out his cigarette and lit another, his frustration not abated. Lowell, standing beside him, broke the silence, "This was a premeditated act. Someone knew Elijah would be at the family reunion and trained the wolves to attack him. If they had seeded, it would''ve been written off as an ident of wild wolf attacking on a child. No one would suspect murder, and the culprit would walk free. Damn, what a scheme!" Even the usually calm and courteous Lowell couldn''t help but curse. "It''s a good thing those wolves suddenly turned on the Bradfords instead. Can you imagine the oue otherwise?" Even if they could save Elijah''s life at all costs, he might still get hurt. The thought of Elijah getting hurt or worse was too grim to consider. "But it doesn''t add up. They trained those wolves to target Elijah, so why did the wolves change their target? At first, they were indeeding for Elijah, but after the leading wolf was dead, they shifted their focus. Why is that?" Both Lowell and Tarquin were stumped, the mystery deepening. Chapter 274 The moment it happened, none of them paid any attention to Elliot''s expressions or subtle movements. Even if they had noticed, they couldn''t imagine that it was White who had secretly turned the tide. After all, they all believed that White was just a somewhat rare little snake, nothing more out of the ordinary. The room fell silent for a moment before Tarquin flicked his cigarette ash and said, "We need to look into this! Bring me the information on that mysterious person fromst night." Lowell immediately shifted his focus, pulling out his smartphone to find a photo and handed it over to Tarquin, "This is the only photo we have, but he''s wearing a mask so we can''t see his face." The photo was a blurry capture from a surveince camera. "Are you sure it''s him?" "Yeah! This was taken by the surveince when he attacked Allegra." Tarquin didn''t respond. "Tarquin, you''ve always suspected Ms. Thorne had someone backing her up, right? Do you think it could be him? Maybe he attacked Allegra just to revenge for Ms. Thorne. He was smirking at Elijah''s windowst night, so maybe he wasn''t there for Elijah but Ms. Thorne?" Tarquin''s brows furrowed tighter, and he stayed silent for a while, then stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and stood up from his study. He walked over to Elijah''s door and knocked, "Elijah." Elysia had just helped Elliot move Elijah from the box under the bed to the bed. She whirled around towards the door, her heart pounding. "What''s up?" "Open the door." Elysia, panic-stricken, watched as Elliot tugged at her clothes, pointing first to the box and then under the bed, signaling he''d hide there first. Nodding, Elysia quickly pushed the box under the bed after Elliot jumped in. After straightening the bedspread and steadying her nerves, she went to open the door. Tarquin saw her sweating and looking guilty as if she had just done something wrong, and frowned, "What''s going on?" "What?" "Up to no good again?" Elysia, taken aback, retorted, "You''re the one who''s up to no good!" Tarquin ignored her and stepped into the room. He saw Elijah with his eyes closed, looking like he''d been asleep for ages, and asked Elysia, "What''s with Elijah?" Elysia stuttered, "What do you mean, ''what''s with him''? Are you blind? Can''t you see he''s sleeping?" Tarquin frowned and nced at her, "Why did he suddenly fall asleep?" "Been out too long and got tired." Tarquin touched his son''s cheek, found his breathing even, and didn''t think much of it. He then said to Elysia, "Come out here, I need to ask you something." After Tarquin left, Elysia watched his departing figure, gasping for air, and thumped her chest in relief. Elliot was still under the bed. If Tarquin found out, it would be game over! As if sensing something, Tarquin suddenly stopped, turned around, saw Elysia thumping her chest, and got puzzled. "What are you panicking for?!" Elysia shivered, her eyes widening, "Huh?" Tarquin turned back, "Are you hiding something from me?!" "I''m not!" "Not?" "Not!" Elysia nodded vehemently, but her expression clearly gave her away. Tarquin had reached the door but suddenly turned back. Elysia, poor at lying, was terrified at his return and instinctively blocked the bed. Tarquin, frowning, nced under the bed, "Is there something under there?" Chapter 275 Elysia''s heart leapt to her throat, but she denied vigorously, "Nothing! Absolutely nothing!" But it was obvious there was! Tarquin, with a look of disdain, pursed his lips, "Move aside." He wasn''t usually nosy about her business, but today, he was determined to see what she was up to. Elysia was petrified, her chest heaving with heavy breaths. She pushed him away with all her might, "You...move!" Tarquin staggered slightly, annoyed, "What the hell?!" "Get out!" "Hiding someone?!" It slipped out of Tarquin''s mouth instinctively. Given Elysia''s current state, she resembled a wife sneaking someone into the house behind her husband''s back. It was a casual question, but for Elysia, it hit too close to home and nearly made her faint! Indeed, she had hidden Elliot under the bed! The more nervous she got, the more curious Tarquin became. Ignoring her protests, he tried to move her aside to see what was really under the bed! But the moment his hand touched Elysia, she snapped like a cornered little puppy, tilting her head and biting down on his arm. And she bit hard! "Ouch! Elysia!" Elysia gritted her teeth, "Don''t touch me!" "I don''t mean to touch you! You¡ª" "What''s going on here?" Elijah suddenly woke up, his brows furrowed as he looked at them. Their attention shifted instantly. Elysia turned around, "Oh, Elijah, you''re awake. How are you feeling?" But Elijah, still with a furrowed brow, asked her, "I just took a nap; why are you freaking out?" Elysia was taken aback, "I...I''m not freaking out." Elijah gave her a skeptical look, "I''m fine." Then he turned his questioning gaze to Tarquin, as if to say: What did you do to her to scare her like this? With a hint of sarcasm, Tarquin said, "You should ask her what she''s been up to in your room, sneaking around for no good reason." Hearing this, Elysia red at Tarquin, stumbling over her words in an attempt to exin, "I...I was just dealing with some personal stuff in the room, stuff I didn''t want him to know about, stuff I didn''t want to talk about, but he kept asking." Both Tarquin and Elijah went speechless. The room went silent for a moment before Elijah coldly said, "If she doesn''t want to talk about it, she doesn''t have to. Everyone''s entitled to their secrets." Chapter 276 Elysia was absolutely touched. That little guy really had his head on straight! Watching the little one throw off the quilts and climb down from bed, she quickly asked, "Elijah, where are you off to?" "Going to the bathroom." "Oh, alright then, you go ahead. I''ll head to the kitchen and whip something up for you." As she finished speaking, she remembered Elliot and turned to Tarquin, "You should head out too! Don''t be nosy; it''s really rude!" Tarquin rolled his eyes at her, convinced she wasn''t capable of anything significant, so he didn''t give it much thought and left. His arrogance and underestimation cost him a golden opportunity to discover his own son! Once everyone had left, Elysia took several deep breaths to calm down. That was a close call. She didn''t dare let Elliote out just yet, especially since Elijah had woken up and could return at any moment. She could only gently tap on the bed frame, signaling Elliot to hold on and stay hidden a little longer. Elysia then left the room too, making sure to close the door behind her, fearing Tarquin might sneak back in. She put him to work, "Please help me to peel these garlics; we need a lot. I''m making garlic shrimp for Elijah." Tarquin was lounging on the couch, barely lifting an eyelid before ring at her, "Me? Peel?" "What''s wrong with you peeling? Don''t tell me you don''t know how! And after that, please clean these green onions too." Tarquin just stared. Elysia, with a stern tone, said, "Do it yourself if you want to eat. If you don''t want to work, you can skip lunch. And remember, you''re not doing it for me; you''re doing it for your son." Tarquin frowned deeply but tossed his phone on the coffee table and started peeling the garlic. Elysia, satisfied, tied on her apron to start preparing lunch. After a while, Tarquin approached her with his phone, "Do you recognize this person?" Elysia, busy washing vegetables, nced over, "Nope." "Look closely." "How can I see clearly if he''s wearing a mask? Is he cosying or something?" "You''ve never seen him?" "Never!" "He was the one who attacked Allegra that day, and he was lurking around our buildingst night. I think he was looking for you." Elysia paused, set the vegetables on the counter, wiped her hands on her apron, and took his phone to look closely at the photo. After a moment, she shook her head, "I''m certain. I don''t know him." Tarquin observed her for a few seconds, seeming to believe she wasn''t lying, and put away his phone, casually stating, "Bring your eldest son over this afternoon." Elysia was startled, "Who?" "Your eldest son." "Why... why do you need my son?!" "Just to ask him a few questions." "About what?" Tarquin continued peeling garlic, not looking up, "It was your eldest who found her and called the police that day. I want to know if he saw this man." Elysia''s heart raced, "My son said he found Allegra by ident that day! He definitely has nothing to do with this man!" "I didn''t say they were connected. I just want to gather some information." "There''s nothing to gather! I''m warning you, stay away from my son!" Tarquin looked up at her, "I''m just asking, why are you so defensive?" "I''m not being defensive. I just don''t want you messing with my son!" "I''m not going to hurt him or something." Elysia''s lips quivered, "My son is timid. I don''t want him to get scared by you!" Tarquin countered, "Timid? Going to the park at night alone?" "He wasn''t alone; he was with his brother!" "So they''re both brave. You didn''t mention it, but now you remind me, please bring your younger son too. I''d like to meet them both." Elysia was taken aback. Chapter 277 When she didn''t turn him down, he wanted to see Elliot. But after she did, he even wanted to meet Evan! Elysia red at him for a good while and ground her teeth, "There''s no way I''m letting you meet my kids!" Tarquin couldn''t fathom why, "Why not? Is there something wrong with your kids, or is it me?" "It''s you! There''s something wrong with your whole family... Well, no, Elijah''s fine. It''s just you!" Tarquin''s face darkened, "Fine, if you won''t bring them to me, I''ll find them myself." "You dare! I''ll fight you tooth and nail!" Tarquin just stared at her. After a few seconds of locking eyes, Elysia softened, "You... give me the photo, and I''ll take it back for them to see. I''ll ask if they''ve seen this person for you!" Although puzzled, Tarquin didn''t insist further. After all, his goal wasn''t really to meet her sons but to investigate this masked man. "I''ll send it to youter." Elysia took a deep breath in relief. Just as she calmed down, Elijah emerged from the bathroom. Instead of heading straight to his room, he wandered into the kitchen. He was hungry. Elysia knew it, so she quickly wiped her hands and brought out the oatmeal she had prepared in advance, "Elijah, have some oatmeal to tide you over. You shouldn''t eat too much right after waking up. After the oatmeal, we''ll have lunch." Elijah responded with a cool ''hmm'' and sat down to eat. Tarquin nced at his son and, grabbing a clove of garlic, sat opposite him, "Scared?" Elijah looked up, puzzled. "Those wolves today were unexpected. I''ve had Lowell look into it. Don''t worry." He didn''t want his son to know the truth and get upset. After hearing this, Elijah was even more confused, "What wolves?" ''ng!'' In the kitchen, the knife Elysia was holding dropped to the floor. Both Tarquin and Elijah turned to look. Tarquin stood up, "Did you hurt yourself?" "No, I''m fine." Elysia quickly picked up the knife and turned on the tap to wash it, visibly flustered. Tarquin couldn''t understand, "What''s got you so jumpy?" "I''m not jumpy! When have I ever been jumpy?!" Elysia was irritable. Her mood had been like a roller coaster all day, all because of him! She and Elliot were in the room when he suddenly barged in; after that, he asked if she was hiding someone under the bed, which startled her. Then he suddenly mentioned wanting to see Elliot and Evan, which startled her again. Just when she thought she could rx, he started talking to Elijah about today''s family ceremony! Although Elijah had his issues, they didn''t affect normalmunication when he was well. But Elijah hadn''t gone to the ceremony. Wouldn''t Tarquin realize the truth if he mentioned it?! If he found out, wouldn''t that lead him straight to Elliot?! Elysia was both panicked and headachy. Indeed, lying only leads to more lies. She hadn''t thought through what would happen after the ceremony! How could she avoid being found out? How could she ensure Elijah didn''t give anything away, making Tarquin believe Elijah was the one at the reunion? "Elysia, you''ve been acting strange today! ''Where there''s smoke, there''s fire''." Tarquin bluntly shared his thoughts. Elysia snapped back to reality, realizing she might have overreacted, and muttered, "He''s eating. Don''t bring up those unhappy things; it''ll ruin his appetite. And the smell of raw garlic is strong; keep that away from him. Also, don''t mention today''s reunion in front of Elijah." "Why not?" "It''s not a happy topic. Constantly bringing it up will only affect his mood negatively. You''d better talk about something cheerful to lift his spirits." Chapter 278 "Is there anything that could make him happy?" Elysia choked on her words, recognizing the challenge in the question. Lately, there hadn''t been much to boost Elijah''s spirits. Despite her long tenure as his caretaker, she hadn''t once seen him crack a smile. In an effort to divert Tarquin''s attention, Elysia racked her brain and then said, "You could talk to him about White; he''s quite taken with our Evan''s White." Tarquin didn''t object, instead asking, "Where did Whitee from?" "What?" "I''d like to get one for Elijah." "White wasn''t bought!" "Then where did ite from?" Elysia, with eyes wide, bluffed, "...Found it by chance in the vige." Tarquin didn''t suspect a thing, "Convince your son to sell White to Elijah. Name your price." Elysia shot him a cold look, "Do you think everything has a price tag?! Money isn''t everything, you..." "Five hundred thousand." Elysia blinked, "How much?" "Five hundred thousand. Plus, I''ll forgive the debt of the 5 million that you owe me, as long as your son gives White to Elijah." A son''s happiness is priceless, and he could see that Elijah genuinely liked White. It was rare for Elijah to take a liking to anything, and he was keen on making the purchase happen. Elysia''s eyes widened - that was 5 million plus five hundred thousand! With such an offer, she found it hard to refuse! But White was Evan''s beloved. She couldn''t possibly trade his happiness for money, could she? That would make her the worst kind of mother! If only there was a way to find another snake just like White. Elysia thought for a moment, "White is not for sale! However, I''ll try my best to see if I can find a simr one." "Fine, if you manage that, you''ll get the deal." After all, he had people search all major pet stores without any luck. If Elysia could find one to make Elijah happy, he was willing to agree to her terms. Elysia had always been a bit of a money-grubber, especially after life''s setbacks. For her, financial security was the most important thing in the world. People needed money for everything: food, shelter, kids. Life could go on without love, but not without money! While cooking dinner, Elysia mulled over asking Evan tomunicate with White, to see if White could somehow lead them to another of its kind. Meanwhile, White had already returned. Following Elliot''s scent, it squeezed through a window crack and scurried under the bed. Elliot wasn''t surprised to see it; he knew White''s capabilities. Initially, when Mommy had tried to put White back into the wild several times, it always found its way back to Evan. White was intelligent and highly perceptive. Elliot gently patted its head, praising it for a job well done today. White, ever the aloof one, didn''t change its demeanor at Elliot''s touch, showing affection only for Evan. With a flick of its red tongue, White coolly slid into Elliot''s sleeve. Elliot smiled softly, texting Evan to ensure he had made it home safely. Suddenly, amotion burst outside, "Tarquin, he''s shown up again!" It was followed by Tarquin''s voice, who was instructing Elysia and Elijah to stay at home, and then the sound of doors shutting. "Ring" Elliot''s smartwatch beeped with a new message: [Head home, I''ve led them away. Ha ha.] Elliot frowned, puzzled, "The masked man?" Chapter 279 Elliot was on high alert. He traced the location of the masked man and found out the distance between them was minimal, just a few dozen meters. This realization hit him like a cold shower. He was in this building! With a furrowed brow, Elliot paused for a moment to think, then quickly texted Elysia: [Mom, take Elijah to another room. I''m going to make a run for it now.] Elysia''s reply came instantaneously: [Are you sure? Isn''t it too risky?] [It''s fine.] Elliot reassured her. [Elijah''s dad''s out; this is the perfect chance for me to slip away.] Truth be told, Elliot could have left without the masked man''s assistance. His urgency was driven by a desire to confront this enigmatic stranger. "Okay." Elysia agreed. Soon, Elysia had coaxed Elijah into the study, allowing Elliot to stealthily emerge from under the bed, mask in ce, and quietly leave the house. Clutching his sleeve where his trustypanion, White, was hidden, he whispered, "White, I''m off to meet someone shrouded in mystery. You''re my guardian today. I''ll treat you to something delicious when we get back." White, a true foodie at heart, adored seafood like crab legs, shrimp, and salmon, and Elliot''s promise seemed to excite it. With a slight wriggle, White seemed to acknowledge Elliot''s n, which earned a gentle stroke from him. Though not particrly skilled inbat, Elliot felt emboldened by White''s presence. With itspanion by his side, he dared to seek out the masked man. Following the directions on his tracker, Elliot stopped in front of Room 201 on the second floor. The red dot on his screen ovepped with his location, indicating the masked man was right inside! As Elliot was about to knock, the door creaked open, and arge hand pulled him inside before he could react! White, sensing danger, sprang from Elliot''s sleeve in an instant. The masked man was quick, too. He stepped back instantly to avoid White''s attack, stood there, and tilted his head with curiosity to observe the little defender. The room, thick with dust and long abandoned, now housed the three of them. The masked man, draped in a clean, wrinkle-free ck robe and wearing a sinister mask, looked at White for a few moments before breaking into a creepy, chillingugh. White bared its teeth in defiance, ready to protect Elliot at all costs. Despite the masked man''s eerie appearance, the quality of his robe and the meticulous care of his hands suggested he was someone who valued his image, far removed from the unkempt figure Elliot had imagined. That night in the park, Elliot didn''t see him clearly because the surrounding was too dark. With his weird voice from the voice-changing device, Elliot actually thought he must be a kind of tternly man. Gathering his courage, Elliot demanded, "Who are you? What do you want with us?" "Friends, maybe?" the masked man replied with a sinister giggle. "Friends should meet face to face. If you want to be friends, take off the mask. Show us your real face." Elliot countered, eager to see the true identity of the mysterious figure. The masked man proposed a chilling bargain, "Kill Tarquin, and I''ll reveal my face. How about that?" Elliot, trying to gauge the masked man''s motives, asked, "Do you have a grudge against Tarquin?" He wanted to pry into the man''s real target. Was it them, or Tarquin? Instead of answering, the masked man made a bizarre offer, "Or, how about you help me to be with your mom? I could be a new dad for you. Call me ''dad,'' and I''ll take care of Tarquin for you. How''s that sound? Ha ha!" Elliot was speechless. Was this person insane? Talking about murder as casually as one might discuss the weather! Chapter 280 The moment Elysia was mentioned, Elliot''s face turned icy cold. "I never nned on killing Tarquin, nor did I ever want you to y daddy. Of course, if there''s something between you and Tarquin, that''s none of my business. But, if you dare target my mom, I won''t let you off the hook!" "Little devil, huh? Little devil," he chuckled, a hint of irony in his voice. Right after his words hung in the air, he seemed to sense something and suddenly leaped out of the window. Elliot rushed to the window only to find no trace of the masked man. The man vanished without a trace, like a ghost. The next moment, Lowell''s voice came from out of the door, "This ce looks deserted. Should we check it out? He might be hiding inside." "Break in!" Elliot''s brow furrowed tighter as he quickly climbed out the window, too. He slid down the drainpipe to the ground floor and swiftly left Sunshine Community. Leaving the ce, Elliot was deeply troubled. He was wary of this masked man. Today''s encounter had been fruitless, gleaning no information. It wasn''t even clear if the man was targeting Tarquin or them. If it was Tarquin he was after, it wasn''t their problem to solve. But if they were the target, then they needed to figure out who he was and what he wanted! And that man had mentioned his mom, too! ncing back in the direction of Sunshine Community, Elliot''s expression was thoughtful. His hand reached into his pocket and found a crumpled piece of tissue. He unfolded it and saw a strand of hair he had sneakily plucked from Tarquin''s head earlier that day at the cemetery as they were making a quick escape. Rumor had it that the Bradford family had a long lineage of direct descendants, which made Elliot question his and Tarquin''s rtionship. nning to shed some light on this, he decided to get a paternity test. Elliot plucked one of his own hairs, ced it alongside Tarquin''s, and made a call to arrange for the test. That evening, when Elysia returned, she held out a photo to Elliot and Evan, asking if they recognized the person in it. It was the masked man! Both lied, iming ignorance. Elysia immediately called Tarquin, "I''ve asked, and my sons haven''t seen this man! Don''t think about bothering my boys anymore, or you''ll have me to deal with!" With that, she hung up. Tarquin was displeased. Like Elliot, he was deeply concerned about this masked man, a potential threat they both aimed to uncover. But the man had slipped away again, and themunity''s recently repaired security cameras had been destroyed, leaving them with nothing after a whole afternoon of effort. He was about to light a cigarette when Elijah suddenly approached him, "Did you touch myputer?" "No, what''s up?" Elijah, puzzled, said nothing. "It might have been Elysia, ask her." Elijah didn''t respond but turned back to his room, locking the door behind him. Elysia, with her simple tech skills, couldn''t possibly have cracked his password. It was clear someone tech-savvy had been at it, even if they didn''t seed. And knowing Elysia, if she needed hisputer, she would have asked; she wouldn''t just tamper with his things. So, if it wasn''t Elysia, and not their dad... A third person had been in his room! Who?! Elijah''s expression darkened as he scanned his room, noticing nothing out of ce until his eyesnded on the calendar. On the fifth day of the month, a day traditionally reserved for honoring ancestors, his dad didn''t call him to join. Why? He missed the ancestral honor day, and an unknown visitor had been in his room... Something was off! With a furrowed brow, Elijah returned to the study and asked Tarquin coldly, "Why didn''t we honor our ancestors today?" Chapter 281 Tarquin was frozen, "Yes, we did." "We did?" "Yeah, you went too. You were with me, don''t you remember?" Elijah frowned, "...I only remember being asleep the whole time." Tarquin''s brow furrowed in surprise, looking at Elijah incredulously. Elijah pressed on, "Besides you and Ms. Thorne, who else has been to my room?" "No one else, what''s up?" Elijah eyed him suspiciously, then turned and left without another word. Tarquin was visibly anxious. He watched the direction of the door for a moment, then grabbed his phone to call Elysia. At that moment, Elysia was chatting with Evan about White, "Evan, can you tell if White is a boy or a girl?" "Of course, it''s just like me, a bright and handsome boy." "Is it time to find a girlfriend then?" Evan''s cheeks flushed with shyness, "Mommy, I''m still a little kid. Didn''t you say kids have to grow up before they can have girlfriends?" Elysiaughed helplessly, "I was talking about White, not you." "Oh, White can''t have a girlfriend yet. It''s still too little. Besides, its kind are deep in the forests, if we were to find it a girlfriend, we''d need to go back to the forest. Didn''t you say we''re not going back anytime soon?" "That''s true, we''re not going back..." Elysia sounded a bit dejected. White was too young for a girlfriend. To find its kind, they''d need to venture into the deep forests. Well, she couldn''t make that money after all! Just as she was feeling regretful, her phone suddenly rang. She nced at the caller ID with a puzzled frown. What''s he calling for sote? Elysia moved aside to answer. Before she could speak, Tarquin''s anxious voice burst through, "Something''s happened to Elijah;e over quick!" Elysia was stunned, "What happened to Elijah?" "Come over and I''ll tell you!" Tarquin hung up abruptly, leaving Elysia panicking. She didn''t dare to waste any time, quickly changing her clothes, and instructing Blossom to keep an eye on the kids while she rushed out the door. "What''s happened? Mommy looked really worried." Evan was curious. Elliot pondered for a few seconds, "It''s about Elijah, probably something to do with today''s family gathering. Evan,e with me to check it out. Emmett, you cover for us at home. If Blossomes in, just say we''re in the bathroom." "Got it." The kids had their roles clearly defined. One stayed behind to decoy Blossom, and two sneaked out following Elysia to Sunshine Community. ... Half an hourter. As soon as Elysia saw Tarquin, she urgently asked, "What exactly happened to Elijah?" "Let''s talk in the study." Tarquin closed the door and led her into the study. Benjamin Lawson was there too. They greeted each other with grave expressions. Tarquin''s brow was furrowed, "Elijah has no recollection of today''s family gathering. He says all he remembers is being asleep." Elysia caught her breath, "You, you brought up the family gathering again?" "He came to me about it." Elysia was terrified, her heart racing. Was this going to blow their cover? As she was at a loss for words, Tarquin suddenly said, "I suspect he has dissociative identity disorder." Elysia''s eyelids twitched and blinked rapidly in confusion. Benjamin frowned, "That''s a possibility! Dissociative identity disorder is a psychological condition. When a person''s inner turmoil reaches a certain threshold, another personality may emerge, with the primary personality stepping back. This alternate persona can take over, altering preferences and behaviors so much that to outsiders, it seems like they''ve be apletely different person." Tarquin''s expression was solemn, "I noticed it today during the gathering. One moment he was poised and articte, the next he was exuberant and impulsive, and then he became aloof upon returning. He might have three distinct personalities!" Chapter 282 "Three kinds?" "Yeah." Benjamin''s expression grew serious, "The more personalities someone has, the bigger the impact is on their core self. And usually, these shifts between personalities happen under intense stress. Elijah shifting through three personalities in one day suggests he''s in a really bad spot right now." Tarquin lit a cigarette, taking a harsh drag, his face etched with frustration. As they went back and forth, Elysia stood by, too scared to utter a word. She didn''t know that Evan had also visited the cemetery yesterday, but she was sure of one thing - Elijah wasn''t suffering from dissociative identity disorder. The reason Tarquin felt that way was simply because Elliot had been masquerading as Elijah! She knew it, but she was too afraid to speak up. How could she exin Elijah''s abrupt change in behavior without revealing the truth? Tarquin would relentlessly dig for answers! But staying silent and letting Benjamin and Tarquin worry felt wrong too. Torn and anxious, Elysia couldn''t bear it anymore. "I''ll, uh, I need to use the bathroom." she said, quickly leaving the study to find some sce. Benjamin and Tarquin didn''t notice her distress. Benjamin continued, "Don''t panic. Just tell me everything that happened today. Once I have a better understanding of his personalities, I''ll go check on him." Meanwhile, Elliot and Evan had just climbed up the drainpipe. Thinking Elijah was asleep due to the darkness and silence in his room, they gently pushed open the window and crawled inside. But- No sooner had they steadied themselves than Elijah abruptly sat up! Bathed in moonlight, the three stared at each other, shocked. Especially Elijah, who was seeing his identical-looking brothers, Elliot and Evan, for the first time, unaware of their existence until now. The shock was indescribable. It was as if he had seen ghosts, or nearly so. Elliot and Evan, already aware of Elijah, were shocked because they thought he was asleep, whereas he was actually not. They hadn''te to reveal themselves to Elijah; they were there out of concern for their mom. Never had they ever want Elijah to know about their existence. So the three were equally bewildered at this moment. The room fell silent. The kids were locked in a standoff, none daring to make a move. ''Click-'' The light flicked on as Elijah reached for his bedsidemp. Now, with a clearer view, Elijah''s breathing grew more rapid, his small eyebrows furrowed in shock and fear. Just as he seemed about to scream, Elliot quickly ced a finger to his lips, signaling for silence, and whispered, "Don''t be scared, Elijah. We''re not ghosts. We''re Elysia''s sons. I''m Elliot, and this is my brother Evan." Evan chimed in eagerly, "Yeah, yeah, and look, it''s White. It''s been ying with you these past few days." Evan showed his wrist where White, now a white snake, was sleeping. Evan tapped its head lightly, "White, wake up. Say hi to Elijah." White opened its eyes reluctantly, as if to say, "Really? Waking me up? Have you no shame?" But Evan, shamelessly, urged it on, "Come on, hurry up." Feeling hard done by, White lifted its head, flicked its tongue at Elijah in greeting, then promptly curled back up on Evan''s wrist to continue its slumber. Elijah couldn''t have known Elliot and Evan, but he recognized White. Even with its changed color, he could tell it was the same creature. Realizing they weren''t ghosts or threats, Elijah''s tense nerves slightly rxed. While still shocked at White''s ability to change color, he grew curious about why Elliot and Evan looked exactly like him. Elliot, seeing Elijah calm down, gently asked, "Are you wondering why we look so much like you?" Chapter 283 Elijah frowned, his eyes darting around with a mix of suspicion and caution. "What?!" Elliot said, "If everything goes as expected, we should be brothers." Evan chimed in, "Same dad and different moms, to be precise." Elijah''s eyes widened in shock. "No way!" Elliot''s voice was soothing. "I heard about you from Mom. She''s always been there for you. It looks like we''re all Tarquin''s kids, hence the resemnce." Elijah gasped, "My dad always said he has only been with my mom!" Elliot''s lips twitched. His mom and Tarquin were the official couple; so, no matter how much Elijah''s mom and Tarquin loved each other, she was still the other woman. That meant Elijah was, in fact, born out of wedlock. Elliot felt that their rtionship was a bit delicate, but since his mom always wanted the best for Elijah, he hoped for the same. So, he tried not to upset Elijah, "Let''s not get into what the adults did. We came here because Mom rushed over after getting a frantic call from your dadte at night. We were worried about her. Since you''ve found us, I might as welly it all out. I was the one who stood in for you at the family ceremony today..." Elliotid out the whole story, then added, "My mom is a good person, and she cares about you a lot. She was worried about bacsh, so we came up with this n. It was actually my idea. Don''t worry, me standing in for you at the family ceremony was purely for you and my mom''s sake. We''re not going back to the Bradford family to fight over anything." After a long silence, Elijah asked, "So, you were the one who messed with myputer?" When it came to this, Elliot had his own questions. He nodded, "Yes, I was trying to look something up and didn''t realize yourputer had a password lock. Do you... y a lot on yourputer?" Elijah didn''t respond, implicitly agreeing. Their eyes met with an unspoken understanding between them-they both were savvy with the inte. Curiosity satisfied, Elijah steered the conversation back to Tarquin and Elysia, "What''s the real deal with my dad and your mom? My dad clearly told me he had nothing to do with your mom! If you won''t tell me, I''ll find out myself." Elliot hesitated before choosing his words carefully, "They were married before, but it was loveless. They even hadn''t met each other. Then, your dad came back from abroad and had a one-night stand with my mom, resulting in us. Ironically, they didn''t recognize each other during their encounter, so your dad thought my mom cheated on him in their marriage, leading to a divorce and leaving my mom with nothing. When he said he had nothing to do with my mom, he wasn''t lying; he genuinely didn''t know her." Elijah was stunned. Evan quickly asked Elijah, "What''s the story between your mom and that jerk Tarquin?" Elijah frowned, "I don''t know. Dad never mentioned it, only that my mom was the love of his life and the only woman he ever touched." Evan snorted, "Liar. If he never touched my mom, how would my brother and I exist? Plus, if he truly loved your mom, why didn''t he marry her?" Elijah''s face darkened. He went silent, unable to respond. Evan continued, "Liking your mom but not giving her a home shows ack of capability. Not liking my mom but still getting involved with her is just scummy. So, in summary, Tarquin is no good." "Ah-choo!" Tarquin, in the study, sneezed loudly. Benjamin asked with concern, "Caught a cold?" Chapter 284 "No worries." Benjamin said, "I''m pretty sure Elijah''s got a serious case of dissociative identity disorder. But don''t freak out just yet. I''ll go have a chat with him and see what''s up." Benjamin left the study to look for Elijah. But just as he reached the door, he heard Elijah saying, "He''s not a jerk; he''s a good guy!" "How is he not a jerk? Everything he does screams ''jerk''! You say he''s a good dad and treats you well; sure, I''ll buy that. But saying he''s not a jerk? No way, I don''t buy it." "He... he didn''t hurt your mom, he just didn''t like her." "Didn''t hurt her? He fathered us! My brother found out everything. He thought my mom cheated during their marriage, kicked her out with nothing, and trashed her reputation! That''s like the pot calling the kettle ck. He does the dirty and mes someone else! And I should thank him for not liking my mom? As if! He doesn''t deserve her. My mom''s the best there is!" "My... my mom''s the best!" "I''m not saying your mom isn''t great, just that my mom''s the top." Outside the room, Benjamin was about to lose his mind. What on earth was he hearing? He didn''t dare barge in, but rushed back to the study and reported, "Tarquin, it''s worse with Elijah than we thought! He''s talking to himself, like multiple personalities having a conversation!" Tarquin was taken aback, "What do you mean?!" Benjamin anxiously exined, "It means his other personalities have taken over. They''re popping out and speaking through Elijah''s body as if he''s chatting with someone else. But in reality, he''s talking to himself, and the personalities even disagree with each other. One personality thinks you''re a jerk, another disagrees. They''re arguing over the past, about you using your wife of being unfaithful and kicking her out! And these personalities, they don''t even think they have the same mom. Each one believes their mom is the best in the world! It''s like Elijah''s fighting with himself, a clear sign he''s in a bad way, maybe even heading for a breakdown!" Tarquin, scared out of his wits, jumped up and paced towards the door. Elysia just came out of the bathroom. She saw Tarquin''s panicked face and asked, "What''s wrong?" Without answering her, Tarquin pushed open Elijah''s door. Elijah was standing by the bed, looking wary and slightly tense at Tarquin. Elliot had just hidden under the bed, almost seen... Tarquin breathed heavily and called out, "...Elijah." Elijah swallowed hard, trying to appear calm, "What''s up?" Tarquin tried to steady his own emotions, "What are you doing by the bed?" "Got thirsty, came down for some water." "Were you talking to someone just now?" "No!" "But your Uncle Benjamin said he heard you chatting, even arguing with someone." Elijah nced at Benjamin, "Uncle Benjamin must''ve heard wrong." Benjamin said, "Elijah, your dad mentioned you forgot about today''s family remembrance." "I didn''t forget." Benjamin was more than puzzled. Tarquin was also taken aback, "But you said you forgot, that you''ve been sleeping all day." "Forgot earlier, remembering now." Tarquin clearly didn''t quite believe him. His expression wasplex. To convince Tarquin, Elijah ryed some of the key points Elliot had shared with him earlier. Now it was Elysia''s turn to be shocked! Elliot was the one who had gone, how did Elijah know the details?! Chapter 285 "I''m going to bed, everyone out!" Before they could utter another word, Elijah shooed them all out of the room. He shut the door firmly behind them and turned the lock. After a moment of silence, ensuring the trio outside had departed, Elijah whispered, "Come out now." Elliot and Evan crawled out from under the bed. Evan immediately burst out, "Well, in my heart, my mom''s the best mom in the whole wide world! Unmatched!" Elijah scowled, "My mom is the best!" Elliot, trying to keep the peace, quickly interjected, "Guys, cut it out. Everyone loves their own mom the most, and that''s fine. No need to get all worked up over this." Elijah and Evan frowned but fell silent. In their hearts, their own moms were the best. Elliot turned to Elijah, his voice soft, "Elijah, you know my mom really loves you, right?" "Yeah." "As long as you know. So, for my mom''s sake, please keep our meeting a secret. Don''t let her know you''re aware of us, and definitely don''t bring up the stuff about her and your dad." Elijah looked puzzled, his brow furrowed, "Why?" Elliot exined gently, "My mom doesn''t want us to worry about her past with your dad. Let''s just pretend we don''t know, to keep her from stressing." "Okay." Seeing Elijah agree, Elliot''s lips curled into a smile, "Let''s exchange numbers then. We might not be brothers by blood, but looking this alike must mean something. If you ever need anything, give me or Evan a call. We can be friends." Friends? Elijah had never really had friends before. The word was something of a rarity to him. Evan chimed in, "Even though we had a little spat earlier, you recognizing my mom''s a good person shows you''re not bad yourself. If you ever feel down, just hit me up, Elliot and I can cheer you up!" Kids are simple like that, quick to argue and quick to make up. Elijah felt a swell of excitement, but not being one for words, he just nodded earnestly and took out his phone to exchange contacts with Elliot and Evan. Elliot then said, "Just to be safe, we should head out now. Mom would worry if she came home and didn''t find us." "Okay." Elliot and Evan slipped away through the pipeline. Elijah stood by the window, watching until they were out of sight, then hurried back to hisputer. He booted it up to search for the past of Tarquin and Elysia. Meanwhile, in the study, Elysia was grilling Tarquin, "How did Elijah find out about the ceremony today?" Tarquin retorted, "He was there today, shouldn''t he know?" Elysia was taken aback, "...But you said earlier he didn''t know." "Didn''t you hear Elijah''s exnation? He said he''d forgotten, and now he remembered." Elysia, frustrated, "But did you discuss what happened with him?" "No." "Then how could he possibly..." Elysia was on the brink of madness. If Tarquin hadn''t discussed it with Elijah, how on earth did Elijah find out?! Could it be... Elliot told him? Had Elliot gone behind her back to contact Elijah? Just before, Benjamin mentioned hearing voices from Elijah''s room. Could it have been Elliot? Panic seized Elysia''s heart! She left the study, not daring to knock on Elijah''s door to ask. Instead, she hid in the bathroom to call Elliot. Here, she couldn''t risk a video call, so she dialed his number. Chapter 286 Just as Elliot and Evan had made it out of the neighborhood, Elliot said, "Mom called again, must be Elijah spilling the beans about the ceremony," Elliot whispered, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "What now? If she finds out we met Elijah, she''ll freak out even more!" came the worried reply. "Just keep it under wraps. Mom''s easy to fool." Elliot found a quiet corner to take the call, his voice calm and collected, "I''m just hanging out at home." Elysia''s voice trembled with anxiety, "You''re home, huh? But Elijah, he..." "What about Elijah?" Elysia lowered her voice, "His dad didn''t talk to him about the details, but somehow Elijah knows everything that happened. Did you tell him?" Elliot remained cool as a cucumber, "Not me. But you know, with all the people involved, someone else might have. Like Mr. Lowell, he was always around me and Elijah''s dad, knew all the details, and he''s on good terms with Elijah. Maybe he mentioned something." Elysia paused, considering, "Right, I forgot about Lowell. He was there today, knew all about it." Feeling somewhat reassured, she added, "Alright, you and your brother head to bed, sweetie. Mom will be home soon." "Sure thing." After hanging up, Evan asked, "What if Mom checks with Mr. Lowell?" Elliot, ever the confident one, smirked, "She won''t. Lowell''s out of town. And even if he wasn''t, Mom wouldn''t make it so obvious. She''s not going to risk looking suspicious." "And what if Mom calls Blossom to check if we''re really at home?" Elliot''s smile didn''t waver, "Doesn''t matter. Blossom''s as gullible as Mom. Easy to fool." ... After Elijah had ''gone to bed,'' Elysia and Benjamin left the Sunshine Community. Tarquin was alone in his study, smoking furiously! Elijah''s sudden worsening condition, even showing signs of dissociative identity disorder, had him both worried and heartbroken. And Benjamin''s words earlier only added to his agitation. How did Elijah find out about the usations he had made against his wife years ago, driving her out? Could Elijah believe that the wife Tarquin never met was actually his mom? With a grim expression, Tarquin crushed his cigarette in the ashtray and stood up to find Elijah. He needed answers. Meanwhile, Elijah was glued to hisputer screen, uncovering the past. Everything was exactly as Elliot described. He now understood the depth of Evan''s resentment towards Tarquin. Reading the online vitriol directed at Elysia, he was furious too! All this chaos was Tarquin''s doing. Whatever the circumstances, it was his words that had dragged Elysia through the mud and into a pit of despair. Suddenly, there was a knock on Elijah''s door. Tarquin''s voice came from outside, "Elijah, are you asleep? If not, I need to talk. There''s something important I have to say." Elijah frowned, hesitated, then shut down hisputer and opened the door. Tarquin entered, aplex mix of emotions on his face, "May Ie in?" Elijah moved back to his room, sitting by the window, clearly allowing the conversation. As Tarquin took a seat opposite him, the air was charged with tension. After a moment, Tarquin broke the silence, "Elijah, have you heard about my divorce, about what happened back then?" Chapter 287 Elijah furrowed his brows, staring at Tarquin as if he''d just dered the sky was falling. Tarquin''s face was etched with concern, "Who told you this?" "That''s not the point." But for Tarquin, it was the crux of the matter! Only a handful knew about the past events, and they certainly wouldn''t have shared them with Elijah. He was dying to know who had spilled the beans to Elijah. And what was their angle in telling Elijah? But Elijah wasn''t spilling. Tarquin knew he couldn''t force it out of him. After a moment of silence, Tarquin prodded again, "What exactly do you know?" "I want to hear it from you," Elijah said. They locked eyes. After a long pause, Tarquin began, "Considering you''re still young, I wasn''t nning on dragging the Bradford family saga into this. But since you asked, I''lly it out for you. Back in the day, your grandma and grandpa got together against your great-grandpa''s wishes. He did a number on your grandma because of it. Eventually, they left for abroad, and that''s where I was born. I was essentially the Bradford family''s secret child. But as fate would have it, I turned out to be the only heir of my generation in the Bradford family. Your great-grandpa had no choice but to acknowledge me. But nobody in the Bradford family took a liking to me, including your great-grandpa. He treated me just like he treats you, seeing us as mere pawns in his grand scheme. Later on, to curb my influence, the Bradford family arranged a marriage for me. It was all smiles and well-wishes on the surface, but my bride and I were like oil and water, not to mention she was said to bring bad luck to her husband. I wasn''t thrilled about the marriage, nor was I interested in the woman. But I didn''t make her life difficult. I never showed my face, but I made sure she was well taken care of during our marriage. Once I gained significant control, I sought a divorce upon returning. I nned to offer her a generous settlement, but then I discovered she was nothing short of scandalous, so I left her with nothing." Elijah listened quietly. Despite his psychological struggles, he wasn''t naive. His episodes didn''t cloud his intellect; he simply preferred silence. So, he was somewhat familiar with the Bradford family affairs. It was just that he hadn''t delved deep into his father''s marriage history before. Elijah was uninterested in the Bradford family drama. He asked, pinching his brow, "So, you were married for two years and never once met your wife?" "Yep, never! Wasn''t interested, didn''t bother to check on her." "And how did you conclude she was scandalous?" "Lowell mentioned it." "How did Mr. Lowelle to know about it?" "He caught wind of some things." "Just hearsay? Did he even verify these ims?" "Not sure." Elijah was getting heated, "So, based on rumors, without any solid investigation, youbeled her unfaithful, a disgrace. Did it ever cross your mind that you might be wronging her?" Tarquin was taken aback, noting Elijah''s intense reaction, he asked, "Are you imagining her as your mother?" Elijah didn''t answer his question but countered, "Is she my mother?" "Of course not. I''ve never even met her, let alone touched her." Elijah''s brows knitted tighter, each word deliberate, "Are you sure, you never touched her?" "Positive!" Tarquin affirmed with certainty. Elijah''s lips pressed into a thin line. Untouched, then how did Elliot and Evane into the picture? It seemed Elliot was right; Tarquin truly had no clue that Elysia was his wife! He was also oblivious that the woman he encountered at the airport was none other than Elysia! Elijah didn''t bring Elysia into the conversation directly but shifted the focus to his mom, "What about my mom? How did you meet her? And how did Ie into the picture? I want the truth, no more fictional stories you''ve concocted to deceive me!" Chapter 288 Seeing his son''s serious face, Tarquin pressed his lips together in silence for a moment before deciding toe clean. "I did lie to you before, and I don''t actually know your mom. I have no idea who she is. She and I... we had a one-night stand, and that''s how you came into existence." Elijah''s breath hitched, and his eyes widened in disbelief! He looked incredulously at Tarquin, "What?" Tarquin continued, "When I returned to the country to take over the Bradford Group, I upset some powerful interests. They sent someone after me, and I was drugged. In the urgency of the moment, going to the hospital wasn''t an option, so that''s how I ended up with your mom. It was dark, and I couldn''t make out her face. By the time the danger was over and I went to look for her, she had vanished. So for the past six years, I''ve been searching for her, but to no avail. I don''t even know what she looks like." Elijah paused, stunned. This sounded just like Elliot and Evan''s mother''s story. "You, you were at the airport when it happened?" "Yeah." Elijah shot up from his chair, holding his breath before asking, "On the day you returned?" "That''s right." Elijah was dumbfounded. Elliot had said Tarquin met their mommy on the day he returned to the country, at the airport! Now, Tarquin was saying he met Elijah''s own mommy under the same circumstances! What did this mean? Elijah''s breathing became rapid, "How many women did you... encounter that day?" Seeing his son so worked up, Tarquin grew anxious, fearing for his well-being, he stood up as well, "Elijah, you need to calm down. Getting upset could make you sick, you..." "Just answer me!" Elijah nearly roared, his face turning beet red. Tarquin, looking earnest, said, "That day, it was only your mom... She''s the only one I''ve ever been with!" Elijah held his breath, staring straight at Tarquin! He had only been with her... So, Elysia was his mom! Elijah trembled all over, even his lips quivered. "Hah!" Suddenly, Elijahughed, and the next second, he burst into tears. Tarquin was taken aback and quickly pulled his son into his arms, "Elijah..." He was both shocked and confused. He had just said he had only been with Elijah''s mom, why was he crying? Elijah had never cried like this before! In the past, Elijah''s tears were during his episodes, amid extreme agitation and difort. Today, he seemed not to be having an episode but crying like any other child would when their emotions peak. His cries were filled with grievance, joy, and something indescribable. Tarquin, unable to understand, tried to soothe his son, "Elijah, you can talk to Daddy about anything on your mind. Whatever you say, I will listen carefully, and I''ll answer any question you have. I won''t lie to you anymore. Can you try to calm down?" "Elysia! Elysia..." Elijah sobbed uncontrobly. Tarquin hurriedly asked, "Do you miss Elysia?" Elijah nodded frantically, "Yes! I miss her so much." "Then I''ll call her over to be with you right now!" Elijah shook his head just as frantically, "It''s dark, the roads are slippery!" "You''re worried about her safetying over now? How about I take you to her, would that be alright?" "Yes! Find her!" Elijah buried himself in Tarquin''s embrace, crying fiercely. In his heart, he called out, Mom, Mom... Chapter 289 Tarquin was a bundle of nerves as he held Elijah tight. He was at a total loss, clueless about what got into his little boy to make him this upset. Without wasting a moment, he quickly slipped a down jacket on Elijah, hugged him close, grabbed the car keys, and dashed out of the house. His only thought was to get to Elysia as quickly as possible, hoping she could calm their son down. In his frantic state, Tarquin forgot to put on his own coat. There he was, out in the biting cold of December, dressed in nothing but a thin shirt, and yet, he broke out in a sweat! Elijah was his heart, his everything. This was Tarquin''s first rodeo as a dad, and although unsure about many things, he was determined to do his absolute best. The chilly wind prompted him to pull the hood of Elijah''s jacket over his head, protecting him from the cold. He strode quickly to the car, opened the back door, and gently ced his little guy inside, making sure the seat belt was securely fastened. Tears and snot marred Elijah''s usually spotless face, a testament to his distress. Knowing his son''s penchant for cleanliness, Tarquin realized just how upset Elijah must be to disregard his messy face. It broke Tarquin''s heart. He tenderly wiped away his son''s tears and runny nose with a tissue. "Don''t cry, buddy. Daddy''s going to take you to her right now," he soothed. With a nod, Elijah tried to stifle his sobs. Tarquin, moved by his son''s plight, caressed his cheek before closing the car door and starting the vehicle to leave the neighborhood. "Achoo!" Back at home, Elysia sneezed loudly the moment she walked through the door. "Are you okay? Did you catch a cold?" Blossom asked with concern. Elysia rubbed her nose, "I''m fine. Where are the boys?" "They''re asleep in their room." "I''ll go check on them." Elysia tiptoed into the kids'' room, trying not to wake them. Elliot and Evan had only been home for a short while and were pretending to be asleep. Elliot, in particr, was torn. He wanted to reassure his mom after the evening''s events but didn''t want to disturb her rest either. After a moment''s hesitation, he sat up. "Mom?" Elysia, who had just reached his bed, paused, "Did I wake you?" "No, I wasn''t asleep yet. I heard you sneeze. Are you feeling okay?" "I''m fine, honey. Just a tickle in my nose. Why are you still up?" "I was worried after talking to you on the phone. How''s Elijah?" Mentioning Elijah made Elysia sigh softly and sit on the bed, "You and Elijah are so different. Today, you took Elijah''s ce at the family gathering, and his dad thought Elijah had a split personality, so he rushed to get me." "Don''t worry, Mom. In a few days, when Elijah''s dad sees everything is normal with Elijah, he''ll stop worrying. At least he only thinks it''s a split personality and not that someone reced Elijah." Elysia was relieved, "Right, your analysis makes sense!" If he had suspected an impersonation, she would have been terrified. Elliot continued, "Anyway, after today, those who wanted to harm Elijah will think he''spletely fine. No one will bother you anymore, so our n worked, right?" Elysia finally felt her worry ease. The n was risky but ultimately sessful. She affectionately ruffled Elliot''s hair, "You''re my little hero, Elliot. Always looking out for me like a cozy sweater on a cold day." Chapter 290 Eavesdropping from their cozy nest of nkets, Evan and Emmett couldn''t help but pop their heads out, their eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What about me? Aren''t I Mommy''s little hero?" they chimed in unison, gazing up at Elysia with big, doe eyes. Elysia paused, surprised, "You''re both awake too?" She gently pinched Evan''s cheek, then did the same to Emmett''s, "Of course, you both are indeed my little heroes! My warm cuddles! It''s because of you two that my heart feels warm and toasty every single day." Evan, ever the easy one to please, beamed at her words. "They say emotions are contagious. If Mommy''s happy, then we can be happy too. You''ve got to be cheerful every day, okay?" He proudly added, "Elliot knows how to cheer you up, so do we, right?" Elysia smiled tenderly, nodding in agreement, "Yes, yes, indeed." Not to be outdone, Emmett, though not as eloquent or as clever as his brothers, was all about action. Slipping out of his pajamas, he bent down, cupped Elysia''s face in his small hands, and nted a loud, smacking kiss on her cheek. "I can make Mommy happy too." Elysia''s face radiated happiness, which she could barely contain. She pulled Emmett into a hug, tickling his belly gently as he giggled uncontrobly, drawing Blossom into the fold. "Leaving me out of the fun, how unfair! I''m so upset now. Looks like I''ll have to eat all thete-night snacks I ordered by myself. Oh, look, I even got fried chicken bites," Blossom teased. The mention of fried chicken bites lit up the kids'' eyes - a rare treat Elysia seldom allowed. "Blossom is the best; I love Blossom." "Me too, I love Blossom. I''ll find a hundred boyfriends for Blossom!" "I''ll find a thousand!" The small room buzzed withughter and cheerful banter. However, amid the joy, Elysia suddenly felt a pang of sadness. She couldn''t help but muse inwardly, the inexplicable wave of sorrow had crept up on her again. During these moments of utmost happiness with her children, a shadow of sadness always seemed to loom, as if reminding her of something... The lone figure of Elijah, his brows furrowed in solitude, shed through her mind, causing Elysia to frown. How wonderful it would be to have Elijah join their little family. Evan was right; emotions are contagious. Elijah, surrounded by their love and warmth, would surely find happiness too. Yet, the resemnce between Elijah, Evan, and Elliot was uncanny. If they were to meet... Elysia was at a loss for words. Sighing inwardly, she pondered on Elijah''s mother''s whereabouts. Did she ever n to return? Did Elijah still have a chance to reunite with his mother? Suddenly, a rumble of thunder rolled outside, and rain began to pour down without warning. Blossom, munching on chicken bites, turned towards the window, surprised, "Wow, it''s raining out of nowhere. Looks like the heavens are crying for someone again." Elysia walked over to the window, her heart aching even more at the sight. Her phone rang. It was Elijah''s dad calling! Elysia answered, puzzled, "Hello?" "Come downstairs. Elijah''s looking for you." Elysia paused, "You''re downstairs?" "Yeah." Surprised, Elysia replied, "I''ll be right there!" Chapter 291 Blossom and the boys were still in the living room, munching on snacks, when Elysia dashed to the foyer, hurriedly slipping into her shoes while exining, ¡°Elijah''s downstairs. I''m gonna check it out. You guys eat. Elliot, Evan, Emmett, hurry up and get ready for bed once you''re done." Before she left, she threw Blossom a look, silently asking her to keep an eye on the trio and make sure they didn''t wander downstairs. Blossom responded with a reassuring nce. When Elysia reached the bottom of the stairs, the sight of Elijah and Tarquin standing in the rain caught her off guard! She''d rushed out so quickly she''d forgotten to grab an umbre. Darting into the rain, she quickly ushered Elijah into the entryway. Without a towel handy, she used her own shirt to wipe his face and hair dry. Once his face was clean, she noticed Elijah was crying. Elysia was taken aback. "Elijah, what''s wrong?" Tears blurred Elijah''s vision as he looked at her, his lips trembling violently. He wanted to call out ''Mommy'' but was too nervous to utter a word. Though his lips moved, no sound came out! He stomped his feet in frustration, repeatedly calling out for his mommy in his heart. This was his mommy! The one he missed every single moment of every day! His beautiful, silly, gentle, adorable, soft mommy! He had searched for her so long, thought of her so much, hoped for so long, yearned so deeply! And now he had finally found her! Words couldn''t express the depth of his emotions, all bottled up inside. Elijah could only let his tears flow. He cried so hard that he became a little rainstorm himself. Both shocked and heartbroken, Elysia wrapped Elijah tightly in her arms, her brow furrowed as she looked towards Tarquin. Tarquin, with a furrowed brow himself, had no answers to give. He was just as clueless! He had no idea what had gotten into Elijah! All Elysia could do was patiently lift Elijah into her arms, soothing him as any mother would soothe her child, walking back and forth, murmuring, "Let it all out, sweetheart. Crying is okay. I''m here..." Elijah clung to her neck, crying so pitifully. He had missed her so much, for so many years, through so many days and nights! He had finally found his mommy! He finally had a mommy! Elysia''s heart ached. As Elijah cried, she felt tears stinging her own eyes. In that moment, she felt an overwhelming desire to take Elijah away from Tarquin. She wanted to be his mommy! She wanted to care for him just as she did for Elliot, Evan, and Emmett! She couldn''t exin where this surge of emotion came from, but she simply adored Elijah, felt for him deeply, and couldn''t bear to let him go! Unable to hold back, Elysia hugged Elijah tightly and began to cry as well. Seeing the two of them crying together, Tarquin stood aside with a deeplyplex expression, his eyebrows knitted tightly. He desperately wanted to know what was going on with his son! Though Elijah liked Elysia, this was beyond normal! What was his son feeling so wronged about? What was he sad about? And... what was he so thrilled about? After what seemed like an eternity, when he saw his son finally close his eyes and quiet down, he hurriedly asked, "What''s wrong with Elijah?" "Shh, don''t worry, he must have cried himself to sleep." "Cried himself to sleep?" "Yeah, probably overwhelmed with emotions." Tarquin was speechless. Elysia, still holding Elijah, quietly asked him, "What exactly happened to Elijah?" ¡°I don''t know. He suddenly said he missed you and wanted to find you." "But there has to be some reason, right?" "I''m not sure." Elysia gave him a meaningful nce. Not daring to take Elijah back with her, Elysia suggested, "Let''s get him home first. His clothes are soaking wet; he needs to change." "Yeah." Tarquin hesitated for a moment before adding, "Come with us, please. I''m worried he might wake up again and fuss about wanting to see you." ¡°Alright!" Elysia, holding Elijah, walked towards the car, while Tarquin held the umbre over them. Chapter 292 Tarquin huddled Elysia and Elijah under the umbre, soaking himself in the rain. Reaching the car, he ushered Elysia and Elijah inside, shut the door for them, then folded the umbre and climbed into the driver''s seat. The car soon left the neighborhood. In a gloomy corner, beneath the shelter of a ck umbre, a shadowy figure emerged, watching the direction Tarquin and Elysia had gone, his gaze dark and brooding... In the car, Elysia texted Blossom, [Elijah''s acting off tonight, I''m taking him home. Can you please look after the boys for me?] Blossom quickly replied. [Got it, take care of Elijah. Don''t worry about the boys, I''ve got them.] Feeling reassured, Elysia sent Blossom a grateful emoji and put away her phone. Elijahy in her arms with his eyes closed, sobbing all the way home, crying even harder whenever he was awake. Once home, Tarquin tried to take Elijah from Elysia''s arms. The building had no elevator, and they needed to climb to the sixth floor. He worried Elysia couldn''t manage the climb. Elijah was barely out of Elysia''s embrace when he suddenly opened his eyes. Panicked, he clung tightly to Elysia''s neck and burst into tears, "Mommy hug! Don''t go, Mommy!" Elysia and Tarquin were stunned. He called her Mommy? Elijah clutched Elysia''s clothes tightly, as if fearing she''d throw him away, his eyes filled with vulnerability and desperation, "I will be good. Don''t go, Mommy!" Elysia''s heart broke for him, thinking Elijah was just missing his mom and mistook her for his own. Not wanting to contradict him, she went along with it, "Mommy''s here! I won''t leave. You''re the best, Elijah. Go to sleep, Mommy''s holding you." Only then did Elijah stop crying, curling up in her arms, quietly sobbing. As Elysiaforted Elijah, walking towards their apartment, she soothed him, ¡°It''s okay, Elijah, sleep now. Mommy''s here, I won''t leave..." Tarquin watched her back, his expression a mix of emotions. Back home, Elysiaid Elijah on the bed, intending to fetch some warm water to clean him up and change him into fresh clothes. But as soon as she moved, Elijah cried, pleading, "Don''t go, Mommy!" Helpless, Elysia had no choice but toy beside Elijah on the bed, directing Tarquin to fetch the water. After finally getting Elijah to sleep, Elysia huffed and confronted Tarquin. "Did you upset him?" Tarquin sat on the living room couch, "No." "Then why is he so distressed?" "I don''t know." "You''re his father, how can you not know what''s wrong?" Elysia was angry. She knew he was a good father, but she couldn''t help but use him. Elijah''s mood was so out of the ordinary tonight; something must have happened. How could he, as a father, be clueless? Tarquin, faced with the usation, looked visibly upset but didn''tsh out at Elysia. He, too, was deeply self-reproaching. Yes, how could he be so unaware as a father? His son was this troubled, and he had no clue! Elysia pressed on, "Elijah doesn''t hate me, but tonight, he''s been too dependent on me, even more so than on you, his own father! You ran through the rain to my ce; there has to be a reason. You can''t say you know nothing; I won''t believe it!" Tarquin furrowed his brows, staring at her. Elysia clenched her fists, furrowing her brows, "If you want my help with Elijah, you can''t keep me in the dark! I can only help him if I know what happened!" Tarquin stared at her for a few more seconds, then lowered his head to light a cigarette. After a few puffs, he seemed to make a significant decision and finally opened up, ¡°After you left, I went to talk to him, discussed some... past issues.¡± Elysia immediately asked, "What issues?" Chapter 293 Tarquin furrowed his brows, a tension in his voice. "It''s about Elijah''s mom." "Elijah''s mom?" "Yeah." "What about her?" "Well, we talked about... how he came into the world." "And then?" "I think he''s pretty mad at me now." Elysia was growing impatient, watching Tarquin struggle to articte his thoughts. Finally, she burst out, "Can you just spit it out already? What did you talk to him about? Why is he mad at you?" Tarquin''s expression darkened, and after a few moments of silence, he began, "I didn''t know Elijah''s mom before the incident. Back then, something happened, and that''s how Elijah came to be." Elysia blinked in confusion. "Didn''t know her? Something happened?" "I, uh, was drugged at a party. Couldn''t control myself." Elysia''s face went through a whirlwind of emotions. "You mean, you forced yourself on Elijah''s mom...?" "Yeah." Elysia held her breath, stunned! He forced himself on her, resulting in Elliot, Evan and Emmett. And he did the same to Elijah''s mom, leading to Elijah? Was this his habit with women, using force? No matter the circumstances, forcing oneself on a woman was utterly despicable. He was the epitome of a jerk! Elysia clenched her fists, her voiceced with anger, "You did that to his mom, no wonder he''s furious. Elijah loves his mom, but you hurt her! Even if he cares about you, he''s bound to be angry. I can''t help you with this. You need to sort this out yourself!" With that, Elysia stormed back to Elijah''s room, not sparing Tarquin another nce. She had hoped to understand more about Elijah''s unusual behavior but was shocked by what she learned. She had unconsciously grouped herself with Elijah''s mom, seeing both as victims. This realization only fueled her anger towards that man. One incident might be a mistake, but twice? And who knows how many more times? His actions towards her, Elijah''s mom, and potentially others painted him as a true scoundrel! "Mummy..." Elijah suddenly murmured in his sleep, pulling Elysia''s thoughts back. Elysia''s heart ached for him. She gently stroked his cheek, whispering, "Mummy''s here, Elijah. Sleep well, I''m right here." Feeling her touch, Elijah shifted closer, wrapping her arm in a tight embrace. Looking at his face, so simr to Elliot and Evan''s, Elysia felt a surge of protectiveness. She had thought Elijah''s mom left due to a typical lovers'' quarrel, like many couples who part ways. But to learn that Tarquin had forced himself on her, resulting in Elijah, was horrifying. How could anyone be happy or willing under those circumstances? Clearly not! No wonder Elijah''s mom had left. Just like Elysia wouldn''t stay with someone who had vited her, married or not. Elijah''s mom''s departure was his father''s doing. And now, the longing and sadness Elijah felt were also his doing. He had wronged Elijah''s mom and Elijah himself. Elysia''s disdain for Tarquin deepened. He hadn''t just ruined her; he had ruined Elijah''s mom''s life too. He was aplete and utter jerk! Muttering curses under her breath, Elysia tried to gently withdraw her arm, but the moment she moved, Elijah clung tighter, enveloping her in a sleepy embrace. Chapter 294 "Mommy, don''t go." Elysia was taken aback by the sudden plea. Not wanting to disturb his sleep, she whispered a few soothing words and then curled up beside Elijah''s bed for the night. The next morning. When she awoke, Elijah was staring at her with his big, bright eyes, a mix of surprise and joy lighting up his face, tinged with a shy blush. "What''s up?" Elysia was intrigued. Elijah was usually more reserved, and she had never seen this kind of childlike shyness on his face before. Elysia sat up, "Elijah?" He sat up too, his voice soft and childlike, "Yeah." They looked at each other for a few seconds, and just as Elysia was about to speak, Elijah suddenly threw off the covers and got out of bed. He rummaged around the room, gathering a pile of items for her. There were collectible toy models, little trinkets from his desk, his favorite vintage wind chime, and various rare gadgets Tarquin had given him. "For me?" Elysia was curious. Elijah nodded eagerly. Elysia was surprised, "Wow!" It was a gesture of trying to please her, and Elijah was clearly making an effort. But why? They had known each other for more than just a few days, and although Elijah didn''t hate her, he had never gone out of his way to please her before. Seeing Elysia''s surprised face and getting no immediate response, Elijah became visibly nervous, cautiously saying, "These are all I have now. If you don''t like them, I can get you something else. Just tell me what you like, okay?" Blinking in astonishment, Elysia reassured him, "I love whatever you give me, Elijah. Thank you. I''ll dly ept them." A sh of joy crossed Elijah''s face as he nodded vigorously. Recalling the previous night, Elysia ventured, "Were you missing Mommy against night?" Elijah''s brows furrowed slightly as he looked at her, "I''ve always missed Mommy." His pitiful look made Elysia''s heart ache. She set aside the gifts he had given her and hugged him close, "They say there''s a special bond between mother and child. If you''re missing your mommy, she''s probably missing you too. If there''s a chance, she''d surelye back to see you." Elijah''s heart raced. He wanted to hug Elysia back but was too shy. He thought, Mommy is already here. You are my mommy! But he dared not say it outright, fearing it might scare her away. He wasn''t the healthiest child, and his past behavior hadn''t been the best. He feared that if he acknowledged their rtionship directly, she might disappear again because she didn''t like him. Elysia, oblivious to his inner turmoil, was just d to see Elijah''s mood stabilized, not as agitated as the night before. Today, he seemed less distant and more cautious and anxious. Without dwelling on it, Elysia asked, "Feeling better today?" "Yeah!" "That''s great. Children should always be happy. Since you''re up, go freshen up, and I''ll make breakfast. We can leave these gifts here, and I''ll take them when I leave." "Okay!" Elysia smiled and headed out, with Elijah immediately on her heels. She went to the bathroom to freshen up, and Elijah followed to brush his teeth and wash his face. When Elysia moved to the kitchen to start breakfast, Elijah was right there with her, sticking to her like glue. Chapter 295 Elysia noticed Elijah''s eagerness and asked with a smile, "Hey Elijah, want to help me make breakfast?" Elijah nodded eagerly. Truth be told, he just wanted to be with her. As long as they were together, anything they did was fine by him. Elysia thought for a moment, "How about you help me crack some eggs? We can make scrambled eggs." "Okay!" Elysia rolled up the little guy''s sleeves, helped him wash his hands, and then moved a step stool over for him to stand on. She fetched some eggs from the fridge, cracked them into a bowl, and showed Elijah how to mix the eggs. Elijah followed intently, earning him praise from Elysia, "Well done!" The little guy''s cheeks flushed with pride, making him even more eager. Meanwhile, Elysia cleaned some chives and carrots. Tarquin, hearing themotion, came out to see the duo busy in the kitchen, each doing their part. Elysia kept smiling gently, talking softly to Elijah. Every now and then, Elijah would nce at her, his eyes sparkling. The scene was so harmonious that Tarquin''s first thought was how perfect it would be if Elysia were Elijah''s biological mother! But as soon as the thought crossed his mind, he was startled by it and turned away, heading to the bathroom. Staring at his reflection, Tarquin wondered if he would let Elysia be Elijah''s mother if the boy was okay with it. Could he really let go of Elijah''s birth mother to be with Elysia? His reflection darkened; the answer was clear. No matter what, he couldn''t let go of Elijah''s birth mother. He had promised to make her the happiest and most honored woman in the world! He had chosen her, and only she would do! With a steadied resolve, Tarquin returned to the kitchen. Elysia gave him a cold look, which he met with a frown, choosing not to talk to her. Instead, he stood by Elijah, asking softly, "Need daddy''s help?" Elijah shrugged nomittally. But when Elijah showed the mixed eggs to Elysia, his demeanor softened, "Did I do it right?" "Yes, you did great, Elijah! Now let''s mix in the veggies." Elysia added the chopped chives and carrots, while Elijah took care of the mixing, their teamwork seamless. Tarquin felt like an outsider, unnoticed and unappreciated. Suddenly, he felt like Elysia was Elijah''s real mom, and he was just some stepdad! Once everything was ready for the pan, Elysia told Elijah, "I''ll handle this part; you go wait outside." Worried about the hot pan and oil, she wanted to keep Elijah safe. Elijah didn''t want to leave, but he knew to listen to his mommy, so he nodded obediently and left. Tarquin quickly followed, "Elijah, can we talk?" Elijah didn''t object, and the father and son headed to the study. Tarquin apologized sincerely, "About your mommy, I''m sorry. Even though it was a desperate situation, and I only approached her to survive, I ended up wronging her." Tarquin thought Elijah''s recent behavior was because of his mother, hence the apology. Elijah frowned slightly. Although it was the discovery of his mom that had him emotional, he was indeed upset about the situation, just like his siblings, Elliot and Evan. He didn''t have the same level of animosity as Elliot and Evan, but he was definitely upset with Tarquin. No matter the reasons, Tarquin had wronged his mom, turning her life upside down. His mom had to leave everything behind because of him, facing ridicule and even working hard during her pregnancy. Thinking of the hardships and injustices his mom endured made his heart ache unbearably! Chapter 296 Elijah was fuming on behalf of Elysia, and it only made him angrier at Tarquin! "Trust me, if I could get another chance to see her, I''d make it up to her in every way I can. I''d devote myself to making her the happiest woman in the world!" Tarquin promised his son earnestly, with all sincerity. Elijah furrowed his brows, wanting to say that Elysia was indeed his mom but worried she might not be ready to ept him yet. After much thought, Elijah said, "Just be nicer to Elysia, okay?" Tarquin paused, baffled. They were talking about his mom, and suddenly it shifted to Elysia? "You really like Elysia, huh?" "Yeah." "How much?" "I really, really like her. I want to be with her forever, never apart." Tarquin was shocked, "...And you''re not worried about your mom anymore? Weren''t you concerned about what would happen to Elysia once your mom came back?" "She is my mom!" Tarquin was stunned. Realizing he had let the cat out of the bag, Elijah quickly corrected himself, "I want her to be my mom! If you truly care about me, you''d treat her better!" After saying his piece, Elijah left, leaving Tarquin in a daze. Exiting the study, Elijah watched Elysia retreating back with joy before finally heading to his room. He texted Elliot. [Let''s meet today, I''ve got something important to say.] Elliot replied after a while. [We are going to preschool today, might be hard to get away. What''s up? Does it have to be in person?] Hesitating for a moment, Elijah texted back. [Your mom is my mom.] Elliot called the next second. Elijah checked to make sure Tarquin and Elysia weren''t around before answering. "What did you mean by what you said?" Elliot asked urgently. "I''m certain now, your mom is my mom. We''re not half-brothers; we''re full brothers!" Elijah whispered. Elliot was speechless from shock. Elijah exined, "My dad confessed everythingst night. He said it was a one-night stand with my mom that led to me, and it happened the day he returned to the country, at the airport! Just like what happened between him and your mom, same time, same ce! And my dad also said she''s the only woman he''s ever been with. He was very sure, not lying. So, your mom is my mom!" Elliot calmed down before asking, "Have you done a DNA test?" "Not yet." "I''ll send someone to collect samples from you and Mom under the guise of delivering a package. Make sure you get the samples ready in advance." "Alright!" Elliot added, "I''ve done a DNA test with your dad, and the results are in. Your dad is indeed my dad! If my mom is also your mom, then we''re really full brothers!" Elijah was thrilled at the thought of finally having a brother, no longer alone. "Have you told your dad or my mom about this?" Elliot asked. "Not yet. I was afraid to spill the secret." "You did right. Let''s not say anything until the DNA results are in." If they truly were full brothers, it would raise many questions. Firstly, if their mom knew about Elijah, she wouldn''t have abandoned him. It meant someone took Elijah without her knowing. Who was it? What was their motive? And why did they take Elijah but leave Elliot, Evan, and Emmett behind? Chapter 297 Why did they take Elijah only to secretly hand him over to Tarquin instead of raising him themselves? There definitely was a scheme in y, perhaps even a conspiracy! Whoever was stirring the pot, whatever their nefarious ns, they better not mess with his mom. Otherwise... A fierce glint shed in Elliot''s eyes! Turning back to Elijah, he said, "Once we get the sample, I''ll have it fast-tracked for analysis. We should have the results by this afternoon. If everything goes as expected, we''ll find a way to meet upter today." "Alright, I''ll be waiting!" After hanging up, Elijah hurried to gather the samples. Elysia had stayed at their ce before, so finding samples was easy. To be extra careful, he didn''t just collect some of Elysia''s hair but also her toothbrush. Not long after, the doorbell rang. Elijah, having received a heads-up from Elliot, rushed to the door first. Seizing the opportunity while picking up a delivery, he handed over the prepared samples to the delivery person. No sooner had the delivery person left, Elysia received a call from Elliot. He mentioned he was worried she wouldn''t have time to cook that day and had ordered breakfast for her and Elijah. After hanging up, Elysia walked towards the door. Elijah handed her the delivery. "The delivery person just dropped this off; it''s for you." Elysia was puzzled. "Elliot just called me about this. He knows I get up to make breakfast, yet he went ahead and ordered food. What was he thinking?" Covering up deeper motives, Elijah replied, "He probably just wanted to spare you the effort, worried you might skip breakfast." Elysia chuckled. "That Elliot, always so thoughtful." Watching Elysia''s eyes light up with pride at the mention of Elliot, Elijah silently vowed to make her proud, just like Elliot did! Elysia, blessedly naive, took her sons'' words at face value, unaware of the underlying subterfuge. "Breakfast is ready; I''ll go serve up the oatmeal. Could you call your dad to the table?" "Sure." Elijah nodded obediently and then headed to the study. Tarquin was still reeling from Elijah''s earlier words, thoroughly shell-shocked. "Dad, breakfast is ready." Tarquin snapped back to reality. Closing the study door, he asked Elijah with a serious expression, "Do you understand what you just said?" "What do you mean?" "You said you want Elysia to be your mom." "Yes, that''s what I said. No need to doubt your ears; you heard right." Tarquin was stunned again. "Can you exin what you''re thinking?" Elijah, with a serious little face, stated, "I just like her. I want to be her son. If you have any objections, keep them to yourself!" Tarquin''s expression turnedplex. "If you be her son, what does that make me?" Elijah mumbled, "Maybe you could try to woo her, see if you can be her husband." Tarquin''s eyes widened, staring nkly at his son, more shocked than ever! Overwhelmed by surprise, his attempt at maintaining aposed expression failed miserably. "Elijah, are you joking with me?" "No, I''m serious." Elijah looked earnestly at him, his tone serious, his expression sincere. Despite his challenges, Elijah had a moment of rity. Now that he''d found his mom, he was overjoyed. But to maximize happiness, the best strategy was to offer up his dad. Currently, his mom and dad had no romantic connection. Even if she found out he was her son, she''d likely think about taking him away from his dad rather than staying together. Leaving with his mom and leaving his dad behind, or staying with his dad and not acknowledging his mom, neither option was what he wanted. He wasn''t like his brothers, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, who had always been with their mom and only had her in their hearts. He wanted both his mom and his dad. Chapter 298 He wanted a real family! That was the dream! But achieving this dream seemed almost impossible for him alone. If only his dad could step up, make his mom fall for him, then maybe, just maybe, the dream coulde true. Tarquin looked at Elijah, utterly baffled. "Do you not want your mom anymore?" Elijah frowned. It was not the right time to share the truth with his dad. Thus, all he could say was, "From now on, Elysia is going to be my mom! Whether you want to be her husband or not, I''m going to be her son!" "And if she leaves?" Tarquin questioned. Elijah, trying to scare him a bit, dered, "Then I''ll leave with her." Tarquin gasped, his breath hitching, almost choking on the sudden surge of emotion. "What about me then? If you leave with her, what happens to me?" "You eithere with us or get ready to be a lonely old man." Tarquin was speechless, his mind racing. Elijah continued, earnestly, "I''m serious about having her as my mom. Nothing''s going to change my mind about being her son! If you still want a son, you better start making her happy, woo her, try to win a chance to be her husband." Tarquin was at a loss for words. "You''re my father, after all, don''t say I didn''t warn you. If you don''t seize every opportunity to make her fall for you now, you''ll regret itter." Tarquin was bbergasted, unable to grasp the sudden turn of events. Elijah didn''t wait to see his reaction and turned to leave. His dad only ever had eyes for one woman-his mother, meaning Elysia! She was his dad''s first love! If his dad didn''t act now, he''d be in tears when the truth hit him hard. He had said his piece and offered his warning. If his dad chose to remain cold towards his mom... Well, he''d be signing up for a funeral pyre of love, beyond anyone''s help! Outside the study, Elysia was setting the table, noticing only Elijahing out. Curiously, she asked, "Where''s your dad? Isn''t he eating?" "He''ll eatter. He''s lost in thought," Elijah replied. "What''s so important he can''t think after breakfast?" "He''s pondering over the big questions in life!" Just then, Elysia''s phone buzzed. A message from Tarquin: [Come to my study now. Immediately. Right now!] Elysia nced towards the study, puzzled. What was this about? They were just a door apart, why the need for texts? Shrugging, she told Elijah, "Go wash up for breakfast. I''ll check on your dad." As Elysia walked to the study, Elijah watched her go, a small frown creasing his brow. What did his dad want with her now? The moment Elysia stepped into the study, she knew something was off. Tarquin was ring at her, his face a storm cloud. "What are you staring at me for?" Elysia asked, not pleased. "What did you say to Elijah?" Tarquin shot back. "What did I say? I told him to call you for breakfast." Tarquin''s lips were a thin line, his patience fraying. "Did you tell him to be your son, and me, your husband?" Elysia was taken aback. "What are you talking about?" This talk of sons and husbands was confusing to her. Tarquin didn''t believe her. "Don''t lie to me. I''ve got a short fuse, and even I''m scared of it when it blows!" His gaze was intimidating, and for a moment, Elysia felt a flicker of fear. But what had she done to provoke him? Elysia stood her ground. "Exin yourself clearly!" Tarquin red harder, each word heavy. ¡°Elijah said he wants to be your son, wants you to be his mom, and even suggested I be your husband! If you hadn''t put the idea in his head, why would he suddenly say such things? He adores his own mom and rejects other women, so why would he abandon his mom for you?" Elysia was stunned. "Elijah wants me to be his mom?" Chapter 299 Tarquin red at her. "Yes!" Elysia was baffled. "How could that even be? I never discussed anything like this with him." "You expect me to believe that load of crap?" "You... Just think about it: with Elijah''s personality, do you really think I could coach him? Even if I wanted to and told him all those things, would he listen to me? Could I really make it happen?" Tarquin furrowed his brows, sensing some truth in Elysia''s words. "Besides, you know how much Elijah adores his mom. How could he ever abandon her? Maybe you got it wrong; maybe he wants to see me as his godmother?" Tarquin was doubtful. If Elijah just wanted Elysia to be his godmother, he wouldn''t have asked her to marry him. Last night, Elijah was emotionally charged and went to look for Elysia, crying uncontrobly in her arms... He thought they were talking about Elijah''s mother, thinking maybe Elijah felt sorry for his mom, and that was why he sought out Elysia. But now, it didn''t seem like that at all! Perhaps fromst night, Elijah had already seen Elysia as his mom! That was why he was so desperate and emotional when he found Elysia. Elijah choosing Elysia over his mom suggested one thing: Elysia was his mom! But DNA tests proved Elysia and Elijah had no biological rtion! They were not mother and son! Why then would Elijah suddenly say such a thing? There must be a reason! Tarquin couldn''t think of another reason. Although he found some logic in Elysia''s rebuttal, he still suspected her. After all, whether it''s Elijah seeing her as a mother or him marrying her, she stood to gain the most. "I warned you when you started taking care of Elijah, no funny business! And stop eyeing me and Elijah, we both have our loved ones, you..." "Shut up!" Elysia cut him off. "If it really was me who influenced Elijah, say what you want, but I didn''t say or do anything. What gives you the right to use me? You warned me, well, I warned you, too. Don''t think you''re a hotmodity, loved by everyone, blooming wherever you go! You''re nothing to me; I don''t like you one bit! Forget eyeing you; I''d be thankful if you didn''t eye me! And let me make this clear, if Elijah wants me as his mom, I''m all for it. You as my husband? Not happening! Go cool off somewhere else!" With that, Elysia stormed off, leaving Tarquin seething. Elijah had been watching the study''s door intently. Seeing Elysiae out upset, he rushed over to ask, "What happened?" "Nothing." "Did Dad upset you?" Elysia couldn''t help but retort, "He''s nuts!" Elijah clenched his little fists. "I''m going to settle this with him!" Elysia quickly grabbed him. "It''s okay, I didn''t lose out." Thinking back to Tarquin''s words, Elysia sat Elijah down on the living room couch. "Elijah, your dad said you want me to be your mom." The little guy got instantly nervous, carefully looking at Elysia, his lips moving but no sounding out. Elysia smiled warmly. "I''m d you feel that way. You wanting me as your mom shows you like me, and I like you too. Even though we''re not rted by blood, we''re meant to be a family. If you''re okay with it, from now on, we are family." Elijah blinked cautiously a few times. "Can I... can I call you Mommy?" "Of course, you can. If that''s what you want." Elijah''s eyes instantly teared up, and he dove into Elysia''s arms. "Mommy!" Chapter 300 "Mommy''s here," said Elysia. Elijah started to sob softly. Even though his mom wasn''t aware of their biological connection yet, calling her ''mommy'' felt incredibly special! "Since you''ve called me mommy, that means we''re family now. You can always share your thoughts with me; don''t keep everything bottled up inside." Elijah, through his tears, nodded. "Okay!" The little guy cried so hard that Elysia herself almost started crying while trying to soothe him. Emotions are contagious, and so are tears. Elijah wept in her arms, tugging at her heartstrings as if a long-lost son had finally found his way home. Elysia held Elijah tightly, letting him cry out all his emotions. As their breakfast began to cool down, she gently wiped his tears away and looked at him tenderly, saying, "Let''s not cry anymore. Today is a happy day; we should be smiling, right?" Elijah, with red-rimmed eyes, nodded. He wanted to smile for his mom, but somehow, he couldn''t quite manage it. Elysia couldn''t help butugh at his twisted little expression. "Alright, no more crying or forced smiles. But I need to make something clear: feelings can''t be forced. I love you, but I don''t have those feelings for your daddy. And your daddy doesn''t have them for me, either, so I won''t make him be my husband." Elijah, frowning slightly, asked tentatively, "What if my daddy does like you?" "He doesn''t. He only loves your mommy. Just that fact alone shows he''s a loyal man." Elijah quickly asked, "You don''t like loyal men?" Elysia chuckled. "That''s not what I mean. What I''m trying to say is, regardless of your daddy''s nature, the fact that he loves your mommy proves his loyalty, which is a good thing. But there really is no chance for him and me." Elijah looked a bit downhearted, but Elysia noticed andforted him, "Even if I''m not with your daddy, it doesn''t affect our rtionship. I will always love you, very much so." Elijah''s eyes sparkled as he said, "I will always love you too, very much." Blushing after his statement, it felt like his first confession to a girl. Elysia smiled warmly, feeling her spirits lift. "Let''s go have breakfast." "Okay." Elijah nodded eagerly, following Elysia to the dining area. As for his dad... Take it or leave it! He must have upset his mom earlier, which was why she stormed out of the study. After making her upset, how could he have the nerve to eat the breakfast she made? Let him be hungry! The following days saw a household divided. Elysia and Elijah enjoyed their breakfast together, then cheerfully cleaned up the kitchen and tidied the house, theirughter filling the air with a warm and harmonious atmosphere. Meanwhile, in the study, Tarquin was left alone, brooding and smoking in solitude, almost in a state of istion. A few words from his son had cornered him. Now that his son was determined to have Elysia as his mommy, if he didn''t agree, he might lose his son. But if he did agree, what about Elijah''s biological mother? A man''s word is his bond, unrecable and irrevocable! No matter what, he couldn''t give up on finding her, nor could he be with another woman! But how to break this deadlock? Tarquin pondered and realized that the keyy with Elysia! So, taking advantage of Elijah''s nap time, he called Elysia into his study once more. Chapter 301 "Turn down Elijah, don''t agree to be his mom. Name your terms - a house, a car, cash, whatever." Elysia blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?" Tarquin scowled at her. "I don''t like you, you know that, right?" Elysia paused, then retorted, "Funny, I''m not exactly fond of you either!" "Well, in that case, make it clear to Elijah. We''re not happening, so you can''t y mom." Elysia was confused. "What does being Elijah''s mom have to do with us being together?" Of course, it mattered. If they weren''t together, his son would end up leaving him! But that was not something Tarquin would admit. He was wary Elysia would use that against him. "Just do as you''re told, no need to ask why," Tarquin said coldly. Elysia fired back, "And who are you to order me around? What right do you have?" She stood her ground, chin up, defiant like a rebellious teenager. "I hired you to look after Elijah. I pay your wages, so you listen to me!" Tarquin tried to keep his cool. Elysia muttered defiantly, "That may be true, but I have rights too. And given my current rtionship with Elijah, I deserve to know why you''re against me being his mom." Tarquin lost his patience and snapped, "Do you want money or a reason?" Elysia choked. "If you reject Elijah, I''ll write off the money you owe me and throw in another $500,000. Want a house and a car? I''ll add those, too." "You''re bankrupt. Where''s all this moneying from?" "That''s none of your concern!" The mention of money suddenly changed Elysia''s demeanor. She murmured, "Toote, I already promised Elijah. I''m going to be his mommy, and he''ll be my son." Tarquin red, furious. "You decided to be my son''s mother without my consent?" "I''m not stealing your son! Why are you freaking out?" "Elysia! You''re absolutely... I''ve never met a woman as unreasonable as you!" Elysia paused, offended. "And I''ve never met a man as neurotic as you! I promised Elijah to make him happy. Is that so wrong? Why are you making such a big deal out of it?" "Is it really for his sake or for your own desires? If Elijah bes your son, I have to be your husband. You say you don''t like me, yet here you are, ying games behind my back, saying one thing and doing another, constantly lying!" Elysia red, truly angry now. "Are you insane? What kind of twisted logic is that? How does my rtionship with Elijah concern you? And this nonsense about if he''s my son, you have to be my husband! Dream on!" Tarquin was livid. "You''re just...!" "Unreasonable, right? Who''s being unreasonable here? Let''s have the readers decide! I''ve never seen such a dad. Someone''s genuinely trying to do good for your son, and instead of being grateful, you attack them. Worse than a dog!" "Elysia!" "Don''t you dare yell at me!" Tarquin was speechless, furious to the point of disarray, ring at her as if wishing she''d lose her voice. Elysia, too, was fuming, cheeks flushed, teeth clenched, looking like she was ready to throw down, wishing she could smack him right then and there. Chapter 302 Eyes locked, the air crackled as if sworn enemies had met on the battlefield, their mutual disdain palpable. One was thrown into utter disarray by his son''s words. The other, clueless about the specifics, couldn''t fathom the other''s logic, looking at him as if he were a fool. Naturally, a heated argument ensued. But clearly, Mr. Bradford, yet again, found himself outmatched by his formidable wife. The room fell silent for a long while before Tarquin finally spoke up, "I''m Elijah''s dad, his legal guardian. Anything concerning him is my business! If I say he can''t be your son, then he can''t be your son!" Elysia retorted through clenched teeth, "Let me make this clear: my decision to be Elijah''s mother is solely for his benefit, and it has nothing to do with you! Elijah is suffering from psychological issues stemming from his mother. Now that we''ve found a way to divert his attention, you, as his father, should be grateful, supportive! If you want Elijah to recover quickly and are against me being his temporary mom, then I suggest you find a way to bring back Elijah''s biological mother!" Tarquin clenched his jaw, fury written all over his face. Elysia stood her ground. "If you can''t bring her back, then shut it!" With those words, she stormed off. Meanwhile, Elijah had already received a message from Elliot: [The DNA test results are in; you and Mommy are biologically rted!] Elijah bolted upright in bed, his eyes immediately welling up as he stared at the message from Elliot. Though he had been almost certain the night before, now there was no room for doubt. Elysia was indeed the mother he had longed for! He was Elysia''s biological son! Elliot sent another message: [Elijah, can you talk now?] Quickly wiping away his tears, Elijah eagerly called Elliot. "Elijah, I''m so d you''re our real brother! It''s not just the three of us anymore; we''re now a band of four brothers!" Hearing this, Elijah became even more emotional, struggling to speak through the lump in his throat. Elliot continued, "Evan and Emmett already know, and they''re thrilled, too. Let''s meet up this afternoon." "Yeah!" "We''re currently at preschool, but we''re nning to sneak off to the amusement parkter. Find a way to get Mommy to take you, and we''ll meet there." "Yeah!" After hanging up, Elijah took several deep breaths, still unable to calm his racing heart. The joy of having a mother and brothers was overwhelming! He now had four family members who, unlike the Bradfords, didn''t wish ill on him but loved and cherished him! Brimming with excitement, Elijah eventually went to seek out Elysia and Tarquin. Both adults were delighted at the idea of visiting the amusement park. For a child grappling with mental health issues, expressing a desire to go out was a significant step forward! Elysia was still peeved at Tarquin for his earlier remarks and would have preferred not to have him tag along. But after all, Tarquin was Elijah''s biological father and rightful guardian, so she had no grounds to exclude him. Thus, the trio set off in their modest family car, a symbol of their simple yet content life. On the other end, Elliot and Evan had already made their stealthy escape from preschool. Emmett stayed behind for logistics; he needed to cover for Elliot and Evan, ready with the excuse that they were just off to the restroom if any teacher asked. Chapter 303 Half an hourter, Tarquin and Elysia arrived at the amusement park with Elijah in tow. For safety''s sake, Tarquin had rented out the entire park. At that moment, aside from the staff, they were the only visitors in the park. Gazing at the towering cartoon characters and the brightly colored castles, Elysia asked Elijah, "Are you having fun?" Elijah countered, "Are you having fun?" "Yeah, lots of fun!" "Then I''m having fun, too." Tarquin was left wondering. Did that mean if Elysia wasn''t having fun, Elijah wouldn''t be either? And what if his daddy wasn''t having fun? Out of nowhere, Tarquin felt a twinge of jealousy and admitted, "I''m not really having fun." Elysia and Elijah both turned to him. Elysia looked confused and slightly annoyed, but Elijah calmly suggested, "If you''re not happy, you don''t have to stick around with us. Go have some alone time." Tarquin was speechless. Hearing this, Elysia turned to Elijah. "Hey Elijah, how about we go on the roller coaster?" Elijah nodded eagerly. "Yeah, let''s go!" Hand in hand, the mother and son excitedly ran towards the roller coaster, leaving Tarquin feeling disheveled in the breeze. He watched their retreating figures with aplex expression, feeling as if his son had been snatched away. Elijah used to depend on and adore him the most, but now it seemed he adored Elysia more. When he expressed his unhappiness, his son didn''t offer a word of concern; just suggested he go be by himself. Can love really shift its feet and move on? For the first time in his life, Tarquin felt the sting of jealousy, and it was sour! The roller coaster was up ahead, thrilling enough for both adults and children, promising a much wilder ride than the kiddie attractions. Elysia once again asked Elijah, "Elijah, do you dare to take it?" Elijah bounced the question back to her, "Do you dare to?" Elysia hesitated. "I haven''t been on many, but if you want to go, I''ll go with you." "Let''s do it together." Elysia nodded, her enthusiasm undimmed. "Alright, let''s." But her enthusiasm didn''tst long. She was naturally timid, and the roller coaster''s breakneck speed terrified her, making her scream uncontrobly. Tarquin, hearing themotion, looked over with a scowl. As the roller coaster plunged from its peak, Elysia''s hair was a mess from the wind, and she screamed like a banshee. Tarquin pursed his lips tightly, thoroughly exasperated. How could Elijah love such a foolish, clumsy, and frantic woman? Yet Elijah not only loved her, but he was utterly smitten! Sitting beside Elysia, Elijah held her hand tightly,forting her, "Don''t be scared; I''m here!" Next to Elysia, he transformed from a cool young kid to a tender-hearted boy. Soon after, Elliot and Evan also arrived. Both wore masks and walked along the park''s perimeter fence towards the entrance. But before they reached it, they noticed something odd. Evan curiously asked, "Why are there no visitors inside? The weather''s great today, isn''t it? Isn''t anyone out ying?" Elliot guessed urately, "Tarquin must have rented out the ce, worried about Elijah''s safety." "Rented out? How do we get in then?" "Let''s wait and see." Just as Elliot finished speaking, Evan sharply turned his head towards a corner; his brows furrowed, eyes filled with suspicion. Elliot quickly asked, "What''s wrong?" "We''re being followed." Elliot tensed up as well. "Are you sure they''re following us?" "Yeah, sneaking around, definitely up to no good! Bro, you go find Elijah. I''ll catch up with you guyster. Let me deal with this stalker." "Alright, just be careful." "Don''t worry, no one can hurt me." With that, Evan turned and dashed towards the corner. Chapter 304 Elliot was well aware of Evan''s capabilities, so he wasn''t the least bit worried about him getting into trouble. As Evan''s figure disappeared, Elliot continued his walk towards the entrance of the amusement park. Upon reaching the entrance, a security guard informed him that the park was reserved for a private event, and he couldn''t enter. Elliot was just brainstorming a workaround when he spotted Lowell stepping out of a car and making his way towards him. Narrowing his eyes slightly, Elliot pulled down his face mask. Lowell seemed surprised to see him, quickly covering the distance between them. "Elijah, what are you doing outside the park?" Elliot responded, "Got out through a side exit, can''t get back in now." Lowell scooped him up in his arms, exchanged a few words with the security guard, and carried Elliot inside. Using the excuse of needing the bathroom, Elliot managed to slip away from Lowell. He then studied the park''s map for a bit, found a secluded corner, and texted Elijah. Elliot: [Elijah, I''m here. Try to slip away from Daddy and Mommy. Let''s meet at the bathroom in section B, stall number 2. It''s the most hidden one.] Once Elijah got the message, his eyes whirled twice in their sockets before he said to Tarquin, "Daddy, I want to eat." Tarquin paused for a moment, pointing towards a vendor. "That one?" "Yes, get one for my mommy too, something pretty." Tarquin was reluctant but went to make the purchase anyway. After sending Tarquin off, Elijah turned to Elysia. "Mommy, I need to use the bathroom." Elysia softly asked, "Do you want Mommy toe with you?" "No need, I can go by myself. You can just wait here." Given that Tarquin had reserved the park, Elysia felt quite safe letting Elijah go to the bathroom on his own. Elliot was already waiting inside the bathroom. Seeing Elijah, he was thrilled. "Elijah!" Elijah clenched his fists tightly, even more nervous than Elliot, his lips moving without making a sound. Elliot stepped forward and gave him a hug. "Lucky us! To be real brothers!" Elijah, being reserved and not much for words, awkwardly nodded. "Yeah!" Seeing his nervousness, Elliot smiled gently. "Since you''re thetest addition to the family, you''ll be the youngest if that''s okay with you. You can call me Elliot, or like Evan and Emmett, you can also call me ''bro''." Elijah''s lips quivered. "Bro." Elliot hugged him again, thrilled at gaining such a big brother out of the blue. Elijah inquired, "Where are Evan and Emmett?" Elliot replied, "Emmett''s still in preschool. He''s covering for me and Evan. You''ll meet him next time. Evan came with me but got held up with something outside. He''ll reach out once he''s done." Elijah quickly asked, "What happened? Do I need to help?" "No need. Evan''s got it under control. Don''t worry about him. Oh, and they asked me to tell you they''re really d you''re our brother! Wee to the family! We''re truly a family now, bound by love, never to be separated again!" Brothers, a family, bound by love and never to be separated! Elijah felt a surge of emotion, his nostrils tingling, eyes reddening, on the verge of tears. For years, aside from his dad''s love, his rtives had wished ill upon him. The Bradfords, despite their vast estate and numerous family members,cked genuine affection towards him. He often felt lonely, unsure of what true kinship meant. Now, he was no longer alone. He had brothers, a mom, and besides his dad, a family that truly cared for him. Chapter 305 Elijah fought to control himself, struggling not to let tears escape his eyes. He had to stay strong in front of his big brother; he couldn''t let him think he was just a crybaby! "I-I''m also really happy to be your brother, to be part of your big family!" Elijah''s eyes reddened, and Elliot warmly hugged him again,forting, "We''re so sorry for leaving you all alone these years. But you''ve got to believe in Mommy, don''t ever resent her, okay? She truly didn''t know about you, or else she would have done everything to keep you safe. Our silly mommy isn''t the sharpest tool in the shed sometimes, but she''s truly an amazing mommy! She went through so much to bring us into this world. She loves us more than anything; if she had known about you, she would have never let you go." Elijah choked up. "I know. I don''t me Mommy; I like her." "Good, you just wait. I will get to the bottom of this! We''ll find out who took you from Mommy, making you two miss out on so many years together. I''ll make sure they pay!" "Yeah!" Elijah nodded, sniffing, "Daddy said I was found on the doorstep by N ter." "It wasn''t her. I checked today; N wasn''t the one who took you from Mommy. If anything, N stumbling upon you was a stroke of luck." "But if not N, then who? After saving me, the entire ter family''s fortunes soared! From being nobodies, they shot straight to the top, all because N saved me!" Elliot frowned slightly. "We still need to investigate the specifics, but N isn''t our main focus. Even if it hadn''t been N, someone else would have found you and brought you to Tarquin. Someone wanted you to end up with Tarquin; it didn''t matter who found you, so we shouldn''t dwell too much on N." Elijah''s expression turned serious. "You mean, someone''s been pulling the strings behind the scenes?" "Exactly. Mommy was on her way home from work, about to give birth to us when she passed out. She woke up deep in the woods. That means someone found her, helped her through childbirth, and then abandoned her in the wilderness. But when Mommy woke up, it was just us three with her, no sign of you. So, you must have been taken. And they must have known Tarquin was your biological father, which is why they left you at his doorstep." Elijah frowned. "It does sound like someone''s manipting things. But why send you into the woods? It''s hardly a ce to live. Did they want you to fend for yourselves?" Elliot shook his head. "I''ve thought about this too. The wilderness is no ce for a newborn, but if they wanted us dead, they could have just let Mommy die in childbirth. No, sending us to the wilderness gave us a sliver of hope." Elijah asked, "Right after Mommy gave birth, how did you guys survive out there?" Without hesitation, Elliot replied, "We were saved by a kind-hearted hermit living in the mountains." Elijah was taken aback. "A hermit? What are the odds? Could they be the mastermind?" Elliot immediately shook his head. "No way, they were good people, the best you could find. You''ll understand once you meet them. Without their help, we wouldn''t have learned the skills to protect mom." Elliot then cautioned, "By the way, we promised our benefactors we wouldn''t speak of this to outsiders. I''m only telling you because you''re family, so keep it to yourself." Elijah felt a wave of gratitude. "Don''t worry, I''ll keep it a secret!" Thinking of their mountain benefactors, Elliot suddenly wondered, "Elijah, I learned my skills from the hermits. What about you? I know Tarquin is good at making money, but not so much withputers or the inte, so he couldn''t have taught you. And you haven''t had much contact with the outside world, so I''m curious." Chapter 306 Elijah didn''t beat around the bush when he shared his story. "I learned from a guy I met online. I''ve always missed Mommy a lot and kept to myself, not really into talking with others. Daddy was worried I was getting too isted, so he got me aputer, hoping I''d make some friends online. That''s when I met my mentor. He was on a quest, just like me, searching for someone he lost a long time ago. We bonded over our shared struggles and became fast friends in the digital world. He told me I had a knack for it, reminded him of himself when he was younger. He said I needed to hone my skills to achieve my dreams faster. So, to find Mommy sooner, I took his offer to teach me." Elliot was curious. "Who''s this mentor of yours?" Elijah shook his head. "I''m not exactly sure who he is, just that he''s brilliant. And he''s still searching for the person he lost." This made Elijah a bit mncholy. He wished his mentor could find his lost one soon. Otherwise, the search would continue to pain him. "Who''s he looking for?" Elliot asked. "I don''t know, a woman very important to him." Elliot wondered, what kind of woman could be so hard to find, even for someone as capable as his mentor? After a brief silence, Elliot said, "A mentor for a day can be a father for a lifetime. He''s taught you so much and guided you; he''s a benefactor to our family. If we ever get the chance, Mommy and I would definitely need to thank him properly." "Yeah!" Then, Elliot steered the conversation back. "By the way, do you know why Daddy won''t divorce Mommy?" "Huh? Daddy won''t divorce Mommy?" "Yeah, he clearly doesn''t like her. He was the one who initially pushed for the divorce, but it never happened! Mommy came back to Jindale City to finalize their divorce. Sadly, she''s tried to reach him multiple times without sess. I can''t figure out what he''s thinking." Elijah furrowed his brows in thought before replying, "He must be trying to ward off N." "Huh?" "N''s got her sights set on Daddy and has been wanting to marry him. Since she helped me out once, Daddy''s been reluctant to outright reject her, using his married status as an excuse." Elijah''s insight hit the nail on the head. Elliot had an epiphany. "That makes sense!" He had been puzzled by this for a while, but Elijah''s exnation cleared it up. "If that''s the case, it''s easily solved. They were secretly married, so they just need to divorce quietly without letting N know." That way, he wouldn''t need to trade that thing with Tarquin. The treasure he''d acquired from Gideon Bradford was something he cherished. Elliot asked cautiously, "Elijah, if you had to choose between Daddy and Mommy, who would it be?" Elijah bit his lip, not wanting to answer; he wanted both! Elliot reframed his question, "Would you be willing to leave Tarquin and go with Mommy?" Elijah shook his head. "Daddy''s been really good to me. I don''t want to leave him. If I did, he''d be distraught. Without me, his world would be just darkness, no light. Daddy... he''s got it rough." Elijah wasn''t usually one for many words, but he was sharp and understood the situation well. Tarquin had been both a father and a mother to him, fighting tooth and nail. Living with the Bradfords, surrounded by cutthroatpetition, felt like being a lone lion on a dark mountain, surrounded by beasts eager to tear him apart. To Tarquin, Elijah was like a ray of sunshine, bringing light to his shadowed world. Leaving with Elysia would extinguish that light, plunging Tarquin''s world into utter darkness. They say it''s lonely at the top, and Tarquin was standing at the pinnacle, utterly alone. Elijah felt for him, loved him too much to abandon him. Chapter 307 Elliot''s feelings for Tarquin couldn''t hold a candle to those Elijah had. In a gentle whisper, he said, "Mommy won''t stay here for long, buddy. If you wanna stick with Daddy, you can''t always be by Mommy''s side." "Can''t Mommy just... not leave?" "I''m afraid that''s not an option. What happened back then hurt her too deeply. She just can''t bear to stay." "What if Daddy realizes his mistakes, apologizes, and even falls for Mommy again?" Elliot paused for a moment before speaking, "That would depend on Mommy. If she forgives him and falls for him, too, she might stay. But that''s a long shot. He hurt Mommy too deeply! And as it stands, he doesn''t have feelings for Mommy, making an apology seem unlikely." Elijah quickly said, "That''s because Daddy doesn''t know Mommy is the one he''s been searching for all along. If he knew, he''d change his attitude towards Mommy right away." Elliot''s face softened, "We can''t tell them the truth just yet. If they knew, Tarquin would surely go all out to win Mommy over. But his doing so might not stem from genuine love but rather guilt and remorse over the past. Moreover, his all-out pursuit might scare Mommy off. She might not only decide against staying, but she might also take us and leave immediately. There''s also a chance that Mommy, thinking of you and wanting to give us aplete family, might settle for Tarquin out of desperation. That''s not what we want, and it''s certainly not what you want, right? We all hope Mommy can be happy and joyful, not sacrificing her happiness for us." Elijah nodded vigorously. "I want Mommy to be happy and joyful, too." "So the best case scenario is for them to fall for each other without knowing the full truth. The kind of love that''s genuine, without any other factors involved. Tarquin wouldn''t need to feel guilty or obligated to make up for the past by taking responsibility for Mommy! And Mommy wouldn''t have topromise her happiness to be with him for our sake! If they fall in love with each other genuinely, without any external factors, that''s when Mommy can truly be happy, and Tarquin too. Do you understand, Elijah?" Elijah nodded again, more vigorously. "I get it, I do." "So, we keep what we know to ourselves for now, got it?" "Yeah!" Noticing Elijah looked a bit sad, Elliotforted him, "I know you''re eager to tell Tarquin the truth, but the timing isn''t right yet. Even though Evan and I aren''t exactly fond of Tarquin, given how deeply he hurt Mommy back then, if Mommy truly falls for him, we''d definitely forgive him. For your sake, I''ll try to dy Mommy''s departure from Jindale City, giving her and Tarquin more time to bond. Let''s see if any feelings can develop. If they do, it''s a win-win. If not, I hope you won''t have any regrets. After all, love can''t be forced." "Yeah! I''ll work on getting Daddy to fall for Mommy quickly, and then I''ll make Daddy try even harder to win Mommy over!" "That''s the spirit! Let''s stick to that n for now. Keep it under wraps and stay by Tarquin''s side. If anything urgentes up, we''ll call each other." "Yeah, yeah." "Ring, ring..." Elliot''s smartwatch suddenly rang. It was Evan calling. Elliot answered, "Hey, you done?" "Bro, bro, bro, I''m in trouble!" Evan''s voice came through, frantic and hurried. Chapter 308 Elliott''s brow furrowed. "What''s going on?" "I just got caught by that jerk Tarquin!" "What? Slow down, tell me everything!" "I had just shaken off that stalker, sneaking into the amusement park to meet up with you guys, and just my luck, I ran smack into Tarquin! Bumped right into him and couldn''t get away!" Elliott''s voice wasced with anxiety, "Where are you right now?" "I''m hiding out in the bathroom, and Tarquin is camping out right by the door." "You were wearing a mask, right? How did he recognize you?" "Yeah, I had my mask on, but today he had rented the whole park. There was only one kid around, Elijah, so when he suddenly saw a kid, he just assumed it was Elijah! And when he took off my mask, he was even more convinced I''m Elijah." They were the spitting image of each other! "So, you mean he only thinks you''re Elijah and hasn''t figured out anything else?" "Exactly!" Elliott let out a sigh of relief. "Well, that''s something at least!" Bad luck, sure, but at least their true identities were still a secret. Elliott steadied his thoughts and asked, "Aren''t you and Elijah wearing different clothes today? Didn''t he find that suspicious?" "He did ask. I told him the suit was too ufortable to y in, so I changed into something else and that I had brought the extra clothes with me. Then, I bolted into the bathroom. What do I do now?" Elliott pondered for a moment. "And he''s still outside?" "Yeah, hasn''t moved an inch, standing guard like some sort of bathroom guardian angel. Plus, this bathroom doesn''t even have a window. I''m trapped!" "Where''s Mommy?" "I don''t know. I ran into Tarquin before I could see her." "If she hasn''t seen you, that''s good. Tarquin might think Elijah has a split personality at worst, but Mommy''s different. She''d recognize you in an instant. After all, she bought you those clothes and shoes you''re wearing. You can''t let her see you!" "Uh, so what should I do?" After thinking for a bit longer, Elliott said, "Just walk out and tell Tarquin you want to go home, you''re done for the day. Head straight home! If he wants to go looking for Mom, don''t let him. Insist you can''t stay a second longer and leave immediately." "Wait, you want me to just go home with Tarquin all by myself?" "Yeah, it''s the best option we have right now." "But, but..... just thinking about him annoys me; seeing him lights a fire inside me. If I''m alone with him, I''m afraid I... I might not be able to control myself. What if I hit him?" Elliott let out a silent groan. Evan was known for being straightforward and impulsive, quick to anger and quicker to throw a punch. Considering his intense dislike for Tarquin, a solo encounter could indeed end in violence... and it might be quite a spectacle! Elliott could only advise, "Try to keep it together. He is your daddy, after all." Evan grumbled, "Are you sure the paternity test wasn''t messed up? His family is supposed to have one son per generation. How did they end up with four all of a sudden?" "You don''t need to doubt that. You and he are father and son. Just go home with him for now, and I''ll think of something else. Whatever happens, we can''t let him find out about us." Reluctantly, Evan agreed, "Fine, I''ll try to keep my hands to myself." After hanging up, Elliott sighed deeply, knowing Tarquin was in for a rough night. With Evan involved, Tarquin was surely in for a world of trouble. Chapter 309 Elijah was visibly worried as he overheard the n, "Evan pretending to be me and going home with Dad, will that work?" It seemed like a stretch, but there didn''t appear to be a better option avable. Elliot, not wanting Elijah to stress further, reassured him, "It''ll work out, don''t worry. But since Evan''s already gone with Tarquin, you''ll have toe back to preschool with me. Can you handle that?" Given Elijah''s anxiety issues and his limited interactions with strangers, Elliot was understandably concerned. Elijah furrowed his brow, a determined look on his face, "Yeah! I won''t hold you back." Elliot''s eyes softened with affection, "I''ve got your back, little bro. Once we get to preschool, if you don''t feel like talking, just keep quiet. I''ll cover for you. Plus, it''ll be a good chance for you to get a glimpse into the life we lead. Let''s sneak out before Mom notices and head back." "Okay! But, what about Mom if we both leave?" Elijah asked, concerncing his voice. "Don''t worry about her. Mom''s a grown-up; she''ll find her way home," Elliot reassured. With a nod of agreement, Elijah followed Elliot, feeling a mix of anxiety and excitement. This was his first time venturing out without Dad, stepping into a world of strangers. Yet, the anticipation of getting to know his brothers and Mom''s everyday life was thrilling! Soon enough, Elliot and Elijah made their way out of the yground and back to preschool. As they approached their ssroom, they were greeted by their teacher who looked concerned, "Elliot, Evan, why were you guys in the restroom for so long? Are you feeling okay?" Elijah tensed up, his small brow furrowed as he looked at the teacher with a mix of wariness and distance. Elliot nudged him gently, signaling not to worry, and addressed the teacher, "Just a bit of a stomach bug, but we''re fine now." "Stomach trouble, huh? Did you eat something bad?" "Yeah, had some spicy chips," Elliot confessed. The teacher immediately responded, "See, I''ve told you time and again. Spicy chips are junk food. They''ll upset your stomach. Do you believe me now? No more eating them, okay?" "Okay." Then, the teacher''s gaze shifted to Elijah, "Wait a minute, I don''t recall Evan wearing those clothes earlier?" Elijah''s heart skipped a beat, his anxiety spiking! However, Elliot remained cool, "He had an ident, so we changed him into spare clothes." It wasmon practice for kids to carry a change of clothes in their backpacks to preschool, considering how easily they could get dirty or have idents. The teacher, assuming Elijah''s nervousness was due to embarrassment, smiled reassuringly, "It''s okay to have idents at your age. Just be more careful next time. You should head back to ss now; snack time is almost over, and then it''s time to go home. And next time, you don''t need to go far for the restroom; we have one right in our ssroom." Most preschool ssrooms are equipped with their own restrooms. Elliot remarked, "The ssroom restroom doesn''t have a proper door, and I''d rather not use it." This was true; Elliot had never used the ssroom restroom since starting preschool, always preferring the ones outside. The teacher, thinking nothing of it,ughed, "Elliot, already so modest at your age. Alright, off you go back to ss." "Bye, teacher." After sessfully sidestepping the teacher''s suspicions, Elliot led Elijah back to the ssroom. Elijah took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. This was his first time interacting so closely with someone he didn''t know. He was grateful for his brother''s support, unsure how he would''ve managed on his own. Chapter 310 Elijah sneaked a peek at Elliot, his eyes brimming with admiration. He always felt inferior, so seeing Elliot effortlessly chatting with their teacher made him think Elliot was nothing short of a rockstar! No wonder he was his big bro! Big bro was his hero, someone he aspired to be! "Evan!" A roar suddenly echoed in his ears. Elijah had just reached the ssroom door when his heart skipped a beat. A little girl with a ponytail was ring at him, her eyes red and puffy, as if she had just been crying. Elijah immediately furrowed his brows! He looked at the little girl warily, then at Elliot, "Who''s she?" Elliot shook his head with a sigh, "Evan''s little sister." Elijah blinked, surprised, "We have a sister?!" "Evan adopted her, sort of a sister by choice." Elijah ". "1 The little girl''s eyes got even redder when he didn''t respond, "Evan is a big liar, you said I was your only sister, why are Olivia and Emma also iming to be your sisters?" Olivia, her eyes also welling up, said, "Evan, talk to us, am I really your sister or not?" Emma was sobbing, "Evan, Olivia called me a liar, said I''m not your sister, waaah, tell her I didn''t lie!" Elijah had never seen such a scene before, his brows knitted tightly as he frowned, not managing to utter a word. His gloomy demeanor was a spitting image of Tarquin in miniature, his aura so chilly it made the little girls burst into tears, filling the ssroom with wails. Elijah clenched his fists, his face growing colder by the second. The sobs of the little girls got louder. Left with no choice, Elijah turned to Elliot for help again. "Don''t worry, I got this." Elliot whispered, then led Elijah back to his seat, addressing the sobbing girls, "Stop crying, girls. Evan''s just having a bad day. Let him have some space." The moment they heard this, the tears stopped, reced with concern, "What''s wrong with him?" "He wet his pants." "Whaaat?!" The girls were shocked. Normally, any other student caught wetting their pants would be the butt of jokes, but not Evan. Instead of ridicule, he received sympathy. Because he was that sunny, handsome, cheerful boy everyone adored. Suddenly, the girls weren''t crying anymore but rushing over tofort him, "Evan, don''t be sad. My mommy says all kids wet their pants at some point. Our teacher and my parents did it when they were little too." "Yeah, my parents even pooped their pants!" "My parents even drank pee!" "My dad yed with poop when he was little!" "My dad''s the champ, he even ate poop!" In their eagerness to console Evan, the kids overshared, and the conversation took a wild turn... Each trying to outdo the other in devotion, they ''honored'' their parents in a peculiar way! (The parents, if you''re listening, thank you. Having you is my blessing!) " "......" Elijah listened to their stories, his expression a mix of shock and confusion. It wasn''t until Elliot managed to disperse the group of girls that he couldn''t help but ask, "They all really like Evan?" "Yeah, Evan''s their little prince. He makes them happy, stands up for them, and even gives them presents." "......Does Evan like hanging out with little girls?" "Evan always wanted a little sister, but since we don''t have one, he turned the girls in ss into his sisters." Elijah pursed his lips, "......" Elliot, curious, "So, you don''t like little girls?" "Not a fan!" "Why''s that?" Elijah''s little face turned dark, his brows furrowed just like his dad''s, "Too much hassle!" Chapter 311 Elijah chuckled again, "Then you''ll have to try not to get mixed up with Evan. Evan has this thing for adopting ''little sisters'' left and right, in and out of school. Anyone younger than him instantly bes his sister. His dream is to be the big brother to every little girl in the world." Elijah couldn''t help but twitch his lips at that. Elliot said, "You know, despite your different interests, I bet you''d instantly click with Evan. He''s lively and energetic, a real firecracker. Plus, he''s got moves. None of Tarquin''s bodyguards would stand a chance against him." Elijah was stunned, "What?!" "No joke. Spend some more time with him, and you''ll see. Not only is he agile, but he also..." Elliot whispered something into Elijah''s ear, leaving him wide-eyed in shock. "He''s that impressive?" "Yep, Evan is mom''s own little bodyguard." Elijah swallowed hard, then asked, "What about you and Emmett?" "Well... I''m mom''s invisible piggy bank. Emmett is mom''s head stylist." Elijah was curious, "Piggy bank? Stylist?" "Yeah, I''ve got a knack for making money. That Alpha Thorne on the Forbes list? That''s me. And Emmett, despite being soft and not the sharpest tool in the shed, just like mom, you shouldn''t underestimate him. He''s got an incredible sense of fashion, always on the cutting edge. Just take a look in his wardrobe when you get a chance. Even the perfumes mom and Blossom use, all crafted by Emmett himself. And his cooking? Out of this world. Mom once said, Emmett is going to be the darling of every girl when he grows up!" Elijah was both shocked and a bit anxious. Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, each with their unique talents, and there he was, feeling rather ordinary... Would mom think less of him? Was he not worthy of being her son? Reading Elijah''s mind, Elliot continued, "Mom doesn''t know about our...extra talents. She just knows Emmett can cook, tailor clothes, and make perfumes. She has no clue I can make money or Evan knows martial arts. Mom''s quite timid. The truth would scare her, so we''ve kept it from her. In mom''s eyes, we''re just regr five-year-olds. She loves us for us, not for what we can or can''t do. Even if we werepletely clueless, we''d still be her precious sons. It''s the same for you. Whether you''re a genius or just average, or even less, in mom''s eyes, you''re her son, and that''s all that matters. Besides, you''re amazing in your own right. It''s because of you mom isn''t bullied by Tarquin. You''re her shield." Elliot''s words brought a sense of relief to Elijah. Right, he had to be mom''s protector! Not just from dad, but from anyone in the world who dared to bully her! Whoever tried to hurt his mom would be his lifelong enemy! He might not be as versatile as Elliot, Evan, or Emmett, but he had the strength to protect his mom! Elliot nudged him suddenly, "Herees Emmett. Let me introduce you two." Elijah looked up quickly, spotting Emmett who had juste out of the restroom, and was a bit taken aback. Weren''t they quadruplets? Why did Emmett look different from the rest? Emmett ran over, sat down, and without recognizing Elijah, said, "Big bro, second bro, you''re back! So, did you meet Elijah?" Elijah was silent; Emmett seemed a bit... slow. Elliot smiled, "This is Elijah." Emmett blinked, staring at Elijah for a long moment before eximing, "So you''re Elijah? You look just like big bro and second bro!" Chapter 312 Elijah was never one to warm up to strangers easily, but something about Emmett felt different, almost inviting. He took the initiative, "Hey, I''m Elijah. Nice to meet you." "Nice, nice! Wee, and thanks for joining our big, crazy family." "Thanks for... me?" "Yeah, your presence just brings this vibe of happiness, man. It''s all you, so thank you for that." Elijah paused, feeling as if a ray of sunshine had suddenly warmed his heart. Emmett''s warmth and friendliness touched him deeply. It felt as if he had unlocked a door to a world he never knew, one filled with vibrant colors and life. Elijah''s heart was warmed, but at that moment- Tarquin''s heart was cold as ice! After all, unlike Emmett, who was rational and harbored aplex blend of resentment and familial affection for Tarquin, Evan only had disdain for him. Not an ounce of love. In his eyes, anyone who loved his mom was a friend, anyone who hurt her, well, they were the enemy. "Please, just be quiet. I need some peace." "Could you keep it down for a bit? I''m trying to have a moment here." "Don''t speak!" "Hey, are you dense? Can you not keep your mouth shut?!" Those were his son''s words to him after getting in the car. Four sentences, each colder than thest, the final one exploding in frustration. Tarquin was both shocked and surprised at his son''s tone; Elijah had never spoken to him like that before! "Elijah..." "Ughhh..." Evan scratched his head in irritation. After a moment, he red at Tarquin through gritted teeth, "Listen here, Tarquin, I''ve been holding back for so long, way too long! It''s been hard, really hard. You better zip it, or I might just lose it!" He had indeed been holding back a lot! Seeing Tarquin always made him want tosh out. But his big brother had said, "Tarquin''s your dad, you can''t hit him!" Hitting him would mean disappointing his mom, and he didn''t want to bring shame to her. So, for his mom''s sake, he tried his best to hold back. But Tarquin, oblivious, kept pushing him to speak, and he was nearing his breaking point! Evan was still fuming internally when Tarquin was already stunned into silence. "You, you want to hit me?!" "Yes, I really do!" Evan clenched his teeth, "So, behave, and don''t push me!" Tarquin was genuinely angry now, "Elijah!" "I''m not your Elijah!" Evan snapped back without thinking. "If you''re not Elijah, then what? And who do you think you are, calling yourself ''little lord"?" "I..." Realizing his slip, Evan pouted, "I don''t want to talk to you!" Evan turned his face away, staring out of the car window. Tarquin''s breathing became erratic, "Elijah, look at Daddy!" "Not looking!" "Listen to Daddy!" "Not listening, not listening at all. Just stop talking to me. I don''t want to say a word to you, let''s just not talk to each other!" Evan mumbled, even covering his ears with his hands. Tarquin felt a sting in his heart, "So, you dislike Daddy this much now?" "Yes!" "...All because you epted Elysia as your mom, you don''t want Daddy anymore?" "Elysia is my mom! I never nned on having a ''Daddy'', hmph!" Tarquin was left speechless. Chapter 313 Just as the car came to a halt, Evan shoved open the door and bolted out. He''d been here before and navigated his way to the apartment entrance with a familiarity that had his hands shoved in his pockets and his pace brisk. Thest thing he wanted was to spend another second in the car with Tarquin. It was suffocating! Too much to bear! He wanted to give Tarquin a piece of his mind, maybe even more, but restraint was a cruelpanion. Inside the car, Tarquin sat frozen, staring through the window at his son''s retreating figure, feeling a billion wounds sh at his heart. His sorrow was a dam breached, unstoppable. His facade ofposure crumbled, tears streaming down his face. Lowell, stepping out to help him with the door, couldn''t help but feel a wave of pity. "Tarquin, take a moment, will you? Elijah would never treat you this way. This isn''t him. It''s like... remember the Elijah who showed up on Thanksgiving, the one who lost it? That''s who we''re dealing with now, not your son." Tarquin''s brows knitted together, a lightbulb moment illuminating his understanding. He''d been so caught up in his grief that he''d overlooked the whole multiple personality situation. He reassured himself, thinking, Elijah loves me too much to despise me, to hurt me with those words! If the polite and engaging Elijah was the original, then the one who made an appearance first on Thanksgiving, the one with impable manners, was personality number one. And now, this defiant, rebellious version iming to be "the boss," exuding a ''too cool for school'' attitude, was personality number two. ording to Benjamin Lawson, these split personalities were distinct entities, each with or without ess to Elijah''s memories. They might share his body, but they weren''t Elijah. They were entirely new characters. With this realization, Tarquin found some sce. The one who hurt him wasn''t his Elijah. But then, his worry returned. Benjamin had also mentioned that these new personalities took over whenever Elijah was extremely agitated or when something triggered a strong desire, leading to a shift. Tarquin, now with a grim expression, got out of the car. He dialed Benjamin, urging him toe quickly, as he chased after Evan, piecing everything together. Elijah was fine when he left to pick up some groceries. It was during this errand, meeting Elysia halfway, that everything changed. Elijah had donned a mask and changed clothes, appearing shocked and somewhat guilty upon seeing him... So, this personality shift urred in the midst of his errand, during his time with Elysia. What did Elysia say or do to trigger him? Knowing very well about Elijah''s condition, did Elysia intentionally provoke this other personality to drive a wedge between father and son? To make Elijah fall for herpletely? Was she trying to steal his son from him? Tarquin''s thoughts darkened with every step. The more he pondered, the more his suspicion turned towards Elysia. He instructed Lowell to unlock the apartment for Elijah while he, with a scowl, dialed Elysia. usations flew the moment she answered, ¡°Elysia, you''ve crossed a line trying to take my son from me!" An usation as unexpected as it was unfounded. And poor Elysia, not the sharpest tool in the shed, confused Elijah with Evan, panicked at the usation, "How... how did you know?!" Chapter 314 Tarquin could barely contain his fury as he forced out the words through gritted teeth, "Elysia, you''re really asking for it!" Elysia''s heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was about to burst out of her chest. Earlier that day at the amusement park, Tarquin had abruptly called to say he was taking Elijah home early and told her to catch a cab. He even said she didn''t need to bother cooking dinner for Elijah that evening. Something felt off to her right away. She had asked why, and he''d snapped at her for prying. Later on, she figured he was Elijah''s dad after all and wouldn''t harm him, so she dismissed her worries and left the park for the supermarket. She nned to pick up some treats and cook avish dinner for Blossom Blythe and the kids as an apology for neglecting them while she took care of Elijah. Little did she know, upon arriving home, Tarquin would call, interrogating her! How did he even find out she had taken his Elliot Evan? And what right did he have to im ElliotEvan as his own? She was still just suspecting! Even if he had proof, could her actions really be considered stealing? She was the one who had carried the child for nine months and raised him through sleepless nights and hardships. She was their biological mother, and it was only natural for the children to grow up by her side! How dare he use her of stealing?! The real thief, if anyone, was him! As Elysia''s frustration mounted, her anger bubbled over. "How dare you call him your son? What right do you have? Where were you when he was born, when he was learning to speak, when he was sick in the middle of the night? Do you even know what toys he likes? What food he loves? When his birthday is? Have you ever even bought him a pair of socks or shoes? Regardless of whether you knew about him or not, you''ve never been there for him, never fulfilled a father''s duties or responsibilities! So, you have no right to call him your son! You''re not even fit to be a father to them! And you certainly have no right to use me of stealing your son! If anyone is stealing, it''s you!" Tarquin, too caught up in his own rage, didn''t catch all of what she said. Out of her entire tirade, all he heard was that he had failed in his duties as a father, that he wasn''t fit to be a dad. The veins on his temples throbbed with rage. For years, he had poured his heart and soul into caring for Elijah, admitting to himself that if Elijah wasn''t as well as other kids, it was his fault as a father. But to say he wasn''t fit to be a father? That was something he couldn''t ept. "Stay away from Elijah, and stay away from me. If you don''t disappear from my son''s life, I''ll make you disappear from this pl! Let me tell you, I''m much tougher than Allegra Bradford. I don''t resort to hit-and-runs; I prefer making people wish they were dead!" After his tirade, Tarquin hung up, intent on severing all ties with her. Hearing the disconnect tone, Elysia was struck with horror. He was talking about Elijah, not ElliotEvan! But he... he said she would never see Elijah again! Could she really never see Elijah again? With a crash, her phone hit the floor, its screen shattered just like her heart at that moment. The thought of never seeing Elijah again sucked the life out of her, leaving her trembling and heartbroken. Just then, Blossom came home with the kids. Seeing Elysia in the kitchen, they were all taken aback. "Elysia, what''s wrong?" "Mommy..." Not wanting to dampen their spirits, Elysia quicklyposed herself, "Mommy''s fine." After saying that, she hurried back to her room. The kids grew more worried, sensing something was definitely wrong. "Don''t worry, I''ll check on her," Blossom said before rushing to Elysia. The kids crowded by the door, their little brows furrowed in concern. From inside the room, they heard Elysia''s sobbing voice, barely making out that she might never see Elijah again. Elliot and Emmett turned to Elijah with questions in their eyes. Elijah, just as puzzled, said, "I don''t know what''s wrong with Mommy." Elliot, brow furrowed, messaged Evan: Tarquin made Mommy cry. Find out what happened! Evan, who had just returned to Elijah''s room, saw the message and his eyes widened in shock. He immediately called Elliot, "Mommy''s crying? What happened? Why is she crying? Is she very sad? Is she okay now?" "Not yet. It seems to be about Tarquin. We''ll try to cheer Mommy up. You figure out what''s going on." "Okay!" Evan hung up, his teeth clenched in a mix of worry and anger. Tarquin had the audacity to upset their precious Mommy, even making her cry! He was in for it now. Just then, Tarquin walked in. Evan shot him a re cold enough to freeze Hell over. Chapter 315 Elijah was like a little beast that had been thoroughly provoked; without a word, he charged and threw a punch! Tarquin swiftly dodged his attack, retreating several steps in shock. "Elijah, what the heck are you doing?!" "Cut the crap! If you''re brave enough, fight me!" Evan''s face was filled with fury as heunched a fierce attack. Tarquin, of course, wasn''t going to engage in a fight with him, but Evan was skilled, leaving Tarquin no choice but to keep retreating and dodging his attacks. Back and forth they went. Furniture shed, vases shattered, and soon the sound of breaking echoed throughout the spacious room. Worried that the ss shards might hurt his son, Tarquin tried to force him to calm down, only to receive a punch straight from his own flesh and blood! Even though Evan was young, his punch was powerful, striking Tarquin hard enough to draw blood. Tarquin was stunned, his mind reeling with the thought, ''my son hit me, my son hit me, my son hit me.'' It wasn''t just his face that his son had hit; it was his heart... The heart of an old father, shattered into pieces on the spot. Lowell happened to walk into the room just then and stood frozen in shock at the sight! Seeing Evan about to throw another punch, Lowell quickly stepped in front of Tarquin. "Whoa there, Elijah, cool it, let''s talk this out." Evan immediately withdrew his fist; his intention was only to hit Tarquin, not to hurt an innocent. "Mr. Lowell, step aside!" Mr. Lowell? "Elijah, you''re not confused; you recognize me, right? Then do you know who he is?" Elijah surely wouldn''t know; otherwise, why would he resort to violence, especially against his own father. But ''Elijah'' said, "Of course, I know. The world''s number one jerk, Tarquin, the ultimate jerk!" The world''s number one jerk, Tarquin?! Lowell''s eyes nearly popped out of his head in disbelief. Elijah knew this was his dad and still hit him? A son hitting his father-this was utterly against nature! And to call his dad the world''s number one jerk! This- "Elijah, you... you..." "Get out of the way, I need to teach him a lesson! Bullying women, what kind of man does that make? Try bullying me!" He hadn''t thought too much about it. In his eyes, there was no such thing as an unforgivable act. And he didn''t regard Tarquin as his dad anyway! So what if they were rted by blood? Anyone who bullied his mom was crossing the line! Their beloved mom, who they doted on and cherished, wasn''t someone to be bullied by anyone. "Elijah, who did your daddy bully?" Lowell finally caught on to a critical point and hurriedly asked. Evan crisply replied, "He bullied my mom!" Lowell was dumbfounded, "Your mom isn''t even here with you guys, how could your daddy bully your mom? Could you have misunderstood something?" "I didn''t misunderstand him! Ask him, let him say if he''s been wronged or not!" Lowell instinctively turned to look at Tarquin. Tarquin, deeply hurt in spirit, had been silent for a while. On hearing this, he pressed his thin lips tightly together and stared straight at ''Elijah'', not saying a word. Evan frowned deeply, visibly angry. "A real man stands by his actions. If you can''t own up to them, you''re a coward!" Tarquin''s brows were furrowed as he looked back at him, his tone even, "The ''mom'' you''re referring to, is Elysia?" "Of course! She''s the only mom I have!" Tarquin clenched his lips tightly, a surge of anger rising within him, a sh of severity passing through his eyes. Well then, Elysia! Chapter 316 Tarquin tried to keep his cool. "How exactly did I bully her?" he asked. Evan''s temper red even more at the question. "You seriously don''t know how you bullied her?" Tarquin''s brow furrowed tighter. "No clue. I believe I''ve never bullied Elysia." "You... you..." Evan was beside himself with anger. His mom had been reduced to tears, and here Tarquin was, iming ignorance! That was just too much! Evan, clenching his little fists, was about to take a swing when Lowell quickly intervened, "Evan, let''s talk this out calmly, please... don''t get all worked up. Let''s just talk." Evan was fuming. "He made my mom cry, and he says he''s never bullied her! Bullying ady, that''s not what a true gentleman does! And then he doesn''t even have the guts to admit it, what a coward! And he thinks he can be my dad? He doesn''t deserve to!" He doesn''t deserve to be his dad? Lowell was too scared to utter a word. Tarquin pushed Lowell aside, trying to suppress his anger, and looked straight at Evan. "The bullying you''re talking about, is it about the call I made to her tonight?" Evan pouted, silent. Tarquin continued, "I did call her beforeing here and said some rather unfriendly things, but how did youe to know about that?" "I... won''t tell you!" "Did Elysia call you toin?" Tarquin was deeply upset, but he was more eager to understand how Evan got the news so quickly! Evan reacted strongly. "As if! Mom never shares sad stuff with us to worry us, she only tells us the happy things to cheer us up!" Tarquin caught the emphasis. "Us?" Before Evan could respond, his smartwatch rang. It was Elliot calling. Evan red at Tarquin once more. "Stop framing my mom! Andy off talking about her! My mom is the best mom in the world! And you''re the worst dad ever!" With that, he huffed, turned, and retreated to his room, deliberately locking it from the inside. Tarquin, gasping for air, stared in the direction of Evan''s room, his expression indescribable. The worst dad ever... That hurt more than a slow knife cut! Lowell stood by, lips moving but no wordsing out, full of sympathy for Tarquin. Even though they knew it wasn''t truly Evan speaking, but another personality of his, those words still stung. "Bring Elysia''s son to me!" Tarquin suddenly demanded. Lowell was startled. "Huh? Elysia''s son? Why do you want Elysia''s son?" Tarquin, with a stone-cold face, didn''t even nce at Lowell as he turned and walked toward his study. Lowell was left puzzled. Right then, Benjamin rushed in, asking Lowell, "Where are Evan and Tarquin? What happened to Evan?" Lowell mumbled to himself, "Getting Elysia''s son... what''s Tarquin nning with Elysia''s son?" Benjamin was confused. "What? What are you talking about?" Lowell paused, then had an epiphany. "I got it! Evan mentioned ''their mom,'' which must mean Ms. Thorne''s sons! That means, Evan and Ms. Thorne''s son know each other! Tarquin wants Ms. Thorne''s son to learn more about Ms. Thorne''s intentions!" With that realization, Lowell headed out. Benjamin, still confused, called after him, "What are you babbling about? Where are you going?" "To find Ms. Thorne''s son." " Chapter 317 In Elijah''s room, the brothers were having a heart-to-heart over the phone. Evan was really worried about their mom, Elysia. "Is Mom okay now? Is she still crying?" Elliot replied, "She stopped crying. We''ve figured it out. Tarquin said he won''t let Mom see Elijah anymore. That''s why she was upset." "Why wouldn''t he let Mom see Elijah?" "Well, Mom''s not even sure herself. She told Aunt Blossom that Tarquin suddenly called her, using her of trying to take his son! Did you do or say something that might have given him the wrong idea?" Evan blinked, a bit puzzled. "On the way back, he kept talking to me. I asked him to stop, but he wouldn''t. He just went on and on, and I got so annoyed that I yelled at him." "What did you yell?" "I... I told him Elysia is my mom, and I never wanted a dad." Elliot sighed. "No wonder." Evan looked sheepish. "Bro, did I mess up again?" "It''s not a disaster, but you indirectly made Mom sad." Evan panicked. "I didn''t mean to, I swear! I hate seeing Mom upset. I love her so much, how could I ever want to make her cry? I... I..." He was so worked up he was nearly in tears. Elliot tried to calm him down, "I know you didn''t mean it. Don''t worry, Mom''s fine now. But you can''t be impulsive anymore. Tarquin doesn''t know about us or his rtionship with Mom. When you said what you did, you made him target Mom. Mom''s afraid he''ll try to take us away, and he''s worried she''ll try to take Elijah. Mom hides us to protect us. But Tarquin... his reactions could be worse. Right now, he''s just said Mom can''t see Elijah. He might do something worse to Momter on." "He wouldn''t dare!" "We can''t take any chances. And because you told Tarquin what you did without exposing us, that''s lucky. So, while you''re with Tarquin, try to get along with him, just like Elijah would." "But I can''t!" Elliot spoke softly, encouraging his brother. "Then think of Mom, think of our n. Do you want to make her cry?" "No!" "Do you want to ruin our n?" "No!" "Then listen to me. While you''re standing in for Elijah, try to get along with Tarquin." Evan pouted, utterly reluctant, but thinking over his brother''s words, he bit the bullet. "I''ll try my best!" "That''s my boy! You can do it, champ!" Energized by his brother''s encouragement, Evan felt a surge of confidence. "Okay!" But then he deted. "But, bro... I already got into a fight with him. Can we still get along?" "You fought with him?" Evan hung his head. "I lost it when I heard he made Mom cry." Elliot was about to respond when Emmett burst into the room, shutting the door behind him, all flustered. "Guys, trouble! I overheard someone calling Mom, saying that deadbeat dad wants to meet us. He''s sent someone to pick us up." Evan eximed, "Meet us? What does that jerk Tarquin want? I didn''t slip up, did I?" Elliot furrowed his brow, "Evan, tell me everything that happened tonight, in detail." After Evan recounted the events, Elliot quickly pinpointed the issue. "Mom never tells us sad stuff to worry us, only happy stuff to cheer us up!" The slip-up was in the word "us." Tarquin was sharp; he must''ve picked up on it! After a moment, Elliot said, "Tarquin suspects Mom wants to take Elijah from him. He''s seeking us out to understand Mom''s intentions and ns. Luckily, we can use this to our advantage, to ease his worries and let Mom be with Elijah like before." "But won''t we be exposing ourselves once he meets us?" "Calm down for a sec. I''ll figure something out and get back to you." Chapter 318 In the bedroom, Elysia was on the verge of a meltdown. "Just a moment ago, he said I couldn''t see Elijah, and now, out of the blue, he wants to see my kids. What''s he ying at? Does he know about Elliot and Evan? Is heing to take them away? Does he want to snatch Elliot and Evan from me?" Blossom, worried about her current state, tried to offer somefort, "Elysia, just take a breath, alright? Don''t jump to conclusions. Maybe you should just call him and ask what''s going on." "Yeah, yeah, you''re right. I should give him a call." With shaking hands, Elysia dialed Tarquin''s number. The first call, he hung up. The second call, again, he hung up. On the third try, hepletely ignored it. Elysia''s eyes reddened with frustration. The more he ignored her, the more desperate she felt. It was like her brain had hit a snag, buzzing with no clear direction. Finally, Blossom suggested, "Why don''t you call Lowell? He called earlier; maybe you can get some info from him." As soon as Lowell picked up, Elysia rushed in with her questions, "Lowell, why does he want to see my kids?" Lowell could sense her worry and urgency but couldn''t spill the beans, simply saying, "Don''t panic, Tarquin wouldn''t hurt them. He just wants to ask them a few questions." "What questions?" "I''m not quite sure." "Can''t he just call and ask?" "It''s not that simple. Tarquin insists on seeing them, and tonight, he wants to meet the kids alone, without you." Alone? Elysia''s breath hitched, "No way!" "...Ms. Thorne, we''ll be at your condo in ten minutes. You can either bring the kids down, or we''lle up to fetch them." Elysia felt a lump in her throat, "What does he want with my kids?! They''re mine, why does he get to demand to see them? I won''t allow it! I have a say in this, and I say no!" Lowell, at a loss for words, just repeated, "Ms. Thorne, believe me, Tarquin just wants to talk to them. He won''t hurt them. And a heads-up, Tarquin''s not the easiest person to deal with. Crossing him won''t do you any favors." The call ended with a beep, leaving Elysia listening to the dial tone as tears streamed down her face. She knew she was no match for Tarquin. Lowell was right; if he wanted to see them, it was going to happen, whether she liked it or not. But what would happen when he saw Elliot and Evan? She couldn''t even bear to think about Tarquin''s reaction! "Mommy?" Elliot suddenly appeared at the door. Elijah and Emmett followed close behind. Seeing Elysia in tears, all three boys furrowed their brows, especially Elijah, who clenched his fists, feeling a deep ache for his mom. His newly-found treasure of a mom was now scared to tears, and he was...furious! Stupid dad, he thought, you''re in for a real showdown now! Elysia, trying to hide her tears, looked at her sons. But seeing Elliot and Elijah''s faces, so simr to Tarquin''s, made her cry even harder. The tears wouldn''t stop. In her emotional turmoil, she didn''t even notice that the ''Evan'' before her was actually Elijah. "Mommy, don''t cry. Do you not want Daddy Tarquin to see us?" With her eyes brimming with tears, Elysia looked at Elliot, "How did you know...?" "I overheard you at the door. Don''t worry, Mommy, I have a n." He said, gently wiping away her tears. Elysia, taken aback, quickly asked, "Elliot, what''s your n?" Chapter 319 Elliot''s voice was soft and reassuring, "Mom doesn''t want Dad to see us because she''s worried he''ll jump to conclusions if we look too much like Elijah, right?" To keep his mom from worrying, Elliot quickly came up with a reason. Elysia shifted ufortably, torn between not wanting to lie to her children and fearing the truth. Before she could respond, Elliot chimed in again, "Actually, it''s an easy fix. Has Mom forgotten about Emmett''s special talent?" Elysia turned to Emmett, her eyes lighting up with realization, "You mean, let Emmett...?" "Yep!" Elliot nodded, understanding the n. Elysia quickly wiped away her tears, "Can we really do this?" "Trust me, and trust Emmett." Emmett, holding Elysia''s hand, insisted with childlike confidence, "Mommy, I can do it." Elijah wanted to reassure Elysia too but found himself at a loss for words, offering only a determined and confident look. If Mommy didn''t want Daddy to see them, he''d do everything in his power to make her wishe true. He couldn''t bear to see her cry or be upset anymore. Seeing her children''s determination, Elysia felt a wave of calm. She hugged them close, "It''s all up to you tonight!" "Don''t worry, Mom, we''ve got this!" the three kids dered in unison. Elysia nodded rapidly, giving them a quick briefing on what to say and what not to say when they met someer, before telling them, "Go get ready, Mr. Lowell will be here to pick you up soon." "Okay." Minutester, Lowell rang the doorbell. Elysia led the three kids out, each wearing a mask, so Lowell couldn''t see their faces clearly, which kept him from being too surprised. Yet, his gaze lingered a bit longer on Elliot and especially on Elijah, sensing something familiar in their eyes. "This child..." Lowell began, but Elysia cut him off, "This is my son, Evan. What about him?" Lowell, not wanting to scare her, replied gently, "He just reminds me of Elijah." Elysia quickly said, "This isn''t Elijah! This is my son, Evan!" Her mind was elsewhere, not recognizing Elijah. Lowell just smiled, "I know." He never would''ve guessed that the Bradford family had other descendants besides Elijah. Changing the subject, Lowell assured, "Don''t be nervous. I''m just taking you to meet someone who wants to chat. He won''t harm you." Elysia insisted on apanying them, "I''ming with them!" Lowell hesitated, "Ms. Thorne, Tarquin he..." Elysia interrupted, "I''ll stay downstairs. I won''t let my kids go alone if he disagrees." "Alright, let''s go together then." Elysia breathed a sigh of relief, feeling somewhat better being close to her children. On the way, Lowell tried to lighten the mood with conversation, but aside from Elliot, the trio was visibly anxious. Emmett and Elysia shared a timid nature, easily scared, while Elijah worried about being recognized by Tarquin and causing his mother stress. Once they arrived, Elysia pulled her children aside for onest reminder of their n, emphasizing the importance of not revealing their resemnce to anyone. As Lowell led the children inside, Elysia was left fretting in the darkness, her mind racing with worry. Suddenly, a voice called her name from behind, sending chills down her spine. Turning around, she found nothing but shadows. Confused, she faced forward again, only to hear her name whispered once more, this time clearer, sending a mix of fear and curiosity through her heart. Elysia turned back again, determined to confront the mysterious voice haunting her in the night. Chapter 320 Here''s the revised trantion consideringnguage and cultural nuances: However, darkness still enveloped everything within sight! Not a soul to be seen! Elysia was on high alert, a wave of fear washing over her. Though she could hear someone, there was no one in sight. Her mind immediately jumped to the notion of a ghost... disheveled hair, ghastly pale face, floating mid-air, drifting aimlessly. "Who''s there? Who''s calling me?!" All around her was dead silent, no response. Elysia tried to muster courage with a fierce tone, "Quit ying games, show yourself! Or I''ll scream for help!" The pleasant male voice echoed again, closer this time, "Elysia, what a lovely name, suits you perfectly! I like it!" Still, she could see no one! Elysia''s heart pounded, her skin crawled, "Who are you?! Show yourself!" It was as if the stranger hadn''t heard her, his voice soft, asking, "Afraid he''ll recognize your son?" Elysia froze, "What?!" Ignoring her question, he offered, "I can help you." "...Help with what?!" "I can help keep this secret forever, ensure he never discovers your secret." Something clicked in Elysia''s mind, her heartbeat skyrocketed, "I have no secrets!" "Oh? Isn''t your child his as well? How''s that not a secret?" Elysia gasped, eyes wide in shock, "You!!!" The man chuckled, "Curious how I know? That''s not important. What matters is, I know your son is also his." "You''re spouting nonsense! My son is mine alone, he has nothing to do with him!" "You know the truth. Six years ago, at the airport lounge, room 101, a one-night stand... need I say more?" Elysia''s heart pounded wildly, almost bursting out of her chest! Six years ago, at the airport lounge, room 101, a one-night stand... He knew about her past! He actually knew about her past!!! "Who... who are you?!" "It doesn''t matter. Don''t be nervous. Though I know this secret, I won''t spill. I can help you keep it, ensure he never finds out. Do you want my help?" Elysia panted heavily, her mind buzzing! She thought only she knew, he knew, heaven and earth knew, never imagining someone else did too! After several deep breaths to calm herself, she managed, "I want to know, who are you?!" "That''s irrelevant." "How do you know about this?!" "That''s not important either." "Then... why help me?!" "Maybe... because you''re beautiful, and I hate to see a beauty in distress. Or maybe... I like your name. Or perhaps for my darling..." "Your darling?" "Yes, my most beloved... never mind, the reason isn''t important. Just tell me, do you want my help?" "What do you mean by help?" "Get rid of him, obviously." His tone was casual, Elysia nearly fainted, "What did you just say?!!!" He continued with a smile, "Death solves all problems. If he''s dead, you''ll never have to worry about him discovering your secret, nor fighting over the child." Elysia was speechless. He added, "If you want him gone, I can assist. You need not fear him; I''ll devise a perfect n. Not only will he be out of the picture, but you''ll also get away scot-free, unnoticed by the police. With him gone, you and your child can live worry-free..." "I don''t want it! I won''t kill anyone! Nor will I have someone else do it!" Chapter 321 Elysia interrupted him, her brows furrowed tightly. She didn''t want Tarquin to discover the kids, and she didn''t even like him; in fact, she detested him. But she never wished him dead! "Always be cautious, but never malicious," she reminded herself. She never intended harm! And if he were to die, what about Elijah? Just losing his mother had changed Elijah so much already. If he were to lose his father too, how could he go on? The man seemed not at all surprised by her response, merely sighing in regret. "Well, that''s a shame. Given his smarts, he''ll soon uncover your secret. And what then? He''ll surely fight you for the kids. Do you think you can win against him?" At this, Elysia tensed up again, her tone bing sharp. "My kids love me. They won''t go with him!" "But kids are just kids. They can''t stand up to their own father. If persuasion doesn''t work, he could force them. Can you outforce him?" Elysia clenched her teeth. "If ites to that, I''ll fight him with everything I''ve got!" The man chuckled mockingly. "Waiting to fight till then might be toote. Even if you don''t want to kill him or take his life, you should at least strip him of his ability topete with you. Like, making him a vegetable. If he''s bedridden, unable to move or speak, even if he knows your secret, he can''t do anything about it." Elysia frowned. "Do you have a grudge against him?" One moment talking about killing him, the next about turning him into a vegetable, it was clear there was hostility. "You don''t need to worry about that." Elysia frowned deeper. "I honestly don''t want to know, but let me make one thing clear. If you have a beef with him, that''s your business. He and I have nothing to do with each other! And just because my son looks like him doesn''t mean he is my son''s father. I..." Before she could finish, her phone buzzed with a new message. "Just read it," the man said. Elysia paused, then pulled out her phone to check. A message from an unknown number had sent her a paternity test result! The report showed a DNA match of 99.999999%, confirming a father-son rtionship! "Here is the paternity test report between him and your son. It''s pretty clear." Elysia''s heart leaped to her throat! Was he really that guy from back then?!! Upstairs, Lowell had just taken the three kids into Tarquin''s study and stepped outside to call the estate''s security guards. "Ms. Thorne is downstairs by herself. Be sharp, don''t let her get hurt, and don''t let her impulsively run up here. Tarquin is not in a good mood tonight and doesn''t really want to see her." The security guard unexpectedly said, "That''s odd." "What''s odd?" "Ms. Thorne seems to be talking to someone, but there''s clearly no one beside her." Lowell was puzzled. "How can she be talking to someone if there''s no one there?" "She''s talking into thin air, but it doesn''t seem like she''s just talking to herself. It''s rather eerie." "What''s she saying?" "Can''t hear from this distance, just watching her." "And what is she doing now?" "She''s looking at her phone, seems like someone sent her a message. She''s really nervous, just staring at the screen." Lowell thought for a moment, frowning. "I''ll go down and check it out. Meanwhile, get someone to review the surveince footage around theplex." Anything concerning Elysia mattered to Elijah, so it couldn''t be overlooked. Especially tonight, with the situation being delicate. Elysia was adamant about Tarquin not meeting her children, and Lowell had a feeling something big was about to unfold. Chapter 322 In the study room. The moment the three little ones entered, Tarquin''s brow furrowed, and his heart skipped a beat! He looked at the three kids wearing face masks before him, his expression aplex mix of emotions. It was an indescribable feeling, as if a wave of unfamiliar emotions suddenly surged within him, unsettling his very core. His blood boiled, and every cell in his body seemed to cheer and dance with excitement. This feeling, it was reminiscent of five years ago, the first time he met Elijah! Back then, Elijah was wrapped in a cozy nket, a tiny thing... Looking at Elijah had stirred the same emotions within him! But Elijah was his son, so his excitement was understandable. However, these three kids were Elysia''s, having no direct connection to him. Why the excitement? Tarquin nced curiously at the children, quickly focusing his attention on Elijah. Even though at this moment, Elijah''s eyebrows seen above the mask resembled those of Elliot and Emmett, their auras were entirely different. Elliot appeared mature andposed, his eyes slightly narrowed, giving off a powerful and enigmatic vibe. Emmett seemed timid and easily frightened, his eyes blinking rapidly, looking at Tarquin with a hint of apprehension and his eyes slightly red, as if he was on the verge of tears, clearly a crybaby at heart. Elijah, on the other hand, was cool and aloof. With a slight furrow of his brows, he exuded a chill... resembling a mini version of Tarquin! So, the moment Tarquinid eyes on him, his focus immediately shifted. "What''s your name?" Tarquin asked with a hint of suspicion. Elijah''s brow tightened as he pinched his palm to calm himself down. His gaze at Tarquin wasced with a mix of displeasure, anxiety, and a hint of exasperation. Displeasure, because Tarquin had made his mom cry! Anxiety, fearing his identity might be recognized, jeopardizing their n! And exasperation, because he deeply wished for his parents to reunite, craving aplete family. Yet, his foolish dad was clueless! He didn''t realize his mom was his long-lost love! Because of his ignorance, not only did he fail to cherish mom, but he also upset her to tears! Such behavior, even if he were to beg and cry for mom''s forgivenesster, she might not even ept it! If mom couldn''t forgive him, they''d never be together, and what would be of him then? He was digging a hole for his own son! The more Elijah thought about it, the angrier he got. Just as he was about to speak, Elliot beat him to it, "This is my brother Evan. What about it?" Tarquin''s brows furrowed slightly, "Take off your masks. Let me see." Elijah and Emmett tensed up a bit more, both eyeing Tarquin warily, "??!" Elliot, however, was the first to remove his mask and then instructed Elijah and Emmett, "Evan, Emmett, take off your masks too. No need for them indoors." Elijah and Emmett nced at Elliot, then followed suit, albeit hesitantly. They respected Elliot''s authority, and despite their reluctance, theyplied. Three faces, strikingly simr! Clearly, triplets! Under Emmett''s guise, both Elijah and Elliot appeared to have transformed, their original features obscured, mimicking Emmett''s. Tarquin eyed Elijah, his brows knitting together. Before the masks were off, he had his suspicions about this kid being Elijah. Now, it seemed it was just a simr demeanor. He scrutinized Elijah for a few more seconds then diverted his gaze. Subconsciously, he reached for the cigarette pack on the desk, pulling out a cigarette. Yet, before lighting it, considering the presence of children, he ced it back down. Looking up, his gaze inadvertently drifted back to Elijah, suddenly asking, "Do you dislike me?" Something about the way this kid looked at him was off. Elijah''s brows tightened, but Elliot responded first, "It''s not about dislike. It''s just that you made our mom cry, and we''re all quite upset about it." Chapter 323 Tarquin''s focus shifted to Elliot. He observed Elliot, thoughts drifting to the mature andposed Elijah he remembered from the family gathering. Yet, facing Elliot now... Tarquin dismissed his doubts and asked, "Did I make your mom cry?" "Yeah, you called her tonight and told her she couldn''t see Elijah anymore. She was really upset." "...She told you guys?" "We had just gotten home when you called. Mom was crying a lot." Tarquin frowned, "You all know about Elijah?" "Mhm." "Does she often talk about Elijah with you?" "Almost every day, she mentions something about Elijah. My mom loves having heart-to-hearts with us. We''re not just mother and sons; we''re also best friends." Tarquin frowned deeper, feeling a twinge of jealousy. Being a parent himself, Elysia could connect with her children on such a level, yet he couldn''t! He too wished to have heart-to-hearts with Elijah, to be both a father and a friend, but he never had the chance! Elijah didn''t like talking to him, and he couldn''t find a way into Elijah''s heart. "How does she talk about Elijah?" "Mom says Elijah is very well-behaved and understanding, just a bit quiet and not too expressive. She also mentioned how much she loves Elijah and that the feeling is mutual." "So, she wants Elijah to be her son?" At that, Elliot immediately retorted, "Are you suggesting my mom wants to take your son away from you?" Tarquin''s brow furrowed deeper, his gaze darkening at Elliot. Clearly, Elliot had hit a nerve. Elliot smirked slightly, his expression mocking, "So, this is why you won''t let my mom see Elijah? How childish!" Tarquin''s expression darkened further, embarrassed to be called childish by a five-year-old! Emmett was nearly scared to tears by his look, but Elliot stood his ground, coldly saying, "By not letting my mom see Elijah, you''ve upset two people at once! From my mom''s perspective, because she and your son like each other, you assume she wants to take him away, which is a huge misunderstanding! You''vepletely forgotten who it was that introduced my mom to Elijah in the first ce! And why! Would you be happy if my mom didn''t like Elijah, or if Elijah didn''t like my mom? By keeping her from seeing Elijah, she''s both hurt and angry, probably cursing you in her mind! From Elijah''s perspective, he finally found someone he likes, but you cruelly keep them apart. He must be angry, very angry! Elijah was raised by you; he loves you as a father, so he wouldn''t curse you, but he might say something hurtful, like he doesn''t want you anymore and wants to go with my mom..." Tarquin watched Elliot with aplex expression for a while before asking, "How do you know Elijah has said these things to me?" Elliot answered openly, "Elijah told me himself." Tarquin was suspicious, "You''ve been in contact?" "Yeah, my mom hopes Elijah can get better, make more friends, so she gave me Elijah''s contact. We''ve been in touch privately, we''re good friends." "And do you know Elijah sees your mom as a mother?" "Of course! We understand." "Understand?" "Yeah, our mom is the best mom in the world. She''s kind, gentle, and sincere. Anyone who''s met her likes her." Elliot paused, giving Tarquin a meaningful look, "If anyone doesn''t like her, they must have a serious problem, a very serious problem!" Tarquin was left speechless. Was this kid implying something about him? Chapter 324 Tarquin stared at Elliot for a few more seconds before asking, "Would you guys be okay with Elijah bing your mom''s adopted son?" Elliot shot back, "Why wouldn''t we be? It would make Elijah happy, it would make Mom happy, and it would make us happy too! If it''s something that brings joy to everyone involved, why would we have any objections?" "... You''re not worried about Elijah taking away some of your mom''s love for you?" Elliot rolled his eyes. "Getting another brother is something we''d celebrate, not worry about! You sure have a narrow mind!" Tarquin was speechless. Alright, alright, call him childish, call him sick, now call him narrow-minded! No wonder he''s one of Elysia''s. Must''ve been raised on bravery and boldness, huh? "You''re not keen on Elijah being my mom''s adopted son, are you? Give me one good reason." Elliot narrowed his eyes. Tarquin replied, clearly annoyed, "Because I don''t want to end up with Elysia." "Oh?" "Elijah said if he bes Elysia''s son, that means I''d have to be her husband. I''ve only got eyes for Elijah''s mother. I don''t like Elysia, so there''s no way I could be her husband. That''s why I have to refuse Elijah''s request!" "Hah!" Elliot couldn''t help but scoff. "Don''t worry, my mom isn''t into you either. She definitely wouldn''t want you as her husband." Tarquin frowned, about to say something when Elliot cut in sharply, "You''re not smart enough for my mom. Not only does she think you''re not a match, but I do too!" Tarquin scowled, "You''re saying I''m not smart?" "Yeah, not smart enough." "Who told you I''m not smart?" "Do we even need someone to say it? Your actions have already shown your level of intelligence! Tonight, not only did you offend my mom, but you also angered Elijah. Now both of them are upset with you! But you could''ve achieved your objective without upsetting anyone. Why on earth did you make them both angry? It just goes to show you''re not smart enough!" Tarquin was skeptical, "...And you know what my objective is?" "Just not to lose Elijah." Seeing Elliot got it right, Tarquin immediately asked, "So, what should I do to achieve my objective without upsetting them?" Elliot suddenly turned icy, "I don''t feel like saying." Tarquin narrowed his eyes, "...You don''t want to say, or you can''t?" "Of course, I can! And it''s a good solution too. I can help you handle this without losing Elijah or offending him." "Then why not spill it?" "Why should I help you? You made my mom cry tonight. I don''t feel like helping you." Tarquin was silent for a moment, "...If you really have a good solution, I can apologize to your mom and allow her to keep seeing Elijah." Elliot smirked slightly; that''s exactly what he was waiting for! Mom''s tears tonight couldn''t be in vain. He had to apologize, and he had to do it willingly. Chapter 325 Elliot said, "It''s not just about saying sorry. You have to make it up to her!" Tarquin frowned. "How do I do that?" "That''s your problem. You made her cry, so you have to fix it." "...I''ll try my best." "No, trying isn''t enough. You have to make sure she''s happy." Tarquin sighed. After a moment of silent standoff between father and son, Tarquin spoke again, "If you really think I can handle this right, I promise I''ll apologize and cheer her up!" Elliot was skeptical. "Got any ideas on how to do that?" "Yeah." "What''s the n?" "That''s my problem to solve." Elliot narrowed his eyes but didn''t push further. "A gentleman''s word is his bond!" Tarquin responded, "I''ll make it happen." After settling on this, Elliot finally said, "If I were you, I''d center tonight''s n around Elijah. When Elijah mentioned he wanted to be my mom''s son, I was thrilled. It meant he was finally stepping outside of his world that, until now, revolved solely around his mother. It''s a sign he''s on the path to recovery! And for his mental and emotional health, I''d support whatever makes him happy, no matter what it is." Tarquin furrowed his brows. "So I should act as Elysia''s husband just to appease him?" Elliot chuckled. "Confident, aren''t you? What makes you think my mom would agree to marry you just because you want to? She told you, didn''t she? She''s not into you, wouldn''t even give you a second nce." Tarquin was speechless. Elliot continued, "If you were smart, you''d let my mom handle it. She doesn''t like you, wouldn''t want you as a husband anyway! She''s only willing to ept Elijah as her son, never you as her husband. So, before you start panicking, she''ll take the initiative to talk to Elijah. She''ll make it clear to him that she doesn''t like you, won''t be with you, won''t have you as her husband. Even if Elijah feels disappointed, he won''t be mad because he likes her too much to be angry with her or me you. Elijah won''t be upset, my mom won''t be upset, because the issue isn''t with you. Neither of them will have a reason to be angry with you. That way, you won''t be frustrated, won''t upset anyone! And you won''t have to worry about how to deal with Elijah''s mental health issues without my mom. Sounds like a win-win, doesn''t it?" Tarquin''s eyes widened in realization. It was a moment of epiphany. He finally understood his approach had been all wrong. Chapter 326 The kid had a point; he shouldn''t have butted heads with Elijah. He should''ve done exactly as Elliot suggested: support whatever Elijah did, even if it meant pushing Elysia to reject Elijah! Imagine if Elijah had dered, "I''m aiming to be Elysia''s son, and you, her husband." And he''d replied, "No problem!" Would Elijah still be mad at him? Would he still have spewed those angry words? Of course not! Then, he''d go to Elysia, mention the n, and surely, as Elliot predicted, she''d seek out Elijah for a chat. That way, he wouldn''t have to marry Elysia, Elijah wouldn''t me him, and who knows? Maybe after Elijah hit a wall with Elysia, he''de looking for a shoulder to cry on. It would''ve been the perfect chance for a heart-to-heart between father and son! It would''ve been a win-win! Tarquin regretted not thinking of handling it that way at the moment. Acting on impulse! The room fell silent for a bit before Tarquin, squinting, asked Elliot, "Who''s your dad?" Elijah and Emmett shivered at the question, eyeing him warily, then shifting their gaze to Elliot. Elliot squinted back, "Why do you wanna know about my dad?" "Just curious." "Don''t wanna say." "...What does your dad do?" "Don''t wanna say that either." Tarquin eyed him for a moment longer, genuinely impressed, "You take after your dad." "Huh?" "Your mom''s a bit of a ditz, doesn''t have the smarts. You must''ve gotten your brains from your dad''s good genes." "Ha!" Elliot scoffed again, "My dad''s not that sharp either. Him ending up with my mom was the luck of his life!" "... You don''t like your dad much?" "He''s just a stepdad. Doesn''t matter if I like him or not; I only care about my mom." "A stepdad?" "Yep, didn''t raise me but ended up with a bunch of big sons anyway. Cheap way to be a dad, huh?" Tarquin was curious, "Why didn''t he raise you?" Elliot stared him down, "That''s a question for him!" Tarquin frowned, feeling like Elliot''s gaze was trying to see right through him! It was like the kid was talking about him! But they had nothing to do with each other; it couldn''t be about him. Tarquin honestly remarked, "Not raising your own kid makes you a lousy dad." "Yep! A lousy dad!" This time not only did Elliot agree, but Elijah and Emmett nodded too. No matter the reason, not raising your kid makes you a lousy dad! He was scolding himself, and rightly so! Suddenly, Elijah, unable to contain his agitation, blurted out, "If I were you, I''d go all out to make her happy! Racking my brain to find ways to bring her joy! Never doing anything I''d regretter!" He was referring to Elysia. Elijah was so frantic, as if he couldn''t wait to make his own dad see, Elysia is your one true love! Snap out of it, step up, and go after mom! If walking doesn''t catch her, and running doesn''t either, then crawl if you have to! Whether it''s ying the sympathy card or winning her over with love, just get her back at all costs! Such an amazing mom, if you don''t chase her now, what if someone else sweeps her off her feet? Chapter 327 "Kid''s freaking out, but the old man''s cool as a cucumber." Tarquin nced back at Elijah, "So, you''re telling me I''ll regret not being nice to her?" Elijah shot back, "You bet you will!" "Why''s that?" "Because... if your son likes her, there''s gotta be a reason, right? It proves she''s worth the affection! Imagine if you end up falling for her and you''ve been a jerk to her now, you''re gonna kick yourselfter!" Tarquin was adamant, "I won''t fall for her!" Elijah, frustrated, "But what if you do?!" "That''s not gonna happen!" "I''m just saying, what if! What if!!!" Elijah was on the verge of losing it. Tarquin remained aloof, a smirk on his face, "There are no ''what ifs''. I''ll never fall for her in this lifetime." Elijah was speechless. Stubborn old man! Stubborn old man! Stubborn old man! Hopeless case! And he''s still smirking. Well, we''ll see how long thatsts! Elijah couldn''t stand talking to Tarquin any longer, turning away with a scowl. He couldn''t bear to look at his foolish father another second! Elliot knew Elijah was anxious, especially since Tarquin was emotionally clueless! Elijah was so disappointed, he was sulking! This wasn''t the time for open-hearted reassurances for Elijah, all Elliot could do was give him a discreet nudge as a sign offort. Then, he turned to Tarquin, asking seriously, "Do you think my n''s solid?" "It is," Tarquin admitted. "Then don''t forget our deal. Adults shouldn''t lie to kids. You''ve got to win my mom over! And if you fail, don''te crying to uster wanting to see her or Elijah, because it won''t happen!" Elliot was bluffing to scare his own dad! Tarquin frowned but conceded, "...I get it." Elliot breathed a sigh of relief internally, feeling like they''d dodged a bullet for the night. He looked at Tarquin, adding meaningfully, "Elijah''s battling his demons, and mom really feels for him, cares about him. She''s genuinely nice to Elijah, not trying to use him to get to you or wreck the bond you two have. She''s not your enemy; she''s been your blessing! Even if you don''t like her, you should at least treat her with respect, be grateful. You shouldn''t upset her, misjudge her! Did you ever consider, without my mom, Elijah might totally lose it?" Tarquin was silent. Elliot decided he''d said enough, leaving the rest unsaid, having made his point clear. "Think it over. We''re gonna check on Elijah." With that, he grabbed Elijah and Emmett, heading off to meet up with Evan. No sooner had the trio left than Tarquin''s phone rang. It was Lowell, "Tarquin, it''s bad! Ms. Thorne''s in trouble!" Chapter 328 Tarquin frowned, "What''s wrong?" "Ms. Thorne fainted!" Tarquin''s face darkened, "What happened?" "I don''t know, she just suddenly copsed. She seemed pretty agitated before it happened, but I haven''t figured out the details yet." "...First, get Benjamin to take her to the hospital. I''ll head there immediately!" Before leaving, Tarquin stopped by Elijah''s door and instructed, "Elijah, Daddy has to go out for a bit. You y with Elysia''s sons for now. If you get tired, you all can go to bed together." "...Got it." The kids had no idea about Elysia''s fainting episode. They assumed Tarquin was going out to apologize to her, so they didn''t think much of it or worry. They believed that since Tarquin had promised so confidently, he would surely make up with their beloved mom. That''s what Tarquin thought too. However... What they never expected was for Elysia to p Tarquin hard across the face as soon as she woke up in the hospital, not giving him any chance to apologize! Tarquin was stunned on the spot! Lowell and Benjamin were so shocked that their eyes nearly popped out of their heads! There''s a saying, "Don''t hit the face," because hitting the face is different from hitting any other body part. An ordinary person''s face is off-limits, let alone Tarquin''s. It''s absolutely forbidden! Lowell had been with Tarquin for over twenty years and, aside from Elysia, had never seen anyone else dare to touch Tarquin''s face! The same went for Benjamin. He couldn''t even imagine someone hitting Tarquin''s face, let alone witness it! Both were trembling, fearing coteral damage, and didn''t dare to breathe a word, quickly leaving the room, leaving behind a pped Tarquin and a pping Elysia. The atmosphere in the room was eerie... Before Tarquin could unleash his fury, Elysia burst into tears, sobbing as if her heart was broken, utterly aggrieved! Tarquin clenched his lips tight, ring at her, fuming! This was the third time Elysia had hit him in the face! And it hurt more each time! To her, his face was apparently worth nothing, there to be hit whenever she felt like it! He thought Elysia''s anger stemmed from him not letting her see Elijah, so he held back his rage, not letting it erupt. "I''m warning you, this is thest time. If you dare again..." Before Tarquin could finish, Elysia lunged at him! She grabbed his shirt and started to pull it apart fiercely, attempting to rip all the buttons off! She wasn''t hitting him but was rudely, openly trying to strip him! By her actions, it seemed she wanted to strip him bare! Tarquin was shocked, quickly grasping her wrists and demanding coldly, "What are you doing?!" "Stripping!" Tarquin was stunned. Stripping? "What... what do you mean?!" "Strip! Take it all off!" Tarquin was even more shocked. Take it all off? His mind was suddenly filled with bewildering thoughts, his Adam''s apple bobbing, "Elysia! What are you trying to do?!" "Take off your clothes!" "For what?" Elysia, beyond exining, stamped her foot in frustration and yelled, "Just do it!" Tarquin''s Adam''s apple bobbed again, "Exin first. Why take off the clothes?" Elysia didn''t bother answering, instead, she bit down on his arm! Biting hard! Tarquin hissed in pain, shaking her off, "Have you lost your mind?!" Elysia, seemingly insane, freed herself and lunged again to strip Tarquin of his clothes. Tarquin waspletely baffled, intending to restrain her, but suddenly his mind went nk! Before he could react, his body was falling towards Elysia. Chapter 329 Both of them tumbled to the ground. Tarquin passed out cold, and Elysia, retracting her acupuncture needle, shoved him away with all her might. Without wasting a second, she rudely unbuttoned his suit and shirt, yanking it to expose his shoulder... The sight of the deep bite mark on his shoulder made Elysia''s breath hitch, "!". It was only when she felt like she was about to suffocate that she finally let out a gasp, stepping back in horror... It was really him! It was really him!! It was really him!!! Trembling, shaking, retreating... Even though she had always suspected it was him, suspicion was after all just suspicion-nothingpared to the shock, the fear, the anger that confirmation brought! Memories flooded back, overwhelming her like a tidal wave! She forgot how to breathe, as if she was drowning, retreating step by step to a corner, squatting down, staring at Tarquin in terror! Fear, anxiety, anger, rage, injustice, resentment... all these negative emotions converged, pressing down on her like a mountain, making it hard for her to breathe. When she could no longer hold it in, she lost control and screamed out loud, "Ah ah ah-" Lowell and Benjamin had been standing by the door the whole time. Hearing themotion, they rushed in. And then they saw it... Tarquin, disheveled, lying on the ground, Elysia cowering in a corner, screaming her lungs out. "Ms. Thorne?!" "Tarquin!" As soon as they spoke, Elysia suddenly got up, crying, and ran towards the door, only to faint again after a few steps. Lowell and Benjamin were bbergasted, "?!?!!!" ... Half an hourter, Tarquin woke up. Lowell was at the bedside. Seeing Tarquin awake, he immediately asked, "How do you feel? Are you okay?" Tarquin instinctively touched the back of his head, feeling a needle-like pain at the back of his neck. Lowell exined, "You were probably knocked out by Ms. Thorne with an acupuncture needle. When we entered the room, you were already unconscious. Ms. Thorne was in a corner, screaming as if she was terrified. Seeing us enter, she tried to run but fainted as soon as she got up." Tarquin sat up, noticing his clothes were open, and frowned, "?!" Lowell continued, "That''s how we found you when we entered. Not sure if you undressed yourself or if Ms. Thorne did..." Before Tarquin could speak, Lowell hesitantly asked, "Tarquin, did you try to... with Ms. Thorne today? You''re disheveled, and Ms. Thorne was so terrified. She was still screaming even in her unconscious state, shouting for someone to leave, then pleading, crying ''please don''t, please don''t''... Clearly, she was frightened, as if she was molested..." This ''someone'' referred to Tarquin! He suspected that Tarquin attempted to molest Elysia, and in her emotional turmoil, she defended herself by knocking Tarquin out with the needle. Tarquin''s lips tightened in anger, his face turning ck with rage as he snapped at Lowell, "Did you leave your brain at home today?!" "I... It''s not that I''m overthinking. It''s just Ms. Thorne''s state... She kept saying ''please don''t, please don''t''..." Please don''t, please don''t? The scene from the airport lounge six years ago suddenly shed through his mind! Back then... As if realizing something, Tarquin''s brow furrowed deeply, and he turned to pull off his shirt, exposing his shoulder. Seeing the deep bite mark, Tarquin''s expression went through a rapid change! It seemed like he realized something, his eyes filled with urgency as he asked Lowell, "Where''s Elysia?!" Chapter 330 Lowell, a bit dazed, responded, "In the next room over." Tarquin, in a burst of urgency, ripped off his IV and darted out of bed, heading straight for the door. Lowell, under the impression that Tarquin was out for revenge after a misunderstanding with Elysia, quickly followed, trying to calm him down, "Tarquin, I think Ms. Thorne was scared out of her wits tonight. Let''s not add to her fright, she already passed out twice! If anything serious happens, Elijah will have our heads. We''re grown men, let''s not stoop to petty squabbles with ady." Tarquin ignored him and strode into the next room with purpose. However, Elysia was nowhere to be seen. A wave of panic swept over Tarquin, reminiscent of the dread he felt six years ago when he couldn''t find her at the airport. "Where''s Elysia?!" Benjamin, still in the room, exined, "She just left, said it was gettingte and she needed to pick up the kids." Upon hearing this, Tarquin spun around and dashed out, determined to catch Elysia. But just as he reached the door, a thought struck him, and he turned back to ask Benjamin, "Did you personally conduct thest paternity test?" "Huh? Oh, yes! I did it myself, didn''t let anyone else touch it. Why?" Tarquin''s brow furrowed deeper, but without another word, he hurried out of the room. Once outside the hospital, his walk turned into a sprint, as if he was terrified of losing Elysia again. Lowell hadn''t seen Tarquin this frantic over anyone but Elijah in ages! He had no idea what Tarquin wanted with Elysia so urgently, but all he could do was follow closely behind. Tarquin caught up with Elysia at the hospital entrance! Just as she opened the cab door and was about to get in, arge hand suddenly appeared, mming the door shut. With a loud bang, the door closed! Elysia was startled, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest. She had hurried away from the hospital, hoping to escape with her kids, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, from his influence, but he had followed! The cab driver, equally startled and about to protest, caught sight of Tarquin through the ss and quickly drove off, sensing trouble. It was clear Tarquin wasn''t someone to mess with. Elysia stood on the sidewalk, eyes wide with fear, facing Tarquin. Tarquin, with furrowed brows and panting, towered over her. In the cold winter night of Jindale City, the chill was biting, and passersby huddled in their coats, shivering. Yet, both of them were drenched in cold sweat, their emotions running high. Their gazes locked, filled withplex emotions - Elysia with a mix of nervousness, fear, anger, and sorrow; Tarquin with confusion and urgency, as if he had a thousand words to say. In this tense silence, Lowell finally caught up, breaking the stillness, "Tarquin! Hey, Ms. Thorne." Tarquin, trying to suppress his turmoil, grabbed Elysia''s wrist and pulled her away to a secluded spot. Elysia, panicked, resisted fiercely, "Let go of me! What are you doing?!" Tarquin, silent and firm, led her to a small park inside the hospital premises, where a gazebo offered some privacy in the otherwise empty night. Once she was free, Elysia quickly stepped back, her white coat stark against the night, eyes red and ring at him, "What do you want?" Chapter 331 Tarquin''s gaze was intense, almost piercing. "Do you know her?!" "Who?" "Elijah''s mother!" Huh? Elysia was taken aback by his sudden mention of Elijah''s mother, pausing for a moment before shaking her head. "I don''t know her!" But Tarquin clearly wasn''t buying it, his voiceced with a warning edge. "Elysia, you better think carefully before you answer." Elysia frowned, her irritation growing. "I have absolutely no connection with Elijah''s mother. I don''t know her!" Tarquin stressed each word. "Then tell me, why were you trying to take off my shirt tonight?!" "I..." Elysia bit her lip, hesitant. Taking off his shirt was to see the bite mark on his shoulder! She wanted to make onest verification. DNA tests could be wrong, but that bite mark was unmistakable! Yet, she couldn''t voice her thoughts! Doing so would reveal their past encounter six years ago, leading him to question the origins of the children! As she remained silent, Tarquin pushed for an answer. "If you can''t give me a convincing exnation, you''ll never escape my sight again!" He had guessed it. Elysia trying to take off his shirt had to do with the bite mark on his body! It hit him just tonight. The first time they met, Elysia had asked him to take off his shirt, which he initially thought was her flirting with him! Then, during their interactions, she sneaked into his room at midnight, attempting to strip him, making him think she was shameless, wanting more! Today, she was almost frantic for him to strip, and when he refused, she dared to knock him out to do it herself! After undressing him, she did nothing, clearly not intending to take advantage of him! And she had repeatedly stated that she wasn''t attracted to him! She didn''t like him as a person, nor was she lusting after his body, so her anxious attempt to strip him likely meant she wanted to see the bite mark on his shoulder to confirm something! That bite mark was left by Elijah''s mother, a secret known only to him, her, and the heavens! Why would Elysia know about it? Either Elysia was Elijah''s mother. Or, Elysia knew Elijah''s mother, who had told her about the bite mark! Clearly, the answer was thetter. Because he had Benjamin perform a paternity test before, which showed Elysia and Elijah were not rted by blood. Benjamin wouldn''t lie to him, so Elysia wasn''t Elijah''s mother, leaving only thetter as the answer. Elysia knew Elijah''s mother! That''s why he was so desperate to confront Elysia and prevent her from leaving! And he wouldn''t casually mention the bite mark; it was a secret shared between him and Elijah''s mother! Only if he was a hundred percent sure of Elysia''s motives tonight would he bring it up. Both harboring their secrets, emotions ran high. Elysia, struggling for breath, couldn''t find the words under Tarquin''s intense gaze, sensing he might know something. Pressuring her to speak about the bite mark! But she couldn''t reveal the truth! "Speak!" Tarquin''smand was cold. Startled, Elysia shuddered. "I... I..." With a predatory gaze, Tarquin left Elysia in a state of panic. Unable to tell the truth and without a suitable lie, she had only one option... Elysia turned and ran, trying to escape him. But Tarquin didn''t give her the chance, his long strides easily catching up, blocking her path. Colliding into his chest, Elysia''s forehead throbbed with pain. Like a bird trapped in a cage, she stumbled, touching her sore forehead, then turned to run in another direction. Tarquin''s grip was swift, catching her arm and pinning her against the wooden pir of the gazebo. "Ah-" Elysia''s arm winced under his firm grasp, and her back mmed against the solid wood! The pain in her arm and back was so intense, tears were almost spilling from her eyes. Chapter 332 Tarquin had no clue that she was the one who made his heart skip a beat, so he wasn''t the least bit gentle! His face was a thundercloud as he glowered down at her, "Just answer my questions honestly, and I won''t hurt you!" He didn''t intend to cause her pain, but in the heat of the moment, his emotions got the better of him, making his grip tighter than usual. He was convinced that Elysia must know Elijah''s mother! For the first time in six years, he felt like he was on the verge of finding her! That''s why he was nearly out of control with excitement! He had spent so many sleepless nights thinking about her; besides Elijah, she was all he could think about! Now that he finally had a chance to get information about her, he was determined not to let Elysia go before getting her to talk! One was desperate to escape, to stay as far away from him as possible, burying some secrets deep within, avoiding facing him or engaging in conversation! The other was relentless, not giving her a chance to escape, eager to extract information about Elijah''s mother from her lips! The silence around them was palpable as they caught each other''s gaze once more... Eventually, it was Elysia who looked away first. She turned her face, tears streaming down her cheeks. She was at a loss, unsure how to solve the problem, resorting to helpless crying. Tonight, she realized he was that wild man she should have settled scores with long ago! She was the victim here! But instead of getting her revenge, she ended up being held hostage by him, just like before, powerless against him! Elysia was both angry and aggrieved, crying fiercely. Her tears sent Tarquin into a panic! Not because he felt sorry for her, but because he was worried something might happen to Elijah''s mother. Her crying seemed to indicate trouble for Elijah''s mother. Tarquin became frantic, angry, feeling a tightness in his chest, and he snapped at Elysia, "Why the tears?! Elijah''s mother is a kind and gentle soul, even the heavens would protect her, she''ll be fine! Keep your tears to yourself!" It seemed like he was talking to Elysia, but in reality, he was reassuring himself. He was terrified something might happen to Elijah''s mother, terrified to the point of nervousness! That''s how he alwaysforted himself. Elysia looked at him with red eyes, filled with grievances and confusion. She didn''t understand why he kept mentioning Elijah''s mother tonight? She wasn''t crying over Elijah''s mother! Nor did she say anything about her being in trouble! Before she could ask, Tarquin suddenly added, "I''ve been searching for her for years, willing to do anything for her! I could make you live in luxury in heaven or suffer in agony in hell!" Heaven? Hell? Elysia bit her lip, instinctively retorting, "I just want to live a normal life on earth; I don''t wish for heaven, nor do I fear hell!" Tarquin pursed his lips, momentarily exasperated by her way of thinking, then said, "If you help me find her, I''ll make you very wealthy! But if you withhold information, I can ensure you''ll never see your children again in this lifetime." Elysia''s eyes widened in shock, her anger boiling over, "How dare you threaten me about my children? They are mine, born from my womb after nine months, brought into this world at the risk of my own life, and raised day by day! I am their birth mother; what right do you have to say I can''t see my children?!" "I said, if..." "There are no ifs!" Elysia interrupted fiercely, her agitation clear, "I will be with my children forever, until my dying breath!" Chapter 333 "The main point here, Tarquin, is about Elijah''s mother!" "I don''t care about your ''main point.'' You don''t get to talk about my child! And like I said before, I don''t know who Elijah''s mother is. You could threaten me all you want, but I can''t tell you what I don''t know! I''ve been living out in the countryside for years, barely knowing you or Elijah, let alone her! So drop it with Elijah''s mom and don''t you dare threaten my kid! Try me, and see what happens!" Tarquin was fuming, "Elysia! Why the hell are you shouting?" "Jerk! Why the hell are YOU shouting?!" Elysia''s voice was even louder! Jerk? Just as Tarquin was about to lose it, Elysia retorted, "And why are you so desperate to find Elijah''s mother anyway? Got no shame? You forced yourself on her back then, you''re her nightmare! Maybe she just wants to avoid you, hoping to never see you again in her lifetime! If you had an ounce of decency, you''d stop looking for her! Your searching is harassment!" Just like her, she dreamed of staying as far away from him as possible for a lifetime! He was her nightmare! Tarquin, enraged, responded, "What happened between her and me is none of your business!" "Then stop asking me about her! I''ll say it again, I don''t know her!" "You..." "Don''t believe me? Then go ahead, kill me! If I don''t know, I don''t know. There''s nothing I can do to change that." "1 ," Tarquin was grinding his teeth, "Then tell me, why the hell do you keep trying to take off my clothes? What are you up to?" The topic had circled back, and Elysia''s confidence waned slightly. "What does this have to do with Elijah''s mother?" Tarquin demanded an answer, "Answer me!" " ," Elysia''s heart was racing, her eyshes fluttering rapidly. It seemed tonight, she had to clear this up once and for all! How to say it? How could she possibly bluff her way out of this? Suddenly, Elysia''s face lit up, "Because of money!" Tarquin was skeptical, "What?" Elysia, scrambling for an excuse, said, "I thought you had a great body, figured I could make a good sum by selling some nudes!" Tarquin was appalled, "You took nude photos of me?!" Elysia, setting aside her shame for a moment, shook her head, continuing, "No! I hadn''t even started taking photos when Lowell and Dr. Benjamin barged into the room." Tarquin, doubting her story, pressed on, "They ran in after hearing you scream. If you wanted to take photos to sell, why scream?" "I was mad!" "Mad?" "Very mad! I thought you''d have a great body, but after unbuttoning your shirt, I was so disappointed!" Tarquin was taken aback, "?!" Elysia, looking disgustedly at him, then pouting and shaking her head as if extremely let down, "Sure, you have pecs and a six-pack, muscles all tight and skin healthy, but I found itcking. Your physique feels toomon, wouldn''t fetch a good price. I doubt anyone would pay five bucks for a picture! Times are hard, nobody''s gonna spend a penny if it''s not model-level." "...Tarquin...!" He was angry, very angry! But Elysia felt a bit better, thinking, let him be mad! She muttered, "The truth hurts, I didn''t want to say it, but you forced my hand." Tarquin was speechless. Chapter 334 "But don''t be too hard on yourself. Your physique is definitely leagues above those bargain bin rejects. I reckon even at a dime a pop, readers might give it a thought." Tarquin red at her, a re so icy it could freeze someone solid. Elysia shrank back a bit, "You should be grateful; I''m trying tofort you here." "So I''m supposed to thank you for that?!" His words came out strained, squeezed through clenched teeth. Elysia''s lips trembled, "No need!" "Ding ding ding." Elysia''s phone rang; it was Elliot. The little ones were worried about her, fearing their goofy dad might have flipped and upset her again, so they called to check in. Elysia quickly stepped aside to answer, "Hello, Elliot." "Mommy, what are you up to?" "I... I''m talking with Elijah''s dad." "Oh, we''re with Elijah right now. Don''t worry about us; he hasn''t caught onto our secret. And don''t worry about not being able to see Elijah in the future. Elijah''s dad was just scared you''d fight over custody, so he spoke in anger. We''ve exined it to him, and he''s realized his mistake and said he''d apologize to you." Hearing this, Elysia felt a wave of relief. Tarquin hadn''t recognized the kids, which was good news! And the possibility of seeing Elijah again was also good news! But an apology? That hadn''t happened. He''d been nitpicking non-stop! But it didn''t matter; she wasn''t exactly holding her breath for his apology! "Blossom is probably on her way to pick you guys up. Go home with Blossom, and I''lle backter too." "Mhm." After hanging up, Elysia ced her phone over her heart, taking several deep breaths to calm her nerves. As long as the kids were okay, she was okay! The past was the past; she hadn''t thought about revenge or rekindling anything. She just wanted to live a quiet life with her kids. So, even confirming his identity was no big deal! Sure, finding out he was that wild man had initially stirred emotions, but now, after their argument, she felt the anger dissipate. Her discovering his identity was one thing; as long as he didn''t find out hers and the kids'', all was well! Elysia calmed down, exhaling deeply. She tucked away her phone, ready to bid farewell and leave, but just as she turned, she nearly jumped out of her skin at Tarquin standing right behind her - like a towering specter, scaring someone half to death! "What on earth?! You could scare someone to death, you know?!" Elysiained. Tarquin''s face was a storm cloud as he bore down on her, an ominous presence. "I''m asking you onest time, do you really not know Elijah''s mother?" "I don''t! I really don''t know her!" "...So you''ve been stripping me for photos just to make money?" Elysia''s lips quivered, not as bold as before, "...Yes." After all, she truly didn''t know Elijah''s mother; she wasn''t lying. But the whole thing about taking nudes for cash was aplete fabrication! Tarquin''s gaze was terrifying, prompting her to blurt out in a bid to fortify her courage, "We could partner up; you strip, I shoot. A dime a shot, profits split fifty-fifty." Tarquin''s facial muscles twitched with rage, "Get lost!" Elysia felt her eardrums might burst from his roar, "You..." "GET OUT-" His bellow sent her scurrying away, not daring to utter another word, sidestepping him and bolting! She didn''t look back, as if a tidal wave or a beast were on her heels! After Elysia left, Tarquin stood alone in the gazebo, lighting up a cigarette. Chapter 335 The night wrapped around him tightly, with only the faint glow of his cigarette offering any light. They say the higher your hopes, the greater your disappointment. Tonight, his expectations had been sky-high. He thought Elysia was undressing him to tend to a bite. He thought Elysia knew Elijah''s mother! He was convinced he''d get some information out of Elysia! Even just a little bit would help him find her! He had taken advantage of her, and he felt guilty for it! But at the same time, he genuinely wanted to find her and treat her right. He wanted to spoil her, pamper her, protect her! People said Elijah was obsessed with his mother. Truth be told, he was just as obsessed with that woman! Desperate to find her, willing toy his heart bare, all to treat her right! He felt if he could just find her, he''d spoil her to the heavens. He''d happily revolve around her 24/7 without ever getting tired! Even if she wanted the stars from the sky or the moon from the sea, he''d rack his brain to pluck them or scoop them up! He knew it was futile, knew it was impossible, but as long as it made her happy! He wanted to find her so badly, to spend his life spoiling her! Tarquin''s heart felt like it was on fire, burning and aching. It wasn''t until Lowell cautiously approached, mentioning that Blossom had arrived at themunity gate to pick up the children, that he snapped back to reality. "Let her pick them up." "Okay." Lowell made a call to themunity gate, then cautiously looked at Tarquin, asking, "Tarquin, are you okay?" Tarquin frowned, stubbing out his cigarette, and started walking out as he called Keaton Huber. He was irritated and in the mood for a drink. Lowell didn''t know what had happened but felt a pang of sympathy for him, silently sighing as he followed Tarquin to the bar. The two left, and the gazebo sank back into silence. A disheveled woman with a pale face suddenly emerged from behind the bushes. She tilted her head, suspiciously watching the direction Tarquin and Lowell had gone... She didn''t know Tarquin, didn''t know who he was, but she had seen his face. She thought of Elysia''s child... They looked exactly alike! "Sarah!" Suddenly, hearing her name called, Sarah shuddered and started to run, only to trip over a tree root. "Ouch-" She didn''t know where she had hurt herself, but it was painful enough to bring tears to her eyes. Hearing the noise, Zane rushed over, followed by a doctor and nurses. Seeing her, Zane was angry, "I''ve told you not to wander off. Why won''t you listen?!" Sarah looked at him with tearful eyes, feeling both aggrieved and angry, "I came out to find my child! You refuse to help me, and now you won''t even let me look myself? You don''t care about him, but I do. He''s my child. I miss him... I miss him so much..." She broke down crying. Zane frowned, impatiently, "I''ve told you many times, your child is gone. Where do you expect to find him?! And even if this child is gone, there can be others. Why must you torment yourself like this?!" Sarah sobbed and asked him, "Can there really be another? I didn''t even get the chance to have this one. Can I really have another?" Zane was clearly annoyed, "It''s not up to me whether you can have another. It depends on fate and your health condition! Other people recover from a miscarriage after a while, but look at you! If you keep this up, I''ll have no choice but to have youmitted to a psychiatric hospital!" Chapter 336 Sarah was in a full-blown panic, shaking her head like she was trying to dislodge the very thought from her mind. "No, no! I don''t want to go to a psychiatric ward. Please don''t lock me up. I was wrong. I won''t run away anymore. I won''t look for my child. Please, don''t do this to me. I''m begging you." With doctors and nurses around, Zane''s tone softened a touch, "I''m doing all this for your own good. You''ve got to understand that." Sarah nced at him, her eyes wide and fearful, "I know, I know..." "Come on, let''s go back and get you checked out properly by the doctor." As Zane helped Sarah up and led her towards the clinic, she sneaked a look in the direction Tarquin had left, frowning slightly. In the hospital ward. Gideon''s right-hand man returned to the room and whispered, "Sir, young master Tarquin was at the hospital just now." Ever since the day of the wolf attack during the family''s ancestral rites, Gideon had been recuperating in the hospital. Hearing this, Gideon narrowed his eyes slightly, "Elijah''s condition acted up again?" "No, it was Ms. Thorne who fainted. Master Tarquin was here to see her, but they''ve both left now." Leaning against his pillow, Gideon took a sip from his water ss, "How has Elijah been these past few days?" "Not sure. Master Tarquin has stationed a lot of security around the estate, our people can''t get in. But judging from the incident during the ancestral rites, it''s almost certain Elijah has dissociative identity disorder!" Gideon showed no sympathy, merely asking, "How long can someone with dissociative identity disorder survive?" "It''s hard to say, depends on their fate." "We must find a way to keep him alive, even if he ends up in a vegetative state, he must keep breathing!" Alive, he could be used. Dead, he was worthless! His confidant nodded, "Understood. If there''s any news on Elijah, I''ll inform you immediately." "Hmm, have you figured out what happened with the wolves?" Shaking his head, his confidant replied, "We confirmed someone trained them intentionally, but we don''t know who. Strangely enough, although the trainer prepared them to target Elijah, they suddenly turned on us instead. I even consulted with a zoologist, and they couldn''t make heads or tails of it either. There was no sign of anyone controlling them at the time." Frowning, Gideon asked, "So, the wolves'' attack has nothing to do with Tarquin?" "Definitely not. Those wolves targeted Elijah; Master Tarquin would never harm Elijah. It must be someone else''s doing, but without finding that animal trainer, we can''t trace the mastermind." "Forget it then, Tarquin will be more vignt than us. He won''t let anything happen to Elijah! If he can''t protect Elijah, we stand no chance. Better we focus on our own issues. Have we made contact with Alpha yet?" His confidant shook his head, "Sent many messages, all ignored. I''m starting to think the intel Mr. E gave us might be off." ''Mr. E'' referred to the top-tier hacker ''Baby ET''s Support One'', Elliot. Gideon dismissed the thought, "Unlikely. Mr. E wouldn''t joke about his reputation. It''s normal for Alpha not to respond; ever since his rise, too many have sought him out. How many can actually reach him? He''s as enigmatic as Mr. E!" He mused, "All the capable ones are entrics!" Chapter 337 "Exactly, what''s our next move then? We''ve been trying to reach Alpha with no luck. Without his cooperation, we stand no chance of taking down young Tarquin. Sir, didn''t you mention that if we could just get in touch with Alpha, you''re confident he''d team up with us? Why not use what you have as bait, kind of like how they lure Mr. E out of hiding? Let''s send the bait Alpha''s way." Gideon pondered for a moment before rejecting the idea, "Let''s make contact first." "Understood. Also, after the family memorial service, those folks from the Bradford estate werementing even louder, growing even more disapproving of Elijah. They all me the turmoil on Elijah, pointing all their grievances his way, vehemently opposing his session as the head of the Bradford family." "Hmph! The Bradford lineage has always been direct, and Elijah is the sole heir; his im is undisputed! Don''t think I''m unaware of their schemes. They''re just hoping to disinherit Elijah and pick a new sessor! That way, their own kids would have a shot at rising to power!" His confidant understood that among the Bradford n, only Elijah possessed the pure lineage, unlike the others. Take the AllegraVerity household, for example. Though they also bear the Bradford name, they followed their mother''s surname, unlike Elijah. Before the confidant could respond, Gideon continued with a sigh, "It''s also a stroke of luck that Elijah is frail. Otherwise, not only them, but I wouldn''t have had the chance to reim the Bradford Group in this lifetime! We must preserve Elijah''s life! But he must remain weak; only then will Tarquin be distracted, and my opportunity will be greater!" The confidant nodded in agreement, moving closer to whisper to Gideon, "Everyone thinks Elijah''s sickness is due to his overwhelming grief for his mother. Do we need to take further action?" Gideon narrowed his eyes thoughtfully for a moment and replied, "Yes! Tarquin has been too presumptuoustely in my presence. We need to teach him a lesson!" Gideon knew exactly how to inflict pain on Tarquin! As long as Elijah was in trouble, Tarquin''s life would be miserable! The confidant added, "But we can''t get to Elijah now. We''ll have to wait for the family''s New Year''s Eve dinner, which is just a few weeks away." During the New Year, the Bradford family gathers for a grand feast, with all members in attendance! Tarquin will also bring Elijah along. "n carefully, we must act discreetly. Elijah must suffer but not die! And Tarquin mustn''t suspect a thing!" "Understood! Don''t worry, after all these years, no one has caught on. There won''t be any slip-ups." "" The entire Bradford family believed in the direct lineage tradition! Elijah was thought to be the sole bloodline! They watched him closely, some wishing death upon him, others hoping to leave him barely alive and in agony! They thought, with Elijah gone, the Bradford family would lose its legitimate lineage! Even if Tarquin fathered ten or more children, none could rece a son! However... What they didn''t know was that Elysia had given Tarquin several children! Their blood was as pure as Elijah''s, making them rightful descendants of the Bradford family! This secret was known to none but Elijah, kept from the rest of the family! A day woulde when they''d be shocked to their core! A day when their malicious intents would backfire on them! Evil deeds eventually meet divine retribution! Chapter 338 Over here, when Elysia got home, the three little munchkins were eagerly waiting for her. As soon as they saw her, they dashed to her side, "Mommy!" Elysia, as usual, gave one a hug and another a cuddle, "Why are you all still awake?" "We were waiting for you, Mommy. What did Elijah''s dad tell you?" "Did he apologize?" "Are you feeling better now, Mommy?" The little ones were tripping over each other, their eyes and hearts full of concern for their beloved mom. By this time, Evan and Elijah had already switched back. Elijah stayed in Sunshine Community, while Evan, along with Elliot and Emmett, came back with Blossom. Evan, clenching his little fists, stared intensely at Elysia, even more excited than Elliot and Emmett! It felt like ages since he''d seen her, though it had only been an afternoon. And when he finally spoke, the atmosphere shifted, "Mommy! Did that jerk give you any trouble? Don''t be afraid of him, if you feel upset just let me know, and I''ll go sort him out! I''ll turn him from t to round!" Elysia, chuckling, pinched Evan''s cheek, "Mommy appreciates the sentiment, but we can''t always be thinking about fighting. You should learn from your big brother on how to handle things." "I know! I won''t just throw punches, but if anyone dares to bully my mom, I won''t let them off easy!" Elysia felt a warm glow in her heart, "Mommy''s fine, don''t worry. Elijah''s dad didn''t trouble me. And look, Mommy''s happy now, no longer upset." The three let out a collective sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted. Elysia praised them, "You were amazing tonight, managing not to get recognized by Elijah''s dad." "It''s all thanks to Emmett''s makeup skills, practically like a master of disguise!" Flushed with pride, Emmett beamed, "As long as Mommy wishes, I''ll make sure he can''t recognize big bro or second bro." Elysia gave Emmett a kiss, "Our Emmett is the best!" With a kiss from Mommy, Emmett was even more thrilled, "Mommy, are you hungry? I made you lots of delicious food." "A bit, yes. How about you all join me?" "Sure!" The three nodded eagerly and scampered to the dining room. Emmett went to the kitchen to serve the food, Elliot rolled up his sleeves to wash the fruits, and Evan took care of setting the table and chairs. Watching the busy trio, Blossom eximed, "I was pretty worried about you tonight, but now, all I feel is envy! With three great sons to warm your heart, I no longer fear for you getting hurt by any jerk." Elysia nudged her, "Why the jealousy? My sons are your sons too, you''re their beloved Blossom!" Blossom lifted her chin proudly, "Right, right! These are also my great sons! Boys, Blossom''s here to help! Let me do that." ... In the cozy home, the atmosphere was lively and warm. Elysia''s tense nerves finally rxed. The sadness of not seeing Elijah again, the anger and excitement at the discovery of the mysterious man, and the nervousness of being cornered in the gazebo, all came to an end. She enjoyed ate-night meal with the three little ones, cheerful and content. However, once the kids were tucked into bed, a sudden thought struck her! Her rxed nerves tensed up once again! Blossom noticed the change, "What''s wrong?" Elysia, frowning, said, "I just remembered that strange man!" "Who?" "After the kids were taken upstairs by Lowell tonight, I was waiting for them at the apartment building''s entrance, and then I heard a strange voice..." Chapter 339 Elysia recounted her conversation with the mysterious stranger, and Blossom was bbergasted. "Voice without a face? Ghosts, maybe? Did you see a ghost?" Elysia frowned, "If it were just a ghost, that''d be fine. But the scary part is, he knows about my fling! He knows Elliot and the others are Elijah''s dad''s flesh and blood!" "How could he know? You never spoke of it, not even to me or Winona. There shouldn''t be a third person in the know! Wait, wait, wait, have you confirmed that Elijah''s dad is that fling from back then?" Blossom was as surprised as if she had discovered a new continent. Elysia nodded, "Yeah! The mystery guy sent me a paternity test, and I''ve seen the unique scar on him! No doubt about it!" Blossom''s eyes were as wide as saucers, shocked for a moment before her brows furrowed, "The hell, we finally found him! What do you wanna do, Elysia? Sue him? If you''re up for it, I''ll call my folks right now and get them to hook us up with the bestwyer!" Elysia shook her head, "I haven''t thought about it. Aside from the fact that it''s been so long and there''s no evidence, just for Elijah''s sake, I wouldn''t sue him. What would happen to Elijah if he got into trouble? Poor kid''s already without a mom, and despite being a jerk, he''s good to Elijah." Blossom let out a frustrated sigh, "That''s true, but letting him off the hook feels too easy on him, and too unfair to you." Elysia shook her head again, "Not unfair, I''ve made peace with it. He hurt me but also gave me wonderful kids; we''re even. As long as he doesn''t try to take them from me, we''ll keep to our own paths. I''m just worried about that mystery guy, afraid he might spill the beans." "He probably won''t. From the sounds of your conversation, it seems like he''s got a beef with your ex, doubt he''d spill anything anytime soon." Elysia exhaled a sigh of relief, "Anyway, I can''t stay here." "Huh?" "I used to have this slight hope, fantasizing maybe the kids just resembled him and weren''t actually his. Now that I''m sure, I can''t stand to have any ties with him." "What about Elijah?" Elysia frowned, "Ideally, I''d leave after Elijah gets better, but... I have this feeling his illness is moreplicated, not likely to improve easily." "What do you mean?" "I''ve studied many cases over the years, none were purely from missing someone too much. Most kids, like Corbin Denton, developed psychological issues after experiencing something traumatic. Or it''s congenital, like emotional detachment disorder, present from birth! But Elijah doesn''t have a congenital disorder, nor has he experienced those traumas... The more I''m with him, the more puzzled I be; his psychological condition just doesn''t add up." "If Elijah''s sickness isn''t from missing someone, what could it be?" Elysia thought hard, her brows knitted, "I don''t know yet, but although Elijah''s not cured, his condition is rtively stable. Even without me, he shouldn''t be in any immediate danger." Blossom, knowing her deep affection for Elijah,forted her, "Don''t worry too much about him. Even if you leave Jindale City, you can stillmunicate. You guys can call or video chat often." "Yeah! Right!" "But what about your divorce? How can you leave without settling that?" Mentioning that made Elysia furious. Tarquin, that jerk... She really didn''t want to insult him, but his stalling on the divorce was infuriating! Jerk! Chapter 340 "Achoo-" Tarquin was in the middle of sipping his whiskey when he suddenly sneezed. Keaton, with a teasing glint in his yful eyes, quipped, "Sounds like someone''s talking trash about you." Tarquin ignored him, didn''t even spare him a nce, and continued to drink. He kept pouring himself drink after drink until he was t out drunk. Slumped against the couch, he closed his eyes and yanked at his tie, looking downright miserable. "Tarquin," Keaton called out to him several times to no response. Once it was clear he was out cold, Keaton turned to Lowell and asked, "What in the world happened today? Why''s he so down in the dumps?" Keaton chose his words carefully, saying ''down in the dumps,'' not ''mad.'' Having been around Tarquin long enough, Keaton knew the difference between when Tarquin was sad and when he was angry. Tonight, it was sadness, not anger, that overwhelmed him. Lowell scratched his head, clearly puzzled, "I''m not sure how to even start." "Just spit it out, anything you remember," Keaton urged. "It all began with Elijah, no wait, it actually starts with Ms. Thorne..." Lowell recounted the day''s events to Keaton in one breath. He talked about Elijah wanting to call Elysia ''mom,'' the argument fueled by Elijah''s split personality with Tarquin, and Tarquin wanting to meet Elysia''s kids, which led to Elysia getting so nervous and angry. He also mentioned Elysia copsing and being rushed to the hospital, waking up to p Tarquin, and Tarquin being sedated and stripped by Elysia... And beforeing to the bar, Tarquin cornering Elysia and dragging her to the gazebo for a private chat. "...That''s pretty much it. But what they talked about privately, I have no clue. All I know is after Ms. Thorne left, Tarquin was alone at the gazebo smoking, and he already looked like a wreck." Keaton, with a thoughtful look, listened quietly and then asked, "Elijah''s mother wasn''t brought up today, was she?" Lowell shook his head, "I don''t know." Keaton mused, "It must have been mentioned. Only the topic of Elijah''s mother could''ve hit Tarquin this hard." "But I didn''t catch Tarquin bringing her up." "You weren''t there for his chat with Elysia in the gazebo, were you? That might have been when it came up!" "True, but why would Tarquin bring up Elijah''s mother with Ms. Thorne? And to get so worked up about it!" Keaton nced at the drunken Tarquin and countered, "Elijah wants Elysia to be his mom?" "Yep!" "He doesn''t want his own mom anymore?" Lowell sighed in exasperation, "I''m just as clueless, man. Elijah''s just as hard to read as Tarquin." Keaton continued, "Whose idea was this? Elijah''s or Elysia''s?" "Seems like it was Elijah''s." "That means Elijah is moving past his trauma, which should be a good thing." "But Elijah also wants Tarquin to be Ms. Thorne''s husband." "What? That too?" "Yeah! The argument between Tarquin and Ms. Thorne today must have stemmed from this. Tarquin''s heart belongs to Elijah''s mother, and he suspects Ms. Thorne of manipting Elijah, hence the resentment. But how they ended up discussing Elijah''s mother beats me." Keaton remarked, "A woman who''s been missing for six years, and we don''t even know if she''s alive! Even if she is, and by some miracle, Tarquin finds her, what if she''s moved on? Is Tarquin supposed to make her leave her new family?!" Lowell nodded in agreement, "Exactly! If you ask me, Tarquin should just get together with Ms. Thorne. She''s beautiful, kind-hearted, and Elijah adores her. And Tarquin doesn''t mind her. If they got together, it''d be like merging two families into one, double the happiness. Sounds perfect to me.'' Chapter 341 "Absolutely brilliant idea, let''s do it!" "What?!" Keaton said, "I''m going to call Elysia now, get her to pick him up. A little bit of drunken mischief, like turning uncooked rice into a done deal." "What?!" Lowell was instantly sobered by the idea. Seeing Keaton actually pulling out his phone, he hurriedly stopped him, "We can''t mess around like that. Tarquin will have our heads when he sobers up." "He''d have to catch us first!" "But he will, we can''t beat him in a fight." Keaton looked at Lowell with disdain, "Are you thinking with mashed potatoes up there? Who said anything about fighting? If he swings, we run. Plus, his drunken antics aren''t our fault, right?" "...I guess you have a point, but won''t this screw over Ms. Thorne? She''s a good person; I don''t want to trick her." "She''s sober. If she doesn''t want to, Tarquin won''t stand a chance! We''re just giving them an opportunity, get it?" "Got it! But there''s one issue. Ms. Thorne isn''t into Tarquin like that. If you call her to pick him up, she won''te." "True... let''s just deliver him to her then." "What?!" "If she won''te to pick him up, we''ll bring the party to her, surprise her." The two, half-drunk themselves, decided to ship Tarquin off. So, half an hourter, Elysia received a life-sized package. No surprise, just shock! At that hour, Blossom and the kids were all asleep. Only Elysia was up, battling insomnia. Hearing the knock, she quickly got up, threw on a robe, and walked out of her bedroom. "Who''s there?!" It waste, and she didn''t dare open the door right away, instead peeking through the peephole. A ride-share driver called out, "Ms. Thorne? Your husband got stered. I''ve brought him home." Elysia was baffled, "My husband? I don''t have a husband! You must have the wrong door." "No, ma''am, I''ve checked the address several times. You are Elysia, right?" "That''s me." "Then there''s no mistake. Tarquin isn''t your husband?" Tarquin? Elijah''s dad?! The driver, worried she wouldn''t believe him, helped the drunken Tarquin stand so she could see him through the peephole. Elysia almost had a heart attack at the sight! Not wanting to wake the kids, she quickly stepped outside, closed the door behind her, and spoke to the driver, "I know him, but he''s not my husband, and he doesn''t live here." "But this was the address I was given!" Thinking it was a case of a wife mad at her drunk husband, the driver left Tarquin with Elysia and quickly departed. Elysia couldn''t stop him! Stuck with such a rge package" in the middle of the night, Elysia was on the verge of madness! Tarquin,pletely out of it, leaned on her, reeking of alcohol. Elysia pushed him away! With a ''thud,'' Tarquin fell to the ground like a sack of potatoes. Clearly out cold, he didn''t even open his eyes from the fall, continuing to snore away on the cold floor. Elysia couldn''t care less and turned to go back inside. But soon, she was back out again. If he stayed there, sleeping on the floor, how would she exin it to the neighbors tomorrow morning? And with the kids needing to go to school, what if they bumped into their father just as he woke up? She couldn''t let him sleep out here! Chapter 342 "Hey! Get up!" Elysia was desperate to get him to leave and head back to his own ce! But no matter how much she moved her mouth, swung her arms, or kicked her legs, like a little tornado trying to whisper, shout, and kick all at once, she couldn''t wake him up. It was a true spectacle of chaos meets calm. She was all over the ce, and he was as peaceful as a sleeping kitten. She did her thing, and he did his - which was sleeping, undisturbed! Tarquin''s biggest reaction was a slight frown, and then... nothing. Not even an eyelid twitch. Realizing waking him up and sending him on his way was a lost cause, Elysia dialed Lowell and Keaton, hoping they coulde and take him away! But s, it was exactly those two who had ''conspired'' to send him over in the first ce. No chance they''d pick up her call! Lowell and Keaton were effectively ying possum. As the saying goes, never expect a reply from someone ying dead. So, no luck reaching Lowell or Keaton. And since she didn''t have contact info for any of Tarquin''s other friends, she was out of options there. It waste; she couldn''t possibly call Elijah, could she? Elijah was just a kid, how would hee to pick someone up? After some thought, Elysia opened an app on her phone, hoping to book a delivery service to haul him away. But, to her astonishment, she waited over an hour with no takers! It was baffling and utterly frustrating! Waiting around wasn''t solving anything. After some deliberation, Elysia bit the bullet and decided to take matters into her own hands. She dashed home to change into sportswear and tied her long hair into a ponytail. Coming back, she rolled up her sleeves, grabbed Tarquin by a leg, and tried dragging him to the elevator. But no dice! Abandoning the drag, she then tried hoisting him up by wrapping his arm around her neck, attempting to lift him that way. Predictably, that didn''t work either! Despite her best efforts, she couldn''t budge him an inch. Tarquin might look lean, but he was no lightweight. A fitness enthusiast with a passion for sports, his physique was deceptively muscr and toned! And at nearly six foot three, moving him was no small feat for Elysia. She just didn''t have the muscle for it! After sweating through the ordeal without sess, she resigned to seek help from the condominium''s security. Why struggle when you can ask for help? The guards knew Elysia and the kids, and upon seeing Tarquin, immediately joked, "Ms. Thorne, where are you off to with the kids'' dad at this hour?!" Elysia quickly retorted, "He''s not the kids'' dad! They just look alike." "Oh? Not him, huh? But the resemnce! Who is he then?" "A total sleazebag!" "What?" "Just someone not worth mentioning. Could you help me get him to the front gate? He''s drunk, and I need to get him home." Seeing Elysia reluctant to share more, the guards, knowing better than to pry, helped Tarquin up. "Man, this guy might look slim, but he''s heavy." Elysia sneered, "Looks can be deceiving. He''s like a wolf in sheep''s clothing but weighs like a pig!" All bark and no bite, but heavy as a hog! With the security guards'' help, she managed to stuff Tarquin into a cab. She intended to sit in the passenger seat, but the driver suggested otherwise, "Miss, you might want to sit in the back with him. He''s wasted, and it wouldn''t be safe for him to be alone back there. Plus, if he needs to throw up or something, you can keep an eye on him." Reluctantly, Elysia followed the driver''s advice and sat in the back. No sooner had the car started moving than Tarquin copsed onto her. Reacting instinctively, Elysia shoved him away - hard! "Thud-" Tarquin''s head hit the car window. The driver jumped, "Miss... is he alright?" Elysia, unfazed, assured, "Don''t worry, he won''t die! Just focus on driving." Chapter 343 The driver suddenly realized that having her sit in the back seat with a drunk person might not be the safest option. On the bumpy ride, every turn or brake made Tarquin lean uncontrobly towards Elysia. Each time, she would harshly shove him away, showing no "mercy" at all! Tarquin''s head kept hitting either the window or the back of the front seat. The driver winced in sympathy, but Elysia remained indifferent. Forget about what happened six years ago; just dealing with him tonight was infuriating enough. Feeling sorry for him? She thought it was generous enough not to punch him for all the trouble he caused! Upon arriving at the Sunshine Community, Elysia gave the driver an extra tip to help get Tarquin upstairs. The ce was filled with Tarquin''s bodyguards, lurking in the shadows. They watched Elysia''s fierce demeanor with a mix of awe and fear, particrly concerned for their drunken boss. "Is the boss going to be okay? Why does Ms. Thorne seem especially terrifying tonight?" "Should we check on him?" "Who''s going to do that? Not me! I''d sooner sneak into the Bradford family mansion and confront Gideon than mess with Ms. Thorne tonight." The cab driver shared their sentiment and quickly left after dropping Tarquin at his doorstep. Why do they say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned? Because when a woman gets mad, men better stay out of her way! Tonight, Elysia was the embodiment of that fury, radiating anger from every inch of her, even her hair seemed to bristle with indignation! No sooner had the driver left than Elysia was ready to make her exit. She dumped Tarquin in the foyer and was about to leave. She had done her part by getting him home, but she wasn''t going to stick around to care for him. But just as she was heading out, Elijah suddenly appeared from the bedroom, "Mommy?!" Elysia paused, instantly softening, "Elijah, why are you up? Did we wake you?" He shook his head, his concern evident as he nced at Tarquin sprawled on the floor. Elysia exined, "He''s alright, just drunk. Were you not asleep because of the noise, or have you been up all this time?" Elijah didn''t respond directly, but his worried look said it all. He had been upset and worried after hearing that his "silly dad" had made his mom cry tonight. He was concerned that his dad wouldn''t be able to cheer his mom up, and that she would remain sad, causing him to lose sleep. Elysia quickly stepped over Tarquin and knelt beside Elijah, asking softly, "Why aren''t you sleeping? Something on your mind?" Elijah frowned, "I heard Dad made you cry tonight." "How did you know? Did Elliot tell you?" "Yes." "And that''s why you couldn''t sleep?" He nodded. Elysia''s heart melted, and she pulled Elijah into a hug. Even though Elijah wasn''t her biological child, their bond was real and deep. She cared for him, and he for her. "Elijah, thank you for worrying about me. But I''m okay now, alright? Your dad and I have sorted things out, so don''t worry." "Are you... still upset?" Elysia smiled, "Not anymore. With you guys caring for me, I''m actually quite happy." Seeing her genuine smile, Elijah finally felt relieved and solemnly said, "If he ever bullies you again,e to me. I''ll stand up for you!" Elysia was deeply moved, hugging him tightly, "Elijah, you''re so good to me. I''m so lucky to know you." Caught off guard by Elysia''s sudden expression of affection, Elijah hesitated for a moment before gently patting her back, like a young man reassuring his beloved, "I''ll always be here to make things better for you." In that moment, the bond between Elysia and Elijah was a beautiful scene of mutual care and affection, while Tarquin was left dealing with the aftermath of his indulgence, his stomach churning with regret. Chapter 344 "Cough cough!" Tarquin coughed twice, frowning and rubbing his chest, looking quite ufortable. Elijah, seeing this, quickly ran over. "Dad?" He squatted down, rubbing Tarquin''s chest. "What''s wrong, Dad? Are you feeling bad?" Although Elijah was mad at him for making Elysia sad, and a bit frustrated at his cluelessness for not realizing Elysia was his true love and repeatedly causing drama, his love for Tarquin was genuine. Elijah wasn''t much for words, but he knew well who treated him kindly. Seeing Tarquin in difort, he was worried. Elysia really didn''t want to deal with this jerk, but if she didn''t, it would only upset Elijah more. And seeing how anxious Elijah was, she felt sympathy too. "Drinking too much is bound to make him feel sick, but don''t worry, it''s a normal reaction. He''ll feel better once he''s sobered up." No sooner had Elysia finished speaking than Tarquin made a vomiting gesture, startling her. She quickly came forward, pulling him up. "Don''t just throw up here! Get to the bathroom!" Tarquin''s eyes were still closed, clearly not awake yet, but he must have heard Elysia, as he staggered up, letting her guide him to the bathroom. As soon as the toilet lid was lifted, he began to throw up violently. Elysia was disgusted, but she didn''t leave him alone. She stood by his side, gently patting his back, hoping to help him sober up a bit more smoothly. Elijah, feeling very sorry for his dad, quickly ran to the kitchen to fetch a ss of warm water. Elysia asked, "Do we have any hangover remedy at home?" "I don''t know, should I go buy some?" "The pharmacy''s closed by now, never mind, it''s okay not to have the hangover remedy. He''ll be fine after sleeping it off." Elijah frowned, "Why did he drink so much?" Elysia shook her head, "I don''t know." "Did he drink with you?" "No, he was brought to my ce drunk, and then I brought him back here. Does he often get drunk?" "No. He''s a heavy smoker, but not much of a drinker. He only drinks heavily when he''s really upset. This is the first time he''s gotten drunk in front of me." The first time? Elysia was somewhat surprised, giving Tarquin another nce. Judging by Elijah alone, he was a decent dad. Nowadays, there are plenty of dads out there drowning in alcohol,pletely disregarding their children''s mental and physical health, getting drunk in front of them as if it''s nothing. Alcohol is no good thing, and people tend to lose control when drunk, their behavior bing unseemly, which is not beneficial for a child''s upbringing at all! The fact that Tarquin refrained from getting drunk in front of Elijah showed his awareness of this. It also proved that he was a decent dad, at least in front of Elijah! Even if he was nothing in front of Elliot Evan, in front of Elijah, he did quite well! "He''s upset tonight," Elijah suddenly said with a hint of sadness. "Hmm?" "Something must have happened to upset him, otherwise he wouldn''t have drunk so much. I know him." Elysia thought for a moment, recalling their conversation in the gazebo before they parted, and she had an epiphany! His sadness must be because of Elijah''s mother! He must be missing her! What right did he have to miss her? Elysia pursed her lips, but then, thinking from another angle, he did seem quite devoted! Seeing Elijah with a worried expression, Elysia said, "Everyone has their moments of sadness; it''s not possible to be happy all the time. Don''t worry about him. Getting drunk is just his way of venting his emotions. He''ll stop feeling sad once he''s sober." Chapter 345 Elysia was always tiptoeing around the topic of Elijah''s mother, fearing that bringing her up might reopen old wounds for both of them. But one day, Elijah looked at her with those deep, meaningful eyes and said, "He''s probably missing my mom." "Um..." was all Elysia could muster. Elijah pressed on, "If you were in my mom''s shoes, would you forgive him?" Elysia had never really pondered this question; forgiving him was not something she had ever considered. But she couldn''t just say that to Elijah, who had always dreamed of his parents getting back together. Admitting she wouldn''t forgive would just hurt him. She exined, "Everyone sees things from their own perspective, thinks their own thoughts. So, I can''t really speak for your mom." Elijah was persistent, "I want to know what you think, not as my mom, just as you." Elysia hesitated before responding, "Elijah, do you know what your dad did to your mom?" "Yeah!" "So, if it were me, I''d definitely be mad, probably ignore him for a while, but... life is full of uncertainties. Who knows? Maybe after a grand gesture of pursuit, your dad could win her over again. Sometimes, all it takes is a softened heart for forgiveness to follow." Elijah''s nerves turned into excitement, and in a burst of joy, he yfully kicked his own dad! He couldn''t voice his thoughts in front of Elysia, so instead, he gave his dad secretive looks. Did you hear that? You better start wooing her back, make Mom feel special again! There''s still hope! He hadpletely forgotten his dad was still suffering from the effects of too much drinking, and seeing no response, he sneakily kicked him a couple more times! Tarquin had just managed to catch his breath when his son''s kicks sent him into another round of nausea. Elysia immediately stopped chatting with Elijah to help Tarquin, patting his back vigorously. Once he was done throwing up, she quickly got him water to rinse his mouth and then struggled to help him back to the bedroom. Elijah,ing back to his senses, rushed in with a wet washcloth, wanting to wipe his dad''s face. Elysia nced at the clock; it was already 3 a.m. She took the washcloth from Elijah, "It''s way toote, Elijah. You need to go to bed." Kids need their sleep to grow strong, and staying upte is a big no-no! Elijah looked worriedly at Tarquin, passed out on the bed, but Elysia reassured him, "Don''t worry about your dad. He''ll feel better now that he''s sobered up. I''ll take care of him. You go get some sleep." Elijah blinked, a bit happy that Elysia offered to take care of his dad. He really wished his parents would get back together. But still... "Don''t you need to rest too?" "I''ll sort him out and then head to the study to sleep. Don''t worry about us, just be a good boy and go to sleep, okay?" Elijah hesitated for a moment but then nodded and went back to his room. He was worried about his dad and felt bad for Elysia, but he also wanted to give them some space. After Elijah left, Elysia turned to face the person sprawled on the bed, her irritation ring. "I must have owed you something fierce in a past life! After all the bullying I''ve endured from you, here I am, taking care of you! If it wasn''t for Elijah, I''d have tossed you outside to freeze into a popsicle! Then we''d see how tough you are! Hmph!" Muttering under her breath, she approached with the washcloth, her actions gentle despite her grumbling-a perfect picture of a tough exterior masking a tender heart. But as her washcloth gently wiped across his brow, his hand suddenly shot out, grabbing her wrist... Chapter 346 Elysia''s heart skipped a beat, "!" She dared not make any sudden moves, eyeing him warily. But she saw he just grabbed her wrist and frowned, without waking up. Elysia carefully reached for the towel with her other hand, trying once again to wipe his face. As expected, before she could even touch his face, he swatted her hand away! And yet, he still didn''t open his eyes, just furrowed his brows tighter than before, clearly annoyed. Elysia red at him... Was he subconsciously refusing to let her touch him? Ha! Did she even want to touch him?! If it weren''t for Elijah, she wouldn''t bother with him! Feeling wronged and humiliated, she had been trying to clean his face, and he was not appreciating it! Well, if he didn''t appreciate it, let him stay dirty! Elysia wasn''t going to indulge him. If he didn''t want her help, fine by her. She didn''t want to do it anyway! She shrugged off his hand and took the towel to the bathroom... After washing and hanging the towel, she spotted Elijah''s tiny socks in theundry basket, bent down, and washed them too. Before she could finish, a sudden ''bang'' made her jump, and she quickly turned around. Tarquin, reeking of alcohol, leaned against the door frame, his eyes closed and brows furrowed, struggling with his tie, seemingly trying to yank it off. But after a couple of tries that only loosened it, he didn''t manage to take it off. Clearly growing impatient, he suddenly pulled harder, ripping off the top two buttons of his shirt. ''Pop, pop.'' The ck buttons hit the floor, making a crisp sound. Before Elysia could react, he staggered into the room in a sloppy manner. This was the first time Elysia had seen him so unkempt! He was always so aristocratically unapproachable, his suit always crisp without a wrinkle, the top two buttons of his shirt always fastened tightly, always wearing a tie when outside... Even at home in casual wear, you''d never see a hint of sloppiness orziness on him. Today''s disheveled look was truly rare! His tie hung loosely around his neck, his shirt torn, wrinkles visible on his jacket. Even his usually well-groomed hair was a mess today. Although it didn''t affect his handsomeness, it definitely added a rogue charm! Watching him sway over, Elysia instinctively stepped aside. Tarquin seemed not to notice her... He stood in front of the sink, fumbling for the toothbrush cup, trying to turn on the tap. But he operated it all wrong! Up was on, down was off. With the tap in the off position, he should have lifted it to get water. Instead, he pressed down hard. After a futile effort and no water, his annoyance was palpable, his brows deeply furrowed, his expression dark! Thinking he wanted to brush his teeth, Elysia was about to kindly remind him when he suddenly scooped up half a cup of water from the sink. Lifting it, he gulped it down. "?!?!?!" Elysia was utterly shocked! That was the dirty water she used for washing socks! He... he actually drank it! He drank the water she used for washing stinky socks... "Ew!" Elysia barely stopped herself from vomiting. "Who?!" Tarquin seemed to only then realize there was someone else in the bathroom. He looked at Elysia with a deep, suspicious gaze. Elysia, frightened, quickly covered her mouth, afraid of being discovered now, given his terrifying look. He had just drunk sock-washing water, which was kind of a big secret, right? Enough to get her silenced, right?! Drunk as he was, Tarquin couldn''t make out Elysia standing right in front of him. Chapter 347 ncing in Elysia''s direction for a moment, he diverted his gaze. He casually tossed his cup into the sink, then strolled over to the bathroom to relieve himself. Elysia, catching a glimpse of him unbuckling his belt, instantly flushed a deep shade of crimson, her embarrassment palpable! She was utterly flustered! Elijah''s little socks slipped from her grasp,nding softly on the floor! Overwhelmed, Elysia couldn''t even think about the socks, hurrying out of the bathroom. "Who''s there?!" A thud echoed from behind, likely Tarquin hearing themotion and attempting to follow her, only to take a tumble. Elijah reappeared, standing at his bedroom door, inquiring, "What''s up, Mom?" Elysia, cheeks aze, stammered, "Your dad''s... um, using the bathroom." "Did he fall?" Elijah, concerned, headed toward the bathroom. Indeed, Tarquin had fallen. He was so drunk, his body limp as if boneless. Elijah rushed to his aid, "Dad!" Tarquin, touching Elijah''s face, recognized him, "Ah, Elijah." "It''s me. You''re drunk and you fell!" "Fell? Oh, no worries, son. Dad''s here to protect you!" Struggling to his feet, Tarquin aimed to prove his strength to Elijah, despite his inebriation. Elysia, fearing for Elijah''s safety, quickly lent her support. Tarquin, however, shrugged her off, "And you are?" Elijah quickly rified, "That''s Mom!" Tarquin''s expression shifted, "Impossible! I''ve yet to find her!" Before Elijah could exin, Elysia snapped, "I''m Elysia! You specifically sought me out to look after Elijah." "Elysia? Oh, the idiot!" What? Biting her lip, Elysia fought the urge to p him senseless. Who''s the idiot here? "You must''ve been raised on sheer nerve and stupidity! Dumb and ugly!" Tarquin added insult to injury. Elysia gave him a lethal re, restraining herself only for Elijah''s sake. Elijah, caught in an awkward spot, first kicked his foolish father, then turned to Elysia, "Mom, he''s drunk. Let it slide." But before Elysia could respond, Tarquin interjected, "Of course, I won''t stoop to argue with an idiot. That would only lower my IQ!" Elysia and Elijah were left speechless. Before they could react, Tarquin sighed deeply, squatting down to address Elijah in a drunken stupor, "Elijah, are you giving up on your dad?" "...I''m not." "Do you like Elysia that much? Her son said it was your idea to be her son. Do you like her more than your dad?" "..." "Elijah, I can''t find your mom. She might be so mad at me she doesn''t want me anymore. What if you don''t want me either? What am I supposed to do?" His vulnerability was a stark contrast to his usual fierceness, resembling more a child than the adult he was. Sober, he was a tyrant; drunk, he was a child, confiding in Elijah as if he were a little boy seekingfort from an older brother. His words wereced with jealousy and hurt. Elijah, furrowing his brows, assured him, "I do like her, and yes, I chose to be her son. But I never thought of abandoning you. I''ll always be by your side, no matter what." Elysia, catching Elijah''s words, felt an unexpected surge of emotion, a mix of warmth and constraint. Chapter 348 Tarquin was over the moon, giddy as a kid in a candy store after being handed a piece of Blossom''s finest sweets. He gazed at Elijah with drunken adoration, hisugh ringing clear and pure, bursting with sunshine. Thatugh, it was the real deal - sheer joy! Elysia watched him with a mix of emotions. This unkempt, carefree version of him was a first for her, his eyes sparkling with childlike innocence she''d never seen before. For a moment, the roles seemed reversed ¨C Elijah stood as the parental figure while he regressed to a childlike state. They say every grown man harbors a child within, a spirit often cowered by life''s relentless pressures, rarely daring to surface. It takes certain people or moments for a man to truly let go, for that inner child to bubble up, turning the man back into a boy. He''d shed his armor, reveal his vulnerabilities, perhaps even act coy, seek affection, and share those thoughts usually buried deep within. Sure enough, Tarquin soon asked Elijah, tentatively, "Elijah, are you holding a grudge against me because of what happened with your mom?" Elijah frowned. Yes, he was upset! Upset about what Tarquin had done to his mom years ago, causing such pain that now, despite having found her, he hesitated to reconnect. Fearing that the truth might drive her away for good. But he understood. Given the circumstances back then, from Tarquin''s viewpoint, it was a move of desperation... Elijah made sure Elysia heard him, "I am upset with you, but I get it. I know what kind of person you are; you wouldn''t have done it if there had been any other way." Tarquin''s eyes welled up, "I still owe her an apology." "Everyone makes mistakes, but the real fear is in not owning up to them, not trying to make amends, right, mom?" Elysia, suddenly the center of attention, scrambled for words, "Uh, yes, to acknowledge one''s fault and strive to correct it ismendable. True courage lies in facing the consequences of one''s actions." Elijah quickly turned to Tarquin, "Dad, did you hear that? Mom says acknowledging and correcting one''s mistake ismendable. It takes a real man to own up and face the consequences! You''re that man! You''ve got to make things right for what happened back then!" Tarquin murmured, speaking from the heart, "If I could only find her, I''d give her my life if she asked!" Elysia frowned, "..." Why did it feel like they were talking about her?! Did her situation mirror that of Elijah''s mother? She didn''t know how Elijah''s mother would have felt about all this, but she herself had harbored resentment! Yet, because of the kids, she''d let go of her grudges. She didn''t seek vengeance or exnations; she just wanted to stay far away from him, leading a quiet life with her children. But, seeing it from another perspective, Elijah had a point. Given the dire circumstances back then, it was an act of desperation, somewhat understandable. Still, she would never reunite with him! If she were Elijah''s mother, she''d n to take Elijah away, wanting nothing to do with him. Now, her world revolved around her children and her financial independence. Men, in her eyes, meant nothing! "Elijah, step outside," Tarquin suddenly said, staggering to his feet. Elysia realized he needed the restroom and quickly assisted him, ushering Elijah out first. Elijah looked concerned, "Can dad manage on his own?" Elysia''s lips twitched in a half-smile, "He has to. Who else can do this for him?" ncing at the clock, she noted it was nearly half-past three. Chapter 349 "Elijah, can''t seem to shut your eyes, huh?" Looking at his alertness, it was clear he hadn''t been sleeping but had dashed out of his bedroom fully awake. Elijah didn''t nod or shake his head, silently acknowledging it. A lot had gone down today. He had just reunited with his mom when his clueless dad managed to upset her. Just when mom had been cheered up, his dad drowned his sorrows in booze... His heart ached for his mom and then fretted over his dad. It was a lot for him to worry about. Elysia''s eyes were full of concern for Elijah. She led him back to the bedroom, had him lie down, and administered a shot to force him into sleep. He was at the age where growing kids need their rest, and staying upte was definitely off the table! Right before falling asleep, Elijah said, "Mom, dad''s a pitiful guy." "Hmm?" "People who love him are few, yet there are many who wish him harm. All these years, he''s had no one to share his true feelings with. Through all seasons, he''s been on his own." Elysia didn''t know how to respond, finding it hard to muster sympathy at the moment. "He really misses mom." Seeing the kid''s cautious yet sincere gaze, Elysia was torn and confused. Why was he telling her all this? Was he mistaking her for his biological mother?! Elysia paused, even more unsure of how to proceed. Elijah added, "He might seem tough, but he''s not bad at all. He''s really a good guy. He''s tough because he''s surrounded by bad people! If he''s not tough, the bad guys will hurt him! He only acts tough so the bad guys will fear him!" "...Yeah." Elijah urgently asked, "Mom, dad was wrong about things in the past, but... can you give him another chance to make things right?" Past issues?! Elysia''s eyes widened in shock! She was about to ask Elijah how he knew, but then it hit her: Elijah wasn''t talking about something that happened six years ago, but rather things that urred since they hade into each other''s lives. After all this time, that jerk had hardly shown her any kindness. Elysia said straightforwardly, "The past is the past. I haven''t dwelled on it much, and I don''t need him to make it up to me. But you, you''re still young, you shouldn''t worry about adult matters. If you really love your dad and me, you should take good care of yourself. When you''re okay, that''s when we''ll be okay, understand?" Elijah nodded, wanting to say more but his mind was gradually fogging over. Elysia held his little hand, soothing him to sleep, "Sleep tight, Elijah. I''ll look after your dad for you. Just get some good rest..." Soon, Elijah was out like a light. Elysia sighed softly. She touched Elijah''s cheek, tucking him in snugly. She wished Elijah''s mom could forgive that jerk, for Elijah''s sake, to give him a whole family! The kid was too pitiful! Just moments ago, she was thinking she only cared for kids and money, not men. But looking at Elijah now, she found herself reconsidering. If it were up to her, she might actuallypromise, for Elijah''s sake, and stay with that jerk! "Bang! Thud-" Noise came from outside the door again, surely Tarquin stumbling out of the bathroom. Predictably, he must''ve fallen again. Elysia pressed her lips together, a thousand and one reasons not to care, but for little Elijah''s sake, she got up to check anyway. The living room was pitch ck! Elysia puzzled, "Why the heck did you turn off the lights?!" She reached for the light switch, but before her fingers could touch it, a tall shadow loomed, engulfing her in darkness! Chapter 350 Elysia''s heart pounded wildly in her chest. If it weren''t for the strong smell of alcohol confirming it was him and not a ghost, she would have been even more frightened! "What are you doing?!" she eximed, instinctively giving him a little shove. With a "thud," Tarquin hit the floor. Elysia was bewildered. "What?! He fell over from just a tiny push?" She had only used one finger! If she didn''t know her own strength, she might have thought she was some kind of martial arts master. This guy must be trying to pull a fast one on her! Elysia quickly turned on the light and was relieved to see he wasn''t hurt. If he had seriously injured himself, she would be in big trouble. If he ended up paralyzed or something, she''d be held responsible! "Hey, get up, go sleep it off in bed!" she said, noticing he was still semi-conscious. Elysia hastily helped him up and stumbled towards the bedroom. Once he waspletely out, she wouldn''t be able to move him at all. They had barely taken a few steps when he misstepped and fell again. Elysia tried to catch him but couldn''t. "Whoa, whoa, whoa..." she cried as they both tumbled to the ground. Luckily, Elysianded on top of him, which cushioned her fall. "Why do you have to drink so much? It''s so annoying! So annoying!" she muttered, struggling to her feet and dragging him towards the bed. The short distance from the living room to the bedroom felt like miles, leaving Elysia drenched in sweat. Now she totally understood why women hated it when their men got drunk; they became dead weight, leaving the women to pick up the pieces! Seriously, what''s the point of men? Kids and money seem like better options! Elysia finally managed to heave him onto the bed. Tarquiny there, a frown creasing his forehead as he rubbed his temples, clearly in difort. She muttered like a nagging wife, "Feeling bad, huh? Serves you right! Let''s see if you''ll drink this much next time!" Noticing his suit jacket was dirty, she couldn''t help but want to take it off for him. Him sleeping all crumpled up like that just looked ufortable. Elysia wasn''t shy about it; she reached out to undo his suit buttons. Tarquin glowered, swatting her hand away. Elysia rolled her eyes, "Rx! I''m just trying to help you out of your clothes, not take advantage of you!" He snapped, "Don''t touch me!" Elysia was bbergasted. Now he''s acting all prissy like a maiden aunt. When he bullied her six years ago, where was this prudishness? If she were as lecherous as him, she''d have devoured him whole by now! Forget about clothes; she''d leave him with not a bone intact! "You think I want to touch you? You could be naked and I wouldn''t care! I..." Elysia''s words trailed off as she swallowed hard. Tarquin, eyes closed and eyebrows furrowed,y quietly on the bed as he began to undo his own suit buttons. His fingers were long and clean, as if they were made to y the piano, absolutely mesmerizing. Maybe it was because of his handsome hands, but the way he undressed seemed incredibly elegant. Just watching him take off his clothes was a sight for sore eyes. As he unbuttoned his shirt, the muscles hidden underneath slowly came into view... first the chest, then the abs, with every line and curve sharply defined. When he sat up to remove his shirt, the definition in his arms was unmistakable the kind that could easily do hundreds of push-ups, indicating incredible strength. His muscles were well-developed but not in the way a professional bodybuilder''s would be. His physique struck the perfect bnce between strength and aesthetics, appealing to the general public''s sense of beauty. In him, you could see both power and artistry, abination that was infinitely charming. Elysia, though more greedy than lustful, couldn''t help but stare... Beauty was universal, irresistible to anyone who beheld it. If Blossom were here, she''d probably be drooling by now, maybe even lunging at him, unable to restrain herself. Elysia wasn''t as voracious, but she found herself swallowing hard nheless. Chapter 351 She kept shifting her gaze, marveling internally, "Holy moly, is this spectacle free of charge?" Then she''d sneak another nce, thinking, "Might as well look if it''s all for free. It''s like a bonus!" She even found herself thinking, "Go on, strip away. Then put it all back on just to strip again..." He had a certain grace about him when undressing, making her think that watching him dress must be just as pleasing. Her head was spinning like a carousel, one moment gazing out the window, the next fixated on Tarquin Bradford, her cheeks zing red. It wasn''t until Tarquin unbuckled his belt, revealing navy boxer briefs, that she spun around and dashed outside. Bursting into the bathroom, she stared at her blushing reflection, taking deep breaths! What a night of tempting thoughts! She pped her cheeks gently, exhaling long breaths into the mirror,forting herself with thoughts like, "It''s not weird; it''s natural to appreciate beauty. It''s not like I''m paying for it. He didn''t notice, so no harm done." Why stress about it if it''s free? Calm down, no need to panic! "Just consider those extra nces as my tip for the night''s efforts. He''s not at a loss!" Elysia Thorne managed to console herself. After all, for a frugal person, anything free felt like striking gold. She washed her face and went on a hunt for something to sober up with, settling for making a cup of tea in lieu of finding any hangover cure. Unable to find an opened pack, she fetched a new one from the cupboard, brewing it fresh. The aroma of the tea filled the air, tempting her. She couldn''t resist pouring herself a small cup to taste, immediately sighing, "This tea is divine!" Inspecting the newly opened tea cake, she realized it was a well-aged Pu''erh, beautifully packaged but without a brand name, making it impossible to purchase. With a hint of regret, Elysia sipped her small cup of tea before taking the rest back to Tarquin''s bedroom, also grabbing a cup of yogurt from the fridge. Alcohol can make one thirsty, and the tea would help, while the yogurt could cool down any heat. Inside, the bedroom was dimly lit. Tarquin had turned off the main lights, leaving only a bedsidemp on. What surprised Elysia was that the clothes that should have been scattered on the floor were neatly hung on a rack! There were suits, shirts, trousers, with ties and belts orderly ced in a box, and dirty socks tossed into aundry basket. Elysia was taken aback. Was this guy not drunk at all, or did he have a thing for cleanliness? If you''d say he wasn''t drunk, he could barely walk straight, stumbling around all evening! But if you''d say he was drunk, how did he manage to tidy up his clothes? Not just a neat freak, this guy must have OCD! Even in drunkenness, he wouldn''t allow his room to be messy! That''s actually a plus! Elysia ced the tea on the nightstand, giving him a nce. Tarquiny on his back, a silk duvet covering up to his chest, arms exposed, hands crossed over. He was sleeping so properly! But his brows were furrowed, and his features tense, clearly still in difort. Elysia thought about waking him for the yogurt, but before she could get close, he nearly knocked it out of her hands! She stepped back, eximing, "What the heck, I brought you yogurt!" "Get out!" His eyes remained closed, his voice harsh. Get out?! "Ungrateful much? Have it your way then! Suffer if you like!" Elysia muttered, cing the yogurt on the nightstand, turning to leave him be. "Cough, cough, ugh..." Tarquin suddenly coughed, looking like he might vomit. Elysia quickly returned, cing a trash bin by the bed for him, instructing, "Here''s the bin. If you need to throw up, use it. Mess the floor, and you''ll have me to answer to!" Thest thing she needed was to clean up that mess! Chapter 352 Tarquin, for once, was being obedient, hunched over the side of the bed, retching into the trash can. Elysia was there for him, one hand steadying him while the other gently patted his back through the nkets. But despite their efforts, Tarquin could only bring up a bit of bile. It seemed everything else had been emptied earlier in the bathroom, leaving him dry heaving, forcing out whatever was left, which was just stomach acid. Elysia frowned, concerned. To be vomiting bile, he must be feeling terrible. Her tone softened without her even realizing, "If nothing''sing up, don''t force it. Here, rinse your mouth out." She reached for the ss of tea by the bedside to help him rinse his mouth. Tarquin,cking the strength to hold the ss, sipped from it with her help before lying back down. Elysia grabbed a tissue, gently wiping the corners of his mouth. This time, he didn''t swat her hand away... After recing the trash bag in the bathroom bin, Elysia came back to find Tarquin still looking miserable, which made her frown again. She didn''t want to care, but he bore such a striking resemnce to Elliot, Evan, and Elijah! It was as if her brain automatically slotted her kids into his ce. Even though she knew it was Tarquin suffering from his drunken state, not her children, it pained her just as if it were her own kids feeling unwell! After some hesitation, Elysia grabbed the yogurt from the nightstand, "I''m not doing this for you, I''m doing this because you''re like one of my kids right now, and I''m the mom!" She convinced herself out loud, scooping up a spoonful of yogurt and holding it to Tarquin''s mouth, "Here, eat!" Tarquin looked like he wanted to protest, but Elysia was ready, deftly avoiding any resistance and again offered the spoonful, "Eat!" Tarquin turned his face away, refusing, but Elysia got stern, "Eat, or you''ll regret it! Be good!" Be good... Suddenly, Tarquin''s eyes snapped open, and he looked at Elysia... Memories of his childhood, being by Elizabeth''s side, her voice and herughter flooded his mind. "Tarquin, be good, you can''t be picky. Picky eaters don''t grow up strong. Try this, mommy made it just for you,e on, be good." "Tarquin, why the pout? Are you upset? Don''t keep it to yourself, talk to mommy, be good." "Tarquin, you have to eat your carrots and greens, they help you grow tall and keep you healthy. You can''t pick them out; you have to eat them all, be good, let mommy feed you." These childhood memories surged like a tide, leaving Tarquin choked up. He just stared at Elysia, feeling an unexinable mix of emotions, unable to speak. And it was probably for the best that he couldn''t make a sound! Imagine if he identally called her ''mom"? That would scare Elysia away for sure! Elysia,cking the ability to read minds, couldn''t fathom his stare or why he seemed so strange all of a sudden, giving off a vibe of vulnerability, like a stubborn little one in need offort. But he was far from a little one; he was more like a big, scary dog! Was it her threat that had shaken him? That didn''t seem right; he was tougher than anyone! Elysia concluded that he must have be sensitive and fragile from the alcohol. She''d never guess that in treating Tarquin like a child, he was momentarily seeing her as a motherly figure! Seeing the fierce man turn into a pitiable figure softened Elysia''s voice a bit, "Come on, eat up. The yogurt might not sober you up, but it''ll make your stomach feel better. You''ll feel less miserable after." As she spoke, Tarquin looked at her, and she looked back at him. When he obediently opened his mouth to eat, Elysia was genuinely surprised. Chapter 353 Elysia scooped another spoonful of the creamy yogurt and brought it to Tarquin''s lips, which he epted and ate. It was a small act, but it greatly encouraged her. With determination, she continued, spoon after spoon, until the whole cup of yogurt had vanished into Tarquin''s stomach. It reminded her of taking care of Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, as she gently wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin. "All done. Now, lie back and get some rest," she said, standing up to leave. However, Tarquin suddenly grabbed her wrist. His movement was swift, yet gentle, showing no intention to hurt. Elysia wasn''t afraid; after all, this wasn''t the first time he had grabbed her. She was merely curious. "What''s wrong?" she asked. Tarquin furrowed his brows, struggling for a moment before managing to say, "Don''t go." Don''t go? Elysia''s eyes widened in surprise. She couldn''t stay with him indefinitely. She needed her sleep! Besides, there were boundaries between men and women! Elysia declined, "You... you need to get some sleep. I''ll just be in the bathroom." With that excuse, she made her escape, her heartbeat elerating slightly. The guy was quite handsome, and hearing him plead with her to stay was hard to resist! Luckily, she wasn''t Blossom Blythe, with her strong willpower! After washing the yogurt cup in the kitchen and making a quick bathroom trip, Elysia returned to her study to sleep. Tarquiny awake, unable to see Elysia return before the effects of alcohol lulled him into a drowsy state, caught between dreams and memories... In the midst of winter, surrounded by a nket of snow. Elizabeth, dressed in a white puffer jacket, squatted before him, affectionately pinching his cheek with a bright smile, "Tarquin, be a good boy at preschool. Eat well, y nicely with your friends, and listen to your teacher, okay?" Little him, dressed in a miniature suit, stood before Elizabeth, his expression and demeanor a spitting image of the current Elijah. Unwilling to part, he wore an unhappy face, "I don''t want to go to preschool!" "Oh? Why? Aren''t you happy there?" she asked. "It''s childish!" he replied with a scowl, his tone haughty. Elizabethughed, "You''re at the age where preschool is a must. You can''t just skip education." He frowned deeper, insisting, "You have to be the first to pick me up after school, not second." "Alright, alright, I promise to be the first one there. Mommy always keeps her promises! Pinky promise!" Elizabeth extended her pinky finger. He found the gesture childish but stillplied, locking pinkies with her. Only then did he reluctantly say goodbye to Elizabeth and followed the teacher to the ssroom. As he turned the corner, he heard Elizabeth call out from behind, "Tarquin, mommy and daddy will always love you! Mwah!" He turned back to see Elizabeth blowing him a kiss. With the preschool entrance bustling with other teachers and parents, he felt exposed by the public deration of love, his cheeks turning a bright red! In his heart, he repeated ''I love you too'' over and again, but was too shy to say it aloud. Elizabeth, amused by his bashful reaction,ughed even more joyously. She waved at him and then turned to walk towards the street. Watching her disappearing figure, his eyes filled with adoration and favoritism. To him, Elizabeth was like a Snow White, her long hair flowing as she moved through the crowd towards her Prince Charming! Sensing his gaze, Elizabeth turned back, yfully squinting her eyes and blowing another kiss. Suddenly, "Bang-" Chapter 354 A massive truck appeared out of nowhere,unching Elizabeth into the air. She was thrown over 30 feet away,nding hard on the ground. Young Tarquin''s face went through a rapid series of changes, "!!!¡± "Elizabeth!" Kendrick yelled from the side of the road, panic-stricken as he ran towards her. By a cruel twist of fate, he was struck down by a sedan... Tarquin, like a madman, broke free from his teacher''s grasp, crying as he ran into the street. Elizabethy in the cold snow, her white dress stained red with blood. Young Tarquin knelt in the pool of blood, crying for the first time in his young life, "Mommy, get up! Please, Mommy! Mom! Mom! Mom! Ah, ah, ah-" Kendrick, barely hanging on, dragged his weakened body to Elizabeth''s side. He held her tightly in his arms, "Elizabeth, don''t be scared, I''m right here! I''m here! I''m here!" Receiving no response from Elizabeth, Kendrick looked up to the sky and let out a heartbreaking scream, coughing up blood. Young Tarquin was terrified, "Daddy! Daddy!" Kendrick, still holding Elizabeth, didn''t bother to wipe the blood from his lips. He reached out to touch Tarquin''s face, "Tarquin, Mommy and Daddy won''t be able to watch you grow up. You must be strong, be good... You know our wish for you, to grow up happy and healthy. Don''t worry about the feuds with the Bradfords... If they take you in, remember, never harbor ill will but always stay cautious. The Bradfords are like a den of lions, you must be careful... Don''t worry about your mom, I''ll always be with her, taking care of her. We... we all love you..." With hisst bit of strength, Kendrick gave his son these final words, dying in the snow alongside Elizabeth. In one day, a family of three was reduced to one, leaving young Tarquin an orphan. Tarquin hovered over the scene like a ghost, watching his deceased parents, watching his younger self wailing in despair... The pain, the tension, the breakdown! He floated around them, unable to do anything! This extreme sorrow and helplessness drove him mad! He roared in anger, howling like a madman! Next door, Elysia had already gone to bed, but the noise from Tarquin was too much, and she couldn''t help but get up to check on him. Tarquiny in bed, his brow furrowed, hands gripping the sheets tightly, his body shaking violently! Sweat beaded on his forehead, his lips trembling, as if he wanted to scream but couldn''t make a sound. The veins on his forehead were throbbing, clearly on the verge of exploding but unable to let it out. Elysia thought he was having a nightmare! She hurried over, frowning as she called out to him, "Hey! Wake up! Wake up..." After several calls with no response, she ran back to the bathroom to grab a wet towel to wipe his face, hoping to snap him out of it. His eyes suddenly snapped open! Bloodshot, filled with red veins! Elysia stepped back instinctively, startled. Tarquin suddenly grabbed her and threw her onto the bed, pinning her down, his eyes zing as he demanded, "Who did it?!" Huh?! Elysia was confused, "What do you mean, ''who did it''?" Tarquin was furious, the veins on his forehead bulging, ¡°Tell me! Who did it?! Who was it?!" Elysia was terrified. Was he losing his mind?! Chapter 355 She pushed him with all her might, trying to get him off her. "Get off, you jerk! I have no clue what you''re babbling about. Snap out of it!" But it was as if Tarquin didn''t hear a word she said, his voice on repeat, "Who did it? Who was it?" Who had orchestrated his parents'' demise? Who?! Elysia looked at him, terrified. His emotions were too vtile, and if things kept going this way, something bad was bound to happen! She reached out to turn on the main light from the bedside table, hoping to bring him back to reality. Instead, she knocked over themp. With a ''click,'' darkness suddenly enveloped the room. Tarquin, on high alert, nced around. The familiar darkness, the extreme tension, and the presence of that familiar woman beside him... His mind suddenly drifted back to that day six years ago at the airport. It was his first day back in the country to take over the Bradford Group, and he was immediately targeted. Chased, ambushed, drugged... He quickly pressed down on Elysia, covering her mouth, "Shh! Don''t make a sound!" Elysia, struggling to breathe, didn''t care what he was saying. She resisted fiercely! Tarquin pressed down harder, their bodies pressed tightly together. One hand secured her wrists above her head, while the other kept covering her mouth and nose. His legs pinned hers, immobilizing her! "If you want to stay alive, keep quiet. Someone''s out to get me, and they won''t hesitate to take you down too." Elysia''s eyes widened in shock, her memories shing back to six years ago. He had done the same thing, covered her mouth, and said the exact same words, without missing a beat! Was he reliving that moment from six years ago?! "You..." "Stay still!" Elysia was terrified, unable to keep still despite hismand. She struggled, fought, trying to break free. Her resistance seemed to stoke a fire in Tarquin, his frustration evident. His lips involuntarily moved closer to her. Elysia, reacting on instinct, turned her face away, and Tarquin''s head found its way into the crook of her neck. He bit down on her, like a dog punishing its owner for disobedience. "!" Elysia''s breath hitched, her pupils dted, "You... you..." Tarquin, as if possessed, shifted from biting to sucking... his whole demeanor changed. "Mmm..." Elysia couldn''t help but make a sound. Encouraged, Tarquin whispered sweet nothings into her ear, "Help me, and I swear I won''t let you down! Trust me! I''ll make you the happiest, most respected woman in the world!" Elysia''s eyes were filled with horror, as if history was repeating itself, "No, please, no..." But her protests were drowned out by his kiss. He was as domineering as he had been back then! Prying open her lips to im her thoroughly, ransacking her mouth and forcefully mingling his essence with hers. No matter how much Elysia struggled, he kept a tight grip on her, kissing her passionately, unleashing his pent-up desires. Like a starving wolf in the dead of winter finally finding its prey, mping down and refusing to let go. That kiss nearly took Elysia''s life! Due to her inability to breathe properly during the kiss, her brain started tock oxygen, and her consciousness began to fade. Even though she hadn''t drunk a drop, she couldn''t tell if this was reality or a dream! Because for the past six years, she had dreamt of him more than once. Every dream was like this moment, desperately entwined! Chapter 356 He pinned her beneath him, forcing her legs apart with a determined strength. A firm and heated presence pressed against her, jolting Elysia awake, instinctively tightening her legs. His waist, lodged between her thighs! mping down on his waist, her grip tightened, eliciting a muffled groan from Tarquin, seemingly in pleasure. Releasing her lips, he began a trail of kisses and nibbles down her skin... Hevished attention on her earlobe, her jawline, lingering on the pale elegance of her neck. His hands were busy too, one pinning her wrist, the other fervently kneading her behind with a forceful grip! Beneath him, she was as soft as melted butter, her breathsing out in light pants and whimpers, like a cat in secret delight. The harder his grip, the higher the pitch of her breaths climbed. Tarquin reveled in these sounds, biting down on her neck, his hand venturing beneath her to lift her closer, pressing down to amplify her vocal response! And amplify it did, as the heat at her core sparked a sharp cry from Elysia, "Mmm..." That sound nearly did Tarquin in! He breathed heavily, losing all control, once again going for her clothes like a man possessed... Elysia trembled uncontrobly, the tremors fierce! Once again, she was engulfed in fear, anger, helplessness, and shame! Back then, she was too weak to resist! But now... With a "click," the taste of blood burst between them. Elysia bit down hard on his tongue, using all her strength! Tarquin, pained, released her lips, staring at her in shock. Elysia red back, gasping for air! They stared at each other in the dark room, the air filled with a mix of passion and an eerie tension. Secondster, Tarquin reached out to touch a tear on her cheek, his hand trembling, "You don''t want this?" "I don''t!" "Then we''ll stop." Abruptly, he got off her, sitting up and turning on the light. The sudden brightness forced Elysia to close her eyes, then slowly open them...ing back to reality. It wasn''t a dream but harsh reality! He, drunk and lost in the past, mistook her for someone from a night six years ago, and she, kissed into a stupor, thought it was all a dream! Six years ago, she suffered under him, and now, nearly again... Had she known, she wouldn''t have left the study to check on him! Biting her lip, Elysia quickly adjusted her clothes, about to leave when he suddenly lunged at her again! Pinning her down, his emotions running wild, "This isn''t right! This isn''t the airport; this is my mother''s house! I''m not being chased or drugged, but why are you here?" Elysia froze. Tarquin asked, "Am I dreaming?" Elysia remained silent. With a p to his own face, he eximed in shock, "Ouch! I''m not dreaming!" Elysia panicked, her breathing hastened. Was he sobering up? Was he going to recognize her?! Suddenly- He pressed down again, his lips sealing hers shut. Caught off guard, Elysia whimpered, "Mmm, mmm..." She struggled fiercely, beating against his back! Tarquin, relentless, kissed her deeply, as domineeringly as before, sweeping through the sweetness within her mouth! This kisssted for an intense ten minutes. Chapter 357 Until Tarquin released her, leaving Elysia gasping for air, his excitement was palpable. "It''s you! It really is you! You''re back! You finally came back! Oh! Ha! You came back, you finally decided toe back!!!" His voice choked up with emotion, and his eyes reddened with unshed tears. That kiss was just to confirm his own feelings! Elysia''s heart pounded in her chest, a mix of nervousness and fear engulfing her. Had he truly recognized her? Did he realize she was the same person he had wronged at the airport six years ago? Would he make the connection to the child being his? Would he try to take the child from her?! All the fears she had imagined over and over resurfaced, driving Elysia to the brink of madness! At that moment, she had no desire to use or condemn him, only a deep-seated worry filled her thoughts. She was terrified he would find out about the kids! Lost on how to face him, she tried to push him away and run, but he wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her tight. "Please don''t go, I''m begging you. Don''t disappear again, don''t hide from me. I was wrong, I truly realize my mistake now. If you''re angry, take it out on me, just please don''t avoid me, okay? You have no idea how hard I''ve searched for you these past six years, how worried I''ve been, how much I''ve missed you! Six years, and my longing for you nearly drove me insane! I know you''re angry. You can hit me, yell at me, even kill me if you want, just don''t disappear from my life again! I truly realize my mistake! Please don''t vanish..." He buried his head in the crook of her neck like a child seekingfort, his voice breaking. Warm tears trickled down Elysia''s neck to her corbone, and she touched them in shock. Was he crying? This man, tough as steel, could actually cry? Tears were present even in him... "I''m the one at fault, you can punish me, but our children are innocent. Don''t let your resentment towards me affect them. They don''t deserve to grow up in a broken home; they need aplete family... The mistake is mine alone to bear. Punish me however you see fit, just please, don''t leave. Stay, give me a chance to make amends, will you?" Children, children, children! Every mention of the children tightened Elysia''s nerves, sending her into a panic! All she could think about was running, getting away as fast as she could, not spending another second in Jindale City! Suppressing her anxiety, Elysia struggled to turn around in his embrace to face him, lifting her hand towards his pressure point. With a forceful strike, Tarquin passed out instantly! Elysia pushed him away, attempting to escape, but then the unexpected happened... Her nerves had been on edge all evening, and the physical exertion from her earlier encounter with Tarquin had drained her strength, leading to her copse as her brain shut down. The night suddenly fell silent again. The next morning. "Ring, ring, ring..." The persistent ring of the cellphone jolted Elysia awake. The first thing she saw was a wall of flesh, a healthy, tanned chest that was irresistibly masculine. Elysia''s eyes widened in shock! Fearfully, she slowly looked up... A strong jawline, thin lips, a prominent nose, and thick, well-shaped eyebrows framed a face she recognized all too well! Elysia''s heart leaped into her throat as she stared at him, nearly screaming aloud! She had ended up sharing a bed with him, wrapped in his arms, sleeping side by side the entire night! Chapter 358 Elysia''s consciousness slowly trickled back, the events of the previous night reying in her mind like a broken record. Her breathing quickened with panic... He found out! He mentioned the kids! No, no, no, run, just run! Just likest night, when she realized he had recognized her, her first instinct was to flee! If you can''t beat them, run. That had been her n all along! But now, she was wrapped tightly in Tarquin''s arms, and any slight movement from her caused his eyebrows to twitch in response. Elysia feared waking him would spell the end of her escape, so she first silenced her phone, then held her breath, lying quietly in his embrace for a while. Once she was sure he had fallen back into a deep sleep, she carefully moved his arm from around her waist. She tiptoed out of bed, and like a thief in the night, she escaped the bedroom, darting into the study. Only when she had locked the door behind her did she dare to breathe heavily! Slumping against the door, her body felt limp and powerless... "Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding..." Her phone rang again, this time it was Blossom calling. Elysia knew Blossom must have woken up and panicked not finding her at home. She steadied her heart and answered, "Hello?" Blossom sounded frantic, "Elysia, where did you run off to? I woke up and couldn''t find you anywhere." "I... had a bit of an emergencyst night, I''m at Elijah''s ce now." "Oh? You went to Elijah''s? Is something wrong with him?" "He''s fine. It''s just... Blossom, could you take a day off today? Don''t take the triplets to school. I need you to start packing, I''ll be home soon." Blossom was confused, "Packing? Are you moving?" "Yeah, get Elliot, Evan, and Emmett up and have them start packing too." Blossom sounded worried, "Elysia, what happened?" "It''s a long story, I''ll exin when I get back. I''m okay, don''t worry. Just do as I say." " " After hanging up, Elysia took another deep breath. Thinking back tost night, she shivered with fear and didn''t dare to waste any more time. She stood up, intending to change her clothes. "Mommy." Elijah''s voice suddenly came from outside the door. Elysia froze for a moment, then quickly tidied up her clothes and hair before opening the door, "Elijah, why are you up so early?" Elijah didn''t answer her question, instead looking at her suspiciously, "...Mommy, what happened to you?" "Hmm?" "Here, and here, and there... Did we get mosquitoes in the house?" Elysia touched herself here and there, realizing what he was referring to. Her eyes widened, and she hurried into the bathroom. Seeing her reflection in the mirror, covered in love bites as if she''d been attacked by a wild animal, Elysia almost lost it! Her face turned beet red! She was fair-skinned, and now her neck was covered in obvious marks! Elysia was furious, cursing him in her mind. He was like a rabid dog! Elijah, still too young to understand what those marks were, looked worriedly at her from the bathroom doorway, "Mommy, do you want me to call a doctor?" "No!" Elysia quickly refused. Elijah hurriedly asked, "Should I wake up daddy to get you some medicine?" Call him? "No, no, no, I''m... I''m fine." Elysia responded in a flurry to Elijah, quickly wrapping a scarf around her neck to temporarily hide the marks. She opened the bathroom door and told Elijah, "No need to wake up your daddy; he had a bit too much to drinkst night. Let him sleep in. Don''t worry about me, I just got a bit of an allergic reaction from some bug bites, it''s nothing." Elijah still looked worried, "An allergic reaction? Are you sure you don''t need a doctor?" "No, I know what to do." "Does it hurt?" Elijah asked. Elysia shook her head, "No, it doesn''t hurt." "Does it itch?" Chapter 359 "It doesn''t itch." "You''re not ufortable?" "No, not ufortable." Hearing this, the little one finally let out a sigh of relief. Elysia looked at Elijah, suddenly feeling a wave of sadness wash over her. Today was the day she had to leave, and she might never see Elijah again. Though not her biological son, the bond between them was undeniably real! Elijah, sensing her sadness, grew anxious again, "What''s wrong, Mom? Are you feeling okay? Should I call the doctor?" Elysia''s throat tightened with emotion, and she shook her head, lifting Elijah into her arms and heading toward his bedroom, "Mom needs to talk to you for a minute." She was in a rush to leave, but she couldn''t bear to say goodbye to Elijah so abruptly. Elijah loved her, and she loved him just as much! Every time he called her "Mom," she truly saw him as her son... If it were possible, she''d take Elijah with her in a heartbeat. After all, what''s one more kid to look after? But deep down, she knew it wasn''t an option. That wild man would never allow it! Once back in Elijah''s room, Elysia set him down on his bed, asking him to lie down. She checked his pulse to ensure everything was normal, then said to Elijah, "Do you remember what Mom told you before? If you really miss me, you need to be good, eat well, sleep well, and grow up strong. Because if you''re okay, then I''ll be okay too." Elijah, lying there, nodded obediently at her words. Elysia continued, "Everyone is an individual, and with meetinges parting. But just because we''re apart, doesn''t mean the love disappears. Do you understand?" Elijah seemed to grasp something but wasn''t sure. Furrowing his brow slightly, he looked at Elysia and shook his head nervously. It broke Elysia''s heart to see him like this, feeling a sourness in her nose. Holding back her emotions, she exined, "It''s like you and me. I know you like me, and I like you too. But we are individuals. You have your life, and I have mine. So, we can''t always be together." Elijah suddenly sat up, emotionally stirred, "Does that mean you''re leaving me?" Elysia didn''t want to admit it, but she nodded, "Mom has to go away for a while. I have some very important things to take care of." Elijah''s breathing quickened, "What things?" "Personal matters. I''d rather not say." "How long will you be gone?" "I... I don''t know yet." "Are Elliot, Evan, and Emmett going too?" "Yes." Elijah''s eyes filled with tears, "Then... will youe back?" "I..." Understanding dawned on Elijah, and he burst into tears, "Do you not want me anymore? Are you going to abandon me? Did I do something wrong? I can change, can''t I?" Tears streamed down his face, "Just tell me what I did wrong, and I''ll fix it! If you want me to talk more, I will. If you want me to smile more, I''ll smile all the time. You said eating more would make me grow tall, so... so... I''ll eat three bowls at every meal, okay?" Elysia''s heart shattered. She embraced Elijah tightly, tears streaming down her face, "No! Elijah, you''ve done nothing wrong! You''re perfect in every way. You''re the most wonderful and talented child in the world! You''re Mom''s pride and joy! I love you so much, Elijah! I''ll always love you, always!" Elijah clung to Elysia''s waist, sobbing uncontrobly, "Then... can''t you just stay?" Chapter 360 Elysia was heartbroken! But he had already noticed her, and it wouldn''t be long before he started suspecting Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s true identities. If she didn''t leave, it would inevitably lead to a bitter custody battle over the kids! The kids loved her, and even if it went to court, they would surely tell the judge they wanted to stay with Mommy. But did she even stand a chance of making it to court against him? What was shepared to his power? Despite being bankrupt, he still had loyal followers at his beck and call, capable of ending her life with a mere flick of his wrist! She couldn''t take that risk! The kids were her everything. If he took them away, her world would copse, and she''d go insane! But leaving Elijah wouldn''t bring her world crashing down, because despite being a deadbeat, he was a good father! "Elijah... they say there''s a special bond between mother and child. I believe you''re missing your mother, and she must be out there missing you too. Someday, you''ll meet again, I..." Elysia tried to distract Elijah by mentioning his mother. But what she didn''t know was that she was the very mother Elijah had been longing for! After yearning for so long, how could Elijah ept the reality of her impending departure? Elijah shook his head, tears streaming down his face, looking utterly vulnerable and pitiful. He didn''t want Mommy to leave... He had waited countless days and nights for his Mommy''s return. He couldn''t bear the thought of being separated from her... Elijah was so worked up that his whole body was convulsing, on the verge of a breakdown. Elysia quickly hypnotized him, forcing him to calm down. Entering Elijah''s mental world, she could still hear his pleas, begging "Mommy, please don''t go." It was torture for Elysia, each plea cutting into her like a knife. She didn''t want to leave Elijah either, but she felt utterly powerless... If only Elijah wasn''t the son of that man. If only she didn''t have the three little ones to worry about him fighting over. She would''ve stayed, watched Elijah grow up, and seen him recover! But that was just wishful thinking; reality was cruel. However, she took some sce in noticing that Elijah''s mental world had started to show some color. Thest time she visited, it was a barren wastnd, with Elijah lying injured and barely alive in the desert. Now, it was different. There were sprouts of grass and sources of water, with a clear blue sky overhead. Though not as vibrant as a normal child''s, the grass had taken root and was slowly growing, promising to soon cover the ground in green. Surprisingly, she found no trace of Elijah''s biological mother in his mental world. Had the child stopped thinking about his real mother? A drawing fluttering to the ground caught her eye. Elysia bent down to pick it up - it depicted a family of six, holding hands together,beled Daddy, Mommy, Elliot, Evan, Emmett, and Me. Elysia was shocked. Elijah truly saw her as his own mother? He fantasized about her being together with his father, living as a happy family of six! Elysia was moved yet anxious. This was proof of Elijah''s deep love for her! But it was also a troubling sign. Elijah''s excessive dependence and longing for her to stay could lead to immense pain if they were separated. Stepping out of Elijah''s mental world, Elysia looked at him with deep concern, her brow furrowed in worry. Elijah''s wish was something she couldn''t fulfill. Chapter 361 She was adamant about not living with that scoundrel of a man, especially not with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett in tow. Given Elijah''s current condition, even if that scoundrel hadn''t found her, she couldn''t continue staying with Elijah. His overdependence on her wasn''t good for his mental health. "Sorry, Elijah," Elysia said as she left a deep kiss on his forehead. Her eyes brimmed with tears, and she made the tough decision to leave, gritting her teeth. She returned to the study, sat at Tarquin''s desk, and wrote a prescription along with an outline for a treatment n, hoping it would help Benjamin Lawson and the others treat Elijah in the future. After sorting out Elijah''s affairs, Elysia thought about leaving directly, but she couldn''t very well go out wrapped in just a towel. Thinking it over, she turned and headed to Tarquin''s room. She had to figure out a way to cover up all these bruises! There were no clothes of hers there, and Elijah''s wouldn''t fit; she had no choice but to make do with Tarquin''s clothes. Inside the bedroom, Tarquin was still out cold. Elysia red at him, teeth gritted in anger, and started rummaging through his wardrobe for something suitable to wear. All she found in Tarquin''s closet were suits and shirts, all in dark shades. After a bit of searching, she found a ck wool sweater. It was oversized, but being a turtleneck, it would definitely cover the marks on her neck. Elysia didn''t waste any more time, grabbing the sweater and heading out. Before leaving, she shot Tarquin onest look, thinking, ''This is thest time, buddy! Goodbye!'' But just as she was about to reach the door, a cold voice came from behind her, "Stop!" Elysia jumped, quickly turning around to look. Somehow, he was awake! He was sitting up, looking at her with an icy re, "Sneaking around, are you?" Elysia''s heart raced, pounding like a drum in her chest as she gasped for air, ring back at him. Then, in the next instant, she turned to run! Tarquin''s voice followed her, "There are bodyguards downstairs, you won''t get far without my permission!" Elysia immediately stopped, turning around, her eyes wide with terror, breathing heavily. Tarquin''s expression was frosty, "Let''s be honest, what are you doing in my room, sneaking around like that?" Why would he ask that, especially when his attitude seemed so different from when he recognized herst night? It was as if he hadn''t recognized her at all. Could it be, he forgot aboutst night?! Elysia blinked rapidly, steadying her nerves, and cautiously asked, "Do you remember what happenedst night?" "What happenedst night?" Tarquin responded. Elysia was shocked. He really didn''t remember?! She dodged the question, "You were drunkst night and somehow ended up at my doorstep. I brought you back here." Tarquin frowned, rememberingst night''s drinks were with Keaton Huber. It must have been Keaton''s doing, purposely sending him to Elysia''s ce! That Keaton, always dancing on thin ice! Tarquin decided not to delve into that mess for now, his gaze still fixed on Elysia, "First, answer me, why were you in my room? And why take my clothes?" Seeing he genuinely remembered nothing, Elysia felt a rush of relief! If he couldn''t remember, then he wouldn''t discover the truth, wouldn''t recognize her, wouldn''t suspect Elliot, Evan, and Emmett! Good, good, good, this was great! For the first time, Elysia found herself grateful for Tarquin''sck of memory, her anxious heart finally settling. Trying to calm herself, she exined, "I got bitten by a... dogst night, got some marks on my neck, thought I''d borrow one of your sweaters to cover it up." Tarquin asked, skeptically, "Bitten by a dog?" Chapter 362 Elysia gave him a meaningful look, "Yeah, a dog, a rabid one at that!" Tarquin''s face darkened, "Have you had your rabies shot?!" Elysia froze, "Huh? Why would I need a rabies shot?" Tarquin scowled, "You''re telling me you got bitten by a rabid dog and didn''t think to get a rabies shot?!" "I... I said he was like a rabid dog, doesn''t mean he''s actually mad. He''s just... overly aggressive!" "And you''re still alive after dealing with that kind of aggression?" Elysia was speechless, "Are you wishing I got bitten to death? How would that benefit you?!" Tarquin''s expression grew even darker, "When did this bite happen?" Elysia replied irritably, "On the way back after dropping you off!" "Didn''t see a doctor?" "The dog wasn''t actually rabid, why would I see a doctor?! Drop it, I''m taking the clothes!" Elysia quickly tried to leave but was stopped by Tarquin, "Hold it!" Elysia was exasperated, "Now what?!" Tarquin''s expression was stern, "Let me see that towel." Elysia was shocked, "What... what for?" "To check the bite on your neck!" "Why would you want to see that?!" "Can''t I?" "No!" "Why not?" "It''s not proper for men and women to... to be so informal!" Tarquin rolled his eyes, "Pretentious much? Your neck''s been out in the open for everyone to see, hasn''t it?!" Elysia, finding no way to argue, begrudgingly said, "It''s not about can''t, I just don''t want you to see it!" "Why not?" "No reason!" Tarquin, visibly upset, pressed on, "Elysia, don''t make me do it myself. Hand over the towel." He needed to see how vicious this ''dog'' was, to see the extent of Elysia''s injuries. Was there a need to rush her for a rabies shot? Elysia, bing emotional, retorted, "Are you insane? It''s none of your business, why are you so keen on seeing it?!" Tarquin, with a stern voice, countered, "How is it not my business? You''re in my house, you got bitten by a ''dog'' and didn''t get a rabies shot. What if that dog had a contagious disease? I have to be responsible for myself and Elijah!" Elysia was at a loss for words; he wasparing her to a dog, and not in a fond way. If only she hadn''t referred to him as a dog! But she didn''t want him to see the bite marks, afraid it would bring back memories of the previous night. Elysia quickly changed her story, "It wasn''t a dog bite, it was a person." "A person bit you?" "Yeah." "But you said it was a dog earlier?" "It was a person!" Tarquin stared at her for a few seconds, then realization dawned on him, gritting his teeth, "You... you had a date with someone else while dropping me offst night?!" Elysia didn''t bother to exin, letting him think what he wanted. Seeing her silent eptance, Tarquin grew furious, "You... how could you be so shameless?! You could have either dropped me off first or gone on your date first! To think you''d date him while on the way to drop me off, isn''t that disgusting?!" So, in his eyes, her dating someone else while dropping him off was like bringing him along on the date? "I..." "Stay away from me with your indecent affairs from now on, and tell your ''wild man'' not toe near you when I''m around! Don''t disgust me! And cover up your neck properly, don''t let Elijah see and be bothered by it! Get lost." Elysia was rendered speechless. Alright, he admitted himself as the ''wild man''! Ignoring his verbal jabs, nothingpared to the fear of him discovering the truth, Elysia grabbed the clothes and headed back to the study room to change. Though he didn''t rememberst night''s events, she couldn''t linger. It was best to leave quickly. Chapter 363 Tarquin really couldn''t remember a thing. He''d overindulgedst night, tossing and turning without sleep until the early hours. Now, freshly awakened, his head throbbed, his mind buzzing annoyingly. He slipped into a bathrobe and shuffled towards the bathroom for a shower, pausing as he passed Elijah''s room. With a gentle nudge, he cracked the door open and peeked inside. Seeing the little guy sound asleep brought a warm glint to Tarquin''s eye. Quietly closing the door, his gaze inadvertently drifted towards the study, his expression instantly turning icy. He knew Elysia was in there, his brow furrowed in disgust, face set in a cold demeanor as he continued to the bathroom. Elysia''s affairs were none of his business! She could be with whoever she wanted; it didn''t concern him. It was just that, being a bit old-fashioned, he had little tolerance for those who weren''t faithful in rtionships. Shutting the bathroom door behind him, Tarquin was about to step into the shower when he noticed something on his skin. Red, long scratch marks, as if he''d been wed by a wild cat! Taken aback, Tarquin studied his reflection closely in the mirror, finding not just a few on his front but even more on his back! What the heck? Who did this?! shes ofst night began to slowly resurface in his mind... He''d been drunk, haunted by nightmares of his parents'' tragic ident, and a memory from six years ago on the day he returned to the States, thinking he''d been drugged at the airport, then entangled with Elijah''s mother in a darkened room... No, that wasn''t right! The memory of his parents'' ident was a dream, but Elijah''s mother wasn''t! He clearly remembered when he turned on the lights, he wasn''t at the airport but in his bedroom! And there she was, lying on his bed! He even recalled holding her tight, apologizing profusely! Meaning, Elijah''s mother was truly there, not a figment of his imagination. The scratches were proof! It wasn''t a dream; she had reallye back! But where was she now? The bite mark on Elysia''s neck... Realization struck Tarquin like a bolt of lightning, his breath hitching as he quickly wrapped himself in his bathrobe and flung open the bathroom door! There was Elysia, tiptoeing to the door, stealthily turning the knob, nning her escape! Caught off guard by Tarquin''s sudden appearance, Elysia was both surprised and awkward, stammering out an exnation, "I... uh, Elijah''s still sleeping. I thought I''d check in on my son at home. I''lle backter, bye." She attempted to make a quick exit! But Tarquin''s hand shot out, mming the door shut with a ''snap''. She wasn''t going anywhere! Elysia, visibly shaken, turned to face him, her back pressed against the door, "What are you doing?" Tarquin, breathing heavily, demanded, "Was it you?!" "Uh? What was me?" "Last night, was it you?!" Elysia''s breath caught in her throat, her heart racing! Did he remember?! Before Elysia could respond, Tarquin pressed on, "And six years ago, it was you, wasn''t it?" Elysia panicked, "No! I don''t know what you''re talking about. Six years ago, I was in a small vige!" "You''re lying! Six years ago, you were in Jindale City! I''ve looked into it!" "I... Yes, I was in Jindale City six years ago, but after my divorce, I moved to the vige. I''ve never met you, I don''t know you! I don''t know what you''re talking about!" Tarquin''s chest heaved with emotion, his voiceden with urgency, "Then tell me, what were you doing on March 27th, six years ago?" Chapter 364 Six years ago, on March 27th... That was the day Elysia''s world fell apart! She had gone to the airport to pick up her husband when chaos erupted. Amidst the turmoil, he dragged her into a darkened lounge, where she spent three agonizing hours in despair. Ignoring her protests and pleas, he left her with nothing but empty promises before tearing at her clothes... That day, he was like a madman, a ravenous wolf, a domineering lion-wild and uncontroble! He pinned her down, dominating her from behind, on the floor, taking what he wanted over and over again until he had marked every inch of her. It was her first time, and the pain of being forcefully entered was etched into her soul, unforgettable for a lifetime. The memories were too painful to revisit. Elysia trembled all over, her fingernails nearly piercing the soft flesh of her palms in distress. She wanted to tear him apart, oh, how she wanted to! Tarquin saw the anger and resentment in her eyes and was more convinced it was her. He, too, was shaking, his emotions running as high as Elysia''s. He ced his hands on her shoulders, bending down to meet her gaze, his eyes red with emotion, "It''s you, isn''t it? You''ve been trying to strip me, not for some scandalous photoshoot, but because you wanted to see if the marks you left on my shoulder were there, right? From the first time we met, you insisted on me getting undressed, just to check for those bite marks to confirm it was me! At the hospital the other day, when you knocked me out, you must have seen the marks and confirmed my identity, but you refuse to admit it, don''t you? You me me, hate me, never want to see me again, right?" Yes! Yes! Yes! I do me you! I do hate you! I never want to see you again in my life! Elysia responded in her heart, her lips trembling too much to make a sound. Tarquin seemed to find his answer in her emotions, his heart filled with sorrow, self-reproach, and overwhelming guilt. "I''m sorry!" Elysia''s tears burst forth at his words... Sorry... Could a simple apology ever make up for what he had done? Despite her fierce resistance that day, despite her telling him no, she didn''t want this, he still took what he hadn''t the right to! She didn''t care what excuses he had; from her point of view, he was a scoundrel, a monster, a rapist! Because of him, she was branded with the stigma of ''infidelity within marriage'', mocked and scorned! Words like shameless, indecent were the nicer terms used! Many called her a whore, a slut, trash! She had always been known for her grace and conservatism. From middle school to university, she had received countless love letters, but she focused solely on her studies, aiming to change her fate through education, never engaging in inappropriate behavior with the opposite sex! But he changed the trajectory of her lifepletely! He had nearly destroyed her entire existence! So,pared to the damage he had caused, what was his apology worth? Histe affection was worth less than dirt! With reddened eyes, Elysia sniffled, holding back her tears, and pped his hand away, "Don''t touch me!" Tarquin froze, "..." Elysia continued in denial, "So much time has passed, how could I remember? I''ve forgotten what happened that day!" For the sake of her three children, she would never admit it until the very end! Tarquin''s voice shook, "Forgotten, then why are you crying?" "I''m not crying!" Chapter 365 Elysia defiantly lifted her chin, her voice strong but betrayed by the unstoppable tears streaming down her face. Some wounds, she realized, weren''t so easily numbed by time or distraction. The presence of her kids had been a salve to her aching heart, but now, facing the very source of her anguish, her emotions spiraled out of control. She was determined not to cry over this anymore, yet she couldn''t help herself. Her tears flowed like a breached dam, beyond her control. Tarquin, his heart aching for her, tentatively reached out to wipe her tears, only to be met with rejection. "I told you, don''t touch me!" Elysia snapped, batting his hand away. Tarquin''s hand froze mid-air, his expression one of a bewildered child, unsure of what to do next. Elysia, in a futile attempt to regain someposure, roughly wiped away her tears and defensively imed, "I''m crying because you mentioned something from six years ago, reminding me of issues between my husband and me. It has nothing to do with you!" Tarquin was skeptical. "So, you''re saying it wasn''t youst night?" "No, it wasn''t!" "Then who left these scratch marks on me?" Tarquin challenged, opening his robe to reveal the evidence. Elysia, her breathing hurried and lips pressed tightly together, insisted, "It wasn''t me!" Tarquin countered, "We have security guards downstairs. They wouldn''t let a stranger in. If it wasn''t you, then it must have been me or Elijah. Do you really think Elijah or I did this?" His implication was clear - it could only have been Elysia. Cornered by logic, Elysia had no choice but to confess, "It was me! You tried to take advantage of me when you were drunk, and I had to defend myself!" With that, she pulled down her cor to reveal bruises on her neck. "These are the proof of your assault!" Seeing the marks, Tarquin''s emotions surged. "Aren''t these marks proof of who you are? In my life, it''s only been you. I would never touch another woman, even in a drunken stupor. My heart responds only to you. I know it was you!" He recalled how others, like N ter, had tried to seduce him in his drunken state, only to be met with violence. Even inebriated, he would never mistake another for her. "I know it was you,st night, in my arms, and six years ago at the airport. It was always you," Tarquin insisted, stepping closer. Elysia, panicked, denied it vehemently. "It wasn''t me!" But Tarquin was relentless. "It was you!" Backed into a corner, literally and figuratively, Elysia felt trapped. "I said it wasn''t! Stop talking to me. I don''t want to hear another word!" She covered her ears, but Tarquin continued, "I know it was you. Why won''t you admit it? What are you afraid of? That I''ll hurt you? I won''t, not ever again. I''ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you. Please, don''t leave. Stay with the kids and me..." His pleas were cut short by a sharp p across his face. His mentions of ''the kids'' and ''the rest of our lives'' filled her with an unbearable fear. Chapter 366 What was she so afraid of, so worried about? She feared he would discover the child! Feared he would fight her for custody! Feared he would use the child to bind her, turning her into a caged bird! She despised him! She didn''t like him one bit! He was willing to spend the rest of his life making amends, but she wanted no part of it! She didn''t want to be with him! Wanted nothing more to do with him! She wouldn''t stay, and neither would her child! Elysia snorted in defiance, sticking to her resolve of ''deny till you die'', "I never slept with you, andst night wasn''t me in your bed! Yes, I did scratch you, but I didn''t climb into your bed! I spent the entire night in the study, and Elijah can vouch for me!" It just so happened that Elijah found her in the study that morning; surely he would assume she had been there all night. Before Tarquin could even respond, Elysia added, "idents happen, and feelings can be misleading, especially under the influence of alcohol. Your so-called feelings for me only prove that I resemble someone in your heart, but I am not her! Let me emphasize again, I had no ties with you six years ago, and I won''t have any in the future. Don''t even think about me or my child! Moreover, everything you''re picturing aboutst night is a drunken illusion. Except for the scratches, nothing else happened. You were dreaming! You need to sober up!" With that, Elysia pushed past Tarquin and fled the room while he was still in shock. Tarquin stood there, mulling over her words. Elijah could testify she was in the study all night? Then who was in his arms? Could it be that he was so drunk that he imagined it all? Frowning deeply, Tarquin decided to seek confirmation from Elijah about where Elysia really spent the night. Yet, finding Elijah still asleep, he couldn''t bear to wake him and instead turned to search for his phone in his bedroom. The messy bed, with several strands of long, ck hair, caught his attention. Picking one up, he examined it closely. The color, the length, it all matched Elysia''s hair perfectly! Elysia hadn''t dyed her hair; her waist-length, jet-ck hair was distinctive in its natural state - shiny, full, and round. It was unmistakable! If she wasn''t admitting to being with himst night, then why was her hair on his bed?! And not just one strand! Several strands clearly indicated an intimate encounter! She imed she hadn''t been in his bed. She was lying! His instincts couldn''t be wrong. It was her! Definitely her! She just wasn''t ready to confront him or admit it! Tarquin, now agitated, turned to go after Elysia, but then he remembered the paternity test and hesitated. Wait! If Elysia truly was Elijah''s mother, why did the test report say otherwise?! Could it be that the woman fromst night was her, but the one from the airport six years ago wasn''t? Yet, his instincts shouldn''t be mistaken! He had only been with her, albeit drugged, but he vividly remembered every moment they shared together! That feeling... it couldn''t be wrong! But the paternity test was personally conducted by Benjamin. How could it be inurate? Was it his instincts that were off, or was there something wrong with that paternity test?! With a furrowed brow and after a moment of hesitation, Tarquin grabbed his phone and called Lowell, "Make sure Elysia doesn''t leave Jindale City without my permission. Lockdown Future Community. I want to know Elysia''s whereabouts at all times. And, get Benjamin to see me!" After hanging up, Tarquin collected several of Elysia''s hairs and went to Elijah''s room. He gently took a few strands of Elijah''s hair and ced them alongside Elysia''s. Splitting them into several portions. He was determined to redo the paternity test! And this time, it would be conducted by different people, in different ces. Chapter 367 Elysia rushed home, her heart pounding in her chest. Blossom and the three little ones were packing up when they saw her, and they immediately gathered around. "Elysia!" "Mommy!" Elysia didn''t want the kids to sense anything was wrong, so she forced a smile. "Is everything packed?" "Yeah, mommy, what''s going on? Why are we leaving all of a sudden?" Elysia fibbed, "I''ve got an urgent matter to attend to in another city. I just found out this morning. It''s all veryst minute." Elliot was skeptical. "Will wee back here after?" He was really concerned about this because his blood brother Elijah was still here! Elijah hadn''t had the chance to meet their mom yet! If they were leaving, they definitely had to take Elijah with them. They couldn''t leave him behind! Elysia was evasive, "Not sure yet, we''ll see how it goes. You guys hurry up and get ready. I''ll check my room for anything else we need to pack. We need to leave soon." After ushering the kids away, Elysia quickly retreated to her bedroom, with Blossom following closely. As soon as the bedroom door closed, Blossom urgently asked, "What''s going on?" Elysia''s tears started flowing freely, and it was only then that she allowed herself to sob uncontrobly. The kids, eavesdropping at the door, were heartbroken. Evan and Emmett impulsively wanted to burst in andfort their mom, but the more sensible Elliot stopped them,municating with his eyes, "Let''s stay calm, first listen to what mom has to say, to understand what''s really happening." Inside, Blossom was frantic, sitting beside Elysia on the bed and trying to wipe her tears. "Okay, okay, whatever it is, you''re safe now. If anyone dares to mess with you at my ce, I''ll fight them tooth and nail!" Elysia choked out, "Blossom, he recognized me." "What?!" Blossom was stunned, and so were the eavesdropping kids. "!!!" Elysia didn''t go into details, just the oue, "He was drunkst night, remembered things from the past, and I happened to be there... he connected the dots, recognized it was me!" Blossom was panicking. "Did you confront each other?" Elysia nodded, then shook her head. "He was sure, but I denied everything. But my denial was useless; it just bought me some time to escape. He''ll figure it out soon and thene for me and the kids." "No wonder you''re in such a hurry to leave. But you''re not divorced yet, and the kids'' school registrations aren''t sorted. Are you just going to leave?" Elysia sniffed, "Let''s push the divorce back for now. We''ll take it one step at a time. As for the kids'' school... I''ll get them settled first." Blossomforted her, "If you''ve made up your mind, then go for it. I''ll worry about the kids'' schooling. I''m a preschool teacher; I know a lot of colleagues in different cities. Once you''re settled, I''ll help find them schools." Elysia was moved and hugged Blossom tightly. "Blossom, thank you!" The kids'' schooling was Elysia''s top concern. Blossom said, "What are sisters for! I''ll miss you and the little ones terribly, but since you''ve made your decision, I won''t hold you back. Better leave sooner thanter. Once he''s sure, you might not get a chance to escape. We''ll keep in touch, and once you''re settled, I''lle visit." "Right!" Elysia nodded vigorously, wiping away her tears and getting up to finish packing. They didn''t know that Tarquin''s men had already surrounded the entire neighborhood. Elysia and the kids couldn''t leave now! Elysia was packing in a frenzy when suddenly, her hands froze. She remembered something crucial! Something for her that was even bigger than the divorce! Chapter 368 She just left, what about Winona? She still hadn''t heard from Winona! First, there was the mystery of her vanishing act, then the uproar over Duchess Kate''s scandal... Lives were at stake, and she genuinely worried for Winona Newsom! Without further thought, Elysia grabbed her phone to call Zane. She hadn''t told Zane she was leaving, just inquired if he had managed to reach Winona. Zane said, "Got in touch, yeah. Was nning to catch up with you about it these past few days. Meet up for a chat?" "...I''m a bit tied up at the moment, just want to know if Winona''s okay? Where is she now?" "She''s fine, didn''t leave the country though. She''s been here secretly filming. The whole ''leaving the country'' bit was a ruse by the production team." Didn''t leave the country? That matched up with what Callum had uncovered, mentioning there was no record of Winona leaving the country. "Can I give her a call, maybe talk to her?" "That''s a no-go, confidentiality agreements and all." "Oh..." Elysia sounded deted. Seeming to cheer her up, Zane quickly added, "But, her agent sent over a work clip of Winona the day before yesterday. I''ll send it your way." "Sure!" Receiving the video, Elysia and Blossom watched it together. In the video, Winona, looking radiant in costume, leaned back in a chair, script in hand, deeply engrossed. "Winona, look here." Someone called out to her, and Winona turned towards the camera, "What''s up?" "Zane''s missing you, thought we''d shoot a video for him. He mighte down with a case of lovesickness if he doesn''t see you soon." A smile yed on Winona''s lips, "He''s always fretting over nothing. Tell him I''ll be home soon." "Will do." The video ended there, and Blossom remarked, "She only said she''d be back soon, no mention of when exactly." Elysia frowned slightly, noticing the smile on Winona''s face never reached her eyes, and even a hint of irritation when Zane was mentioned. "How have Winona and Zane been over the years?" "Great, Zane dotes on Winona." "And Winona towards Zane?" "Of course, great. Have you forgotten? Winona was smitten with Zane at first sight." Elysia "..." She watched the video over and over, feeling something off about Winona, different from the Winona she remembered. But she couldn''t pinpoint what. "Do you notice anything different about Winona?" Elysia asked Blossom. "She looks younger! Winona''s a big star, she takes good care of herself." Even Blossom hadn''t spotted anything amiss, so Elysia didn''t dwell on it. After all, it had been six years since theyst met; some changes in Winona were to be expected. Zane sent another message, "Winona is fine, don''t worry about her, take care of yourself for now." Alright. Replying to the message, Elysia called Callum. She was grateful for his concern over Winona, knowing Callum had always held a torch for her. Sharing the video with him might ease his worries too. But- Callum was shocked after hearing about it! He had just stumbled upon a rumor that Winona''s agent, who had been missing for days, was suspected to have died abroad a month ago. Was his information incorrect, or was there something off with the video Zane shared? Uncertain of the agent''s death, Callum didn''t share this with Elysia but asked, "Send me that video, please. You know I''d keep Winona''s star status confidential." Trusting Callum, Elysia forwarded the video to him. After hanging up, she sighed in relief, feeling somewhat at ease now that she had some news of Winona. She could leave with a lighter heart! Time was of the essence. Elysia pocketed her phone and knocked on her kids'' door, "Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, are you guys packed? We''re heading out." Chapter 369 Emmett stammered, his words tumbling out in a rush, "Not... not yet, Mom. Just give us a little more time, okay?" "Alright, honey. Call me when you''re all set," Elysia replied with a nod before leaving the room. Once she was out of earshot, Emmett turned to Evan, his eyes wide with worry. "Evan, have you had any luck reaching Elijah?" Evan and Emmett had packed their bags, ready to leave today. They had been trying to call Elijah all morning, hoping to tell him about their n so he could join them. But after numerous attempts, there was still no answer. Evan paced the room, clearly agitated. "No luck! How about this - I''ll go look for Elijah. You guys go ahead to the train station with Mom. I''ll bring Elijah and meet you thereter?" Elliot, who had been listening quietly, shook his head, his brow furrowed in thought. "Right now, Tarquin has only found Mom, not us. If you''re spotted trying to find Elijah, Mom will freak out." "So what do we do? Leave Elijah behind? No way! He''s our brother! We can''t just leave him out there on his own!" Evan eximed. Emmett nodded vigorously in agreement. "Yeah, brothers stick together!" Elliot let out a sigh, "Even if we get in touch, Elijah won''te with us. He once said he wouldn''t leave Tarquin behind." "What?! He''d choose that jerk Tarquin over us and Mom?" Evan was incredulous. "He wants both." "But he''s gotta choose!" Evan argued. Elliot exined, "It''s a tough choice for him. Tarquin''s been taking care of Elijah; it''s natural he feels loyal to him. But of course, Elijah loves us and Mom too." "So, what now?" Evan asked, frustration evident in his voice. Elliot paused before speaking, "Leaving now isn''t right for Mom." "Why not? If Mom wants to leave, we should just go. As long as she''s happy, that''s what matters!" Elliot nced out the window, "Tarquin has been searching for Mom for years. Now that he''s found her, he won''t let her go easily. We''re already being watched." Evan peeked outside and his anger red, "No one can stop Mom if she wants to leave! Tarquin better not push me, or he''ll regret it. If he makes Mom sad again, I won''t hold back!" Elliot closed the curtain, "Calm down. Tarquin is just one reason why it''s not right for Mom to leave now. The other reason is Elijah. He''s been missing Mom for years. If they''re separated again before even getting to know each other, it might break him. And there''s Mom. She doesn''t know Elijah is her son yet. She''s ready to leave Elijah with Tarquin without a second thought because she''s unaware. But eventually, Mom will find out the truth. And when she does, she''ll regret today''s decision for the rest of her life. She''ll live with that guilt and pain." Evan''s heart sank at the thought. "I can''t stand the idea of Mom living with that kind of pain. Not now, not ever." "But Mom''s set on leaving. How do we stop her?" Emmett chimed in, worry creasing his brow. Elliot pondered for a moment, then made up his mind. "If we have to, we''ll tell Mom the truth. That Elijah is her son. Then, it''s up to her to decide whether to stay or go. Whatever she chooses, we''ll support her, every step of the way." "You''ve got my support, bro. Whatever it takes to do right by Mom, I''m in," Evan dered, his resolve firm. "And me, me too! I''ll follow whatever n Elliotes up with!" Emmett added eagerly. "Alright, don''t worry. I''ll handle this. Just try to get in touch with Elijah. If you reach him, tell him to stay calm for now." "Got it!" Chapter 370 Elliot Thorne had just left his room in search of Elysia when he was greeted by the sound of her angry voice echoing from the other side of the door. Quickly, he shut his bedroom door, hoping to prevent Evan from overhearing themotion and causing a scene. Alone, Elliot tiptoed to the door, pulling over a small stool to peek through the peephole. Tarquin? What was he doing here so soon? Elliot''s heart skipped a beat. He took another nce and saw Lowell standing next to Tarquin, but he couldn''t catch a glimpse of his mom''s expression, only the back of her head. Frowning, Elliot stood by the door, eavesdropping on the heated exchange outside. Elysia was furious, her voice a low growl as she confronted Tarquin, "I told you, it''s not me! Now go away! If you don''t leave, I''m calling the cops! I don''t want to see you, just go! Now!" Tarquin stood there, a wounded look on his face. Even though the paternity test results weren''t out yet, he was convinced Elysia was the one. Having arranged for a new DNA test and left the sleeping Elijah under Benjamin''s care, Tarquin had hurried over to see Elysia. He never truly understood the phrase "absence makes the heart grow fonder" until today. It felt like an eternity since hest saw her, though it had only been an hour. He didn''te with a n; he just wanted to be near her. It seemed like only her presence could settle his restless heart. But as much as Tarquin longed to see Elysia, she wanted nothing to do with him. His sudden appearance infuriated her. With the kids at home, she was also worried Tarquin might discover them, adding tension to her anger. She kept yelling for Tarquin to leave, but he was as stubborn as a mule, refusing to budge. The atmosphere was thick with tension, with Lowell awkwardly caught in the middle, too scared to even breathe. He had never seen Tarquin so subdued, taking insults without a word, nor had he seen Elysia so fiercely protective, like a mama bear. To Lowell, Tarquin was always the one calling the shots, and Elysia was the epitome of gentleness. Today, they were strangers to him. Attempting to mediate, Lowell chimed in, "Ms. Thorne, please, Tarquin just wanted to check on you, nothing more." "Tarquin, since you''ve seen her, maybe we should go?" Both turned their fierce res towards him, snapping simultaneously, "I don''t want him to see!" "You shut up! Get lost!" Lowell muttered to himself, realizing he should have kept quiet, and quickly ducked into the elevator to escape the drama. Elysia''s phone rang. It was Blossom, "Elysia, are you guys ready? I''ve cleared out the trunk. Just bring your stuff ande down. I''ll drive you to the train station." "I got it, we''ll be right down. Wait for us," Elysia replied, about to pocket her phone when Tarquin''s grip tightened around her wrist, his voiceced with desperation, "You''re leaving again?!" Struggling to free herself, Elysia retorted, "What does it matter to you? Let go of me!" "It matters because what about Elijah? Hate me if you must, but what did Elijah do to deserve this? Have you thought about how he''ll cope without you?" Her abandoning Elijah repeatedly? Where did thate from? Chapter 371 Before Elysia could even utter a word, Tarquin continued, his voice thick with emotion. "You can me me all you want,sh out at me, yell, or even plunge a knife into my heart if that''ll make you feel better. I won''t resist. All I want is for you to be happy. But you can''t be this cruel to Elijah! Do you have any idea how much he misses you?! When the wind blows, he thinks of you. When it rains, when thunder roars, when snow falls, or when hailstorms hit, you''re the first thing on his mind! He worries you might forget your umbre on a rainy day, that thunder might frighten you, or that you might get too cold when it snows or hails! On countless chilly nights, Elijah stubbornly refuses to go inside and sleep, choosing instead to wait outside, hoping the first thing you''ll see when youe back is him! Do you know how he''s been coping since the day he started missing his mommy? Do you understand the agony of yearning for someone day and night? He''s waited and longed for you for so long, only to call you ''mommy'' for a couple of days before you decide to leave him again! Elysia, doesn''t your heart ache at all?!" The more Tarquin spoke of Elijah, the more evident his disdain for Elysia became. He believed Elijah was abandoned by Elysia! He felt sorry for Elijah! He knew how much Elijah missed her, just as he did! The torment of missing someone without the chance to see them, the constant yearning, was just unbearable! Elysia was stunned into silence. "You''ve got it all wrong. Elijah misses his biological mother, not me! At best, I''m just his Blossom!" Tarquin ground his teeth. "Who''s mistaken here, you or me, unwilling to face the truth?!" Elysia frowned. "Why wouldn''t I want to acknowledge it? If Elijah were my own, I''d be over the moon! There''s no question of not wanting to acknowledge him." Tarquin responded bitterly, "I''ve only ever been with you. Tell me, if Elijah isn''t your son, then whose is he?!" Elysia was taken aback. "What do you mean you''ve only ever been with me? Don''t talk nonsense!" Tarquin fixed her with a steely look, each word heavy with significance. "In my entire life, there''s only been one woman, and that was six years ago in an airport lounge! Elijah and I, we''ve both been missing her every day!" Elysia''s breath hitched, shock written all over her face. Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Her heartbeat thundered in her ears, deafening. Tarquin wasn''t done. "When Elijah suddenly said he wanted you to be his mom, I was puzzled. He loves his mommy so much, how could he just not want her anymore because of you? I didn''t think much of it then, but now it all makes sense. Elijah must have realized you''re the mother he''s been longing for, that''s why he asked you to be his mommy!" Elysia''s heart raced, her head shaking in denial. No, no, no, if Elijah were hers, how could she not know? She would have known if she''d carried him for nine months! And if Elijah was sure she was his mother, why wouldn''t he tell her? Just this morning, Elijah was crying because she was leaving. Why didn''t he just tell her the truth to make her stay? If Elijah had told her they were mother and son, she would never leave him! Liar, liar, he must be lying to keep her from leaving! Elysia''s mind was in turmoil, refusing to ept it. "I don''t care how many women you''ve been with, but nothing happened between us, and I''m not Elijah''s mother. Just go! Don''t make me call the police!" Inside, Elliot was getting anxious. He knew the truth about Elijah could no longer be hidden. Creak- The door opened from the inside, and Elliot stepped out. Chapter 372 "Mom,e here." Elliot, with a mask on, took Elysia''s hand and led her back inside. Tarquin tried to follow them, but Elliot stopped him, "Wait out here!" Tarquin was left standing at the door as Elliot brought Elysia into the house. He guided Elysia to the study, first making her sip some warm tea to calm down, then handed her a pill. Elysia was confused, "I''m not sick, Elliot. What''s this for?" "Just take it, Mom. We need to talk." Elliot knew his mom''s mental fortitude well; he wouldn''t dare to tell her the truth without preparing her first! Even though puzzled, Elysia trusted her son and swallowed the pill. "What did you want to talk about?" It was then Elliot felt brave enough to say, "Mom, I''ve found out about the past. I know why you suddenly wanted to leave today, and I also know that the man outside is my dad." Elysia leapt up, shock written all over her face, "Who told you that?!" Elliot gently pulled her back down, fibbing, "I identally overheard you talking to Blossom about the past. That''s how I found out." Elysia panicked, "Elliot, I''m sorry, I... I lied to you. Your dad... he isn''t dead. He''s..." "It''s okay, Mom. You did nothing wrong." Elliot cut her off, then added, "He''s just biologically rted to us. We don''t like him. We only love you, Mom." Hearing this seemed to ease Elysia''s anxiety. She tentatively asked, "What else do you know?" Elliot carefully chose his words, "I also found out about how six years ago, at the airport, he wronged you by ident, and then you were vilified, before moving to the countryside to live through tough times while pregnant with us." Mentioning the past choked Elysia up. Before she could speak, Elliot looked at her tenderly and said, "Mom, you''ve worked so hard these years." Hearing her son acknowledge her hardships broke Elysia''s defenses. All the suffering and hardships seemed worth it at that moment! What could be more touching for a mother than hearing, "Mom, you''ve worked hard"? "Mom didn''t have it tough, not at all. If anyone has, it''s you... Stuck with such a foolish, incapable mom. You started facing difficulties right from when you were in my womb. You didn''t get to taste anything good, which is why you were all so tiny and skinny when you were born..." Recalling the first time she saw her children, tears began to fall from Elysia''s eyes. They were so tiny, looking malnourished like little refugees, a clear sign of nutritional deficiency. Being pregnant with triplets meant they were bound to be smaller, but herck of nutritional intake during pregnancy, coupled with her constant hard work to earn money, resulted in the babies being born small and frail, their skin wrinkly, resembling little old men. Elliot, ever so understanding, wiped her tears away, "We weren''t suffering. We''re happy, Mom. We''re lucky to have you as our mom." Elysia sobbed uncontrobly, "I''m the lucky one. Thank you for being my sons..." In that moment, Elliot seemed more the parent, and Elysia, the child. Elliot''s eyes were merely red, but Elysia had already be a mess of tears. As he gently wiped her tears, he reassured, "The hard times are over. We''ll take good care of you from now on, Mom. You won''t have to suffer anymore." Elysia cried not out of sadness, but from being deeply moved. After she calmed down a bit, Elliot brought up Elijah, "I also heard your conversation with Elijah''s dad earlier. He wasn''t lying. You really are Elijah''s biological mother." Elysia''s eyes widened in shock again, "How can that be?!" "It''s true, Mom. You don''t believe him, but you believe me, right? I wouldn''t lie about something this serious. Elijah has already done a paternity test." Chapter 373 Elysia stared at her son, his earnest expression leaving no room for doubt that this was no joke. Her breath caught in her throat! She couldn''t believe it. "How is this possible? How could Elijah and I...?" Elliot tried to soothe her, "Mom, just take a deep breath, alright? For us, this is good news. It means we''ve got another brother, and you''ve got another son!" "I know, I know... I get that it''s supposed to be good news, but how could I possibly be Elijah''s mother? If I am, why didn''t I know about his existence? I mean, he would have been in my womb for over nine months. How could I not know? Could Elijah have made a mistake? Are you sure it''s me?" The shock was overwhelming, and Elysia found it hard to ept. Elliot exined calmly, "Mom, when you were pregnant with us, times were tough, and you didn''t go to the hospital for check-ups. Then you passed out duringbor. You didn''t even know how you managed to give birth to us, let alone how many babies were actually inside. We''re triplets, and I suspect that Elijah was taken away right after birth, which is why you didn''t know about him." Elysia was stunned, her heart pounding like a drum! Elliot''s exnation made sense. She had fainted on the street close to her delivery date and woke up in a cabin in the woods, with her children already born. Losing one, even two, without her knowledge seemed usible now! Gradually epting the truth, Elysia panicked, "Elliot, are you sure Elijah is really our blood brother?!" "Yes! Elijah is our blood brother, and he''s your son too! Let me show you something." Elliot pulled out a photograph to show Elysia. It was the result of a DNA test between Elysia and Elijah, a digital copy. The report showed an astonishing 99.99999% simrity in their DNA, confirming their mother-son rtionship! Elysia''s breath hitched, nearly suffocating from excitement! She tried to speak, but her lips moved without sound, trembling uncontrobly. Elliot held her shaking hand firmly, as if he could read her thoughts, and said exactly what she needed to hear, "Mom, congrattions, you''ve got another son. Our family has grown stronger, and now we''re a happy family of five! And you know what? Elijah loves you, too. He knows you didn''t mean to leave him behind, so he doesn''t me you at all. He loves you just as much as me, Evan, and Emmett do!" Elysia burst into tears, sobbing uncontrobly... Elijah was her son! Her own flesh and blood! Her Elijah, who had been out there all these years, longing for her day and night, and she had been clueless! How could she have been so oblivious? Elijah resembled Elliot and Evan so closely. She had even suspected it, so why didn''t she think of a DNA test?! To be this clueless, she felt like aplete failure! Thinking about Elijah''s past struggles, about the curses and verbal assaults from the Bradfords, Elysia''s heart ached! And to think of the psychological issues Elijah developed from missing her too much, she wanted to p herself! She internally scolded that stranger, calling him a deadbeat dad to her children. Now, reflecting on it, what right did she have? Wasn''t she just as guilty?! Elijah had grown so much, and she had not fulfilled any of her responsibilities as a mother! What kind of form did Elijah drink as a baby, what were his first words, when did he start crawling, sitting up? When did he start walking, talking, calling out ''mommy'' and ''daddy''? What was Elijah''s favorite food, toy, color, game? She knew nothing! She wasn''t there for any of it! Not there when Elijah missed her, not there when he was sick, not there when the Bradfords cursed him! She was not a good mother! She felt like aplete failure, drowning in her tears... Chapter 374 Elliot furrowed his brows, standing steadfastly beside Elysia, lending his petite shoulders for his mom to lean on. He consoled Elysia like a little grown-up, "Mom, never doubt yourself. In our hearts, you''re the best mom in the world, the most outstanding, the coolest mom ever!" Elysia pulled Elliot into a tight embrace, her tears flowing freely. After a while, Elysia dried her tears and got up to look for Elijah. Elliot asked, "Mom, are we still leaving today?" "No, we''re not leaving! And even if we did, I''d have to take Elijah with us. I can''t leave him behind!" Elliot nodded, then asked, "What about after we find Elijah?" Elysia choked up, "I need to apologize to Elijah, tell him that mom is back, and he won''t have to wish for it anymore. I''ll never leave him again! Plus, I''ll protect him. I won''t let anyone bully or badmouth him again!" She might have been naive, but she wasn''t powerless! All these years in the wilderness, she didn''t just delve into psychology; she also dedicated herself to learning herbal medicine! She could heal, she could harm! She knew how to make medicines, she knew how to concoct poisons! She didn''t care about the Bradfords'' status or who they were; if they dared to hurt her Elijah again, she wouldn''t spare a single one of them! What Elliot really wanted to discuss was the situation with Tarquin, so he asked again, "So, what''s the n for dealing with our stepdad? It seems like he''s already set on you. Are you going to keep denying it?" Mentioning Tarquin made Elysia much more somber. She didn''t know what to do... Even if she kept denying it now, when hees with a DNA test, she''d be speechless. But admitting it means he''d never let her go, let alone let her take Elijah with her! She didn''t want to live with him at all. She wanted to be with her kids, to cut tiespletely! Right now, she only cared for her children and money, not a man! Elysia took a deep breath and let it out slowly, "Let''s deal with seeing Elijah first, and take it one day at a time. But you three must be careful, don''t let him find you. If you get caught again, it''ll break my heart." "Don''t worry, mom, we won''t let him find out." "Okay!" After Elysia left, Elliot frowned slightly. Mom still wanted to keep Tarquin in the dark, not letting him know she was the one he''s been searching for. But without a doubt, Tarquin had probably already arranged for a DNA test today, with results due by tomorrow! Mom''s verbal defenses would crumble in the face of the DNA report. How could he help mom keep this secret? Elliot was worried; it was a tricky situation. Elysia didn''t see Tarquin outside the door as she left. She wasn''t concerned about where he was, picking up her phone to call Blossom. She told Blossom she wasn''t leaving today, that she was going to see Elijah, and asked her to look after Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. Just as she finished, she received a call from Benjamin, "Ms. Thorne, you shoulde to the hospital quickly, Elijah''s condition red up again!" Elysia''s eyes widened, her heart jumping to her throat, "Elijah''s in the hospital?!" "Yes! He''s been unconscious, but his emotional turmoil is intense! It''s like a stress response; we can''t manage it!" Elysia''s heart pounded, "Did you see the new prescription I wrote this morning?" "New prescription? No, I haven''t." "That was prepared in case of his stress responses! I''m sending you a copy right away. For now, try to get him to swallow one of those brown pills I gave you earlier. If he can''t take it, crush it and mix it with water." "Alright, alright." Hanging up, Elysia didn''t waste a second, hailing a cab to the hospital. Holding back her distress and anxiety, she quickly typed out the prescription and sent it to Benjamin. After a long wait without a reply from Benjamin, and stuck in traffic, Elysia, burning with urgency, made a call to Lowell. Chapter 375 Thankfully, Lowell picked up quickly. "Hey, Ms. Thorne, Tarquin and I are at the hospital; Elijah''s here too." "I know, how''s Elijah doing right now?" Lowell sounded tense, "I''m no doctor, and I''m out of my depth here, but I saw Dr. Benjamin and some other doctors surrounding Elijah, giving him medication." "Are you in his room?" "No, I''m standing outside." "Get in there! I''m starting a video call!" Elysia couldn''t wait any longer, knowing how quickly Elijah''s condition could turn critical! That was her Elijah, her own son; she couldn''t let anything happen to him! As soon as Elysia dialed the video call, Lowell immediately answered, "Ms. Thorne, I''m in the room, what do you want to see?" The camera shook, and Elysia saw Tarquin standing grim-faced in front of the bed, a mix of tension and helplessness in his posture. He was a father, but not a doctor. With his son ill, all he could do was worry. Elysia didn''t want to see him, "Point the camera at Elijah." Lowellplied, and the camera now showed Elijah on the bed, hisplexion ghostly pale. The little guy was convulsing, with beads of sweat on his forehead, and his brows furrowed as if in severe difort. Elysia''s tears started flowing uncontrobly... She shivered, forcing herself to calm down! Rudely wiping away the tears that blurred her vision, she choked out, "Hand your phone to Dr. Benjamin; he knows what I need to see." "Right away." Lowell quickly handed the phone to Benjamin. Benjamin, being a doctor, knew where to focus! He showed her Elijah''s eyes, then the medical test results. Elysia pinched the soft flesh of her hand to force herself to calm down, enduring immense grief as she went through Elijah''s indicators one by one, then instructed Benjamin, "Do you have a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner nearby?" "Yes!" Whenever Elijah fell ill, the hospital''s best doctors would gather, including both conventional and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners! "Good, keep the camera on Elijah, I''ll direct. Have the practitioner start acupuncture on Elijah now! Also, get someone to prepare the new medication I sent you, and have the conventional doctors prepare a minor injection..." After nearly an hour of remote control, Elijah''s condition finally stabilized. Elysia was drenched in cold sweat, her palms wounded from the pressure. After ending the video call, she leaned back in her seat, gasping for air. The taxi driver reminded her, "Miss, we''ve arrived at the hospital." Elysia immediately sat up, paid the fare, and rushed out to see Elijah. As she exited the taxi, the driver couldn''t help but say, "Miss, you are an exceptional doctor, so dedicated to your patient, not resting even when you''re not at the hospital." Elysia replied, "He''s not my patient; he''s my son. And I''m not a doctor; I''m his mother." The pride in the first part was matched by the self-doubt in the second. She was Elijah''s mother, feeling like she was failing at the job! Tarquin had once said that Elysia was more tears than tactics, and he was right. From the hospital entrance, she stumbled towards the ward, tears never ceasing. She didn''t wail or make much noise, just continuously shed tears. Her tears were like pearls off a string, or like a dam burst, unstoppable and overwhelming! Images of Elijah kept shing through her mind... Elijah weak, Elijah pale, Elijah frowning in displeasure, Elijah in the throes of his illness. And Elijah on stormy, thunderous nights, refusing to sleep away from her out of worry. And just this morning, hugging her, crying, begging her not to leave... Elysia''s tears were endless, her heart nearly breaking! She was wracked with guilt and self-me, berating herself as much as she pitied Elijah! And just then, as if fate was testing her, someone thoughtlessly cursed her Elijah! Chapter 376 Here''s the refined trantion, adjusted for cultural and linguistic uracy: "Is he dead or what?" "Even if he''s not, he won''tst much longer. When Elijah was brought in, he was shaking so badly, he looked like a ghost. Scared the life out of me. I swear, that kid must be cursed or something." "If that''s the case, when he dies, we can''t bury him in the family plot. Bad luck for future generations!" "Family plot? He wishes! That disgrace, born without a mother''s love, deserves nothing but to rot in hell! A son pays for his father''s sins. It''s divine retribution. His dad did enough evil; it''s only right he suffers for it. Deserves every bit of this agony! Just wait, he''s going to be tormented by his illness until it kills him. Serves him right! Ha! Ah-" Allegra was in the middle of her tirade against Elijah when suddenly, someone grabbed her hair from behind and yanked her to the ground hard! Shocked to see Elysia as her attacker, Allegra eximed, "Are you cra¡ª" "Smack!" "How dare-" "Smack smack smack smack smack!" Elysia pped Allegra repeatedly, not giving her a chance to speak further, stopping only when her own hand started to hurt. Fuming, Elysia red at Allegra, her eyes bloodshot with rage. Allegra, clutching her face, was utterly stunned! So were the other women of the Bradford family! After a recent family reunion went south thanks to a wolf attack, many Bradfords ended up in the hospital, and now, hearing about Elijah''s condition, they came to gloat. Hoping for Elijah''s demise, they whispered curses against him. But Elysia, overhearing them, couldn''t bear it. Even if she didn''t know Elijah was her own son, she''d still have given them a piece of her mind. But knowing the truth? That he was her child? How could she hold back? She''d just found out today that Elijah was her flesh and blood, and here they were, cursing him. If not them, who else was there to confront? An aunt might endure, an uncle might turn a blind eye, but not Elysia! "You''re insane! Do you even know who she is to darey a hand on her? You must have a death wish!" One of the younger women from the Bradford family snapped at Elysia. With a cold re, Elysia made her move first. She grabbed the woman by the hair and unleashed a fury, yelling, "I don''t care who you all are, and I don''t want to know. All I know is you cursed my Elijah, and for that, you all deserve to die! You''re the ones who should be dragged through hell, suffering pain and disease!" The woman was no match for Elysia, screaming for help. Seeing theirrade in trouble, the rest of the women charged in. "You wretch! Have you lost your mind? We''ll teach you a lesson today!" But these pampereddies were no match for a woman hardened by five years in the wilderness. Soon, the hallway was filled with the screams and curses of women. "You uncivilized maniac! Ah, ah¡ª" "How dare you pull my hair, my hair, it hurts, it hurts..." "Ah ah ah, is my face ruined, am I bleeding? She dared disfigure me! Waaaah..." When hospital security and the medical staff arrived, they were stunned by the sight. A group of high societydiesy on the ground, wailing and screaming, no different frommon brawlers. Elysia, in her simple tracksuit, fists clenched, eyes zing with fury, warned, "This is just a warning. Do it again, and I swear, I''ll kill you!" Thedies, cowed by her intensity, didn''t dare make a sound until Bradford family bodyguards arrived. Only then did they start howling with outrage. Chapter 377 ¡°¸øÎҺݺݴòÕâ¸ö·èÅ®ÈË!ÍùËÀÀï´ò!´òËÀÁËÎÒ¸ºÔð!¡± ¡°ÎÒÒª¸øËý»ÙÈÝ!ÎÒÒª°ÑËýµÄÍ··¢Ò²³¶µô,ÈÃËýÒ²±ä³Éͺ×Ó! ¡°Ëý¸ÒÉÈÎÒ°ÍÕÆ,È¥°ÑËýµÄÁ³´òÖ×,°ÑËýµÄÊÖÒ²¸øÎÒ¶çÁË!¡± the Bradford familyµÄ±£ïÚÆøÊÆÐÚÐÚµÄÏë¶ÔElysia¶¯ÊÖ¡£ ElysiaË«ÑÛ³äѪ,Ò§½ôÑÀ¹ØµÉ×ÅËûÃÇ,ÒøÕëÔÚÐä¿Ú´À´ÀÓû¶¯! Ëý¾ÍÏñÕæ·èÁËÒ»Ñù,´òºìÁËÑÛ, ¡°À´°É,À´°É,¶¼¹ýÀ´°É,ÊÇÄãÃDZÆÎÒµÄ!Ë­¸Ò×çÖäÎҵĺ¢×Ó,Ë­¾ÍËÀ!¡± Ö»ÊÇ,Ëý»°Òô¸ÕÂä,Í·¶¥Í»È»³öÏÖһƬÒõÓ°,ºÜ¿ìËýÕû¸öÉí×ÓÈ«±»ÒõÓ°ÁýÕÖ¡£ TarquinÒ»ÊÖÀ¿×ÅËýµÃ¼ç,Ò»ÊÖ½Ó¹ý±£ïÚ´ò¹ýÀ´µÄÈ­Í·¡£ ¡°ßÇàꡱһÉù! ±£ïÚÄÇÖ»ÊÖ±»TarquinͽÊÖêþ¶ÏÁË! ±£ïÚÁ¢ÂíÌ۵IJҽÐÒ»Éù,¿´À´ÕßÊÇTarquin,ÏŵÄÓָϽô±Õ½ô×ì°Í,½Ð¶¼²»¸Ò½ÐÁË,Ì۵Ķîͷ𺹡£ ÆäËû±£ïÚ¿´¼ûTarquin,Ò²¶¼ÏŵÄÁ¬Á¬ºóÍËÁ˺ü¸²½,Ö±½ÓÍ˵½ËûÃÇÖ÷×ÓºóÃæÈ¥ÁË¡£ ÄÇȺ¹ó¸¾ÈËÒ»¿´¼ûTarquin,×ì°ÍÒ²¶¼±ï½áʵÁË,´óÆø¶¼²»¸Ò´­Ò»Ï¡£ TarquinüÑÛ¼äȾ×ÅÒ»²ãº®Ëª,ÀäÑÛɨ¹ýÖÚÈË,×îºó°ÑÊÓÏ߷ŵ½ÁËElysiaÉíÉÏ¡£ ÑÛÉñÁ¢ÂíÎÂÈáÆðÀ´,ÂúÂúµÄÐÄÌۺͳèÄç, ¡°ÄãÏë´òË­,¸úÎÒ˵һÉù¾ÍºÃ,ºÎ±Ø×Ô¼º¶¯ÊÖ?ÊÖ²»ÌÛÂð?¡± ElysiaµÄÇéÐ÷±¾À´¾Í¼¤¶¯,Õâ»á¶ù¿´¼ûTarquin¸ü¼¤¶¯ÁË, ¡°Elijah......Elijah...... 39 ¡°ElijahºÜºÃ,²¡ÇéÒѾ­¿ØÖÆסÁË,ÕýÔÚÐÝÏ¢¡£ ElysiaÎÅÑÔ,½ô±Á×ŵÄÉñ¾­ÖÕÓÚËÉÁË,Ëý¾ÍÏñ¶ÏÁËÏßµÄÇÙÏÒ,Éí×ÓÒ»Èíµ¹ÏÂÈ¥...... TarquinÒ»°Ñ½ÓסËý,±íÇé˲ϢÍò±ä,ÂúÑÛ½¹¼±, ¡°Elysia! ͬÑù׿±µÄ,»¹ÓÐthe Bradford familyÄÇȺŮÈË! ËýÃÇÊÇ¿´³öÀ´ÁË,Tarquin¶ÔElysiaÓÐÒâ˼,ElysiaÒªÊÇÓиöºÃ´õ,ËýÃǵÃÍæÍê! ¿É,Ã÷Ã÷°¤´òµÄÊÇËýÃÇ,ËýÔõôÔÎÁË? ³ýÁËAllegra,ÆäËûÅ®È˸Ͻô½âÊÍ, ¡°ÎÒÃÇ¿Éû´òËý,Ò»Ö±±»´òËý¡£ ¡°Äã¿´,ÎÒµÄÁ³Ö×ÁË,Í··¢Ò²±»Ëý³¶µôÒ»´ó¿é,¶¼ÍºÁË!¡± Tarquin²»´îÀíËýÃÇ,ÂúÐÄÂúÑÛ¶¼ÊÇElysia¡£ BenjaminÒ²ÔÚ,ËûѸËÙ¿´ÁË¿´Elysia,¶ÔTarquin˵ ¡°±ðµ£ÐÄ,Ms. ThorneÊÇ¿º·Ü¹ý¶ÈÔε¹ÁË,»ºÒ»»á¶ù¾Í»áÐÑÀ´¡£ TarquinÕâ²ÅÐÄ°²,the Bradford familyÄÇȺŮÈËÒ²ÐÄ°²ÁË¡£ ËýÃÇ»°·æһת,ÓÖ¿ªÊ¼Ëµ, ¡°Tarquin,½ñÌìÕâʶù²»¹ÖÎÒÃÇ,ÊÇËý·èÁËËƵÄÏȶ¯µÄÊÖ¡£¡± ¡°¶Ô¶Ô¶Ô,ÎÒÃÇÌýÎÅElijahÉú²¡ÁË,¹ýÀ´¿´Elijah,ûÏëµ½ËýͻȻ³öÏÖ,¶þ»°²»Ëµ¾Í¶¯ÊÖ´òÈË,Äã¿´Ëý°ÑÎÒÃÇ´òµÄ! ¡°ÎÒÃDZéÌåÁÛÉË,Ëý¿ÉÒ»µãÉ˶¼Ã»ÓС£¡± TarquinÐÄÌ۵İѵ²ÔÚElysiaÑÛÇ°µÄÍ··¢±ðÔÚ¶úºó,È·¶¨ËýÕæûÊÜÉË,²Å´òºá°ÑÈ˱§ÆðÀ´¡£ Ëû¿´ÏòÄÇȺŮÈËʱ,¾ÍÏñ»»Á˸öÈË,ÑÛÉñÀï×äÁ˱ù, ¡°ÎÒÊÇÀ´ÌæËý³ÅÑüµÄ,²»ÊÇÀ´Ö÷³Ö¹«µÀµÄ,´òÁËÄãÃÇËýÊÖÌÛ,ͬÑùÊÇÄãÃǵĴí!ÒԺ󶼹öÔ¶µã,±ðÔÙ³öÏÖ°­ËýµÄÑÛ!Ë­ÓÐÒâ¼û,±£Áô!¡± Ali...... "Beat this crazy woman until she''s down! If she dies, I''ll take the responsibility!" "I want her face ruined! Rip her hair out and make her bald!" "She pped me? Swell her face and cut off her hands!" The Bradford family''s bodyguards moved towards Elysia with menacing intent. Elysia, her eyes bloodshot and teeth clenched, red back, needles hidden up her sleeves, ready to be unleashed. She was like a cornered animal, eyes zing with fury. "Come on, then! Come at me! You''ve pushed me to my breaking point! Curse my child, and you''re dead!" But as her words hung in the air, a shadow loomed over her, quickly engulfing her figure. Tarquin stepped in, one arm around her shoulder, the other intercepting a bodyguard''s punch. With a crisp snap, he broke the bodyguard''s hand! The man screamed in agony, but realizing it was Tarquin, he mped his mouth shut, too terrified to utter another peep despite the beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Seeing Tarquin, the other bodyguards retreated several steps, hiding behind their employers. The gaggle of high-societydies mped their mouths shut at the sight of Tarquin, not daring to breathe too loudly. Tarquin''s eyes, frosty, swept over the crowd before softening as theynded on Elysia. "Why get your hands dirty? Just tell me who you want to deal with. Doesn''t it hurt?" Seeing Tarquin, Elysia''s already high-strung emotions soared even higher. "Elijah... Elijah..." "Elijah''s fine. His condition''s stabilized, he''s resting now." Hearing this, Elysia''s tension melted away, and she copsed like a string cut from a violin. Tarquin caught her in an instant, his expression cycling through a myriad of emotions, all converging on concern. "Elysia!" The Bradforddies were just as anxious, realizing Tarquin''s interest in Elysia. If anything happened to her under their watch, they were doomed. But, it was them who had been beaten, so why did she faint? Except for Allegra, the women quickly exined, "We didn''ty a finger on her, she was the one attacking us." "Look at my face, it''s swollen, and she ripped out a chunk of my hair. I''m practically bald!" Tarquin ignored their pleas, his attention solely on Elysia. Benjamin was there too, quickly assessing Elysia before reassuring Tarquin, "Don''t worry, Ms. Thorne just fainted from being overwrought. She''lle around in a bit." This reassured Tarquin, and the Bradforddies breathed a sigh of relief. They then shifted the me, "Tarquin, this wasn''t our fault. She went berserk and attacked us first." "Yeah, we just heard Elijah was ill and came to visit, but she jumped us without a word. Look what she did to us!" "We''re all battered, and she doesn''t have a scratch." Tarquin tenderly brushed Elysia''s hair behind her ear, ensuring she was truly unharmed, before scooping her up. His demeanor changed as he faced the women, his gaze turning icy, "I''m here to back her up, not to y judge. If your feelings are hurt because she fought back, that''s on you! Stay out of her way from now on, and keep out of sight! Anyints, keep them to yourself!" The women were left speechless... Chapter 378 Tarquin carried Elysia back to Elijah''s hospital suite with utmost care. Elijah''s suite was more than just a room; it boasted an adjoining family room, a small kitchte, and a private bathroom, ensuringfort not just for the patient but for the visitors as well. With a gentleness that belied his sturdy frame, Tarquinid Elysia down on the sofa bed in the family room, fluffing up pillows and tucking the duvet around her with meticulous attention. He then summoned the attending nurse to check on Elysia once more, ensuring herfort and safety above all. Despite Elysia''s protestations about not being a delicate flower, especially whenpared to the high societydies of the Bradford family, herck of martial prowess was evident. She might have escaped facial injuries, but her body told a different tale with its bruises and contusions. The nurse captured images of the injuries for Tarquin, whose face turned an ashen shade of anger at the sight. He immediately reached for his phone and dialed Gideon Bradford, rattling off orders with a tone that brooked no argument, "Send them abroad, today. They''re never to return. My decision is final." Gideon, well aware of the situation''s gravity, attempted to intercede, "Come now, Tarquin, they''re your kin. You share the same Bradford blood. Isn''t forgiveness a virtue? Let''s not be hasty over an incident that didn''t result in anysting harm." "Forgiveness is God''s domain. My role is far simpler - ensure justice. They can flee or face the consequences. And tomorrow, being the perfect day, will see matters settled, one way or another." "Giving up on your own flesh and blood over an outsider? Driving them from their home forever?" Gideon''s voice was heavy with disappointment and disbelief. "Who''s an outsider, and who''s family?" Tarquin''sugh was cold, a sound devoid of any warmth. "Blood ties mean nothing to me. If they did, my parents wouldn''t have died far from home, abandoned. It''s simple ¡ª those who stand by me and Elijah, they''re my true family. The rest are just shadows." This was the ethos Tarquin lived by, a belief etched deep into his very essence from a young age. The concept of blood ties held no allure for him, particrly when those who were supposed to be closest to him had shown their true colors time and again. Gideon tried to argue, but Tarquin cut him off, "They have one day to make their choice. And let this be clear ¡ª I protect my own fiercely. Elysia is under my protection. Cross her, and you cross me." After ending the call, Tarquin took a moment to calm the storm within him before returning to Elysia''s side. He sat there quietly, caressing her hand, his eyes full of concern and affection. "How could you be so reckless?" he mused to himself, almost tenderly. "You''re as light as a feather, yet you throw yourself into the fray!" He knew she had been upset about something at the hospital, likelying to find him for support. "Why would you note to me first?" he questioned, though she couldn''t hear him. "Do you not know I''d fight the world for you?" His thoughts were interrupted when Elysia suddenly opened her eyes, finding Tarquin''s hand still lingering near her cor, which he had partially lowered in his concern to assess her injuries. Their eyes met, shock on one side, mortification on the other. Elysia''s response was swift as she pped away his hand and sat up, her own hand connecting with his cheek in a resounding p, "What are you doing?!" The sound echoed through the room, marking a profound moment of misunderstanding in the stillness that followed. Chapter 379 Tarquin was at a loss, his feelings a mix of concern and frustration. "Look, don''t freak out. We''re in Elijah''s hospital room. You passed out from getting all worked up, so I carried you back here. I swear I didn''t do anything inappropriate. I just wanted to check your injuries," Tarquin tried to exin, his voice a blend of reassurance and slight impatience. Elysia, however, wasn''t having any of it. She clutched the cor of her hospital gown defensively, eyeing him with a mix of suspicion and downright fear. Her demeanor was as tense as it had been during the altercation earlier. It was clear she was on edge. Tarquin couldn''t help but feel both heartache and helplessness at her reaction. "I''d never hurt you, you know. You don''t have to be on guard around me. How are you feeling? Anything out of sorts? Should I get a doctor to check on you?" After a brief moment, Elysia''s frown deepened as she asked, "Where''s Elijah?" "Outside," Tarquin responded simply. Without another word, Elysia threw off the covers and rushed out to see Elijah. Finding Elijah still unconscious, his face pale and his small hand marked by a poorly inserted IV needle, Elysia''s heart broke. She trembled as she touched his hand, then his face, her tears flowing freely... This was her Elijah, her precious son, her most vulnerable child. "Elijah, I''m so sorry. Mommy''s here now, and I''m not going anywhere. Please wake up and see me," she whispered internally, her silent cries filling the room with sorrow. Her tears pained Tarquin. He wanted tofort her, to hold her, but he didn''t dare. He wanted to offer her a tissue to wipe her tears, but he was too afraid to upset her further. All he could do was awkwardly try tofort her with words. "Don''t worry. Benjamin said Elijah''s condition is stable now. He just needs some rest," he attempted to reassure. "Seeing you this upset will only make Elijah sad. Please, don''t cry," he added, his voice soft. "Your tears are breaking both Elijah''s heart and mine..." "Get out!" Elysia suddenly snapped. Tarquin froze, confused. Her eyes, red from crying, bore into him. "Can you just leave us be for a while? I don''t want to hear you. I don''t want to see you. I just want some quiet time with Elijah, okay?" "Okay," Tarquin conceded with a heavy heart. What else could he say or do? Outside, Keaton, Lowell, and Benjamin were huddled together like the neighborhood gossip group, eagerly exchanging juicy bits about Tarquin''stest saga. The moment Tarquin stepped out, the trio straightened up like soldiers snapping to attention, their previous banter reced by an awkward silence. But the change in Tarquin''s aura was palpable; the moment he was away from Elysia, his demeanor turned icy, a clear sign he wasn''t in the mood for any nonsense. He red at them, his gaze demanding an exnation for their whispers. Benjamin and Lowell remained silent, but Keaton blurted out, "We were just talking about Elysia and Elijah. The way Elysia cares for Elijah, I''d never believe she wasn''t his biological mom if you told me otherwise!" Tarquin''s expression softened slightly at that. "Well, she is," he stated firmly. Despite Elysia''s denials and the absence of a new paternity test, Tarquin was convinced in his heart of hearts-she was the one. Chapter 380 Tarquin stepped out to the end of the hallway for a smoke break, with Keaton tagging along. As soon as they were outside, Keaton asked, "Did Elysia smack you one?" Tarquin''s face was stone cold, but Keaton couldn''t help butugh, "Man, that p mark on your face looks painful." "So what if she hit me? It''s none of your business!" "All right, all right, take pride in your battle scars! I can''tpete; no one''s hitting me." After a bit of teasing, Keaton got serious, "So, it''s confirmed then? Elysia''s really Elijah''s mom?" "Yes!" "But didn''t Benjamin say the DNA test results aren''t out yet?" Tarquin frowned, "My gut''s never wrong." , Keaton sighed, "Well, if you''re so sure. Don''t you think you owe me one? If I hadn''t masterminded dropping your drunk self at Elysia''s ce, would any of this have happened? Would you have found her? I don''t think so!" Tarquin turned to him, "Guess I owe you big time. How about I treat you to a dinner?" Keaton squinted, "A dinner? Whose dinner?" "Yours." ¡°Damn! If I had the chance to feast at my own dinner, that''d be something!" Tarquin flicked his cigarette ash, "Feast first, then the deed, and the burial - I''ll take care of it all!" "Heh, you''re a real pal, thanks, man." Tarquin ignored him, and Keaton pursed his lips, "Come on, it was just me ying Cupid with a drunk you and ady. And here you are, not even mad at Elysia for hitting you!" "How can youpare? I''m worried about her hand hurting." "And what if I hit you?" "I''ll break your hand!" Keaton, "...Alright, alright, you win!" "You''re the winner!" "No, you''re the champion!" Their banter sounded just like kids, but it was clear Tarquin was in a good mood. And why wouldn''t he be? After six years, he had finally found the woman he was looking for. Even if she was cold to him, he was happy. Keaton suggested, "Since Elijah''s okay now, how about we hit the bar tonight?" "No can do." "Huh?" "Got to spend time with the kid''s mom." With that, Tarquin stubbed out his cigarette and headed back to the ward. Watching his retreating figure, Keaton was speechless. When it came to matters of the heart, Tarquin had his priorities straight! Keaton flicked his cigarette, thinking about Tarquin''s extinguished stub, reflecting, Indeed, when a cold man falls, he falls hard! Men who don''t easily fall in love, once they do, it''s all or nothing. They are the most loyal yet the most vulnerable. Tarquin was the embodiment of such a man! Keaton exhaled deeply, hoping against hope that Tarquin had not made a mistake. His dear friend''s world, riddled with scars, deserved some healing. ... Tarquin returned to the ward, hesitant to disturb Elysia and stood outside the window, gazing inside with deep affection. It wasn''t until lunchtime that he finally entered, reminding Elysia, "Time to eat." Elysia, now moreposed, nced up at Tarquin, her brows furrowed in determination. Upon confirming that Elijah was her son, she had made a bold decision. She would take Elijah from Tarquin and leave Jindale City with him! Though selfish, she wasmitted to her n. Emotionally, knowing Elijah was her son, she couldn''t bear to abandon him. Logically, with her expertise in child psychology and a profound knowledge of traditional medicine, she believed Elijah would be safest with her. Chapter 381 She knew that trying to snatch Elijah from him was like trying to steal a steak from a lion''s mouth-risky business! But she wasn''t scared. After all, nobody gets out of this world alive, so why not be bold? Go for it! Tarquin had no idea what was going through her mind. Seeing her silent, he reminded her again, "Elysia, it''s lunchtime." Elysia sniffled, her thoughts retreating as she looked away from his face, "I''m not hungry. You go ahead." She didn''t want to engage with him, not in the slightest. But she knew that if she wanted to sneak Elijah away, she''d have to deal with him. Tarquin tried to persuade her, "You have to eat something, at least a little." "I''ve got no appetite. I don''t want to eat. I''ll stay with Elijah; you guys go ahead!" Tarquin''s expression turnedplex as he looked at her, "Is it because you''re worried about Elijah, or are you mad at me?" Elysia furrowed her brows and turned to face him, "Why should I be mad at you?" "...I was wrong about what happened back then. I''m sorry." "Sorry? Do you think your ''sorry'' means anything? Everyone can say ''sorry,'' it''s worthless. And after doing what you did, saying sorry is pointless." Tarquin''s face flushed with embarrassment, "...So, you''re finally acknowledging it was you back then?" Elysia continued to deflect, "I''m just speaking up from a woman''s perspective. What''s done is done; apologies are useless now. You''d have to feel the same pain she did for it to count as an apology!" Tarquin frowned deeply, "If I could, I would take on ten times, a hundred times more pain than you, just to make up for the hurt you went through! However you want to hurt me, I''ll take it!" Elysia stressed, "Not me, her!" Tarquin, puzzled by her stubborn denial, said, "Elysia, is it that hard to admit it was you?" It wasn''t hard, but the consequences were something she couldn''t bear. Admitting it would only ensure he''d never let her and Elijah go! And it might even expose the three little ones! Elysia refused to look at him, adamantly denying, "If it was me, it was me; if it wasn''t, it wasn''t!" Tarquin stared at her for a few seconds, his eyebrows knitted, before saying in a deep voice, "I had a paternity test done for you and Elijah. The results will be out tomorrow." Elysia froze, her heartbeat elerating. She knew he would do something like this! Her fists clenched involuntarily, teeth gritted, "Then talk to me tomorrow!" "...Elysia, what are you so afraid of?" "I''m not afraid of anything!" "If you''re not scared, why won''t you admit it?!" Elysia snapped, "What right do you have to say it was me? What proof do you have? Forget it, I don''t want to argue. Just leave me alone." "Elysia..." "Please, just go!" Tarquin stood rooted to the spot, unmoving, until Elysia said coldly, "I need to review Elijah''s medical records. I need a quiet environment. You being here is distracting. Please, leave!" Tarquin knew she genuinely didn''t want to talk or even see him! Though he felt a surge of anger, he restrained himself, "I''ll go, but you have to eat." He ced the lunch he''d bought from Jim''s Diner next to Elysia, practically dragged her to the bathroom, and made sure she washed her face and hands. He then forced her to eat a little before leaving. He didn''t say much more; he was waiting for the paternity test results toe out tomorrow. He nned to have a serious conversation with her with the report in hand! Chapter 382 In the sterile whiteness of the hospital room, Elysia sat vigil by Elijah''s bedside, her eyes red and swollen from crying. She was desperate to whisk him away before the results of the paternity test came in. She knew that once Tarquin got the confirmation, he''d never let her leave, let alone take Elijah with her. He''d watch her like a hawk, trapping her in a gilded cage. The thought of living with a man she loathed was unbearable. How could she, unhappy and trapped, ever hope to create a happy environment for her children? A strained marriage could never provide the nurturing ground her children needed to grow up healthy and happy. She firmly believed that a happy single-parent family was far better than a miserable two-parent one. But how could she possibly escape with Elijah? Even if she couldn''t take Elijah right away, dodging the paternity test would buy her some time. What could she do? Her phone rang, piercing the silence of the room. It was Elliot. Wiping her tears, Elysia nced around to make sure Tarquin wasn''t there before answering, "Hello, Elliot." "Mommy, have you been crying?" Elliot''s sensitivity caught her off guard. Trying to hide her distress, Elysia lied, "Don''t worry, mommy just got emotional seeing Elijah." She didn''t want to burden her children with her troubles. They were too young to understand or help, and it would only worry them. Elliot frowned slightly, "Is Elijah''s daddy making things hard for you?" "No," she quickly replied. "Has Elijah woken up?" "Not yet, but don''t worry, his condition is stable now, he''s going to be alright." "Yeah. Mommy, you really don''t like Elijah''s daddy, do you? You don''t want him to recognize you?" Elysia bit her lip, "I don''t like him at all! And I definitely don''t want him to recognize me. But you shouldn''t worry about adult stuff, mommy will handle it. Just be good and listen to Blossom at home, okay?" "Okay," Elliot agreed, then added, "Mommy, no matter what happens, we''ll always be with you. Whatever you decide to do, we''ll understand and support you. Believe me, no one can tear us apart." Moved to tears by her son''s words, Elysia''s resolve strengthened. After Elliotforted her, the call ended, and the n to protect their family took shape. Later, Evan, through tears, dered, "We can''t wait any longer. We should storm the hospital now, rescue mommy and Elijah, and flee far away! If that jerk Tarquin tries to stop us, I''ll take him down myself. No one makes our mommy sad, not even if he''s the king of the world!" Emmett, also crying, agreed, "I''m with Evan. We need to go to mommy now. She''s too scared and sad." Elliot, trying to be the voice of reason, suggested a different approach, "If we''re going to fight, we might as well have taken Elijah from the start. We''ve talked about this; a head-on approach isn''t the best for mommy or Elijah." "I know, but what do we do now? Mommy is so upset, and we have the means to fix this. Why should we let her suffer?" Evan sobbed. "Temporary pain for long-term happiness," Elliot replied,ying out a n to intercept the paternity test results, ensuring their mom wouldn''t be forced into a life she didn''t want. Their resolve solidified, the siblings prepared to face whatever challengesy ahead, united in their determination to protect their family''s happiness. Chapter 383 As dusk fell, a chilly breeze began to howl, casting an eerie shadow over the hospital. Benjamin was holed up in theb, working his fingers to the bone on a paternity test. Tarquin had dropped off the samples earlier that afternoon, but then Elijah had taken a turn for the worse. Benjamin had been by Elijah''s side, fussing over him until he was called away for an emergency surgery. Now, with time ticking away, he was scrambling to get the paternity test done. If the results weren''t ready by tomorrow, Tarquin was going to have a fit. So, there he was, burning the midnight oil, when suddenly, theb lights flickered. Then, they flickered again! Before Benjamin could figure out what was going on, a gust of cold air swept through theb, and the lights went outpletely, startling him! A nurse came running, "Dr. Benjamin, there''s a patient in Room 8 throwing up non-stop, it''s pretty bad. You need to check it out." Benjamin got up in a hurry. "I''ll go take a look. Have someone check theb''s electrical system. I''ve got work to finish here tonight." "Okay." As Benjamin hurried off to the ward, a shadowy figure slipped into theb through the window. Evan whispered, "Bro, I''m in." Elliot, orchestrating from afar, instructed, "Good. Do exactly as I showed you. There''s someone by theb door, so be careful and keep it down." "Got it." Meanwhile, in the shadows of the hospital, a sinister figure lurked. He nced towards Elijah''s room and then back at theb, chuckling to himself, "My boy''s doing quite well!" In her room, Elysia received a message from an unknown sender. Little Elysia, need a hand with the paternity test? Elysia frowned. Who are you? Remember, it''s not about who I am, but what I know. And I know your secret. I can help you. Elysia''s heart raced. Could it be him? The mysterious person from the other night, who had also sent her information about the paternity test? This person knew too much, not just about the past, but her current thoughts as well. His offer of ''help'' seemed more like a threat - suggesting she either kill Tarquin or leave him incapacitated. Elysia''s brows knitted together in determination. I don''t need your help. I won''t kill or harm anyone! But think about it, once the paternity testes out, you''ll be nothing but his canary. Even if he tires of you, he''ll let you go but keep the kids. If you eliminate him, you''ll be free. Elysia replied, I can handle my own affairs. I will not resort to murder! Just as she sent the message, Tarquin''s voice startled her from behind. "Who are you texting?" Elysia quickly hid her phone. "It''s none of your business." If he saw the message now, she''d be exposed even before the paternity test results came out. Tarquin, suspicious by her guilty demeanor, demanded, "Let me see your phone." Elysia red back. "Why should I? It''s private!" "I want to see who you''re chatting with, what you''re nning." "It''s my personal business!" He bluntly asked, "Are you plotting to run away?" Elysia, caught off guard, denied it. "No, I''m not!" "If that''s the case, show me your phone. As long as you''re not nning to leave, I won''t make things difficult for you." Elysia''s breathing became erratic with nervousness. "Are you crazy? I said I''m not running away! I just want to be with Elijah." Tarquin, driven by fear of losing her, became even more suspicious. As he reached for the phone, Elysia instinctively protected it. Just when it seemed she couldn''t hold him off any longer, Elijah suddenly woke up. "Mom... Mommy?!" Chapter 384 Elysia''s breath hitched, and she quickly turned around to see! There was Elijah, looking at her in astonishment. She pushed Tarquin aside and stumbled over to Elijah. Shaking all over, breathing heavily, "...Elijah." Elijah was both shocked and overjoyed, "Mom? Is it really you, Mom? You didn''t leave? Am I dreaming?" Tears streamed down Elysia''s face as she pulled the little guy into a tight hug, "It''s really me! Mom didn''t leave! Elijah isn''t dreaming! Mom won''t go away anymore! I won''t leave!" Elijah''s breathing became rapid, "Mom..." "Yes, sweetie, Mom''s here!" "Mom... Mom..." Elijah buried his head in Elysia''s embrace, sobbing uncontrobly. Like his dad, he usually had a cool demeanor, rarely spoke much, but now he was crying a river. No matter how tough he seemed usually, in front of Mom, he was always just a little boy. Elijah cried, Elysia cried, mother and son embraced, weeping together. It was their first day of reunion, the emotions overwhelming! Tarquin stood aside, frowning slightly, feeling like an outsider. Who was the child''s parent after all? Hadn''t she been reluctant to acknowledge her son? And now, why the tears? Just as Tarquin was about to speak, Elijah beat him to it, "Dad, could you please leave us alone for a bit? I want to talk to Mom, just the two of us." Seeing his son''s pleading eyes, Tarquin couldn''t bear to refuse. He gave Elysia a meaningful nce and nodded before leaving. As soon as Tarquin left, Elysia began to cry with guilt, "Elijah, I''m so sorry, darling. I didn''t know about you... I truly didn''t..." Elijah, sniffling, his little shoulders shaking, felt utterly wronged. He had never really expected an apology from Mom, but he had missed her terribly. But he knew Mom hadn''t intentionally abandoned him! "I know... Mom, don''t cry. I''m not ming you. I''m just... just so happy! I finally have a Mom." Finally have a Mom? For other kids, having a mom was nothing out of the ordinary, but for him, it was a luxury. Poor child... Elysia was heartbroken, "It''s all my fault. I''ve been so foolish. I didn''t even know you existed. I thought there was only Elliot and Evan, never imagined there could be you. I haven''t been a good mom. All these years, I haven''t taken care of Elijah, haven''t paid attention to him, let him live alone outside, enduring all hardships. It''s all my fault, I''m so sorry, Elijah..." "Mom... I... I know about what happened between you and Dad back then. I don''t me you at all. You''re the best mom in the world! It''s not your fault. It was Dad and the person who separated us! And... Mom, don''t be sad. Dad has been good to me these years. I haven''t been too miserable, just missing you a lot. I... I... I''ve really missed you so much, Mom... I''ve missed you terribly..." Hearing this, Elysia''s heart shattered, sobbing uncontrobly, "If I had known about you earlier, I would havee to find you! I would never have abandoned you, never! My heart aches so much! It''s so painful! I''m so angry with myself! How could I be so foolish, not even knowing how many children I have, not noticing when one is missing! Stupid! So stupid! I''ve literally been brought to tears by my own foolishness!" Elysia hugged Elijah tightly, "Mom will never leave you again! No matter what happens in the future, Mom will always be with you, Elijah! Not even death will part us!" Chapter 385 Elijah hurriedly said, "No, no, don''t let Mommy die." "Of course, Mommy won''t die, and she won''t leave Elijah!" "Okay... okay..." The mother and son hugged each other and cried for a long time. After calming down, Elysia wiped her tears and gently wiped away Elijah''s as well, firmly telling him, "From now on, Elijah won''t be without a Mommy anymore. I''ll always be here with you! We''ll never be apart again!" "Yeah!" Elysia choked up, "Elijah, knowing I have you made me feel so guilty, but also incredibly happy." Elijah''s cheeks were rosy, "I... I''m so happy too." Elysia hugged Elijah again, and while Tarquin was away, she cautiously asked, "Elijah, would you like toe with Mommy?" "Go? Where?" "Away from Jindale City, anywhere else. We can go with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett." "What about Daddy?" "He... he''ll stay in Jindale City." "But if I leave, he''ll miss me." Elysia was silent... Elijah, holding her hand gently, asked, "Mommy, do you not like Daddy?" His question was direct, and Elysia didn''t hide the truth, "Yes, I don''t." "Because he hurt you back then, do you hate him?" "I used to, but having you guys made that hatred fade. Now, I just inly don''t like him." "What about Daddy don''t you like?" "...I don''t like his bad temper, and I don''t like how he always acts so superior. Basically, Mommy won''t be with him." Elijah murmured, "Daddy likes Mommy. He''s been searching for you all these years. He knows he was wrong back then." Elysia shook her head, "He doesn''t even know what I look like, how could he really like me? I think his effort to find me is just to take responsibility for what happened, to ease his own conscience." Elijah fell silent... Elysia, not wanting her son to be sad, was about to say something when Elijah suddenly asked, "People say time brings people closer. Can Mommy give Daddy a chance?" She couldn''t! But facing Elijah''s pleading eyes, she couldn''t bring herself to say something so harsh. "Elijah..." "I know this is a tough ask for Mommy, but... Daddy has taken care of me for so many years. I can''t just abandon him. I hope Mommy can give him a chance. If after some time Mommy still doesn''t like him, I''ll ept it. I''ll go with Mommy, and we can still keep in touch with him now and then." Just knowing her son was willing to go with her made Elysia very happy, but... "I''m just worried he''s obsessed. Once he finds out I''m the one he''s been searching for, he won''t let me go." "Don''t worry about that, Mommy. During the time you''re with Daddy, I won''t let him find out who you are." "But, he''s already done a paternity test. The resultse out tomorrow." Elijah slightly furrowed his brow, "I''ll figure something out." "How?" "Don''t worry, Mommy. I''ll handle it, making sure he won''t find out." "Really?" "Trust me, Mommy, it''ll work! And during this time, I absolutely won''t pressure Mommy into suddenly liking Daddy." Elysia let out a sigh of relief, "Okay! Mommy promises you!" Elijah''s eyes lit up, "Mommy agrees to stay for a while and give Daddy a chance?" "Yes! Mommy promises Elijah!" Chapter 386 Elijah hugged Elysia tightly, his excitement palpable. "Thanks, Mommy." Elysia, with a doting smile, gently ruffled his hair. "Silly boy, you''re my little treasure. No need to thank me, okay?" Just then, Elijah''s stomach growled audibly. Elysia chuckled. "Are you hungry?" Elijah nodded shyly, "A bit." "Let''s see what we''ve got in the fridge. I''ll whip something up for you." "Okay." Living in a high-end apartment, Elijah had everything he needed at his fingertips-a kitchen, a study, a bathroom, and all the essentials for daily life. As Elysia headed to the kitchen to prepare something for Elijah, he took the opportunity to think about the paternity test. He checked his smartwatch, noticing several messages and missed calls from Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. ncing towards the kitchen, Elijah decided to call Elliot back. Elliot answered immediately, "Elijah, you''re awake? Are you okay?" "Yeah, don''t worry about me. I''m fine now." "That''s a relief. Did you see the messages we sent?" "I did. I''ve already talked to Mommy. She''s agreed to stay for a while and give things a try with Dad. If it doesn''t work out, she''ll leave then." "Is Mommy really okay with this?" "Yeah! I wouldn''t force her if she wasn''t. She''s in a good mood now, actually making me some food." "That''s great to hear. As long as she''s happy, we''re relieved." "But Mommy said, during this trial period with Dad, she doesn''t want him to know her identity, so we need to sort out the paternity test issue." "Don''t worry about that," Elliot reassured. "Evan and I took care of itst night." Hearing this, Elijah felt a wave of gratitude, "You guys are amazing. Thank you." "No need for thanks. We''re brothers, and we do this for each other, for Mommy, and for our family." Feeling incredibly fortunate, Elijah was about to continue the conversation when Tarquin entered the room. The results of the paternity test were in! Not wanting to discuss it in front of Elijah, Tarquin asked Elysia to step outside the room. With a slight frown, he held up four envelopes. "The paternity test results are here." Elysia''s heart skipped a beat! She nced nervously back at the room. Were the results tampered with in time, or was her secret blown? Being exposed could make escapingter a near-impossible feat. Clutching her hands tightly, Elysia fought the urge to snatch the envelopes and tear them to shreds, her gaze fixated. Tarquin, noticing her tension, offered a gentle out, "If you don''t want to see them, you don''t have to." Elysia, confused, looked up at him. It wasn''t the reports she feared, but their potential revtions. The threat of exposure hung over her, threatening to cage her like a canary, strip her of her freedom, and shadow her children''s happiness. "Elysia, I''m not trying to pressure you, I..." "Just open them!" Elysia cut him off, refusing to back down until the very end. Tarquin, frustrated by her stubbornness yet soft appearance, sighed. What a paradox she was. Chapter 387 She was clearly so smitten with Elijah, yet she stubbornly refused to admit she was the woman from back then. By not admitting it, wasn''t she essentially denying being Elijah''s mother? She knew full well about Elijah''s fixation on finding his mother, how desperately he wanted her back. How could she bear to let him keep yearning? What was she thinking? Tarquin was still in the dark, oblivious to the fact that the mother and son had already recognized each other. He was foolishly harboring doubts. "You even considered Elijah''s feelings? He may call you Blossom, but he''s never given up hope on his real mom. If he knew you were his birth mother, he''d be over the moon, he''d be..." "I don''t need you meddling in my business with Elijah. Are you going to spill the beans, or not? If not, I''m going back inside!" Elysia interrupted him again, frowning. Tarquin''s brow furrowed; the atmosphere between him and Elysia was nothing like he had imagined over the years. He thought once he found her, she''d be angry, resentful, tearful, ming him for his past sins! But he never expected her to keep denying it! Even he, the one at fault, was willing to admit it, yet she, the victim, stubbornly refused. Why? Tarquin couldn''t understand it and finally said in a heavy tone, "If this is the only way you''ll admit it, then fine, I''ll spill it! To stop you from making more excuses, I''ll do it right in front of you! Look, I had four paternity tests done, all here. The envelopes are still sealed, so the reports inside are definitely genuine, not forged by me!" Without giving Elysia a chance to respond, Tarquin tore open one of the envelopes. Elysia''s heart leaped! Her breathing became erratic! She watched nervously as he slowly pulled out the report, her heart rising with it! No, no, no! She prayed silently for a miracle that the report would say she and Elijah weren''t rted. Elysia''s palms were sweaty with anticipation. After reading the report, Tarquin looked up at her with a furrowed brow, paused, and then asked, "Want to see?" Elysia snatched it from him, nced at it, and her eyes widened in shock. The test showed a 99.999999% probability of a maternal rtionship with Elijah! Her heart pounded fiercely. Had Elijah not had a chance to tamper with the results? It was all out in the open now! Without saying another word, Tarquin opened another envelope, and unsurprisingly, the result was the same. He handed the second report to Elysia and proceeded with the third, each confirming his belief. He had always known she was the one he was looking for! So when the reports confirmed their maternal rtionship, he wasn''t surprised at all. Truth be told, neither was Elysia... She was just scared! She had known all along that she was the one he was searching for, so the oue of the tests was no mystery to her. But, she had always clung to a sliver of hope! She wished for a miracle, for the tests to be wrong, to remain unrecognized! But hope is just hope, and reality doesn''t always follow. Holding the three opened reports, Elysia''s anxiety turned into destion. Before seeing the results, she was nervous and terrified, clinging to that sliver of hope. Now that she saw them, all hope was gone, and she felt a strange sense of eptance. She didn''t want him to discover the truth, but she was powerless to alter reality. If change was impossible, then eptance was the only option. It was time to face the music andy everything out on the table. Chapter 388 After what felt like an eternity of tension, Elysia finally let her guard down. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, casting an indifferent gaze toward Tarquin. That look sent a shiver down his spine, filling him with anxiety and worry. When she was scared or nervous, it merely pained him. But her sudden calmness? It downright terrified him. Her demeanor screamed a kind of resignation, as if she was ready to face anything... Was she really that averse to confronting the past? Or was it him she didn''t want to face? Tarquin''s lips parted, words teetering on the edge of his tongue, but nothing came out. Furrowing his brows, he shifted his gaze away and proceeded to tear open the fourth envelope. He knew the results would likely be the same. Whether he opened it or not didn''t matter, but he chose to do it anyway... Firstly, because since there were four reports, they all deserved to be opened in her presence. Secondly, her indifferent attitude had thrown him off bnce, leaving him at a loss for words and unsure how to face her. Opening the reports gave him a moment to gather his thoughts, a way to vent and mask his inner turmoil. "You better think about what you''re going to say next. I said it was you, and you just deny it!" Before Tarquin could finish, he froze! Not mother and son?! The fourth report threw a curveball, showing a 0% DNA match between Elysia and Elijah, denying any maternal link! How could this be? It made no sense! This wasn''t the result he expected! Tarquin, with a furrowed brow, reread the report several times to make sure he wasn''t mistaken. With a dark expression, he turned towards Benjamin! This report was Benjamin''s doing! "What''s going on?!" Benjamin, trembling, managed, "I-I don''t know!" It felt so unfair. Why did everyone else''s paternity test confirm the rtionship, but his didn''t? Oh, the look on Tarquin''s face was terrifying! Tarquin, with a storm brewing on his face, pressed, "Why is it that when others do it, it''s one result, but yours is different?" Benjamin, on the verge of tears, insisted, "I really don''t know!" Sensing the anomaly, Elysia snatched the report from Tarquin''s hands! Seeing the "not mother and son" result, her eyes widened in shock! Her eyes rolled in disbelief... Could Elijah have tampered with the results?! Regardless of who was behind it, this oue was a win for her! Elysia''s spirits, which had hit rock bottom, soared high again! Her previously calmed cells were now buzzing with activity, and her dulled senses sharpened! Her defensive stance reignited with a fiery passion! She thought she''d have to confront him directly, but now, it seemed unnecessary! Holding the report like a trophy, Elysia''s attitude did aplete 180. Looking up at Tarquin, she said, "What''s there to question? It only proves what I''ve been saying all along! I told you, I''m not the person you''ve been looking for!" Tarquin, with a scowl, questioned, "Then how do you exin the other three reports?" Elysia''s mind was racing, not missing a beat, she retorted, "I don''t know, but I do know Dr. Benjamin is top-notch, he wouldn''t make a mistake! He''s your close friend; he wouldn''t tamper with the results. His report is the most credible! As for the others, who knows if they''ve been tampered with!" Tarquin turned to Benjamin with a menacing look, causing Benjamin, poor guy, to nearly burst into tears, eager to make his stance clear. Chapter 389 "Cross my heart and hope to die, I didn''t mess with anything! This report is identical to thest one because I did it myself, no second pair of hands involved!" Elysia backed him up, "I believe in Dr. Benjamin!" Benjamin was so touched he almost wanted to give Elysia a big hug and cry it out. Tarquin frowned deeply. Of course, he trusted Benjamin, but he also trusted the other three people! Yet, his gut told him she was the one. It had to be! There must be something fishy with this paternity test! It''s possible Benjamin goofed up somewhere in the process! Tarquin turned to Elysia, "We''ve got four reports, and three of them point to you and Elijah being rted. You still want to argue?" Elysia stood her ground, "This isn''t something you can solve with probability. If there''s even one mistake, that means there''s a problem!" Tarquin stared at her for a moment, his expression turning dark, "We''re redoing the test. Take new samples." Pfft- Elysia nearly spat blood in his face! She had just narrowly dodged a bullet and was quietly celebrating when he decided to twist the knife! Damn it! Elysia protested, "Redo what? I don''t agree!" She didn''t want to go through the test again, especially if Elijah didn''t have a chance to mess things up this time. She suspected Elijah had sabotaged the test. Tarquin eyed her, demanding, "Why not? Redoing it means either a strand of your hair or a vial of your blood. No big loss for you. If you''re innocent, you should agree without hesitation!" Elysia retorted, "Why should I? Are we best buddies, that I need to sacrifice my hair or blood to ease your mind? To be frank, I''ve got a bone to pick with you. I''m not a saint who''ll cater to your feelings despite my grievances. You''re not my anything; I don''t have to jump every time you say so! Let me tell you, ourws require consent for a private paternity test. You conducting one without my consent already breaks thew. I haven''t sued you to let you off easy, hoping you''d back off and stop harassing me! And I did it for Elijah''s sake, but don''t push your luck! Even a cornered rabbit will bite!" She ranted non-stop, ready to leave after her piece. Tarquin''s lips were pressed tightly together, foregoing pointless chatter, "Do you want to do this the easy way, or should I?" Crap! Elysia was immensely frustrated, her rant falling on deaf ears. She snapped, "Do you not understand humannguage?!" Tarquin, tired of talking, grabbed her wrist to take a sample. Elysia resisted fiercely, protecting her head while yelling, "Let go of me, you jerk!" "Crack-" Elijah suddenly burst into the room. He frowned, clearly displeased, "Let go of my mommy!" Tarquin paused, releasing her, "Elijah, why are you out here?" Elysia quickly hid behind Elijah, whispering, "Are you cold, Elijah?" Elijah first red at Tarquin, then turned to Elysia with a gentle voice, "I''m not cold, mommy. The pot is boiling; you should check on it. I''m hungry." "Oh, right." Elysia hurried back to the kitchen. Elijah then turned to Benjamin, "Uncle Benjamin, you go ahead too. I want to talk to daddy alone." "Sure, sure." Benjamin quickly made himself scarce, not wanting to stay a second longer. In the hallway, only Tarquin and Elijah, father and son, remained. Elijah frowned at his dad, visibly upset with him. Chapter 390 Elijah finally persuaded his mom to give him a chance, and what does he do? Embarks on a foolish quest, that''s what! Elijah blurted out, "Dad, do you n on staying single forever?!" "...No." "Well, it sure looks like it! If you keep treating mom like this, you''re gonna die alone, man!" Tarquin just scowled in response. Elijah, clearly frustrated, continued, "Regardless of whether she''s my mom or not, your attitude is all wrong! Have you ever considered, if she really is my mom, the way you''re scaring her off is not going to make her like you, let alone stay with you?! She''s already got a beef with you over what happened six years ago, and instead of trying to make it up to her, you''re just being all stubborn. What''s your n here, to keep her or scare her away?!" Tarquin bit his lip, his face darkening as he said, "I tried to talk to her reasonably, but she tly refuses to admit anything. I had no choice but to bring out the evidence." "And then what? After you prove she''s my mother, what''s next?" "I''ll apologize, beg for her forgiveness." Elijah was dumbfounded. How could someone so smart be so clueless about love? "Dad, that''s like pping mom and then offering her a candy bar. Do you think mom''s a toddler that''s easy to coax?" Tarquin sneered, "With her intelligence, she''s barely two and a half." "You''re not even three!" Elijah shot back mercilessly. Tarquin''s awkward attempt at a smile twitched, "..." Elijah went on, "If the mistake was yours in the first ce! If it''s you who wants to spend the rest of your life with mom! If you''ve already decided she''s the one! Then you should be lowering your pride! What you should be doing is not proving her identity to her, but figuring out how to win her over, how to make her fall for you!" Tarquin''s expression darkened, "I''ve already settled it in my heart that it''s her, but I need her to admit it first, then we can start tomunicate normally." "In theory, maybe, but in reality, mom''s not cooperating with you, she''s totally against everything you do. Maybe it''s time for a new approach?" Before Tarquin could reply, Elijah, frowning, added, "I''m starting to think, all these years you''ve been searching for mom, it wasn''t really out of love. You just feel guilty!" Tarquin was taken aback, "It''s not..." "It is! You just want to find her to make up for your past mistakes, to ease your conscience!" If not, he would have recognized mom long ago! And he wouldn''t be so adamant about making mom admit it! "If you really loved mom, you''d only think about making her happy, you''d try your best to show her your good side, find ways to make her like you. Instead of repeatedly trying to confirm it, especially when she''s clearly against it! The same person, if she''s mom, dad loves her. If she''s not, dad doesn''t. Does dad think that''s true love? If you truly love someone, no matter how many identities they have, you should love them all the same, right?" Tarquin, his breathing heavy, looked at his son, speechless. All these years, he had been searching for her, trying so hard to find her. He thought he was in love with her. If not, why would he be so concerned about her well-being? Why would he be so desperate to treat her right? But maybe his son was right. Maybe it was just guilt, wanting to make amends. Amends, not love. "Dad." Elijah suddenly stepped forward, taking his hand and looking up at him, "You once said, blood isn''t that important, what matters is how we treat each other. The Bradfords might share your blood, but you guys don''t treat each other well. Mr. Lowell and you aren''t rted by blood, but you''re as close as brothers!" Chapter 391 No matter if Elysia is my real mom or not, or if she''s the woman Dad''s been searching for, I like her, and she likes me. That means we''re family! I want this mom, and I want aplete family. Even if she''s not the woman Dad''s been looking for, can''t Dad try to like her for me?" Tarquin was taken aback by his son''s words, "You want me to be with her? What if she''s not your mom, and your real momes back? What then?" "Whether Momes back or not has nothing to do with you being with her." Tarquin frowned, "I promised your mom I''d make her the happiest and most dignified woman in the world!" Elijah challenged, "So, she can''t be happy or dignified without marrying you? Only marrying you makes her happy and dignified? Dad, isn''t that a bit narcissistic?!" Tarquin was left speechless by his son''s retort, "..." Elijah continued, "Taking responsibility doesn''t necessarily mean marrying Mom. Just like paying back a favor doesn''t have to meanmitting your life. Maybe your insistence on marrying her is actually her misfortune." Tarquin''s lips moved, but he didn''t know how to argue back. He had always wanted to find her, to be with her. He believed in a lifetimemitment, especially since they had been intimate; it seemed right to be together. But, his son''s words made some sense... Elijah added, "Right now, I just want Elysia to be my mom, and I want Dad to be with her. Of course, I won''t force you, Dad. I just hope you can try. If after trying, you still don''t like her, I won''t me you. But if you won''t even try, I''ll be really sad." Tarquin quickly said, "I didn''t say I wouldn''t try." How could he bear to make his son sad? "So, you agree?" Tarquin didn''t answer immediately. He looked at his son for a long moment, then nced inside the room, "Did she teach you to say all this?" Elijah shook his head, "She doesn''t even like you, why would she tell me to say these things?" Tarquin frowned again, "..." Elijah pushed, "So, do you agree or not?" Tarquin, looking into his son''s hopeful eyes, felt as if he had lost his right to choose. "I agree!" Elijah''s eyes lit up, "Great, then it''s settled. From today, Dad will start pursuing Mom!" Tarquin, reluctantly and confused, hummed in agreement. Elijah emphasized again, "A gentleman''s word is his bond. Since you agreed, Dad, you have to follow through! I''ll be watching! Don''t let me down! And, Dad, stop wondering if she''s really my mom or not. You have to forget the past and wholeheartedly pursue Mom!" After saying this, Elijah went off happily to find Elysia. The little guy had achieved all his goals for the day. He prayed that Mom wouldn''t leave, giving his silly Dad a chance, which she agreed to. Then, he had a little talk with his silly Dad, pressuring him to let go of everything and start pursuing his mom. Although his Dad was reluctant, he agreed! So the little guy was really happy. And his silly Dad was really confused. He was supposed to start pursuing Elysia today? He was supposed to pursue Elysia? Even though he didn''t know if she was really the one! Tarquin was bewildered! Chapter 392 In the hospital room, Elysia was still on edge. The moment she saw Elijah return, she quickly whispered, "Elijah, did you tamper with the paternity test Dr. Benjamin ran?" Elijah, covering for Elliot and Evan, admitted with a nod, "Yeah." "You''re amazing! How did you manage that in such a short time?" Elijah fibbed, "I called a buddy to slip a fake test result into the file. Don''t worry, Mom, Dad and Uncle Benjamin have no clue. And I''ve already talked to Dad. He won''t force you into another test." Elysia, both shocked and delighted, eximed, "Really?" "Yeah!" Elysia was overjoyed. "That''s fantastic!" No more worries about the paternity test! Curious, she asked, "Elijah, he can be so tough to deal with. How did you convince him?" Elijah exined, "Dad really listens to me and cares about how I feel. I told him I didn''t want him digging into your and my rtionship anymore, and he agreed right away. From now on, Mom, just live your life at ease. I''ve got your back, and Dad won''t dare run another test on his own." Elysia was deeply moved and nted a kiss on Elijah''s cheek, "Elijah, you''re Mommy''s little hero!" Elijah''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, not used to being kissed by a girl. He pursed his lips, held his breath, and stood stiff for a while before speaking again, "Mom, you remember what you promised me, right?" Elysia knew what he was referring to and fell silent for a moment. She knew she couldn''t be with that man; agreeing to spend time with him was just a waste of time. But if it could make her son happy, it was worth it. "Of course, I remember. Don''t worry, I won''t go back on my word. I''ll give it a try." Elijah was thrilled, so much that he wanted to return the kiss to Elysia. But he didn''t make a move, instead just staring at Elysia, his breathing erratic and too shy to actually kiss her. His cheeks were beet-red. "Why''s your face so red all of a sudden? Are you feeling okay?" Elysia asked. Elijah quickly looked away, his heart racing, "No, it''s nothing." Elysia, still concerned, checked his forehead to make sure he wasn''t feverish, then carried him back to his hospital bed, "Elijah, rest for a bit. I''ll call you when dinner is ready." "Okay, Mom, can you make a portion for Dad too?" Elijah looked at her with hopeful eyes. Elysia hesitated for a second but then nodded, "Alright!" She didn''t feel like cooking for him, but she couldn''t bear to refuse her son. While Elysia was busy cooking, Elijah texted Elliot, briefing him on the mini-meeting between him and their mom. Elliot and Emmett were in good spirits. Since Tarquin agreed not to probe into their mom''s past, their beloved mom wouldn''t have to live in anxiety and fear anymore. But Evan had strong opinions, scoffing, "Mom doesn''t even like him, and now she has to spend time with him? That''s just torturing her. Having to face someone she dislikes every day, she''d feel sick to her stomach." Elliot responded, "As long as he stops investigating her, she can peacefully coexist with him." "Hmph! Mom will never fall for that jerk Tarquin, it''s a waste of time!" "It''s not a waste. If she still doesn''t like Tarquin after this period, Elijah will join us in leaving. We''re buying time for Elijah, not for Tarquin." Evan felt somewhat better, pouting, "Mom will definitely not fall for that loser Tarquin. Our mom deserves better!" The four little ones had vastly different attitudes towards the situation between Elysia and Tarquin. Chapter 393 Elijah was wholeheartedly rooting for Elysia and Tarquin to hit it off, loving both his mom and dad without reservation. Evan, on the other hand, was a different story. His heart belonged solely to his mom-she was his goddess, his queen, and his little princess all rolled into one! And Tarquin? In his eyes, Tarquin was nothing! The kid just couldn''t see Tarquin fitting into their lives, in and simple. Evan thought Tarquin was far from worthy of his goddess mom! Elliot and Emmett were more on the fence. Of course, mom was the number one person in their hearts, but dad... well, he was optional. Whether they wanted a dad around depended entirely on how mom felt about it. If mom liked him, then he was in. If not, then it was a no-go! So, with the current situation, Elijah was over the moon, Evan was miffed, and Elliot and Emmett were just cruising, content as long as their beloved mom was happy. Elliot, ever indulgent, patted Evan on the head and said, "I know you''re not thrilled right now, but think about Elijah. We''re doing this for him, and you''re his big brother, right? Big brothers should look out for their little bros, shouldn''t they?" Evan''s eyes lit up. "Elijah''s going to call me brother?" "Of course! Elijah came into our livester, so he should definitely call you brother. I''ve talked to him about this, and he''s thrilled to be your little bro." Evan seemed to fancy this role, quickly adding, "Elijah is my brother, and I''d go through hell and high water for him!" "So, you''d be okay with putting up with some dys for Elijah''s sake, right?" "Yeah! But only if that loser Tarquin doesn''t upset mom!" Elliot chuckled. "Don''t worry, Elijah will take good care of mom." Evan felt better and nced at his wrist where White was resting, saying, "As the big brother, I should get Elijah a gift. Hey, White, how about you take a trip back home and bring back one of your distant cousins as a present for Elijah?" White, who had been dozing off, opened one eye to look at his young master, flicked his tongue out, and then snuggled back into his sleeve. Evan pouted. "Stingy! It''s for Elijah, not just anyone. Elijah is my brother! And yours too!" White didn''t respond, ignoring him. Suddenly, Evan had an idea and asked Elliot, "When is moming back?" "I''m not sure," Elliot replied. "Mom and Elijah just got to know each other, so she''ll definitely want to spend more time with him. Why, you need mom for something?" Evan squinted his eyes, a mischievous glint appearing, "I''ll tell you when mom gets back." ... In the hospital, Elysia had prepared dinner, and Elijah eagerly volunteered to fetch Tarquin. After the kids had their little meeting, Tarquin was all over the ce. He didn''t head back to the room but instead found his way to the smoking area at the end of the hallway for a cigarette break. "Dad, dinner''s ready." Seeing the little guying out of the room from a distance, Tarquin immediately stubbed out his cigarette and went to meet him. Taking a break with a cigarette had cleared his head. He agreed with what Elijah said; his feelings for Elijah''s mom were more guilt than love. And even if he needed to take responsibility, it didn''t necessarily mean he had to marry her. Still, he was going to keep looking for her, just as he always had! Once he found her, he''d follow her lead. If she was willing, he''d be with her. If she had moved on and they couldn''t be together, then he''d offer her a heftypensation. No matter what, he was determined to make amends for the mistakes of the past and to fulfill the promises he had made! So, until he found her, he wouldn''t get involved with any other women, including Elysia. However... Chapter 394 If Elysia turned out to be the one, it would be a win-win for everyone! Elijah liked her, and since she was single after her divorce, he could pursue her without any hesitation! But if Elysia wasn''t the one... He wouldn''t allow himself to develop any feelings for her until he had found Elijah''s mother. He wanted to keep himself avable for Elijah''s mom unless she didn''t want him. Only then would he consider moving on with another woman. Agreeing to pursue Elysia to make his son happy was just a spur-of-the-moment decision. His main task now was to figure out if Elysia was really the one! Until the results from Benjamin''s test came back, he was certain. But now, doubt had crept into his mind. So, he had to do another paternity test! Of course, this time he couldn''t go about it as openly as before. He had to be sneaky about it. And he couldn''t treat Elysia the same way he had been either. After all, he couldn''t be sure she was the one yet! "Daddy!" Elijah had made his way to him. Tarquin snapped back to reality, sorted out his next steps, and felt better. He looked down at his son with a loving smile and scooped him up, "Didn''t I tell you I''d be right back after your call? What brought you out here?" Elijah said, "I had something to tell you." Tarquin narrowed his eyes slightly, "Something left unsaid?" "It''s all said. I just worried you''d forget." Tarquin chuckled affectionately, "No chance. If I promised you, I''ll do it." Chasing after Elysia, huh? His heart might not be in it, but he could y the part. As they walked and talked, Elijah let out a sigh of relief, thought of something, and then asked anxiously, "Daddy, do you even know how to woo ady?!" "Elijah, you think you need to teach me?" Elijah frowned, "I''m a kid, I don''t know how! And I don''t need to, but you have to, or how will you win mommy over?" Tarquin said, ¡°Maybe I''ll ask your Uncle Keaton for some advice." "No way! He''s a total yer, you can''t learn from him!" Tarquin couldn''t help butugh. If Keaton heard Elijah calling him that, he''d be mortified. "Then I guess I''ll have to do some research on my own, figure out how to win ady''s heart." "Yeah! Go for it, Daddy!" Looking into his son''s bright eyes, Tarquin felt deeply moved. Regardless, Elysia had a significant impact on Elijah. When she was about to leave, Elijah nearly fell ill. Her staying made him instantly happier. Seeing Elijah''s current state, nothing like a child with psychological issues, warmed his heart. Inside the hospital room, Elysia was dishing up some noodles. Elijah needed something light and easy to digest after waking up, so she made him some simple noodle soup. As soon as the father and son returned to the room, Elijah gave Tarquin a look, signaling him to help in the kitchen. Tarquin nced at Elysia unintentionally, catching only her silhouette. After hesitating for a moment, he decided to follow his son''s wish, put down the little guy, took off his jacket, tossed it on the couch, and rolled up his sleeves to head to the kitchen. Elysia had justdled out a bowl of soup intending to serve it when she heard someone behind her, "Let me help." Startled, she nearly dropped the bowl, but Tarquin caught it just in time! However, some soup sshed onto the back of her hand, causing her to wince in pain... Tarquin, holding the bowl with one hand, quickly grabbed a paper towel with the other for her. Elysia, feeling awkward, nced at him and took the towel, "Thanks, I''ve got it." Tarquin also felt a bit uneasy, handed her the towel, and took the bowl outside. After all, not too long ago, they were at odds over the paternity test. Suddenly acting polite felt awkward for both. Chapter 395 Oh, the drama at the dinner table could rival any Thanksgiving family gathering gone awry. But here they were, Elijah having summoned his parents to an unofficial "peace treaty" meeting over dinner. The stakes? Whoever lost their cool first would be in the bad graces of their son. So, there they sat, feigning harmony for the sake of their boy. But let''s be real, the so-called peace was as thin as the broth in their bowls, all for Elijah''s eyes. Deep down, both Elysia and Tarquin harbored their own schemes. At Elijah''s request, Elysia had whipped up a bowl of noodles for Tarquin as well. Three bowls of noodles, three people, all pretending this was the picture of domestic bliss. Throughout the meal, Elijah couldn''t stop singing praises about Elysia''s cooking, pushing Tarquin to join the chorus. "Dad, isn''t mom''s noodles the best?" That question came with a side of a stern nce from the little guy, a clear warning. Tarquin could only muster a ¡°...", internally scoffing at the overemphasis on a simple bowl of noodles. "It''s just noodles. How fancy can it get?" But out loud, he praised, "Delicious! Absolutely wonderful!" Elysia, on the receiving end of thepliment, couldn''t care less internally but responded with a cheerful, "d you like it. There''s more in the pot." The table fell into an awkward silence soon after, only to be broken by a swift kick to Tarquin''s leg from under the table. It was Elijah, sending covert signals of distress to his dad. Tarquin, utterly confused, tried to decipher his son''s silent messages, much to Elijah''s frustration. Post-dinner, as Elysia busied herself cleaning up, Elijah seized the moment to lecture Tarquin. "Dad, you''re the one who''s supposed to be wooing mom, not me. You gotta pick up the ck and not rely on me to remind you!" Tarquin wanted to protest that it was Elijah who had set this whole charade in motion, but he kept it to himself, asking instead, "What were you trying to remind me of?" "To find something to talk about with mom! Girls like sweet talk. You can''t win her over by being silent. You need to charm her with words, dad. Mom''s easy to please that way." ¡°...Right, got it," Tarquin mumbled, slumping toward the couch before Elijah''s exasperated tug pulled him back to reality. "You can''t just say it; you need to act on it! Go help mom in the kitchen!" Reluctantly, Tarquin made his way to the kitchen, where Elysia was washing up. Upon seeing him, she immediately dismissed his offer to help. "What are you doing here? I don''t need help." But Tarquin, driven by his son''s insistence, coldly replied, "Elijah asked me to help." Their interaction was anything but warm, each preupied with their own cunning thoughts. Tarquin pondered how to secretly obtain a sample for a paternity test with Elijah, while Elysia dreamt of whisking her son away from Tarquin, leaving her troubled past behind for a fresh start. Meanwhile, Benjamin''s arrival with news of Elijah''s discharge from the hospital stirred new plots in Elysia''s mind, her gears turning at the thought of escaping the hospital''s confines and the chains of her current life. Chapter 396 Today was andmark day for them; she had just reconnected with her son, Elijah, and was eager to bring him home for a reunion dinner with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. Maximizing happiness was her mission. She found the perfect moment to discuss her ns with Tarquin, "This afternoon, once Elijah is discharged, I''d like to take him to my best friend''s house." Tarquin squinted at her, waiting for her to continue. "My kids and Elijah have be fast friends. They were really worried when they heard he was sick. Now that he''s better, they''re dying to have him over for dinner," Elysia exined. Worried he might object, she quickly added, "Don''t worry, it''s not an overnight stay. Just dinner, and then I''ll bring Elijah right back." Tarquin proposed, "Why not have your kidse to my ce? I''ll host dinner." "No way!" "Why not?" ¡°The kids wouldn''t feel at ease at your house." "Then I''ll take them out for dinner." "That won''t work either. We''re nning to cook a meal together at home.¡± Tarquin studied her for a few moments, "Alright, you handle it." Elysia hurriedly asked, "You agree?" "Yeah." Elysia''s eyes sparkled with surprise; she hadn''t expected him to agree so readily and found herself warming up to him significantly. Despite his good looks, she often thought of him as somewhat useless. But today, he proved he could step up when it mattered! Before she could softly thank him, he suddenly asked, "What do we need to buy? I can have someone pick things up in advance." "We''ve got it covered," she assured. "What do your friend and your kids like?" "Pardon?" "It''s my first formal visit; I should bring something." Elysia blinked, "You''reing over?" "Yeah, I''lle with Elijah in the evening." His casual tone took her aback, "You''reing too?!" "Of course, I want to be there for Elijah." "No, you don''t need toe. I can take Elijah by myself and bring him back after dinner." She hadn''t intended for him to join; his presence would surely reveal the secret of the three little ones! Yet, Tarquin calmly responded, "That''s not happening." Elysia frowned, "Why not?!" "You can take Elijah to your ce, but I muste along." "Why do you need toe? I can take good care of Elijah!" Tarquin didn''t bother exining, "If you don''t agree to meing, then Elijah can''t go either." "You... don''t trust me?! Are you worried I can''t take care of Elijah properly?" His concern wasn''t her caregiving skills but the fear of others harboring ill intentions towards Elijah. Seeing his silence, Elysia grew anxious, "Elijah will be going to my ce, not somewhere unknown. My friend and her three kids adore him; we''ll take great care of him. You should have peace of mind. Moreover, for Elijah, getting used to new environments and people is beneficial for his psychological recovery. He has to take this step sooner orter! You can''t be by his side forever!" Elysia made apelling argument, and Tarquin felt a stir of emotion. Chapter 397 Elijah really needed to get out more, mix it up with new faces and ces. There was a brief silence before Tarquin nced over at Elijah, making sure the little guy wasn''t paying attention to their conversation. He then spoke, "You know, if you want to take Elijah for a while, that''s cool. Let''s make a deal.¡± "A deal? What kind of deal?" Tarquin was upfront, "I want to do another paternity test. I need your sample." If she agreed, it would be way better than him sneaking around behind her back. Once the results were in, he could openly discuss it with her. Elysia''s face dropped, her heart racing, "You still want to..." ¡°Shh, keep it down! I''m not forcing you, just proposing an idea!" "But you promised Elijah you''d stop snooping around! Breaking your word is low!" Tarquin furrowed his brow, "I''m just discussing it with you!" ¡°Well, let me make it clear, I don''t agree! End of discussion!" Tarquin saw her strong opposition, he frowned but didn''t lose his temper or force the issue. His son was nearby, and he wasn''t about to upset her and make his son unhappy. Plus, what if she really was the one he was looking for? If he upset her now, he might regret itter. "If you don''t agree, then you don''t agree. I was just asking," he said, trying to appear nonchnt. Elysia took a deep breath to calm herself down before asking, ¡°So, can Elijah go with meter?" "Sure, I''ll drive you over, and pick you upter." Seeing his agreement, Elysia lit up, "No need for a ride, Elijah and I can take a cab back." Tarquin gave her a look, "I''m offering a ride for safety reasons." Elysia paused, then nodded, "I get it." Later that afternoon, afterpleting the discharge procedures, the trio left the hospital. Elijah was eager to hang out with his buddies, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, so he was in a great mood. Elysia was all smiles too, thinking about the happy times ahead, she couldn''t contain her joy. Tarquin''s mood was harder to read. Not exactly happy, but not sad either, his expression was inscrutable. They rode in the same family Volkswagen, with Lowell driving and the trio in the back. Elijah was sandwiched between Elysia and Tarquin. Midway, they stopped for a bit, Tarquin and Lowell stepped out. Elysia thought they were just hitting the restroom, but when they returned, their arms were loaded with bags of snacks and various gifts, enough to fill the trunk. Elysia was surprised, "Why all this? You''re not evening up." Tarquin replied coolly, "It''s a little something for Elijah''s visit. A token of appreciation.¡± Elysia, "...." You had to give it to him, he was thoughtful when it came to Elijah. When Elliot, Evan, and Emmett went over to their friends'' houses in the neighborhood, she liked to prepare some treats or small toys for them to take along too. It''s the little things that parents do. No matter what she thought of him, as a father, he was doing alright. Arriving at the apartmentplex, Elysia and Elijah got out, and Blossom was already waiting at the entrance. To avoid Tarquining up, Elysia had arranged for Blossom to meet them outside. Seeing them, Blossom cheerfully greeted, "Elysia!" But as she approached and caught sight of Tarquin, she froze in her tracks! Chapter 398 Although Tarquin and Professor Folly were quite chummy, Blossom had never met the man before. And boy, did he leave an impression! The guy looked, well, otherworldly! Elysia knew her lovestruck friend was at it again and called out, "Blossom!" Snapping back to reality with an awkwardugh, Blossom hurried over, "Coming,ing." "This is Elijah''s dad, Mr. Bradford, and over here we have Elijah''s uncle, Lowell. And this is my BFF, Blossom," Elysia introduced. Tarquin was the epitome of a gentleman, ¡°Pleasure to meet you." Lowell, with a grin, said, "Nice to meet ya, Ms. Blythe. Just Lowell is fine." Blossom, nearly drooling in awe, nodded eagerly, "Nice, nice. Since you''re here, why don''t y''alle in for a bit?" Elysia''s face dropped, and she subtly nudged her friend! Invite them in? The kids were still upstairs! Oh, this woman. A handsome face and she loses her mind. "They''re busy, let''s get going. We''ve got dinner to make," Elysia hurried Blossom away. Blossom, head over heels as usual, called out during their goodbye, ¡°Drop by anytime, our door''s always open!" Elysia could only sigh. After the group left with their gifts, Tarquin and Lowell headed back to their car. "Keep an eye on them," Tarquin instructed. "Don''t you worry about Elijah. I''ll have a couple more guys check in," Lowell assured, then dialed to make arrangements before starting the car and asking Tarquin, ¡°Mr. Huber called around noon, wanted to catch up. You in?" Tarquin hesitated, then decided, "Let''s go see him." Suddenly, he felt something off, quickly turning to look out the window with a sharp gaze full of animosity. But the corner was empty, nobody in sight. Frowning, Tarquin asked, ¡°Have we found that nutjob who tried to throw a dead cat into Elijah''s room?" Lowell, knowing exactly who he meant, nodded reluctantly, "Vanished into thin air. Oh, and there''s something I forgot to show you. Watch this." He found a video on his phone and handed it to Tarquin. The video showed Elysia standing alone downstairs on the night Tarquin met with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. Initially, she seemed to be waiting and watching the entrance. But then, suddenly, she turned around sharply... As if someone had called her name. After looking around and seeing no one, she turned back, only to spin around again a secondter, this time facing the darkness, her lips moving cautiously as if questioning who was there. Her conversation, fragmented as it was, grew increasingly anxious. Then, she checked her phone, and whatever she saw nearly drove her to despair... Ending with her fainting right there. "And no suspicious figures were found in theplex that night?" Lowell confirmed with a nod, "None. The security footage was untouched. Initially, the guards thought Ms. Thorne was talking to herself, but something felt off to me." "She wasn''t talking to herself. She wasmunicating with something." Tarquin used the word ''something'' instead of ''someone,'' sending a shiver down Lowell''s spine. He was already a bit of a scaredy-cat, and the mention of ghosts or spirits had him breaking out in goosebumps. Chapter 399 "Ms. Thorne got spooked?" Tarquin''s voice was ice-cold. "All this talk of hauntings, as if! Even if there were such things, they wouldn''t dare cause trouble on my turf! It''s gotta be someone ying tricks! Did anyone check the lip-reading expert on that video?" "Yeah, but the footage was too blurry. They couldn''t make out what Ms. Thorne was saying." Tarquin stared at the video, lost in thought for a moment. "Look around, see if there''s any hidden gadgets or something!" He tossed his phone to Lowell and lit up a cigarette. Over the years, he''d seen his fair share of bizarre incidents. Apart from unexinable phenomena that might ur in old ruins, in popted living areas, specters simply didn''t make the cut! It was always people pulling stunts! And frankly, people are far scarier than any ghost! If it had been a ghost chatting with Elysia that night, he wouldn''t be worried. But the thought of someone masquerading as a ghost tomunicate with her? That was troubling. What sane person goes around pretending to be a ghost? Only someone off their rocker would do such a thing! What could someone possibly discuss with Elysia in the dead of night to scare her like that? After a few drags of his cigarette, Tarquin said in a deep tone, "We need to step up the investigation, find this nutjob!" Lowell looked startled and tense, "Tarquin, do you think the person who yed ghost with Ms. Thorne is the same one who left a dead cat in Elijah''s room?" "It''s a strong possibility. Let''s find this person first!" He sensed this individual was mysterious and dangerous, hiding some dark secrets! Perhaps these secrets involved him, Elijah, or maybe even something about Elysia! After the car had left, a shadowy figure emerged from the corner, chuckling as he watched them go. Then, looking up at the floor where Elysia was, his eyes filled with adoration, "Lil'' Elysia''s happy, my lil'' Elysia, heh heh..." "Ding-dong, ding-dong." The doorbell rang. Elysia was still prepping ingredients when Blossom went to answer the door, only to find a delivery guy standing there, looking curious. "What''s up?" The delivery guy spoke softly, "Your cake has arrived." Blossom was even more curious, "I didn''t order any cake." "Isn''t this the address? Aren''t you Elysia?" "Elysia?" Blossom nced at the order, indeed it had Elysia''s name, phone number, and their address. "It''s ours, thanks a bunch." After signing, Blossom brought the cake inside, "Elysia, did you order a cake? Is it someone''s birthday?" Elysia, who was in the kitchen julienning potatoes, replied, "Not me." "Not you? Then who ordered this? It''s got your name and number." "Let me see." Elysia looked at the order and indeed, it was ced under her name, with a note to avoid mango. She''s allergic to mango. "The delivery isn''t a mistake, but I definitely didn''t order it." Elysia also asked the kids, but it wasn''t them either. Blossom suggested, "I bet it was Elijah, that dashing dad of yours." "But why would he order a cake when it''s nobody''s birthday?" "To celebrate, of course! Today''s a big happy day." Elysia didn''t get it. They were happy about recognizing Elijah, but why would he be? And then... Elysia scrutinized the card attached to the cake, her brows furrowing, "It couldn''t be him! Look at what''s written on the cake. If it were from him, he''d never write something like this!" Blossom tilted her head, looking curious, "This... Yeah, doesn''t seem like his style at all!" Chapter 400 The card read: "I''ve climbed mountains, crossed rivers, Witnessed the rebirth of nature, in an endless cycle, Now, you are my mountain, and you are my river too. -To Elysia." Anyone with a romantic bone in their body could tell, this was a sweet, heartfelt message. If Tarquin had been sure she was the one he''d been searching for, he might have pursued her relentlessly. But uncertainty kept him at bay. It wasn''t him who sent the cake! Nor was it the kids! So, who could it be? Blossom, ever curious, asked, "Elysia, looks like you''ve got an admirer. Has anyone been courting youtely?" "Nope." Blossom looked puzzled. "Could it be a secret admirer then?" Elysia shook her head, "I barely made a peep abouting back, and I''ve been all wrapped up with Elijah. Haven''t really seen anyone else. Who would have a crush on me?" "Well, you never know with secret admirers. If you knew, it wouldn''t be a secret, right? Someone''s gone to the trouble of sending you a love note. It must be from someone who''s got a crush on you." Elysia frowned, considering how different her life might have been if she hadn''t been forced to drop out and marry, like Blossom, with a normal graduation and a regr job. Maybe then, a secret admirer wouldn''t seem so far-fetched. But after everything she''d been through, the idea seemed impossible! Yet, there was no denying the romantic gesture of the card. Elysia pondered over this mystery for a while but couldn''t make heads or tails of it. The cake seemed all the more mysterious. Emmett came out, eager for a bathroom break, and spotted the cake, his excitement palpable, "Mommy, mommy, are we having cake today?" The little guy had a sweet tooth. Elysia was torn. She couldn''t possibly allow the kids to eat something of unknown origin, but Emmett was looking forward to it so much! "It looks so yummy," Emmett drooled. After a brief hesitation, Elysia nodded, "We''ll have it tonight." "Yay!" Emmett scampered off to the bathroom, thrilled. Elysia pulled out her phone, "Which bakery is this cake from? I''ll order a fresh one." "Moonlight Dessert House''s premium range, definitely not cheap.'' Elysia browsed through an app, her eyes widening at the prices. 6 inches for $120. 8 inches for $175. 10 inches for $230. She was startled by the prices, clearly out of her league. And these were just for single-tier cakes. The double-tiered one Blossom was holding would be even pricier! In her book, a decent 6-inch cake from a high-end bakery would run about... $50? Seeing Elysia''s shock, Blossom leaned in for a look and was equally taken aback, "Told you it wouldn''t be cheap! That ce is all the rage online, a real hotspot for influencers, and their prices are through the roof. This doubleyered one''s gotta start at $400 at least. Geez, someone''s really into you, Elysia. Your secret admirer must be loaded!" Elysia snapped back to reality, her anxiety mounting. She couldn''t fathom who it could be and decided to put the matter aside for now, biting the bullet to order a smaller, more affordable cake for the kids. Then she told Blossom, "Let''s just keep it for now, until we figure out who sent it." Unidentified food was a no-go for her kids, but given its price, she couldn''t just toss it. What if it needed to be returned? Blossom agreed it wasn''t wise to let the kids eat it just yet. With no room in the fridge, she found a temporary spot for it. Elysia went back to chopping potatoes, while Blossom washed the greens by the sink. Seeing Elysia weighed down with thoughts, Blossomforted her, "If you can''t figure out who your secret admirer is, don''t sweat it. Being admired is hardly a bad thing, better than someone holding a grudge." Chapter 401 Elysia let out a sigh, "Yeah!" Blossom, bubbling with excitement, said, "Seriously, Elijah''s dad is a total stud! I mean, he doesn''t even seem like he belongs on this pl - he''s that ridiculously handsome!" "So, you''re saying he''s not even human." "Exactly! He''s a god among men!" Elysia pursed her lips, "Aren''t you into younger guys, though?" Blossom exined, "Sure, I like them young, but my tastes aren''t limited to just that! Some people might go for the boy-next-door type, but Elijah''s dad, he''s universally adored! He''s versatile - can pull off being the mysterious bad boy or the sweet, caring guy. But trying to get a young hottie to exude that bad boy vibe? Tough!" Him? The sweet, caring type? Ha! Elysia got goosebumps, "He could never pull off being the sweet guy. He''s more of a fierce creature - a wolf in disguise!" Blossom said mischievously, "But there''s something about a bad boy that''s just irresistible! Hey, haven''t you ever thought about being with him? A fling with no strings attached doesn''t sound like a bad deal." Elysia bit her lip, "Never thought about it! Don''t want to!" Suddenly, she felt a pang of sadness, "But Elijah, he really wishes for it." "Huh? Elijah wants you and his dad to be together?" "Yeah! He begged me to not leave yet, to give his dad a chance to woo me." "What?! That''s news to me! Did he say that today?" "Yeah, and I kinda get it. Elijah''s dad is really good to him, and Elijah doesn''t want to lose that... Ah, I feel so selfish wanting to take Elijah away from him. It''s selfish both emotionally and financially. But I can''t help it, I just can''t let go of Elijah! And I can''t force myself to fall for his dad!" She truly couldn''t bear the thought of leaving Elijah behind, just taking Elliot, Evan, and Emmett with her. Nor could she force her heart to feel something it didn''t. Blossomforted her, "I might not have kids, so I can''t fully rte, but I understand you. Love can''t be forced. After what he did to you, seeing him as anything but a monster is asking too much! Which girl could just forgive and fall for the man who hurt her so deeply? Yeah, right! And as a mother, if you can''t truly love him, being together isn''t the best for the kids. So, you wanting to take Elijah away is not wrong! Besides, being selfish is human nature. Why sacrifice your happiness for others? Life is too short not to put yourself first. Making yourself happy should alwayse before pleasing others! Plus, you''re not forcing the kids to choose. It''s entirely up to them. And financially, sure, Elijah''s dad might be richer, but can he provide the emotional safety Elijah needs? From a wellbeing standpoint, Elijah is better off with you. So, stop beating yourself up. You''re not in the wrong." Elysia looked at Blossom, moved, put down her knife and potato, and hugged her, "Blossom, you''re the best." "Of course, you should take a leaf out of my book. ''I do no wrong.'' That''s the way to live a carefree and happy life. Follow your heart, that''s the right path!" "Right!" Just as Blossom had cheered her up, Elysia''s phone suddenly went off with a new message alert. She let go of Blossom, wiped her hands on her apron, and pulled out her phone to check it. After one nce, Elysia screamed in shock, "Ah!" The phone dropped to the floor like it was burning hot. Chapter 402 Blossom rushed to Elysia''s side, perplexed and concerned. "What''s wrong, Elysia?" Their four kids, startled by the scream, dashed out to see what was happening. "Mommy!" they chorused, gathering around Elysia. Elysia was ghostly pale, her breathsing in short, sharp gasps as she stared at the phone on the ground. Elliot noticed the rm and quickly picked up the phone to see what had caused such a reaction. A message from a stranger had arrived for Elysia: "Enjoying your day, Elysia? d to hear it. How did you find the cake?" Frowning, Elliot scrolled through the chat history, absorbing the entire conversation between this mysterious person and Elysia. His expression darkened, a chilling intensity in his eyes. "What''s going on?" Elijah asked, eyebrows knitted in concern as he moved closer. Elliot handed Elysia''s phone to him and then turned to Elysia, his voice softening despite the tension. "Mom, looks like we''ve got a creep on our hands. Don''t worry, I''ve got you." Blossom was shocked. "A creep? What kind of creep?!" Elysia was gasping for air, herplexion terrible. As realization dawned, her heart pounded even faster. That cake... It had been from him! How did he know she was happy today? Was he watching her? The more Elysia thought about it, the more terrified she became, her breathing growing even more erratic. Elliot gripped her hand tightly. "Mom, look at me. Don''t be afraid. Your son is here to protect you." After a long moment of eye contact with Elliot, Elysia managed to calm her racing heart, her eyes brimming with tears. "Elliot..." "I''m here, Mom. Come, let''s sit down and talk this through." Elliot led Elysia to the living room couch, and Emmett rushed to get her a ss of water. After Elijah and Evan had read the messages, Evan clenched his fists, visibly angry. But before he could explode, Elijah shot him a look, signaling to hold off until they heard Elysia out. Gathered around the coffee table, Elliot gently asked Elysia, "Mom, do you know who this person is?" Elysia took several sips of water, trying topose herself. She hesitated, not wanting to involve her children any further, but with the messages already seen, she had no choice but to shake her head in denial. "I don''t know who he really is, but he''s dangerous. He knows about you kids and even your identities. After your father met with you three that night, this man contacted me, iming he knew my secret and even sent me a paternity test report. He''s been trying to persuade me to harm your father..." Elliot''s brow furrowed in concern, his mind racing back to that mysterious figure in the park who had tried to incite him and Evan against Allegra. Despite his efforts, Elliot hadn''t been able to unearth any information on the man. "It''s likely this person''s not just after Mom. He might have a vendetta against our dad. From his messages, it seems he''s not immediately out to harm Mom, so there''s no need to worry on that front. If he contacts Mom again, just ignore him. And don''t fret about him exposing our identities to Dad. We''re with Mom, no matter what. Our identity doesn''t change that. Even if ites out, we''ll never leave Mom. Not in this lifetime." Evan and Emmett nodded in agreement, their young voices firm. "Exactly! Mom''s all we need. Not even the highest power can make us leave her!" "Yeah, we''ll never leave Mom''s side!" affirmed Emmett. Elijah, though young, tried to offer his own reassurance. "Elijah will never leave Mom either. Don''t worry about Dad''s influence. With me here, I won''t let him use it against Mom." Hearing her children''s united front, Elysia was moved to tears. She pulled them into an embrace, her voice choked with emotion. Chapter 403 "Truth is, it''s not that you kids can''t live without Mom, it''s that Mom can''t live without you... Without you, Mom wouldn''t know how to go on..." Life had been a rollercoaster, and her children were the beacon of hope that kept her fighting! Without her children, her life would simply have no meaning! All four kids quickly chimed in to correct her, "Mom, you''re wrong. It''s not just you who can''t live without us - we can''t live without you either. We won''t let anyone separate us from you! We''re sticking with you forever!" "Yep!" Elysia nodded vigorously, "Forever!" Elliot, with tears in his eyes, reassured Elysia, "So, Mom, no need to worry. Even if Dad finds out about us, we won''t be separated." Elysia felt a wave offort wash over her, ncing at her cell phone, "This person..." Elliot said, "Mom, you can ignore him. Think of him as a loon. But if he contacts you again, you have to tell us. Don''t be afraid on your own. We might be young, but we can stille up with ns to protect you." "Right!" Afterforting Elysia for a while, the kids immediately went back to their bedroom. Door closed, it was time for a strategy meeting! Elliot said, "This guy must be the same one Evan and I saw in the park, constantly egging us and Mom on tomit crimes! What does he gain from usmitting a crime?" Evan, bristling with anger, said, "Bro, have we not found out who he is yet?" Elliot shook his head, "We''ve met our match. This guy is either a hacker himself or is protected by a top-tier hacker. His identity is well shielded." Elijah piped up, "Give me the info you have on him. I''ll try to dig deeper. Also, you mentioned that Mom fainted five years ago just before giving birth to us, and when she woke up, she and you guys were already in the deep woods... It''s possible that this mystery man knew about our identities and Mom''s situation. Could it be that he was the one who took Mom while she was unconscious, took me, and left Mom and you guys in the deep woods?" Elliot frowned deeply, "It''s possible." Evan, puzzled, said, "But if it was him, what''s his endgame? Why leave us and Mom in the deep woods? If he wanted to save us, why wasn''t he worried about us dying there? If he wanted to kill us, why not just do it in the hospital? It would have been more believable to say Mom died from childbirthplications!" After Evan''s words, the room fell silent. After a while, Elliot said, "What we know is, after Mom fainted, we were deliberately separated, and the three of us along with Mom ended up in the deep woods, while Elijah was taken back to Dad. This clearly indicates someone''s pulling the strings, ying a long game! As for his motives? We''re in the dark! Is he the mystery man we''re talking about? We don''t know! But we need to be clear about our objective - to protect Mom and stick together!" Evan immediately nodded, "Exactly! No matter who''s plotting in the shadows, they can''t hurt Mom. Bro, what''s our next move?" Elliot slightly narrowed his eyes, "We bait him!" Evan and Emmett were puzzled, "Bait him?" Elijah asked, "You mean, use Mom to lure this mystery guy out?" "Yeah! This guy makes me uneasy. For our safety and to uncover the truth about the past, we need to flush him out soon! Since we can''t find him online, we''ll draw him out in the real world!" The kids nodded in agreement, "Makes sense! So how do we bait him?" Chapter 404 Elliot pondered for a moment, "There is a way, but... it''s not perfect. Let me think it over. Once I have a solid n, I''ll fill you in." The kids nodded in agreement, "Yeah!" Elijah raised an eyebrow, "Are we sure this mysterious person isn''t the same one who saved you in the woods? I mean, he seems like the most likely candidate." Yet Elliot was as sure as ever, "It''s definitely not them. They''re good people. You''ll see if you ever get the chance to meet them." Evan chimed in, "All they cared about was helping others. They''d never encourage us to hurt anyone. They even warned me not to get into fights when we left." Emmett nodded vigorously, "They''re as kind-hearted as Mom." Seeing the conviction in Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s words, Elijah let go of his suspicions but still looked troubled, "This mysterious person is probably targeting Dad. I think they''ve got a major vendetta against him!" Elliot agreed, "Do you have any suspects in mind?" "Nope," sighed Elijah. "There haven''t been many rooting for Dad''s sess over the years, but plenty who''d rather see him gone. Trying to investigate from Dad''s side is like looking for a needle in a haystack." Suddenly, Elijah looked at Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, his tone shifting, "I know you have issues with Dad, but you have to admit, life hasn''t been easy for him. He''s been surrounded by schemes and malice, struggling every single day." Evan had the biggest beef with Tarquin and just pouted, not joining the conversation. Elliot spoke softly, "With great poweres great danger, that''s always been the case. But don''t worry too much about him; he can handle it." Elijah said with a heavy heart, "It''s not worry, it''s sympathy. Dad''s been good to me, and I know he loves me. And I love him too, and it hurts to see him so isted and cold, even when he seems to have everything." Elliot patted Elijah on the shoulder, offeringfort, then asked, "I''ve done some digging on the Bradford family. With Dad''s capabilities, he could easily crush Gideon and his cronies, yet he''s held back. Any idea why?" Elijah exined, "Dad seems to be investigating something within the Bradford n, but I''m not exactly sure what. His hesitation probably has to do with whatever he''s looking into. And, we should keep a low profile around the Bradfords. They''re ruthless, and even I''m barely tolerated. If they find out about you guys, they''d go berserk trying to eliminate you. They''d do anything for their interests." Evan perked up, clearly annoyed, "Let them try! I''d like to see them even try to touch a hair on my head. I''ve been itching for a good fight!" Elliot intervened, "Elijah''s right. For now, we need to stay under the radar, not out of fear, but for Mom and our ns. The Bradfords are manageable, but why waste our energy on them if we don''t have to? By the way, Elijah, I heard that the Bradford legacy is passed down to only one heir?" Chapter 405 \"Ah, I''m on top of that. A quick dive into the Bradford family tree should clear things up. So, whether it''s the Bradfords or Dad, they''ve always thought I''m the sole heir. Never crossed their minds there could be anyone else.\" "Then, Mom having us all at once was a total surprise.\" \"Exactly, which is why if the Bradfords ever find out about you guys, they''ll lose their minds.\" Elliot said, \"Let''s keep it under wraps for now. We''ll handle our own business first. While Mom''s agreed to give Tarquin a chance, let''s dig into what really happened back then, and also look into that mysterious person!\" \"Right!\" "...\" Despite the ''mysterious person sending a cake'' incident, overall, everyone had a st today. They all gathered for a hearty family dinner. Elysia was in exceptionally high spirits, even sharing a couple of bottles of red wine with Blossom. At eight in the evening, Tarquin arrived to pick someone up. The joyous atmosphere suddenly turned bittersweet. Blossom had had a bit too much to drink, and Elysia was taking care of her in the bedroom, while the little ones said their goodbyes in the living room. The bond between the siblings was deep, and their farewell was filled with reluctance, with Emmett even shedding tears. Elijah''s eyes were also moist as he personally wiped away Emmett''s tears, \"Don''t cry, we''ll see each other again.\" Evan, standing aside, sneakily pulled White out from his sleeve, \"White, you''re with Mom for the next few days, protect her! And keep that jerk Tarquin away from her, you hear?\" White was still half-asleep, barely opening his eyes. Evan flicked White''s head to get his attention, \"Wake up! I''m talking serious business here!\" White, peeved at being flicked, gave Evan a disgruntled look. Evan said, \"I can''t be around to protect Mom all the time, so I''m counting on you. Do a good job and there''ll be a reward!\" White hissed softly, as if to ask what the reward would be. Evan, a bit annoyed, \"Come on, we''re brothers. My mom is practically your mom. And you''re still asking for a reward for protecting your own mom? You ungrateful kid!\" Evan grumbled but leaned closer to White, whispering something only they could understand. White''s demeanor suddenly perked up. His body, previously ck, turned white! He seemed thrilled! Evan, proud, \"Just listen and I''ll make sure to keep my promise!\" White nuzzled his hand, as if sealing the deal! Evan was nowpletely at ease, confident that with White protecting Mom, she would be safe. But... \"Remember, you''re just there to protect Mom, nothing else. Be careful not to cause any trouble. Mom always says, ''Life is precious, and we should aim to be good citizens in a civilized society.'' We can''t harm others!\" White hissed again and slithered away. ... After Elysia came out from the bedroom, she gave the kids some instructions before heading down with Elijah. Tarquin was waiting for them downstairs. He had met up with Keaton today, but didn''t drink. His mind was preupied with figuring out how to obtain Elysia''s sample for a paternity test. This issue was gnawing at him, making him anxious! As the two approached, he could smell the alcohol on Elysia. This woman, she''s been drinking? Tarquin slightly squinted his eyes, a glint shing through them. Chapter 406 But Tarquin didn''t ask any questions. Instead, he turned to Elijah and asked, "Having fun today?" "Yeah! So much fun! I wannae hang out with them more often." "Sure thing." Elijah''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really?" Tarquin chuckled and affectionately ruffled his hair. "Of course, buddy. Daddy''s all for you making new friends." "Then I''ming back tomorrow!" "...Alright." Elysia caught the quick agreement with a hint of surprise. Was he in a particrly good mood today? Once in the car, Elysia yawned. It had been a long day, filled with much excitement and a bit too much wine, making her sleepy. Elijah was considerate. "Mommy, if you''re sleepy, you should take a nap. I''m here for you." What he meant was, don''t worry about daddy sneaking up on you. Elysia, touched by his thoughtfulness, pinched Elijah''s cheek, "Then mommy will take a short nap. Wake me up if you need anything." "Okay." Elysia leaned back and fell asleep. Elijah made sure Lowell turned up the heat in the car and then took Tarquin''s coat to cover Elysia. Tarquin watched his son''s caring actions, about to say something when the little guy motioned for silence, "Mommy''s sleeping. Be quiet." Tarquin "..." He felt a mix of sourness and pride. Sour because Elijah was so good to Elysia, it made him, the biological dad, a tad jealous. Pride because Elijah seemed more like a normal kid each day, his psychological issues rapidly healing. Heeding his son''s gesture, Tarquin stayed silent. He stole a nce at Elysia, plotting silently. As they arrived at theirplex, Elysia was still asleep. Tarquin offered, "Let her sleep. I''ll carry her up." Elijah, unaware of his dad''s ulterior motives, nodded approvingly, "Daddy''s finally getting it. You should always be nice to mommy." Tarquin, eyes slightly narrowed, didn''t respond. Suddenly, Lowell brought the car to a halt. "Tarquin, Ms. ter." Both father and son looked out the window, mirroring each other''s frowning expressions. N ran up to the car, knocking loudly on the window, "Tarquin!" The noise startled Elysia awake. She didn''t open her eyes but frowned, half-awake. Elijah quickly said, "Daddy, she''s disturbing mommy. You go talk to her outside!" Tarquin grunted and got out, his face darkening. The cool air and the sound of the closing door fully woke Elysia. "Are we home?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes. "Yeah, just got here." Elysia noticed Tarquin and N outside. They were a bit distant, and while Elysia couldn''t make out N''s face, she felt a strange familiarity. "Mommy, don''t get it wrong. Daddy doesn''t like her," Elijah suddenly exined. Elysia quickly averted her gaze. Whether he liked her or not was none of her concern. Elysia smiled at Elijah, "Let''s not worry about them. Let''s go home." Who knew how long they''d be talking? They couldn''t just sit in the car and wait! Nodding, Elijah and Elysia got out of the car. Elysia couldn''t help but nce back, though without much thought, and carried her little guy towards their building. Tarquin and N noticed her. Seeing her awake, Tarquin''s mood darkened further. He had hoped to carry her up while she was asleep, maybe pluck a few hairs for a spell, but now that n was ruined. N''s eyes reddened even more, "Tarquin, are you ignoring me because of her? Are you bewitched by her?" Tarquin, annoyed, asked, "What do you want?" N, crying, said, "You don''t answer my calls, you don''t reply to my texts. I''m so upset! If I don''t reach out to you, will you just forget about me? Tell me, is it her? Is she the reason you''re ignoring me?" Chapter 407 The usatory tone in her voice irked Tarquin, who coldly retorted, "Do you seriously have no clue why I''ve been avoiding you?!" "I... I know it''s because of that stunt Oriana Sutton pulled with the kidnapping, bute on, it''s been ages. Aren''t you over it yet?!" "And after all this time, have you even acknowledged your mistake?!" N bit her lip, defiant in her belief that she had done nothing wrong. She was smitten with Tarquin, and if any other woman dared to set her sights on him, N felt justified in taking her down a notch. That Elysia was still breathing was sheer luck on her part! Just you wait, N thought, I''ll get rid of her sooner orter! Despite her inner thoughts, recalling her mother''s advice, N spoke insincerely, "I came to apologize because I realized I was wrong. Because of that incident, you even refused to do business with the ter family, and my dad was so mad he nearly lost it! Tarquin, can''t you let bygones be bygones? Remember how I saved Elijah back in the day. Can''t you forgive me just this once?" She reached out, tugging at Tarquin''s sleeve, her voice coy. Tarquin''s expression turned icy as he red at her hand, "Want to lose that hand?!" Startled, N quickly withdrew her hand. Suppressing his disgust, Tarquin spoke, "You saved Elijah, and for that, I''ll repay you. But you better wake up and stop pining over what you can''t have. Go be a star, make your money, and stop wasting your time on me! And another thing, I''ve warned you before, Elysia is under my protection. Stay away from her if you know what''s good for you. Now leave, I''ll ensure the Bradford Group and the ter family resume their business dealings." With that, Tarquin snuffed out his cigarette and walked away without sparing N another nce. It was clear to him that N hadn''t acknowledged her wrongdoing, still harboring the same spiteful intentions after all this time. She was beyond redemption. Thus, he saw no point in preaching morals to her; she wasn''t his responsibility. Whatever twisted path she chose was her family''s affair, not his. He owed her nothing more than financial gratitude for saving Elijah. As Tarquin entered the building, N screamed, attempting to follow, but Lowell blocked her path. "Ms. ter, please, don''t upset Tarquin further. It won''t end well for you if he gets angry." p! Furious, N pped Lowell across the face, "Who are you to talk to me like that?!" A handprint appeared on Lowell''s handsome face, but he merely looked at N coldly. N shivered, "Wha... what are you going to do? Hit me? If you dare, Tarquin will have your head!" Lowell rolled his eyes, his tone frosty, "For Elijah''s sake, I''ll let this slide. Please leave." He signaled to two men, who promptly escorted N away. Cursing, N seemed ready to tear Lowell apart. ring up at the building, she gritted her teeth, "Elysia, you bitch, just you wait!" Once themotion subsided, a bodyguard whispered to Lowell, "She hit you, and you didn''t hit back. Why let her get away with it?" Lowell shrugged, "Why bother with a lunatic? Besides, she did save Elijah. Taking a p for that is nothing." The bodyguard muttered, "It''s baffling how someone like her ended up being Elijah''s savior. Ms. Thorne is a far better person. By the way, is Ms. Thorne really the one Tarquin''s been searching for?" "We''ll probably find out tonight." "Oh? Does Tarquin have ns tonight?" Lowell cast a meaningful nce upward, remaining silent. He knew Tarquin well enough to guess that there was indeed something nned for the evening. Chapter 408 Upstairs, the family of three didn''t discuss N''s affair. Elysia chatted with Elijah for quite a while, and after tucking the little guy into bed, she finally went to freshen up in the bathroom. Tarquin, lounging on the living room couch with his long legs crossed, squinted in the direction of the bathroom with a look that was... like a big bad wolf eyeing a littlemb, like a junkyard dog watching a bone, or like a hunter spotting his prey. Today, during his catch-up with Keaton, there were a few remarks he found himself agreeing with wholeheartedly. Keaton had said, "Elysia, that girl, you can tell she''s not the brightest bulb in the box. Not bright, and stubborn to boot! With her like that, if she didn''t have a strong backing, you could have her wrapped around your finger in no time. After all, she can''t outmuscle you, and no matter how stubborn, she won''t flip the script on you! But here''s the rub - she''s got a safety! Elijah is so fond of her, she just has to wail, and Elijah would be at your throat! Besides, you''re currently suspecting she''s the one you''ve been looking for, you surely can''t bear to upset her. So, the best strategy now is to coax her! Don''t go head-to-head with her. You''re just after a few strands of her hair for a paternity test, not making her go bald. Just put your mind to it, and you''ll seed easily. With her intelligence, can she outy you? Let''s not even talk about tricking her into bed, snagging a few hairs should be a piece of cake, right?" Tricking her into bed was out of the question for him; he just wanted a few strands of her hair. Thus, he decided to follow Keaton''s advice and coax her! Inside the bathroom, after Elysia had finished freshening up and dried her hair to about 80% dryness, she even made sure to collect all the hair she shed before leaving the bathroom. Upon exiting, she saw someone sitting on the living room couch. He had shed his suit and dress shirt, now donning a navy blue round-neck loungewear. The change of clothes seemed to soften his edges, making him appear much more approachable and gentle. "Come here," he suddenly said. Elysia, in her modest cotton pajamas, her long hair cascading down, looked around uncertainly, ¡°Are you talking to me?" Tarquin pursed his lips, barely holding back a chuckle at her clueless demeanor, "In this room, it''s just you and me. Who else would I be talking to, a ghost?!" Elysia''s lips twitched in annoyance, "Don''t talk about scary stuff in the middle of the night. What do you want? Just say it." Tarquin nced at the wine and sses on the table, gesturing for her to join him for a drink. Elysia, puzzled and wary, asked, "Why?" "To drink." "I know that! I mean, why suddenly invite me to drink?!" Tarquin said, "To apologize for how I''ve treated you before, and also to thank you for what you''ve done for Elijah." Elysia stood her ground, "Let''s not dwell on the past. As long as you don''t bother me, I won''t bother you. As for my efforts for Elijah... I did it willingly, no thanks needed." "Alright, then let''s toast to us getting along from here on out." Tarquin''s sincerity made Elysia blink, thinking if they could truly get along, nothing would be better! She tentatively asked, "So, you don''t suspect me anymore?" Tarquin countered, "Do you?" Elysia quickly replied, "Of course not!" Tarquin narrowed his eyes, pausing for a beat before saying, "I believe you." Elysia was surprised, "You do?" "Yeah, I believe you." "You believe I''m not the person you''re looking for?" Chapter 409 "Uh-huh." "So, you''re not going for that paternity test anymore?" "Uh-huh." Elysia was puzzled, "Why? You suddenly believe me? Just this afternoon you were all about getting that test done." Tarquin said, "I''ve looked into your eyes and seen the honesty there. You don''t strike me as someone who''d lie." Elysia was speechless... Was he implying she usually wasn''t honest or pure?! "Stop zoning out,e have a drink." Elysia pouted, "Drink by yourself. I''m heading to bed." Like she''d want to share a drink with him. They weren''t exactly chums, were they? "You''re sleeping in my room tonight," Tarquin suddenly dered. Elysia was taken aback, turning to him with suspicion in her eyes, "What do you mean?!" Tarquin was all nobility, "I''ll take the study, you can have the bedroom. You''re ady; you shouldn''t be ufortable." Elysia was dubious, "Are you... caring about me now?" "Suppose so." Elysia couldn''t grasp it, "Didn''t you say you stopped suspecting me?" Why be nice if he wasn''t suspicious? Tarquin rified, "Like I said earlier, it''s about treating each other with respect. I''m a man; it''s only right to be considerate towards you." Blinking a few times, Elysia murmured an agreement. She certainly didn''t fancy the couch! "Thanks, then." Without further ado, she headed towards Tarquin''s bedroom. Tarquin called after her, "Are you still mad? Not ready to make peace?" "Huh?" "If you''re not angry anymore, thene have a drink. It''s a special peace offering." A peace offering? Elysia''s eyes rolled in thought before she finally approached. Taking the ss Tarquin offered, she dered, "Mutual respect, let''s stick to that!" And with that, she downed it in one go. Fresh out of the shower, she was like a blooming daisy, simple and beautiful. The mix of her body wash and shampoo''s fragrance filled the air, captivating Tarquin. Watching her, he was momentarily lost. She had a bit of wine at dinner and now a full ss, her fair skin blushed like a blooming rose or like cherries in spring. If she truly was the one he had been searching for, fortune truly smiled upon him! The desire for beauty is universal, and he felt blessed by the heavens! After finishing her drink, Elysia grumbled, "A true man keeps his word. Let''s live in harmony! No bullying, no provoking each other!" Tarquin snapped back to reality, seeing her empty ss, he poured another. Elysia protested, "I''ve already had one!" Tarquin gently said, "That was for mutual respect, this one''s for living in harmony." Though reluctant, the thought of harmony made her ept the ss and drink. Then... "This one''s for Elijah''s speedy recovery." "This one''s for your child to grow up healthy, happy, and carefree." "This one''s for your bestie Blossom to have a life full of peace and joy." "This one''s for the health and well-being of everyone you care about." One drink led to another, and after five or six sses, Elysia burped, "No more, no more, I''m stuffed! I''m not drinking another drop!" But Tarquin filled her ss once more, "This one''s for your swift road to wealth, to bing a wealthy woman." Wealth? Bing a wealthy woman? Alright, alright, she had to drink to that! Chapter 410 Elysia tilted her head back and chugged another pint. After finishing, she plopped down onto the couch, her gaze blurry, not just full but dizzy too. Tarquin squinted his attractive eyes and asked her, "Can you handle more?" "Of course, I can! I''m the champ at this, you think you can get me drunk? No way! I... I can handle two more! No, three! Try me, go on, fetch more drinks!" After her deration, her head drooped forward. Her forehead knocked against the coffee table, jolting her awake. She rubbed her forehead, whining like a toddler, "Ouch..." Tarquin felt a pang of sympathy, but her dazed expression just made him roll his eyes. Just as he was about to speak, she suddenly turned, raised her hand, and pped him, "Why''d you hit me?" Tarquin was speechless. Who''s hitting whom? "I didn''t hit you!" Elysia snapped back, "If you didn''t hit me, why would it hurt?" "So, it hurts because I hit you?" "There''s only us here, who else could''ve hit me?" "Couldn''t you have bumped into something?" "That''s impossible! I''m not dumb. It must''ve been you!" Tarquin was dumbfounded. Was this what they call ''ying the victim''? "I..." "Just so you know, I may look easy to push around, but I can get fierce!" She finished with a menacing grin, as if showing off how sharp her teeth were. Tarquin rolled his eyes again, "..." Elysia smirked, "Scared, huh? I''ve got these two canines, sharpest you''ll see!" Tarquin nced at her small canines, reminded of the bite marks on his shoulder, and his expression softened a bit. "Elysia, I want to ask you something." "Yeah, shoot!" "Are you really Elijah''s mother?" "Yep." She replied without hesitation, almost proudly. Tarquin''s heartbeat quickened, "Then why won''t you admit it?" "I did admit it, didn''t you just ask me? And I admitted it." "When you''re sober, you always deny it." "Sober? I''m perfectly sober now. Oh, I get it, you mean why won''t I admit it in front of Elijah''s dad, right?" "Exactly!" "Because..." Elysia looked around and gestured for Tarquin toe closer, "Lean in, I''ll tell you, but let''s not let him hear. If he finds out, he''ll throw a fit, he''s got quite the temper!" Tarquin''s lips twitched as he moved closer. Elysia whispered in his ear, conspiratorially low, "Because he''s a dog." Tarquin darkened, "What do you mean?" "Just that, he''s a dog, so I can''t admit it!" Tarquin was puzzled, "What does admitting it have to do with being a dog?" ¡°Of course, it''s rted! Since he''s a dog, I can''t admit it!" Tarquin frowned and stared at her, suppressing his annoyance and asked again, only to get the same answer. Eventually, she even seemed annoyed with him, "Can''t you understand in English? I''ve told you several times, Elijah''s dad is a dog..." She went on a rant, using every bit of nder she had learned over the years on him. Tarquin, trying to hide his frustration, noted this wasn''t going as nned. He hadn''t extracted any useful information, only ending up being verbally bashed. "I just want a few strands of your hair, okay?" Tarquin interrupted her. Elysia immediately hugged her head, "No way!" "Why not?" "Because Elijah''s dad is a dog!" "I..." Tarquin was at a loss, "Even if he is a dog, what''s that got to do with your hair?" ¡°Because he''s a dog, I can''t give you my hair!" Tarquin''s face turned a shade of steel, "Elysia, do you even hear yourself right now?" Chapter 411 Her eyes were wide as saucers, brimming with earnestness. "I''m telling you! Elijah''s dad is a total jerk! Why can''t you understand that?" she eximed. Tarquin, trying to maintain hisposure, struggled to keep his breathing steady. "And who am I, may I ask?" "You? Well, you''re not exactly a barrel ofughs, but kinda cute, actually!" Elysia pondered, tilting her head as she leaned closer. "Huh? Aren''t you Elijah? My son! When did you get so big? Weren''t you just five?" Curiosity got the better of her, and she reached out to pinch his cheek. Tarquin, visibly annoyed, stood up abruptly from the couch, causing Elysia to lose her bnce and bump into the coffee table with a ''thud.'' She bounced back up, "Who hit me?!" Tarquin could only facepalm. How could anyone be this clueless? It was utterly baffling! Clearly, getting any sense out of her was out of the question for now. The so-called confession she''d made was impossible to take at face value. Suppressing his frustration, Tarquin helped her up. "Nobody hit you. Go to bed, it''ste." Since he couldn''t get anything out of her while she was awake, and there was no chance to pull her hair for a DNA sample, he decided to let her sleep first. "Why does my head hurt if nobody hit me?" she protested. "It''s all in your head. You''re not really in pain." "That''s not true! It hurts!" "... You won''t feel it if you sleep." With a scowl, Tarquin escorted her to bed, forcefully tucking her in. He then retreated to his study, lighting a cigarette and taking deep, silent drags. After a while, feeling enough time had passed and Elysia was likely asleep, he went to check on her. Entering the bedroom, he turned on the bedsidemp. The soft light cast a gentle glow on Elysia''s face, highlighting her beauty and grace. Tarquin lingered for a moment before softly calling out, "Elysia, Elysia..." But Elysia didn''t stir, deeply asleep. As Tarquin reached out to pluck a strand of her hair for a DNA test, a sudden "crash!" startled him¡ªa vase had fallen from the windowsill. He quickly turned on the room''s main light, only to find the shattered vase but no culprit in sight. Hearing themotion, Elijah rushed in, "What happened?" "Nothing, a vase just broke," Tarquin exined after a quick survey of the room. Elijah, puzzled, went to check on Elysia, who remained undisturbed by the noise, thanks to her drunken slumber. "Why is Mommy sleeping in Daddy''s room?" Elijah inquired. "I let her have the room. I''m sleeping in the study," Tarquin confessed. "And why are you here and not in the study at this hour?" Tarquin paused before exining, "She drank tonight. I came to check on her." Elijah eyed him suspiciously for a moment then decided, "Daddy, go back to sleep. I''ll stay with Mommy. I''ll take care of her." After tucking his son in, Tarquin cleaned up the broken vase, wished his son ''goodnight,'' turned off the light, and left. Then, a thought struck him. He headed to the bathroom and spotted Elysia''s used toothbrush. A smirk yed on his lips as he realized he''d been so fixated on getting a hair sample for a paternity test that he''d overlooked the toothbrush, which could also serve the purpose. He collected both Elysia''s and Elijah''s toothbrushes, recing them with new ones, and left with the samples. Back on the bedroom windowsill, a cat named White watched Tarquin leave the house, flicking its tail indifferently... Chapter 412 Meanwhile, N was losing her mind at home. She had thrown everything she could get her hands on and was now sitting on the floor, sobbing uncontrobly. Aileen, woken by the noise, hurried over in her robe, her face turning pale at the mess in the room. "N, what''s going on?!" "Mom! *sob*....." N threw herself into Aileen''s arms, crying her eyes out. "Tarquin''s shacked up with that witch! He doesn''t want me anymore! *sob*" Aileen was shocked. "You went to see Tarquin today?!" "Yes! I saw that witch Elysia getting out of Tarquin''s car, holding Elijah, and going back to Tarquin''s ce. To any outsider, they''d look like the perfect family! Just thinking about it makes me wish I could gouge out my eyes! Mom, it hurts so much!" Aileen frowned. "Didn''t I tell you not to go after him?!" "But I miss him! It''s been so long, he doesn''t answer my calls or texts. If I didn''t go to him, he''d probably forget who I am!" Aileen sighed in frustration. "You''re so impatient! You know, you''re Elijah''s lifesaver. With Tarquin''s character, he wouldn''t forget you!" N roared, "He has forgotten me! He has someone new and has forgotten his old love, *sob*..." Aileen was speechless. "Why are you so foolish?! When were you and Tarquin ever an item? He''s always seen you as a savior, never had feelings for you! What ''old love'' are you to him?" "Mom, you..." "Snap out of it, N. You''re just Tarquin''s savior, not his lover. He doesn''t have feelings for you!" Those words from her own mother hit N hard. "Mom " Aileen continued sternly, "If you don''t get your act together, you''re going to ruin everything! Saving Elijah was a huge honor. You got close to Tarquin because of it and were in a favorable position! But look at where you are now!" "I... I didn''t mean for this to happen, *sob*..." Aileen sighed, thenforted her. "N, being a savior weighs more than being a lover. Just keep your role in mind, and Tarquin won''t easily belong to someone else!" "But Elysia, that witch..." "Elysia is nothing! She only got close to Tarquin because of Elijah! I''ve heard she''s quite good with child psychology, which helps with Elijah''s conditions. Tarquin protects her in front of the Bradfords because of Elijah, not because he likes her." Hearing this, N calmed down a bit. "Are you sure?" Aileen rolled her eyes. "At least I know Tarquin doesn''t like her now." "What aboutter?" "Who can predict the future?!" N panicked again. "But she''s so pretty, a real siren. If she stays by Tarquin''s side, she''ll definitely steal his heart!" "Then figure out a way to remove her from his side!" N gritted her teeth. "Just removing her would be letting her off too easy. I must get rid of her!" Aileen smacked N on the forehead. "Why are you so senseless! N, whatever you do, you need to prioritize! Tarquin is your focus, not Elysia! You need to figure out how to make Tarquin fall for you, not how to get rid of Elysia! Even if Elysia''s gone, does that mean Tarquin will like you? Focusing on Elysia is a waste of energy. You should be concentrating on Tarquin! If Tarquin falls for you, Elysia won''t matter anymore! If you hadn''t taken the wrong path and encouraged Oriana to kidnap Elysia, your rtionship with Tarquin wouldn''t be so strained! Have you learned nothing?" Chapter 413 N pouted and went silent. "...So, tell me again about what happened with Tarquin tonight. I want all the details," Aileen insisted. After a mumbled recount from N, Aileen frowned and said, "I told you it was a bad idea to go after him. And look what happened! Not only did he not forgive you, but he''s also more annoyed with you now!" "What... What do I do now?!" "Don''t panic. Remember, you''re Elijah''s lifesaver. He can''t ignore you forever. Besides, he''s still worked things out between the Bradford Group and the ter family. Now, listen to me. Your next move is to get on Elysia''s good side." N was shocked, "Get on Elysia''s good side? The same woman you just told me to ignore in favor of Tarquin?" Aileen exined, "Getting close to Elysia is a move for Tarquin! Since she''s taking care of Elijah, winning her over means you''ll be closer to both of them. Plus, you''ll be able to keep an eye on her every move." "But Tarquin warned me to stay away from Elysia!" "He said not to hurt her. He didn''t say you couldn''t be friends." "And you think Elysia would want to be friends with me?" "If you''re nice to her and she''s still hostile, that''s on her. Tarquin will see that. N, you''re an actress, ying roles is what you do best." N blinked a few times, "Okay! I''ll approach Elysia tomorrow." "Don''t just barge in; that''s too obvious. Start with her kids. I did some digging and found out all three of her sons attend Sunshine Daycare. Make a donation to their school, win over those little rascals, and you''ll naturally get closer to Elysia." This time, N got it, her eyes twinkling with determination, "Mom, I know exactly what to do!" Aileen sighed deeply, her voiceden with advice, "In situations like these, never panic. Always remember your ultimate goal and don''t stray from the path. Think about it; once you''ve got Tarquin, dealing with Elysia will be a piece of cake." "Right! I''ll visit the daycare tomorrow!" Aileen nodded, then suddenly asked, "N, the person who tipped you off about Elijah years ago, have they contacted you again?" "No, why do you ask, Mom?" Aileen let out a worried sigh, "I''m concerned." "Concerned about what?" "The only reason you''re seen as Elijah''s savior is because of that tip-off. If Tarquin finds out..." "So what if he does? It was me who found Elijah first. If it weren''t for me, he would''ve been a goner, frozen outside." Aileen stared at her naive daughter, pressing her lips tightly together. If Tarquin found out, N''s standing with him would plummet. Clearly, someone was orchestrating things from behind the scenes. Even without N, Elijah would''ve been saved by someone else! And when N first heard about Tarquin''s illegitimate child, her instinct was to get rid of the problem, not to save him! If it weren''t for that mysterious backer''s warning to deliver Elijah to Tarquin, N might have made a drastic move! If Tarquin ever learned the truth, it could spell disaster for N and the ter family! She needed to find this informant - offer them hush money if they''re cooperative, or else silence them permanently. Chapter 414 \"What on earth are you worried about, Mom? Can you just talk to me?\" N pressed. Aileen snapped out of her reverie. Her daughter was too naive; exining too much would only confuse her more and possibly mess things up. "There''s nothing to worry about. But if that person contacts you again, you must tell me immediately, got it?\" "...Oh.\" \"Anyway, you can''t just do things on your own anymore. You need to tell me everything from now on. Tomorrow at preschool, you better make sure Elysia''s sons like you. That''s the only way you''ll get close to Elysia.\" \"I got it, Mom. Just a few brats, I can handle them! Don''t worry.\" \"...\" Meanwhile, Elysia was blissfully unaware of the scheme N and her mother were plotting against her. The next morning, she woke up to the sight of her son Elijah sleeping beside her, her heart instantly filled with joy. Turning over, she quietly watched the little guy, her heart brimming with affection. This was her son, Elysia''s son! How lucky she must be to have found her missing son so smoothly! And he didn''t even me her! Smiling, Elysia gently touched his cheek, feeling utterly blissful. She used toin about her unfair fate, but now, she was just grateful to the heavens for her wonderful sons. If this was the universe making up for her past hardships, she truly hit the jackpot! While the little one was still sleeping, Elysia sneaked a kiss on his forehead, then cheerfully went to make breakfast. She started by putting oatmeal on the stove, then headed to the bathroom to freshen up. The toothbrush on the sink looked just the same as yesterday, and she didn''t notice anything amiss, beginning her morning routine. After freshening up, she dove back into making breakfast. It was only after breakfast was ready that she realized Tarquin wasn''t home. She didn''t think much of it, enjoying a pleasant morning with Elijah. Just before noon, Tarquin came rushing back. He didn''t even nce at Elysia, scooping up Elijah and retreating to the bedroom, locking the door behind them. "What''s wrong, Daddy?\" Elijah asked, puzzled. Tarquin, with furrowed brows, asked, \"Elijah, tell Daddy the truth. Where did you sleep the night Daddy was drunk, and where did Elysia sleep?\" \"What happened?\" Elijah frowned. "Just answer Daddy!\" The curtains fluttered suddenly, and Elijah saw White hiding behind them. The pet snake, flicking its tongue, seemed to be signaling something. When Tarquin looked, White quickly hid again. Elijah seemed to understand... He was curious about White. Yesterday, during the family reunion, Evan had told him a lot about White''s intelligence and how Evan had sent White to protect Mommy. The vase breakingst night must have been White''s doing, just to get his attention. Now, with Daddy suddenly asking about that night, it surely had something to do with Mommy''s identity. Remembering Mommy''s advice, Elijah said, \"Mommy and I were together that night. We slept together.\" Tarquin''s expression was indescribable, as if his heart had sunk... Elijah felt sorry for him, \"Daddy...\" Tarquin steadied himself, \"Daddy has some errands to run. I won''t be back for lunch today, okay?\" With that, he turned and left. Elysia, puzzled in the living room, watched the scene unfold. Tarquin and she locked eyes for a few seconds before he frowned and left. Confused, Elysia hurried to ask Elijah, \"What''s going on?\" Elijah unfurrowed his brows, \"It''s nothing. Daddy said he won''t be back for lunch; he must be busy with work. Mommy, don''t worry about him.\" Chapter 415 " ''....Oh." "Mom, what are we having for lunch?" Elijah shifted Elysia''s attention. Elysia immediately asked, "What do you feel like eating?" "I want beef stir-fry with rice." "No problem, I''ll get right on it." "Mhm." After Elysia left, Elijah quickly got in touch with Elliot. By this time, N had arrived at the preschool, and the teachers were organizing the kids to go out to the yground to receive the gifts N had brought. Evan recognized her immediately and eximed, "It''s that uglydy! What Angel Lady? She''s more like an old witch, for heaven''s sake! Ugh, teachers are such liars!" Today, N came to the preschool to donate money and gifts, but the teachers, unaware of her true character, told the children that an Angel Lady was visiting. Elliot also recognized N, watching her from a distance with a frown. Emmett, of course, recognized her too. The sight of her reminded him of being kicked viciously with her high heel at the train station, making him hide behind Evan, "That meandy! What is she doing here?" Elliot, seeing N standing on the stage and searching the crowd, said unhappily, "She''s probably here for us, no surprise there." Evan was furious, "Is she asking for it again?!" Elliot''s smartwatch suddenly beeped. It was Elijah calling. "Let''s head to the restroom to take Elijah''s call, then we can deal with her." "Okay." The three little guys excused themselves to the restroom under the pretense of needing to use it, stepping away from the yground. As soon as the call connected, Elijah said, "Dad must have done another paternity test!" Elliot''s brows knitted, "When did he do it?" "It must have beenst night. Dad showed up in Mom''s roomte at night. It was White breaking a vase that drew me over there, then Dad left the house and didn''te back all night. He just rushed back home a while ago and immediately started asking me about the night he got drunk. That''s when he started doubting Mom! Mom had told me before, if Dad asks, to say that she and I slept together that night." "And then?" "I did what Mom told me, I told Dad that Mom and I were together that night." "How did he react?" "...He seemed disappointed, upset. If I''m not wrong, he must have gone for a paternity testst night, and the results showed that Mom and I aren''t rted by blood. He rushed back to see me this morning, probably to confirm it onest time. This time, Dad must have given up hope for good." Elliot asked, "Where is he now?" "He left again, he looked upset." Elijah also sounded a bit down. If Tarquin wasn''t happy, neither was he. Although he too wished Tarquin would give up on the paternity issue. Elliotforted him, "It''s probably for the best that he''s lost all hope. That way, his feelings for Mom can be pure! No guilt, no obligation to make amends. If he falls for Mom under these circumstances, it''s genuine love! It''s better for both him and Mom." Elijah understood, "Yeah!" "By the way, N showed up at the preschool today, seems like she''s here for us three. Do you know why?" Elijah frowned, "She went to the preschool?" "Yeah." "I don''t know why she''s there, but she showed up looking for Dadst night. Be careful, she''s not a good person." "....Yeah." After chatting for a bit, the brothers hung up. Elliot decided to put Tarquin''s issue aside for now, focusing instead on N. Evan was right, this baddy might be looking for trouble again! Chapter 416 ```markdown But... N, he hadn''t taken her seriously before, but today, he realized, this wicked woman could be quite useful! Elliot was still pondering when suddenly, their teacher came looking for them. "Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, aren''t you guys done yet?" "... Yeah, almost." The teacher stood at the bathroom door, speaking gently, "Ms. ter was specifically asking for you guys. I''ll wait outside for you, okay?" "Sure." Elliot responded to the teacher but frowned, "N is definitely here for us three!" Emmett was nervous, "What if she knows you guys look just like Elijah and came just to check on you?" Evan clenched his fists, "If she dares, let here! Bro, leave her to me. I''ll handle her!" Elliot shook his head, "If she knew our secret with Elijah and came just to confirm it, she wouldn''t need to make a big show of donating money and stuff. Just sneaking a peek at us would do. Her high-profile appearance seems more like she''s trying to make nice." "Make nice? With us?" "Yeah." "But she hates Mom, so she must hate us too. Why would she want to make nice?" Elliot analyzed, "It must be because of Mom. If I''m not wrong, N has changed her tactic. She thought Mom liked Tarquin, so she wanted to eliminate Mom. But her past deeds not only failed to hurt Mom but also backfired on herself. Now, she probably wants to get close to Mom through us, pretending to be friends while actually nning to stab her in the back." Evan''s eyes widened, "That''s so malicious! Bro, let me deal with her. She needs to learn what happens if she tries to hurt our Mom!" Yet, Elliot, with a thoughtful frown, shook his head again, "Resorting to violence isn''t the right move now. Actually, her showing up just gave me a great idea to bait that mysterious person!" Mentioning the mysterious person changed Evan and Emmett''s expressions, "What''s the n?" Elliot narrowed his eyes, "We''ll talk about it at home tonight. For now, since N came to us, let''s meet her and give her a taste of her own medicine!" "What do you mean?" Elliot exined, "The rumors about Mom six years ago were closely linked to N. Since she loves spreading rumors, let''s see how she likes being the subject of one!" Elliot whispered a few words into Evan and Emmett''s ears, and their eyes lit up immediately, nodding in agreement, "Alright! We''ll follow your lead, bro!" Evan suddenly thought of something, "But bro, when we meet her and she sees what we look like, won''t she run off to that jerk Tarquin and snitch?" Elliot, with a nonchnt expression, squinted his eyes, "She won''t see us the same way Tarquin would. Don''t worry about it." Even though Evan didn''t quite understand the difference, he still nodded. Elliot was the brain of the family, the smartest among them. If Elliot said there was nothing to worry about, then there was nothing to worry about! After their conversation, the three boys came out of the bathroom. The teacher immediately showed concern, "Have you been in the bathroom for so long because of a stomachache?" Elliot made an excuse about having a ''number two'' and then asked, "What does Ms. ter want with us?" The teacher exined excitedly and happily, "Ms. ter heard you three are triplets and was fascinated. She wanted to meet you. She also mentioned how hard it is to raise children these days, with ordinary families struggling to support one child, let alone your family having to support three of you all at once. The economic pressure must be huge." Chapter 417 "Ms. ter thinks your family is struggling financially," a ssmate whispered to Elliot. "She says your parents must be worrying about money all the time and is considering sponsoring you guys." Elliot remained silent, a smirk ying on his lips. Sponsor them? Unnecessary! The only one in their family who could be considered poor was their clueless mom, always fretting over the bills. As for Tarquin, being the town''s wealthiest man, financial worries were foreign to him. The teacher continued, oblivious to the true financial standing of Elliot''s family, "You know, Ms. ter is a big-time celebrity with loads of cash. If she really sponsors you, it''d take a huge load off your parents'' shoulders. So, make sure you leave a good impression on her when you meet, okay? It could really help lighten your folks'' burden." The teachers, like everyone else, were under the impression that raising kids was a financial strain for the family. In these times, where the cost of living had skyrocketed, having one kid was tough, let alone three. It''s no wonder many young couples hesitate to start a family, primarily due to economic pressures. If someone found out a family was raising three boys, they''d beuded for their bravery. Meanwhile, at the schoolyard, N was growing impatient. "When are those kids going to show up? How long do they expect me to wait?!" she snapped at her agent. The agent, trying to maintain professionalism, whispered, "I heard they''re on their way from the restroom. Their teacher went to fetch them. Just a bit longer, please smile for the cameras. We''ve got a lot of press today." The agent had invited the media to showcase N''s charitable side. N gritted her teeth in annoyance, "Those little pests. They might as well drown in a cesspool for all I care!" Minutester, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett arrived, masks on, apanied by their teacher who introduced them to N. Elliot, holding Evan''s and Emmett''s hands, greeted N with a polite, "Hello," his grip a silent reassurance to his brothers. N was taken aback. Despite the masks, she recognized them, especially Evan. She remembered the insolent boy who had insulted her at the train station and the one who had identally broken her wrist in a scuffle. "It''s you?!" she eximed, ring. Evan raised an eyebrow, a challenge in his gaze. Her agent nudged her, a silent reminder to watch her image. He then turned the awkward moment around, "Hey kids, don''t you think N looks pretty?" Evan was quick to respond, "She doesn''t look pretty. Kinda funny, actually." In this small town wheremunity and appearances mattered, the sh between a celebrity''s facade and the candid honesty of children was about to unfold in the most unexpected ways. Chapter 418 "Madam?!" "Not a pretty sight, is it? Funny?" The agent''s smile froze on her face, and before she could utter a word, Evanunched into another tirade. "Madam''s got skin so thick, it''s like she''syered on makeup with a trowel. Could probably stop a bullet with that. And her features, my goodness, they''re all over the ce, like they''re each doing their own thing. Honestly, it''s not a good look; she''s both old and ugly." The room went silent. Not only was the agent cringing, but the teacher was too. Evan was usually such a sweet talker, what got into him today? The teacher hurried to smooth things over. "Evan''s just joking around; this little guy is always up for augh." Evan immediately countered, "I''m not joking, though. Madam really does look... uniquely unattractive. Her features are so adventurous, it''s like science fiction, very abstract, almost alien-like. Honestly, it''s old, ugly, and downright hrious. Not an angle on her face that works." The awkwardness in the air thickened. N was boiling with rage, barely able to control her breathing! Had it not been for the reporters and the teacher present, she''d have pped him already! Evan, eyeing her, added, "Don''t be mad. Being ugly isn''t your fault. You can go home and me your parents. It''s all gics." N bit her lip hard, holding back her fury as she retorted, "Seems like someone from a less fortunate backgroundcks a bit of ss. But no matter, I forgive you. Why don''t you take off that mask, let''s see your face!" She nned to remember their faces for a future reckoning, considering today wasn''t the day for confrontations. Upon hearing this, Evan looked towards Elliot. Seeing no objection from him, he sneered and removed his mask, defiantly staring at N. "Ah!" N screamed in shock! Her eyes nearly popped out at the sight of Evan''s face, as if she''d seen a ghost! Evan gave her a cold smile, and N stumbled back in fright, twisting her ankle and falling over! She stared at Evan in horror. Everyone was puzzled by the outburst when Elliot suddenly remarked, "Are you okay? Be careful, think of the baby." The crowd went, "What?! A baby?" "N''s pregnant? But she''s not even married!" Elliot covered his mouth, acting as if he''d identally spilled a secret. Immediately, a reporter said, "My God, no wonder she suddenly took an interest in kids,ing to the kindergarten and all. She must be expecting and wants to be a mom!" "Wow, what a scoop, get those cameras rolling!" Regardless of the truth, this story was bound to hit the headlines. So, the reporters swarmed in, their cameras shing non-stop. Everyone was buzzing with questions about the baby''s father. N, still reeling from Evan''s appearance, was caught off-guard by the barrage of inquiries. Her shock, misconstrued by onlookers as guilt over a discovered secret, seemingly confirmed the pregnancy rumors. For a top female celebrity, known for her single status, to be outed as pregnant out of wedlock was monumental news! Her agent, panicked, tried to rify to the reporters that N wasn''t pregnant, urging them to stop spreading rumors. She even tried to coax Elliot, "Sweetie, do you think N''s just really nice and reminds you of your mommy, and that''s why you thought she was pregnant?" The agent was guiding Elliot, who looked terrified and refused to speak. Ah, the drama of it all! Who doesn''t love a bit of theater? Pressed by the agent, Elliot burst into tears, "I''m sorry, I''m so sorry. I shouldn''t have said anything." Now the misunderstanding grew evenrger. Realizing they couldn''t clear up the confusion right away, the agent quickly escorted N away from the scene. Chapter 419 At the preschool, the teachers were all atwitter, their curiosity piqued as they surrounded Elliot. "Hey Elliot, how did youe to know Ms. ter is expecting?" they asked, eyes wide with wonder. Elliot, shrouded in an air of mystery, simply replied, "Can''t say." "Is she... is she really pregnant?" "Secret." The teachers were left speechless, their minds buzzing with questions. Word quickly got around, and soon enough, Elysia heard about it through Blossom. Elysia was taken aback. She was clueless about the ongoing saga between herself and N, let alone the fact that N had sought out Tarquin the night before. So, it baffled her why her son would suddenly make such a im about someone''s pregnancy. For a celebrity of her stature, such news was monumental, with potential to significantly impact her reputation. Anxious, Elysia decided to head to the preschool to have a word with Elliot. She called Tarquin to see if he could look after Elijah. If he was unavable, she nned to take Elijah with her. At that moment, Tarquin was at a bar. He wasn''t drinking but was incessantly smoking, the ashtray before him overflowing with cigarette butts. His phoney on the low table, buzzing with Elysia''s call. He frowned, hesitating to pick up right away. Keaton squinted his eyes, trying to make light of the situation, "Even though it turned out she isn''t the one you were looking for, Elijah likes her. You can''t just ignore them." Tarquin tapped the ash from his cigarette, his expression dark as thunder. Keaton internally sighed. They all had been so sure Elysia was the woman Tarquin sought, but it turned out she wasn''t! The twist was unexpected and caught them off guard! Tarquin had personally overseen the verification process in theb until noon today, ensuring there was no mistake inst night''s results. Indeed, Elysia was not the one he was looking for. Keaton tried to offer some advice, "Regardless of whether she''s the one or not, since Elijah is ying matchmaker, it shows he likes her. If you have feelings for her..." "I don''t," Tarquin cut in coldly. "But you don''t hate her, right? If there''s no hatred, there''s a chance to grow fond of her. I suggest you give it a try with Elysia, for Elijah''s sake. Forget the past, life moves forward. It''s been years; whether she''s alive or has her own family now, who knows? Waiting blindly is foolish! Life is too short. Live in the moment and appreciate what''s in front of you!" Tarquin, his brow furrowed in thought, finished hisst cigarette, stubbed it out in the ashtray, and picked up his phone to leave. Keaton sighed heavily, wondering how much of his advice had actually been heard. Meanwhile, as soon as N got back into her car, her manager was on the phone trying to squash the rumor before it spread online. It was crucial to prevent it from reaching the public eye! After the call, her manager asked, "N, do you know those kids?" It was clear to her that those kids harbored no goodwill towards N. N, however, countered, "You saw him too, right? Doesn''t he look just like Elijah?" Her manager was taken aback, "I haven''t seen Elijah." N was frantic, "He looks exactly like Elijah. He must be Tarquin''s illegitimate child!" "That can''t be. The Bradfords have always had just one male heir per generation. Mr. Bradford already has Elijah. It''s impossible for there to be another son." "Exactly, I knew those kids couldn''t possibly be that lucky to be Tarquin''s. But why does he look so much like Elijah?" After a moment of contemtion, N gasped in realization, "I''ve got it! Elysia must have had her son undergo stic surgery to make him look like Elijah! That woman is up to something sinister! I need to tell Tarquin about this!" With gritted teeth, N dialed Tarquin''s number... Chapter 420 Tarquin was just about to step through his front door when his phone buzzed, a wave of irritation shing across his face at the caller ID. Still, he picked up. As soon as the call connected, N blurted out, "Tarquin, where are you? I need to talk to you, it''s a big deal, huge!" Tarquin replied with a chilly tone, "Say it over the phone." Clearly, he had no desire to see her. But N, as if she hadn''t caught the hint, persisted, "This is too important for a phone call! I need to tell you in person! Just send me your location, I''ming right now! I..." Beep. Beep. Beep. Tarquin had hung up on her. N was both angry and hurt, "What''s his problem?" Her agent tried to console her, "Mr. Bradford might be tied up with something, maybe he can''t meet you right now. Why don''t you just tell him over the phone?" "How can I exin something this important over the phone?" ¡°...N, are you sure about this? If you rush into telling Mr. Bradford and it turns out to be a misunderstanding, he might hold it against you." "I''m absolutely sure! I''m not blind! I saw it with my own eyes, that kid looks exactly like Elijah! It must be Elysia''s doing, that witch! I know it, she''s trying to harm Elijah! No, I have to let Tarquin know about her evil scheme!" After saying this, she tried calling Tarquin again. When he didn''t pick up, she left him a voice message, "Tarquin, you need to kick Elysia out, that witch is up to no good! I have evidence she''s only getting close to you for her own benefit! If you don''t get rid of her, Elijah is in danger!" Tarquin didn''t respond, so N, gritting her teeth, left another message, "If you don''t believe me, go check out Sunshine Daycare. Elysia''s brats are enrolled there. Just take a look at them and you''ll see why I''m saying this!" Still no response from Tarquin left N stunned, "What is Tarquin thinking? Doesn''t he care about Elijah''s safety at all?" Her agent was confused, "How did we jump to Elijah''s safety?" "Idiot! Think about it, why would Elysia want her son to look like Elijah? She''s obviously nning to rece him!" "You mean... she''s plotting to pull a switcheroo?" "Exactly! She''s grooming her own son to take Elijah''s ce so that she and her son can take control of Tarquin. That heartless fiend! Tarquin would kill her if he found out!" N, stubborn as ever, called Tarquin once more. This time, he picked up. N was momentarily taken aback, not expecting him to answer, and quickly blurted out, "Tarquin, did you listen to my voice messages? I''m telling you, Elysia is nning to kill Elijah and put her own son in his ce! You need to act fast and eliminate her first, or Elijah will be in danger!" Tarquin frowned, "Have you lost your mind?!" "I... I haven''t! If you don''t believe me, just go to Sunshine Daycare and see for yourself! If I''m lying, may I... may I... never win your love in this lifetime!" For N, that was the ultimate curse. Tarquin''s brow furrowed deeper as he coldly said, "I got it." The call ended, leaving him staring skeptically at his phone screen. He didn''t believe Elysia would harm Elijah. But N making such a damning vow meant something was up. "Did N visit the daycare today?" Lowell, who had been driving, had overheard N''s voice message and hummed in response, "Apparently, she went there under the guise of charity work. Interestingly, Ms. Thorne''s three sons attend that daycare. It''s curious that she suddenly decided to donate there, especially with Ms. Thorne''s sons being involved." Chapter 421 Alright, there''s been a rather curious development. Ms. Thorne''s son publicly imed that Ms. ter is expecting. Whether it''s true or not, the rumor has already skyrocketed to the top of the trending list. I suspect Ms. Thorne''s call about heading to the daycare was sparked by this incident. Tarquin frowned and refreshed the news feed on his phone, and sure enough, the top stories were all about the rumor. Online, there''s no mention of Elysia''s son, nor any photos of the child. The buzz is all about N being pregnant. Somebody even leaked N''s hotel check-in records from the past month, alongside some blurry photos and videos. Truth be told, the woman in those images and clips is hardly recognizable, bearing only a slight resemnce to N in build. But for the media, the truth hardly matters. What''s paramount is whether the news draws eyeballs, generates clicks, and brings in revenue! Otherwise, a child''sment wouldn''t have blown up to this extent! Now, the whole inte is mming N, not just for being unmarried and pregnant, but because she''s rumored to have been with three different men at hotels over three days. Public opinion is overwhelmingly negative, branding her shameless. Seeing the topments, Tarquin''s thoughts immediately turned to Elysia. He had looked into Elysia''s past, and six years ago, she was subjected to simr nder. Driving, Lowell said, "Ms. ter has been confined by Mr. ter to reflect on her actions for the past month, not once stepping outside the ter family estate. Someone''s clearly spreading false rumors to nder her. I reckon she''ll reach out for your help once she can''t quell the rumors herself. But Ms. ter''s behavior today was unusual. I thought her call was about this scandal, but she didn''t mention it at all." To N, the bigger issue was that Elysia''s son looks exactly like Elijah! Lost in thought, Tarquin was interrupted by another call, this time from Elysia herself. Hesitating for a moment, he answered, "Hello?" "Why did you take so long to answer? I''m freaking out here! You need to talk to themunity guards; I have an emergency and need to take Elijah out of the neighborhood!" Without Tarquin''s permission, themunity''s security wouldn''t allow Elysia to take Elijah anywhere. Elysia, not wanting to leave Elijah alone at home, had no choice but to wait for Tarquin''s response. Tarquin had nned to go home to be with Elijah, letting her leave on her own, but recalling N''s words, he changed his mind. "Stay home with Elijah. I''lle to pick you both up." "Pick us up? Where are we going?" "Where do you need to go?" "I''m going to my son''s daycare." "Alright, I''lle with you." Elysia paused, "Why would youe?!" Tarquin countered, "Why can''t I?" "It''s not that... I... I need to go to the daycare for my son, and you don''t need toe along. You should stay home with Elijah. How long until you''re home?" "...Ten minutes." "Okay, got it." With that, Elysia hung up. Tarquin listened to the dial tone, his brow furrowing in slight annoyance. He was used to ending calls, not the other way around. Stowing his phone away, he lit a cigarette and took a drag in silence. Lowell peeked at him through the rearview mirror, aware of the paternity test situation. He too felt regret that Elysia wasn''t the person Tarquin had been searching for. But what Tarquin was thinking now, nobody knew. After the results had been revealed, it was clear he was agitated, yet he hadn''t opened up to anyone about his feelings. Thus, no one knew what was going through his mind or how he nned to deal with Elysia. Guess we can''t say, and we sure can''t ask! Chapter 422 Ten minutester, they arrived at the base of their apartmentplex. Tarquin didn''t bother going up. Instead, he called Elysia, asking her to bring Elijah down. The moment Elysia heard he was still nning on heading to the preschool, her heart raced with panic. "What are you doing going there?!" she eximed. "Come down!" Tarquin''s voice was firm, leaving no room for argument, and with that, he hung up. Elysia''s breathing quickened. What if he went to the preschool and saw Elliot and Evan? But she couldn''t exactly stop him! After a moment''s thought, she quickly called Blossom. After a brief exchange with her best friend, Elysia felt a little calmer. Elijah was already in the loop about the preschool incident and why Elysia needed to go there. However, he hadn''t mentioned N''s involvement to Elysia yet, considering N was the one who found him years ago and was tied to past events. Worried about Elliot''s potential schemes, he decided to talk to Elliot first before discussing it with Elysia. Following Elysia, Elijah went downstairs. He also secretly messaged Elliot, informing him they were on their way to the preschool, and dad wasing too. Downstairs, Tarquin was waiting in the car. Upon seeing Elysia, his brow furrowed, his expression a mix ofplexity. "Ms. Thorne, Elijah," Lowell greeted warmly, opening the car door for them. Elysia nodded in response, with Elijah hopping in first, followed closely by her. The three of them sat in the back, Elijah sandwiched in the middle. Elysia was visibly agitated, worried about her son and somewhat annoyed with Tarquin for insisting on going. She didn''t even nce at Tarquin. But Tarquin, on the other hand, couldn''t stop looking at her. The tension between them was palpable. Elijah held Elysia''s hand the whole time, trying to offer somefort. ... Meanwhile, Nmanded her driver, "Turn around, to the preschool!" Her agent was taken aback. "I''m not sure if those reporters have left yet. Why are we going back there?" "I have to take down Elysia today! I want herpletely out of the picture, unable to recover!" N seethed. Her agent was worried. "What exactly are you nning?" N clenched her teeth in anger. "I''m going to take control of her kids to prevent her from making any moves! Today, I must expose those brats in front of Tarquin and reveal Elysia''s true face!" Convinced that Elysia had surgically altered her son to deceive Tarquin, N was furious. Seeing her agent''s mixture of fear and disgust, it was clear that without the connection to Tarquin, N,cking in both brains and looks, wouldn''t stand a chance in the industry. The agent cautioned, "If you go through with this, you''ll be kidnapping. Madam, maybe you should check the trending news online? The situation has escted beyond control. Let''s not stir up more trouble and handle the rumors online instead." "Shut up!" N snapped ferociously. "Those online rumors are nothingpared to what I''m about to do. I must take down Elysia today!" Had Aileen heard this, she''d have been furious. Justst night, she had advised N to ignore Elysia and focus on Tarquin, advice that was clearly forgotten today. The agent, realizing the gravity of the situation, couldn''t help but interject, "Even if you seed in taking down Elysia today, how does that benefit you? Will Mr. Bradford suddenly start liking you?" With a swift p, N silenced her agent. "My rtionship with Tarquin is none of your business!" The agent, now with a burning cheek and watery eyes, was stuck. ced by Aileen and with her own secrets held by Aileen, she had no choice but to endure in silence. Chapter 423 "N, listen, I''m only saying this for your own good. Let''s put Elysia on the back burner for now and focus on cleaning up the mess online. These rumors are getting out of hand. It''s high time you call Mr. Bradford and have him sort it out-that''s the real priority here." But N wasn''t having any of it. "Zip it, will you? Just stop talking!" The agent felt a sting-not just on his face from the sharp retort, but a headache was brewing too. "Alright, alright, your wish is mymand. We''re going after Elysia today. But we can''t just go around kidnapping kids, right? That''s illegal. We could try something else..." "Pull over!" At N''smand, the driver swiftly parked the car by the curb. With a fierce push, N shoved the agent out of the car. Before the car door was even closed, she had already dialed a number. "Secure Elliot, Evan, and Emmett Thorne from ss 3 at Sunshine Daycare!" Watching the luxury car speed off, the agent quickly called Aileen. "Ma''am, you need to rein in Miss N before she causes a real catastrophe!" --- Meanwhile, everyone seemed to be converging on the daycare. At the same time, Blossom had already taken the trio out of daycare. It was something Elliot said thatnded N on the trending page, making her the target of public bacsh. Blossom was worried about N seeking revenge on Elliot. She was also concerned about Elliot and Evan being spotted by Tarquin, so after discussing it with Elysia, they decided to take the kids home toy low for a while. However, they hadn''t got far from the daycare when N''s bodyguards intercepted them! Without a word, one of the bodyguards knocked Blossom unconscious, tossed her into the back seat, and warned the kids, "Keep quiet, or it''s lights out for you!" With that threat hanging over them, he drove off with Blossom''s car, his aplice sitting in the passenger seat. It took a moment for the reality of their situation to sink in for the boys-they might have been kidnapped. Emmett was trembling and broke into tears. Evan was ready to fight, but Elliot stopped him. After confirming that Blossom was only unconscious, Elliot coolly inquired, "Where are you taking us?" "Just stay quiet, and you won''t get hurt," the bodyguard replied through the rearview mirror. A threat? Really? Evan was fuming and about tosh out again when Elliot squeezed his hand to calm him down. Elliot then asked, "Did Aunt N send you for us?" The bodyguards exchanged a nce, neither confirming nor denying. One of them dialed N, "Miss, we have them." Whatever N''s response was, upon hanging up, one bodyguard instructed, "Head to the Marriott Hotel." Elliot''s eyes twinkled with understanding. He shed a reassuring smile at Evan and Emmett, signaling them to stay calm. Far from being nervous, he seemed almost delighted. Evan, confused, called out, "Bro...?" "Don''t worry," Elliot reassured, "They''re with Mrs. ter. She''s ''beautiful and kind-hearted.'' She won''t hurt us. Mrs. ter wants to see us, and as it happens, I want to meet her too. We should be thanking Mrs. ter for this opportunity." The bodyguards paid no mind to a five-year-old''s words. Evan still didn''t quite get it, furrowing his brows at Elliot. Elliot, with a meaningful look, added, "We''re going fishing with Mrs. ter." He emphasized the word "fishing," hinting at a n to reel in the mysterious big fish that had always remained hidden behind the scenes. Chapter 424 Hearing the word "fishing," Evan caught on immediately. His eyes lit up with anticipation. "Are we going fishing today?" "Yeah!" "Will we catch anything?" Elliot replied confidently, "If all goes ording to n, yes!" Evan was even more excited. He and Elliot were equally intrigued by the mysterious figure they''d been hearing about and were eager to uncover who this viin might be. Emmett got the gist too. Though he was tense, he wasn''t as scared as before and stopped crying. The trio sat quietly in the backseat as their bodyguard drove them to the Marriott Hotel. The Marriott Hotel was owned by the ter family. N, making a detour, arrived first and immediately had the management shut down the hotel''s surveince. With the cameras off, she was free to wreak havoc! She nned to give the kids a good scare first, to vent her frustration. Those rascals had been driving her up the wall! After letting off steam, she intended to summon Tarquin and Elysia for a confrontation. "Lock down the top floor for me. No one goes up without my say-so! Today, I''m going to make a big scene," Nmanded, strutting into the elevator in her high heels and sunsses. Aileen had been blowing up her phone, but N wasn''t picking up or letting anyone disclose her whereabouts. Today, she was listening to no one. She was determined to take down Elysia and her offspring once and for all! When the trio arrived, N was waiting in the presidential suite. Seeing them, she was livid, gritting her teeth, "You little brats! Congrattions, you''ve fallen right into my hands!" Elliot kept a tight grip on Evan and Emmett, calming Evan''s impulsiveness and soothing Emmett''s fears. He ignored N and instinctively looked around for cameras. N scoffed, "Don''t bother! There are no cameras in here, and I''ve shut down the entire hotel''s surveince!" Elliot was surprised, "You shut it down?" N boasted, "This is our family''s hotel. I can do whatever I want! And let me tell you, even if I were to kill you three right now, no one would find out!" Elliot narrowed his eyes... On their way over, he had been considering how to deal with the surveince for their "fishing" to be sessful. He hadn''t expected N to have already taken care of it for him. Well, well, well, good job. With no cameras to worry about, Elliot rxed a bit. He looked at N, trying to understand her motive, "What did you bring us here for?" N sneered, "I want to know, did Elysia give you all stic surgery?!" Evan''s eyes widened in anger, "You''re the mean one! Your whole family''s mean! Call my mom that again, and see what happens, you witch! Watch your back!" Evan wasn''t as gentlemanly as Elliot. Not only was he skilled in a fight, but his tongue was just as sharp. He never let anyone insult his mom without aeback! If it weren''t for Elliot''s n, he''d have already retaliated! N mmed her hand on the coffee table, furious, "You dare talk back at the brink of death? Do you think you''re invincible? Well, I''ve got news for you; your little scheme has been exposed. You''re done for!" Elliot squeezed Evan''s hand to calm him down and asked N, "What scheme?" "What scheme? Oh, please. Elysia turned you into look-alikes of Elijah, thinking she could pull a fast one? Just wait. I''ll get Tarquin and your mommy here, and we''ll see who''s fooling whom in front of Tarquin!" Chapter 425 "Prince for a Tramp?" Elliot squinted his eyes with a smirk dancing at the corners of his mouth. "Your intellect does bring peace to my soul." N howled, "I don''t need your approval to know how smart I am. Your doom''s at hand with me in the picture!" Elliot didn''t argue, merely asked, "So, when can I expect my folks to show up?" "Like I''d let theme over now. They have no clue about your whereabouts. Before I blow your cover, we''ve got some scores to settle!" "Right," Elliot thought, impressed despite himself at N''s way of handling things. Little did N know a twist wasing. She turned her wrath towards Evan. "Especially you, you little brat. You broke my hand that night, didn''t you? And at the train station, you called me old and ugly, right?" Evan stood his ground, "That was me! What are you gonna do about it?" "Still got the nerve, huh? You won''t stop until you hit rock bottom! You two, get this brat under control for me! I''ll personally make sure to break his limbs and send him as a little gift to Elysia, that wretch!" Evan was at his breaking point. He looked at Elliot, "Brother?" Wasn''t it time to take action? He was fed up with this vile woman! Elliot, having figured out N''s n, whispered something to Evan. Evan frowned, clearly not pleased. "Listen to me!" Elliot insisted. Biting his lip, Evan obeyed and dashed into the restroom, followed by N''s bodyguard. Elliot watched N with narrowed eyes... Momentster, N and her bodyguard were knocked out cold. Evan was frustrated, "Bro, why did we have to knock them out quietly? That wretched woman got off too easy!" Elliot exined, "Our focus isn''t on N today. It''s on that mysterious figure lurking around. Knocking them out quietly is part of a bigger n. You''ll have your chance to vent, don''t worry. If not, I''ll create one for you." Though disappointed, Evan nodded. "What''s next? How do we lure out this mysterious figure?" Elliot didn''t answer immediately. He took N''s phone and checked her messages with Tarquin. After confirming why Tarquin was heading to the kindergarten, Elliot scoffed and pocketed the phone. "Daytime operations are risky, might expose our strength. Besides, that mysterious person might not show up during the day. We''ll fish them out tonight. For now, let''s soothe mom''s worries and deal with Tarquin." "Mom''s easy to calm, but what about that loser Tarquin?" "Simple. Just let him see us. Make sure to wear masks. First, we send Blossom home." "And the wicked woman?" "Leave her here. They won''t wake up anytime soon. She''ll only be useful tonight." "Got it!" Evan and Emmett didn''t grasp the full scope of Elliot''s n, but they followed his lead without question. The trio sneaked into the underground parking to find Blossom still unconscious in the car. Elliot called a ride to take them to Future Community. Chapter 426 On the road, Elliot shot a text to Elijah, "Me, Evan, and Emmett are bringing Blossom home now. We''ll be about half an hour. Try to dy Mom so she gets back after us. We''ll chat more when we meet." Elijah, still in the car, received Elliot''s message and his eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief before he announced, "I need to use the restroom." While Elijah took his detour to the restroom, Elysia stepped out of the car to call Blossom. To her surprise, Elliot picked up, "Hey, Mom." Elysia was taken aback, "Elliot, why are you answering Blossom''s phone? Where is she?" Elliot replied calmly, "Blossom''s catching some z''s." Elysia was even more surprised, "Wasn''t Blossom supposed to drive you guys home? How did she end up asleep?" "Blossom''s been under the weather for a couple of days, chugging cough syrup like it''s going out of style. Probably knocked her out." Elysia was aware that Blossom had been sick, having called in sick earlier that day before rushing off to school due to an issue with N. Generally, cold medicine does tend to make one sleepy. Elysia didn''t think much of it and asked, "Where are you guys now?" "We''re on our way home. Blossom came to pick us up." "Blossom''s asleep, so how are you guys getting back?" "We called a ride." "...Oh, well, don''t go anywhere once you''re home. I''ll be back soon, okay?" Considering Elliot was with a driver, Elysia didn''t pry further into N''s situation, nning to ask once they met in person. After advising Elliot a bit more, she hung up. Back in the car, Elysia told Lowell, "Skip the daycare. Head straight to Future Community. My best friend already picked up the kids." "Alright." Due to Elijah''s extended bathroom break, they reached Future Community an hourter. As soon as the car stopped, Elysia told Tarquin, "Wait here; Elijah and I will go up and check." "I''lle with," Tarquin said, stepping out of the car. "You can''te!" Elysia blurted out, a bit too vehemently. Her strong reaction puzzled Tarquin, "Why not?" Elysia''s heart raced, "Because... because..." Seeing her struggle for an exnation, Tarquin furrowed his brows, his suspicions deepened by N''s earlier revtions. "Is there a secret upstairs?" he asked. Elysia''s eyes widened, "No!" "Do you not want me to meet your kids?" His direct question caught Elysia off guard, her eyes widening even more as she vehemently denied, "Not at all!" Tarquin looked at her thoughtfully for a few seconds before heading toward the building. Elysia instinctively grabbed him, "I told you, you can''t go up!" Tarquin nced at her hand on his arm, "Give me one reason." "No reason. You just can''t!" "No reason? Now I''m even more curious." "You..." "Mom!" Before Elysia could continue, she was interrupted by her son''s voice. She turned to see the three little ones running happily towards her. Elysia''s heart leaped to her throat in panic! She stood frozen, her soul nearly jumping out of her body! Thankfully, she soon realized that Elliot and Evan had disguised themselves, looking identical to Emmett, showing no resemnce to Elijah or Tarquin. Elysia swallowed hard, trying topose herself, "Why did you guyse down?" "We came to pick up Mom and Elijah." Elliot even casually greeted Tarquin and Lowell, "Hey, guys." Tarquin observed Elliot thoughtfully. Lowell responded with a cheerful, "Hello there." Elliot then turned to Elijah with a smile, "Elijah, let''s go upstairs and y." Elijah, already clued in on Emmett''s talent, wasn''t startled at all by the sight of Elliot and Evan''s transformation. Chapter 427 At the same time, he understood why Elliot had messaged him to buy time. It turned out to be so Emmett could do their makeup and fool their dad. Elijah nodded and said to Tarquin, "Dad, why don''t you head home first? I''lle backter with Mom." "I''ll make sure Elijah is safe. You can go," said Elysia, quickly taking the four kids and heading home. Tarquin watched them leave, his stylish brows furrowing slightly. Lowell whispered, "Those three sons of Ms. Thorne seem pretty normal, don''t they? Why did Ms. ter insist you meet them? And what is Ms. Thorne so afraid of? Why was she so scared to go upstairs?" Tarquin didn''t know what struck him, but his frown deepened... Upstairs. As soon as Elysia got home, she hurriedly locked the door from the inside, as if she was scared Tarquin would suddenly barge in. Elliot tried tofort her, "Mom, don''t worry. If we don''t want him to see us, he won''t get the chance." Elysia sighed in relief, "Thank goodness you guys are smart, and thank goodness Emmett''s makeup skills are top-notch!" After saying this, she even went up to Emmett and gave him a big kiss, then asked, "Is Blossom doing okay?" "Yeah, she''s sleeping in her room." Elysia opened the bedroom door to peek at Blossom, who was indeed asleep on the bed. Elliot said, "Mom, let''s not disturb Blossom''s sleep. Let her rest." Elysia didn''t think much of it and closed the door again, quickly pulling Elliot aside to ask, "Elliot, tell me, how did you know N was pregnant?" Elliot honestly replied, "I didn''t know." "Huh? But today at daycare, you confidently announced she was pregnant in front of everyone." "I said it on purpose." Elysia was shocked, "Why? You don''t like her?" "It''s not that I don''t like her, but I don''t want to exin it to you today. Can I exin it tomorrow?" Elliot wanted to clear up the past events connected to N and the person who took Elijah away before he exined everything to Elysia. Elysia looked at Elliot with aplicated expression, but Elliot added, "I know it''s not good to spread rumors about someone for no reason, but trust me, Mom, I have my reasons." Of course, Elysia trusted her son! If it were Evan, she might consider it a childish mistake. But Elliot was always thoughtful and wouldn''t spread rumors without a reason. She touched Elliot''s cheek, "I know your nature. I''m not ming you, and I''m willing to give you time to exin. I''m just worried about you... N is a big celebrity, and her reputation isn''t great. I''m worried she might try to retaliate because of this." Elliot smiled gently, "Don''t worry, Mom. I''m either at school or at home. She won''t have a chance to hurt me. She can''t just kidnap me in broad daylight, right?" Evan confidently added, "Mom, don''t worry. I''ve got Elliot''s back! I''ll make sure he''s safe!" Elijah also said, "Mom, don''t worry. If necessary, I can ask Dad to step in. We won''t let anything happen to Elliot." The kids reassured her one by one, and Elysia''s worries eased. Still, she reminded Elliot, "Be careful not to be alone too much these days." "Okay, Mom, don''t worry. Mom, I''m hungry. Can you make us some pasta? It''s been a while since we had your homemade soup pasta." "Sure!" After sending Elysia away, Elliot quickly gathered Evan, Emmett, and Elijah back to their room. Now that they had managed to send Tarquin off and reassure Elysia, it was time to focus on the day''s main event. To make sure their n to lure out the mysterious person was foolproof, they needed to prepare in advance. All four of them had roles to y. It was time for them to act together. Chapter 428 Elliot quickly shared the information they had gathered so far before diving into the n. "While we''re not 100% sure that N is connected to our mystery man, we''ve got to make a move tonight. If they''re connected, we''ll catch him. If not, we''ll regroup ande up with a new strategy." There were plenty of strategies floating around in Elliot''s mind. Just days ago, he''d thought about using Elysia as bait to draw out the mystery man. However, Elliot was hesitant to involve his beloved mom in something so potentially dangerous, especially since their adversary seemed to have nefarious intentions. N''s sudden appearance, however, sparked an idea. "Tonight, we split up. Evan and I will head to the Marriott Hotel to catch our guy. Emmett, you stay home and look after Blossom while covering for us. Elijah, you''re on mom duty. We can''t let mom or Blossom catch wind of what''s going on." Elijah, visibly worried, chimed in, "Just the two of you against him, are you sure?" "Absolutely. Evan''s got skills, and since our mystery man has interacted with us before without causing harm, I''m confident in our safety. Focus on keeping mom and Blossom in the dark." "I can do that. Plus, I''ll take control of the Marriott''s surveince systems. Once we get a visual on this guy, I''ll dig up everything about him and keep you posted." "Perfect. Let''s all stay connected with earpieces tonight." Emmett added, "Before you head out, grab the aromatherapy candles I''ve prepared. I''ve infused them with a sedative mom concocted. It''ll paralyze him temporarily without him realizing, thanks to the scent masking the drug. Even the sharpest medic wouldn''t detect it." Elliot nodded in agreement, "Got it. We''ll bring them." "And how do you n to lure him out?" Elijah inquired. "Simple," Elliot replied, pulling out N''s phone. "N''s our bait." He drafted a message: I''ve uncovered the full story and your identity. Let''s make a deal. Contact me by 8 PM tonight, or I''ll expose everything about you and the incident from five years ago! After sending the message from N''s social media ounts, Evan looked puzzled. "And that''s it?" "That''s it." "Think he''ll know what you''re talking about?" Elliot shrugged, "Not sure, but the person who sent N for Elijah back then will." Elijah''s excitement was palpable. "Brilliant! N''s all over the news. He''ll think she''s desperate and looking for him!" "Exactly. Tonight, we''re bound to uncover something. No effort wasted." Elijah''s admiration for Elliot deepened, astonished by his intellect. Suddenly, Elliot, struck by a thought, turned to Elijah. "Did Tarquin notice something? He had a strange look when he saw me earlier." "Huh?" Elliot, with narrowed eyes, murmured, "Downstairs, his gaze... it was odd." Chapter 429 Elijah pondered, "Do you think Dad recognized us? I doubt it. If Dad had truly recognized us, he''d be over the moon, dragging us straight to the clinic for a DNA test, not just giving us weird looks." Evan chimed in, "He definitely didn''t recognize us. Emmett''s makeup skills are top-notch! Dad doesn''t have X-ray vision!" Elliot thought for a few seconds before asking Elijah, "Did he mention anything about a DNA test again?" "Nope. After he asked me this morning and left, we didn''t see each other until just now. He didn''t bring up the DNA test, but he was acting a bit off. Mom didn''t want him to go to the daycare, but he insisted on going." Elliot exined, "He wanted to go to the daycare because of N. N got a glimpse of us and suspected Mom had us undergo stic surgery, trying to pull a switcheroo. She excitedly contacted him to check us out at the daycare, but... His gaze was indeed a bit strange today when he looked at me, like he knew something. But what could he possibly know?" Elliot couldn''t figure it out after pondering for a while. So, he decided to set that aside for the moment and focus entirely on tonight''s n. The kids discussed some details inside the house until Elysia finished preparing their dinner, then they came out. Suddenly, Elysia said to Elijah, "Elijah, I won''t being back with you tonight. Blossom is still not awake and is very sick. I want to stay and take care of her." Hearing this, Elijah instinctively nced at Elliot. With Elysia not at home, it would be harder for Elliot and Evan to sneak out. Before Elijah could respond, Elliot said, "Mom, you should go back. We''ll take good care of Blossom." Suddenly, a scream from Blossom rang out from the room, "Elliot, Evan, and Emmett!" They rushed into the bedroom, and Elysia quickly asked, "What''s wrong, Blossom?" Blossom looked terrified, "I was attacked. Where are the little ones? Call the police, they..." "Blossom, did you have a nightmare? We weren''t attacked. You just fell asleep on the way back, and we took a rideshare home. See, we''re all fine." Blossom blinked, still stunned, "Was it really just a dream?!" "Yes! We didn''t encounter any danger." It was fortunate that Blossom, who wasn''t the sharpest and had been sick these past few days, really believed she had a nightmare. With a sigh of relief, "Alright, as long as we''re safe." Sessfully fooling Blossom meant they also fooled Elysia. They managed to get through the ordeal of being attacked today. And with Blossom awake by evening, Elysia decided to leave with Elijah. Before leaving, the kids exchanged a knowing look, waiting for night to fall. At that moment, N hadpletely taken over the media. The top twenty trending topics were all about her news. As Elliot mentioned, everyone was confused by her updates, unsure of what she was trying to say. Many suspected she was panicking over a ''pregnancy scandal'', desperately seeking help to manage the public outcry. Her posts had ignited everyone''s curiosity, eagerly awaiting her next reveal. Meanwhile, Tarquin was still downstairs. He was browsing the news on his phone, smoking a cigarette. Lowell was there too, having spent several hours together. But with Tarquin not suggesting they leave, Lowell didn''t dare to bring it up himself. He had a feeling Tarquin was acting out of sorts today... Chapter 430 After a short while, Elysia and Elijah made their way downstairs. Seeing Lowell, they were taken aback. "What are you guys doing here? When did you arrive?" Lowell replied, "We came over with you." Elysia was surprised, "You didn''t leave?" "Nope." "Why not? Didn''t we tell you to head out first?" Lowell just chuckled, not really sure why himself, and helped open the car door for them to get in. Elijah got into the car first, followed closely by Elysia. She couldn''t help but ask Tarquin, "Why didn''t you leave?" Tarquin didn''t respond, causing Elijah to nudge him slightly in dissatisfaction. Tarquin pressed his lips together, "Was dealing with some work stuff in the car, lost track of time." "...Oh. Wait, where''s my phone? Ah, left it upstairs. Elijah, wait for me, I''ll be right back.¡± Elysia hurriedly opened the car door and rushed back into the building. Suddenly, Tarquin said, "Check N''s location." Elijah''s heart skipped a beat, "!" Noticing his reaction, Tarquin asked, "What''s wrong?" Elijah frowned, "Nothing!" Before Tarquin could say anything else, Elijah, sounding upset, asked, "Why are you looking for her?" "Just have a few questions to ask." "What questions?" Tarquin didn''t directly answer but instead countered, "You don''t want me to find her?" Of course, he didn''t. N was the one they had intentionally hidden away! Elijah was visibly nervous, "I don''t! You promised to pursue Mom, you should be focusing on her, not paying attention to other women!" Tarquin nced at Elijah''s clenched fists, calmly exining, "Her mother hasn''t been able to find her since the incident today, she asked for my help.'' Elijah was displeased, "The ters are influential; can''t they find their own daughter without you? Besides, maybe she''s hiding on purpose, not wanting to be found. You making a big deal out of it will only annoy people.¡± Tarquin looked at Elijah, surprised. Normally, Elijah would ignore this kind of situation, especially if it involved N, whom he didn''t like. Today, however, he had said quite a lot, which was unusual. After a moment of silence, Tarquin decided, "Then we won''t look for her." Elijah immediately rxed his clenched fists, a detail Tarquin noted... After a while, Elysia returned with her phone, and Lowell started the car, leaving theplex behind. On the way home, Elijah and Elysia chatted casually, both behaving normally. Once home, Elijah, anxious to deal with surveince footage from the Marriott Hotel, excused himself to rest and retreated to his room. Elysia also went back to Tarquin''s bedroom. His bedroom had been taken over by Elysia, and now he was sleeping in the study. Upon entering the study, Tarquin told Lowell, "Find N''s location." "Huh?" Lowell was momentarily confused. "I thought we weren''t looking?" "Do it quietly, without letting Elijah know." Lowell was puzzled for a few seconds, then asked, "You suspect Elijah''s involved in N''s disappearance?" Tarquin neither confirmed nor denied, simply stating, "Just check." Lowell, still a bit bewildered, added, "It can''t be that Elijah, to keep you focused on Ms. Thorne and away from N causing trouble, dealt with her? But that doesn''t make sense. Our Elijah is always so cool and polite, and even though he doesn''t like N, considering she once saved him, he wouldn''t harm her. Plus, Elijah''s only five, still a kid. He can''t be that scheming." Tarquin nced at him, "Too much talk." Scratching his head, Lowell said, "I''ll get on it." After Lowell left, Tarquin sat at his desk, lost in thought for a moment, then picked up his phone to text Elysia, "Got something to ask you. Should Ie to you, or will youe to the study?" Elysia, who was lying on the bed scrolling through news about N, sat up abruptly after reading Tarquin''s message. Chapter 431 Elysia shot him a wary look. "What about?" Tarquin replied, "If you won''te here, I''ming over to you." Elysia quickly said, "Wait, I''lle to you!" Discussing matters in the study always felt morefortable than in the bedroom. Upon reaching the study, Elysia stood with caution and asked, "What do you want?" Tarquin got straight to the point, "Does your son know N?" "No, he doesn''t." "Then why is he spreading rumors that N is pregnant?" Elysia certainly wouldn''t admit that Elliot did it on purpose and lied, "My son didn''t mean to start a rumor. He just thought her belly looked a bit bulgy and assumed she was pregnant. We didn''t expect the media to blow it out of proportion." Tarquin stared at her with an inscrutable expression for a moment before asking, "Is there anything extraordinary about your son?" "What do you mean?" "Do they,pared to other kids, show any unusual traits?" Elysia confidently and assuredly said, "Not at all. They are just ordinary kids. Oh, they are quite smart though." "Smart?" "Yes! Very smart and sensible." Elysia said with pride. Tarquin asked, "Does thate from their father?" Elysia countered, "Absolutely not! Their father is a fool! They take after me!" Tarquin looked at her, dead serious, "If they take after you, they couldn''t possibly be smart." Elysia bristled immediately, "What''s that supposed to mean?! Are you calling me dumb?!" "No." "Then what are you saying?" "I''m saying you''re not bright, low IQ." "You..." Elysia was incensed, no longer wanting to engage with him, and turned to leave. Angered. Suddenly, Tarquin asked again, "Did your son say N was pregnant on purpose?" "Not at all!" Elysia snapped back, denying it. Tarquin gave her a cryptic look for a few seconds, "Hmm." Elysia was suspicious, wondering what he was really thinking. She was curious but didn''t ask further. Because Elliot indeed had spread the rumor on purpose, she was lying, feeling a bit guilty. And she hadn''t figured out the real reason herself yet, so it was better not to say too much to him. After Elysia left, Tarquin lit a cigarette and sat at his desk, frowning slightly, lost in thought as he smoked. Because Elijah had ate lunch at Future Community, their dinner was dyed until past 7 p.m. It was already dark outside. As night fell, Elijah grew increasingly anxious. He sat at the dinner table, asionally ncing at his smartwatch and then out the window. Though he tried to appear normal, Tarquin saw right through his nervousness and concern. A father knows his son best. Tarquin had raised Elijah himself and knew him well. Elijah was clearly troubled today, likely something to do with N. Before dinner was even finished, Tarquin received a call from Lowell, "Tarquin, it''s the strangest thing. We can''t find N anywhere, just like when we were looking for Ms. Thorne. She''s supposed to be in Jindale City, but it''s like she''s vanished." Tarquin looked up, instinctively ncing at Elijah. Elijah, sensing something, furrowed his brow and asked, "What''s wrong? Who was that?" Tarquin, without betraying any emotion, hung up, "Just work stuff. I need to step out, finish your dinner and don''t wait up." To ease his son''s worries, he patted Elijah on the head before leaving. Elijah watched him go, his mind in turmoil. Once outside, Tarquin called Lowell back, "Have someone keep an eye on Future Community. I''m heading over." "Future Community? Who are we watching?" "Elysia''s son." Lowell was confused, "Why them?" "Enough questions!" Tarquin hung up and walked straight to his unassuming sedan. Axel appeared, opening the door for him. After Tarquin got in, Axel took the driver''s seat, "Where to?" "Future Community." Axel, always cool and sparing with words, asked nothing further and drove towards Future Community. Chapter 432 When they arrived, Lowell was already waiting. The moment the car stopped, Lowell swung the passenger door open and hopped in, his face alight with curiosity. "Tarquin, why are we tailing Ms. Thorne''s kid?" Tarquin shot back, "Are they still at home?" "Where else would they be on an evening like this? Probably cuddled up with a bedtime story." Leaning back, Tarquin lit a cigarette, casting a nce towards the Thorne residence... Seeing he wasn''t inclined to share, Axel stepped out of the car. Lowell followed, seeking answers Tarquin hadn''t given. "What''s Tarquin''s n with Ms. Thorne''s kid?" "No clue." "Why''s he so fixated on them? They''re just kids." "No clue." Lowell scratched his head, "You''ve noticed Tarquin''s acting off today, right?" "Yeah." "Any idea why?" "Nope." Axel''s consistent mystery only served to douse Lowell''s burning curiosity with cold indifference. "Aren''t you curious at all?" Lowell prodded. "Not really," Axel replied tly, continuing on his way. Lowell watched Axel''s retreating figure, baffled. How could he not crave the juicy details? Was he void of all curiosity? The neighborhood was eerily quiet. The winter nights in Jindale City were bitterly cold, keeping everyone indoors by the warmth of their fires, with hardly a soul wandering outside. Hands in his pockets, Axel kept to the shadows, avoiding the streetlights. He wasn''t entirely clueless about Lowell''s questions; he simply preferred silence over the hassle of exnations. Suddenly, a familiar figure caught Axel''s eye. He swiftly blended into the dark. Blossom, bundled up in a thick down jacket and a fluffy hat, approached with a trash bag, sniffling and sneezing along the way - clear signs of a cold. A gust of wind stirred the silence, sending a shiver through her. Blossom quickened her pace, then stumbled. "Ah!" Rushing too fast, she fell, looking like a toppled bear, her trash bags rolling towards a nearby bin. After a moment on the ground, she clumsily got up, brushed herself off with a huff, and stomped the ground in frustration, as if to scold it for her fall. Then, she hurried to the bin, disposed of the trash, and wrapped herself tightly as she rushed back to her building. The cold wind carried a faint scent of blood, causing Axel to frown. Once Blossom was out of sight, Axel approached the bin and examined the contents of the trash bag she''d discarded. What he found made his expression turn stone cold. Momentster, Axel returned to Tarquin, handing over his phone. It disyed photos he''d just taken. Tarquin nced at them, then looked up at Axel. "It''s from Professor Folly''s daughter," Axel exined. "Just found it in the trash." Chapter 433 Tarquin furrowed his brow, silent. Lowell rushed over for a look, shocked, "This is utterly creepy! Wait, doesn''t this cat''s death seem eerily familiar? It''s like... I remember now! It''s killed the same way as that dead cat someone tried to throw into Elijah''s room! Someone twisted its neck to kill it!" Tarquin and Axel remained silent, exchanging nces. After a moment, Tarquin handed the phone back to Axel and asked, "Are we sure it was Professor Folly''s daughter who threw out this trash?" "Yeah!" Tarquin, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, pondered deeply. Lowell was baffled, "How could it be Ms. Blythe? Ms. Blythe and Ms. Thorne are best friends, and she''s the cherished only daughter raised by Professor Folly himself. She looks so innocent, doesn''t seem like someone who''d harm a cat, much less be that mysterious figure!" Tarquin and Axel remained silent, the only response was the cold whisper of the wind. Meanwhile, upstairs. Elliot had just received a response, timed perfectly. Evan and Emmett''s palms were sweaty with tension. They feared not getting a reply, that tonight''s n would be ruined. The message asked them, what do you know? Elliot didn''t reply directly, his fingers flew over the keyboard, trying to trace the sender''s location. But clearly, the sender had protected their location; Elliot couldn''t trace it. Though expected, Elliot frowned in displeasure. Evan leaned in to ask, "Bro, still can''t track him?" "Yeah!" "It''s okay, he''s already taken the bait. Tonight, we''ll expose him, see exactly what kind of monster he is!" Elliot ¡®hmmed'' again, his eyes narrowed as he stared at the message for a few seconds before replying with N''s phone, Midnight, let''s meet. The sender immediately replied, I''m not even sure what you know. Why should I meet? For all I know, this could be a trap. Elliot didn''t reply. After a while, the person sent another message, I''m not ying this game. Just expose whatever you have. I won''t meet. Evan and Emmett panicked at the message, Bro, he''s not agreeing to meet! Elliot was calm, "Don''t worry about him, it''s reverse psychology. If he didn''t want to meet, he wouldn''t have contacted us in the first ce." "What now? If we don''t show him something, might he conclude we''re bluffing and really not show up?" Elliot was silent for a moment, then shook his head, "We barely know anything about what happened back then; the more we say, the more mistakes we could make. If he realizes we know nothing, he definitely won''t meet. But keeping it vague, he''s more likely to show up! After all, if the events of the past were exposed, it would impact him greatly! If he''s been plotting all these years, exposure would ruin his ns. So, as long as we don''t give him concrete evidence that we''re bluffing, he''ll definitely show up." Just as Elliot finished, Elijah sent a message, What''s the situation? Did he contact you? Elijah was pacing in Sunshine Community, anxious for not being able to be on the ''battlefield'' himself. Elliot replied, We''ve made contact, still in a psychological battle. Keep calm, take care of Mom, make sure she doesn''t sense anything off. The next second, N''s phone rang with a call from an unknown number. Elliot, with a puzzled frown, immediately hung up! The person then sent a message, You''re not N! Chapter 434 " Evan and Emmett tensed up again. "Bro!" Elliot remained cool as a cucumber. "Forget about him, let him talk. He has no proof we aren''t who we im to be, and even if we were, it wouldn''t affect him in the slightest. What really matters is what happened back then, not who''s meeting him. So even if he figures out we''re not N, it won''t stop him from showing up. Besides, I''m pretty sure he''s clueless." The phone rang again the next second, still from a burner number. Elliot was even more convinced. "See, he''s calling again. If we don''t pick up, he''s just bluffing. If he truly knew we weren''t N, he wouldn''t keep calling." Elliot hung up again. They definitely couldn''t answer it, or their cover would be blown. "Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, are you guys asleep?" Blossom''s voice came from outside the door. The kids quickly stashed away N''s smartphone and dove under their covers, pretending to be asleep. Blossom gently pushed the door open and tiptoed inside. She checked on them, tucked them in a bit more, and then left. After the door closed, Elliot whispered to Emmett, "Once we''re gone, Blossom is your responsibility." "Don''t worry, fooling Blossom is as easy as pie." At eleven o''clock at night, certain Blossom was sound asleep, Elliot and Evan changed into their sneakers and hoodies, grabbed their backpacks, and headed out. Tarquin was waiting downstairs. Upon seeing them, the three had different reactions. Tarquin and Axel expected this, only Lowell was totally shocked! In the dead of night, why on earth were these two munchkins sneaking out? Where were they heading? Unaware of their audience, the boys masked up and left theplex, hailing a cab to the hotel. Before getting into the cab, Evan sharply turned back for a look. "What''s up?" Elliot asked. Evan furrowed his brow, peering into the darkness for a moment before saying, "Nothing." The cab drove off, and that''s when Tarquin''s group showed themselves. Lowell marveled, "Can''t believe Ms. Thorne''s sons have such sharp instincts. Almost caught us there. But where could they be going thiste?" Lowell started his car, ready to tail them, but Tarquin stopped him, turning to Axel instead, "Follow them on your own. Better to lose them than let them spot you." "Got it." Axel left the car. Lowell was worried, "Better to lose them than be spotted, but what if those kids run into trouble? No, wait, Axel''s got skills; they won''t notice him." Tarquin didn''t reply, just said, "Contact the cabpany, get the destination of that cab with the license te starting with JE." Lowell saw Tarquin''s serious look and immediately made the call. Soon they had their answer, "Marriott Hotel! Tarquin, those kids are heading to the Marriott Hotel!" Tarquin''s brow twitched. The Marriott Hotel, a ter family property! Were these kids on their way to find N? "Take the back roads!" "Right." Lowell sped off, still couldn''t help asking, "Wonder what those kids are up to. Should we let Ms. Thorne know?" "No need." "And if something happens, won''t Ms. Thorne me us for not telling her sooner?" Tarquin nced at Lowell, "Even if you mess up, those kids won''t." "Huh?" "They''re smarter than you, probably better in a scrap too." "What?!" Lowell was stunned, catching Tarquin''s reflection in the rearview mirror. "Just drive." Lowell "..." Truth be told, having been Tarquin''s right-hand man for years, he knew him better than anyone. Today''s confusion stemmed from his underestimation of what five-year-olds could do. Chapter 435 In his eyes, five-year-old kids are usually adorable bundles of confusion,cking in both intelligence and guile. That''s why he couldn''t fathom what was going on with Tarquin today; he just couldn''t follow the kid''s train of thought. At this moment, Tarquin had already turned his gaze towards the window... He was smoking a cigarette, his stylish brows furrowed deeply. He had never doubted Elliot, Evan, and Emmett before, but today''s incident with N pointed directly at them. N was a no-brainer, the epitome of dumb, inept, and nasty! Despite her malice, she wasn''t cunning¡ªafter all, you need brains to hatch schemes, and she had none. That''s precisely why he became suspicious of the messages she sent today. She must have discovered something to be sending him those frantic messages, urging him to go check out Elysia''s kids at the preschool! Then, there were those bizarre posts on her social media ounts. And after that, she just vanished, and even he couldn''t track her down. Tracing back the sequence of events, it all started with Elliot''sment about her being pregnant. From thatment, problems began to surface, fermenting until they reached this point. Another thing that raised his suspicion... There were so many videos and photos from the preschool incident online. Many kids and teachers got caught on camera, but Elysia''s three sons were conspicuously absent. Under normal circumstances, they should have appeared, especially since N was closest to them. Why could everyone around N be filmed, but not them? It could only mean someone manipted the situation, removing any photos or videos rted to them. Additionally, there was another issue... After the preschool incident, N''s PR team immediately tried to mp down on the story. But they couldn''t contain it, and strangely, not a single discussion online involved the kids. Didn''t anyone wonder why a five-year-old would know about N''s pregnancy? What was their rtionship with N? Surely, people were curious, but someone was steering the narrative, deliberately ignoring this question. So... Piecing everything together, he couldn''t help but suspect Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. And with the way Elijah acted after leaving their house today, he was even more convinced that Elliot, Evan, and Emmett were no ordinary kids, and they were somehow involved in N''s situation. Now, with the kids sneaking out in the middle of the night, his suspicions were all but confirmed. He couldn''t look at them as just five-year-old kids anymore! The world was full of extraordinary urrences, most unknown to the public, and he was somewhat familiar with these matters... But still, Elysia wasn''t exactly sharp, so how could her children be so brilliant? How could a woman of limited intellect give birth to such geniuses? Who was their father? Or was this exceptional intelligence not inherited at all, but purely a matter of talent? He was deep in thought when suddenly, Axel''s call came through, "I lost them. Those kids are sharp. If I keep tailing them, they''ll definitely notice me." He wasn''t surprised, "They''re heading to the Marriott Hotel. Approach from a different direction, and try not to let them spot you." "Got it." After hanging up, he pocketed his phone and lit another cigarette. He had many questions for Elliot and Evan, but before he confronted them, he needed to figure out what exactly they were up to tonight. In this game of cat and mouse, he intended to be the cunning sparrow, waiting for his moment. Chapter 436 When Elliot and Evan arrived at the hotel, N and her bodyguard were still unconscious. The duo swiftly moved them into a bedroom and locked them in, cleverly closing most of the doors and windows but leaving their escape route open. Since they weren''t familiar with the person they were expecting, Elliot had meticulously nned an escape route for him and Evan, just in case. Once everything was in order, Elliot lit the scented candle Emmett had prepared for them. Having taken an antidote in advance, the boys weren''t worried about falling victim to its effects. Turning off the lights, they hid in the shadows, waiting. After a while, Evan checked the time and whispered, "Bro, it''s midnight!" Elliot took out N''s phone and sent the location to their target. Evan was getting nervous again, "Is that all we need to do? Shouldn''t we say something? Will he reallye?" "He will. If he wasn''t nning to, he would''ve deactivated the burner phone by now. It''s still active, which means he''s waiting for our message. He''lle." Suddenly, Elijah''s voice came through the earpiece, "Someone''s tampering with the hotel''s surveince." "Who?" Elliot asked. "I''m checking. Not sure if it''s our guy, but don''t worry, I''ve secured our surveince system. They can''t breach it." Elliot nodded, then asked, "Is Mom asleep?" "Yeah, she''s sleeping soundly. Don''t worry about her." Then, through the earpiece, Elliot checked with Emmett, "Emmett, is Blossom asleep too?" Emmett''s childlike voice replied, "She''s been asleep for a while. Don''t worry about us. If Blossom suddenly shows up, I''ll say you guys are in the bathroom." The four of them stayed vignt at their ''posts'', working together to catch the big fish. After a bit, Elijah suddenly said, "Weird, there are two groups messing with the surveince." "Two?" "Yeah, doesn''t seem like the same person. One must be our guy, but who''s the other?" As soon as Elijah finished speaking, the doorbell rang! "Ding" "Ding" The kids jumped, and Elliot and Evan instantly looked towards the door. "Don''t open it yet, let me check who it is. A man, dressed as a hotel waiter, carrying a fruit tter. Give me a sec to look him up." Elijah was quick, "He''s indeed a hotel waiter, been working here for three years, nothing shady about him." Evan whispered, "Why would hee at this hour?" Elijah replied, "He''s carrying a fruit tter, seems he''s here to deliver fruit." True enough, the next moment, the man called out, "Ms. ter, the manager asked me to bring you some fruit." Evan was puzzled, "Really? Just for fruit? Should we open the door, bro?" Elliot frowned slightly. It was an odd time to deliver fruit. Perhaps someone was trying to distract them. He''sing! With that thought, Elliot tensed up, about to speak when Evan suddenly dashed towards the window! The next moment, the room erupted with the sounds of a scuffle! Elliot quickly turned on the light! Evan was grappling with a man in ck. The sudden light seemed to surprise the intruder. After a brief moment of shock, he attempted to flee through the window. Evan, quick as ever, kicked a vase towards the window switch. Before the man could escape, the window locked shut! The intruder then tried to push through the door to the adjacent room, nning to escape from there. But Elliot had already locked that door in anticipation. Finding the door locked, the man in ck turned around, giving Elliot a meaningful look. Chapter 437 He bolted towards us, aiming to snatch Elliot and make a break for it! But Evan wasn''t having any of it. With swift agility, he darted in front of Elliot, grabbed the attacker''s fist, and executed a perfect judo throw. The attacker hit the ground hard, bounced back up, and staggered several steps backward. Clearly, he hadn''t anticipated Evan''s moves to be so adept. He shot Evan a surprised nce, then spun on his heel, sprinting towards the window, intending to smash through it and escape. It was obvious he wanted no part in a tussle with the two young boys. But before he could reach the window, a wave of dizziness hit him, and his limbs began to weaken. Realizing something was amiss, he turned, staring at Elliot and Evan in bewilderment, "Did you guys drug me?" Elliot knew it must be Emmett''s incense that had kicked in, and calmly stated, "Since you''re already here, no need to rush off. Let''s have a chat." The attacker, still puzzled about the drug, questioned, "How did you manage to drug me?" Instead of answering directly, Elliot dismissed the waiter at the door, then turned to the attacker, saying, "The drug will only paralyze your nerves and weaken your ability to fight but won''t take your life. No worries." The attacker looked at them meaningfully, ¡°You guys are full of surprises and honestly, quite impressive. Makes me even more eager to y the role of your guardian.¡± Elliot''s eyes widened, "It''s you!" He hadn''t forgotten the conversation at Sunshine Community with the mysterious figure who had offered to be their ''guardian.'' This man in ck was that mysterious figure! The attacker smiled broadly, openly admitting, "Yes, it''s me." The group was astounded. Instead of leaving, the attacker settled himself on the couch, rubbing his temples, then looked at Elliot and said, "Luring me here with N, you must have tons of questions. Shoot, I''m in a good mood today, might answer more than you expect." Elliot didn''t hold back, blurting out, "Who exactly are you?" This was burning on their minds! But the mysterious figure dodged, "Let''s skip that. I''d rather not say." Evan clenched his fists, ready to force the issue, but the man chuckled, "Evan, if you resort to violence, I might decide not to answer any more of your questions. Is that all you want to know, who I am? Don''t you have other questions?" Evan gritted his teeth, but Elliot held him back, signaling him to stay cool. They indeed had a myriad of questions on their mind. Elliot pressed on, "The day our mom passed out, was it you who took her to the hospital? And then you took Elijah away from her?" "Yes, that was me. After taking Elijah, I contacted N, had her hand Elijah over to Tarquin. So... if I say I''m your savior, you wouldn''t object, right? Without me, your mom might have died in childbirth." Elliot countered, frowning, "We do object! If you truly wanted to save our mom, why did you then leave us in the dangerous wilderness instead of keeping us safe at the hospital?" The attacker exined, "Originally, after taking Elijah, I nned to leave you to your fate. But then, for some reason, I changed my mind... Speaking of which, I''ve got a question too. How did you survive? And where did you learn your skills?" Seeing he was clueless about their mountain benefactor, Elliot naturally didn''t volunteer any information, merely stating, "By divine grace, our lives were spared." The attacker chuckled, "You sure are lucky ones." Elliot steered the conversation back, "Back then, why did you take Elijah to Tarquin? What was your aim? And why did you only take Elijah but left us behind?" Chapter 438 The man in ck squinted his eyes at Elliot, a shadowy figure against the dim light. "I refuse to answer these questions," he finally said. Elliot frowned. "Look, kid," the man continued, "there are things too big for you to understand right now. All you need to know is that I''m here to be your guardian, your protector. I''m not here to cause harm." "But if you want to be our guardian, why keep your identity a secret?" Elliot pressed. "When the time''s right, I''ll reveal all. Next question." Biting back frustration, Elliot asked, "Did you know my mom was pregnant with Tarquin''s child right from the start?" "Yes," the man simply replied. "How?" "I knew everything that happened at the airport that day." Evan, who had been silently listening, couldn''t hold back. "So you knew when my mom was being harassed by that jerk Tarquin?!" "Yes." "Why didn''t you help her?" The man shrugged. "I didn''t know her back then. Why would I intervene? What happened to her was none of my business." "You..." Elliot, irritation mounting, asked, "So you''re familiar with her now?" The man smirked. "Very." "And does my mom know you?" "Trying to pry information out of me, eh?" The man chuckled. "So eager to figure out who I am? Next question." Elliot''s frustration was palpable. "Since you took Elijah five years ago, have you been plotting against Tarquin?" The man fell silent, his face unreadable. After a moment, he gave a vague reply, "Yes and no." "What does that mean?" "...Elliot, everyone has their stories, their secrets. It''s impolite to dig too deep." Clearly, he was saying, "Mind your own business." Before Elliot could retort, the man added, "Just remember, your mom was never my target. She was just someone who got involved with Tarquin and ended up carrying his child. That''s the only reason our paths crossed." "And now?" Elliot pushed. "Now," the man''s smile widened, "I would never harm her. In fact, I want to make her mine, bring her home as my wife." Elliot''s face darkened. "You''re in love with my mom?" "Whether I love her or not isn''t the point. It''s enough that my precious one does." "Precious one?" The man dodged the question, saying, "Your mom''s a good woman, a fantastic mother. She''d make an excellent wife too. If we were together, everything would be perfect." Elliot''s voice was icy. "Stay away from my mom!" "Why should I?" "Because you''re not father or husband material. My mom and I, we don''t need you!" The man looked genuinely puzzled. "And how have you figured that I wouldn''t make a good father or husband?" "A good father or husband wouldn''t encourage his family tomit murder." But the man argued, "To Elysia, Tarquin was a vitor, a source of deep pain. He deserves to die. And Allegra almost killed your mom in that ident. She deserves the same. Am I wrong to suggest justice?" "True love thinks of the future, not of revenge or breaking thew!" Elliot shot back. The man sighed softly, "One day, you''ll see that I can be a great father... and a great husband too. Being with me would bring you happiness." Chapter 439 His phone suddenly rang after he finished speaking. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled it out and nced at the screen. Whoever messaged him must''ve shared good news because a warm smile spread across his face, softening his entire demeanor. He typed a quick reply, still smiling, then pocketed his phone and stood up. "I''ve gotta head out, folks. Today''s chat is over. Trust me, we''ll be like family soon. Just let me wrap up some things here, and I''ll take you guys back to our ce to find the treasure." Seeing him about to leave, Evan quickly blocked his path. "You can''t go!" After all the effort to draw him out, Evan wasn''t about to let him leave without uncovering his identity. The man in ck seemed to read his mind and asked with a calmness that belied the tension, "Evan, are you so eager to see my face, or is it more important to you that Emmett stays safe?" Evan was taken aback. The man continued, "I might not have the strength to fend you off right now, but don''t mistake my calm for weakness. Sure, you could force me to reveal myself, but then I''d have to make sure Emmett pays the price." Gritting his teeth, Evan retorted, "Then I''ll just have to take you down now, so you can''t ever hurt Emmett!" The man just chuckled, "Oh, Evan, you''re not as sharp as your brother. Who said I need to be the one to harm Emmett? Trust me, if youy a hand on me, Emmett will be in trouble immediately." Elijah''s voice suddenly came through the earpiece, "Emmett''s gone off the grid!" Elliot and Evan''s faces fell, and they demanded, "What have you done to Emmett?!" "Rx. As long as I''m fine, the kid will be too," the man assured them with an unnervingly calm voice. He then headed for the door, leaving Elliot and Evan frowning after him, neither daring to stop him again. They cared more about Emmett''s safety than unmasking this mysterious figure. As the man reached the door, he turned back, sighed softly, and said with a tone one might use to cheer up children, "Cheer up,ds. Here''s a hint for you¡ªI''ve been right under your noses all this time. Figuring out who I am shouldn''t be too hard, huh?" With that, he left, door closing behind him. Evan was shocked. "He''s been around us all along? Is he someone we know?!" Elijah spoke seriously, "Seems like it." Elliot, frowning deeply, was silent for a few seconds before he opened the door to check. The man had vanished. "Let''s check on Emmett first!" "Hey, I''m here. Blossom just woke up, and I went to check on her. What''s happened?" Emmett''s voice suddenly came through. Elliot, Evan, and Elijah were speechless for a moment. "Blossom''s awake, not sure if she''lle overter. How long till you guys are back?" Emmett asked quietly. "We''re on our way back now! We''ll have a team meeting soon. I''ve picked up on a lot of issues from what he said," Elliot responded. With the mysterious man gone, staying put was pointless. Before leaving, Evan asked, "What about N, that nasty piece? What do we do with her?" "Leave her for now. She doesn''t know who knocked her out; she''ll wake up by morning all the same." "Got it!" The brothers quietly left the hotel, the man in ck watching them get into a cab from behind a pir, chuckling to himself with a hint of mockery in his eyes. It was as if he found it amusing that he''d almost been caught by a couple of youngsters! The crisp sound of a lighter flicking to life came from behind him. Startled, the man spun around, only to see Tarquin standing a short distance away, casually leaning against a car, smoking a cigarette, and watching him through narrowed eyes. Chapter 440 The man in ck frowned, turning his head to scan the surroundings. Everywhere he looked, paths of escape were blocked by onlookers. It was clear; he had be the prey Tarquin had sessfully cornered. "Great, just great. When it rains, it pours, doesn''t it?" He mocked himself under his breath, then, as if transforming into a different person, his expression suddenly became dark and menacing. He red at the gloomy sky, muttering coldly, "Oh, fate, you''re really throwing curveballs at me today, huh? Trying to mess up my ns? Ha, you''re underestimating me. My fate is my own, not yours to control. No one, except my beloved, can add to my troubles!" After saying that, he closed his eyes, picturing the face andughter of his beloved, whispering to himself, "One, two, three!" His eyes snapped open, his mood reset. He looked at Tarquin, scoffed twice, and with his hands in his jacket pockets, started walking towards him. Tarquin, unable to hear what he was mumbling, leaned quietly against the car, calmly smoking a cigarette, watching him without a hint of panic. Although he didn''t know who the man was, he knew he wasn''t just anybody. When the man stopped a meter away, he bluntly asked, "So, what''s this about? You looking to kill or chat?" Tarquin, slightly surprised, narrowed his eyes. He had followed Elliot and Evan here, cornering the man with questions in mind, but hadn''t expected him to jump straight to talk of killing. "Have I wronged you in some way? Why would I need to kill you?" Tarquin retorted. The man in ck chuckled, turning the question back, "If there''s no beef between us, why corner me? I haven''t done anything wrong. I''m one of the good guys." Tarquin flicked his cigarette, "Good guys don''t skulk around in the shadows." "Well, by that logic, you''re no saint either. You''ve been sneaking around after two kids tonight, and now you''ve cornered me," the man shot back. Tarquin openly admitted, "I''ve never imed to be a good guy." "Ah, but see, we differ there. I never im to be a bad guy." He continued, now seemingly more excited, "Let me tell you a secret. I got yed by those kids earlier. Right now, I''m as weak as a kitten, no strength to resist at all. You could easily kill me if you wanted to. What do you think? Tempted?" Tarquin looked at him narrowly, "Looking for an easy way out?" "Ha, everyone dies eventually. Sooner orter, it''s all the same. But if I die, your good days are over. Killing me would be like shooting yourself in the foot." Tarquin flicked his cigarette again, scoffing, "So, you''re not looking for death, just threatening me not to kill you." "Calling it a reminder, not a threat. Since it''s our first official meeting, let me give you a piece of advice: you''ll regret it if you kill me. And I don''t say that lightly. You really will regret it." Tarquin frowned, sensing there was more to the man''s words but unable to decipher them. "Why would I regret killing you?" "Because I''m more important to you than you realize." Tarquin paused, "...And who are you?" The man in ck was silent for a few seconds, then cheerfully said, "Looks like you''re not here to kill me tonight. So, we must be here to talk. Thanks to those kids, I''m all out of fight, so I guess I''m at your mercy. But I have one condition: don''t ask who I am. Anything else, I''ll answer. I know you''ve got a lot of questions." The more he refused to say, the more Tarquin wanted to know. He replied coldly, "You''re in no position to make demands." "Maybe, but I''ve got the answers you''re looking for." "I''ll find out everything I need to know eventually. Right now, I just want to know who you are." "Is that what you really want to know?" "Why are you afraid of me finding out?" "Not telling you is for your own good. Knowing will only hurt you." Tarquin''s gaze turned icy, "Don''t worry about me." With a sigh, the man in ck took a few steps forward. Tarquin, thinking he was about to be attacked, instinctively grabbed his wrist. Instead of resisting, the man lowered his voice and whispered something. Tarquin''s expression changed dramatically, and he pushed the man away! He furrowed his brows, his stare intense and full of astonishment. Chapter 441 The man in ck smirked at the stunned Tarquin before swiftly disappearing into the hotel lobby. Axel, quick on his feet, was about to give chase when Tarquin abruptly said, "Let him go!" Axel skidded to a halt and turned back to Tarquin. Lowell, fidgety and impatient, asked, "Tarquin, are we not going after him?" Tarquin''s brows were furrowed, and his expression dark as he watched the direction the man in ck had taken. He then turned and got into the car. Axel and Lowell followed suit, with one taking the driver''s seat and the other the passenger seat. Unable to contain his curiosity, Lowell bombarded Tarquin with questions, "What''s going on, Tarquin? Why aren''t we chasing him? You seemed really worked up back there; what did he say to you? And, did you recognize him?¡± All Lowell got in response was the crisp sound of a lighter. Tarquin lit a cigarette, taking a drag with a heavy frown. Seeing this, Lowell dared not push further. It took the entirety of the cigarette for Tarquin to steady himself. As he lit another, he finally spoke, "We''re ying the long game here." "The long game?" "Yeah." Lowell was confused again, "But who are we trying to catch? And if he''s the bait, shouldn''t we be tailing him? If we lose track of the bait, how are we supposed to catch anything?" "I have a n," was all Tarquin said, then turned to Axel, "Head to Future Community." Without questioning, Axel started the car and drove towards Future Community. Unable to hold back, Lowell asked, "What are we doing at Future Community now? Going to see Ms. Thorne''s son?" Tarquin nodded, and Lowell continued, "Ms. Thorne doesn''t like it when you''re around her son. If you show up thiste, won''t she be furious?" Tarquin''s reply was cold, "Doesn''t matter." Lowell was at a loss. He had no idea what was going on. Who was that man in ck? What had he said to Tarquin to shock him so much? Who was Tarquin nning to catch using him? And after letting him go, why were they now heading to see Elliot and Evan? What was the n? Lowell desperately wanted some answers. Could someone please fill him in? Frustrated, he nced at Axel, who was driving in silence, seemingly unfazed and uncurious. How could he remain so calm and collected? ... At Future Community. Elliot and Evan had just returned to their bedroom under Emmett''s watchful eye when Blossom suddenly showed up. "What''s going on with you two? You''re always in the bathroom every time Ie over. Got a stomach bug or something?" Both boys shook their heads. Blossom squatted down, checking both Elliot and Evan''s bellies, "If you''re feeling sick, you have to tell Blossom, okay? Don''t just bear with it, got it?¡± "Yeah, yeah," they nodded in unison. Evan even reached out to touch Blossom''s forehead, "Blossom, are you still feverish? Are you feeling alright?" Blossom smiled, "Blossom''s fine, sweetie. A little sickness can''t take down Blossom. I''m all good now. Oh, and you guys don''t have to wake up early tomorrow. Your mom asked me to call in sick for you. No preschool tomorrow." Due to concerns for their safety following an incident with N, Elysia decided to keep the kids home for a few days. Hearing they didn''t have to go to preschool, the kids were thrilled and nodded eagerly. After Blossom left, Elliot quickly called for a ''brother meeting.'' Chapter 442 Since Elijah couldn''t be there in person, he joined the conversation online. Elliot started, "Even though it''s a bummer we couldn''t unmask the mystery guy today, it''s not like we came out empty-handed! At least we''ve confirmed that the dude who took mom to the hospital that day, kidnapped Elijah, and dumped us and mom in the middle of nowhere is our mystery man! And clearly, we''re just pawns to him. He won''t hurt us for now; his sights are set on Tarquin and the rest." Elijah, frowning deeply, chimed in, "He must have a beef with dad! Should I... should I give dad a heads-up to watch his back?" Elliot, knowing Elijah''s concern for Tarquin, advised, "That''s up to you. If you want to warn him, go ahead, but make sure you''re careful with your words. Don''t let mom''s situation slip." "Got it." Elliot then added, "He also dropped a major hint tonight. He wants to pursue mom, said he wants to whisk her away to be his bride..." Before Elliot could finish, Evan, Emmett, and Elijah cut him off. The trio was vehement, "In his dreams! If he thinks he can take mom away, he''s got another thinging!" "I''m not on board either! He''s not good enough for mom!" "Yeah, our mom''s a goddess bathing in sunlight, while he''s just a creep lurking in the shadows. We can''t let mom end up with him!" Elliot agreed, "I''m against it too. He''s not into mom because he likes her. He said he doesn''t care about that; as long as his ''darling'' approves, it''s all good." The other three in unison asked, "Who''s ''darling''?" Elliot shook his head, "No clue. He gave away too little for us to track down. But it''s clear, whoever this ''darling'' is, means a lot to him." Elijah voiced his thoughts, "I think we need to find him ASAP. He''s a threat to mom." Elliot concurred, "Even though he won''t hurt mom, he''s been harassing her." Evan frowned, "But he slipped away this time, and we didn''t get a good look at him. He probably won''t fall for it again. How do we find him?" Elliot, with a thoughtful look, said, "There are still ways to..." Before Elliot could finish, sudden noises came from outside the room. The young detectives instantly went on high alert! Evan, with a puzzled look, tiptoed to the door, flung it open, and flicked on the living room lights. "Blossom?!" Blossom, holding a ss of water and looking bewildered, stared back, "What''s up, I mean... Evan?" Evan rxed, scratching his head, "I heard some noise in the living room, thought we had a burr." Blossom reassured, "Our neighborhood''s security system is top-notch. No burrs can get in. I just identally bumped into a chair. Got thirsty and came out for some water." "Why didn''t you turn on the lights, Blossom?" "My bedroom light was on; I could see where I was going. But you, why haven''t you washed your face? I almost mistook you for Emmett there." In the afternoon, to fool Tarquin, Emmett had put makeup on Elliot and Evan, which they hadn''t removed yet. Evan replied, "I''ll wash it off in a bit." "Alright, better head to bed soon. I''m off to rest too." "Goodnight, Blossom." Returning to his room, Evan whispered, "It was Blossom." Elliot nodded, "It''s gettingte. Let''s all get some rest. As for the mystery man, I''ll think of another way to track him down." As soon as Elliot finished speaking, Elijah suddenly eximed, "Found him!" Chapter 443 Elliot and his gang were taken aback, "Found him?" "It''s Dad, of all people!" "Huh?" Elijah said, "I just discovered that the folks trying to break into the hotel''swork today were two groups: a mystery guy and Dad!" Elliot frowned, "So, Tarquin knew about our n tonight." Elijah spected, "He must''ve seen the post you made using N''s ount and put two and two together." Elliot muttered, "No wonder I felt something off about him today." Evan had a sudden realization, "I knew someone was tailing us tonight! Right when we left theplex and hopped into the cab, I sensed something fishy. It must''ve been him watching us, and I just overlooked it!" Elijah added, "Dad tried to hack into the hotel system but didn''t manage to find out what you guys discussed with the mystery person. But he''s definitely onto us for using N as bait to fish out the mystery guy! And he''s surely caught on to your skills! No surprises there, Dad''s gonna want a chat." Just as Elijah finished, Elliot''s smartwatch pinged with a message. Elliot nced at the screen and murmured, "He''s made his move." The other three were tense, "What do we do now?" Elliot took a deep breath, "Well, since he''s onto us, there''s no point in ying dumb. Let''s justy it all out. It''s also high time he knew, even if he''s no fan of Mom, he can''t mess with her. Our mom''s got backup!" "Right!" Elliot texted back Tarquin, setting up a meet downstairs. Given Evan''s disdain for Tarquin, to prevent any rash actions upon seeing him, Elliot decided to meet Tarquin alone. Elliot was wired, allowing the other three to eavesdrop on the conversation. In the car downstairs, it was just father and son. Elliot faced Tarquin, fearless. With his makeup still on, he wasn''t worried about Tarquin spotting anything amiss. Tarquin regarded the youngd before him, his expressionplex. Despite being ustomed to oddities, the feats of this little guy still left him astounded. After a brief pause, Tarquin finally asked, "Do you know why I''m here to see you thiste?" "I can guess." "Alright, then let me ask you. You went through all the trouble to meet this man in ck. Do you know who he is now?" "Not yet." "And do you know what the man in ck has to do with N?" "Well, five years ago, it was this man in ck who contacted N, told her where to find Elijah, and then had her bring Elijah to you." "The man in ck said so?" "Yeah." Tarquin furrowed his brows, "And how did you know he had a connection with N before meeting him?" Elliot, cool and collected, responded smoothly, "Elijah told us N saved him back then. We wanted to help Elijah find his mom, so we started with N. We eavesdropped on her and learned that a stranger had contacted her, leading her to identally save Elijah. Just today, N came to visit us at the daycare, and we used that opportunity to lure out the mystery man, hoping to get info on Elijah''s mom." Elliot''s exnation was seamless, leaving Tarquin without a lead. He pressed on, "Did you manage to find out anything about Elijah''s mom?" Elliot shook his head straightforwardly, "No." "No? What did you guys talk about in that room for so long?" Elliot shared, "He was surprised to meet us instead of N. He was curious about our identities, kept saying he wanted to pursue our mom." Tarquin''s brows knitted further, "He never mentioned Elijah''s mother?" Elliot countered, "What exactly do you want to know?" "Everything! I want to know everything about Elijah''s mother." A flicker of something passed through Elliot''s eyes as he selectively shared, "He knew about the incident at the airport six years ago. He knew Elijah''s mother was carrying your child. So, after Elijah was born, he took him away. Then, he contacted N and through her, sessfully delivered Elijah into your hands." Tarquin''s brow furrowed deeply, "Why would he do that?" Chapter 444 "I have no clue." "And what about Elijah''s mom? After he took Elijah, where did she go?" "I don''t know that either." "Is it that you don''t know, or he didn''t tell?" "He only cared about Elijah, never bothered about Elijah''s mom." "So, you''re saying after he took Elijah, he didn''t harm Elijah''s mom?" "Yep." Tarquin let out a slow breath, his concern for the man in ck targeting the mother was palpable. The fact that the man in ck didn''t go after Elijah''s mom meant there was a good chance she was still alive. Elliot squinted his eyes, noticing how much Tarquin seemed to care about his mom, and couldn''t help but say, "Elijah said you don''t really care for his mom. You''re just feeling guilty and trying to make it up to her." Tarquin snapped out of his thoughts to look at the little guy, silent for a moment before suddenly asking, "Do you guys want me to be your dad?" Elliot, with an air of aloofness, responded, "Never thought about it. We''ve been with mom from the start. We only have room for her in our hearts, not a dad. A dad is, well, optional to us." "Did your mom ever talk about me?" "She did!" "Did she ever say anything about liking me?" Elliot pursed his lips, clearly disapproving, "I can tell you for sure, our mom doesn''t like you. Her rtionship with Elijah has nothing to do with you. You always wonder if our mom got close to Elijah because of you. And the whole ''Elijah wanting you to pursue our mom'' thing, my mom doesn''t even know about it. If it weren''t for Elijah asking, my mom wouldn''t even consider giving you a chance. Honestly, my mom doesn''t think highly of you, and neither do we. In our eyes, you''re not good enough for our mom." Tarquin was left speechless... Being bluntly criticized by a five-year-old was indeed a bit embarrassing. Tarquin didn''t want to dwell on the awkward ''rtionship'' issue with Elysia anymore, so he changed the subject, "Why did N react so strongly when she saw you guys?" Elliot shook his head, "I don''t know, she probably realized we''re smarter than average kids and got a bit shocked." Ordinary people would indeed be shocked to discover their uniqueness! Out of a million kids, you wouldn''t be able to find another like them. Tarquin then asked, "When you first came to Jindale City, and I detained your mom, were you the ones who rescued her?" "Yes." "And the reason I couldn''t find any info on her, did you guys protect her identity and whereabouts?" "Yes." "Breaking into the Bradford Group''swork, sending a warning about bullying the girl, was that you?" "Yes." "And the sudden peace talk, investing 5 billion in the Bradford Group, was that also you?" "Yes!" Tarquin was dumbfounded... Elliot exined, "You kept pestering our mom. We didn''t want you to keep looking into her and bothering her, so we decided to pay off the disaster." Tarquin looked at Elliot, both shocked and impressed. Elysia''s sons were as clever as Elysia was... not. Elysia was kind of clueless, but her sons were each sharp as a tack! They must have inherited their father''s good genes! Tarquin suddenly envied that man, to have such genius sons, what luck and pride! "Do you guys know much about your dad?" Elliot squinted, eyeing him, "...Not much." "Do you know where he is now?" "...Probably in hell, if I had to guess." "Huh? Dead? That''s a pity!" Tarquin said with genuine regret. If he were alive, just by having these genius sons, he''d be the proudest and most formidable man in the world! But s, fate was cruel, and he died! Such glory and wealth, and he missed it. What a tragic man! Tarquin pondered for a moment, then looked at Elliot with a spark in his eyes. "Elliot, let me tell you something..." After Tarquin spilled the beans, the usually calm Elliot got furious! The little guy, with his eyes wide open, both shocked and angry, his face turning red as he pointed usingly, "You''re an adult, and you''re using my mom to threaten a five-year-old kid. Don''t you have any shame?!" Chapter 445 Tarquin squinted his eyes, an air of indifference about him, "It''s just fair trade, that''s all." Elliot red back, "Fair? How is this fair?!" Tarquin remained unflustered, "You can always choose not to agree. The choice is yours." At this, Elliot was nearly apoplectic with rage, his cheeks puffing out like a pufferfish, "I can choose not to agree? Can I? Really? Do I even have a choice?!" The audacity of his stepdad, proposing a bargain, and threatening to spill their secrets to Mom if he didn''t agree! It was like grabbing him by the throat! He couldn''t even bear to think what their sweet, clueless Mom would do if she found out. Would she drop dead from the shock? Telling Mom he was a financial wizard with billions in cash stashed in the bank? Or that Evan was not only a fighter but also a whiz with explosives and high-tech weaponry? And to top it off, reveal that they had exposed N online and even ''kidnapped'' her? He shuddered at the thought! Just imagining Mom''s reaction to all this made his skin crawl! Others might not get it. Why couldn''t they just be proud of their skills and tell their Mom? Only they knew the reason! Their Mom was a scaredy-cat, the type to be haunted by a ghost movie for months, and so easily worried that a little trouble could keep her up all night. The first time he made a significant amount of money, a mere hundred thousand, she had fainted from shock! Afterwards, she was anxious for so long, convinced it was some new kidnapping scheme by traffickers, fearing he''d been targeted! They had to go to great lengths to ease her worries. So, they had kept their abilities a secret all these years, preferring her to live a happy, worry-free life rather than boast about their feats. Tarquin watched Elliot, his gaze softening. The boy''s current demeanor was more fitting for a child his age. When not angry, the kid appeared too calm, too mature. Seeing him with his eyes brimming with tears and ring in anger, Tarquin raised an eyebrow and teased, "Crying?" Elliot roared, "I''m not crying!" "Angry?" "No, not angry!" He was indeed furious, furious that his vulnerabilities had been exposed! Angry at himself for not foreseeing this trap set by his stepdad! Yet, as the little guy was on the brink of tears, Tarquin, this ''heartless'' stepdad, suddenly felt a wave of happiness. He found himself quite amused. His smile reached his eyes as he chuckled. Elliot got even more worked up, sounding like a little tiger with his high-pitched voice, "What are youughing at?!" Tarquin, still smiling, said, "You get angry just like your mom, Elysia. When she gets mad, she''s like a little tiger too." "You, you dare call my mom a tiger! She''s not! My mom is kind and gentle, not a..." "Pig." Tarquin finished Elliot''s sentence for him. Elliot''s lips pursed as he stared in stunned silence, his anger reaching a new peak, then miraculously calming down. His expression shifted from surprise to anger, to calm, and finally to scorn. He actually called his mom a pig. Alright then, with Tarquin''s emotional intelligence, he''d either never realize Mom was the one he''d been searching for or if he did, he''d be heading straight to a funeral pyre trying to win her back! Now he mocks her intelligence, calling her a pig. Wait until he realizes she''s the one he''s been longing for. Even if he turned into a pig himself, she wouldn''t give him the time of day! So, no big deal, not angry. Sure, he''s got the upper hand now, but let''s see how long thatsts. "Phew..." Elliot exhaled slowly, finally regaining hisposure. Chapter 446 Back to his usual self, Elliot squinted his eyes, giving Tarquin a meaningful look. Tarquin was puzzled, wondering how the kid had suddenly regained hisposure. Just a moment ago, he was clearly upset, so why had he not only stopped being angry but also smoothed down his ruffled feathers? Had the anger made him silly? Tarquin reached out and ruffled Elliot''s hair. Elliot, clearly disgusted, protested, "Don''t touch me!" Tarquin wasn''t offended, just curious, "Why are you so scared of your mom finding out about your talents? For any parent, that would be a huge source of pride. And Elysia, with her love for all things shiny, if she knew her son was a little tycoon, she''d be over the moon." No surprises there, just shocks! Elliot replied coldly, "This is between me and my mom, it''s none of your business! She loves us, even if we''re fools, we''re still the apple of her eye! I agreed to share resources with you. Once I find out anything about that mysterious person''s whereabouts and identity, you''ll be the first to know. But on one condition - you can''t upset my mom anymore! And you can''t spill our secrets to her! Especially not about our deal with you!" Tarquin nodded, "Deal!" Elliot gave him another hard look, pushed the car door open, and left. Watching his small figure through the car window, Tarquin felt a pang of loss... If Elysia''s kids were his own, how lucky he and Elijah would be! He''d have a bunch of genius sons, and Elijah would have some formidable brothers! s... They were Elysia''s and some other man''s children, having nothing to do with him. Tarquin couldn''t help but feel a wave of sympathy for Elliot''ste father. After letting his thoughts wander for a while, he lit a cigarette, pushing the thought of Elliot''s unfortunate dad out of his mind, then his thoughts drifted to the mysterious person... His expression hardened, his brows furrowed, a frosty look on his face. Back at home, Elliot was met with his brothers'' outrage. "That jerk dared to use our mom as leverage, I''m so mad!" Evan eximed. Emmett added, angrily, "Bullying kids, how shameless!" Elijah had been silently fuming, unable to believe how thick-skinned their dad could be! Threatening a five-year-old, how disgraceful! Elliot, now calm, reassured them, "It''s okay. He just wants information on the mysterious person. We were going to investigate anyway." Evan muttered, "Such a loser and clueless. Can''t do his own digging, has to rely on others!" Elliot felt a bitter twist in his heart but kept silent. Was he really being manipted so easily? He was far from clueless. With just a few words, he could get what he wanted without lifting a finger, reaping the benefits. Those who can make others work for them are hardly fools. "By the way, Elijah, he only knows about my wealth and Evan''s skills. He doesn''t know much about Emmett, nor does he know you''re a top-notch hacker. If you want to keep it that way, you can," Elliot reminded Elijah. Elijah responded, "If he doesn''t know, I won''t tell him. My mentor, just like the sage from the mountains who helped you, prefers to remain a mystery. If the need arises, I''ll tell Dad then." The mention of Elijah''s mentor made Elliot offer, "Next time you talk to him, ask if he needs help finding that girl. If necessary, I can lend a hand too. The more, the merrier." Despite Tarquin''s kindness over the years, Elijah''s world remained fragmented. Grateful for someone who genuinely cared for his brother, Elliot was ready to assist, considering it a way to repay Elijah''s mentor for his guidance. Chapter 447 "Alright, next time the coach logs on, I''ll ask him," I said, trying to sound casual about it. The conversation drifted among us brothers for a while longer before we called it a night. After a marathon gaming session, it was definitely time to catch some sleep. But Elijah couldn''t sleep. He took off his headset and looked out the window at the dimly lit sky, his brow furrowed with worry. He was concerned about his dad. Even though he wasn''t sure of the mysterious person''s ultimate goal, it was clear his dad was on the hit list! The enemy was in the shadows, and his dad was in the open. Elijah was worried. Half an hourter, Tarquin came back. He figured Elijah hadn''t slept yet and gently pushed the door to enter the room. Elijah was still sitting by the window. Seeing Tarquin, he frowned even more. Tarquin walked over to him, affectionately ruffled his hair, and then sat down to ask, "Can''t sleep?" Elijah looked at him with concern. Tarquin said, "I know you heard me talking to Elliot while you were wearing your headset, didn''t you?" "...Yeah." "Worried about dad?" Elijah bit his lip, "Someone wants to kill you." Tarquin smiled softly, "Over the years, there have been plenty who''ve wanted to take dad down, but here I am, alive and kicking. Don''t worry, I can handle it." "But you don''t even know who it is. How can you handle it?" "Just because we don''t know now doesn''t mean we won''t find out. Dad''s no pushover. No one can juste and squeeze him." As he spoke, Tarquin gently stroked his son''s cheek, "Elijah, you know I always keep my word. I promise you, as long as you''re okay, dad will be too. I''ll always be here for you." His Elijah needed him, so no one was going to hurt him! He was going to stay healthy and be there for his son, always. His life, since Elijah came into it, wasn''t just his own anymore! He was Elijah''s father, his warrior, his forever rock. So, he had to do his best to protect himself! Elijah and Tarquin locked eyes, and seeing his father''s determination, Elijah finally let out a breath. His tense nerves began to rx. "A real man keeps his promises. You need to stay safe. I need you." Tarquin was moved, "You too need to stay safe. Dad needs you too." They say kids need their parents, but parents need their kids just as much, if not more. Who needs whom more is a tough call! After a sentimental moment, Tarquin chuckled and pinched Elijah''s cheek, "I''m jealous you''ve made such great friends so young. When I was your age, I only had Mr. Lowell and Uncle Axel. Mr. Lowell was a chatterbox, a scaredy-cat who cried at the drop of a hat. Far from taking care of me, I had to keep him cheered up. And Uncle Axel? Ice-cold. He could go three days without saying a word if no one talked to him. I worried he''d lose his ability to speak and turn mute, so I had to go out of my way to find things to talk about. Having those two around... heh, was a blessing indeed." Tarquin teased himself but was clearly in a good mood. This joy seemed to double when he thought of Elliot. Chatting with Elliot always lifted his spirits. Now, looking at Elijah, his happiness was through the roof. Elijah muttered, "They''re not just my friends. They''re my brothers! Blood brothers!" "Right! Brothers for life! You need to be honest and take care of each other." Elijah pouted and rolled his eyes at Tarquin. He had just said they were blood brothers, and yet his dad had missed the point! Silly dad. So clueless! Thinking about his dad ''pressuring'' Elliot, Elijah added, "I don''t mind you using Elliot and Evan to find that mystery guy, but you better treat their mom right! And don''t forget, you promised to try and win her over." At the mention of Elysia, Tarquin''s expression turned somber, "Elijah, I''ve confirmed it now. Elysia is not your biological mother." Chapter 448 Elijah was clearly exasperated and rolled his eyes. "Who wants such a clueless dad anyway? Take him away!" With his usual seriousness, Tarquin replied, "You asked Elliot and Evan to help you find your mom. You must really miss her. But what if, after Elysia and I get together, she suddenlyes back?" Elijah shot back, "And what if you find my mom, and she''s already with someone else? What then?" Tarquin frowned, "Then I guess I''d have to make it up to her in some other way." Elijah retorted, "Likewise, if shees back after you''ve already gotten together with my mom, then make it up to her in some other way. Stop using her as an excuse. Your rtionship with Elysia has nothing to do with anyone else. It''s between the two of you!" Frustration evident, Elijah pressed on, "Don''t you even want to try? I''m not forcing you, I just want you to give it a shot." Mr. Bradford internally resisted the idea but outwardly reassured, "No, I''ve made a promise to Elijah, and I won''t go back on my word." Elijah, pleading earnestly, said, "Dad, what Elliot told you is true. Mom''s not into you, but I talked her into giving you a chance. It wasn''t easy to get this opportunity. Can''t you step up a bit?" Tarquin was speechless. With a stern look, Elijah assured him, "You''ll thank me for this in the future. Believe me." Tarquin squinted, "What do you mean?" Elijah didn''t borate. Instead, he thought of N, "Now that Dad knows the truth about how N saved me back then, it''s best to keep your distance. Even if it hadn''t been her, someone else would have brought me to you. She''s not really my savior in the true sense." Tarquin''s brow furrowed at the mention. Knowing the truth hadn''t made him think any less of N; his focus was on the mysterious figure who had orchestrated everything from the start, five years ago. "Dad, you should focus all your energy on Mom. If you win her over, both you and I will be happy. Our happiness is in your hands!" Tarquin was irked yet couldn''t voice it out, merely nodding, "I understand." Suddenly, a thud from outside interrupted their conversation, followed by Elysia''s sharp hiss of pain. Elijah, concerned, rushed out to check, with Tarquin following closely. At the bathroom door, Elysia, dressed in a modest cotton nightgown with her hair down, was rubbing her forehead, hissing in pain. Elijah fretted, "What happened, Mom?" Elysia, dazed, responded, "No, did I wake you? It''s just a headache. I turned too quickly and bumped into the doorframe." Tarquin, hands in pockets and rolling his eyes, thought, "How can someone still walk into doorframes!" Elijah, worried for her, called out, "Dad, Mom hit her head!" Tarquin, sarcastically, offered, "Great, she might as well knock herself out. I''ll cover the funeral expenses." Elysia, through gritted teeth, retorted, "Thanks, but no thanks! I n on living a long life!" She turned to re-enter the bathroom and ¨C bang ¨C hit the frame again! Despite the pain, under Tarquin''s disdainful gaze, she stubbornly imed, "It doesn''t hurt! Not at all!" With a dark face, she retreated into the bathroom. Elijah and Tarquin exchanged looks, both puzzled not just about Elijah''s affection for her but also what that mysterious figure saw in her. Tarquin thought, if it weren''t for Elijah, he''d dly hand her over himself. Chapter 449 "Daddy, Mommy''s hurt. How can you not care about her?!" Elijah frowned, his voice tinged with usation. Tarquin turned to look at his son, a thought crossing his mind: Ignorance is bliss. This was the most direct impression he had of Elysia. Clumsy and naive, yet she had given birth to sons who were nothing short of geniuses, each one more devoted to her than thest. Even Elijah treated her like she was his entire world, cherishing her beyond measure. It was like a fool being adored by a group of giants; the fool, blissfully unaware, yet somehow blessed. Not wanting his son to be upset, Tarquin yfully ruffled his hair, trying to soothe him, "I was just teasing her. When shees out, I''ll check if it''s bad, and if it is, I''ll put some ointment on it." That seemed to satisfy Elijah, who seriously reiterated, "Daddy, you need to step up your game and win Mommy over." Tarquin couldn''t help but inwardly sigh; winning her over was off the table. He swiftly changed the subject, "Elijah, have Elliot and Evan ever mentioned their daddy to you?" "What about it?" "They''re both so smart, must have gotten it from their dad. I''m curious, what kind of man is he?" Elijah scowled, "Smart when he needs to be, but oh, so foolish at other times!" If he weren''t, he''d have realized Mommy was the one he''s been looking for all along! Smart yet foolish? Tarquin, intrigued, was about to ask more when Elijah cut him off, "Don''t ask me, I don''t want to talk about it." As soon as Elijah finished speaking, Elysia emerged from the bathroom. The little guy immediately ran over to her with concern. Tarquin, curiosity yet unsatisfied, followed and asked half-heartedly, "Does it still hurt? Need to see a doctor?" Elysia, seeing right through him, retorted, "No need!" Then, squatting down to Elijah''s level, she asked gently, "Those dark circles are quite something. Did you sleep poorlyst night?" Elijah fibbed, "Woke up a few times, but don''t worry, they weren''t nightmares." Elysia, heart aching, tenderly caressed his face, "It''s still early; go rest a bit more. I''ll call you when breakfast is ready." "Okay, Daddy can help you make breakfast." The little guy shot Tarquin a look, who then ''hmmed'' in agreement for show. After Elijah returned to his room, Elysia quickly said, "You should go sleep too. Don''t need any help!" She wasn''t keen on being alone with him. But Tarquin didn''t head back to his room. Instead, he followed her to the kitchen, not to assist but to lean against the doorway, handing Elysia a bank card, "Here." Elysia, just putting on an apron, turned with a look of surprise, "What for?" "There''s a million in there, for you." Feeling somewhat guilty for using Elliot and Evan to track down some shady figures, Tarquin decided topensate Elysia with some money for the trouble it brought her and the boys. Elysia''s eyes widened in shock, "How much?!" "A million." Elysia, stunned, blurted out, "Why are you giving me so much money?!" "As a thank you for looking after Elijah." Heart racing, Elysia hesitated to ept the card, blinking rapidly, "Aren''t you bankrupt? Where did you get so much money?" "Just take it, and ask fewer questions." Despite her reservations, Elysia couldn''t help but probe further, "You didn''t sell the house, did you?" Tarquin pursed his lips, and Elysia, thinking he had indeed sold the house, immediately showed concern, "Are you out of your mind? Despite the market being down, this house in our neighborhood could easily fetch 1.5 million! Selling it for a million is ludicrous! And where would you and Elijah go if you sold it?" Chapter 450 "I haven''t sold the house." That was Elizabeth''sst gift to him, and not even bankruptcy could make him part with it! "You didn''t sell the house? Then where did all this moneye from?" Tarquin couldn''t be bothered to exin, "Do you want it or not?" "Of course I do! But... this isn''t ill-gotten wealth, is it?" Tarquin, speechless, retracted his hand to pocket the card, deciding not to give it anymore. Elysia snatched it quickly, "I said I want it!" She clutched the bank card tightly, like a dog guarding its bone. Tarquin looked at her with disdain, "The PIN is six zeros." Elysia stared at the bank card in her trembling hands, her heart racing, "Is... is there really a million in here? You''re not pulling my leg, are you? A million! Oh my God! Have I... have I suddenly be a millionaire? This isn''t a dream, is it?" After saying that, she pinched Tarquin hard. Tarquin red in pain, "What the heck?!" Elysia looked at him with her big, sparkly eyes, "Did that hurt?" "No kidding! What if I pinch you back that hard?!" "Hah!" Elysiaughed, "Pain means I''m not dreaming. Oh my God, I''ve made it. I''m a millionaire! Haha..." Tarquin just rolled his eyes, seizing the moment to ask her, "Who''s your son''s father?" He was really curious about the man who could father such an outstanding son. Elysia''s smile froze immediately! Her brows furrowed, and she asked defensively, "Why do you want to know?!" "Just curious." "Keep your curiosity to yourself. Don''t pry into my business!" "...I''m not curious about you, I''m curious about your son''s father." "Don''t be curious about my son''s father either. It''s none of your business!" Elysia snapped, pocketing the card, and turned her back to him to start making breakfast. Clearly, she was done talking to him. Tarquin, watching her back, grew even more curious. Elliot seemed resistant whenever their dad was mentioned. Elijah also wasn''t keen on talking. And Elysia had this attitude! If one won''t talk, two won''t talk, and three won''t talk... what, was that man really that unwee? Dead or not, being so disliked must be tragic! Tarquin thought, turning to head to his study, nning to catch up on some sleep. He had only promised to help Elysia with breakfast to appease his son; he wasn''t actually going to help her. But then, the next second... "Ouch! Ah-" Elysia suddenly cried out. Overexcited by the million, she was a bit careless and identally cut her hand! Tarquin quickly grabbed the first aid kit to help her clean the wound. The bank card fell to the floor, and Elysia tried to pull her hand back to pick it up. Tarquin held onto her wrist, not letting go. Elysia, panicking, "My money, my money!" Tarquin, annoyed, "What''s more important, your money or your hand?" "The money!" Tarquin was speechless, scolding, "Stay still! It''s not like it''s lost if it falls to the ground! Pick it upter!" After treating her wound and bandaging it, he finally let her go. Elysia, once free, quickly bent down to pick up the card, clutching it tightly in her hand, relieved. Tarquin, watching her act like a true miser, was utterly disdainful. She was a real money grubber! Turning to look at the potatoes on the kitchen counter that hadn''t been fully chopped, he felt a headacheing. After just dering he wouldn''t help, now he had to do it himself! Stuck with this silly woman, truly his ''fortune''! Chapter 451 Tarquin grumbled to himself, swiftly removing his suit jacket and tie, then taking off his watch and rolling up his sleeves as he entered the kitchen. After expertly tying on an apron and washing his hands, he picked up a knife to finish slicing the potatoes that Elysia had left halfway done. His knife skills were impressive, the rhythmic chopping sounds creating a satisfying beat. Before Elysia appeared in his life, he often cooked for Elijah, showcasing his ability to excel both in the boardroom and the kitchen. The rhythmic chopping sound drew Elysia''s attention away from her thoughts about the million dors. She put away her bank card and turned to look towards the kitchen. Truth be told, seeing someone aproned and busy in the kitchen was undeniably attractive. Standing nearly six foot three, with a straight andmanding posture, his ck shirt tucked into his trousers and cinched at the waist by the apron, entuated his physique perfectly. Broad shoulders, long legs, and a slim waist... definitely a sight for sore eyes. Whether it was the million dors or his attractive physique, Elysia found him slightly more bearable now. She approached him, "Need a hand?" But- Tarquin didn''t even nce her way. "No need." "Huh?" Elysia didn''t catch his drift at first. He looked up, casting her a cool nce, "You''re too precious." Elysia sensed the sarcasm and was about to retort when he dismissed her, "Off you go, don''t be a nuisance!" Elysia huffed, "Fine, I''ll enjoy my free time then," and turned to leave the kitchen, her mind returning to the million dors she had just acquired. Tarquin soaked the chopped potatoes in water and cracked three eggs into a bowl, whisking them smoothly with a fork. Hisment about her being "too precious" was indeed sincere. A cut on his hand would just be a minor inconvenience, but for her, it was a different story. With Elijah always ready to dote on her, she had the luxury to be more delicate. If Elijah found out she got hurt helping him, he''d be beside himself with worry, and Tarquin would never hear the end of it. Thus, he insisted, "No need!" But still, when Elijah came out for breakfast and noticed Elysia''s finger was hurt, he was distressed and threw Tarquin several disapproving looks. Tarquin felt unjustly used-it was her own doing, not his. But arguing with his son was out of the question, so he could only shoot Elysia a displeased look. Elysia, enjoying her breakfast immensely, didn''t seem to care. Today''s meal was particrly to her liking, and she ate with gusto, cheeks puffed out, without a care for her image. Tarquin, watching with a mix of disdain and amusement, thought to himself how carefree she was. "Mommy, is it good?" "Mmm, who would''ve thought your dad could whip up such a delicious meal?" Tarquin was torn between taking it as apliment or an insult. Elijah, ever the peacemaker, said, "As long as Mommy likes it, we can have Dad cook every day." "I''d love that." Elijah was delighted and served Elysia arge portion, "Eat up, then." Their interaction was the very picture of familial bliss. Tarquin, on the other hand, bit into his omelet with a sour expression. Even his drink tasted bitter to him. Breakfast ended with two happy diners and one decidedly less so. Afterwards, Elysia mentioned that Elliot, Evan, and Emmett were off school and proposed taking Elijah to see them at Future Community. Tarquin didn''t object. With some unexpected business to attend to, he arranged for them to be driven there. Knowing Elliot and Evan''s capabilities, he wasn''t worried about Elijah''s safety with Elysia. They would surely look after them well. Once at Future Community, Elysia politely thanked the driver and led Elijah towards the building. "Elysia!" Blossom suddenly appeared, bundled up in a thick down jacket and carrying arge bag. Elysia was surprised, "What are you doing down here? Are you feeling better?" "Yeah, just came down to throw out some trash and feed the stray cats in the neighborhood. Why are you guys back so early? I thought you wouldn''t return until noon. Elliot and the others are still sleeping." Chapter 452 Blossom bent over and yfully pinched Elijah''s cheek, greeting him warmly, "Hey there, little Elijah, how''s it going?" Elijah was quite fond of Blossom. Even when she pinched his cheek, he didn''t get mad. Instead, he blushed and responded, "Hi Blossom." Blossom chuckled at his reaction. She adored Elijah''s shy demeanor. His blushing face reminded her of a cool kid at school getting flustered by a flirt, giving her a sense of aplishment. Elysia asked her, "Are youing home with us now, or are you going to continue feeding the stray cats downstairs?" She knew Blossom was a cat lover but couldn''t keep one for various reasons. So, she bought tons of cat food and cans, oftening downstairs to feed the strays. Blossom replied, "Let''s head back together now. I cane downter to feed them." Just as they went upstairs, Axel appeared next to the trash can. Wearing a mask and a baseball cap, he checked the trash bag Blossom had just thrown out and frowned. Finding a secluded spot, he called Tarquin, "There were dead cats in the trash bag she threw out again today, same as the previous ones. Today, there were two." Tarquin, on his way to the office, furrowed his brows, "Are you sure she''s the one who killed them?" "Not sure, but it''s certain she threw them in the bin, and that those two dead cats were definitely killed by the mystery person." Tarquin was skeptical, "If she was the mystery person, Elliot and Evan would have noticed by now." "Maybe she''s just good at hiding it." "But the mystery person likes Elysia, he even said he wanted to take Elysia home as his wife. It doesn''t sound like Blossom." Axel asked, "Should we probe her?" Tarquin pondered for a moment, "Go ahead and probe, but be subtle. Since she''s linked to those dead cats, there''s definitely something up. Even if she''s not the mystery person, she must have some connection. Try to probe her and quietly investigate her social circle." "Got it. Elijah and Ms. Thorne just went upstairs with her, should we find an excuse to separate Elijah from her?" "Not for now. Elysia''s boys are no ordinary kids; they can protect Elijah." "Understood." After hanging up, Axel looked towards Blossom''s home, pocketed his phone, and walked away, lowering his cap. Meanwhile, N had woken up in the hotel. Aileen was there, too. N had no idea how she''d fainted, and even her bodyguard was clueless. As for the posts she''d made, she thought her ount had been hacked and wasn''t too concerned for now. What she cared about most was Elliot and Evan''s appearance. She was convinced she hadn''t been mistaken! "Mom, I swear I saw it correctly! You have to believe me! That wretch Elysia has made her sons look exactly like Elijah! She''s up to some trickery!" Aileen was skeptical, "Tarquin has seen those kids. If they really look exactly like Elijah, don''t you think Tarquin would have reacted?" ¡°But I, oh! Mom, I swear I''m not wrong! Can''t you just believe me for once?!" N was almost in tears. Seeing Aileen silent, she got up to leave. Aileen quickly stopped her, "Where do you think you''re going?!" N, gritting her teeth, "I''m going to confront Elysia and her cursed kids! I''m convinced they''re plotting something! This rumor about my pregnancy and getting exposed online must be part of their scheme, I can''t let them get away with it!" Aileen said, "It''s right not to let them get away, but we can''t act rashly! There are many ways to get revenge, not just by fighting. Besides, they''re under Tarquin''s protection because of Elijah, how can you touch them?" "I... So what do we do now? I''m so angry I could die! Waaah, I just want to kill that wretch Elysia and her damned kids. Just thinking about them makes my blood boil!" Aileen frowned, a fierce look in her eyes, "Don''t be impulsive. I''ll make the arrangements!" Chapter 453 In the quaint little town of Everwood, nestled between rolling hills and vibrant greenery, Blossom''s phone rang unexpectedly, disrupting the quiet of an otherwise ordinary afternoon. It was from the head of Little Sprouts Preschool, informing her that N wished for a private meeting with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. The reason? A rumor sparked by Elliot''s offhand remark about N being "pregnant" had gone viral, and now, N wanted to clear the air directly with the boys. Blossom, known for her close friendship with Elysia, was tasked by the preschool to facilitate this sensitive conversation. As soon as the call ended, Blossom shared the news with Elysia. Both of them were unaware of N''s rtionships with Elijah and Tarquin. "No way, did N ask the school officials herself?" Elysia inquired, a mix of surprise and concern knitting her brow. "Yes, since the rumor started there, she reached out to them, hoping they''d connect with you," Blossom exined, her tone underscored with reluctance. Elysia frowned, her protective instincts kicking in. "Can''t I just meet her alone? I worry she mightsh out at the boys." Blossom shook her head, conveying N''s insistence on meeting the boys. The dilemma was clear: refusing the meeting could not only impact Blossom''s standing at work but also potentially jeopardize the boys'' schooling. They had managed to get into Little Sprouts through some creative paperwork, after all. Before Elysia could ponder further, Elliot emerged from his room, instantly sensing the tension. Upon learning of N''s request, he dismissed his mother''s concerns with a carefree grin. "Let''s meet her, Mom. No worries. She just wants to talk, that''s all." But Elliot knew better. N''s intentions were likely anything but pure, yet he chose not to burden his mother with these suspicions. He also had some things he wanted to discuss with N, and this was a good opportunity. Elysia worried, "I''m afraid she''ll take it out on you." "Mom, N is a big star, a public figure. She''ll be mindful of her image. Don''t worry, I''ll talk to her. Where are they suggesting we meet?" Blossom replied, "At the ter family home. They want to avoid being seen in public and potentially getting photographed, which could lead to more gossip." At the mention of the ter family home, Elliot''s demeanor shifted ever so slightly, though he maintained his reassuring smile for his mother''s sake. "Mom, agree to the meeting. There''s nothing to worry about," he said, helping Elysia feel more at ease. After much thought, Elysia allowed Blossom to inform the school that they would attend the meeting. Once back in his room, Elliot quickly gathered his brothers for a strategy session, informing them about N''s request for a meeting at the ter family home. Evan was excited, "What''s the wicked witch plotting now? Giving us a chance to get back at her?" "Evan, no matter what she''s nning, meeting her is a good idea. It''ll put Mom at ease. Besides, I have some things I''d like to say to her too," Elliot exined. "But... N is impulsive and malicious. She probably woke up furious and wants to confront us. It''s not like her to patiently arrange a meeting at home," Elliot continued. "Does that mean someone else is behind this?" Elijah asked, frowning. "N''s mother, Aileen, is known for being cunning and ruthless," Elijah added. Elliot narrowed his eyes slightly, "No wonder. This doesn''t fit N''s usual behavior. Have you looked into Aileen?" Elijah nodded, "While searching for Mom, I investigated N and ended up looking into Aileen too." As the day of the meeting drew near, the brothers prepared themselves for whatevery ahead, united in their resolve to protect their family and uncover the truth behind N''s sudden interest in a face-to-face encounter. Chapter 454 Aileen ascended the socialdder by bing Donovan ter''s mistress, and in the second year of their affair, Donovan''s first wife passed away. That same year, while she was pregnant with N, Donovan''s son from his first marriage died in a tragic ident. But there was no evidence to implicate her in either event." Elliot frowned, "Evidence or no evidence, it''s clear that Aileen is bad news. N''s scandal has already been suppressed, probably because Aileen pulled some strings behind the scenes. We need to be cautious today, and not let our guard down. Since we don''t know their n, it''s safer not to bring mom along..." Elysia, of course, wanted to go! When your child is in trouble, it''s only natural for a parent to step in. But then, Elijah started acting strangely. He wasn''t sick, but he sat by the window in silence, just like he used to. Elijah was faking it to keep Elysia at home. Unaware, Elysia checked on him but found nothing wrong. Still, she couldn''t leave him like that. Yet, she wanted to apany her little ones to the ter residence, torn between the two. Blossom said, "Elysia, you stay with Elijah. I''ll take Elliot, Evan, and Emmett to the ters. I''m their Aunt Blossom, it''s just like you going." Elysia was worried but had no better option, so she reluctantly agreed, leaving her kids in Blossom''s care. So, Blossom set off with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett to the ters. Upon reaching the ter residence, the three kids managed to knock Blossom out. They were worried about Elysia''s safety, and naturally, Blossom''s too. Blossom was like a mother to them. They cared for Blossom and genuinely liked her. After making sure Blossom was okay, Emmett quickly took out the makeup kit they had prepared and started disguising Elliot and Evan. Soon, the three kids arrived at the ters'' mansion. The gatekeeper informed Aileen, and they were let inside. N asked Aileen, "They''re here?" "Yeah, just the kids. No adults." N scowled, "After such a big mess, only the kids are sent over? What is Elysia thinking? Is she taking us lightly, or does she not care about her sons?" Aileen replied, "Let''s not worry about her. Today, we focus on the kids. Stick to the n and control your temper. Think long-term, not just about getting even." "I got it, Mom!" N agreed but lost it upon seeing Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, "You...no, no, no! You don''t look right! You''re not supposed to look like this! What has that Elysia done to you?!" Huh? Dare insult their mom! Evan wouldn''t stand for it, furrowing his brow and firing back, "You''re the one who''s low! Your whole family is! What, did you eat something nasty? Your mouth reeks!" "You...Mom, listen to this! This is what Elysia''s teaching her brats, no manners at all." "Of course, we can''t expect manners from the ters, spewing filth and making a five-year-old want to curse your ancestors!" Aileen watched Evan with a thinly veiled displeasure, "So young and already so bold. Does your mommy not discipline you?" "Yeah, she does. But if someone insults us, we hit back! What, you can insult my mom, and we can''t respond? It''s wrong for kids to curse, but it''s right when you do it? What are you, hypocrites?" Aileen''s eyes narrowed slightly at Evan''s retort, "Quite the temper for a little one." Chapter 455 Evan scoffed, "Sure, I can be nice, but why should I pamper you? My mom could give me a beating, and I wouldn''t get mad. I''d just worry about her hand hurting. But who do you think you are?" N was furious, "Youe into my house and act like you own the ce? You really think you''re bold, don''t you? Believe me, I could make you regret it so fast, you''d wish you were mute!" Evan narrowed his eyes at her, "I''ve always thought violence can''t solve anything. But it sure can handle those who start it. If you want to go down that road, I won''t hold back. Let''s see if it''s my tongue or your hands that get taken out of the game first!" "You... Security!" N called for security, aiming to deal with Evan, but Aileen intercepted. Aileen red at N, "Go cool off. You''re too grown to be squabbling with kids." "Mom!" Aileen shot her a look that ushered her away. Turning to the kids, she smiled, "N''s actually a sweetheart and loves kids. She''s just upset about something she saw online, so don''t take it personally. All the snacks and toys on the table are for you. Feel free to treat this ce like home. Rx." Elliot inwardly rolled his eyes. Acting, who can''t do it? He chimed in with a smile, "Evan''s just being Evan. He tailors his chat to his audience, so don''t mind him." Aileen shot him a look, "Am I not a person?" Frowning slightly, then shaking it off with a smile, Aileen said, "At my age, I''m not about to start petty fights with kids. Elliot, tell me, has your mom ever... you know, taken you guys for a little cosmetic touch-up?" "Not at all. Why would we need that? Only someone really insecure would go under the knife." Aileen, who had her own history with cosmetic procedures, took a moment to sip her iced tea to calm herself, then asked, "Why did you publicly im N was pregnant today?" Elliot responded, "Her outfit looked a bit puffy, so we just assumed." "Assumed? So, it was a misunderstanding?" "Yeah." "It wasn''t something your mom put you up to?" "Of course not. She didn''t even know we were going to the daycare." Aileen squinted slightly, "Did your mom ever mention Elijah''s dad to you?" "She did. She''s been taking care of Elijah, making sure he''s fed and clothed." "Did she ever mention wanting Elijah''s dad to be your dad?" Elliot bit his lip involuntarily, "No, she never said that." "No? But Elijah''s dad is quite the catch. Your mom''s not interested?" "Not interested." Aileen was half-convinced, "Why not?" Seizing the moment, Elliot said, "Elijah''s dad is great, but we''re leaving Jindale City soon. We''re not staying long, so there''s no chance for them to be together." That was the message he wanted to send to N and her mom. He hoped to divert their attention. Only by making them believe their mom was leaving, and wouldn''t be with Tarquin, could they stop seeing her as a threat. It was his way of protecting his mom from their harassment and harm. Sure enough, Aileen was intrigued, "You''re leaving Jindale City?" "Yeah,ing to Jindale City was just for Mom''s work, not to settle down." "When are you leaving?" Chapter 456 "Once Mom wraps up her errands, we''re out of here." "What''s she got to do?" "No clue, but I know for sure we''re leaving. " Aileen''s eyes sparkled with excitement at the news, visibly lifting her spirits. She pressed on, "Did your mom tell you that herself?" "Yep." "Does Elijah''s dad know about it?" "He does." "But... Elijah needs your mom''s care, doesn''t he? Will Elijah''s dad really let your mom leave?" Elliot squinted slightly, realizing this olddy was sharper than N, hitting right on the mark with her questions. Elliot responded smoothly, "Of course, he would. Elijah''s much better now, he doesn''t need my mom to stick around all the time. Plus, if Elijah needs anything after we leave, his dad can just call my mom for advice. There''s no need to keep my mom tied down by Elijah''s side. We''ve got our own lives to live." Aileen nodded in agreement, fully convinced by Elliot''s logic. Her curiosity satisfied, just then, the maid burst in, brimming with excitement, "Ma''am, the coral and jade sculpture you ordered has arrived." Aileen''s eyes lit up at the news, clearly delighted with the sculpture. She hurried them, "Bring it in carefully, please. It''s a precious piece I''ve spent a fortune on." "Right away!" The maid dashed off to ry the instructions, and Aileen, casting a nce at the kids, said, "We''ve got a few ponies in the back. If you like, you can go for a ride. I know things have been tough financially for your family, and you''ve probably never ridden a horse. Since you''re here, go have some fun. Don''t be shy." Elliot''s eyes flickered with an odd light at her words. Horseback riding? Was this her way of changing the subject after all the questions? How convenient, he thought, his own agenda alsoplete. It was time to turn the tables. Led by the staff, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett headed to the stables. Aileen called N, "The kids are off to the stables. You can let off some steam, but remember, no fatalities! And don''t be overly harsh on purpose! I''ve installed cameras there, you know what I mean?" N was thrilled, "I got it, Mom! You mentioned it this morning, installing cameras to cover our tracks. Just in case anything happens to those kids, we can prove it wasn''t our doing. Don''t worry, Mom, I''m on camera. I know exactly what to do. Don''t forget, I''m an actress, the best at putting on a show!" "Good, I know you''ve been fuming these past days. Take it out on those brats. But remember, you can hurt them, leave them crippled, but try to spare their lives. If it does lead to a death, even if we avoid legal trouble, it won''t look good for your reputation." "Understood." After hanging up, Aileen looked disdainfully at the space where the kids had been sitting, calling over a maid, "Change these cushions. Kids from poor families carry a stench of poverty. We don''t want it rubbing off on us!" The maid hurriedlyplied, while Aileen muttered, "And keep them far away!" Just as she finished, a maid escorted several men inside. They carefully carried in a sculpture covered with a red cloth, handling it with utmost care. Aileen''s eyes shone with delight, "Be careful, right here." Meanwhile, at the stables, N watched the three kids being led in by the staff, her teeth clenched, a mix of fury, satisfaction, and malice flickering in her eyes. Chapter 457 The three little ones slowly approached the ranch. Emmett, bundled up in a long down coat that reached his ankles and wearing the fluffy hat Blossom had gifted him, said in his babyish voice, "Wow, their ce is huge, and they even have a swimming pool." Evan snorted, "Don''t be jealous of them. If you like it, I''ll get you a ce even bigger than this one someday!" Elliot chimed in, "Over the years, since N saved Elijah, the ters have been under Tarquin''s wing. Ny percent of the ters'' fortune has been thanks to Elijah." Evan clenched his teeth, "Hmph! They don''t deserve it just because Elijah made money. Sooner orter, I''ll settle the score with them!" Elliot agreed, "Exactly, we need to settle things properly. Every penny they''ve swallowed over the years, they''ll have to cough up. Not a cent less!" If N had been honest and straightforward, it would be one thing. But they even thought about harming our mom, so they can''t me us for not being polite! Because of the money Elijah made, they must give it all back, even the principal! "Elliot, Evan, and Emmett,e here." N saw them enter the ranch and immediately switched her demeanor, greeting them warmly. Emmett was still afraid of her, blinking his small eyes timidly. Evan squeezed his little hand reassuringly, "Don''t worry, Emmett. We''ve got your back!" Then he asked, "What''s up with this wickeddy now, acting all nice?" Elliot mentioned, "There must be surveince in the ranch. She''s just putting on a show. Be careful with what you sayter, Evan." "Acting in her own home, she must not be afraid of getting tired. Don''t worry, brother, acting? I can outperform her." Muttering among themselves, the three little ones made their way to N. N was very enthusiastic, "I wasn''t very nice to you guys before, and I want to apologize. Don''t be upset or nervous. To show my sincerity, I''ve arranged for some ponies for you to y with. Do you like them?" The three little ones turned to look at the ponies N was talking about. Indeed, they were young ponies, small in stature with glossy coats, both cute and beautiful, showing no signs of aggression. Evan''s eyes lit up, unable to resist running over to take a closer look. Evan loved animals. After mastering skills from a mentor in the mountains and being unable to find a worthy opponent, he started practicing on the wild beasts of the forest. He would casually stroll into tiger dens or pick fights with lions. Sure, he fought, but the kid wasn''t exactly honorable, often resorting to sneak attacks! He''d always im it was a fair fight, but whenever he lost, he''d cry so loud you couldn''t console him! And after a loss, all the beasts in the forest knew they wouldn''t have a moment''s peace for a long while! As a result, Evan had a bit of a reputation among the forest''s beasts for being a sore loser. But, having spent so much time with animals, he saw them as friends, as brothers! Evan walked up to a pony, tiptoed to stroke its head, and the pony gently swished its tail in response. White was coiled around Evan''s wrist at that moment. Initially tasked with protecting Elysia, White immediately stuck by Evan''s side upon her return home. White loved sticking to Evan; their bond was incredibly strong. White''s calm demeanor indicated the ponies were safe, posing no danger. Evan turned to Elliot, "Come on, bring Emmett over. Let''s ride the ponies together." Knowing the ponies were safe, Elliot led Emmett over. Chapter 458 N watched as the three kids took the bait, a smirk flickering at the corner of her mouth. She approached them, feigning concern, and said, "Remember, safety first. Put on your gear before riding. It''s all fun and games until someone falls off." She signaled the servants to help the trio into their riding gear, then turned to address the maid, "Is everything set up as I instructed?" "Yes, but miss, isn''t this a bit dangerous? Could someone get hurt?" the maid responded nervously. N''s brow furrowed, "Any trouble caused isn''t yours to worry about, so keep it shut!" "But... what if something goes wrong? Our horses could get hurt too..." the maid protested. "Enough! They''re just animals. If they die, they die! Say another word, and I''ll cut your tongue out!" N snapped. Terrified, the maid mped her mouth shut, not daring to speak further. Soon, the kids were all geared up and ready. N, ying the part of a caring big sister, helped them onto their horses and even assigned a few men on tall, strong horses to escort them. The ponies led the way, with the protective horses nking them. As they started, everything seemed normal. However, the horse assigned to protect Emmett, named White, suddenly opened its eyes wide. It reared, disying a red sh as if it were a snake''s tongue. In the next moment, arge ck horse neighed and charged towards Emmett. The rider, sensing danger, shouted in rm, but the ck horse ignored him, throwing him off its back with a powerful buck. Mad with panic, it charged straight for the pony Emmett was on. The pony, terrified, dashed forward, nearly throwing Emmett off. Emmett, frightened, began to cry, "Brother, brother!" Evan''s brow furrowed, "So, the wicked witch begins her y. Good, I''ve been waiting for this!" "White!" Evan called out. White, as if understanding, lunged at the ck horse! Just as it was about to collide with Emmett, the ck horse fell to the ground with a thud, motionless after a few twitches. Seizing the moment, Evan intercepted White, and Elliot was already there, quickly lifting Emmett off the pony. Clutching Elliot''s neck, Emmett sobbed, "Brother, brother, sob sob..." "It''s okay, I''m here. Don''t be afraid," Elliotforted. Still atop his horse, Evan looked at the tearful Emmett with heartache, "Brother, take Emmett out of here. White will protect you. I''m going to make them pay for scaring Emmett!" Elliot frowned, "This must be N''s doing, aiming to use these grown horses to hurt us. No doubt she''s tampered with these few horses in the stable. Be careful." "I know! Emmett, don''t cry. Wait for me, I''ll make things right!" Evan reassured. No sooner had Evan spoken, another tall horse charged at them. With a fierce look, Evan leapt onto its back, hugging its mane tightly as he spurred it away. Emmett, still frightened, whispered, "Evan, Evan..." Elliotforted him, "Don''t worry. We''ve faced wild beasts in the forest and came out fine. These mad horses are nothing." As Elliot finished, White climbed onto Emmett''s shoulder. Elliot softly said to White, "White, thanks for saving Emmett. You''ll get an extra treat tonight." White flicked its red tongue at Elliot, settling on Emmett''s shoulder, their little guardian. Chapter 459 From a distance, N watched in fury as the mighty horse copsed to the ground and Emmett, the saved boy,y beside it. Grinding her teeth, she spat out, "What the hell happened? Why did that horse just keel over?!" "I... I don''t know, everything was set up perfectly. Could it be the dose of the sedative was too strong?" "Idiot!" N cursed, her gaze then shifting to Evan, who was now running wildly around the stable. She let out a coldugh, "Let that little brat live if he must, but make sure this one ends up dead! This kid deserves it more than anyone!" "Don''t worry, miss. With such a small kid on a big horse like that, he''s bound to fall off. If the fall doesn''t kill him, the hooves will. And if by some miracle he survives that, he''ll be nothing but a cripple!" N''s eyes gleamed with malice, "I''d rather he doesn''t die too quickly. Dying fast would be too kind. I hope the horse tortures him to death! ...What? What is he doing now? Why is he running into the stable?!" Before N couldprehend the situation, Evan emerged from the stable riding the big horse, leading a stampede of other horses out with him! Evan in the lead, the herd of horses charged out of the stable in a mighty rush. N was stunned, "What?!" What on earth were they nning? A stampede like that could demolish her family''s estate! Realizing the gravity of the situation, N shouted desperately, "Stop him! Someone stop him!" But the ter family''s security guards and servants, trembling in fear, weren''t about to intervene. A single kick from one of those towering beasts could be fatal, especially with some of them hopped up on stimnts! Despite N''s cries, not a single ter family staff member dared to step forward, each of them dodging hastily to avoid being trampled! Evan, riding the lead ck horse, stormed into the backyard first. The backyard, home to chickens, ducks, geese, and even pigs, all raised for the ter family''s consumption, was his next target. Evan broke through the fence, releasing them all and herding them toward the main building. Inside, Aileen was admiring hertest acquisition, a piece of coral jade. This was a treasure she had won at a major auction in King City, for a whopping half a billion dors! Half a billion! The thought alone was painful. But to Aileen, it was worth every penny. Jewelry like this represented not just wealth but status as well. This piece of coral jade had be famous among the circle of wealthy wives. The moment its picture was released, it had caught the attention of all the high-societydies, each of them eager to possess it. In the end, it was Aileen who secured it with her half-billion-dor bid! Remembering the envious res from the other wives, Aileen couldn''t help but burst intoughter, "Call me a homewrecker all you want, look down on me all you like. Still, you''ll watch me with envy and jealousy! I am Mrs. ter, the mother of Tarquin''s benefactor! My status and wealth are beyond your reach! Everything you desire ends up in my hands! Ha!" Aileen''s rise as the other woman was no secret among the elite, and the legitimate wives detested her the most. They looked down on Aileen, the homewrecker, and refused to associate with her. This angered Aileen greatly! Fortunately, the protection and high status provided by the ter family restored her dignity. As Aileen wasughing heartily, a rooster suddenly flew in, its wings pping wildly. Aileen was taken aback. Before she could react, the roosternded on her head, clinging to her scalp as if it had found a lifeline, crowing in panic. The scent of chicken droppings hit her, and her eyes nearly popped out of her skull! Chapter 460 "Beast! Get out!" Reflexively, she swung her hand to shoo the rooster away, but the more she tried, the tighter it clung onto her. Aileen''s face twisted in pain as she yelled at the servants, "Someone! How could you let this happen in the backyard, letting chickens get into the main house! Useless! All of you, utterly useless! Someone get here!" As soon as her voice faded, a whole bunch rushed in! Not a single person, though. What stormed in were chickens, ducks, geese, and pigs that were kept in the backyard. A massive 400-pound pig, in a frenzy, ran amok and sent Aileen flying. Aileen crashed into the wall and then thudded heavily onto the floor. The next second- Evan charged into the living room on his horse, followed by an equally imposing entourage. And then... Crash! Boom- Crackle! Amidst the terrified squawks and quacks, the room was left with nothing but the sound of things breaking apart. The newly purchased coral sculpture? Shattered! The famed paintings hanging on the wall? Ruined! The antique figurines in the disy cab? Completely destroyed! The room was a total mess, filled with the stench of animal droppings... After Evan and his troop grandly exited, the once luxurious living room had turned into a dump. Aileen, her hair a tangled mess from the rooster, slumped in a corner watching the chaos unfold, "Ah-" With a scream, she fainted. And, unluckily,nded in a pile of pig manure. Evan''s brigade wreaked havoc not just in the main house but also in the west wing where N lived. N''s carefully tended, expensive flowers were uprooted by the pigs! N''s favorite portraits were trampled by horse hooves! N''s collection of limited-edition perfumes and lipsticks, kicked and scattered by a young colt... The disy shelf knocked over, its contents shattered on the floor! Not to mention N''s bags, shoes, and clothes... none were spared. They were like bandits, leaving nothing behind. Even N''s princess bed became a gathering spot for the chickens, ducks, and geese. The whole ter family was in chaos! Such a spectacle! N rushed back to her room, facing the dire scene, her vision darkened, nearly fainting if not for the maid''s timely support. N cried out, "Call the police! Call the police! Let them arrest these rascals! Waaaah... They did this on purpose! I want them to pay! I want their lives aspensation! Waaaah..." Hearing N''s heart-wrenching cries, Evan stuck out his tongue, "Serve her right for messing with me!" The little guy, perched on his horse, was in high spirits, his fighting spirit soaring. Today was indeed sweet revenge. Just as he was about tomand his ''little buddies'' to tten the ter family, a tall figure suddenly lunged towards him. Before Evan could react, he was swept off his horse. The man held him securely,nding a few meters away. Evan, with wide eyes, took a serious look and his face immediately darkened, both surprised and displeased. It was none other than Tarquin! Why was he here? Evan didn''t like him, scowling as he struggled, "Let me go, don''t hold me!" "Don''t worry, you''re safe now," Tarquin said softly. Safe? He was always safe, okay?! Just as Evan was about to argue back, Tarquin suddenly turned angrily to Lowell, saying, "Find out what''s wrong with these horses, why they suddenly went mad?! Take control of everyone in the stables, interrogate them one by one. Bring Donovan and N over too, investigate in their presence, question them in front of them! I want to see if these horses went mad on their own, or if someone intentionally made them do it!" Chapter 461 "What''s happening here? Youe to save the day?" Evan furrowed his brows, a look of confusion washing over his face as he eyed Tarquin. Suddenly, Tarquin whipped his head around to face him! Their eyes met, and the little guy was startled, quickly averting his gaze as if he''d been caught snooping. The next second, he was all riled up! His tiny brows knitted together in a fierce, yet adorable, attempt at a threat, "Better let me go, or I swear I''ll sock you one!" Hearing this, Tarquin lifted his hand and gently flicked Evan''s forehead, "Such cheek!" His tone was gentle, his actions tinged with indulgence. He didn''t know this was his own son. In his eyes, the little trio was just part of Elijah''s small circle of close friends, and it was his duty to look after them. Besides, he genuinely liked and admired these little rascals for their cleverness. Moreover, considering their tragic dad, who had passed away too soon, all of them, like Elijah, were raised in single-parent homes, and he felt a pang of sympathy for them. All these factorsbined made him instinctively more tender towards them. Evan, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment and annoyance from the indulgent gesture, protested, "Stop, stop touching me, or I''m really gonna hit you!" "Ha." Tarquin chuckled, amused, "Just like your silly mom, small but fiery!" The little guy was incensed, "Don''t you dare call my mom silly! She might be silly, but she''s also kind and cute!" Tarquin raised an eyebrow, "Doesn''t that still make her silly?" Evan was speechless... Seeing the little guy genuinely upset, Tarquin decided not to tease him further, exining, "Elijah was a bit worried about you guys meeting N, so he messaged me to check in. Don''t worry, I''ve got everything under control." That''s when Evan realized why he had suddenly shown up! Pouting, he muttered, "I wasn''t scared!" Tarquin squinted, "You would''ve been if I hadn''te." "I said I''m not scared! N, that meandy, couldn''t hurt me if she tried!" "And what if Elysia finds out about all thismotion?" Evan quickly said, "Elliot said the stable has cameras. So, if mom and the cops show up, it''s fine. The footage will prove it wasn''t us causing trouble, but those crazy horses!" "But wouldn''t Elysia worry?" "Worry about what? I said we have evidence it wasn''t us. The ter women can''t touch me! Mom doesn''t need to worry!" "But she will worry about you getting revenge from the ter family." Evan paused, "?!" Tarquin, ever patient, said, "Elijah also knows you guys can handle yourselves, but he''s worried that if things get out of hand, it might be too much to clean up. That''s why he sent me. You''ve stirred up quite the mess with the ter family, and N will definitely call the cops, which will lead them to drag Elysia into this. Given how Elysia is such a scaredy-cat, don''t you think she''ll be terrified, losing sleep over this? She might even end up crying a river, inconsble!" Evan, wide-eyed, found himself at a loss for words. Elliot had warned him beforeing that today was about getting even, but not to rm mom. Because mom gets worried easily. He was only supposed to let N face the music silently. But now, with the situation blown out of proportion, the ter family would definitely involve their parents! And mom would definitely be scared of them facing retaliation from the ter family! This is bad, really bad... He hadn''t thought this far when they started their mischief! The thought of mom getting scared, anxious, and crying left Evan feeling nervous too. In an instant, his feisty aura was gone! No longer the cocky little master, he looked vulnerable and helpless. Blinking up at Tarquin, he asked, "Can... can you make sure my mom doesn''t find out about what happened today?" "Sure can!" Chapter 462 Evan''s eyes lit up. "What''s the n?" "Just wait and see. Don''t worry. With me on your side, the ter family won''t make Elysiae over! I''ll handle this mess for you. Just do as I say. Let the doctor check you over, and if you''re all good, I''ll let you go. Now, let''s go find Elliot and Emmett." Tarquin spoke with the warmth of a doting father. Evan felt a soothing touch on his heart as he gazed at Tarquin, his little face a mix of emotions. Without further resistance, he allowed himself to be carried towards the stables. Once they arrived, Tarquin had a doctor examine Evan to make sure thed was alright before letting him go. Evan hurried back to Elliot, rubbing his hands together with a guilty expression. "Bro, I think I''ve caused another mess." Elliot ruffled his hair. "Don''t sweat it. The cleanup crew has arrived. Mom won''t find out." Themotion today was quite something, and Elliot was a bit worried, but he felt reassured after seeing the messages from Tarquin and Elijah. Evan nced at Tarquin. "Can he really handle it?" "Absolutely! Like I''ve told you, as long as it doesn''t involve Mom, he''s a genius. Just watch." "" Soon, it was time for the showdown. Their house was a wreck, the living room a disastrous and stinking mess, impossible to enter, so they gathered in the stable''s lounge to deal with today''s debacle. Tarquin lounged in a chair with his legs crossed, the three kids seated beside him. Together, they were an intimidating force, like a mob boss out with his crew, demanding respect. Facing them were Donovan, N, and Aileen. Donovan had rushed back from the office upon hearing the news, his face grim, still unclear on the full extent of the situation. Aileen, having fainted and been rudely awakened, looked utterly deted, as if she''d been resurrected. Only N seemed to channel her grief into fury, ready for battle. She wailed about her losses, detailing the damages and the kids'' alleged crimes. "My jewelry, bags, clothes, and all those expensive perfumes, destroyed! Even the coral gemstone Mom bought for 500 million dors got smashed! All those priceless antiques at home, ruined, even the ter family''s heirloom vase didn''t survive! It''s all their fault!" Donovan shot up, his eyes nearly popping out. "The ancestral vase is broken?!!" "Smashed to bits, beyond repair! Dad, Grandpa, and our ancestors are gonna rise from their graves looking for you! You must avenge this!" Donovan slumped back, ashen-faced. N pointed usingly at the three kids. "These troublemakers did it! They wrecked our home! The ter family demandspensation, double the loss! Call their parents, let''s settle this. If they can''t pay, they''ll pay with their lives! Or let that woman Elysia rot in jail forever!" Aileen sneaked a nce at Tarquin. She was a clever woman. She knew Tarquin was here for the kids, and she feared he might defend them. Suppressing her rage, Aileen turned to Tarquin with a pitiful look, choking up. "Tarquin, it''s not that we want to be hard on the kids, but the ter family''s loss today is too great. We can''t just overlook it. We need to discusspensation with their parents." The ter family and the three kids all turned to Tarquin. With a slight frown and a lift of his eyelids, Tarquin spoke coldly. "I am their guardian. What does the ter family want to discuss?" Chapter 463 ```markdown "Huh?!" The ter family, upon hearing the news, widened their eyes in disbelief, "What?!" The three little ones also had their eyes wide open, equally shocked. Tarquin, unfazed, smoothed a crease on his suit sleeve and repeated, "I am the guardian of these kids. What do you, the ter family, want to discuss? How do you want to settle this?" N was bbergasted, "Tarquin, have you lost your mind? They''re not your kids. How can you im to be their guardian?!" Tarquin looked at her, "If I say I am, then I am. Got a problem with that?" "I..." N bit her lip, feeling utterly wronged. Aileen knew trouble was brewing the moment Tarquin made his stance clear. Her heart sank, and she fainted. "Mom!" N cried, rushing to Aileen''s side. The family doctor quickly attended to her, assuring everyone that Aileen had just passed out due to overwhelming emotions and was otherwise fine. Donovan, having just recovered from the shock of their family heirloom being destroyed, red at the three youngsters. He wished he could tear them apart, but with Tarquin protecting them, he dared not act rashly. He turned his furious gaze towards the servants of the ter family, "What exactly happened here today? I want the full story, and nobody better lie to me, or else!" Donovan''s outburst had the ter family''s servants trembling and falling to their knees in fear! There was the ter family''s butler, the family veterinarian, and N''s personal maid. Under the fierce scrutiny of Tarquin and Donovan, they confessed one after the other, "Sir, it was Miss N''s doing!" "Miss N and her mother had arranged to meet these kids to confront them about spreading rumors of Miss N''s pregnancy. Furious, Miss N wanted to teach the kids a lesson! So she had the veterinarian inject a mature horse with a stimnt, hoping the animal would go wild and hurt the kids!" "Little did they know, these kids were lucky. Not only did they escape unharmed, but they also ended up causing chaos all over the ter estate on the back of the crazed horse!" The maid sobbed, "We were wrong for letting Miss N carry on with her scheme, please forgive us, Mr. Bradford, spare our lives..." N, upon hearing this, pped her maid, "You traitor! After all the years I''ve taken care of you, this is how you repay me? Do you have any proof it was my doing?!" The people kneeling on the ground shivered, not daring to make a sound. N then turned to Donovan and Tarquin, tears streaming down her face, "I''ve been framed! I don''t know what they''re talking about! I never intended to harm anyone, let alone children. They''re making all this up; they''re framing me!" Tarquin ignored her, turning to Donovan with a cold gaze. Donovan, no fool, knew the truth even without evidence. His breathing became erratic with anger! He gave N a stern look before addressing Tarquin, "Tarquin, I will investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure the kids get a proper exnation. Give me a few days, and if it turns out as the butler and maid have said, I will personally bring N to apologize to the children''s guardian. We will also seek the guardian''s input for appropriatepensation." "There''s no need. Once you''ve figured it out, just contact me directly. I don''t want any outsiders bothering them anymore," Tarquin added, "The kids were quite frightened today. If they end up with any psychological trauma, the ter family will be held ountable!" Donovan paused, the kids frightened? He must have missed that entirely! Feeling frustrated but unable to retort, he simply nodded in agreement. Chapter 464 "Absolutely! Should these three kids run into any trouble down the line, the ter family will take full responsibility. Once I get to the bottom of this, I''lle find you." "Alright." Tarquin stood up, satisfied, and noticing Emmett shivering slightly as if afraid, he scooped the little guy into his arms. "Elliot and Evan, let''s head out." The two boys obediently got up and followed him. They hadn''t gotten far when Donovan''s angry bellow echoed from behind, "You two fools! Are you trying to bring disgrace upon the ter family? A curse upon our house, a curse upon our house indeed! How could I ever have married such a wretched woman! And to think we''d have a daughter so spiteful and foolish! You''re going to be the death of me!" " "Live by the sword, die by the sword," Elliot said coolly. If Donovan hadn''t been messing around with a mistress, allowing her to usurp the family''s peace, perhaps things wouldn''t havee to such a sorry state. What curse upon our house? The man''s a total disaster himself! At this moment, Evan was unusuallypliant, not throwing in any of his usual remarks, but instead asked again cautiously, "Are you sure today''s mess won''t reach Mom''s ears?" "Not a chance," Tarquin and Elliot said in unison. The two exchanged a nce, with Elliot being the first to look away. Evan sighed in relief, "Good, I was so worried Mom would find out and get upset again." Emmett, still in Tarquin''s arms, hugged his neck tighter and couldn''t help asking, "Why can''t we just have the cops arrest the baddy if everyone says she''s out to get us?" Elliot exined, "Words alone aren''t enough; just their usations against N aren''t sufficient to prove her guilt without evidence." "What a shame, the baddy did something terrible, yet she gets away with it." Elliot smirked, "They''ve been punished in their own way. The hurt they''ve felt today is far worse than a few days in jail. The ter family has taken such a hit, they''re in both emotional and financial pain! The important thing is, we got back at them without dragging Mom into this mess, so today is definitely a day to celebrate." Turning to Tarquin, Elliot expressed his gratitude, "Thanks for today." When it came down to it, their stand-in dad really did pull through. So, even Evan, who was usually the least fond of Tarquin, couldn''t help but mumble, "I owe you one, guess I''ll have to pay you back someday!" Tarquin simply replied with a "you''re wee," then added, "Just keep your word, and let me know as soon as you hear anything about that mystery person." Elliot responded just as readily, "No problem." Clearly, today was a day of familial warmth and bonding! Tarquin dropped them off at the Blossom car, deciding not to personally drive them back to Future Community. Today''s events had to be kept from Elysia. She also couldn''t find out about his private encounters with her children; knowing her temper, she''d definitely make a scene. He wasn''t afraid of her making a scene! He just found her annoying! As the father and sons parted ways outside the ter family mansion, the three little ones headed back to Future Community, and Tarquin to his office. Once they had all left, a man dressed in ck with a cap pulled down over his eyes emerged from a corner. He nced towards the direction Tarquin had gone, then back at the departing trio, a cold, unhappy look in his eyes. He seemed to loathe the sight of their familial harmony! Pulling out his phone, he sent off a message. After hitting send, a sinister smirk crossed his lips. "Family warmth and bonding, huh? Heh heh heh..." Chapter 465 Evan and Tarquin simultaneously whipped their heads around, their expressions and movements perfectly in sync, eyes wide with caution. Though father and son weren''t in the same vehicle, they both sensed danger at the same moment. In Evan''s car, Elliot asked, "What''s up, Evan?" Evan frowned slightly and said, "Feels like someone''s got their eyes on us." "Who? Tarquin?" "Can''t see anyone. Just feels like hostility in the air, probably not him." Elliot scrunched his brows, "Should we circle back and check?" "No need. Might just be my imagination. Plus, if someone really is watching us, they''d be gone by the time we head back. Don''t worry, as long as I''m here, no one''s gonna hurt us." Evan turned back around, ncing at Blossom who was still knocked out, and asked, "What about Blossom?" Blossom was still in a deep slumber, the driver handpicked by Tarquin at thest minute. Elliot took another look back before returning his gaze forward, "Let''s just wake her up when we get to the neighborhood entrance. Blossom''s easy to deal with, don''t worry about her." Meanwhile, Tarquin had also turned his attention back forward. He flicked his cigarette ash, lifting his fair hand to take another drag. He had a heavy smoking habit, having restrained himself in front of the kids all day, he lit up the moment they were apart. Lowell was driving, ncing at him through the rearview mirror, "Something wrong, Tarquin? Notice something off behind us?" Tarquin had sensed the hostility from behind as well, but couldn''t spot any suspicious figures, "It''s nothing." Lowell didn''t dwell on it, instead, he began excitedly reflecting, "Ms. Thorne''s kids are really something! If what happened today had happened to ordinary kids, they''d be dead or crippled, not walking out of the ters'' ce unharmed! And look at them, they totally turned the tables on the ters! I was shocked when I peeked inside; it was more chaotic than a house party gone wrong! A house party leaves a mess, but it doesn''t stink. The ters'' ce, on the other hand, smells like a barnyard, full of chicken, duck, goose, and pig droppings. It''s a disaster!" After his remarks, Lowell switched gears, "I''m telling you, you should really make a move and pursue Ms. Thorne. If you win her over, her kids would be ours too. Then Elijah could grow up with them as real brothers! Never mind how much they could help Elijah, at least he''d have theirpany. All these years, it''s been just Elijah, and frankly, the kid''s been lonely. Having siblings might even prevent him from feeling so isted that it affects his health." Lowell was essentially urging Tarquin to get together with Elysia! The brothers had always been fond of Elysia, hoping she''d join their family. Knowing Elliot and Evan''s capabilities only heightened this desire. They were dead set on convincing Tarquin to bring Elysia into the family fold. They saw it as a chance to ensure their family''s future prosperity! Tarquin took a drag of his cigarette with a stoic face. He hadn''t considered being with Elysia because of the children, but Lowell''s words made him think of something else. He remembered the shocking revtion from the mysterious visitorst night... Though the Bradford lineage had always been direct, could it be... Something struck Tarquin, leaving him struggling to breathe, his chest tight with anxiety. He took a deep drag, his brows furrowed deeply as he stared out the window, lost in thought. The sharp ring of his phone snapped him out of his reverie. It was Gideon, "Tarquin, got a moment to swing by today?" Chapter 466 "Can''t talk now, just say it over the phone." Tarquin''s voice was chilly, devoid of any warmth. Gideon wasn''t surprised. "Next week is New Year''s Eve, don''t forget to bring Elijah back for the family dinner." "I know." "...And what about those wolves that suddenly showed up during the memorial? Did you figure out what that was all about?" "No." Gideon continued, "Those wolves might have attacked others in the end, but I swear they were after Elijah initially. I''m worried someone''s out to get him. You need to dig deeper, can''t take this lightly. Elijah is thest of the Bradfords, we can''t afford to lose him!" "Uh-huh." Gideon didn''t say anything more, and Tarquin just hung up. Tarquin couldn''t even bother to roll his eyes at Gideon''s feigned concern now. Gideon indeed didn''t want Elijah dead, but he sure as hell didn''t want him thriving either. He''d be thrilled if something bad happened to Elijah! Inside the Bradford family mansion. As soon as Gideon hung up, his right-hand man immediately reported, "Sir, that person sent a message. The poison''s ced in the usual spot, and I''ve sent someone to retrieve it. We can act anytime! But, do you think it''s necessary to make another move?" Gideon had that calcting look. "Of course, it''s necessary! I''ve heard Elijah''s been doing bettertely, must be the effects wearing off. He can''t recover before we achieve our goal. Besides, Tarquin''s been increasingly dismissive of metely. We need to teach him a lesson!" Gideon knew exactly how to hurt Tarquin! "Understood. Shall we proceed during the family dinner?" "Yes, n carefully, we mustn''t let Tarquin suspect anything!" "Don''t worry, sir. After all these years, nobody''s suspected a thing. Everyone thinks Elijah''s illness stems from missing his mother, nothing more." "Make sure to control the dosage. We can''t have Elijah dying on us; he''s only useful alive. But, keep him barely hanging there, neither dead nor alive. That''ll keep Tarquin distracted, and my chance wille!" "Got it!" "And have you gotten in touch with Alpha Thorne yet?" The mention of Alpha had the man worried. "Sent out loads of messages, all gone unanswered! No clue what he''s up totely, not a peep from him." Gideon, frowning, sighed. "Don''t give up. Keep trying! He''s our key to taking down Tarquin!" "I just worry, even if we reach him, he might not agree to work with us." What Gideon didn''t know was that the Alpha he desperately sought was his own grandson, Elliot, living in exile! Confidently, he said, "Just get him to talk to me. I''ll handle the rest. Your job is to reach out to him!" "Yes, sir! Oh, and sir, Tarquin went to help Elysia''s son out of a bind at the ters'' today..." After narrating the incident about N getting exposed online and the day''s events at the ters'', the man spected, "With Tarquin showing such concern for Elysia, makes one wonder if it''s love or something to do with Elijah. Should we have a chat with her?" Gideon, dismissive, "Let her be for now. She''s of no importance! Our focus is the n for the family dinner. And Alpha!" "Understood!" Chapter 467 After the driver Tarquin had sent left, the trio gently woke Blossom up, revealing a surprise she hadn''t expected. They were back in their own neighborhood, not at the ter family''s ce where they were supposed to be. Blossom was utterly baffled. "Didn''t we go to the ters''? Why are we here? What''s going on?!" she eximed, her confusion in as day. The triounched into a story, iming that Blossom had been knocked out cold by the cold medicine right when they arrived at the ters''. Not wanting to disturb her peaceful slumber, they had proceeded to the meeting without her. "We apologized to the ters on your behalf, and they were super cool about it. We had a st chatting with them. When we were done, they even arranged for a driver to take us all back here, seeing you were still out cold," they exined, each adding their own bit to the story. Blossom, still trying to process everything, asked worriedly, "They didn''t give you a hard time, did they?" "Of course not! We hit it off great," they reassured her. Blossom sighed in relief, then immediately started to berate herself for falling asleep during such an important event. "I can''t believe I slept through it. I''m such a failure!" The trio was quick tofort her. "You''re not a failure, Blossom. You''re a goddess!" "A fairy queen!" "A superhero! We told the ters just how awesome you are. We said nobody messes with us when we have you on our side. That''s probably why they were so nice." Feeling a bit better, Blossom couldn''t help but boast a little. "Well, of course! No one messes with my crew and gets away with it!" After their sessful pep talk with Blossom, the trio went inside to spin a tale for Elysia, telling her how much the ters adored them and were practically in tears when they left. Elysia, much like Blossom, fell for the story hook, line, and sinker, her worriespletely dissipated by their convincing act. Meanwhile, Elijah was buzzing with excitement, not because of any drama with the ters, but because he had managed to bring his dad Tarquin closer to his brothers Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. He shared with his siblings that their secret was safe since the ters hadn''t spilled the beans to their mom or anyone else. Emmett, with his adorable lisp, credited their "cheap dad" for the smooth operation, which got a nod of agreement from Elliot and a reluctant acknowledgment from Evan. Seizing the moment, Elijah suggested, "How about we all have dinner together tonight? We''ve never really had a family dinner, all six of us." After a brief hesitation, the brothers agreed, seeing it as an opportunity to acknowledge Tarquin''s help. Elijah, thrilled by their consensus, sneakily dialed Tarquin. "Dad, are you busy tonight?" Tarquin, swamped with work at his office, was surprised by the call. "What''s up?" "Well, if you''re not too busy, how about having dinner with me, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett tonight? They''ve agreed to it, and you''re treating." Tarquin paused, processing his son''s words. The idea of a family dinner, as unexpected as it was, hinted at a chance to mend fences and grow closer. "They want to have dinner with me?" he asked, a mix of hope and curiosity in his voice. "Yeah, they were really touched by how you helped them out today. So, they agreed to have dinner with you. It''s on you, though," Elijah rified. As Tarquin mulled over his son''s proposal, the thought of spending an evening with his family, despite the mountain of work waiting for him, brought a rare smile to his face. Chapter 468 "...So, I lent them a hand, and now they''re touched enough to join me for dinner as a thank you?" "Yep! Exactly! It''s a rare opportunity, Dad, you''ve got to cherish it. To show you''re serious, why don''t you cook dinner tonight? Whip up some of your best dishes!" Tarquin: "..." Why did he suddenly feel so undervalued? He was the one who helped, yet now he''s ying host! Seeing his dear old dad silent, Elijah continued, "Dad, if you''re aiming to win over Mom, you''ve got to charm her son first! You weren''t exactly Mr. Nice Guy to Mom before, and Elliot and his brothers weren''t your biggest fans. If it wasn''t for your help today, they wouldn''t have agreed to have dinner with you! So, don''t feel hard done by. Just count your blessings and don''t look a gift horse in the mouth." "..." A roast from his own son was a critical hit! Tarquin bit his lip then asked, "Is Elysia joining too?" "Of course, she is! It wouldn''t do without Mom!" Tarquin, skeptical, "She knows about the drama with the ter family today?" "Nope, Elliot told Mom we all had a grand time with the ter family. She bought it, so when you see her, zip it about the ter family drama!" Tarquin inwardly scoffed, thinking how easy it was to fool some people. Elijah emphasized again, "Dad, this is a golden chance I snagged for you. You better seize it! Make a good impression, get Elliot, Evan, and Emmett to warm up to you a bit more. If they give you the nod, Mom''s approval won''t be far behind!" "..." Tarquin couldn''t care less about Elysia''s approval. But he knew, if he didn''t n this dinner right, his son would make a scene! Coincidentally, he had some pressing questions for Elysia too, about that mysterious person........ After a moment, Tarquin conceded, "Alright! Dad''s got it, I''ll cook dinner for them tonight." "Good." After hanging up, Tarquin pondered over Elysia and the mystery surrounding her... Lowell was also in the office, teasing, "Elijah''s got more sense than you! Knowing to win the small ones over first to get to the big one! He''s right, you know, don''t be ungrateful. Ms. Thorne is a catch! Even if it''s just to find a brother for Elijah, you should put in the effort!" Tarquin snapped out of his thoughts and looked at him, "Like Elysia?" "Yeah! I do!" "Then why don''t you pursue her? If you seed, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett can still be brothers to Elijah." Lowell''s smile froze, "Tarquin, that joke''s in poor taste! I do like Ms. Thorne, but I''m not looking to make her my wife. I''d rather she be my sister-in-w!" "..." Overthinking it, idle hands! Clean up those files on your desk by tomorrow morning; I''ll be checking." Lowell was aghast, "You''re kidding, right?" "I don''t see the joke." Lowell was near tears, "That''s impossible to finish overnight! Besides, I''m just an assistant, how can I do a CEO''s job? I''m not cut out for it, really not!" "Can''t do it? Then find Charlie, leave tonight, start there tomorrow." Lowell: "I was wrong, I''ll drop the matchmaking act, please, let me off." "Toote! Work through the night!" After delegating his work, Tarquin stood up, grabbed his coat and car keys, and left. Lowell, in misery, "Where are you off to now?" "None of your business." Lowell: "..." The merciless capitalist strikes again! After leaving the office, Tarquin immediately called Keaton, "Got any dirt on Elysia?" "I was just about to call you, there''s definitely something fishy. Meet up to discuss?" Chapter 469 When Tarquin strolled into Blissful Uncle''s Bar, he found Keaton cozied up in a booth with histest me, practically glued to his side and yfully jostling him around. At the sight of Tarquin entering, Keaton nudged his girl, "Hey, call Tarquin over." It was well known among their circle that Keaton and Tarquin were as close as brothers could be, even more so than blood. Seeing Tarquin was always a big deal, given his notorious temper and the ''legendary'' status he carried around. The girlfriend was a bundle of excitement, nerves, and fear all rolled into one. "Um... Tarquin." Tarquin didn''t spare her a nce, just made his way over to the sofa opposite Keaton, lit up a cigarette, crossed his legs, and leaned back, puffing away. The girl, feeling the sting of rejection, looked at Keaton with puppy eyes, a hint of tears brewing, "Keaton." Keaton, ever the charmer, pinched her cheek and slipped her a credit card, "Don''t mind him, darling. He''s like this with everyone, acts like the world owes him a fortune. Go enjoy some shopping, I''ve got business. I''ll catch up with youter." Her mood instantly lifted at the sight of the card, and after nting a quick kiss on Keaton, she got up to leave, even throwing a timid bow Tarquin''s way as she went. Tarquin, for his part, didn''t acknowledge her at all. Now alone, Keaton also lit a cigarette, "Man, you could be a little nicer. That''s my girl, after all." Tarquin scoffed, "Why should I be nice to your girl?" "I''m your brother!" "She''s not my woman." The implication was clear: Tarquin reserved his kindness for his own woman. Keaton bit his lip, "Saw right through you, you''re going to be whipped." Tarquin simply rolled his eyes. It wasn''t that he wanted to disrespect Keaton''s rtionships; it''s just that Keaton went through girlfriends like seasons change. Why bother getting attached? If Keaton was serious about a woman, ready to make her part of the family, Tarquin''s attitude would be different, politeness included. "So, what''s the scoop with Elysia?" The conversation shifted to the matter at hand. Keaton, narrowing his eyes, teased, "First off, are you into her or what?" "No." "Then why the interest in her love life?" "Cut the crap." Keaton sighed, "Could you at least pretend to ask nicely? With that attitude, I''m not inclined to tell you anything." Tarquin flicked his cigarette ash, cool as ever, "Should I invite Jess over to take a closer look at your new me?" The mention of Jessamine Huber instantly changed Keaton''s demeanor; sibling rivalry was a powerful thing. "Using my sister against me, that''s low," Keaton grumbled. Tarquin just smirked, unbothered. Keaton rolled his eyes, "Fine, you win. Here''s the deal: Zane''s got a thing for Elysia, always has." That caught Tarquin''s attention. "Zane''s been carrying a torch for Elysia since college, but ended up with her best friend, Winona, instead. Despite that, he''s been nothing but a model husband and son-inw, keeping his true feelings for Elysia under wraps. But I dug up something juicy. Remember Gage ter''s sudden downfall a couple of months back? That was all Zane''s doing." Tarquin''s brows knitted together, "Because of Elysia?" "Yeah. Gage had been harassing Elysia, and Zane took care of him." Chapter 470 Tarquin''s mood darkened a notch. After Gage''s incident, the ter family had spent a fortune in manpower and resources to investigate the matter, even posting a bounty on the dark web. Plenty of hackers and hitmen got involved in the search, but the killer remained elusive. He had even sent Lowell to dig around, to no avail. He hadn''t expected Zane to be behind it! "Are you sure about this?" "Absolutely. I wouldn''t have mentioned it otherwise. You know I have my ways of gathering information. Mywork is the widest." Tarquin''s voice was icy, "I underestimated him." Just the case with Gage alone showed he was no simple character. With so many people on the case, and still, he couldn''t be caught! Keaton added, "And there''s more. The Lincolns have been saying that Winona took on a movie rolest year, signed a nondisclosure agreement, and has been off filming in secret. But it''s been over a year and she''s nowhere to be seen. Whether something''s happened to her or she''s actually filming is anyone''s guess. Also, Zane has a cousin named Sarah, whom he''s always looked after. She took a break from school because of a pregnancy. Strangely enough, as soon as Elysia returned to town, there wereplications with Sarah''s pregnancy. I heard Sarah''s been calling Elysia a murderer. Elysia''s not the type to harm a fly, but she could be the catalyst. Maybe Zane saw here back and immediately ditched Sarah and the baby, going as far as to... you know, leading Sarah to resent Elysia." Tarquin frowned, asking coldly, "Was the baby Zane''s?" "There''s no baby anymore, no way to prove it, but it''s highly likely." "But isn''t Sarah Zane''s cousin?" "Yes! Close cousins! Some people just have twisted desires." Tarquin was silent, "..." He had been pondering over the identity of a mysterious person these past few days, going back and forth, with the only lead being Elysia. Because the mysterious person had said, he fancied Elysia and wanted to whisk her away as his bride. It wasn''t hard to deduce from his words that he was harboring a crush on Elysia. But Elysia had only been back in Jindale City for a little over two months, and aside from those he knew, she hadn''t been in contact with other men. So, this mysterious person was likely someone from her past, someone who had a hidden crush on her. So, he had Keaton look into Elysia''s secret admirers. Keaton was particrly good at digging into personal affairs, and Tarquin had specifically mentioned Zane. He had seen Zane with Elysia a few times, and the way Zane looked at her was anything but innocent. Zane was a suspect. Now, even more so. After leaving Blissful Uncle''s Bar, Tarquin called Axel to check if he had seen Zane around Future Communitytely. Axel replied, "I have." "When?" "Now." Tarquin frowned, "...He''s at Future Community right now?" Axel had been hanging around Future Community for the past few days investigating a separate matter. Axel hummed in confirmation, "He hurried upstairs, probably to see Ms. Thorne." "...Did he show up any other time before this?" "Haven''t noticed." Whether Zane had been around or not wasn''t certain, Axel could only say he hadn''t seen him. Sensing something was off, Axel offered, "Do you need me to go up and check?" "No need, just keep an eye on him." Zane was fond of Elysia; he wouldn''t harm her, especially not in broad daylight. And with Elliot and others at home, there was no need to worry about Elysia and Elijah''s safety. After hanging up, Tarquin made another call, arranging for someone to tail Zane. Whether Zane was the mysterious person or not was still up in the air, but his suspicion warranted investigation! Chapter 471 At that moment, in the heart of Future Community. Zane had just arrived at the Blossom residence. Upon seeing Elysia, he immediately asked, "Are you and the kids all right?" "Hmm?" Elysia was a bit confused. Zane borated, "I only just found out that the child N''s pregnant with is your son. Has N been giving you and the kids any trouble?" It was evident Zane was genuinely concerned, with worry and anxiety written all over his face. Elysia then understood the reason behind his hurried visit and quickly reassured him, "No, we''ve already talked it out." Zane was surprised, "Talked it out? How? N didn''t give you any trouble?" "No, she contacted us through the school today. We''ve already met privately and talked things over. Don''t worry about it." Zane let out a sigh of relief, "I was scared when I heard the news. You''ve been away from Jindale City for years and might not know the situation. N''s been involved with Tarquin, the CEO of the Bradford Group, which made her quite bitter and arrogant. She''s not easy to deal with." Hearing her husband''s name, Elysia was momentarily taken aback. Zane, mistaking her reaction for fear, reassured her further, "But N is a public figure, and now that the buzz has died down, they probably won''t bother your child anymore. Don''t worry too much." Elysia inquired, "Ms. ter and Mr. Bradford have a thing?" Zane nodded, "Yeah, for years N has been parading around as Mr. Bradford''s girlfriend. Later, Mr. Bradford rified they were just friends. Maybe they broke up after getting together, or something. Anyway, their rtionship is definitely not ordinary." Elysia frowned in thought. Blossom came over with some tea and sat next to Elysia, handing Zane a cup, "Let''s put N''s chapter behind us. No need to stress over it." Zane nodded, taking a sip of the tea, then asked Elysia, "Have you filed for divorce yet?" Elysia snapped back to reality, "Not yet." A sh of displeasure crossed Zane''s face but disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, "Why not? Is he unwilling to sign?" Elysia didn''t want Zane involved and exined, "He''s been busytely." Zane frowned, "No matter how busy, there''s always time for such matters. Why don''t you give us his details, and we''ll try to reach him for you?" They still didn''t know who Elysia''s husband was, and Zane''s attempts to find out had been fruitless. Elysia shook her head, "No need. I can handle the divorce myself. By the way, have you heard from Winonately? Last time she said she''d being back, but it''s been days." Elysia was still unwilling to disclose her husband''s identity, leaving Zane a bit frustrated. However, he didn''t show it, shrugging helplessly, "She''s gone off the grid again. Her agency seemed a bit upset after ourst contact, but her manager assured me she''s fine." Elysia frowned, "When will she be back?" "I''m not sure. Some big projects can take years to film. But don''t worry, Winona knows you''re back. She''ll find a way toe see you." Just then, Zane''s phone rang. He nced at it and smiled bitterly, "Work stuff. I was supposed to be in a meeting when I heard the news and couldn''t help bute over. Now that I know everything''s fine, I should head back. The office is hectic." Elysia and Blossom stood up to see him off, exchanging pleasantries. At the elevator, Zane looked at Elysia with a hint of reluctance, "Don''t be a stranger. Whatever it is, big or small, you can always count on me." His gaze lingered with an intensity that made Elysia slightly ufortable, causing her to frown involuntarily. Zane quickly turned to Blossom with a smile, "Both of you are dear to Winona. With her not around, I''ve got to step in as your guardian. Otherwise, Winona will have my head when she''s back." Blossom, ever so trusting, simplyughed it off. Chapter 472 "Given your attitude, we''ll definitely put in a good word for you with Winona when she gets back. Maybe she''ll soften up a bit toward you." Zane chuckled, "Alright, then you guys better head back. I''ve got to dash for a meeting at the office. Let''s catch up when we''re free." "Sure thing," Blossom waved goodbye. Elysia, snapping back to reality, waved at him too. As soon as the elevator doors closed, Zane''s expression shifted instantly. Stepping out of the elevator, he returned to the call he had earlier, "What''s the problem now?" "You''ve got a tail." "Who?!" "Not sure yet, looks like it''s more than one party." Zane furrowed his brows as he got into his car, mming the door with force, "Could it be someone from the Newsom family?" "Possibly, has the old man noticed anything odd?" "His daughter''s been out of touch for a while; he''s getting anxious." "Didn''t you show him the video?" "I did, and he bought it, but that old fox is cunning. We can''t take him lightly." "Should we take him out?" "Not yet, the timing''s not right!" "The only thing we''re sure of is someone named Callum is on your tail! He''s been snooping around for Winonately, seems like he caught wind of her agent''s mishap but isn''t quite sure, so he''s digging deep." A vicious gleam crossed Zane''s eyes, "Callum once had a thing for Winona. His digging might just be because he can''t reach her. Don''t sweat it; we''ll find an opportunity to deal with him. Focus on finding out who else is poking around!" "Got it." After hanging up, Zane tossed his phone into the glovepartment and massaged his temples. Looking up at the building, his face creased in frustration, "Elysia, when will you ever see the truth behind my actions? Sigh..." Zane lingered for a while before leaving. Axel, hiding in a corner, watched him go, eyes narrowing. Upstairs, Blossom asked Elysia curiously, "What happened to you just now? You seemed troubled all of a sudden." Elysia countered, "Did you notice anything off about Zane?" "Huh? No, he seemed the same to me." Blossom was even more clueless than Elysia. Elysia sighed, feeling something was off about the way Zane looked at her, but couldn''t quite ce it. It was an unsettling feeling. Taking an excuse to head to the restroom, Elysia messaged Callum, [Have you found anything about Winona recently?] Callum replied with promising news. He was on the verge of final confirmation and would reach out proactively once done. Elysia''s heart raced inexplicably at the message. Was it bad news? It took a while before Callum responded again, suggesting they meet in person to talk. The more Callum withheld, the more Elysia feared the worst. Gathering her courage, she asked if something happened to Winona. It seemed her agent had run into trouble. Before Elysia could inquire further, Callum sent another message, "Don''t mention this to Zane yet; I''m still confirming. And don''t scare yourself. A friend mentioned seeing Winona a few days ago; she''s probably fine." Elysia felt a bit relieved, "Okay, I''ll wait for your news." Putting away her phone, Elysia took a deep breath. She trusted Callum more than Zane. Later that afternoon, due to ast-minute issue, Blossom had to return to the nursery school. Elysia was left to do a thorough cleaning at home. Taking advantage of the clear weather, she stripped all the beds to rece the linens with fresh ones and tossed the dirty ones into the washer. After cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, she also tidied up the bedrooms. The four little ones helped out, making the chore time lively and filled withughter, a precious moment of mother-child bonding. Meanwhile, Tarquin was also busy. After leaving Blissful Uncle''s Bar, having delegated his responsibilities, he made a quick stop at his vi to pick up some groceries before heading back to Sunshine Community. Living alone, he busied himself in the kitchen. Though he was reluctant to host this dinner, having promised his sons, he intended to make it a good one. In his mind, he was hosting Elijah, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett for dinner. Elysia, on the other hand, was merely an extra mouth to feed. But he didn''t mind herpany; after all, he had something to ask her tonight. Chapter 473 But Elysia wasn''t exactly thrilled about freeloading off of anyone, even if Elijah was all for it. The moment she heard Elijah had invited the trio over for dinner at their ce, she was on edge. "Why do we have to eat there? Can''t we just have dinner here? Whatever you guys want, I can whip it up." She was really not keen on the trio mingling with Tarquin. "There''s no need for you to cook, Mom. Dad''s decided to put on the chef''s hat tonight. We''ve all agreed to have dinner there." Elysia was skeptical. "He''s cooking? Is today some special asion?" "Nope." "Then why is he inviting everyone over for dinner?" Elijah scrambled for a reason. "Dad bought me a new LEGO set, and I thought it would be fun for us brothers to build it together, and, you know, have dinner there too." Elysia probed further, "Can''t we bring the LEGO set here and build it?" "It''s not really convenient. It''d be hard to transport once it''s assembled." Elysia was worried. "..." Elliot came to her rescue, trying tofort her. "It''s just dinner, Mom. Don''t overthink it. We''ll have Emmett do our makeup really well. Tarquin won''t recognize us. And the more you resist, the more suspicious it seems. Better to just go with the flow." Elysia nced at Elliot, then back at Elijah. Elijah''s eyes were shining, full of hope. Elysia wanted to refuse, but her heart wouldn''t let her, especially with Elliot''s logic. Resisting would only raise more doubts. "Alright... I agree!" "Thanks, Mom!" Elijah''s face lit up with excitement, his cheeks flushing with joy. Come evening, Elijah sneakily messaged Tarquin. Dad, we''re on our way back. Are you all set? Almost, dinner can start at 6:30. Elijah quickly asked, "Did you prepare a surprise for Mom?" A surprise? It''s just dinner, why would Elysia need a surprise? Tarquin squinted, pausing for a moment before lying, "Yes, I did." Elijah immediately responded, "Dad''s finally got it! You''re the best! Go, Dad!" Tarquin "..." Clearly, saying he had prepared something was the only way to keep his son happy. If he had said no, his son would definitely be disappointed. As for the surprise... easy fix! He knew exactly what Elysia liked. Half an hourter, they arrived. Elijah burst in, "Dad, we''re home! What goodies did you make?" It was clear the little guy was thrilled, his usual cool demeanor all but forgotten. Tarquin, donning a deep blue pullover and an apron, emerged from the kitchen, tall, handsome, and warm. "I''ve prepared a seafood feast, along with a few side dishes." He nced past Elysia, greeting the trio, "Wee to our home." The trio politely nodded back. Elysia, seeing that Tarquin hadn''t recognized Elliot and Evan, finally rxed. Noticing four pairs of children''s slippers neatly arranged at the door, she felt a pang of emotion. She had to admit, when it came to kids, he was incredibly thoughtful. Knowing the children wereing, he had even prepared slippers for them. The young ones shed their coats, slipped into the slippers, and dashed into the kitchen. "Wow-" Tarquin had gone all out with the seafood, fresh and lively, much to the kids'' fascination. After causing a ruckus in the kitchen, they retreated to Elijah''s room. Elysia was stunned by the spread! Once the kids were gone, she quietly asked Tarquin, "This, this..... this blue lobster, and this huge crab, and all of these, they look expensive. How much did all this cost, oh my goodness! I thought you were broke. Where did you get the money for this?" "..." Tarquin''s look of disdain said it all. To him, she was always going to be obsessed with money. Chapter 474 When most people see a spread of seafood, they think of a gourmet feast. But all Elysia could see was dor signs! Before Tarquin could even open his mouth, Elysia was already firing away, "You handed me a cool million this morning, and now you''re splurging on this fancy seafood dinner. What''s the deal? Where is all this moneying from?" Tarquin remained silent, which only made her more anxious and afraid, "You... you didn''t get involved in something illegal, did you?!" Tarquin was at a loss for words, "Is your brain just filled with mush?" "Your brain is the one filled with mush!" Elysia snapped back, and then pressed on, "If your money is clean, why can''t you just say so?" Tarquin, head down and wearing gloves, meticulously arranged the lobster and king crabyers into the oven, then moved on to start frying some vegetables, clearly trying to ignore Elysia. But Elysia, standing right beside him, wouldn''t stop badgering him, raising her voice, "Don''t forget you''re a father! Everything you do affects Elijah! You can''t get involved in anything shady, not for Elijah''s sake." Tarquin, annoyed by her nagging and initially wanting to send her away, turned to look at her, remembering he had something to ask her, "I''m not involved in anything illegal." "Then where did the moneye from?" "Some opportunities are meant to be kept secret, you know?" Elysia was momentarily taken aback, suspiciously asking, "So, you made a fortune through legal means?" Tarquin''s eyes narrowed slightly, "A small fortune." "A small fortune? You gave me a million dors! And you can afford all this seafood, it''s definitely not ''small''! How did you earn it?" "What''s it to you?" "Teach me, I want to make a fortune too." Tarquin was speechless... iming bankruptcy, she believed him instantly. iming he made a small fortune through legal means, she believed him again. If he didn''t know she was already a mother of three, he''d mistake her for a college student. Gullible as ever, her clear eyes radiated sheer naivety. Seeing her taking the bait, Tarquin decided to y along, "I might consider letting you in on it, but first, answer my question." Elysia immediately widened her eyes in eagerness, "Ask away! I''ll tell you everything I know!" Tarquin found her innocence somewhat endearing. It was, after all, rxing to be around someone so uplicated. He didn''t inquire about Zane; he had already gotten the information he needed from Keaton. He went straight to the point, "The night Ist saw your son, who were you talking to downstairs? What did you talk about?" He suspected the person Elysia was talking with that night might be the elusive figure he was investigating. Through Elysia, he hoped to dig deeper. At this, Elysia''s expression changed dramatically, "Why, why are you asking this?" Seeing her nervous, Tarquin said, "Just a heads-up, the person you were talking with that night was not a ghost; he was talking to you through a surveince camera. That''s why you could hear his voice but couldn''t see him." "How did you know?" "I had Lowell snoop around the neighborhood and found that camera." "And... then?" Seeing her still nervous, Tarquin was sure her fear wasn''t about ghosts but their conversation, "I want to know what you two talked about?" What did they talk about? Their conversation had ranged from her child and their parent-child rtionship to the topic of murder! Elysia''s heart raced, "Nothing much!" Tarquin narrowed his eyes, "Can''t say?" Elysia countered, "Why do you want to know what I talked about with someone else?" Tarquin was straightforward, "I want to know who he is. I''ve been looking into him recently. I have business with him." Elysia''s heart skipped a beat, her voice anxious, "What business?!" That person knew her secret and the kids'', which terrified her at the thought of Tarquin finding him. Chapter 475 ```markdown Tarquin squinted, his tone casual yet probing, "Personal matters, huh? Do you know who he is?" "I don''t know!" Indeed, Elysia had no clue who the mysterious figure was, only that he was off-kilter, always whispering deadly suggestions in her ear. If it weren''t for the fact that this shadow knew her darkest secrets, she would have confided in Tarquin about the plot against him, urging him to watch his back. She could never bring herself to harm him, even if it meant her secrets spilled out into the open. The thought of her children having a murderer for a mother was unbearable. But what if the shadow turned to someone else to do his bidding? Despite her mixed feelings towards him, he was the father of her children, and she couldn''t bear the thought of himing to harm. And if something were to happen to him, the thought of Elijah''s sorrow was too much to bear. She didn''t want Elijah to be heartbroken! Elysia wanted to change the subject, her mind in turmoil. Yet, she couldn''t shake off her unease and finally asked, "Do you have a lot of enemies?" "Hmm?" She couldn''t meet his gaze, fearing he might see through her, and pretended to busy herself with picking up seashells, "You used to be quite wealthy; I imagine you have your fair share of enemies." Tarquin eyed her suspiciously, "...You could say that." "Then... then you should be careful! Watch your back for anyone looking to stab you in the back!" After a pause, she added, "And keep an eye on those closest to you. It''s easy for someone to exploit a vulnerability in someone close to you to harm you. That kind of betrayal is the hardest to seeing!" Tarquin was no fool; he caught the subtext in her words immediately. "He wants to use you to kill me?" Elysia''s heart skipped a beat, "!" Tarquin pressed, "What does he have on you?" "I... I don''t know what you''re talking about. I''m not being ckmailed by anyone!" With that, Elysia hurried off to the bathroom, clearly avoiding the conversation. Tarquin''s gaze lingered on the direction of the bathroom, his expression darkening. Today, he had learned two things: Elysia was being ckmailed by the mysterious figure, and this same person wanted to use Elysia to kill him. He knew this enemy of his harbored unrequited feelings for Elysia, hoping to whisk her away and make her his. But the news that Elysia was being ckmailed by this person, and that they intended to use her against him, was news to him. Elliot had not mentioned this! Was the boy unaware, or was he keeping it from him on purpose? As Tarquin pondered this, Elliot suddenly appeared. The young boy, under the pretext of getting a drink of water, came out to check on his mother, worried Tarquin might have upset her. Not seeing Elysia, Elliot asked, "Where''s Mom?" "In the bathroom. Elliot, Elysia is being ckmailed by the mysterious man. Why didn''t you tell me?" "Hmm?" "What happened to sharing information?" Elliot''s dark eyes swirled in thought. He knew the secret involved their familial ties with Tarquin, which is why he had kept silent. After a moment, Elliot exined, "It''s Mom''s personal matter. I didn''t want to speak about it." Tarquin asked, "Did you know he wants to use her to kill me?" "Yeah, I knew. But I also know Mom would never hurt you, so I didn''t tell you." Tarquin studied Elliot for a moment before asking, "Do you think the mysterious man could be Zane?" "Zane? Winona''s husband?" "Yeah." "Why would you suspect him?" "Because he''s in love with your mom, and the mysterious man is too. There''s a connection." Elliot was taken aback, "Mr. Zane in love with my mom? Impossible, I''ve heard from Blossom that Mr. Zane adores Winona." 111 Chapter 476 Kids don''t pick up on love the way adults do. Plus, Elliot hadn''t really spent much time around Zane, so he missed the whole ''Zane''s got a thing for Elysia'' memo. "I''ve done some digging," Tarquin said, leaning against the kitchen counter, a sudden craving for a smoke hitting him. "Turns out, Zane''s been carrying a torch for your mom for years." Elliot frowned. "So, he''s a jerk." Marrying mom''s best friend but still pining for her? From an emotional standpoint, that''s low. Tarquin wanted a cigarette but didn''t want Elliot inhaling secondhand smoke, so he resisted. "He''s not just a jerk, he''s dangerous. Gage, the guy who messed with your mom two months ago? Zane took care of him." Elliot blinked, taken aback. He knew about Gage. He had nned to deal with Gage himself, but before he could, someone beat him to it. Despite trying, he never found out who it was the culprit was too clean. Turns out, it was Zane! If that was true, then stepdad was right: Zane wasn''t just a jerk; he was dangerous! The thought that someone so dangerous was lurking around his mom sent a shiver down Elliot''s spine. After a moment of collected thought, he turned to Tarquin. "Thanks for letting me know. I''ll keep an eye on him from now on." Tarquin just grunted, then asked, "So, you think Zane''s the mystery guy?" "I don''t know... Have you ever crossed paths with Zane before?" The moment Elliot asked, Tarquin knew where he was going with this. They were on the same wavelength. Tarquin furrowed his brows, sighing. "That''s what''s been bugging me. If this mystery guy wanted me dead, we must have some bad blood. But I''ve looked into Zane. We''ve never crossed paths. I can''t find a motive for him wanting me dead." Elliot added, "Another thing, the mystery guy said he wanted to kidnap my mom to make her his wife, but he doesn''t actually like her. It''s because of his ''precious'' that he wants to take her." "Precious?" Tarquin paused, then remembered the shock he felt at the mystery man''s words. His heart skipped a beat, his expression visibly flustered. "What precious? A person?" Elliot shook his head, "Don''t know; I''m curious too. I asked him if he liked my mom and he said it didn''t matter if he liked her or not, as long as his precious did." Tarquin''s brows knitted together. Elliot went on, "Putting aside who this ''precious'' is, just considering the fact that you and Zane have no history, and Zane genuinely loves my mom, it''s unlikely Zane is our mystery man." If Zane were the mystery man, he''d surely have a vendetta against Tarquin! And when asked whether he liked his mom, he wouldn''t have answered the way he did; he''d have been adamant about his affection. Suddenly, the sound of the toilet flushing from the bathroom signaled Elysia would soon emerge, pulling both father and son from their thoughts. Elliot quickly said, "No matter who the mystery man is, you should see the good in my mom. Wasn''t it her warning to watch out for those around you that clued you in on the mystery man using her to get to you?" Tarquin didn''t respond, silently agreeing. Elliot continued, "My mom''s a good person. Even though she doesn''t like you much, she doesn''t want anything bad to happen to you." Tarquin remained silent. Elliot grabbed some crab meat from the counter for White on his way out of the kitchen. White loved that. Tarquin stared towards the bathroom, then lit a cigarette. Just as he took a puff, his phone rang. It was Axel. "Tarquin, the mystery man''s made a move!" Chapter 477 Tarquin''s eyes narrowed, "Right now?" "Just a moment ago, I followed him out of the neighborhood, and before I could even tell you, he spotted me." Tarquin was surprised, "He spotted you first?" "Yeah! And we exchanged a couple of moves; he''s really skilled!" Axel''s voice was heavy. Tarquin''s expression grew even darker. True to his name, Axel was swift and sharp, moving like a shadow. It was rare for someone to notice him tailing them, let alone acknowledge his skills. In the world of martial arts, being second best always meant you were no match for the top dog. And in that world, Axel was the top dog! So, when Axel says this mystery guy is good, it means he could at least hold his own against Axel. This was not good news for them. After all, this mystery person was out for blood, making him an enemy. Tarquin, with a grim face, asked Axel, "Are you hurt?" "No, and he isn''t either." "Where are you now?" "Outside the neighborhood. I lost him after he figured me out. He engaged with me just to gauge my skills. After sizing me up, he just chuckled and ran off." "Does he know you?" "I don''t know. We didn''t talk; he didn''t mention my name." "Did you see his face?" "No! He was wearing a mask and sunsses. Couldn''t see a thing." "Can you tell if it was a man or a woman?" "Hard to say in the dark, and with all that gear on, couldn''t make out if it was a man or woman. But, Blossom is a suspect." "Blossom?" "Yeah, the mystery person came out of the building where Blossom lives, apartment 2 in building 10, right after she got home. And about half an hour before, Blossom had just returned. It''s suspicious timing, considering she left the building shortly after getting home." "You think Blossom changed clothes and went out again?" "Exactly. She''s been caught dumping stray cat bodies multiple times, and the timing tonight just adds up. Plus, when I had someone knock on her door while I was tailing the mystery person, there was no answer, even though the lights were on. Can''t be sure she was actually home." If Axel had been tailing the mystery person while Blossom was confirmed to be at home, she could be ruled out. But now, with no response at her door, her suspicion grew. Tarquin frowned deeply, lost in thought. He couldn''t believe it was Blossom. Blossom, the daughter of Professor Folly, came from a reputable background. Aside from her parents being well-known academics, Blossom herself was as ordinary as theye! Moreover, she had no reason to be their enemy, nor was there any motive rted to Elysia that would make sense. But, considering Blossom was not as sharp as Elysia and was known for her naivety, it wasn''t impossible she was being used by the mystery person. "Find a way to test Blossom as soon as possible." Blossom was not only close to Elysia and the three kids but also had interactions with Elijah. If Blossom was involved, Elijah could be in danger. They needed rity, and fast. "And, now that we know this guy is skilled, be extra cautious. Catching himes second, your safetyes first." Catching this mystery person was crucial, but not as critical as Axel''s wellbeing. "Got it." After hanging up, Tarquin took a deep drag from his cigarette, weighed down by his thoughts. This mystery person was bing his biggest concern. Chapter 478 First off, the mysterious figure wasn''t just enigmatic and perilous; he was out for blood-specifically, Tarquin''s blood. That alone was a ring red g. Then there was the fact that this shadowy figure seemed to know things about Elijah''s mom. Add to that the bone-chilling statement he made that left Tarquin reeling. Any one of these reasons waspelling enough for Tarquin to want to drag this person into the light. And it had to happen fast. He had a hunch that this person wasn''t Zane or Blossom. But that didn''t mean they were off the hook. Especially Blossom-her little stunt with the dead cat definitely tied her to this mess in some way or another! And Zane, with his creepy obsession with Elysia, was definitely on the suspect list. So, it was settled. He''d keep an eye on both of them. But there was another key yer in this twisted game-Elysia. And as if on cue, Elysia walked in. Tarquin watched her, his gaze sharp, almost as if she were bait on a hook. The idea of using her to lure out the enigma yed across his mind unbidden. After all, if this mystery man wanted to whisk her away, what better way to draw him out than by using Elysia as bait? Oblivious to his scheming, Elysia watched him light up a cigarette and couldn''t help but chide, "The kids are around, you know. Maybe take it outside?" Tarquin didn''t respond, his expression unreadable. Elysia, trying to ease the tension, ventured, "Are you still hung up on what I said earlier? I was just trying to look out for you. I''ve heard what Elijah said about people being after you over the years. Just a heads-up to be careful, that''s all. No one''s using me to get to you. And I definitely wouldn''t harm you." She was trying to dispel any doubts he had, keen on keeping her connection with the mysterious person under wraps. Tarquin snapped back to the present, his expression softening a bit upon recalling Elliot''s words. Even though he couldn''t fathom why she was being evasive, her roundabout way of showing concern did strike a chord. For the moment, he shelved the idea of using her to bait the mystery man and extinguished his cigarette. He didn''t call her out on her evasion but chose to reassure her instead, "I was just asking. Don''t overthink it." Tarquin was clear about where he stood with people if she was looking out for him, he could at least put her mind at ease. Sure enough, his words worked like a charm, and Elysia visibly rxed. Taking a deep breath, she added, "Still, better safe than sorry, right? Just keep an eye out, stay cautious." "Right," he agreed, the tension between them easing. Elysia turned her attention to the undone seafood sd, slipping on disposable gloves to start prepping the steamed seafood. Seizing the moment, Tarquin probed for more info about Blossom, "Why isn''t your friend here today?" His interest in Blossom overshadowed his suspicion of Zane. Zane was a maybe, but Blossom was a definite link to the mystery man. Elysia raised an eyebrow, "Blossom?" "Yeah." "She had some kindergarten event. Not sure when she''ll be free." "Why not give her a call? If she''s done, she could join us for dinner." Elysia eyed him skeptically, "Why this sudden interest in Blossom?" His face gave nothing away as he exined, "Elijah mentioned Ms. Blythe was kind to him at Future Community. It''s only polite to invite her over for dinner, especially with all this food. It''d be a shame to waste it." Thinking of Blossom''s love for seafood and not wanting the pricey shrimp to go to waste, Elysia hesitated for a moment before making a video call to Blossom. Chapter 479 The phone rang for quite a while before Blossom picked up. "Hey, Elysia." The sight of Blossom on the video call took Elysia by surprise! She quickly shifted the camera away, worried Tarquin would see and scold her, saying, "Have you lost your mind, answering a video call in the shower?" Blossom just chuckled and replied, "Come on, you''re practically family. Plus, I''m all wrapped up in a towel now. Why are you calling at this hour anyway? Weren''t you off to some guy''s ce for dinner?" Some guy? Tarquin''s expression changed instantly. Was she talking about him? Elysia''s awkward attempt to smile faltered as she quickly changed the subject. She showed Blossom around the kitchen, showcasing the seafood spread, and asked if she wanted toe over for dinner, mentioning it was Elijah''s dad who had invited her over as a thank you for being so kind to Elijah. Blossom practically drooled at the sight, "Holy moly! He''s really splurging! That looks delicious! But I''ve got ns tonight, so I can''t make it, what a shame! I would''ve loved some of that bluefin tuna and crab bisque. Hey Elysia, maybe you could pack some up for me?!" No sooner had Blossom finished her sentence than the call suddenly dropped. Elysia tried calling back but it was busy. She must have been receiving another call. Tarquin asked Elysia, "Who''s this guy?" Elysia''s attempt at a smile twitched as she bravely countered, "What guy?" "The one Ms. Blythe just mentioned." "You must have misheard, she didn''t mention any guy!" "Do you think I''m an idiot or just hard of hearing?" Elysia: "...Alright, it''s just a silly nickname we have for guys around us. We call them ''some guy'' just for fun, it''s not about you." Tarquin clearly didn''t buy her story. After looking displeased for a moment, he didn''t press further; instead, his thoughts returned to Blossom. Blossom was in the shower? That meant when Axel had someone knock on her door earlier, she probably didn''t hear it because she was in the shower. If she had been at home all along, then she definitely wasn''t the mysterious person. He figured the mystery person was likely male, and Blossom might have just been used by him. Tarquin asked Elysia, "Is Blossom seeing anyone? Or does she have any close male friends?" Elysia, puzzled, asked, "Why do you want to know?" "Just curious." Elysia frowned, "Are you interested in Blossom?" Tarquin knew what she was implying; his interest in Blossom wasn''t what she was thinking. Unable to exin, he made up an excuse, "Asking for a friend." "A friend? Lowell?" "No, Axel." "Who''s Axel?" "You don''t know him, but he''s met you guys." "He''s into Blossom?" "Sort of." Axel: ??? What the heck, man? Why are you dragging me into this? Elysia was confused, "What do you mean ''sort of"?" Tarquin exined, "He didn''t say much, and I didn''t ask too many details, just helping him out." Elysia thought it over, "If you''re asking about Blossom''s rtionship status, Axel must be interested in her. What''s Axel like? What does he do? How old is he?" "I was just asking, not ying matchmaker. Axel''s a good guy, that''s all." Elysia pursed her lips, "It''s fine, it''s not like it''s some big secret. Blossom''s single, and she doesn''t really have any close guy friends." Tarquin was puzzled, "Really? No one?" Chapter 480 "So, what''s the deal between her and Zane?" Elysia looked surprised, "You know Zane?" Tarquin made up an excuse on the fly, "Had some business with the Newsom family a while back, heard of him through that." "Oh, that makes sense. Blossom and Zane are a bit more than just friends, you could say, because Zane''s wife is one of our close girlfriends." "Does she see Zane outside of group settings?" "No." Tarquin was puzzled. Who could be using Blossom? Could Blossom herself be the mysterious figure? The dead cat and the mysterious person seen leaving her apartment building certainly tied her to something sinister! Yet, there were no suspicious men around her... "What''s wrong?" Elysia asked, noticing his odd expression. Before he could answer, she quickly added, "Don''t jump to conclusions. Blossom and Zane have a very innocent rtionship!" She had misunderstood, but Tarquin didn''t bother to correct her. Just then, Blossom returned her video call, apologizing for the abrupt hang-up earlier due to another call she had received. "I get it. If you can''t make it, I''ll save you some leftovers." "Thanks, Elysia, you''re the best." Elysia noticed Blossom had changed outfits. "Got ns tonight?" "Yeah, got some errands to run." "Can''t they wait till tomorrow?" "Nope, it''s pretty urgent." "What time will you be back?" "Not sure, but don''t worry, I''ll be safe." "Alright, just call me if you need anything." Tarquin, overhearing their conversation, grew more suspicious. Blossom was going out tonight, and it was the perfect opportunity to uncover her connection with the mysterious figure. "By the way, you never did tell me how you made your fortune. Got any tips for me?" Elysia suddenly asked. Tarquin snapped back to reality, teasing, "What, did you die poor in a past life?" Elysia pouted, "You don''t understand. I''ve got sons to raise, get them through school, and hopefully save enough for their weddings." Her thoughts drifted far off, making herugh at the idea of her sons getting married. "It''s tough for a woman to raise sons alone. Didn''t their father leave anything behind?" Tarquin inquired. Mentioning the kids'' father soured Elysia''s mood instantly. "Don''t talk about him!" she snapped, visibly annoyed. Tarquin wondered, "Bad news, huh?" Elysia turned fierce, "The worst!" Before Tarquin could say anything else, Elysia turned on the faucet, washed her hands, and left to find her son Elijah in his room. Tarquin was left wondering if he had touched a nerve. He was curious about the man who fathered such great kids and why Elysia was so averse to discussing him. Was it the man''s fault, or was there more to Elysia''s story? While Tarquin was lost in thought, a message from an unknown number popped up on his phone: "Keep your people away from me. I''ve got other things on my te and don''t have time for your nuisances. Don''t make me angry; it won''t end well for you!" Tarquin''s concern deepened, and he immediately contacted Axel, "Where are you now?" "Following Blossom, why?" "You''re tailing Blossom?" "Yes." Tarquin sighed, piecing together the night''s n in his head. Chapter 481 "You''ve beenpromised." Tarquin forwarded the message to Axel. Axel nced at it, furrowing his brows and looking up sternly at Blossom in front of him. Just in time to see her slipping her phone into her pocket. Jindale City was in the north, where winters were harsh and nights even more so. Wrapped in a thick beige parka, Blossom stood by the roadside waiting for the light to change, her hands tucked into her pockets before she brought them to her mouth, blowing on them to warm up, chuckling from the cold. With every bounce on her toes, the bunny ears on her hat wobbled back and forth. At first nce, she was the picture of adorableness. Hardly the image of a mysterious informant! But she was undoubtedly a suspect. Whether the message came from her was up for debate since it was sent from a burner phone, Axel said, "I''ll go test the waters with her, contact youter." Tarquin reminded him once more, "Safety first, apprehension second! Call me if anything happens." "Got it." Call ended, Axel pocketed his phone and lowered his baseball cap as he walked towards Blossom. Blossom sensed something and turned to look at Axel. From a distance, she couldn''t make out Axel''s features, but she still looked interested and gave him a couple more nces. Just then, a car zoomed by, and Axel, spotting an opportunity, quickly moved behind Blossom and forcefully pushed her into the street. "Ah!" Blossom screamed, tumbling onto the road. The crowd gasped in horror. "Lady, get up quickly, there''s a car!" Some quick-reacting bystanders shouted at Blossom, but she seemed petrified, sitting in the middle of the road, staring wide-eyed at the oing car, frozen in fear! The crowd panicked, their screams, honks, and screeching brakes mingling into a chaotic symphony, but none could snap Blossom out of her fright. She was too scared to move! Axel, dressed in a ck tracksuit with a cap, stood among the chaotic crowd, staring intently at Blossom. As the car was about to hit her, with no sign of her moving, he frowned slightly, a peculiar look shing in his eyes. Then, with swift action, his fingers flicked towards the speeding car. "Bang!" The car''s left tire suddenly burst, veering the vehicle to the side. It passed Blossom by mere inches. The crowd was stunned. This heart-stopping moment had them all in shock. Axel, with knitted brows, walked over to Blossom. Just as she came to her senses, relieved from the near-death experience and remembering Axel''s push, she was furious! She got up from the ground, cursing at Axel, "You jerk, why did you push me?! Were you trying to kill me, you..." As Axel approached, she suddenly stopped berating him, her eyes wide, "You... you..." Axel: "..." Recognize me? In the next second- Blossom''s expression shifted to one of infatuation, "Sorry about that, handsome. Are you okay? Did you get hurt? Should I take you to the hospital to get checked out?" Axel: "The ident involved you." Blossom, realizing btedly, "Oh? It was me? Did you hit me? Oh my goodness, it hurts, you can''t leave, you have to take me to the hospital, you''re responsible for this." Axel frowned, "I didn''t hit you." Blossom was stumped again, "No, not you?" As she was pondering how to continue the conversation, Axel suddenly extended his hand towards her. Blossom''s heart raced, her cheeks flushing as she quickly ced her hand in Axel''s. She thought she was about to embark on a romantic love story. But... Axel didn''t touch her hand; instead, he firmly grasped her wrist. Chapter 482 "Ouch!" The moment Blossom finished speaking, she suddenly felt a strong pull on her wrist. She got up, stumbled, and her body described a perfect arc in the air... from sitting on the ground to lying t, making a close acquaintance with the earth. Blossom ended up with a mouthful of snow, her head buzzing. After what felt like an eternity, when she finally managed to get up, Axel was nowhere to be seen. Blossom was utterly confused... In the corner, Axel was scrolling through Blossom''s phone, which he had smoothly taken earlier. After a while, he dialed Tarquin, "It''s not her." Tarquin had just served dinner, and Elysia was calling the kids to wash up. He took the call into his study, "You tested her?" "Yeah, no suspicious info in her phone, and she can''t fight." Muscle memory is tough to fake. If Blossom knew how to fight, she would''ve instinctively jumped to avoid danger the moment that car came barreling towards her. Even if she was good at hiding, her pulse wouldn''t lie. When he had pulled her up earlier, he had deliberately checked her pulse, and indeed, she had no martial arts training. So, Blossom couldn''t be the mysterious figure. Tarquin squinted, lighting a cigarette. He wasn''t too surprised by this oue. He had suspected all along Blossom wasn''t their mysterious figure. Taking a drag from his cigarette, Tarquin mused, "If she''s not the one, then she''s probably being used by them. There''s definitely a connection between her and the mysterious figure." Otherwise, the dead cat the figure had killed wouldn''t have ended up in her trash. Axel added, "Checked her close circle, nothing suspicious. She keeps to a simple crowd." "Then widen the search. Look into everyone she could possiblye into contact with, not just friends and colleagues." "Got it. And the message?" Since Blossom was cleared, the message Tarquin received was questionable. Axel had been tracking Blossom; why would the mysterious figure suddenly want him to back off? "Is she meeting the mysterious figure tonight?" They both pondered the possibility simultaneously. If Blossom was indeed nning to meet the mysterious figure, Axel following her could indeed pose a threat to their ns. This would exin the message. Tarquin flicked ash from his cigarette, pondering, "The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. While you were watching Blossom, could you have been watched too? Noticed any tails?" "None." He was confident in his skills; had someone been following him, he''d have noticed. He was 100% sure no one was tailing him. Tarquin''s eyes narrowed in thought, "..." After a moment, Axel spoke, "I''ll keep tailing Blossom, see who she''s meeting tonight." "Be careful." "Will do." After hanging up, Axel pulled his hat down further and merged with the crowd. Blossom was still frantically looking for her phone when Axel discreetly dropped it among the bystanders. It didn''t take long for someone to notice, "Here it is, probably fell out of your pocket when you dashed into the street. See if it''s broken." Blossom quickly took it, checked, "It''s fine, thank you so much." "Don''t mention it, youngdy. You''re quite lucky, that car had a sudden blowout, or it could''ve been much worse!" "Tell me about it, scared me half to death." The incident quickly passed, and the crowd dispersed. Blossom crossed the street and continued on, dialing as she walked. Axel followed closely behind. Chapter 483 At the dinner table, all the kids had washed up and were ready, but Tarquin was still holed up in his study. Elysia went to call him. After all, he was the host and it would be rude not to invite him to his own dinner after he''d been bustling around preparing everything. Pushing open the door to the study, a cloud of cigarette smoke hit her, making her cough immediately. Frowning in disapproval and worried the smoke might drift into the rest of the house, she stepped inside and quickly shut the door behind her. As she made her way to the window, muttering under her breath, "Don''t you know smoking''s bad for you? With a habit like that, you''re heading for trouble." She flung open the window to air out the room. Tarquin, lost in his thoughts about Blossom and the mysterious person, barely acknowledged her. Elysia tapped on the desk to get his attention, "Earth to Tarquin! Quit smoking, it''s time to eat." Tarquin looked up at her, simply saying, "Elysia." "What''s up?" she asked, puzzled by his tone. He seemed like he wanted to ask her if she''d noticed anything odd about Blossomtely but then thought better of it, considering her naive nature and the cunning of the mysterious person. After a moment''s silence, Tarquin finally stubbed out his cigarette and stood up to leave. Elysia, confused by his behavior, pressed, "What was that look for?" Tarquin shot back, "Seems like you only grew a brain to make yourself taller." With that, he opened the door and left, leaving a stunned Elysia to process the insult. "Jerk! What''s his problem?!" Elysia stormed out of the study, only to be greeted by the bright faces of her four little ones, eager to have her join them at the table. Tarquin had already taken his seat, and despite her irritation, Elysia couldn''t bring herself to argue in front of the children. She shot him a re and then smiled at her kids as she approached. The small dining room was cozy, the family of six gathered together, the cold wind howling outside while inside was warm and cheerful. This was their first family dinner together, and Elijah was more excited than anyone, having longed for a family reunion like this. Before they started eating, Elijah asked Tarquin, "Dad, what about the surprise you prepared for Mom?" Caught off guard, Tarquin hesitated as Elysia looked on, surprised, "There''s a surprise?" "Yeah, Dad said he had something special for you." Elysia eyed Tarquin suspiciously, "You prepared a surprise for me?" Elliot, Evan, and Emmett also turned their attention to Tarquin, clearly intrigued. Wanting to avoid turning the surprise into a shock, Elliot suggested, "Let''s see what it is." Elijah gave Tarquin an encouraging look, signaling it was time to reveal the surprise. Feeling the pressure with all eyes on him, Tarquin reluctantly headed back to his study. Everyone waited in anticipation, curious about the surprise. After a moment, Tarquin returned, handing Elysia a in white card. "What''s this?" Elysia asked, puzzled. "It''s a thank you for all you''ve done for Elijah. This credit card is for you to use as you like while you''re taking care of him. Don''t worry about paying it back," Tarquin exined. So, it was just money? Elijah''s expression fell, clearly disappointed in Tarquin''sck of creativity. Evan and Emmett also lost interest; money wasn''t something they cared much about. Chapter 484 Evan even muttered under his breath, "Is that it? How dull." Tarquin: "..." Elliot, however, gave Tarquin an appreciative nce, secretly admiring him for knowing how to y his cards right. This was indeed a surprise for Mom! Elliot knew Elysia best, and her eyes were as wide as saucers! She was utterly astonished as she gazed at Tarquin, "For... for me?" "Yeah." "Can I use it for anything?" "Yeah." "How... how much can I spend? How much per month?" "As much as you want." Elysia''s breath hitched, shocked, "Is this card unlimited?" "For now, yes." "Seriously? You''re not pulling my leg, are you?" Tarquin: "...Do I look like I''m entertaining a toddler?" His words had barely left his mouth when he felt a kick under the table. Elijah had stealthily kicked him. Tarquin nced at his son and had no choice but to reassure Elysia, "Yes, really. I''m not joking." "...But wait, I thought all those unlimited cards I see on TV are ck? Why is this one white?" Tarquin was about to roll his eyes at her when he caught Elijah''s warning look. He pursed his lips, forced to engage properly, "Don''t worry about the color. Just enjoy spending, buy whatever you want. I''m not putting any limits." Elysia held her breath, "So, what you''re saying is, this is an unlimited card? For me? I can just go on a spending spree?" Tarquin: "Yes!" Elysia turned to her kids, "Elliot, Evan, Emmett, and Elijah, you all heard him, right? Mom didn''t mishear?" The quartet: "Yeah!" Elysia was near tears of joy, "Oh my stars! This... this... this... this is such a surprise! Am I a richdy now?! Oh my goodness, I''ve made it!" Tarquin and the kids: ".. Elysia looked at Tarquin, her eyes brimming with excitement, "You''ve made it too! You''ve finally done something worthwhile!" Tarquin: "?" Had he never done anything worthwhile before? Was everything he did before not considered significant? Was she praising him or making a dig at him? Before Tarquin could figure it out, suddenly- "Bang!" Elysia mmed her hand on the table and sniffed fiercely. Tarquin jumped at her sudden movement. Just as he was about to ask what got into her, Elysia grabbed the bottle of wine from the table and poured herself a full ss. She looked at him as if making a vow, "From this day forward, let''s wipe the te clean! Whoever brings up past grievances is a dog!" With that, she downed the wine in one go. And then she poured another, "From now on, we live in peace. You show me respect, and I swear I''ll double it!" And with that, she downed another ss. Not satisfied with just one, she went for three in a row! Tarquin watched her, puzzled by her bold derations. The kids knew all too well. For a moment, they didn''t know how to feel. Mom was clearly dazzled by the money... Her determination to live peacefully with their stepdad meant she was ready to let go of past pains and turn a new leaf. That was something to be happy about. But... Was she being naive? It was a credit card, after all. The control was in someone else''s hands. Today they allow you to spend, you can enjoy. Tomorrow if they change their mind, you can''t spend a dime! Elliot watched his mom''s overjoyed expression and couldn''t bear to burst her bubble, so he could only facepalm in resignation. Oh dear, Mom''s intelligence... Is there any hope? Chapter 485 This dinner was supposed to be Elijah''s happiest feast and Elysia''s most heartwarming meal. But guess what? No one was as joyful as she was! The most obvious sign was her, cup after cup, managing to get herselfpletely sloshed! Once drunk, she totally let loose! The cozy diner became her stage, and Tarquin with the four kids her audience. "Drink up! Tonight, we''re not going home unless we''re stered! I, Elysia, have finally made it! Not even thirty and I''ve hit the jackpot, a self-made millionaire! Millionaire, you get what that means, right? It means super rich, heaps and heaps of cash! Ha-ha... Let me tell you, I just can''t help butugh, can''t control myself, ha-ha..." Tarquin and the four little ones quietly watched her burst intoughter. Elysia giggled sneakily, covering her mouth as if she was up to no good, then said, "Elliot, Evan, Emmett, and Elijah, from now on, just say what you want, mommy''s got the dough now. No more penny-pinching for us. Whatever you fancy, mommy will buy it for you! Not just for you guys, I''ll also get presents for Blossom! I''m gonna gift Blossom a hundred puppies! No, make that a thousand! And I''ll find Winona, invest in her so she won''t have to kowtow to anyone, let her have the freedom to act however she wants, choose whoever she wants as a co-star, because I''ve got the funds... Oh, I''m just so thrilled today, let me think, how about I sing a song to boost the mood? What do you want to hear? The national anthem! Let''s go with the national anthem! Ahem... Rise up, those who refuse to be ves, with our flesh and blood, let''s build our new Great Wall..." Tarquin and the four munchkins: "..." Suddenly- "Thud!" Mid-song, she copsed onto the table, motionless. The kids were startled, "?!?!" Realizing she''d fallen asleep, Tarquin''s eyes nearly rolled back into his head. Then, the house got even livelier. Elijah instructed Tarquin, "Daddy, mommy can''t befortable sleeping like this, take her to the bedroom, let her sleep on the bed." Though reluctant, Tarquinplied. Without making a fuss, he lifted Elysia horizontally and headed to the bedroom. Evan dashed to the bathroom for a towel, intending to wipe Elysia''s face. Emmett hurriedly waddled to the kitchen, fretting over his mom getting thirsty, to get Elysia some water. Elliot asked Tarquin if they had any hangover soup at home, and upon receiving a negative answer, he quickly called a delivery service to bring some over. The house was bustling, and before Tarquin could make it to the bedroom with Elysia, she suddenly jolted awake! She became wildly enthusiastic about singing the national anthem to him. Naturally tone-deaf, coupled with her drunkenness, listening to her sing was torture. And it wasn''t just the singing; Tarquin could''ve endured that, but she also grabbed his ear while singing. Tarquin was grinding his teeth in annoyance, but luckily, it wasn''t a long walk from the dining area to the bedroom. He was unapologetically rough, tossing her onto the bed! The action was a bit brusque! The next second, Elysia threw up all over him. Tarquin was disgusted, exploding, "Elysia!" "What are you doing?!" The four sons chimed in unison, each louder than thest, ring at him displeased. Tarquin was fuming, "She puked on me!" "She didn''t do it on purpose, why are you shouting?" "Just change your clothes, no big deal." "Petty!" After scolding him, the four little guys immediately surrounded Elysia, fussing over her. Chapter 486 Tending to every need, from offering a ss of water, wiping faces and hands, to pulling off shoes and socks, their care knew no bounds; it was kindness incarnate. Tarquin just stood there, speechless. Was Elysia his true love, and he merely an unexpected chapter in her life? President Bradford, feeling a surge of jealousy, metaphorically gulped down a whole barrel of vinegar before kicking it over in frustration. He then quickly showered, changed into a fresh set of clothes, and by the time he was done, he found the four little ones huddled at the bedside, chattering away. "Mommy is so beautiful, even more than a fairy." "Mommy is so cute when she''s tipsy, she even sang the national anthem." "Have you noticed? Mommy is even softer when she sleeps." "Ha!" Tarquin couldn''t help butugh out loud. All four heads whipped towards him, their eyes not exactly friendly, "What''s so funny?!" Facing their icy stares, Tarquin pursed his lips, "Nothing. I''ll go wash the dishes." As he turned towards the kitchen, he could still feel the chill in the air behind him. He couldn''t help but muse: Ignorance truly is bliss! It seemed Elysia must have saved the gxy in her past life to be so adored by her children in this one. Rolling up his sleeves, Tarquin efficiently cleaned up the kitchen and dining area. Just as he was finishing, a call from Axel came through. Sensing it was important, Tarquin headed to the study to answer, "What''s up?" "All the stray cats in Future Community are dead. It''s the work of our mystery person." Tarquin''s frown deepened, "When did this happen?" "Just found out. They said the cats'' bodies were still warm, so it must have been recent given the weather." As Tarquin lit a cigarette, he wondered, was this a random act of cruelty, or a threat because Axel had been tracking Blossom? "Did you and Blossom head back?" "Not yet." Tarquin took a drag, "So, you were out for an hour, but the cats were killed recently. This means after you left, our mystery person was in Future Community! Or perhaps they have an aplice there!" Axel replied, "The way the cats were killed, it looks like the mystery person''s doing, but we can''t rule out an imitator." Tarquin took another puff, "Who did Blossom meet tonight?" "She''s at the animal clinic, hasn''t left yet. She''s been helping stray cats for years, came tonight because one she recently rescued had surgery. She was there to check on it and settle the bill." "It seems Blossom is clear for now, but it''s possible the mystery person set this up after realizing you were following her.'' "Did you check everyone at the animal clinic?" "Yeah, no suspects." After a moment of thought, Tarquin instructed, "Keep an eye on Blossom. I''ll handle Future Community." Ending the call, Tarquin smoked in deep contemtion before calling Elliot into the study. The moment Elliot smelled the smoke, hemented, "My mommy hates the smell of smoke." Tarquin thought to himself: What does that have to do with me? But wanting to avoid upsetting Elliot, he kept hisints to himself and said, "I need ess to Future Community''s surveince footage, especially around your building." He knew Elliot had tampered with the local surveince, and without his permission, their investigation would hit a dead end. Elliot frowned immediately, worried. If Tarquin saw the footage, wouldn''t that expose him and Evan? After all, they weren''t always in disguise. Chapter 487 "What are you looking to find?" Elliot asked him. Tarquinid his cards on the table, "Blossom and the mysterious figure are tangled up somehow. I want to check the surveince, see if we can trace their connection." Elliot was taken aback, "Blossom and this mystery person are connected?!" "Yeah!" "Why do you suspect Blossom? Got any proof?" Tarquin exined, "The mystery person has a thing for harming stray cats. We''ve found dead cats in the trash bags Blossom tossed out, more than once. And the way those cats died... it''s exactly how the mystery person does their thing." Elliot''s brows furrowed deeply. He suddenly remembered the night they were threatened by the mysterious figure, using Emmett as leverage. At that time, it was only Emmett and Blossom together. After the threat, Emmett went off the grid, only to find outter it was because Blossom had shown up out of the blue. Could Blossom really be connected to this mysterious figure? But Blossom seemed so pure, so kind! Elliot shook his head, firmly stating, "Blossom can''t be the bad guy." Tarquin replied, "Didn''t say she was bad, but she''s as naive as your mom." Elliot: "..." Tarquin added, "I suspect she''s being used by the mystery person. Otherwise, those dead cats wouldn''t just magically appear in her trash. Unless... The mystery person is living with her, killing stray cats and sneaking them into the trash bags, while Blossom unknowingly takes them out." This kind of scenario isn''t rare in thrillers. Some folks secretly squat in someone else''s home, making it theirs when the owner isn''t around. When the owner is home, they hide in some corner, waiting for the owner to leave or fall asleep before sneaking out. "No way!" Elliot immediately objected. "We''ve been living with Blossom for the past two months. If there was something off at home, we''d have noticed!" Tarquin agreed. The mystery person might be elusive, but these kids weren''t to be underestimated. He could hide from Elysia and Blossom, but he couldn''t escape the notice of these young detectives. So it was just a thought. He didn''t believe the mystery person would hide in Blossom''s house either. But the connection between Blossom and the mystery person was solid. Elliot suddenly asked, "Is it possible the trash bags weren''t ours to begin with?" "Possibly, so I want to check the surveince, see how those dead cats ended up with Blossom." Elliot was silent for a moment before saying, "Our neighbor, the olddy across the hall, is suspicious. Blossom mentioned that thedy''s son settled overseas, hasn''t been back in years. Thedy lives alone now, but since she''s quite old and suffers from dementia, she''s got a nurseing over to check on her. Blossom''s pretty close to her, sometimes brings her treats. If she saw trash outside her door, she''d likely take it out too." As Elliot spoke, his frown deepened, "I''ll check the surveince first. Elijah''s room has aputer, I''ll go now." Tarquin said, "I''ve got aputer in my study. Let''s watch it there together, it''ll be quicker." "You can''t watch." "Huh? Why not?" Elliot muttered, "The video''s got some of our brothers'' secrets, stuff you shouldn''t see." Don''t ask what secrets. If you ask, it means I won''t tell you. Tarquin didn''t pry further. The secrets of kids weren''t his concern. Actually, asking Blossom directly would be the simplest solution, but they feared spooking whoever was involved. Soon enough, Elliot found something significant. Chapter 488 He dashed to the study to find Tarquin. "Look, these past few days, Blossom has been heading out first thing with the trash, then she goes to the olddy''s ce. After staying there for about twenty minutes, she leaves, and her trash bag has magically doubled in size. That means,tely, Blossom''s been helping the olddy with her trash. And those dead cats? They''reing from her house. But whether Blossom knows about those dead cats, that''s still unclear!" Tarquin''s face darkened. "At least this proves that the problem is with the olddy''s house. Our guy could be hiding out there!" At that revtion, both father and son tensed, a chill running down their spines. Their mysterious person was living right across the street? Elliot was worried about Elysia and Emmett''s safety. Tarquin was concerned for Elijah''s safety. "We''ve got to root him out!" they dered in unison. The two exchanged a look, their expressions in sync. This mysterious person was like a thorn in their sides, pricking at both their hearts. Until they plucked it out, they''d be in agony, living in fear every day! Elliot asked, "Got any ns?" Tarquin didn''t hide his intentions, "I''ll take advantage of the night and head overter." "You''re thinking of going tonight?" "Yeah!" "How will you go about it?" "Hmm?" Elliot was puzzled, "You''re going after him without a n?" Tarquin said, "No need, I''ll y it by ear." Elliot frowned, "This guy is unpredictable and skilled. If he''s really there, it could be dangerous." Tarquin was unfazed, "No worries. If he manages toy a finger on me, more power to him." Elliot was immediately displeased. "..." What does ''no worries'' mean? This wasn''t the arrogance of believing he won''t get hurt; it was the nonchnce of not caring if he did. Like getting hurt was so normal he''d be numb to it,pletely indifferent. Maybe it was the blood rtion kicking in, but Elliot felt uneasy. It was hard to tell if it was worry or something else, but deep down, he didn''t want anything bad to happen to Tarquin! And he didn''t like Tarquin talking like that! Tarquin was still advising Elliot, "Elysia''s had a bit too much to drink and can''t go anywhere tonight. You guys should just stay here. There''s a security guard downstairs, so don''t worry about safety. Keep an eye on your brother and Elijah for me." He got up to leave, but Elliot grabbed his sleeve. Tarquin looked puzzled, "Something else?" "Wait a sec!" Elliot hurried out, only to rush back in a momentter, handing Tarquin an earpiece. "Wear this. It''ll let me track your location and we canmunicate. It might lower your chances of getting hurt!" Tarquin''s eyes narrowed. "... You''re worried about me getting hurt?" "Getting hurt isn''t exactly a pic, better to avoid it if possible!" "You''re worried about me?" Elliot''s lips twitched, struggling for a reply. "..." Understanding dawned on Tarquin, his heart softening, and he asked gently, "Weren''t you not a fan of me before? Why the sudden concern?" Elliot''s frown deepened, as if worrying over him was the most embarrassing thing, reluctantly saying, "I''m not worried about you! I''m worried about an ambush!" Tarquin chuckled, knowing well that worrying about an ambush meant worrying about him. In that moment, Tarquin felt a warm glow in his heart, affectionately ruffling Elliot''s hair, he couldn''t help but say, "Your dad''s lucky to have you. Wish you were my son." Chapter 489 Elliot was momentarily lost in thought upon hearing those words. He just stared at Tarquin, clearly taken aback by his sudden statement. The speaker might not have meant much, but the listener took it to heart. A mix of emotions suddenly surged within him¡ªit was hard to pinpoint exactly what he was feeling. There was pride and surprise at being acknowledged, but also a tinge of bitterness and grievance at not being recognized earlier. But where did this grievancee from? He couldn''t quite figure it out. After all, he hadn''t expected to be recognized! And really, Tarquin was someone he could do without. The three brothers had lived with their mom since they could remember. She was their world-caring for them, loving them. Joyful moments, sad ones, sick days, sleepless nights, learning to eat, to speak, to walk... it was always just Mom. As for Dad... Back when they lived in the countryside, they barely had any idea of what having a dad meant. Probably because Mom took such good care of them, they never really felt the absence of fatherly love. But then, returning to Jindale City and identally finding out about him... The brothers didn''t feel joy, only resentment and anger. Not for failing to be a father, but for the pain he caused Mom! They even thought about getting back at him, to take revenge for Mom! However, as they learned more about him, and with Elijah''s presence, as well as being influenced by their peers in preschool... Their understanding of ''Dad'' began to change. No child is devoid of the desire for fatherly love. Preschool is such an innocent environment. At three to five years old, kids, unlike older students, don''t have their own circles or topics of interest that are as varied. Even though they are away from their parents at school, their parents are still their everything. When chatting, every sentence would revolve around their parents. "Wow, your bunny hair clip is so pretty." "Isn''t it? My mom bought it for me." "Your quiet book is so cool." "Of course, my dad made it for me!" Talking about Mom, the brothers had endless stories. But whenever the topic shifted to Dad, they fell silent. Nothing to say, unable to join in. And yet, kids, especially the boys, loved to brag about their dads. Evan, due to his personality, disliked Tarquin the most. So, initially, when kids discussed their dads, he would be impatient. He''d interrupt them, annoyed, "Let''s not talk about dads! What''s so great about stinky dads? Let''s talk about moms! My mom''s name is Elysia. She''s so pretty, kind, and gentle, and she can cook so many delicious things..." But gradually... After spending more time in preschool, Evan stopped interrupting. After all, one moment he''d interrupt, and the next, kids would start talking about their dads again. Evan would just sulk, looking annoyed and frustrated. Emmett once asked him privately, "Elliot, is having a dad something to be really proud and happy about? Why do they all like talking about their dads so much?" He countered, "Emmett, do you want a dad?" Emmett paused for a long while before hesitantly saying, "I love Mom the most! But I also wish I could proudly tell them we have a dad who loves us! I wish I had a dad to drop me off and pick me up from school, to hug me and lift me high... Whenever they ask about our dad, I''m afraid to answer, worried they''llugh at us for not having a dad''s love..." Clearly, Emmett, too, yearned for a dad. Though Evan didn''t express his longing for a dad as directly as Emmett did, deep down, he felt the same. In this world, there''s probably no 5-year-old child who doesn''t crave the love of a father. But still... Chapter 490 Evan and Emmett definitely yearned for a father figure, but it seemed Tarquin was not the one they had in mind. Emmett was simpler in his desires; as long as their mom was happy, any dad would do. Evan, on the other hand, was a tough nut to crack. He had a strong resistance towards Tarquin. Even if their mom grew fond of Tarquin and Evan epted him as a father, deep down, he couldn''t shake off the repulsion. He couldn''t forget the hurt Tarquin had once caused their mom. Despite their mom moving past it, Evan couldn''t let it go. But Elliot had his own thoughts. Influenced by his peers at preschool and his understanding of what a ''dad'' should be, he found himself wanting a father too. Unlike Evan and Emmett, he secretly wished for Tarquin to be that dad. Perhaps it was the ties of blood speaking. Or maybe because of Elijah! Or it could be, in some ways, he acknowledged Tarquin''s worth. If one could overlook the harm done to their mom six years ago, Tarquin was an ideal ''dad candidate.'' He was handsome and fit, someone who would make their mom proud in public, a man of stature and intellect unmatched in wealth and status. Not only was he a money-maker, but he also excelled in household chores, equally adept in the boardroom and the kitchen. With a stroke of his pen, he could sign off on billion-dor deals. With an apron tied around his waist, he could whip up a delicious meal in no time. In hispany, their mom would never face any disdain, either out in the world or at home. His demeanor might be a bit aloof, but he was a gentleman at heart. His affection for Elijah was proof enough of his good nature. Moreover, Elliot found a unique connection with him; they clicked, solving problems with ease andmunicating effortlessly. So, putting all these factors together, Elliot''s heart naturally leaned towards Tarquin. If they were to choose a dad, he hoped it would be Tarquin. Of course, this was contingent on their mom growing fond of him! If she remained indifferent, Tarquin''s name would be erased from the ''potential dad'' list, and they''d look for another candidate! Tarquin, unaware of Elliot''s inner turmoil, mistook his furrowed brows for sadness over the mention of their deceased father, and promptly apologized. "Sorry, I didn''t mean to bring up your dad," Tarquin said, trying to console him. Elliot snapped out of his reverie, avoiding Tarquin''s gaze, his face scrunched up in difort. Tarquin, convinced Elliot was missing his own dad, tenderly touched his head, trying to change the subject. "So, what do you think about the ambush?" he asked, gently. Elliot blushed at the touch, moving away to avoid further contact. Regaining hisposure, he analyzed, "That mysterious person is smart. He''ll anticipate that teaming up to check the surveince would lead us back to him. If we find out, you''ll definitely go after him." Tarquin''s eyes narrowed, "So, you''re worried he''s set a trap waiting for me?" "Yeah." "Don''t fret. First, he might not connect me with checking the surveince. And even if he hasid a trap, it doesn''t matter. At worst, I''ll get injured, but I''ll survive." Elliot frowned, "Mom always said our bodies are a gift from our parents. Getting hurt carelessly is disrespectful; taking care of ourselves is the first step in showing respect to them. You''re not treating your safety seriously, and that''s wrong." Tarquin''s eyes softened, "I understand. As long as Elijah is safe, I''ll make sure to stay safe too. I''m Elijah''s shield; I won''t let myself get hurt easily." In that moment, Elliot felt a pang of envy towards Elijah. Tarquin really did care a lot for him. Chapter 491 Elliot''s lips quivered slightly before he said, "If you can catch him without any trouble, I''ll be seriously impressed!" Tarquin chuckled, "Alright, for the sake of your admiration, I''ll catch him tonight! Unless he''s not in Future Community!" The little guy, with a stern expression, emphasized, "Without any trouble!" What he really meant was for it to be done safely, for crying out loud! Tarquinughed again. Although he wasn''t particrly interested in Elysia, he genuinely liked her kids. Being a father himself, he had a soft spot for children in general, but not quite like the deep fondness he felt for Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. That''s why he had previously thought to himself how great it would be if they were his kids! He started to envy that unfortunate man who had passed away too soon! While envying, a question suddenly popped into Tarquin''s mind. He wanted to catch the mysterious man because he was a threat to him, and he knew something about Elijah''s mother, not to mention that one thing he said... But why did Elliot want to catch him? Curiosity got the better of Tarquin, and he asked. Elliot replied earnestly, "I''m afraid he''ll harass my mom!" "You don''t want Elysia to be with him?" "No!" "Why not?" "Anyone who deserves my mom has to be able to live openly in broad daylight, not lurk in the shadows like him!" That was the bare minimum! Mom was radiant like the sunshine, hopeful about the future like a child! Elysia was easy-going and optimistic about life. Anyone who wanted to be with her had to be positive and sunny at heart! At the very least, they had to be honorable and straightforward! Otherwise, they could stay as far away from their mom as possible! Tarquin seemed to understand, once again reaching out to ruffle his hair, "Elysia is lucky to have you guys." Elliot corrected him, "Being able to have her as our mom is our luck. You don''t understand how great she is!" Tarquin smiled again. Was this kid blindly idolizing? "What are youughing at? You think my mom isn''t good?" Elliot asked, displeased. Tarquin answered honestly, "No, she''s just a bit naive, a bit too fond of the finer things, but not bad at heart." Elliot was unhappy with that description, "What do you mean ''not bad''? What''s bad about my mom?" Tarquin hesitated for a moment before asking, "You''re so smart, don''t you know what Elysia did six years ago? Her actions back then were notmendable." Tarquin didn''t intend to bad-mouth Elysia in front of Elliot; he was merely curious. Back then, Elysia''s affair had caused a scandal, leading to her being kicked out by her husband. Her reputation suffered... Elliot, Evan, and Emmett must know about this, yet why did they still think of Elysia as perfect, without a single w? Elliot knew what he meant and instantly got angry, "Foolish! Ignorant! Unreasonable!" After saying his piece, he stormed off, but then, pausing at the door as if still fuming, he turned around and added, "Elijah mentioned you''re trying to woo my mom. Well, a word of advice, watch yourself, or you might end up crying all the way to the funeral home chasing after your wife!" With that, Elliot turned and left! Calling him ignorant and foolish because despite investigating his mom and knowing about the scandal six years ago, the affair, and how she was thrown out by her husband! How could he not see the connection between his mom and that estranged wife he''d been seeking? Wasn''t that the epitome of ignorance? Not recognizing his mom as the woman he''d been searching for could be overlooked, given the maniptions of the mysterious man and the evidence pointing otherwise. But why on earth hadn''t he connected his mom with his wife? Chapter 492 So, saying he''s ignorant isn''t even slightly unfair! And as for being unreasonable¡ª It''s because he actually believed those old rumors, saying that six years ago, mom''s behavior was questionable. Wasn''t he basically saying he thought mom was living a loose life back then? Who started those rumors anyway? What right did he have to criticize mom? It was infuriating! With his attitude, it''s no wonder mom never liked him. And if mom did ever take a fancy to him, I''d be the first to make sure he had a hard time! Tonight, mom said she wanted to bury the hatchet and live peacefully with him, which means she''s not holding a grudge anymore! Normally, all he''d have to do now is try to win mom''s favor, but look at him now... The more Elliot thought about it, the angrier he got, to the point that when he left the study, he mmed the door really loud. Tarquin was baffled! He had no idea what Elliot was thinking, so he was quite puzzled by Elliot''s sudden change of attitude. Just a second ago, everything was fine between them, and then suddenly... Our friendship was like a boat that capsized without warning! Did he learn to flip-flop like this from Elysia, that silly woman? And him, running after his wife in tears? As if begging for reconciliation at a funeral? No way. He would never actively pursue Elysia, so the whole "chasing after his wife in tears" scenario was off the table. Tarquin put away his headset and left the study. He nced towards the bedroom. Elysia was still asleep, and Evan, Emmett, and Elijah were all lying by her side, keeping watch. Elliot was not there; he had gone to the bathroom. Tarquin knocked on the bathroom door, telling Elliot he was leaving. Elliot didn''t respond. He knew the kid was upset, but since he had to go to Future Community, he didn''t try to appease Elliot and just left. As soon as he got downstairs, he received a call from Axel, "Zane showed up." Tarquin was surprised, "Zane? He met up with Blossom?" "Yeah, Zane went to the animal hospital looking for Blossom. They''re at a caf¨¦ now." Tarquin frowned. He and Axel had theorized that Blossom might be meeting with someone mysterious tonight. The mysterious person, wanting to stay under the radar, would have sent that warning message. Could Zane be the mysterious person? While Axel was tailing Blossom, Zane did have time to harm stray cats in Future Community. But, Elliot had a point. Zane has been secretly in love with Elysia for years. If he was the mysterious person, when Elliot asked if he liked Elysia, he''d instinctively say yes, not that it didn''t matter if he did. Moreover, if Zane was the one, how would he exin what he told me before? "Can you hear what they''re talking about?" "No, I''m outside the caf¨¦. Didn''t dare get too close, didn''t want to spook them." Tarquin pondered for a moment, "Keep an eye on them." "Got it." After hanging up, he got in his car and drove towards Future Community himself. Regardless of whether Zane was the mysterious person, he had to visit that olddy''s house since the dead cats were found there. Those dead cats might have been killed by the mysterious person or an aplice, and Blossom, unaware, might have disposed of them in the trash. Or, maybe Blossom did it herself at the olddy''s house. After all, people can be devious, and helping stray cats regrly doesn''t clear her of suspicion. In this world, there''s no shortage of hypocrites. Though he also felt it was unlikely that Blossom was the one harming the cats, he couldn''t rule it out. Maybe a lot of questions could be answered at that olddy''s house! So, he had to check it out himself! Chapter 493 Tarquin arrived at the Future Community, the neighborhood eerily silent, with only a few scattered lights on. At this hour, most residents were already deep in sleep. Parking his car in a secluded corner, Tarquin nced towards Blossom''s house, which, along with the one opposite, remained dark. Squinting slightly, he stepped out of his car. The remnants of stray cats had been cleared, yet a thick scent of blood lingered in the air, adding a chilling touch to the cold night. He strolled towards building 10, took the elevator to the top floor, and approached the house opposite Blossom''s. After a quick nce at the door number, he rang the bell. As expected, the bell echoed unanswered. Pulling out his phone, Tarquin pretended to make a call, "Hello, maintenance? I''m a resident from building 10, unit 2. There''s a leak from the apartment above dripping into mine, and nobody''s home up there. Could you send someone to check the top floor of unit 2? I''ll wait here..." Before he could finish, the door creaked open a sliver, revealing a man''s voice, "Where''s the leak?" Tarquin didn''t respond, and sensing something amiss, the man tried to close the door. Quick on his feet, Tarquin wedged the door with his shoe and forced his way in! The man immediatelyshed out, but Tarquin, with his quick reflexes, dodged and grabbed the assant''s wrist, pinning him against the door. The intruder was no easy target and managed to free himself,unching a counterattack. A scuffle ensued in the pitch-dark room, with the sound of objects breaking the only clue to their violent ballet. Soon, the intruder was at a disadvantage. Realizing this, the man hastily turned on the light. Upon recognizing Tarquin, his surprise was evident, "You?!" Tarquin, brow furrowed, observed him. The man was dressed in casual ck, still wearing a mask indoors, clearly cautious about concealing his identity. His build and attire matched the mysterious figure Tarquin had encountered that night. But there was something off... A shadow of doubt crossed Tarquin''s eyes as he asked, "Is it you?" The man''s brow tightened, then rxed as he chuckled, "I knew you''de looking, but didn''t expect you so soon. Elliot fiddled with the surveince, didn''t he? Did he show you the footage, making you think Blossom disposed of the dead cats from this apartment, leading you here?" Tarquin didn''t bite, instead probing further, "Were those cats killed by you or Blossom?" "Guess," the man smirked, ncing at the sofa, "Since you''re here, might as well sit down and have a proper chat. I reckon you''re more interested in asking questions than killing me." Heading to the kitchen, he noticed Tarquin hadn''t moved and turned back, "What''s the matter, afraid to sit? Worried I might have a trick up my sleeve? Don''t worry, I''m no match for you in a fight. I''ll get you a ss of water, and we can talk." Tarquin, with a cold voice, retorted, "You''re not him." The man paused, thenughed, "Not who?" Tarquin wasn''t in the mood for games, warning sharply, "The one I''m looking for isn''t you. Don''t make things harder for yourself. Where is he?" The man tensed, hesitated for a moment, then bolted into the bedroom. Tarquin was quick to follow. Inside, the man had the elderly homeowner in a chokehold, threatening, "If you don''t want her dead, let me go." The olddy was motionless, seemingly unconscious. Chapter 494 Tarquin''s voice was icy. "I don''t know her. Do you really think I''d let you walk away just because of a stranger? Not unless you spill his details and whereabouts!" The man chuckled darkly. "You will. I know you." Tarquin frowned. "And why would you know me?" "Because we''ve met before, haha. But sadly, you don''t remember me. No worries, you''ll recall soon enough." As he spoke, the man tightened his grip, causing the elderlydy to struggle for air. Tarquin''s expression darkened further. The man was right. Although he didn''t know this elderlydy, he couldn''t just stand by and watch her die. "I can let you go, but first, you answer my questions." "Do you think you''re in any position to negotiate with me?" Tarquin red at him coldly. "If you really knew me, you''d understand that when I''m pushed, I can be someone even I don''t recognize." The implication was clear: push me too far, and I won''t care about this olddy''s life anymore. Then you''ll really be in trouble. The man eyed Tarquin warily, pondering the truth of his words. Before he could decide, Tarquin began his interrogation. "Who is he, exactly?" This ''he'' was the enigmatic figure. Tarquin had encountered him once, and Axel had shed with him as well. Neither the aura nor the skill set matched; the man before him was not the enigma. He merely shared a simr build and attire. The man looked momentarily flustered, but quickly regained hisposure. "I don''t understand what you''re talking about. Haven''t you been searching for me? Remember what I told you thest time we met? That night, I said to you..." He repeated the words the mysterious figure had told Tarquin during theirst encounter. Tarquin''s brows knitted together instantly. What he''d just said were indeed the enigma''s exact words! So far, not even Lowell, Axel, or Elliot were privy to these words! Yet, even so, Tarquin was certain the man before him was not the enigma, just a stand-in. It must''ve been the enigma who told him, which is how he knew. Tarquin didn''t expose him. Instead, he followed up on the topic. "Where is she now?" The man chuckled. "Let me go, and I''ll tell you her location." Before Tarquin could ask anything else, the man suddenly intensified his grip. "If you don''t let me go, I won''t just kill her; I''ll make you suffer for life. You''ll never find out her whereabouts or that of Elijah''s mother. Don''t believe me? Try me!" As he spoke, he tightened his hold on the elderlydy''s neck and edged toward the door, forcing Tarquin to step back. There was no way Tarquin was letting him go today! Even though he was just a stand-in, he must know a lot about the enigma. But, he couldn''t just let the elderlydy die either. Tarquin pondered his next move, nning to save the elderlydy first, then deal with him! Dragging the elderlydy by the neck, the man reached the entrance. Seeming to sense his escape from Tarquin was imminent, he chuckled again. "Mr. Bradford, apologies, but I must eat my words. Next time we meet, I''ll surely reveal her location. Until then." With that, he shoved the elderlydy toward Tarquin and swiftly opened the door to flee. Tarquin caught the elderly woman, gently cing her on the ground, ready to give chase, when suddenly- Thud! The man was kicked back into the room, crashing heavily onto the floor! Chapter 495 That kick had some serious power behind it. The man grunted, trying to sit up and make a run for it, but he just couldn''t manage it. It felt like his bones were shattered! Tarquin was momentarily stunned, then quickly looked toward the door. And there, standing in the doorway, was the little guy! Wrapped in a thick winter coat, with a baseball cap on backward and arms crossed, he stood there with a frown, looking every bit the picture of defiance. The moment their eyes met, the little guy turned his gaze away with a haughty sniff, as if he was too cool for school. Just as Tarquin was about to ask what brought him here, Evan pulled a lollipop out of his mouth, sporting a face that could easily be Emmett''s twin, and strutted in. "Don''t get it twisted. I didn''te because I''m worried about you or anything! I couldn''t care less. I''m only here because of Elijah, so don''t tter yourself." Tarquin was speechless. Not long after Tarquin had left, Elliot emerged from the bathroom. Despite his anger, he was worried about Tarquin going to Future Community alone. That mysterious figure they were dealing with was no easy mark, with a penchant for unpredictability and danger. He feared there could be a trap waiting at Future Community, putting Tarquin at risk. Without Tarquin, they''d lose the closest thing they had to a dad - albeit a cheap and clueless one. After much deliberation, Elliot called an emergency meeting of the brothers. He quickly briefed them on his conversation with Tarquin that evening and suggested they enlist Evan''s help, pointing out that among them, Evan was the most capable. Only Evan had a shot at dealing with the mysterious figure effectively; the rest might just end up in the way. Elliot figured if the mysterious figure wasn''t at Future Community, fine. But if he was, having Evan there would minimize the risk to Tarquin. Plus, with White looking out for him, Evan was virtually untouchable. Even if Evan couldn''t overpower the mysterious figure outright, between White and his arsenal of homemade gadgets, escaping unscathed was a given. When Elliot finished his pitch, Evan immediately balked. "Why should I? He was all tough when he was picking on Mom back in the day, wasn''t he? Doesn''t seem like he needs anyone''s help. He''s so great, after all. I''ve got better things to do than worry about him. You know what I really want? Three things: eat, sleep, and beat him up. I wish I could catch him and give him a good thrashing every single day. So, me helping him? Not happening." Elliot knew Evan well - knew that despite his tough talk, he had a soft heart and cared deeply about appearances. So, he offered Evan a way to save face. "We all know you don''t like him, but don''t think of it as helping him. Think of it as helping Elijah." With that, Evan was on board. Of course, upon seeing Tarquin, Evan maintained his cool detachment. "Stop looking! Let''s get on with it. A grown man needing a kid''s help, shameful!" Tarquin couldn''t help but smile, tipping his cap in acknowledgment, "We owe you one tonight. Without you, he would have gotten away." "Hmph! Just remember who''s boss around here." Tarquin chuckled, flicking Evan''s forehead, "Respect your elders." Evan was about to retort when the man on the ground stirred again, clearly still hoping to escape. So, father and son turned their attention back to him. The man didn''t get far before he spat out a mouthful of blood! Yet, even in this state, he clung to his mask, determined not to reveal his face to Tarquin. But after a particrly violent cough, the mask fell away. Tarquin eyed him, seeing a face that was young, unfamiliar, and not entirely unattractive. "I don''t know you. You''re not him. Why are you so afraid of me seeing your face?" The man''s emotions flickered from fear to anger, and then he closed his eyes, resigning himself to his fate on the ground. Chapter 496 Tarquin furrowed his brows, a sudden realization dawning upon him. "You''re his double, aren''t you? Once you''re exposed, he''s going to kill you, right?" Tarquin hit the nail on the head! The man opened his eyes wide, no longer bothering with excuses. "Yes, so do whatever you want. Kill me, torture me, it doesn''t matter. If you don''t, he surely will." Tarquin''s voice turned icy, "Not necessarily. You must have some intel I desperately need. Make a deal with me. If I''m satisfied, I might just let you live." But the man chuckled, a wildughter echoing, "He''s the devil himself. No one escapes his grasp. Whoever he decides should die at midnight, won''t live to see dawn." "But here I am, still alive." "You''re wrong. He doesn''t want you dead. He wants you to wish you were. Ha-ha-ha..." A chill ran through Tarquin, "Tell me who he is, and I can guarantee your safety!" The man looked at him for a moment, then shook his head, "I''d rather die than betray him." Tarquin: "... 33 "But I can tell you, he''s prepared a New Year''s surprise for you. Something jaw-dropping, just you wait, heh." "And that thing he told you that night? It was true!" Tarquin tensed, "!" Evan eyed Tarquin, confusion written all over his face, ¡°?!¡± Seizing their moment of distraction, the man suddenly stood up, leaped, and jumped out of the window! Tarquin: "!" Evan: "!" Father and son shared a stunned moment before rushing to the window, peering down before sprinting outside. By the time they reached the ground, the many in a pool of blood, dead. A security guard, on patrol, stumbled upon the scene and screamed, immediately calling for help. Soon, Tarquin and Evan were surrounded by a group of guards. A sharp and menacing re suddenly shot towards them from behind. When Tarquin and Evan turned, they found nothing suspicious, just Blossom. Both father and son frowned in unison, "..." Blossom seemed to have just returned from outside. She ran over to see what themotion was about, then, spotting Tarquin and Evan, gasped in shock. "Evan? Weren''t you guys at Sunshine Community? What are you doing here? And where''s Elysia?" Before her words even settled, she caught sight of the body on the ground. Her pupils dted in terror! Then, a scream, and she fainted. Evan rushed to her side, "Blossom!" Axel also ran over, a frown creasing his forehead at the sight of the corpse, ¡°Tarquin.¡± Tarquin remained silent, his expression icy. This turn of events waspletely unexpected. He hadn''t anticipated a death tonight! Soon the police and paramedics arrived. Since Tarquin and Evan were found near the body, the police questioned them. And it all pointed toward Tarquin-the man had died from the fall, and Tarquin was in the room at the time. So, Tarquin became the prime suspect. Seeing the police about to take him, Evan frantically vouched, "He didn''t do it! I swear!" But being only five, the police merely noted his statement but still took Tarquin away. Tarquin cooperated, though before leaving, he cast a cold nce at the body, then at the unconscious Blossom, instructing Axel, "Take Blossom and Evan home. Don''t leave until Blossom wakes. Look after the kid. Call Lowell, have him handle this mess." Clearly, Tarquin didn''t trust leaving Evan and Blossom alone. Chapter 497 Axel led Blossom and Evan upstairs. After settling Blossom into her room, Evan dashed back to his own, frantically dialing Elliot. "Bro, there''s a problem!" "I''m already aware," Elliot responded calmly. Panic was evident in Evan''s voice, "The cops suspect that jerk Tarquin of murder and took him in! I told them he''s innocent, but they wouldn''t listen to me. It was clearly the stand-in who jumped on his own. I saw it with my own eyes; I can testify!" Despite his longstanding grudge against Tarquin and his desire to avenge his mother, Evan wouldn''t exploit this situation. Elysia had raised them well; they would never stoop so low, especially not over a matter of life and death. So, even though Evan disliked Tarquin, he repeatedly told the officers that Tarquin wasn''t the culprit. Watching Tarquin being taken away still made him anxious, worried, and restless! Elliot exined, "The cops taking him is just procedure, not that they don''t believe you. He was at the scene, so naturally, he''s a suspect. Don''t panic. This is Tarquin we''re talking about. If he did it, he''s smart enough to cover his tracks. And if he didn''t, no one can frame him. So, don''t worry too much about him. Now, Evan, try to calm down and walk us through what happened in detail." Meanwhile, Tarquin had been brought to the local police station. He cooperated with the authorities, sitting alone in the interrogation room, calmly smoking a cigarette. Outside, a group of young officers was watching him through therge ss wall. They didn''t know Tarquin personally, but his icy demeanor was impossible to ignore, drawing in their collective gaze. "Who is he? He looks distinguished, but his aura is so cold. This is my first time seeing someone like him." "He''s no ordinary Joe. Josiah called earlier, telling us not to mess with him, and to treat him well! See that cup of tea in front of him? That''s from Josiah''s private stash, and he usually doesn''t share it with just anyone." "Really? Josiah''s acting like he''s entertaining a major donor!" Indeed, calling Tarquin a major donor wasn''t entirely off the mark. The taxes Tarquin paid annually could support nearly half of Jindale City''s public servants. At the moment, he was piecing together the information he had gathered that day. First, the mysterious message he received that night might be true, suggesting he might still have... Second, the mysterious person had left him a New Year''s gift, likely indicating trouble ahead. Third, the only clue they had about the mysterious person was a unique heart-shaped birthmark on their chest. As for the identity of the mysterious person, that remained unknown. The connection between Blossom and the mysterious person was also unclear, leaving Blossom under suspicion. And the stand-in imed they had known each other for a long time! But from whose perspective was the stand-in speaking? Was it the stand-in who had known him for a long time? Or was it the mysterious person who had known him for a long time? Lost in thought, Tarquin was interrupted as the interrogation room door opened, and a middle-aged man walked in. The man was warm and greeted him, "Mr. Bradford, good evening. I''m Josiah, the officer in charge of this area. Sorry about the inconvenience tonight. I wasn''t on duty and had to rush here after getting a call from the higher-ups. I hope those young officers outside didn''t give you a hard time?" Tarquin responded politely, "No worries, Josiah. You don''t have to apologize or feel uneasy. I didn''t kill anyone. He jumped on his own. Just doing your job is fine by me." Chapter 498 Josiah let out a sigh of relief under his breath when he heard the news. He had never met Tarquin before, but he knew of him by reputation. If the victim turned out to be one of Tarquin''s doing, things could get extremely sticky. He might even have to throw himself into the mix! Dealing with high- profile figures was always a tricky business, best avoided if possible. But now, with the situation literallynding on his doorstep, Josiah had no choice but to face it head-on. Thankfully, Tarquin''s words served as a much-needed reassurance. If the man wasn''t killed by Tarquin, that simplified matters. All he needed to do was quickly investigate, find the evidence, and clear Tarquin''s name. Wiping the sweat from his brow, Josiah muttered a silent prayer of thanks and ventured, "Maybe tonight you could..." "No need for any special treatment. I''ll stay put right here." Tarquin''s understanding almost moved Josiah to tears! Procedurally, Tarquin was a suspect and should be held at the precinct for a certain period. But with his status, if he insisted on leaving, Josiah knew he wouldn''t be able to stop him. And if Tarquin did leave, and word got out, Josiah would be the one facing the bacsh. Touched by Tarquin''s cooperation, Josiah promised, "Rest assured, I''ll clear this up as quickly as possible so you can return home!" No sooner had Josiah finished speaking than Lowell rushed in, looking harried. Josiah, sensing an opportunity for them to talk privately, excused himself. Lowell had been workingte at the office when he got the call about Tarquin being implicated in a homicide case. He came as quickly as he could. "Tarquin, I''ve managed to dig up the details on that decoy. His name is Gregory, 28, born right here in Jindale City, but he moved abroad with his parents when he was young. His rtives still think he''s living overseas. I''ve looked into his social and family circles, but nothing stood out. It''s baffling why he''d be chosen as the decoy. Here''s his file for you to review." Lowell''s efficiency was top-notch, unearthing everything there was to know about Gregory. Tarquin skimmed through the thick stack of documents without much interest. The mastermind behind this was clever, picking someone without any apparent connection to himself. It would be unusual to trace anything back to him from Gregory. But still... Since Gregory had no ties to him, the mention of a long-standing acquaintance must refer to the mastermind himself. And this mastermind had a distinctive heart-shaped mole on his chest... For the life of him, Tarquin couldn''t recall who it might be. "Look into people with a heart-shaped mole on their chest, but keep it low-key. Start with those I''ve had dealings with in the past. Let me know immediately if you find anything." "Right. And there''s something else. Someone''s trying to pin the murder on you tonight. Looks like they''re trying to ensure the usation sticks." Tarquin''s lips thinned, a sh of disdain in his eyes. Outside the interrogation room, Josiah was immediately surrounded by a group of curious officers. "Josiah, who is he, really? You even offered up your prized tea for him." Standing in front of the window, looking at Tarquin, Josiah was filled with admiration. "He''s truly an influential figure! Despite his status, he doesn''t act entitled or demand special treatment. He''s in a league of his ownpared to those spoiled rich kids! I''ll take the lead on this case. Keep me updated so we can get this resolved and send this significant figure on his way!" Just as Josiah finished speaking, his phone rang. He nced at the caller ID and quickly answered. The caller''s words took Josiah by surprise, "Find a way to keep Mr. Bradford from leaving?" "1 " Chapter 499 As the first light of dawn crept into the sky, Elysia stirred awake. The news from the night before, about a death in their neighborhood, hit her like a cold shower. She waspletely on edge when Elliot mentioned that at the time of the incident, Evan and Tarquin were at the scene. The mere thought sent shivers down her spine. "Where''s Evan now? Is he okay? Did it scare him?" she asked, her voiceced with concern. "He''s over at Blossom''s house. Mom knows about it. Evan''s got nerves of steel; he wasn''t scared," Elliot hurried to reassure her. Taking a few deep breaths, Elysia''s frown deepened as she probed further, "Why were Evan and Tarquin together in the first ce? What on earth were they doing at Future Community sote at night?" Knowing they couldn''t hide the truth, the kids had agreed on a story the night before. Elliot repeated the carefully chosen words, "Mom had a bit too much to drinkst night and needed to stay over. Evan isn''t too fond of step-dad, wanted toe home. Step-dad, worried for his safety, escorted him back. Once home, they heard noises from the neighbor''s, went to check it out, and identally witnessed someone fall from the building. Security called the cops, and since step-dad was at the scene, he got taken in for questioning." Elysia was shocked, "The police think Tarquin did it?" "Just suspicion." Worry etched on her face, she pondered, "What if they can''t find evidence to clear his name? He''ll be branded a murderer!" Elliot challenged, "Are you worried about him?" Speaking her truth, Elysia admitted, "I may not like him, but I don''t want him to be in trouble. After all, he''s been a father to Elijah for years; he deserves some credit. Besides, if he''s being wrongfully used, that''d be just tragic." "Right, Mom. The cops are really good at their job; they''ll figure out the truth." Her concern didn''t wane as she turned to Elijah, her heart aching at the sight of his evidentck of sleep. She pulled him into aforting embrace, "Don''t worry, Elijah. Like Elliot said, the police are on top of things. They''ll get to the bottom of this." Elijah, moved by his mother''s concern for Tarquin and troubled by the gravity of the situation, fought back tears. ... Returning to Future Community over half an hourter, Elysia''s eyes immediately sought out Evan. Rushing to him, she enveloped him in a hug, "Evan, did it scare you? I''m so sorry I wasn''t here." Despite knowing Evan to be brave, she couldn''t help but worry. To her, Evan was just a typically mischievous boy, not someone ustomed to dealing with life and death situations. Evan quickly reassured her, "Mom, don''t worry. I''m not scared at all." Choking up, Elysia med herself, "It''s all my fault. If I hadn''t stayed outst night, none of this would have happened." Evan tried tofort her, "You can''t me yourself, Mom. These things happen. If I''d known, I would''ve just stayed over at Elijah''s and note back." "Let''s sleep together for the next few nights. You won''t be scared that way," she offered. "Okay." After ensuring they had both calmed down, they felt reassured. Hearing that Blossom had fainted upon discovering the body, Elysia rushed to check on her after Axel had left. In their rooms, the kids convened to discuss Tarquin''s predicament. Elliot, with a worried frown, noted, "It''s been hours, and they haven''t released Tarquin. It doesn''t look good. I think someone''s framing him." Elijah clenched his fists, anger seeping through, "Someone''s trying to pin this on Dad, using it against him!" Evan, visibly anxious, added, "What do we do? He didn''t do it, but if they make him take the fall, he''ll be marked for life!" Chapter 500 Emmett stammered, "And... and murder is a capital offense. He''ll get a life sentence, at least!" Silence fell upon the room. Four little kids, each with brows furrowed deeper than the next. After a while, Elliot was the first to break the silence, "We''ve got to figure out a way to clear his name!" At that moment, Tarquin was still at the police station. Elliot''s analysis was spot on; indeed, someone was pulling strings behind the scenes. Tarquin''s arrest had sent shockwaves through both the Bradford family and their rivals. Everyone was using their resources to dig up dirt and brainstorm strategies to pin the murder on Tarquin! They didn''t care whether he was guilty or not; they just wanted to frame Tarquin as the killer! Even if they couldn''t get him the death penalty, a life sentence would suffice. Gideon rushed to the police station early in the morning to ''visit'' Tarquin, feigning concern, "Tarquin, the situation doesn''t look good for you. Tell me the truth, did you do it? Only if I know the facts can I figure out how to help you, I..." "You care about me? Yeah, right! Cut to the chase," Tarquin interrupted, clearly annoyed. Gideon frowned, pausing before saying, "Many shareholders are worried that this scandal will affect thepany. The board hopes you''ll step aside for now, just in case we can''t contain this. We don''t want thepany to suffer coteral damage." Tarquin looked at him coldly, "If I step aside, who''ll take over?" Gideon replied, "It has to stay within the Bradford family. I can step in temporarily to oversee things. Don''t worry, once this is all over, you''ll get your CEO position back." "Ha!" Tarquin let out a coldugh. What a hero stepping in during a crisis! "Tell those jittery board members, if they''re really scared, they might as well dump their shares now before things escte. Don''t worry about finding buyers; I''ll buy all the shares they sell, cash deal." Gideon''s face darkened instantly. Realizing that coaxing wasn''t working, he started to threaten, "Tarquin, you know better than anyone how many people care about you and how many want you gone. There''s a saying, ''when the wall falls, everyone pushes''! You''re already in police custody. Those who care can''t make waves without you, but those who want you dead will join hands to take you down. What really happened doesn''t matter. What matters is how the truth is manipted. As far as I know, someone has already made arrangements to pin the murder on you! If you''re convicted, your life is over. Without you to protect him, Elijah is done too! Think about it, what''s more important, that CEO position, or your and Elijah''s future?" A murderous look shed in Tarquin''s eyes at the mention of his Elijah! The Bradford Group was never his main concern. His business spanned across the globe; he wouldn''t bother much about onepany. He held onto the position because it made investigating certain matters convenient. And to spite the Bradford family-they were all eyeing that spot, but he wouldn''t just hand it over, ha! "Come talk to me about it when I''m actually sentenced to death. Now, leave me alone!" "You won''t see the light until you''re in the coffin. There''lle a day when you''ll beg for my help!" Gideon left the police station, seething with anger. Many from the Bradford family were lingering outside the station, and seeing Gideon''s expression, they knew negotiations had failed. Although disappointed, they weren''t without hope, "If he doesn''t willingly give up power, then he can forget about a smooth resolution tost night''s incident!" "Even if he relinquishes power, he must die! This is our golden opportunity to get rid of him! It''s like a gift from heaven!" "Hopefully, we can get him sentenced to death before the year''s end. Once he''s gone, that little brat Elijah won''tst long either. Then, it''ll be our turn to reign. Heh, looks like we''re finally going to have a good year." " Chapter 501 After Gideon left, Tarquin summoned Josiah to his room to inquire about the progress of the investigation. Josiah, visibly trembling, managed to stutter out, "It''s... still under investigation." Tarquin looked at him calmly, "I know whether I''vemitted murder or not. Like I saidst night, as long as you stick to the facts, we''re good. If you run into any trouble, you cane to me." Josiah''s heart skipped a beat, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead, "Sure, sure." Back in his own office, Josiah realized his shirt was soaked through with sweat. He understood the subtext of Tarquin''s words. Tarquin was aware someone was framing him and was warning him. The situation was dire. Someone was out to pin a murder charge on Tarquin, and Tarquin wasn''t going to be an easy target. And now, Josiah was caught in the middle! He felt like the cream in an Oreo, with Tarquin, the fierce lion, on one side, and the crowd eager to see Tarquin fall on the other. He couldn''t afford to offend either side! What a predicament! An excited junior officer burst in, "We''ve got something!" "What is it?" "An anonymous tip-off sent a video that supposedly shows Mr. Bradford pushing Gregory off the building, look!" Josiah quickly viewed the blurry footage, which seemed to show Tarquin pushing Gregory, but it was hardly conclusive. "Should we confront Mr. Bradford with this video to see how he reacts?" "No! Get our tech team to verify its authenticity first. And keep this video under wraps; oversee this personally." "Got it!" No sooner had the junior officer left than Josiah''s phone rang. He sighed upon seeing the caller ID, answering reluctantly, "Hello?" "I heard you''ve got evidence of Tarquinmitting murder. Can we close the case now?" Josiah frowned, "..." The caller pressed on, "Look, this case is getting a lot of attention upstairs. If you don''t wrap it up soon, none of us are going to have a peaceful holiday season. But solve it before then, and you''re looking at a promotion, a big one." Josiah''s expression darkened, "..." The video had barely arrived, and they already knew about it. It was likely fabricated evidence, aiming to quickly pin the crime on Tarquin. After hanging up, Josiah exhaled deeply... The higher you stand, the more dangerous it bes. Sometimes, it''s better to live a simple life. Tarquin, the magnate behind the Bradford Group and Jindale City''s wealthiest, might appear glorious to outsiders, but his life was fraught with danger. And while many would happily see him dead, few seemed to genuinely care for him. In any ordinary case, family and friends would have rallied in support. But not for Tarquin. Not a soul had shown up to inquire about him or offer support. Such a life, in its own way, was pitiful. Over in Future Community, Blossom had a restless night but eventually found some peace in sleep. Elysia, while preparing breakfast for the kids, couldn''t stop worrying about Tarquin. It had been nearly ten hours; why hadn''t he been released yet? Could someone be using this as an opportunity to harm him? Elysia paused mid-chop, a realization hitting her! Elijah had mentioned that Tarquin had made many enemies over the years, with few friends to speak of. Those enemies might seize this chance to strike at him! But Tarquin was no pushover; surely, he wouldn''t be easily taken down. Chapter 502 No, no, no! This was a matter of life and death. If Tarquin was wrongfully used of murder, he could face the death penalty! The image of Tarquin facing a firing squad shed through Elysia''s mind, her heart leaping into her throat in panic. She had to find out more. Setting down her kitchen knife and wiping her hands on her apron, Elysia dialed Lowell''s number. "Lowell, do you have any idea what''s happening at the police station? It wasn''t him, so why is he still locked up after all this time? Haven''t they cleared his name yet?" "...Not yet." Elysia frowned, "Is someone trying to frame him?" For a moment, Lowell was at a loss for words, worried about scaring her or revealing too much about Tarquin''s true identity. After all, in Elysia''s eyes, Tarquin wasn''t the CEO of the Bradford Group; he was just someone from the Bradford family who once had money and then went bankrupt. After pondering for a moment, Lowell replied, "Ms. Thorne, you don''t need to worry about this. We''ll handle it. Just take care of Elijah for Tarquin." "" After hanging up, Elysia zoned out for a while. Then, with a determined twist of her brows, she hurriedly started making breakfast. Once done, she checked on the kids. The little ones had only fallen asleep at dawn, and only Elliot was awake, murmuring, "Mommy." Elysia whispered back: "Elliot, mommy has to step out for a bit. Breakfast is in the pot. Remind Blossom and your brothers to eat when they wake up." "Where are you going, mommy?" "I''m heading to the police station." A flicker of concern crossed Elliot''s eyes, "To see our step-dad?" "Yeah, with everything that''s happening, I''m worried about him. His family is no good; not a single one of them would bother with him. Since Elijah is his only kin, I should go check on him on Elijah''s behalf." A softness touched Elliot''s gaze. His mom might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but she truly had a heart of gold. "Go ahead, mom. Don''t worry about Blossom and the boys; I''ll look after them." "Alright, if you''re not hungry, you can sleep a bit more. If you''re hungry, go ahead and eat. Oh, and if someone knocks on the door before I get back, don''t open it, okay?" "Got it, mom." After instructing Elliot, Elysia checked on Blossom, then grabbed a thermos filled with breakfast, worried that Tarquin might be hungry, and headed out. Since she couldn''t drive and her electric scooter was out of charge, she took a cab to the police station. To ensure they''d let her see him, she imed to be Tarin''s family member. Everyone assumed she meant Tarquin when she mentioned Tarin. Josiah was also at the station, surprised to hear someone from the Bradford family wanted to visit Tarquin. Weren''t all the Bradfords hoping for Tarquin''s downfall? Who would want to visit him? Was the information he received incorrect, or did the visitor have an ulterior motive? Josiah approached Elysia personally, not wanting to take any chances at such a critical moment. He looked Elysia over, puzzled. A member of the Bradford family would usually be all glitz and mour, but her outfit was exceedingly in. Josiah asked, "You''re here to see Mr. Bradford?" Mr. Bradford? The police sure seemed to respect him! Elysia quickly nodded, "Yes, I''m here on behalf of his family." "And you are his...?" "I''m his girlfriend!" To avoid anyplications, Elysia imed a title for herself on the spot. Chapter 503 Josiah was utterly gobsmacked. This was Tarquin''s girlfriend? But... although she was drop-dead gorgeous, wless really, she didn''t sport a single piece of bling or designer gear. Normally, with a guy like Tarquin, you''d expect his girlfriend to be dripping in brand names and jewels, right? Even if she was going for the understated look, this was taking it to an extreme. Josiah began to doubt Elysia''s story. He hesitated before saying, ¡°Just give me a moment." He turned to find Tarquin. He didn''t dare let her meet Tarquin without checking first. What if she was just some overzealous fan who''d somehow got wind he was here and decided to pretend to be his girlfriend to meet her idol? That would surely annoy Tarquin, wouldn''t it? And worse, what if she was an assassin sent by one of Tarquin''s enemies? Maybe she looked harmless on the outside but was hiding something sinister. Feeling particrly cautious today, Josiah decided it was best to check with Tarquin first. The whole girlfriend concept seemed totally alien to Tarquin! When told his girlfriend was here to see him, he was as surprised as anyone, "Her name?" Josiah blinked in confusion. "?" Did Tarquin have so many girlfriends he couldn''t keep track, or was it that he had none, which is why he didn''t know his own girlfriend''s name? "She says her name is Elysia." Tarquin: "?!" In the next second, his eyes narrowed slightly. This silly woman, she was probably worried the cops wouldn''t let her see him, so she cooked up this girlfriend story. Tarquin''s mood suddenly lifted, "Let her in then." Though Josiah was still puzzled, he let her through. Inside the visitation room, it was just Elysia and Tarquin. Once out of the cops'' sight, Elysia exhaled dramatically, ¡°Scared me half to death.¡± Tarquin, with a smirk, "You''ve done nothing wrong, what''s there to be scared of?" "I lied to the cops. I was afraid they wouldn''t let me in, so I said I was your girlfriend. Imagine how awkward it would be if they found out. Awkwardness aside, what if they decided to detain me for a couple of days?" "...So you risked all that to see me!" "Yeah!" "And you came all this way, wanting to see me?" Elysia steadied herself, muttering, "Don''t tter yourself. It''s not because I care about you. I''m here on behalf of Elijah and Evan. Elijah is really worried about you. I came to check on you for him. As for Evan... if he hadn''t insisted on going homest night, you wouldn''t have had to drive him, and none of this would have happened. As Evan''s guardian, I feel somewhat responsible, so I came to check on you." Tarquin: "..." He drove Evan home, and that''s when this mess started? Thinking it over, he realized the kids must have spun Elysia a tale. This naive woman, she believed it. He didn''t expose the kids'' fibs, instead asking about Elijah, "Is he doing okay?" "He''s pretty worried about you. But don''t you worry about him. With me, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett around, we won''t let anything happen to him." After saying this, she finally took a good look at Tarquin, surprised, "Why aren''t you in a jumpsuit?" Tarquin replied, "I''m a suspect, not a convict. Why should I be in a jumpsuit?" "But howe you''re still so well-groomed? You shouldn''t be!" Tarquin raised an eyebrow, "And how should I be?" "You should be a mess! Where are your dark circles and stubble?" Elysia figured, with all this trouble, he must be stressed and sleepless. There had to be dark circles! There had to be stubble! There had to be ack of vitality! But looking at him now, still in his sharp suit, clean and cheerful, in excellent spirits, he didn''t seem like someone entangled in a crisis at all! This was totally different from what she had imagined. Chapter 504 The next second, someone knocked and came in with breakfast. Seeing the scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes, and a variety of pastries, Elysia was even more shocked, "Is the food in jail always this good?" "This isn''t a prison, dummy!" Tarquin sneered, ncing at the thermos she brought, "Did you bring me breakfast?" "Yeah, I thought you''d have nothing to eat, or just stale bread and pickles. Had I known you eat like a king, I wouldn''t have bothered." "Open it. Let''s see what you''ve got." Elysia mumbled, "It''s nothing fancy like yours, don''t bother." Nevertheless, Tarquin had the luxurious breakfast cleared away and took the thermos Elysia brought over to him, opening it himself. He took out the food one by one andid it in front of him: a homemade savory pancake, a side of chilled veggies, two boiled eggs, and a bowl of oatmeal. Seeing him not move, Elysia thought he was disgusted and mumbled again, "I told you it''s nothing fancy. If you don''t want it, fine by me." She made a move to pack it up, but Tarquin pped her hand away. "Why''d you hit me?!" Tarquin said nothing, just lowered his head and started to eat. Elysia was surprised and was about to say something when he said, "Don''t talk while eating." Elysia was speechless, "What era are you living in? ''Don''t talk while eating,'' my foot! I''m asking you, have the police given you any exnation for keeping you so long?" Tarquin ignored her, quietly eating his breakfast. He usually didn''t care much about the ''don''t talk while eating'' rule, but today was different. He wanted to seriously enjoy this meal, cherishing not so much the food but the feeling it brought him... warmth, beauty. Even though there might be thousands who wished him dead, there were still those who cared about him, right? Elysia didn''t realize he could feel neglected. Unable to empathize with him at the moment, she just watched him ignore her, not saying anything else. Only when he had finished everything did she ask with wide eyes, "Did I not bring enough? Are you still hungry?" "It was just right." Tarquin tidied up the utensils, looking at Elysia, "Thanks for the breakfast." His sudden politeness made Elysia feel uneasy. Her lips moved, but no sound came out. She packed the utensils back into the thermos to take home and wash. After finishing, she finally asked, "Do you know what the actual problem is?" "What problem?" "Why haven''t you been cleared of suspicion yet?!" Tarquin squinted, pondering how to reassure her without revealing too much about himself. Before he could figure it out, Elysia suddenly said, "Maybe you could find a way to let me see the body, and I could help you find evidence to clear your name!" Tarquin was stunned, "?" Elysia was serious, "The appearance of a suicide and a murder are different. I''ll go see the body, then take the evidence to the police and demand they release you." She didn''t know Tarquin had a confrontation with the deceased. She thought Tarquin had no connection with the deceased, just happened to witness the suicide, and the police suspected him of involvement. She hadn''t considered that the police might suspect the deceased was forced to jump by Tarquin. Tarquin, hearing this, stared at her for a while before asking, "Why do you care so much about me?" Elysia, as if her pride was wounded, red up, "Who cares about you! Didn''t I exin already? I came because of Elijah and Evan! Don''t tter yourself." Tarquin just smiled, disarmingly handsome. Elysia red at him, "Stopughing, or I''ll really leave you to your fate!" "Heh." This time, Tarquinughed outright. Elysia turned away, fuming. What an infuriating man! Chapter 505 Before she could get upset, Tarquin asked, "You know how to do autopsies too?" Elysia retorted, somewhat irritated, "I know medicine, of course, I can do autopsies." Though she hadn''t practiced on actual humans, her expertise in traditional Chinese medicine and anatomy made her quite familiar with the human body. Dissecting was not an issue for her. Tarquin looked somewhat surprised, "I thought you were only an expert in child psychology, with a bit of medical knowledge on the side." Elysia puffed up with pride, "Hmph! I know plenty!" Watching her smug little face, Tarquin couldn''t help but chuckle, "Pretty impressive. I underestimated you before." ¡°Just remember how impressive I am and be nice to me! Don''t make me angry! I can be quite scary when I''m mad!" Tarquin''s eyebrows quirked up, seeing the shadows of Evan and Emmett in her. No wonder Evan got so cocky when praised! And no wonder Emmett got all bluff and bluster, threatening how scary he could be when angered! They clearly got it from their mom! Traits passed down, both Evan and Emmett had inherited Elysia''s characteristics, though Elliot seemed to be an exception. Probably took after his tragically departed dad. But Elliot''s kindness, that was definitely from Elysia. "You need to listen to me seriously!" Elysia pulled Tarquin back from his thoughts. Tarquin was in a good mood, very cooperative, "Go ahead, I''m listening." Elysia nced towards the door to make sure no one wasing in before she motioned him closer, ¡°Come closer." Tarquin, who had been leaning back, narrowed his eyes with intrigue. After watching her for a few seconds, he leaned forward, mirroring her posture, their faces inches apart. The subtle scent of herbs emanated from her, pleasant and unique, distinctly hers. Yet, Tarquin''s brow furrowed slightly, his thoughts drifting back six years... Elijah''s mother had not smelled of herbs. Feeling a sinking sensation, Tarquin instinctively leaned back, but before he could recline fully, Elysia pulled him forward, "Don''t stay too far, what I''m about to say can''t be overheard." Unaware of his difort, Elysia continued in a lowered voice, "Here''s what I think. If the coroner examines the body, it''ll clearly show the person wasn''t killed by you. But why haven''t you been cleared of suspicion? Someone is framing you! Find a way for me to see the body, and I''ll find the evidence to force the police to let you go." Tarquin, steadying his emotions, looked at her with aplex expression, "Knowing someone''s out to get me, you still want to get involved? Aren''t you afraid of retaliation?" Elysia paused, her focus had been solely on how to exonerate him, and she hadn''t considered the possibility of bing a target herself. Seeing through her thoughts, Tarquin asked, "Scared?" "Yes," Elysia admitted, frowning, "That''s why I need to be careful not to expose myself! I''ll find the evidence and secretly get it to the station. That way, both the police and your enemies won''t know I helped you, and they won''te after me." Even though her ncked practicality, Tarquin was visibly moved, "Didn''t it cross your mind to just not help me? If you don''t, you wouldn''t be at risk of retaliation." "What would happen to you if I didn''t help? Rely on your wonderful rtives? Don''t even think about it, they''d be more likely to harm you than help!" "They wouldn''t help me, but why do you insist on helping me? And don''t say it''s because of Elijah and Evan.¡± Chapter 506 Elysia pouted, her voice tinged with sympathy, "You know, I kinda feel sorry for you." In her eyes, it was simple. Most folks would want someone by their side when they''re under the weather, let alone going through what he was. Yet, here he was, without a single soul to fret over him. Pretty sad, if you ask me. Sure, she wasn''t rted to him by blood, like Lowell, but she was the mother of his son. A secret he was oblivious to, but one she was painfully aware of. Their son tied them together with bonds that couldn''t be severed. Directly linked, she felt a tad closer to him than others might. She wouldn''t bother with the small stuff, but when push came to shove, she believed she ought to step up. Especially considering her guilt over wanting to whisk Elijah away from him, despite Blossom''s advice against it. Helping him now might ease her conscience when the time came to leave with Elijah. Her admission of pity rendered Tarquin silent, his gaze dark and unreadable. The room fell into an uneasy quiet. Feeling awkward under his stare, Elysia broke the silence, "But I definitely can''t handle a corpse, so we''ll need Lowell''s help. Should I talk to him, or will you?" Tarquin pocketed his cigarettes, initially lighting one before remembering Elysia''s dislike for the smell and putting it away. Leaning back, he assured her, "You don''t need to worry about me. Just take good care of Elijah." "I''ll definitely take care of Elijah! But how will you get out?" "There''s always a way." Elysia frowned, "Aren''t you worried someone might frame you? If you''re pegged as a murderer, you could face the death penalty." Tarquin shrugged it off, "No worries. If I did it, I''d be brainstorming my defense. If not, it''s not my problem. Let''s see if they''ve got the chops to pin it on me." "But if you can''t clear your name, you''ll be stuck in jail, and the police can hold you for a month. New Year is almost here..." "Looking to spend New Year together?" Tarquin teased. Elysia, caught off guard, raised her voice, "Who wants to spend New Year with you! Can''t you take this seriously?!" "I''m not serious?" "How can you be serious if you think I want to spend New Year with you?" "Why bring up New Year then?" "I''m worried about you and Elijah! If you can''t get out before New Year, think about how sad Elijah will be. It''ll ruin his New Year!" After a brief stare, Tarquin assured her, "Don''t worry, I''ll be out before New Year." He had ns to take Elijah back to the family estate for New Year''s Eve dinner. He wouldn''t leave his son to face the wolves alone. Seeing his confidence, Elysia asked, "Don''t tell me you have evidence to clear your name and you''re just not using it?" Tarquin didn''t borate, simply stating, "Tell Elijah not to worry. I''ll be out by New Year''s Eve at thetest!" Considering today was December 28th, New Year''s Eve was just around the corner. Chapter 507 Elysia eyed him skeptically, doubting his ability to get out. Suddenly, Tarquin had an idea, "How about we make a bet if you don''t believe me?" "A bet? On what?" "If I can''t get out before New Year''s, I''ll give you all my properties." At the mention of money, Elysia''s eyes sparkled, "Really? How much are we talking?" "A lot. But if I do make it out, you have to answer one question honestly, no lying." "What question?" "You''ll find out. So, do we have a bet?" Seeing Elysia hesitate, Tarquin teased, "Think about the money." Elysia quickly agreed, "You''re on!" "Deal. No backing out." "Whoever backs out is a chicken." Tarquin couldn''t help butugh, leaving Elysia frowning, sensing some mischief in hisughter. But it was a bet she felt she wouldn''t lose. Even though he had faced financial ruin before, he had recentlye into money again. If she won, she''d definitely get a hefty sum! As a true money lover, her heart always swayed at the thought of cash. Elysia was about to say more when her phone rang. It was Zane. She frowned and declined the call, telling Tarquin, "Since you''re so confident about getting out, and you seem fine here, I''ll leave you to it. I''ll update Elijah on your situation too, so he won''t worry." As she mentioned leaving, a fleeting look of sadness crossed Tarquin''s face, almost too quick to catch even by himself. "Who was that, Blossom?" "No, Blossom faintedst night after seeing a dead body. She''s squeamish about blood." Tarquin''s attention immediately shifted, "Blossom is squeamish?" "Yeah, but only withrge amounts of blood." Frowning slightly, Tarquin thought, "That means Blossom couldn''t be the one hurting those stray cats." But whether she was connected to the mysterious person remained unclear. Elysia stood up, "If you need anything, just call. For Elijah''s sake, I won''t ignore you. Goodbye." Tarquin watched her leave, feeling a strange emotion stir within him, his eyes lingering on her retreating figure. After leaving the station, Elysia hesitated before calling Zane back. Zane picked up immediately, his voice full of urgency, "Elysia, are you okay?" "I''m fine, just was busy. What''s up?" "I heard about the death in Future Community, was worried about you... and Blossom. Heard the victim was from across your ce." "I''m okay, Blossom just got scared and faintedst night. She''s resting at home now." "I''m on my way to Future Community. Are you home?" "You''re heading there?" "Yeah, just want to check on you guys." After a brief pause, Elysia fibbed, "Go ahead, Blossom''s at home." "You''re not there?" "I had to step out. And really, I''m fine; no need to worry about me. Check on Blossom." Zane then asked, "How long till you''re home?" "Not sure." "Alright, I''ll touch base with youter, when you''re home." Elysia hung up, her thoughts a whirlwind as she pondered her next move. Chapter 508 After ending the call, Elysia furrowed her brows, lost in thought. In truth, Blossom was still unconscious, and under normal circumstances, she''d have told Zane straight up not to disturb her while she rested. But just now, she had purposefully suggested Zane visit Blossom, wanting to gauge his reaction. The fact that Zane refused to go in her absence struck her as odd. And then there was thest time they met; Zane''s gaze had been ufortably intense... Elysia''s frown deepened. Though Zane and Winona''s love story was the stuff of high school sweethearts turned lifelong partners, and Zane''s affection for Winona was well- known, it seemed impossible for him to harbor any inappropriate thoughts towards her. Yet, she wasn''t paranoid; these thoughts didn''t just appear out of nowhere! She felt something was off with Zane! However, Blossom seemed to think Zane was perfectly normal. Wasn''t there a saying about the observer being clear-headed while the yer gets lost in the game? Why did she feel Zane''s gaze on her was unsettling, yet Blossom noticed nothing? *Ding-* Her phone suddenly chimed, snapping her out of her thoughts. Elysia received a message, "Little Elysia, your chance for revenge has arrived!" Her expression changed instantly! Her focus shifted from Zane to the message, suspecting it was from that mysterious lunatic! Before she could react, another message came through, "This time, you don''t have to get your hands dirty. I can have thew punish him and avenge you. Excited, huh?" Elysia''s heart pounded as she quickly replied, "It wasn''t him who did it! He shouldn''t face legal punishment!" "Whether he did it or not isn''t the point. You just need to go back to Evan and convince him to change his story. Tell the cops it was a homicide, and leave the rest to me." Elysia''s brows knitted tighter, "My child will not bear false witness! And I don''t need your revenge! I''ve moved on from whatever was between him and me. Don''t think about using me to harm him!" "Moved on? After he left you battered and broke your spirit, ruining your prime years, you''ve stopped hating him?" Elysia replied unhappily, "Whether I hate him is none of your business! It''s between him and me!" After a while, the person replied, "What if I use your secret to force you to obey me?" Elysia''s breathing grew rapid as she clenched her teeth and answered, "Do whatever you want! I will never do as you say!" "Really? You''re not afraid I''ll reveal your secret to him? Not scared he''ll find out you''re Elijah''s mother? That your son is also his son? Afraid he''ll fight you for custody?" Of course, she was scared! But more than fear, she refused to corrupt her child! She couldn''t bear the thought of teaching Evan to lie. What would Evan think of her? How would he deal with it? Her son, bearing false witness to convict his own father, would be enough to torment Evan for life! So, if sheplied, she''d not only destroy herself but Evan as well! As a mother, she was a model for her children''s learning; if she couldn''t lead a good life, how could she teach them to do the same? She might not have much, but she could instill in her children the right values, teaching them right from wrong, to be good people! "Go ahead and tell if you want! No matter what, I won''t be used by you! Don''t contact me again!" Elysia, with a frown, sent the message. Just as she was about to block the number, she was suddenly bumped hard! Her phone fell to the ground. Chapter 509 "Watch it, buddy! You''re in my way!" Instead of an apology, the other guy just started mouthing off. Elysia red at him, noticing he was just a kid, probably no older than sixteen or seventeen, clearly going through that rebellious phase. His style screamed "trying too hard," with bleached hair and ears and nose decked out in shy jewelry. To any adult, he was the definition of trouble. Elysia frowned, "You bump into someone and act like you''re the one wronged? Is this what your parents taught you?!" The troublemaker just smirked, "Oh, my bad, didn''t see you there, gorgeous. Hurt anywhere? Need me to take you to the hospital?" "No, thanks!" "Let me at least see where you''re hurt?" As he made a move towards her, Elysia quickly stepped back, "Back off, keep it respectful!" The boy jingled his sports car keys, smirking, "No worries, I''m one of the good guys. If you''re not hurt, how about a ride instead? My dad just got me this for my birthday, cost him a pretty penny." Clearly, this was a spoiled rich kid. Elysia wanted nothing to do with him and turned to leave. But the boy grabbed her arm, "Come on, don''t be like that. We met for a reason, let''s go somewhere and talk." Elysia was not having it, "Let go!" But he held on, "I''ve taken a liking to you." Elysia was shocked, "Are you out of your mind?!" "Judging by the looks of it, you''re not rolling in cash. Consider yourself lucky I''m even offering. How about it? Ten grand a month, yes or no?" Infuriated, Elysia yanked her hand back and pped him across the face! The boy was stunned, "You hit me?! Even my parents haven''t dared toy a hand on me, you''ve got some nerve!" Elysia red, "It''s exactly because they haven''t disciplined you that you act this way! Keep talking nonsense, and I''ll call the cops. The station is right there!" The boy, clutching his cheek, nced towards the police station, gritted his teeth, "Fine, you''ve got guts. Just hope we don''t cross paths again!" He stormed off to his shy sports car parked nearby. Then, deliberately driving close to Elysia, he flipped her off, his immaturity and rudeness on full disy, "Pretending to be all innocent with that face? Too good to ept my offer? Just wait till you get what''sing for you!" With that, he sped off, leaving Elysia fuming. Clearly, he was from a wealthy family with questionable parenting. At such a young age and already so spoiled and arrogant. A disaster waiting to happen. She was confident her brothers, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett Elijah, would never turn out like this. Such arrogance and ignorance were bound to lead to trouble. His parents couldn''t protect him forever. If they were too soft now, life would surely teach him a harsher lessonter. Elysia let out a huff, picked up her phone, and hailed a cab home. In the distance, a cold gaze followed her departure, then shifted towards the direction of the speeding sports car... A whileter, on a nearly deserted road. The rich kid was still sting his music and speeding when a pickup truck mmed into him! With a loud crash and the kid''s screams, the sports car flipped several times beforeing to a smoking halt. A tall, handsome man stepped out of the pickup truck, his gaze fixed on the wreckage. Chapter 510 He was decked out in a ck face mask, sporting dark casual pants and a mid-length hooded down jacket, hands buried in his pockets, sauntering towards the troublemaker with an air of nonchnce. Despite his obscured face, his clean attire and neatly trimmed hair spoke volumes of his meticulous nature. Approaching the sports car, he towered over the young troublemaker inside. The young man was battered and bloody, whimpering for help. Silently, the man shattered the car window, yanked the troublemaker out, and dragged him by one leg into the woods. It was a while before the man emerged from the forest. Casually tossing a ck trash bag into the car, he straightened his clothes, nced at his expensive wristwatch, and drove away. No sooner had he left than screams of terror erupted from the woods, startling the birds into a frenzy. Passersby stumbled upon the scene in the woods. The once brazen and lively troublemaker was reduced to a torso, his limbs severed and neatly ced beside him. The cuts were clean, as though made by a sharp de, yet he was miraculously still alive. The attacker had bandaged his wounds to prevent him from bleeding out, clearly intending not to kill him but to condemn him to a life worse than death... ... Meanwhile, Elysia made a trip to the grocery store before heading home. She picked up some fresh ingredients, nning to make a hearty stew for Blossom and the kids. By the time she reached her apartmentplex, it was nearly 11 PM. As the elevator doors slid open at the top floor, she was greeted by the sight of Blossom and three strangers of simr age, two women and a man, seemingly waiting for the elevator. Elysia, surprised, eximed, "Blossom?" Blossom quickly introduced them with a cheerful smile, "This is Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s mom, my best friend Elysia. Elysia, these are my colleagues Florence, Mona, and Keith. They came over specially to check on us after hearing about the incident next door." Snapping back to reality, Elysia stepped out of the elevator and greeted them warmly, "Hi there, why don''t youe in for a bit?" The women teachers responded with a smile, "We''ve been here for a while now, just about to leave." "One look at Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, and it''s clear why they''re so handsome. Their mom is gorgeous. It''s all in the genes." Keith, the sports coach, also greeted her with a smile, "Nice to meet you, I''m Keith, the boys'' PE teacher." Elysia''s gaze lingered on Keith. She''d often heard about him from Blossom and the kids. Tall and handsome, he was dressed in ck casual pants, a white hoodie, and a rxed down jacket, with pristine white sneakers. His whole demeanor was as clean and pure as his gaze, devoid of any blemish. He radiated warmth and charm, making one feel instantly at ease. Elysia politely replied, "The boys always mention how great you are at basketball, ser, even swimming. They really look up to you and adore you." Keith''s smile was gentle and warm, "It''s an honor to be liked by them. I really enjoy theirpany; they''re such well-behaved kids at school. You''ve done a wonderful job raising them." Chapter 511 Elysia beamed with pride as she receivedpliments about her children. With a gentle smile, she responded, "When they were little, it was all on us parents, but now that they''re growing up, it''s you teachers who bear the brunt. My boys, Elliot and Emmett, are angels, but Evan, well, he''s the rascal of the bunch. If he steps out of line, feel free to set him straight. I won''t coddle him." Keith chuckled, "Evan''s not just a rascal; his defining trait is wanting a sister so badly he''s gone and made a bunch of honorary sisters at school." The other two female teachers couldn''t help but join in theughter, "Exactly, after he''s done in his own ss, he starts scouting in ours." "It''s clear he''s desperate for a sister. With your family''s good looks, a daughter would be absolutely stunning. You should really consider having another one." Elysia offered a wry smile in response, knowing full well Evan''s obsession with having a sister. After exchanging pleasantries at the elevator, the teachers departed, and Blossom quickly linked arms with Elysia, eager to head home, especially given the recent passing in the neighborhood that had her on edge. Once inside, Blossom couldn''t help but bring up Keith, "That was Keith I mentioned before. Handsome, isn''t he?" Elysia nodded, "He''s quite the looker, indeed." "And it''s not just looks. He''s a gentleman through and through. Despite being a PE teacher, there''s nothing rough or uncouth about him. He''s like the golden boy of our kindergarten-well-liked by everyone and practically our mascot. Last year, we barely needed to advertise for enrollment. Just posted his picture, and moms were lining up to enroll their kids. While other schools struggle, we''ve had to turn people away, all thanks to Keith." Elysia, putting away groceries and taking off her coat, teased, "If he''s such a catch, why don''t you go after him?" "He''s out of my league. There''s a whole lineup of girls after him, and I''ve heard his family''s pretty well-off. He''s got high standards." "Why would he choose to work at your kindergarten, though?" Elysia wondered aloud. Blossom''s kindergarten wasn''t the top in Jindale City, and it seemed odd for a well-to-do heir to take up a position there. "Hard to say. Might have something to do with histe mom. Rumor has it she used to teach there, and maybe he''s there because of some issues with his stepmom, missing his real mom," Blossom spected. Elysia shifted the conversation away from Keith, showing little interest in his backstory, "How are you feeling now? Still got a headache?" "Much better, thoughst night was a nightmare." Elysia touched her forehead, "You''re still a bit warm. Was it Keith and the others who woke you?" "No, got woken up by a call from Eloise''s eldest across the hall. So annoying." Blossom sighed at the mention of their neighbors, "People say you raise kids for your old age, but what a joke. With everything that happened, he still wouldn''te back. Eloise passed, and he''s probably not even going to show. What a waste raising him." Elysia, aware that Eloise''s son had settled abroad, frowned, "If he''s noting back, what will happen to Eloise''s ce?" "She''s been moved to a nursing home," Blossom replied with a tinge of frustration. Chapter 512 "Is he gone?" "Yep. Wonder if Eloise regrets sending her son to study abroad. Maybe if she hadn''t, he wouldn''t have settled overseas and stayed away for good." Elysia replied, ¡°That has nothing to do with studying abroad; it depends on the person. Knowing him, even if she hadn''t let him go abroad, he wouldn''t have been any more devoted." "That''s true. By the way, have you thought about sending Elliot and the others overseas?" "It depends. If we can afford it and they want to, why not? It''d be good for them to broaden their horizons and learn something new." "Aren''t you worried they''ll end up like Eloise''s son, noting back?" "I''m not worried at all. They love me too much to leave me behind. And I wouldn''t let them settle abroad anyway. After all the effort to raise them, they should work here, contribute to their own country. Why should they work for another country? I''d be proud to see them serve our nation, but not if it''s for someone else." Blossom chuckled, "You still have that patriotic spirit from our college days." "Of course, I may be ordinary, but my love for the country burns bright and will never change!" Elysia said proudly, then asked, "Where are the kids?" "Still sleeping, missed breakfast." "Let them sleep. I''ll make some chicken soup for lunch, give everyone a little boost." Elysia grabbed the groceries and headed to the kitchen. Blossom leaned on the doorframe, "I saw the note you left me. You went to the police station to see Elijah''s dad?" "Yeah. I felt sorry for him, no parents and a bunch of terrible rtives. I thought I''d represent Elijah and check on him." "You''re too soft-hearted. After what he did to you, and you still feel sorry for him." "If it weren''t for him, I wouldn''t have my wonderful kids. It''s all in the past now, I''ve moved on." Blossom sighed, "Moving on is good, no need to dwell on it and upset yourself. How is he doing, anyway?" "Better than I expected, actually." "When can he get out?" "Not sure, he mentioned the day after tomorrow morning at thetest. By the way, did they figure out who the victim was?" "Turns out it was a burr who had been hiding out in Eloise''s ce, got panicked when discovered and jumped. I''ve been to Eloise''s so many times recently and never noticed." "He must have been hiding on purpose. You wouldn''t have seen him." Elysia made a cup of ginger tea for Blossom and started preparing the chicken, "Why did Eloise''s son call you?" Blossom sipped the warm tea, "He wants to sell the house but it''s hard for him being abroad, so he asked for my help." "Though with the death happening there, it might not be easy to sell." "True, but it''s in a great location, close to schools, shopping, and the subway. If we price it low, it should sell." Suddenly, Blossom remembered something and looked at Elysia, hesitating before saying, "Elysia, the reason I came backtest night was because Zane suddenly reached out. We talked for a while at the coffee shop." At the mention of Zane, Elysia became alert, "What did he want?" Chapter 513 Blossom paused for a moment before she said, "Zane''s been asking who your husband is, but I''m clueless too. He just told me to find a way to get it out of you." "What does he want with my husband?" Elysia asked. "He says it''s for your own good. He wants to track down your husband and then confront him, urging him to divorce you ASAP." Elysia knew Zane meant well, but this only unsettled her more. She felt there was something off about how Zane was acting towards her. Blossom continued, "He also told me not to let you know he came to me in secret, but I figured you had your reasons for keeping quiet. Sneaking around to get information from you felt wrong. I didn''t want to do that." "Yeah. Blossom, thanks for understanding." "What are you thanking me for? We''re sisters. Whatever you decide, I''ve got your back." After thinking it over, Elysia said, "The reason I haven''t said anything is because my husband and I had a secret wedding and signed a confidentiality agreement when we got married. Talking about it, whether for me or for him, just wouldn''t be right." Blossom was surprised, "You signed a confidentiality agreement to get married?" "Yeah." "This isn''t like getting married at all, it''s like making a business deal!" Elysia''s marriage was indeed a business deal between the Thorne family and the Bradford family! She always said Tarin had a bunch of crazy rtives. Well, wasn''t it the same around her? The Thorne family, every single one of them was a character! Blossom was furious, "I knew it! You were doing so well in school, why on earth did you suddenly drop out to get married?! Did your foster parents force you?" "Yeah." "Those monsters!" "But, being forced to drop out and get married also led me to cut ties with them. I don''t see it as a loss, don''t feel bad for me, it''s all in the past now." Blossom''s eyes immediately welled up with tears, "You were working so hard on your studies, looking forward to the future, and then to be forced to drop out! And after that, to be forced into marrying someone you didn''t love! Elysia, how painful that must have been for you!" Was it painful? It was... She wasn''t the brightest, but she had worked tirelessly, averaging less than four hours of sleep a day during her senior year. They say the early bird catches the worm, and she was that bird, using her diligence to get into the college of her dreams. Only to be forced by her foster parents to drop out after just over a year. Seeing Blossom cry, Elysia quickly wiped her hands on her apron and passed Blossom a tissue to dry her tears, "There, there, it''s all in the past. I didn''t tell you or Winona back then because I didn''t want you to feel bad for me." But Blossom was deeply upset, "Being forced to drop out, forced into marriage, and then ndered by some jerk, leading your husband to disdain you, saying you were unfaithful, subjecting you to ridicule... Elysia, how did you endure those dark times all by yourself?" Elysia offered a faint smile, "Things changed when I got pregnant, didn''t they? From then on, I wasn''t alone anymore. My kids helped me chase away the darkness and led me towards the light. Look at me now, I''ve reached the light at the end of the tunnel, so don''t feel bad for me, okay?" Blossom sobbed, "You deserve all the happiness in the world after what you''ve been through. It''s like the universe owes it to you!" Elysiaughed, "The universe doesn''t owe me anything. I''m content with my wonderful sons." "That''s not enough! You should have more to make up for all the hurt you''ve faced!" "More?!" Elysiaughed, "Most people have one or two kids, and here I am, outperforming with my bunch. I''m already ahead of the game." Blossom mumbled, "To be fair, your kids'' dad did quite the job, managing to have so many in one go." Elysia''s cheeks flushed red. It wasn''t just one time. Back then, she was dizzy and confused by his touch, but she could remember, it was at least three times! Chapter 514 Elysia, cheeks flushed with emotion, quickly changed the subject. "You know, life is all about moving forward. And I believe fate is fair. Life can either be a smooth sail or a rollercoaster of highs and lows." Blossom nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Look at you. After your great sorrow came great joy. The harder the past, the sweeter the present. And then there''s me. My life''s been pretty steady, so I haven''t experienced those extreme ups and downs. Winona''s pretty much in the same boat, isn''t she? Her life''s been quite even-keeled too." When Winona''s name came up, Elysia''s brows furrowed slightly, and after a moment of silence, she said, "Let''s keep my story between us for now. If Zane asks you, just say you couldn''t get anything out of me." "Got it." In the children''s room, Elliot stood by the door, catching every word of their conversation. He had woken up to use the bathroom when he overheard Blossom mention Zane''s inquiry from the previous night. Curiosity piqued, he lingered by the door. He already knew about the mysterious connection between Blossom and a secretive figure, thanks to Tarquin. Tarquin suspected that Blossom had gone to meet this mystery personst night but ended up chatting with Zane instead. However, Axel had kept his distance to avoid raising rm, so the details of their conversation were unknown until now. Elliot quietly closed the door and dialed Lowell, "Mr. Lowell, please inform Tarquin that Zane''s chat with Blossomst night had nothing to do with the mystery person. Also, I''ve found evidence that could clear his name, but there''s a risk in going public with this video. He needs to decide how to handle it. If this evidence won''t work, I''ll figure out another way to get him out." Lowell was surprised, "You found evidence already?" "Yeah, just sent it to you. Show it to him." "Alright, will do." After hanging up, Lowell checked the evidence Elliot sent. He was both shocked and impressed. And he couldn''t help but think: Why couldn''t I have a son like that? But then, considering his own intellect, he quickly shifted his thought: Why isn''t Elliot Tarquin''s son? With theirbined strengths, their enemies wouldn''t stand a chance! At the police station, Lowell ryed Elliot''s message to Tarquin word for word. Upon learning that Blossom and Zane''s meeting wasn''t about the mystery person, Tarquin inquired, "So what did they talk about?" "Elliot didn''t say. Should I ask him?" "No need." If Elliot chose not to share, there was no point in pushing for details. Tarquin watched the video evidence Elliot had found, unsurprised. He had noticed the tiny camera on the earpiece Elliot gave him. During the scuffle, it had fallen but was quickly pocketed again. The camera had recorded everything inside the room. His confidence in his safety rested on this piece of evidence. No matter what tactics his enemies tried, this video could prove his innocence. He had kept it to himself for a couple of reasons. First, to ponder over the content of his conversation with the mystery man. Secondly, to see who else, besides the Bradford family, was eager to see him dead. After a moment of silence, Tarquin decided, "Give the video to Josiah. Have him bypass his direct supervisor and go straight to Mitchell." Lowell was uncertain, "We''ve never dealt with Josiah before. Can we trust him?" "He''s trustworthy, a smart and upright man." Chapter 515 Before Lowell showed up, Josiah had juste looking for him. Josiah said, "Mr. Bradford, I believe you didn''t kill anyone. Take a look at this video evidence. I''ve had our tech department verify it. It''s a fake. Someone knows you''re innocent and deliberately sent this fake evidence to make it easier for me to frame you! I''ve always known we have a mole in our ranks. But I''m outmatched and outgunned. Taking them on directly could cost me my life. So, even though I knew this evidence was fake, I didn''t dare go public with it, much less confront those people head-on. I''m not afraid to die, but I have a family to think about. I''mying my cards on the table with you, hoping you might help me find a way to protect myself and my family without getting my hands dirty." Tarquin asked him, "Why don''t you want to get involved in their dirty business?" Josiah said, "Despite my age, my initial resolve to be a cop hasn''t changed! Plus, I believe what goes aroundes around. I''d rather live with a clear conscience." That''s why Tarquin thought of Josiah as a clever and upright man. If he wasn''t clever, charging at those people blindly could have gotten him into serious trouble already. If he wasn''t upright, he would have joined them in framing others by now. Lowell was unaware of these details, but if Tarquin believed in him, that was endorsement enough. Lowell then wondered, "Tarquin, why go to Mitchell instead of directly to Inspector Yuri?" Yuri, being the top dog in the department, would have more authority. Tarquin exined, "Yuri''s been under the weathertely, taking some time off to recuperate. Let''s not bother him with this minor issue; Mitchell can handle it." "Got it," Lowell acknowledged. "And tell Josiah to keep that video under wraps. Also, let''s leak some info saying there''s a high chance I''ll be sentenced to death, that the higher-ups are already reviewing it." He was done ying games; it was time to flush out the rats! The next day, December 29th. In the morning, when Keaton came to visit, he brought breakfast from the Jinpeach Restaurant. As he walked in, he teased, "Look at you, living the high life! I take a short trip, and Ie back to find you dining on the state''s dime. Impressive." Tarquin lit a cigarette, ignoring him. Keaton continued, half-mockingly, "What, not enjoying your government-sponsored meals? Or is it theck of love and care? Look at you, all worn out, poor pup." Referring to Tarquin as a "pup" due to his single status. Tarquin shot him a nce, "Dressed like a peacock first thing in the morning, just to annoy me?" "You wouldn''t understand. This is a new shirt my girlfriend bought for me! Notice that? Girlfriend-bought!" Tarquin scoffed, "Is this the first time you''ve ever worn new clothes?" Keaton replied, ¡°Am I wearing clothes? This is love, my friend. But I guess a lone wolf like you wouldn''t get it." Tarquin snorted disdainfully, "Your daddy''s love? I''m not envious!" Keaton pursed his lips, "Believe it or not, if I tell my dad you''re looking to rece him as my father, he might just go rant over your dad''s grave!" Keaton''s and Tarquin''s fathers were close friends. After Tarquin''s parents'' ident, the Bradfords had taken him in, and Keaton''s father had often helped him in secret. Tarquin held Keaton''s father in high regard. Keaton knew how to use that to his advantage. But Tarquin had his ways to counter, quickly bringing up Jessamine, "Would you believe if I told Jess you ditched her carefully arranged blind date to hang out with some D-list girlfriend?" Keaton was speechless, "You''re unbelievable!" Tarquin sneered, "You''re the pup, I''m the alpha!" Keaton grimaced, "I''d advise you to be kinder to me. I''m the only one who bothers to bring you food." Tarquin showed his indifference, but Keaton added, "Don''t underestimate this simple breakfast. Do you think this is just any meal? This is all my love for you!" Chapter 516 Tarquin squinted his eyes, ncing over at the insted lunch box Lowell had just dropped off. Inside was a breakfast that Elysia had asked Lowell to bring over. Noticing Tarquin''s distraction, Keaton also looked at the lunch box on the table. "What''s this about?" he asked. Keaton reached out to touch it, but Tarquin pped his hand away. The p was hard and loud, turning Keaton''s hand red immediately. "Damn, what was that for?!" he eximed. Tarquin extinguished his cigarette, opened the lunch box, and the aroma instantly filled the air. Keaton, intrigued, said, "Breakfast, huh?¡± Tarquin took out the breakfast items one by one, lining them up in front of him. It was simr to yesterday''s but noticeably more generous. Elysia probably thought he didn''t get enough to eat the day before. Keaton was incredibly impressed. "This definitely isn''t some free meal from the government, nor does it look like something from a diner. Damn, who cooked this for you personally? Lowell isn''t known for his cooking skills, right?" Tarquin wiped his hands with a wet wipe, a smug look on his face. "Sure, I''m single, but that doesn''t mean I''m unloved. This, my friend, is what you call charisma, get it?" He didn''t forget to throw a jab back at Keaton. "See this? Does this look like an ordinary breakfast to you? You can''t even buy this with money. It''s all love!" Now it was Keaton''s turn to be less impressed. "It''s just breakfast, and you''re making a big deal out of it!" Tarquin scoffed, "Try getting yourself locked up and see if any of those flings of yours bother to bring you a meal, let alone a homemade one!" Keaton grimaced, knowing well they''d all steer clear of him. Not a single one would show up. But he wasn''t heartbroken; he wasn''t serious about them either. It was all just for fun, a fair exchange. After pondering for a moment with a sly grin, Keaton eximed, "No way! Did Elysia make this for you?" She was the only one he could think of. As for N, well, she had a ''smart'' mom. Tarquin doubted he''d be seeing much of her, especially now. N''s mom would surely be telling her to keep her distance, to watch from afar. If Tarquin got sentenced, they''d instantly switch sides. But if he walked free, they''de running back, pretending to care. Tarquin conceded silently, leaving Keaton surprised. "Elysia''s really stepping up, huh? Given how you usually treat her, I''d have thought her keeping her distance was already kind. Didn''t expect her to actually care about you!" Tarquin continued eating his breakfast, remaining silent. Keaton added, "Speaking of Elysia, she called mest night." Tarquin immediately looked up. "What did she call you for?" "To ask about Callum." "Huh?" "She couldn''t get in touch with Callum all day and asked me to help out." "Why does she need Callum?" "Don''t know." Tarquin frowned. "Then why did shee to you for help?" Keaton exined: "Don''t you remember? After Oriana kidnapped her, I apologized, and she asked me to get in touch with you, well, actually with Tarquin. You then had Callum go to the meeting in your ce, which led to Elysia meeting Callum and getting all upset. That''s the thing, she knew I was acquainted with Callum too, so when she couldn''t reach him, she came to me for information." Tarquin''s face soured. ¡°She knows I know Callum too. Why didn''t she ask me for help?" Keaton narrowed his eyes. "Jealous, are you?" Tarquin, taken aback, frowned. ¡°No, just stating facts. She''s obviously closer to me than you. I''m just curious." Keaton raised an eyebrow. "Well, that''s debatable! Maybe in Elysia''s eyes, she''s closer to me. Why else would she ask for my help and not yours? That tells me I''m considered a friend in her book, and you''re nothing." ¡°.......¡± Tarquin''s face darkened, his breakfast suddenly tasting nd. He promptly kicked Keaton out. Then he had Josiah call Elysia, telling her toe over, now! Chapter 517 Elysia was torn. "Kids make choices, adults want it all!" Tarquin remained silent, just watching her, waiting for her to decide. After a moment, Elysia said hesitantly, "If I really have to choose one, it would definitely be to ensure your safety." A flicker of something passed through Tarquin''s eyes as he squinted. "Not interested in money anymore?" "Of course, I am." "Then why choose my safety over money? If I''m safe, you won''t get paid." "That''s not necessarily true. If you''re safe and sound, you''ll probably be in a good mood, right? Maybe you''ll just decide to generously give me a ton of money out of the blue. You know, like those tycoons on TV shows who throw money around when they''re happy." Tarquin was taken aback by her logic, something most wouldn''t consider. "Do you even remember your condition?" "Of course, I just have to answer a question, right?" "Right. And if you don''t answer it properly, you''ll end up broke for life." What?! Elysia''s eyes widened. "Don''t spout nonsense! I refuse to be broke; I''m destined to be rich!" Tarquin teased her, "I cursed you in my mind during our bet today. If you don''t answer my question seriously, you''ll indeed end up broke." Elysia was bbergasted. "What''s wrong with you! You can''t just curse me!" "I didn''t really curse you. Just a heads-up not to back out." Elysia red at him, clearly annoyed. Tarquin remained unfazed. "If you answer seriously, you''ll definitely get rich." That seemed to soothe Elysia a bit. "I''ll answer seriously. What''s your question? Ask now." "...We''ll talk about it after we get out." Elysia pouted. "Then why did you even call me here?" "Just wanted to know, with the holidaysing up, how do you n to spend them?" Elysia stared. "You rushed me over here just to ask that? Seriously, you''re unbelievable! I was halfway through cooking when the police called, and I rushed over here, worried sick, only to find out you''re fine! You... why are you like this?!" Tarquin found her reaction amusing. She reminded him of a tiny, harmless husky puppy, trying to act fierce but utterly adorable. "On New Year''s Eve, I''m nning to head back to the old family home for dinner with Elijah. If you''re free, why not join us?" "Huh?" Tarquin exined, "Elijah suggested it. It''s your first year knowing each other, and he wants you to spend the holiday dinner with him." Hearing about Elijah softened Elysia''s expression. This year marked their first holiday together, and she too wanted to celebrate the New Year''s Eve with Elijah, enjoying a festive dinner. But... she didn''t want to dine with his troublesome rtives. "You''ve always said you''re not on good terms with your family. Why have dinner with them?" "Elijah and I are going back to pay respects to my dad." If not for this reason, he wouldn''t bother going back to the Bradfords, nor would he bring Elijah along. Elysia hesitated. She wanted to apany Elijah, but what if those dreadful rtives recognized the kids? The children had met Tarquin before, and thanks to Emmett''s makeup skills, they weren''t recognized. But at the old family home, with so many rtives around, what if someone noticed something was off? Her principle was clear: it was better for the kids to avoid Tarquin and his rtives as much as possible. Preferably, they would never meet again. Chapter 518 "Are you worried about your and the kids'' safety? Don''t be. With me around, no one''s going to mess with you," Tarquin assured. Elysia responded awkwardly, "Give me some time to think about it." Tarquin didn''t push her. "Alright, just let me know when you''ve decided." "Okay." And with that, Elysia left. Tarquin lit up a cigarette, sinking into a moment of solitude as he smoked. Later, he called Josiah into the room. "Spread the word to those guys that I''m bringing Elysia in, like I''m leaving her in charge of myst wishes." Josiah paused, his eyes flickering as he caught on. "Got it!" ... With Tarquin''s recent troubles, the business world was in turmoil. And it wasn''t just the business sector; other circles were feeling the heat too. Especially after Josiah leaked the news about Tarquin''s st wishes," the instability only grew. Tarquin was a titan, a man whose mere presence could shake the entire economy. And now, with rumors of his demise, his vast influence meant that many were losing sleep over the potential fallout. Some were ted, others worried. But for the general public, life went on as usual, oblivious to the storms within the upper echelons. Elysia was one such person, unaware of Tarquin''s true stature and the extent of his influence. So, her concern for him was pure and unfiltered, free from any ulterior motives. On New Year''s Eve morning, Elysia paid another visit to the station. She came to discuss the evening''s dinner ns with Tarquin and brought him breakfast. "I''ve talked it over with Elijah and the kids; we''re alling to your family''s old house for dinner tonight. Is there anything we need to prepare or be aware of?" Hearing she wasing, Tarquin''s mood visibly brightened as he started on the breakfast she''d made. "You don''t need to bring anything. Just wait at home with the kids; I''lle get you once I''m done here." Elysia, still slightly worried, asked again, "Are you sure you''ll be able to get out today?" Tarquin, slightly annoyed, retorted, "You worry too much. What''s going to happen when you actually get old? You''ve asked a hundred times already." Elysia, speechless at hisint, simply asked, "So, what time will you be able to leave?" "Don''t know. Why, do you have ns?" "It''s New Year''s Eve. If you get out toote, all the shops will be closed, and you won''t be able to buy anything!" "What do you need to buy on New Year''s Eve?" Tarquin wondered. Elysia was taken aback. "Don''t you buy things for the New Year?" "I''ve never really celebrated New Year''s," Tarquin admitted calmly. "When I was a kid, I celebrated with my parents. But after they passed, it was just me. There''s not much point in celebrating alone. With Elijah, we tried for the first couple of years. But the holiday only made him miss his mom more. The more festive it got, the sadder he became. So, we just stopped celebrating." Elysia''s heart clenched in sympathy for both Elijah and Tarquin. New Year''s, the grandest of traditions, yet here were father and son, choosing not to celebrate. She pictured them, isted in their quiet home, surrounded by the joy of others, yet engulfed in their own solitude and longing. It was a thought that pained her deeply. Chapter 519 This cantankerous man, whether as an orphan in his youth orter as a father to Elijah, had always been a figure of pity. And her Elijah... They say the holidays make you miss your loved ones more, each festive season intensifying that yearning. Most kids love Christmas, seeing it as the most joyous time of the year. But for her Elijah, it was the most torturous period annually. No more. Never again! She was back, and she vowed never to let her Elijah spend another Christmas alone. From now on, every Christmas would be celebrated together with Elijah! Elysia sniffled, her tone much softer, "Blossom mentioned wanting to take the kids out shopping today, to buy new clothes and shoes, and maybe pick up some holiday goodies. Is there anything specific you need that I can pick up for you?" Tarquin''s expression remained unreadable, silent for a moment before speaking, "New clothes and shoes?" He and Elijah had always had their clothes custom-made, never needing to shop for them separately. "Yeah, it''s a tradition to wear something new for Christmas. Kids especially look forward to new outfits for the holidays. It makes them sad not to have that. Growing up, I only ever got to wear my younger sister''s hand-me-downs during the holidays, and it always made me feel left out. So, I''ve made it a point to get new outfits for my kids every year." One for each, ensuring all three little ones had their share. This year, though, there would be four sets needed, including one for Elijah. Tarquin said, ¡°Just pick out whatever you think is best." "Okay, so I''ll get one for Elijah, and one for you too?" She wasn''t sure when he''d have the chance to shop himself, so Elysia cautiously asked. Tarquin looked at her for a while, then grunted a ¡®hmm'', ¡°Use the card I gave you. There''s no limit. Spend freely." Spend freely? Elysia immediately bounced back from her prior dejection, thrilled, "So I can spend however I like?" "Hmm!" "Thank you, Sugar Daddy!" Tarquin: "...So money-minded, you must have been broke in yourst life!" Elysia said, "I''m not worried about myst life. As long as I''m not broke in this one, it''s all good. What kind of clothes do you want?" "Just pick out anything, as long as it''s not childish." "Got it! What size are you?" "Ask Lowell." Elysia rolled her eyes, "Poor Lowell, has to remember everything, almost like he''s your better half. When you do get a wife, wonder if you''ll see Lowell as a rival." A wife? Strictly speaking, he already had one, though they''d never met. His "wife" was someone the Bradford family had arranged for him years ago to curb his influence, reportedly after consulting a fortune teller for theirpatibility. It was said that she would bring him bad luck. Ironically, after they got married, his fortunes soared instead of plummeted! A cold smirk crossed Tarquin''s face at the thought. Elysia, oblivious to his expression, saw that he had finished eating and began to tidy up, "I''ll leave this here for now and head straight to the mall from the station. If you manage to get out today, you can help me bring it back." After her instructions, she left, only to turn back at the door, reminding him, "Don''t forget to pick this up, okay? It cost quite a bit, you know, a whole bunch of dors." Tarquin: "..." Watching her leave, he felt an inexplicable sense of annoyance. He couldn''t tell if it was because of her, or because of himself. But while he was irked, Elysia was anything but. After all, she didn''t fancy him. Her concerns for him were out of pity, mainly for Elijah''s sake. Chapter 520 Instead, she was absolutely thrilled today. Just the thought of hitting the mallter and spending however she fancied had her buzzing with excitement. After leaving the police station, she immediately called Blossom. Blossom and the kids were already on their way to the mall, and they agreed to meet up at the main entrance. The n was to shop for clothes at the mall first and then hit the market for some holiday shopping. This year, Professor Folly and his wife couldn''t make it back from their archaeological dig abroad, leaving Blossom solo. It just so happened she''d be joining them for the New Year celebrations. Half an hourter, they all met up at the entrance of the mall. As soon as Blossom saw Elysia, she teased, "Look at you, all smiles. Hit the jackpot, did you?" "Yep! Big time! Today, I''m buying whatever I want, all on me!" Blossom looked skeptical, "Really rolling in it, huh?" Elysia shed her tinum card, "Please, call me Lady Moneybags!" "No way, some random guy gave that to you?" Elysia red at her, "Cut it out. For today, he''s not some random guy, he''s Mr. Bradford." As for whether he stays ''some random guy'' or bes ''Mr. Bradford'' permanently, that''ll depend on how he ys his cards. No dough, he''s just some dude; but with cash in hand, he''s Mr. Bradford! Blossom''s envy was almost tangible, "Lady Moneybags, I bow down to thee." "Yeah, yeah, got it, got it. Today, cling to me, and whatever you want, I''ll buy. Sky''s the limit!" After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the little ones came running over from the square. "Mommy!" "Mommy!" "Mommy!" "Mommy!" Their adorable voices immediately drew the attention of passersby. Being New Year''s Eve, the streets were bustling with folks out and about, getting theirst-minute shopping done. Hearing themotion, many turned to look towards Elysia. With a face blooming like a peach, she grinned from ear to ear, lovingly patting one and pinching another. "Don''t worry, he''ll definitely make it out today. Come on, mommy''s gonna buy you some new clothes." The kids, already confident that Tarquin would be fine, were over the moon. Off they went into the mall, with Lady Moneybags Elysia leading her little lords on a spending spree! Everywhere they went, they were the envy of all, "Good heavens, those little munchkins are too cute, I could kidnap them all!" "So adorable, I wonder what color of sack they''d prefer!" "Goodness, suddenly my life feels iplete, I need a munchkin!" "I need four!" "..." Elysia couldn''t have been prouder, wealthy, beautiful, with kids, and sans a man! To her friends, she was nothing short of royalty! After a morning of wild shopping, they were all exhausted yet exhrated. Having finished their spree, Elysia and the kids headed back to Future Community, while Blossom took a detour to her parents'' ce to hang up some holiday decorations. Uncertain about Tarquin''s release time, Elysia and the kids didn''t join Blossom. Once back at Future Community, Emmett was busy getting Elliot and Evan ready with makeup for the evening''s New Year''s Eve dinner. Elysia copsed onto the couch, pulling a ssic slouch. Watching the kids buzzing around full of energy, she couldn''t help but smile contentedly, though inwardly she joked about her own stamina: Man, I''m getting old, a day of shopping nearly did me in! Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Thinking it might be Tarquin, she quickly instructed the kids to stay in their rooms, doors closed, until they were fully dressed and ready. Then she went to answer, "Coming,ing, who is it?" No response. Elysia frowned. If it had been Tarquin, he would''ve answered by now. Instead of opening the door right away, Elysia peeped through the peephole. The sight of the person outside made her heart skip a beat, nearly screaming in shock, her expressionpletely changing! Chapter 521 Elijah''s ce was suddenly under siege by a bunch of his distant rtives - and they brought an army of beefy bodyguards with them! What on earth did they want? Were they here to start a brawl or kidnap someone?! They wouldn''t just show up to fight without a reason, so... they must be here for Elijah. But why? They''ve never shown any love for Elijah, so why bother taking him away now? Elysia, in her simple and straightforward thinking, couldn''t wrap her head around theplex schemes and power struggles that weremon in elite families. She just couldn''t figure out what the Bradfords were up to this time. "Elysia, open up! We know you and Elijah are in there. Don''t pretend like no one''s home! If you don''t open up, we''reing in!" The voice belonged to one of Gideon''s henchmen, Ulysses. Elysia frowned, "I barely know you guys. What do you want?" "Just open the door when you''re told to, will you? Keep this up, and we''ll break it down!" Gideon shot Ulysses a re. "Keep it down, will you? You trying to give Elijah a heart attack?" Gideon''s n was to take Elijah with them. He wanted to use Elijah as leverage to threaten Tarquin, who was on death row, into transferring all his shares and wealth into Gideon''s name right away. In Gideon''s eyes, Tarquin was as good as dead. Ever since Gideon heard about Tarquin''s plea for his son''s care, he knew Tarquin was done for. But Gideon couldn''t let Tarquin die just yet. If Tarquin died, his fortune would automatically go to Elijah, making him the target of many. Tarquin''s loyalists would surely stir up trouble. So, the best n was to use Elijah to pressure Tarquin into transferring his shares before his death. Once the shares were transferred, no one could meddle. The Bradford Group would be securely in his grasp! But everything hinged on Elijah being alive for the n to work. That''s why he snapped at Ulysses - to avoid frightening Elijah. After all, Elijah suffered from severe psychological issues; he could be scared to death quite literally. If Elijah died, Gideon would lose his leverage over Tarquin. After scolding Ulysses, Gideon turned to Elysia. "I''m Elijah''s great-grandfather. We''ve met before. I''m just here to take Elijah home. He''s thest of the Bradfords; we can''t have him living outside the family." Elysia recognized him and frowned at his words. They were indeed after Elijah! Definitely up to no good! What to do? Call the cops? But what would she say to the police? If she didn''t reveal her and Elijah''s mother-son rtionship, they might even use her of kidnapping Elijah! And with so many of them outside, they might break in before the police could arrive! If she couldn''t protect Elijah, and they discovered Elliot and Evan... It didn''t bear thinking about! The only option seemed to be... Elysia steadied herself, "Just give me a moment to change, and I''ll open the door." She decided to keep them waiting while she quickly texted Lowell for help. Then she rushed to the kids'' room. Emmett was in the middle of doing Elliot''s makeup, not yet finished. Evan hadn''t even started! If those people outside forced their way in, it would alle out in the open! "What''s wrong, Mommy?" The kids immediately sensed something was off with Elysia. In a hushed tone, Elysia exined, "Elijah''s great-grandfather has shown up with a bunch of bodyguards. They want to take Elijah away!" The kids were instantly alert. Chapter 522 Elliot and Elijah both scrunched up their brows in worry. Emmett felt a shiver of fear. Evan was fuming, "Why should they take Elijah away? They don''t even like him. Mom, don''t worry, I''ve got this. I won''t let them take Elijah. I''m going to chase them away right now!" Elysia quickly grabbed Evan, "No way! Going out there would just blow your cover." "I''ll wear a mask." "That''s not going to cut it, either!" What if the mask falls off? It''s way too risky! Elysia said, "Mom''s going to handle this. Listen to me, I''m going to talk to them, and no matter what happens, none of you are stepping outside! Anyone who disobeys will really make mom mad. Like, really mad!" Elliot was skeptical. With mom''s... let''s say ''unique'' problem-solving skills, could she reallye up with a good n? "Mom, at least give us a hint about your n." Before Elliot could finish, a loud, aggressive knocking sound came from the door. Elysia frowned, "No time to exin now! Lock the door behind me, Emmett, keep working on your brother''s disguise." She then turned to Elijah, crouched to his level, "Don''t be scared, Elijah. Mom will never hand you over to them!" After nting a firm kiss on Elijah''s forehead, she turned and left. Make sure the kids lock the door! She double-checked it to ensure it couldn''t be opened from the outside before she could rx. Cranking up the central heating to make the house cozy, she then hurried to the front door, "I''ming, I''ming." Elysia opened the door, cautiously greeting Gideon, "Hello there." She appearedpletely non-threatening, almost timid and scared. Gideon nodded, "Where''s Elijah?" "We were out shopping this morning, and Elijah was so worn out, he just went to sleep. Why don''t youe in and sit for a spell, and I''ll wake him in a bit." Gideon eyed Elysia suspiciously for a few seconds before entering, leaning on his cane. Considering Elijah''s mental health, Gideon wasn''t nning on starting with violence. If persuasion worked, great. If not, they''d resort to force. As Gideon stepped in, a whole entourage followed, filling the modest living space, making it feel as cramped and stuffy as a packed subway car during rush hour. Ulysses, clearly disgusted by the small, humble abode, said, "Sir, while Elijah''s asleep, we might as well just take him and skip the pleasantries!" Elysia replied, "If you try to move him, he''ll wake up. He''s got anxiety about strangers; seeing you all will only trigger him. It''s really not safe for Elijah.'' Ulysses scowled, "Our sir his kin, how can he be a stranger! He''s much closer to Elijah than some outsider like you!" Elysia mentally rolled her eyes. Close, my foot! But to buy more time, she patiently exined, "Elijah hasn''t been around you much. He''ll still be nervous and agitated." Gideon interjected, "What are you suggesting?" Elysia said, "I know you''re Elijah''s kin, and I believe you want what''s best for him since you''re family. Family is all about love and care, not harm. Anyone who thinks otherwise is bound to face karma, like being struck by lightning or meeting an untimely end." The Bradfords: "..." Their faces soured faster than milk left out in the sun. Who was she implicating?! Chapter 523 Before they could even get a word in, Elysia spoke up, "You know, if you really cared about Elijah, there''d be no need to take him away from my ce. He''s well looked after with me, and his dad feltfortable enough to leave him in my care.¡± Gideon caught the undertone in her words and narrowed his eyes, "Don''t try to scare us with him anymore. He''s noting back." ¡°That''s not true. He was just here this morning. He even mentioned he''d bring Elijah to the family mansion tonight for dinner." Gideon scoffed, "That''s a lie. He''s been convicted of murder and sentenced to death. It''s just not public knowledge yet. Handing Elijah over to you was his way of ensuring his care." Elysia gasped in disbelief, "That''s impossible!" Gideon let Ulysses y a recording, "...He knew the police had video evidence of the murder and that his execution was imminent. He asked Elysia to take care of Elijah, essentially making her his child''s guardian. He even started transferring his assets..." After the recording ended, Gideon said, "That''s info straight from the police." Elysia held her breath, stunned. How could this be? He had promised to join them for dinner tonight. He seemed so at ease; how could anything have gone wrong? Gideon bluntly added, "I wouldn''t be here iming Elijah if I wasn''t sure of his fate." The implication was clear; they were emboldened by his impending death. Elysia, her eyebrows knitted and breathing heavily, realized the gravity of the situation. If he was in no trouble, they wouldn''t dare... But then, were all their meetings and his cheerful demeanor just an act? And the bet they made if he couldn''t make it, all his wealth would go to her. Was it just a way to ensure she''d take care of Elijah? The more Elysia thought, the more panicked she felt. Tears welled up, and she became restless, suddenly fearing the worst. Despite his ws, he wasn''t a bad person, and he certainly wasn''t guilty of murder. Why would they sentence him to death? In her heart, Elysia felt a surge of injustice for him and wanted to confront the police, but she couldn''t leave the kids behind. They needed her protection, especially Elijah. Without his father, he couldn''t lose her too. The thought of Elijah being alone without her and Tarin broke her heart. And if they took Elijah today, she might never see him again. They wouldn''t let Elijah see her, no matter how much he begged. So, she couldn''t let them take Elijah. Seeing Elysia silent, Gideon continued, "I''m telling you this because without his support, taking Elijah will be easy for us. Even if you risk your life, you won''t be able to stop us. It''d be easier if you just cooperated and saved yourself the trouble." Elysia steadied her heart and told Gideon, "How about this? To reduce the chances of Elijah''s condition worsening, I''lle with you. He relies on me a lot right now. As long as I''m there, he''ll be fine wherever he goes. I can help take care of him." Gideon, his eyes narrowing, contemted the offer. With Elysia there, they wouldn''t have to worry about Elijah''s well-being. "Alright, you cane with us," he finally agreed. Chapter 524 "Alright, give me a moment to gather a few things, and I''ll brew us some tea," Elysia said as she got up and headed for the kitchen, returning with several steaming cups of tea. She had cranked the heating up to max, making the room ufortably warm. As she brought over the tea, everyone grabbed a cup without hesitation and began sipping away. "Drink up, I''ll just pack a few clothes and then Elijah and I will leave with you," Elysia mentioned before retreating to her room. In the kids'' room, a couple of the little ones were keeping an eye on the situation through a living room security feed. Evan asked, "What''s going on? Did something really happen to Tarquin? Is Mom really going to take Elijah and leave with them?" Elliot responded, "Tarquin''s fine. I already sent him the evidence. The whole ''dying wish'' thing was just a bluff. Mom''s probably just stalling for time. I bet she spiked the tea." "She wants to knock them all out?" "Yep." Elliot frowned, clearly not thrilled with Elysia''s n. After all, not everyone drinks tea. Mom''s n was too naive. Sure enough, as soon as Elliot finished speaking, chaos erupted in the living room. Those who drank the tea started to pass out, but Ulysses and Gideon remained unaffected. Ulysses didn''t drink because he thought the tea leaves were too cheap, and Gideon, ever cautious, never epts drinks prepared by others. They both dodged the bullet, exposing Elysia''s n. Infuriated, Ulysses summoned all the guards inside, "This woman dared to drug us! Grab her! And find Elijah!" With a loud bang, the guards kicked open Elysia''s door. Realizing her n had failed, Elysia rushed out, positioning herself in front of the kids'' room door. "You can''t take Elijah away! Whatever beef you have with Tarquin, Elijah is innocent! He''s just a kid; he knows nothing about-Ah!" Before she could finish, Ulysses shoved her aside harshly. "Out of the way! How dare you drug us, you''re asking for it!" Elysia crashed into a TV stand, hitting her head on the corner of the coffee table, causing a gash that immediately started bleeding. Ignoring the pain and tears forming, she stubbornly got up, blocking the door to protect her children, only to be restrained by two guards. Ulysses grabbed a shard of the broken vase, shing Elysia''s neck with a swift motion, "Try to stop us again, and I''ll end you!" Though the cut wasn''t deep, it started bleeding profusely. Elysia, ignoring the pain, red with fiery eyes, "Lay a finger on my child, and I swear, I''ll kill you all! None of you will leave this ce alive!" Inside, the children were furious, their eyes burning with rage. How dare they push their mom, okay! How dare they cut her, okay! How dare they make her cry, okay! How dare they make her bleed, okay! This was unforgivable, absolutely unforgivable! Fueled by rage, Evan was the first to reach the door. Not bothering to waste time turning the knob, he kicked the door open with all his might. Suddenly- Outside, the guards'' screams of agony filled the air, along with Gideon''s shocked and trembling voice, "How did you get out?!" Chapter 525 Elliot quickly grabbed Evan, preventing his feet from hitting the door. "There''s trouble!" Elliot urgently led them back to the desk to check the security feed. And trouble was indeed brewing! Tarquin was back! Watching him through the cameras, Elliot felt a shiver down his spine. Tarquin, at this moment, seemed like a figure straight out of hell, radiating a lethal aura! He had one arm around the injured Elysia and was gripping Ulysses by the wrist, ring daggers at Gideon. His face was as cold as ice, his eyes brimming with deadly intent! Several bodyguardsy on the ground, writhing in pain, not daring to make a sound. The living room fell into an eerie silence. Then, with a ''snap,'' Ulysses'' wrist was broken, his screams of agony echoing through the entire floor. Tarquin held Elysia''s head against him, shielding her from the uing grisly scene. Ceramic shards flew from his feet, slicing Ulysses'' knees. Ulysses copsed with a ''thud,'' kneeling at Tarquin''s feet. Tarquin ground his face against the ceramic shards, his gaze fixed on Gideon the whole time. The shards cut through Ulysses'' flesh, stirring inside his wounds. Ulysses howled in pain, "Ah, ah, ah... sir, save me..." Overwhelmed by the pain, Ulysses fainted. His face was a bloody, unrecognizable mess. Gideon, terrified, watched it all unfold, hisplexion turning ghostly pale, his breathing heavy. "Leave... Take your men and leave, don''t force me to start a massacre!" Gideon, frightened, swallowed hard several times, not daring to say another word. He quickly turned and hobbled out with his cane. In his haste, he stumbled and fell with a ''thud.'' This time, he didn''t wait for anyone''s help, quickly getting up and continuing his escape, leaving his cane behind. The room fell silent once again. Tarquin, with a furrowed brow, looked tenderly at Elysia. Elysia was trembling in his arms, clearly terrified by the ordeal. He then turned to look towards the nursery, puzzled why Elliot and Evan were home but allowed Elysia to get hurt. Setting that thought aside for now, he said, "I''m taking her to the hospital to treat her wounds. You''ll find people to clean up the living room; don''t bother about us." After giving his instructions, he carefully carried Elysia and walked out. Inside the nursery, Elliot held back Evan and Emmett, preventing them from following. "Mommy''s already hurt, running out there won''t help and will only expose us! If we get caught, it will break Mommy''s heart!" Emmett, crying so hard he could barely breathe, said, "But I... I want to be with Mommy. She''s bleeding... she must be so scared..." Evan also cried, "I won''t let him see me! I''ll follow secretly; I just want to be with Mommy." Elliot''s brow was furrowed with concern; he too was heartbroken for Mommy, but he knew what scared her more. "Mommy''s got Tarquin to protect her now; she won''t get hurt again. We need to pull ourselves together quickly if we want to find Mommy soon. Emmett, go wash your face, calm down, and then continue with our makeup. Once we''re done, we''ll immediately go find Mommy." Elliot then looked at Elijah, who was breathing heavily, his little face set with determination, his fists clenched so tight his body trembled. It was clear he was either furious or heartbroken over Elysia. Clearly, his emotions were on the edge of breaking down. Chapter 526 Elliot quickly let go of Evan and Emmett and wrapped Elijah in a tight embrace, offeringfort, "Elijah, buddy, calm down. It''s all over now. If anything happened to you right now, Mom would be beside herself with worry. She''d rush back here in a heartbeat, neglecting her own injuries. If you want Mom to be at ease to get her cuts treated at the hospital, you''ve got to calm down, listen, and be a good boy..." It was only then that Evan and Emmett realized Elijah wasn''t in his right mind, and they quickly wiped away their tears to console him. "Elijah, don''t think about those bad guys. Just think about Mom. Think about her smile, her wishes..." Elijah had been battling with his mental health. Although he had been doing well recently, he hadn''t fully recovered. A breakdown now would only make things worse. Thankfully, Elijah inherited Tarquin''sposure. He closed his eyes, leaning on Elliot''s shoulder, forcing himself to calm down. Silent tears rolled down his cheeks, all for the love and concern he held for Elysia. Meanwhile, Tarquin hurriedly carried Elysia downstairs. Lowell swiftly opened the car door for them, not bothering with any pretense and driving the luxury car straight to the hospital. Lowell cleverly raised the partition between the front and back seats, creating two private spaces, knowing Tarquin and Elysia needed privacy for their conversation. Tarquin, sitting in the back with Elysia in his arms, wasn''t sure how tofort her. He had never been one to soothe a woman''s fears, so he could only repeat, "Don''t be afraid, I''m here now... I''ve dealt with the bad guys. They won''t dare hurt you again. The kids are all safe, don''t worry..." Elysia was trembling in his arms, her mind buzzing, unable toprehend the word ''banquet'' that Gideon had yelled out earlier. It took her a while to gather her thoughts, her eyes red and puffy, her lips quivering as she looked up at Tarquin and asked, "Did you lie to me?" "Huh? Lie about what?" "Your grandfather said... he said you..." Elysia''s voice broke, overwhelmed with sorrow. Tarquin couldn''t help but wipe away her tears, gently assuring her, "You shouldn''t believe a word he says, not even the punctuation!" "But he had a police recording. The police said there''s evidence youmitted murder, that you''re going to be sentenced to death!" "So, you believed his nonsense, thinking I''d be sentenced to death?" "Yes!" "And that made you upset?" "Yes!" Tarquin looked at her, touched by her innocence. He held her a bit tighter and wiped her tears away again, his voice soft, "Why are you so naive? How many times have I told you I wouldn''t be in trouble? Why would you believe him over me?" Elysia, frustrated and flushed with anger, as if upset he didn''t understand her point, huffed, "I told you, he had a police recording! And if you weren''t in trouble, why would he dare to show up? He said you''d been sentenced to death, that you''d be executed soon! Really!" Seeing her earnest, innocent expression, Tarquin patiently exined, "I do believe you, but look, I''m here now, not sentenced to death, which proves his words were false. There''s nothing to fear." Elysia blinked away her tears, looking at him, "You... you didn''t escape from prison, did you?" Tarquin: "...No." "Then... are you going to be arrested again?" "No, I won''t." Elysia remained half-convinced, "...". Chapter 527 Tarquin felt cornered, but to put Elysiapletely at ease, he pulled out his phone and dialed Josiah, keeping it brief, "Some folks are spinning yarns about me breaking out of the precinct on my own. Mind clearing the air, Josiah?" As soon as Elysia heard it was a call from the police, she straightened up, "Hello, Josiah." Josiah, ever the smooth operator, quickly caught on and reassured with a chuckle, "Ms. Thorne, no need to worry. We''ve wrapped up the investigation. The deceased jumped on his own; it wasn''t your boyfriend who pushed him, nor did he coerce the jump. Your boyfriend''s in the clear, and we''ll be making a formal announcement shortly." With every mention of ''your boyfriend,'' Elysia seemed to grow ustomed to the reference, "Okay, thank you so much." After hanging up, Tarquin asked, "Believe me now?" Elysia nodded, "Yes." Just as Tarquin was about to change the subject, Elysia suddenly burst into tears again. Tarquin jumped, confused, "You believe me, so why the tears?" Crying her eyes out, Elysia said, "When they showed up today, it nearly scared me to death. They said you were going to die, and they wanted to take Elijah away... They brought so many people, looking so menacing. I was terrified, sob sob sob..." Unable to control herself, Elysia wept bitterly. She seemed like a girl who''d just survived a life-or-death ordeal, overwhelmed by fear and relief, yet also feeling wronged. Only now did Tarquin understand the reason for her tears. Seeing her so distressed, he pulled her into his embrace, offering his shoulder and chest for her to lean on. He thought she''d stop crying after a while, but she cried all the way to the hospital. The car had already pulled into the hospital parking lot, and she was still crying. Tarquin remembered the saying, "Tears are more plentiful than wisdom." And another, "Women are made of water." Hesitating for a moment, he gently patted her head, trying to soothe her like one would a child, "Stop crying now." Head pats were said to be universallyforting to girls. But this approach seemed ineffective on Elysia; she continued to cry. Realizing the car had stopped, Tarquin, out of options, said, "Let''s hold off on the tears. Think about the medical bills. Your injury might cost a pretty penny." At the mention of money, Elysia quickly wiped her tears and sat up straight to ask, "Since they''re the ones who hurt me, shouldn''t they cover the medical bills?" Tarquin rubbed his temple, realizing yet again that money was indeed a powerful motivator with her. "Yes." "Then let''s contact them! Make them pay up! But... you hurt some of them too. Could they turn this around on you?" Tarquin pursed his lips, "Did your mom take something to stunt your intelligence while pregnant with you? How can you be so naive?!" "You..." "Give them a chance to ckmail me? They wouldn''t dare. They attacked you, which is a crime. Me fighting back is self-defense, which is not against thew." "Right! We shouldn''t let them off easy. They must pay everyst dime for the medical bills." Elysia swung the car door open and strode towards the clinic. Her mind was solely focused on the medical bills, oblivious to the fact that she had been sitting on Tarquin''sp the entire ride, nor did she notice they had arrived in a luxury car. For Tarquin, the difference was palpable. The moment she left, his arms felt instantly empty, transitioning from aforting weight to a feather-light absence. Thest time she was drunk, he carried her, noting how light she felt-almost as if he was neglecting her, not providing enough for her to eat. Chapter 528 But today, he felt her weight in his arms more profoundly than ever before. After she left, it was as if his heart had emptied out too! "Hey, hurry up!" Elysia called out to him, standing a few yards away. She had walked a bit before realizing he hadn''t gotten out of the car yet, so she waited there for him. Since he had carried her out, she wasn''t wearing a coat, just a cream-colored hoodie. She paired it with ck leggings and a pair of ubiquitous snow boots. Feeling a bit chilly, she rubbed her hands together and blew on them, her feet shuffling on the spot. Her hair, long enough to reach her waist, was now a bit disheveled, with traces of blood on her forehead and red-rimmed eyes from recent tears. At first nce, she looked like any girl from a modest background, distressed after an incident. Yet, she drew plenty of attention. Her face was strikingly beautiful, even without makeup, a rarity in an era obsessed with cosmetic enhancements. "Tarquin, aren''t you going to apany Elysia into the hospital?" Lowell reminded him. This time, Tarquin looked away, straightened his clothes briefly, and strode towards her with his long legs. As he approached, Elysia pouted, "What took you so long? The hospital''s packed at this hour. We''ll be waiting forever, and the kids are still at home." Tarquin didn''t respond but draped his coat over her shoulders. Elysia: "?" Tarquin, with his usual aloof demeanor, exined, "If you catch a cold, Elijah will worry, and our New Year''s will be ruined." "Oh, but aren''t you going to be cold? What if you get sick?" "I won''t. I''m not as delicate as you." "Am I delicate?" Tarquin''s lips twitched, but he didn''t reply. Elysia nced down at his coat, "It''s such a high-quality piece. It''d be a shame to wear it just once and then get rid of it, right?" "Why would we get rid of it?" "Because you don''t like me wearing your clothes. If I wear it, you won''t want it back. Isn''t that like throwing it away?" "When did I ever say I didn''t like you wearing my clothes?" "That time you got drunk, I borrowed one of your turtleneck sweaters. You seemed really upset and said if I wore it, you wouldn''t want it back. You found it disgusting." Tarquin frowned, "...Did I say that?" "You did! I remember clearly! That turtleneck is still at my ce. I washed it but never dared to give it back to you." Tarquin''s frown deepened, "You misunderstood. It wasn''t that I found it disgusting you wore my clothes. Remember to give it back to me." Elysia, puzzled, pressed on, "Then what did you mean? If you weren''t disgusted by me wearing your clothes, what were you disgusted by?" "I''ve forgotten!" Elysia pouted but didn''t pursue the matter further, ready to dash into the clinic wrapped in his coat. Tarquin caught her hand and led her in another direction. Elysia, confused, asked, "Where are we going? Aren''t we here to see a doctor?" Tarquin replied, irritated, "I''m taking you through the back door!" "The back door? Do you know a doctor here?" "Benjamin!" It then dawned on Elysia, "Oh, Ipletely forgot about Dr. Benjamin. I''ve been so preupied with youtely." Her offhand remark struck a chord with Tarquin. Her words filtered through his mind, leaving behind a simple thought: She''s been thinking of him. Upon further reflection, it condensed to an even simpler essence: She misses him. Tarquin looked at Elysia meaningfully, wanting to say something, but then noticed the injury on her forehead and held back. Chapter 529 Walking side by side toward the VIP entrance, Elysia suddenly realized Tarquin was still holding her hand. No wonder it felt so warm. She tried to pull away, but he tightened his grip unexpectedly. Her heartbeat picked up, confusion and a hint of excitement mingling. "Hey, you... you''re still holding my hand!" Tarquin didn''t even nce her way. "I know." "You know? And you keep holding on? People don''t just hold hands, they might get the wrong idea." His lips twitched slightly as he responded, "Only someone with a guilty conscience would worry about that." "I don''t have anything to be guilty about!" "Then stopining." Elysia pouted, "I''m just not used to this. I can walk on my own; you can let go now." Without looking at her, he simply said, "You''re walking too slow. You can''t keep up." "Slow? How am I walking slow?" "Short legs." Short legs? Elysia wanted to argue, her teeth clenched in frustration. But ncing down at her own legs and then at his long strides, she shut her mouth and continued walking, albeit with an air of defiance. From a distance, Lowell watched the two, a goofy grin spreading across his face. Tarquin was clearly torn between his feelings for Elysia and his reluctance to let those feelings grow, all because of his past. Yet, right now, it seemed he was struggling to keep those emotions in check. "From today on, he''s going to be all over Elysia and not let go," Lowell thought, chuckling to himself. "That''s my future sister-inw!" At Benjamin''s clinic, Elysia decided to follow Tarquin''s advice closely. After getting her wound dressed, she cooperated fully with Benjamin for aprehensive check-up. Before the results could evene back, her four boys rushed in. Elliot and Evan, having disguised themselves, now shared Emmett''s appearance. Seeing Tarquin, all four boys frowned, clearly holding a grudge. Tarquin, puzzled, greeted them warmly, "Don''t worry, she''s fine. The wound has been taken care of, and it''s not serious. She''s just getting a full check-up now." "Not serious?" one of them retorted. "My mom''s forehead is cut open! And there''s a scratch on her neck!" "She was bleeding!" "Open wound, bleeding, and you call that not serious? What does serious look like to you?" Each boy added their piece, none too pleased with Tarquin. He narrowed his eyes, silently questioning whether he had caused Elysia''s injuries. He was sure he hadn''t. So why were the kids ming him? Instead of confronting this, Tarquin asked, "Why didn''t you protect her at home? Afraid to reveal your abilities?" "No way!" "Then why?" The kids adored Elysia, and it hurt them to see her injured on their watch. Tarquin was curious, yet the boys wouldn''t admit they were trying to keep their appearance a secret from their mom to avoid frightening her. Elliot fibbed, "We were all wearing headphones and didn''t hear anything from outside until it was toote. But what about you? You had the evidence all along. Why did you only show up now? If you''de earlier, mom wouldn''t have been hurt!" The other three chimed in, "Exactly!" Tarquin realized then why they were upset with him. They were ming him for not acting sooner. Chapter 530 Tarquin wasying it out straight: "I wanted to use this situation to weed out the snakes in the grass plotting against me. I didn''t expect Gideon toe knocking; that''s on me, I apologize. When Elysiaes out, I''ll make it up to her too." The kids pouted but didn''t push the conversation further. The check-up was over, and Elysia emerged. Her four boys dashed over, "Mommy!" Elysia had calmed down by then, though her mind was buzzing with thoughts about the medical bills. Seeing her kids brought her joy, "Elliot, Evan, Emmett, Elijah, what brings you guys here?" "We were worried about you, Mom. How are you feeling? Are you okay?" Elysia''s face softened, "Mommy''s fine, don''t you worry, just a few scratches." The little ones looked up at her with furrowed brows and identical expressions of concern. Elysiaughed heartily, "What did Mommy always tell you? If it doesn''t affect your eating or sleeping, it''s nothing to sweat over. Life''s big deals are eating and sleeping. As long as those aren''t affected, no worries, stay positive." Tarquin stood aside, listening to her impart ''wisdom''. He thought her logic was wed, but upon reflection, couldn''t find fault with it. Eating and sleeping, the simplest yet most crucial activities. Anything affecting either could lead to serious consequences. Not being able to eat or sleep usually means serious illness! Watching herfort the kids, Tarquin pondered for a moment before sincerely apologizing, "Today''s mess was my fault, I''m sorry." Elysia quickly countered, "It''s not your fault. It''s your crazy rtives who should be apologizing. And don''t forget to ask them for the medical bills at dinner tonight! They shouldn''t get off easy!" "...Can you even make it tonight?" "Of course, I can! And I will go there with my head held high! Let''s go home and change into our battle gear!" Blossom had said, if you''re going to infiltrate the enemy, you''ve got to stand tall! First off, she needed to let the Bradford n, those women who badmouthed Elijah behind his back, know that Elijah now had a mommy to protect him! Secondly, she had to show them that Elijah''s mommy was no pushover. Ordinary, yes, but not someone who shrinks back at the first sign of trouble, no easy target! She had to let them know, a mother''s love is fierce; for Elijah, she would fight to the end. Anyone who disagrees, bring it on! Tarquin had no clue what Elysia meant by "battle gear," but he followed her home. The house had been cleaned. A new vase, filled with fresh flowers, was ced on the TV stand. The sofa covers were also new, identical to the old ones. It was hard to tell that a fight had taken ce here not too long ago. Elysia directed the kids, "It''s gettingte, let''s change into new clothes now. You four will wear these today." Thanks to some extra funds, Elysia had bought each child three new outfits. One for today, another for New Year''s Day, and thest for the mid-month celebration. The kids, upon receiving their instructions, took their clothes and went to their rooms. Elysia then pulled out Tarquin''s outfit, "This is yours, change in the study or bathroom." Tarquin asked, "What did you buy for me?" "A good selection, both inner and outer wear. You''ll see," she replied before retreating to her bedroom and closing the door. Tarquin, carrying the clothes, headed to the study, eyebrows knitted in worry. Chapter 531 Red socks, red boxers, red thermal underwear, and a red shirt... a sea of red. Bright and vibrant, yet all a blur. He never liked red; his wardrobe was a palette of dark hues, the only exception being white. And then... He took a closer look at the boxers she bought for him, the smallest size! Did she have some misunderstanding about his size? Luckily, Elysia didn''t just get him one set; she treated everyone equally, buying three sets for the kids and three for him! Tarquin opted for a dark suit and shirt instead, skipping the thermal underwear and the boxers she bought. They were too small, impossible to wear! Tarquin was the first to get ready, sitting in the living room waiting for them, when Lowell sent over a list. All outsiders. Some from within the system, others on the fringe. Staying at the police station these past few days, even spreading false rumors about entrusting his legacy, was all for this list. This list contained names of those who had tried to bring him down during this ordeal and those who had tried to save him. Those who wanted to save him, regardless of their motives, would be rewarded. As for those who wished him dead... their good days were over! Tarquin read through the list with a cold expression, stood up, and walked to the balcony to call Lowell, instructing him on how to deal with these people. As soon as he hung up, he heard noises behind him. The four little ones had changed into their outfits! All in matching vintage-inspired New Year''s sets. They wore red sweaters adorned with vintage elements on top and ck embroidered skirts at the bottom. The fabric was high-end, and the hand embroidery was top-notch, clearly custom-made. Combined with their clean, charming little faces, Tarquin was reminded of royal princes from old TV shows. He couldn''t help but feel moved at this moment. The four kids, nearly identical in height and build, looked like quadruplets. Oh, if only they were all his sons, Tarquin thought! Emmett ran straight into Elysia''s room, "Mommy, I''m here." "Alright,e in." Emmett was there to do Elysia''s makeup. Their outfits, along with what Elysia was wearing today, were all chosen by Emmett. Only Tarquin''s was picked out by Elysia. Now, in the living room, it was just one adult and three kids left. Elijah asked, "Daddy, why are you dressed like that? Didn''t Mommy also buy you clothes like ours?" Tarquin honestly replied, "It''s not my style." Elijah frowned, "You don''t like it?" "...Daddy just doesn''t really wear red." "But Mommy says, for New Year''s, you have to wear red. It''s festive." Elijah seemed a bit upset but didn''t insist on Tarquin changing. Evan snorted, "If you don''t like it, fine. I don''t want to match with certain people anyway! Humph!" Tarquin: "... The three kids sat in the living room waiting for Elysia while Tarquin started a video conference on his phone to deal with urgent business matters. Having spent a few days at the police station, hispany was in chaos, and now was the time for a board meeting to stabilize morale. He was mostly there to listen and asionally nod, using only one earbud so he could stay aware of the surroundings. After a while, Elysia came out. "Wow-" Elliot, Evan, and Elijah eximed in unison, amazed. Tarquin also lifted his head curiously... His gaze sharpened, his heart skipping a beat. The desire for beauty is universal, and men are visually oriented by nature. Tarquin was no exception; he was just another man who appreciated beauty. Looking at Elysia, he couldn''t look away. The continuous chatter ofpany directors in his ear became annoying. Frowning, he didn''t care about the importance of their discussion and casually ended it with, "Meeting adjourned!" He shut off his phone, removed his earpiece, and focused all his attention on Elysia. Elysia had traded her usualfortable, casual sporty look for a striking red dress that entuated her figure. Her hair was styled into mature, wavy curls. Her makeup was sophisticated and refined. Her entire presence was transformed. The dress, a Western rendition of the elegant Eastern qipao, bnced sexiness and modesty perfectly. It not only showcased her perfect figure without being over-the-top or revealing but also highlighted her inner beauty. And the choice of red added a unique allure, capturing a timeless elegance. Chapter 532 She stood there, shimmering like a queen, yet exuding the tenderness of a young girl. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Perfection personified! Elysia twirled on the spot, "What do you think?" "Mommy, you''re so pretty!" "Mommy''s a queen!" The kids took turns showering her withpliments. Noticing Tarquin''s silence, Elijah sneaked up and nudged him, his eyes signaling: Say something! It was Tarquin''s moment to shine! He swallowed hard, seemingly to cate Elijah, but hispliment was genuinely heartfelt, ¡°Stunning.¡± Elysia lifted her chin in pride, "Of course, I''m the queen! This is the masterpiece Emmett picked out for me!" Tarquin''s gaze involuntarily shifted to Emmett. He knew Elliot was the smart one, good with money and a whiz atputers, and Evan was the athlete, but Emmett''s talents had eluded him. He had thought Emmett was just following Elysia''s lead, unremarkable and soft. But now, he realized he had underestimated the kid. This child had a knack for fashion, a true talent. He''d be unstoppable when he grew up. "Huh? Why are you wearing that today? I picked out a burgundy outfit for you, matching with us. Go change into it, quick." Elysia only then noticed Tarquin''s attire, thinking he''d dressed mistakenly and urged him to change. Evan chimed in, "He said he doesn''t like red." Elysia was surprised, "You don''t like red? But it''s festive, especially for the holidays! You don''t even like burgundy?" Tarquin nodded in agreement. Elysia sighed in disappointment, "Well, alright then. Wear what you have on. I''ll see if I can return the other outfit. It was quite expensive, and I can''t let it go to waste. You look sharp in this one, but it''s a shame you won''t match with us." Tarquin nced at the five of them and then at himself, indeed feeling out of ce. As if he''d been left out of the team. Hesitating for a moment, he stood up, "Wait here.¡± He headed to the study and returned minutester, changed. His shirt was burgundy, matching Elysia''s dress, and his suit and trousers were ck, just like the kids'' outfits. However, his suit had red ents on the cor and cuffs. Overall, it was a dark ensemble since the red shirt was barely visible at the cor. Elysia was curious, "I thought you didn''t like red?" Tarquin replied, "I didn''t want to stand out." Elysia smiled, "Wee back to the team. See, you look dashing in red, like a groom." Emmett added, "Mommy looks like a bride." Elijah agreed, "Emmett''s got the best eye!" Tarquin: "..." Elysia: ¡°... Lowell pulled up in a spacious SUV to pick them up, his eyes lighting up at the sight of their coordinated outfits. This was the epitome of family goals! A handsome father, a beautiful mother, and adorable kids-who wouldn''t be envious of this family? And Tarquin, in his red shirt, was a rare sight. His gaze lingered on Elysia, unable to look away, "Ms. Thorne, you look absolutely gorgeous today." Just as Elysia was about to thank him, Tarquin interjected with a scowl, "Silence is golden, Lowell!" Lowell: "?!?" Elysia was exasperated, "Can''t you ever be nice? Lowell did nothing to you. Apliment bothered you that much?!" Tarquin remained silent, boarding the SUV. Elysia reassured Lowell with a smile, "Ignore him. He''s got issues." Lowell chuckled awkwardly. It wasn''t insanity; it was clear jealousy. Only then did Elysia notice the vehicle change, her curiosity piqued as she asked Tarquin, "Did you borrow this or buy it? It looks expensive." Tarquin dodged the question, instead speaking earnestly, "When we get to the family estate, don''t be intimidated by anyone. If they give you any trouble, you give it right back. Do whatever you want, without worrying about others. I''ve got your back. Even if you cause an uproar in the Bradford family, there''s nothing to fear." Chapter 533 Hearing thoseforting words, Elysia immediately made her stance clear, "Don''t worry, I won''t start any trouble unless theye for me first. It''s not like I''m out looking for a fight. I just want them to understand that Elijah has a mom now! They can''t mock or bully our Elijah anymore!" Elijah looked at Elysia, his eyes brimming with tears. He finally had a mom! After longing for what felt like an eternity, his dream of having a mom hade true. And not just any mom, but Elysia, the best mom in the world! He had never been so happy in his life, nor had he ever looked forward to the holiday dinner as much as he did this year. He couldn''t wait to show everyone: look, this is Elijah Bradford''s mom! His real mom! Tarquin watched Elysia with a thoughtful gaze for a few seconds. In his eyes, Elysia might not be Elijah''s biological mother, but he was grateful and moved by her words nheless. Elysia affectionately stroked Elijah''s cheek, sending him off to y with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. She then reminded Tarquin, "And when you go, don''t just focus on the food. Don''t forget to ask them to cover the medical bills! It must have cost a fortune today, at least a few thousand, right? Make sure they pay up every penny." Tarquin was speechless. Was he only going to the old mansion for the feast? And mentioning thousands like it was pocket change seemed a bit exaggerated to him. After all, Benjamin''s was the best private clinic in Jindale City, where aprehensive check-up could cost upwards of tens of thousands! Without further rification, Tarquin simply nodded in agreement. Outside the car window, the festive lights shone brightly, and the spirit of the season was in full swing. The kids, pressed against the window, marveled at the sight. Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, who had lived in the countryside, were not ustomed to the festivity, and Elijah had never been fond of celebrating. But this year felt different; it was a joyous reunion, and the kids were thrilled. Evan turned to Elysia, buzzing with excitement, "Mom, mom, I heard there''s a New Year''s Eve event tonight. How about we go to Mar River after dinner instead of watching the holiday specials at home? Can we, can we please?" The other three kids looked at Elysia with hopeful eyes. She smiled and nodded, "Of course, of course." The children were over the moon, turning back to the window, chattering excitedly like little birds. Elysia then turned to Tarquin, "It''s the holidays, let''s make the kids'' wishese true. If you''re busy tonight, I can take Elijah and the others out for some fun. You do your thing." "I''m free," Tarquin responded. Elysia was taken aback, "Oh, you are? Really?" He looked at her, "You wish I wasn''t?" Elysia chuckled awkwardly, her words not matching her thoughts, "No, no, of course not." Truth be told, she''d rather go out with the kids alone. With him around, she felt somewhat restrained, always worried about exposing the children, feeling uneasy. "You''re overthinking it. I''m not doing this to apany you; I''m here for Elijah," Tarquin rified. Elysia snapped back to reality, wide-eyed and curious, "Why would you think that? I never assumed you wereing for me." Tarquin just looked at her, speechless. Suddenly, Elysia remembered something important, "Oh, almost forgot, Lowell, before we head to the old mansion, let''s stop by Sunshine Community first. I just remembered we haven''t put up the holiday decorations there. It''ll be toote after dinner, and I want to take the kids out for some fun." Lowell nced at Tarquin through the rearview mirror, slightly taken aback by the sudden change of ns. Chapter 534 When Tarquin finally nodded in agreement, he couldn''t help but smile and respond, "Alright." So, the family of six decided to make a detour to Sunshine Community first. The festive decals were something Elysia had picked up that morning. This year''s model was maic, eliminating the need for messy paste or tape, making the whole process much simpler and more convenient. The family divided the tasks among themselves efficiently. Elliot and EvanElijah were in charge of sorting out the festive decals and figuring out where each should go. Emmett was tasked with transportation, handing over the decals that Elliot and the others had prepared to Elysia. Elysia and Tarquin were in charge of putting them up. As Tarquin got to work, Elysia directed him from behind, "It''s crooked, move it a bit to the left... oh no, now it''s too far left, a bit to the right." Tarquin teased her, "You''ve already bought them, why didn''t we put these up before heading out?" Elysia retorted, "How could I do it without you here?" "You mean you can''t put up decals without me? Are you saying you''re too clumsy to even do that?" Elysia rolled her eyes in disdain, "You''re the clumsy one! I''ve heard from the elders that you can''t put up these decorations until the whole family is together. You can''t leave anyone out; everyone has to be home first. I would have done it earlier if we weren''t waiting for you." Tarquin gave her a meaningful look, "Am I considered family?" Elysia was momentarily taken aback, but before she could respond, Tarquin continued, "What about those who work away from home and can''t make it back for the holidays?" Elysia snapped back to reality, "That''s different. I''m talking about those who can make it home." Tarquin didn''t pursue the conversation further. After their efforts, the previously bare house finally felt festive. The decals made everything look bright and lively. Tarquin felt a bit nostalgic, as if he had suddenly been transported back to his childhood. There was one year when his parents brought him back for the holidays, and the house was decorated just as vibrantly by Elizabeth. But that was the only year. Afterward, the house never saw such warmth again. It was always cold and empty. He had chosen to live here with Elijah mainly to conceal their identities. Previously, the house was uninhabited, visited only asionally by him. But those visits were brief, moments of solitude on the sofa with a cigarette, leaving as soon as the smoke cleared. "Let''s go, we should head out for the holiday dinner. After that, we''ve got ns to take the kids out." Elysia''s call pulled him back to the present. Tarquin looked at her; she was kneeling at the entrance, helping the children into their coats. Her face was alight with joy and tenderness. Tarquin was moved, a warm rush of emotion swirling inside him. He was about to head to the door when Elysia suddenly turned to him, instructing, "Almost forgot something important. Go to the kitchen and take out the meat from the fridge. We need to prepare the dumplings tonight for tomorrow morning. We can''t use knives on New Year''s Day, so we have to get everything ready tonight and just cook them in the morning." Tarquin was familiar with this tradition. Elizabeth had always prepared the dumplings on New Year''s Eve for the next morning, a custom he had almost forgotten after so many years without a proper celebration. Hearing someone remind him of it brought aplex mix of emotions, a blend of bitterness and warmth, which he couldn''t quite identify. He gave Elysia another look before heading to the kitchen to follow her instructions, taking out the meat and vegetables in preparation. The family of six then set off for the ancestral home. Tarquin had made it clear beforehand that his identity was not to be revealed in front of Elysia at the ancestral home, so he wasn''t worried about her finding out. However, as the car slowly made its way into the driveway of the ancestral home, Elysia began to feel suspicious. Chapter 535 Amidst Evan and Emmett''s wide-eyed astonishment, she turned to Tarquin, her voiceced with disbelief. "Is this, really, your family''s old mansion?" "Yeah," Tarquin responded simply. Elysia nced outside the car window at the sprawling golf course. "Your... your family''s ce is this huge, thisvish?" Tarquin knew exactly what was running through her mind and said, "You''re just not used to this kind of luxury. If you ever visited the Bradfords, the wealthiest family around, you''d be even more astounded." Elysia let out a sigh of relief. "You had me scared for a moment there. I thought your family was the Bradford n." Tarquin looked puzzled. "Why be scared?" Elysia pouted slightly. "Well, technically, I''m still married to a Bradford, so I''m the wife of the richest man, Tarquin Bradford, in name at least!" And they hadn''t divorced yet. So, if today her secret lover and Tarquin met, it would be a scandalous encounter between a ''homewrecker'' and a legitimate husband. Though neither of them loved her, the mere thought of such a confrontation was terrifying. Elysia tried to brush it off. "I''m just not ustomed to such grandeur. I''ve heard the Bradfords can be quite intimidating." Tarquin, still oblivious to the fact that she was his wife, didn''t think much of it. The Bradfords were indeed a den of lions, with everyone harboring dark secrets. Frightening, indeed. "We just share a surname. My family has nothing to do with the Bradfords'' wealth." "Oh," Elysia thought to herself, how easily fooled she was. She continued to gaze out the window, marveling at the breathtaking scenery and the rare species of trees visible from the road. She couldn''t help but ask, "Even so, your family must be quite affluent, right? Maybe not the wealthiest, but definitely up there?" Tarquin replied, "Their wealth has nothing to do with me. They don''t like me much, and I''ve never really benefited from their riches. I used to be wealthy myself until my business tanked, and I ended up penniless." "You''ve started to make money again recently, haven''t you?" "A little, but I''ve given all the cash to you." "What? You gave me all your money?" "Yeah." "So, you''re broke now?" "I''ve got a few thousand... well, maybe just a couple hundred bucks to my name right now, not entirely sure." Elysia was shocked. "Which is it, thousands or hundreds? And why would you give it all to me?" She conveniently ignored the ''billion'' part, never having imagined his assets could reach into the billions. Tarquin exined, "You''ve been taking care of Elijah. I''m grateful to you." Elysia believed his words, her expression a mix of being touched and guilty. "You''re making me feel terrible. I thought you hade into a huge fortune. Yesterday, I went on a shopping spree and spent so much money! Can you even afford to pay off the bills next month?" "I''ve checked; I can cover it." "Maybe I should return some of it to you." Tarquin''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Would you really?" Elysia clenched her teeth, as if making a painful decision. "I can''t let you be left destitute. I''ll give you back five thousand... no, eight thousand!" Tarquin replied dryly, "Thanks, but there''s no need." He had given her a million, and she was contemting returning a few thousand, as if it were a huge sacrifice, and even then, she was already feeling the pinch. Elysia asked, "Do you think it''s too little or too much?" Tarquin, looking into her bright, innocent eyes, couldn''t bring himself to scoff at her naivety. "I meant I''ve got a few hundred in cash. I still have assets that haven''t been liquidated; you don''t need to worry about me." Elysia immediately asked, "You have assets that haven''t been liquidated? How much?" "I haven''t really calcted." Elysia was curious, but prying too much into someone''s financial affairs felt rude, so she didn''t press further. "So, when will you liquidate them?" "Does it matter to you?" Chapter 536 "Yeah, you''ve only got a few bucks left. How long will thatst you? Look, if you ever need cash in a pinch, juste to me. Anytime you need, I''ve got you covered." Tarquin gave her an unreadable look. "...Yeah." The four little ones pursed their lips, collectively rolling their eyes at Tarquin. Keep spinning your tales, let''s see how you exin your way out of this one. Then, their gazes shifted back to Elysia. Silly mommy, bless her heart. She believes anything he says. Lucky for her, they were on the lookout. Otherwise, she''d be thanking him for the privilege of being conned. The car came to a smooth stop. The butler, apanied by the staff, approached to open the car door. "Young Master." Because of Tarquin''s prior instructions, they all referred to him as ''Young Master,'' dropping any formal titles. Tarquin, with a poker face, stepped out of the car and personally lifted each of the little ones down. Seeing Elysia and the kids, both the butler and the staff were momentarily surprised, but quickly reverted to their professional demeanors. The butler smiled ingratiatingly, "They''re all waiting for you in the chapel, just missing you now." It was a century-old tradition of the Bradford family to visit the chapel for blessings before the New Year''s Eve dinner. Since they had made a detour to the Sunshine Community to hang door decorations, they were running a bitte, and the others had already arrived. Elysia felt that visiting the chapel was a solemn affair, and being unrted to the Bradford family, she opted out. But Elijah clung to her hand, unwilling to let go, wanting her to join them. Elysia nced at Tarquin, who didn''t object, so she silently followed. When the family of six made their appearance before the entire Bradford family, the expressions on their faces were priceless! Words like ''shocked'' didn''t do them justice. Their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, each looking more stunned than thest. They had their own schemes andplicated feelings! The New Year''s Eve dinner was a family affair, and here Tarquin was, bringing strangers home. From their matching outfits, it was clear they were a family unit. Was Tarquin nning to marry Elysia? Was Elysia going to bring her kids into the Bradford family? Bringing them to the chapel, was Tarquin intending to have the ancestors of the Bradford family acknowledge Elysia''s children? How could they? They had no blood rtion to the Bradfords, how could these outsiders deserve a ce in the Bradford chapel?! Moreover, if Elysia and her kids squeezed into the Bradford family, it would mean a redistribution of the Bradford Group''s shares. The pie was only so big, and more people meant less for each. Hence, after the initial shock, there were frowns all around; no one weed Elysia and the little ones into the Bradford family. Luckily, they were brought by Tarquin; anyone else might have faced a harsher reception! Elysia wasn''t scared, nor did she care. She wasn''t scared because Tarquin had her back! And she didn''t care because she had braced herself already. They didn''t like Tarin and Elijah, so of course, they wouldn''t be fond of her and her children. She was mainly there for Elijah; everything else was irrelevant. They didn''t care for her and her children, well, the feeling was mutual! For those she didn''t care about, ignoring them was the best response. Since it was time for the blessings, Gideon didn''t press Tarquin on the reason for bringing Elysia''s family. With the day''s events still fresh, he didn''t dare annoy Tarquin further by sending them away. So, for the time being, Elysia''s presence was tacitly epted as they all entered the chapel. Chapter 537 Elysia stepped into the Bradford family''s ancestral hall for the first time and was truly astounded. The hall was vast and tall, making her feel incredibly small, like an ant stepping into a skyscraper. The walls of the hall were lined with portraits of deceased members of the Bradford family, each apanied by a description of their life''s journey. From a distance, Elysia could only see the portraits, unable to read the inscriptions below. In the center of the hall, there were many memorial ques, each with candles and fresh flowers ced in front. There were also monks in the hall, chanting prayers and blessings, adding to the solemn and respectful atmosphere. Members of the Bradford family stood in front of the ques, bowing collectively before proceeding to light incense in honor of their ancestors, family by family. Gideon, being the eldest in the Bradford family, was the first to step forward. He was followed by Tarquin and Elijah. Although Tarquin''s aunts were older, their status did not surpass his due to their gender, so they had to wait their turn. Once Tarquin''s aunts had paid their respects, it was time for the more distant rtives of the Bradford family. As Gideon lit his incense, Tarquin turned to Elysia, "When it''s our turn to honor my dad, you can stay here with the kids if you''d prefer." He didn''t pressure her, knowing well she wasn''t Elijah''s biological mother. The privilege of honoring his father was reserved for Elijah''s biological mother, so whether Elysia participated was of little consequence to him. Before Elysia could respond, Elijah piped up, "Daddy, I want Mommy and Elliot, Evan, and Emmett toe with us. Grandpa would be happier." Having his daughter-inw and grandsons present would surely bring joy. Elijah looked at Elysia with hopeful eyes, "Mommy, Daddy said Grandpa was a great man. Let''s all light incense for him, to make his year a happy one." Elysia nced at Tarquin, who remained calm, "It''s up to you." Though she wasn''t Elijah''s biological mother, a polite gesture of lighting incense for Elijah''s grandfather was eptable, and he wouldn''t object. As it was Tarquin''s turn, he stepped forward confidently. Elijah clung to Elysia, leaving her no choice but to follow under the watchful eyes of the assembly. The Bradford family frowned collectively at this! They saw this act as more significant than Tarquin had anticipated, associating it with formally recognizing Elysia''s status within the family. By bringing Elysia to light the incense, Tarquin was essentially dering her his spouse in the eyes of his father. Elysia could feel the cold stares from behind, her nerves kicking in. She was naturally timid, and the eerie atmosphere of the ancestral hall,bined with the cold res, made her uneasy. As Tarquin took the incense for her, their eyes met, his gaze reassuring her: "Don''t worry, I''m here for you." Elysia took a deep breath, feeling a bit more settled. She then signaled Elliot, Evan, and Emmett to follow Elijah''s lead. The six of them together paid their respects to Kendrick. Kendrick, originally named Killian Bradford, had used Kendrick as his name for safety reasons during his studies abroad. When he and Elizabeth had no choice but to marry overseas, they used the name Kendrick on their marriage certificate. They bowed deeply, and Tarquin ced the incense in Kendrick''s personal um, a tradition he followed every year, dedicating his respects solely to his father. Chapter 538 Elysia, though puzzled, quietly followed his lead and mimicked his actions. Elijah, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett each ced incense in Kendrick''s holder. Suddenly, the candle in front of Kendrick''s photograph flickered loudly, and the me shot up high. Evan, amazed, asked, "Hey, is Grandpa Kendrick really happy?" Elliot confirmed, "The higher the me, the happier he must be." Emmett was thrilled, "Grandpa Kendrick likes us." Elijah looked content, ¡°I just told Grandpa about his daughter-inw and grandkids.¡± Tarquin: "..." Elysia: ¡°.. The Bradford family collectively scowled, "..." In the quiet chapel, only the voices of the youngsters echoed, unusually loud. Elysia felt awkward and gestured for them to be quiet. Elijah smiled gently, "Mom, no need to be shy, Grandpa likes you." Hearing this, Elysia''s embarrassment grew, her lips twitching: Where''s the ground when you need it to swallow you up? This was a chapel, and she couldn''t argue with the children; she could only shake her head at Elijah, signaling him to keep quiet. Tarquin wasn''t bothered. After all, his dad wasn''t foolish. If he had really brought a daughter-inw to see him, he would have mentioned it himself. Elijah''s words were just child''s babble. But to the rest of the Bradford family, Elijah''s words, coupled with his smile, made them even more uneasy! After Tarquin finished his ritual, it was Allegra and her family''s turn. Tarquin didn''t bother waiting inside and led Elysia and the kids out. Once outside, he lit a cigarette, looking somewhat downcast. Elysia shrugged helplessly, "You four are looking for trouble, huh? There''s nothing between him and me, yet you bbered nonsense inside the chapel. Look, you made him upset." Elijah immediately shook his head, his words full of empathy for Tarquin, ¡°It''s not that; Dad''s just missing Grandpa and Grandma. He always feels sad after the ritual." "Oh? Is that why?" "Yeah, Dad''s been pretty lonely these years, he just doesn''t show it. Mr. Lowell said that when Dad was about four or five, his parents died, supposedly murdered. Then, Dad was brought back here, and that''s when the nightmares began..." Elysia frowned slightly, turning to look at Tarquin. He leaned against arge oak tree, a cigarette between his fingers, asionally taking a drag, his brows slightly furrowed, his ruggedly handsome face tinged with mncholy. He was an unbreakable father, but he too was once a child. He too once had parents and carefree days. Elysia felt a twinge of sympathy looking at him and asked Elijah, "How did your grandparents die?" "I''m not quite sure, just heard from Mr. Lowell they were murdered, and the culprit''s still atrge." "...Then why is there only your grandpa''s memorial in the chapel and not your grandma''s?" She had noticed earlier that the space beside Kendrick''s photograph was empty. Typically, Tarquin''s mother''s memorial would be ced next to Kendrick''s. Elijah shook his head again, "I don''t know, Dad never mentioned it." Elysia pondered for a moment, then told the kids, "Stay here for a bit, I''m going to keep himpany." Elysia walked towards Tarquin. The four little ones quickly followed and hid behind a bush, spying. The little sneaks knew Mommy was going tofort Daddy; they were eager to hear what they would talk about and how much their rtionship would progress. Chapter 539 Tarquin was taking a drag on his cigarette when he spotted Elysia approaching. Instinctively, he thought about stubbing it out. He knew Elysia hated the smell of smoke. "Just smoke if it helps you rx," Elysia said. "I don''t mind." Tarquin nced at her and crushed the cigarette under his shoe anyway. "Alright, there''s a point for Dad," the kids chimed in unison. "Who told you I was in a bad mood?" Tarquin asked. "I don''t need to be told, it''s written all over your face," she replied. "Just needed a smoke, that''s all." Really? Quitting just like that when the craving hits? Elysia didn''t push it, though. His gesture of stubbing out the cigarette touched her. Tarquin leaned against arge tree, hands in his pockets, while Elysia stood opposite him, arms behind her back, leaning against a smaller tree. They chatted casually, both rxed. Elysia shared, "I''ve never told you this, but although myst name is Thorne, I don''t actually know my birth parents'' names. I was adopted by the Thornes, and to this day, I have no idea where my real parents are, who they are, or even if they''re alive. Ever since I can remember, my adoptive parents barely tolerated me. Scolding and physical punishment were the norm. I never knew what it was like to feel parental love. That''s why I threw myself into my studies, hoping to change my fate... Unfortunately, life had other ns. I was forced to drop out of college and get married, only to be kicked out by a husband who despised me... But look at me now, I''m happy, right? Life is about making the best of it, happy or not, since we all meet the same end. Might as well enjoy the ride, right?" The kids thought, "Mom''s story is so sad. We''ll get back at the Thornes for her someday! But she''s amazing,forting Dad with her own stories of hardship." Tarquin swallowed hard, touched by her openness. He had lost his parents early and was taken in by the Bradfords, a den of wolves. Every day was a struggle for survival. Gideon, the head of the family, wanted to use him to consolidate power, keeping the ambitious rtives at bay. Meanwhile, others plotted against him, hoping to eliminate him and secure their own progeny''s ascendancy. Many nights, hey alone, curled up in a corner, crying silently, clutching a knife until dawn. And it was highly likely that his parents were killed by members of the Bradford family. No wonder he harbored such hatred towards them! "People say I''m ruthless, that I have no respect for my own grandparents or aunts. They call me cold-blooded, not understanding what it means to be a family. Ha, as if they know what they''re talking about! My hatred for the Bradfords isn''t unfounded! If not for certain circumstances, I''d have cut them out of my life long ago. Prison or a hospital bed would''ve been too good for them! And because of my own childhood, sometimes I even resent Elijah''s mother. Though Elijah was safe under my protection, he missed her terribly. Many nights, he too curled up, silently crying until dawn." Tarquin took a deep breath, looking back at Elysia. His childhood was undoubtedly tragic, butpared to hers, it seemed almost bearable. At least he had known love once, with Kendrick and Elizabeth. But Elysia... Born only to be abandoned. Adopted, yet unloved. Striving hard to get into her dream college, only to be forced to give up her dreams. Chapter 540 Starting over for the second time, she found herself cast out by her husband, scorned and unwanted... He was oblivious to the full extent of her past tragedies. Yet, even with the little he knew, her life seemed unbearably harsh. No wonder she now relished in her happiness; she deserved every bit of it. It was as if the universe was finally settling its debts with her. Thankfully, her spirit remained unbroken, vibrant even. Many others might have crumbled under such weight. "What was the deal with all those rumors about you back in the day?" Tarquin asked. Elysia shot him a surprised look, pursing her lips. How dare he bring that up, as if he hadn''t yed his part in her misfortune?! Had he not been so overbearing at the airport... would any of that have followed?! Taking a deep breath, Elysia confronted him, "Do you believe me if I say I was unjustly used of infidelity within my marriage?" "I believe you," Tarquin answered without hesitation, his response swift and decisive. A few months back, when they had first met, he might have doubted her. But now, he believed. Despite her asional foolishness and materialistic tendencies, she wasn''t the type to step out of line. The little ones chimed in: "Alright, alright, dad gets a point for this, making it two in total." Elysia was taken aback, "You believe me? You used to say I was no good." Tarquin''s lips twitched, "That was a misunderstanding, my mistake. I apologize." Elysia, ever so magnanimous, waved it off, "Alright, apology epted." Tarquin gave her another look, pressing on, "Why were you forced into that situation? What happened during your marriage? Were you mistreated? Did your husband misunderstand something?" "Mhm." "Did you confront the person who mistreated you?" Elysia red at him, then averted her gaze, "I did." "And? Did you report it?" Elysia pouted, "...I don''t want to talk about him." After a pause, Tarquin offered, "If you ever want revenge, I''m here to help." The kids noted: "He''s trying, so no change in score, still two." Elysia''s lips twitched. Was he looking to punish himself? "No need, it''s all in the past now. Time to turn the page." Tarquin persisted, "What about your husband? Did he know the truth behind your so-called infidelity?" "...I''m not sure." "If he knew yet treated you that way, he''s worthless. A decent man would stand by his wife, not scorn her upon learning she was wronged. Even if he wanted a divorce, dragging your name through the mud was uncalled for." The kids agreed: "Right, he''s the worthless one here." Evan: "Should we deduct a point?" Elijah: "Why?" Evan: "Just not liking him right now, makes me mad." Elliot: "...We can''t dock points for that, let''s be fair and leave it." Unaware that the man before her was her husband Tarquin, Elysia was at a loss for words. After a moment, she confessed, "I never hated my husband." Tarquin, puzzled, asked, "Even after all he did, you don''t hate him? Are you that in love? What, are you obsessed with romance?" "You''re the one obsessed!" Elysia retorted, then hesitantly added, "Are you still looking for Elijah''s mother?" "Yes." Elysia, hesitant, advised, "I think you should stop looking." "Why?" Tarquin was confused. The kids exined: "Because mom is right here, and she''s not too fond of you right now. She doesn''t want to be found by you." Chapter 541 Elysia gathered her thoughts, her expression turning more serious. "Have you ever considered that what you feel for Elijah''s mom might not be love? Maybe you just want to make amends, and making amends isn''t the same as loving someone." Tarquin furrowed his brow. "Elijah told you about his mom and me?" "...Yeah." With a furrowed brow and a craving for a cigarette - which he resisted due to Elysia''s presence - he fell silent for a moment before looking at her again to repeat his earlier question, "Whether it''s about making amends or love towards Elijah''s mom, that''s my issue. Why don''t you want me to pursue her?" Elysia was straightforward, "Because I hate seeing you torment yourself. I want you to be better, to stop dwelling on the past. We should look forward, don''t you think?" Tarquin was silent. Elysia continued, "I think you''re trapping yourself in a dead end and torturing yourself. You think you''re in love with Elijah''s mom, but if you think about it, you don''t even know who she is. How can you love someone you''ve never met? Love appears in two forms: it either grows over time, or it''s love at first sight. You''ve neither met her nor spent time with her. How could you possibly be in love?" Tarquin''s face darkened as Elysia went on, "What you feel for her isn''t love; it''s just a sense of responsibility, and it''s alling from you. Maybe she doesn''t want you to take responsibility. Maybe she''s moved on, forgotten about the past, and started a new chapter in her life. Your relentless search for her might not be a blessing but a burden to her." Tarquin scowled, "You''re not her. How do you know she doesn''t want me to take responsibility?" "...Women understand women. Plus, didn''t I tell you? I''ve been through something simr. I wanted to avoid him at all costs, not be found by him." Tarquin looked skeptical, "The man who wronged you is looking for you?" Elysia was taken aback, quickly rifying, "I don''t know if he''s looking for me. I''m talking about how I feel. I just don''t want him to find me." Tarquin stared at her for a long moment before saying, "Your experience sounds a lot like Elijah''s mom''s." Elysia sighed deeply, "..." The four little ones thought: What do you mean ''sounds like''? It''s exactly the same! Dad, you''re clueless! Tarquin looked at Elysia with aplex expression. Everything about her, from her experiences to the vibe she gave off, reminded him of Elijah''s mom! If it weren''t for the paternity test he had done, he might have thought she was Elijah''s mother. Sadly, she wasn''t. "Your experiences might be simr, but unlike her, you kept your child by your side. She gave her child to me... Do you think she knows about Elijah?" "She doesn''t!" "Hmm?" Elysia realized she had been too assertive, hastily adding, "I''m thinking from a mother''s perspective. I believe if she knew about Elijah, whom she carried for nine months, she wouldn''t have the heart to abandon him." Tarquin, with a cold expression, remained silent, "..." Elysia added, "I genuinely suggest you forget about Elijah''s mother. Stop looking for her and start a fresh, beautiful rtionship. Live a good life for yourself." Tarquin nced at her, "You really want me to start a new rtionship?" "Yeah." "Why?" "I... I''m just suggesting it as a friend." If he could start a new rtionship, she''d feel less guilty. She wouldn''t have to feel so remorseful about taking Elijah away and leaving him all alone. Chapter 542 Tarquin was utterly clueless about what Elysia was thinking, making it hard not to suspect that her suggestion was driven by a budding interest in him. After pondering for a moment, he called out to her, "Elysia." "Hmm?" "Are you...?" Suddenly, the atmosphere dipped into silence. Evan was curious, "What does he want to ask?" Elijah, ever the excited one, dered, "I know Dad. Dad wants to ask Mom if she likes him!" "What?!" Evan was taken aback, so was Emmett, while Elliot seemed a tad nervous, clenching his tiny fists secretly, eager to hear Mom''s response. But as seconds ticked by, Tarquin remained silent. Evan, growing impatient, eximed, "What''s taking him so long? Is he going to ask or not?" Elijah frowned, "He might not ask after all." "Why not?" Emmett was curious. "Dad''s got a lot of pride," Elijah exined. "He''s probably worried that if he''s overthinking it and gets a ''no'' for an answer, he''d look vain and that would be embarrassing." "But doesn''t he want to know if Mom likes him?" Emmett asked. "Of course, he''s curious. But knowing Dad, with his steady nature, he won''t ask until he''s absolutely sure," Elijah reasoned. It seemed the sons knew their father well. Did Tarquin really want to ask Elysia if she liked him? The fact that she could bare her wounded heart to care for him, urge him not to look for Elijah''s biological mother, and wish for his happiness, pushing him towards a new romance - weren''t these signs of her affection? But he also feared misunderstanding her feelings, potentially embarrassing himself. Elysia, having waited without hearing the rest of his question, grew anxious and asked with wide eyes, "What do you want to ask?" After a moment''s thought, Tarquin changed his approach, "Do you... care about me a lot?" Elysia was taken aback, clearly not expecting this question. But after staring at him for a while, she nodded earnestly, "Yes!" He was the father of her children; it was impossible for her not to care about him. And he wasn''t a bad person... If he were just a heartless jerk, she could have easily taken Elijah and left without a second thought. But he wasn''t, and taking Elijah away directly would leave her feeling guilty and remorseful. So she hoped he could find some happiness, making it a bit easier for her to leave with Elijah someday. Tarquin watched her with an inscrutable expression, his deep gaze tinged with an indiscernible emotion. But he was too good at masking his feelings, making it impossible to tell whether he was pleased or something else. As they silently stared at each other, lost in their thoughts, Elysia''s resolve crumbled first. She averted her gaze, as if caught in a guilty act. Just as she was about to fabricate an excuse for her concern, Gideon, along with the Bradford family members, emerged from the chapel, observing them from a distance. Coincidentally, Elysia''s stomach chose that moment to growl. Tarquin snapped out of his thoughts and took the lead, "Let''s go, dinner''s waiting." With that, he strode towards the chapel, leaving Elysia to touch her stomach and sigh as she watched his retreating figure. She wondered if he had taken her words to heart. If he could move on and start a new romance, perhaps shifting some of his affection away from Elijah, it might soften the blow when she eventually took Elijah and left. "Not hungry anymore?" Realizing she hadn''t followed, Tarquin turned back and called out to her. His voice was deep and soothing, carrying a hint of indulgence that was hard to miss. Chapter 543 Elysia snapped back to reality as her gazended on him, momentarily caught off-guard. He stood a few meters away, hands casually tucked into his pockets, his sharp features slightly softened by a gentle squint, exuding an air of rugged handsomeness. His tall, lean figure carried an aura of aloofness, usually emitting a chilly vibe that marked him as someone not easily approached. But today, for reasons unknown, he seemed less frosty and more approachable, his presence even more distinguished and gentlemanly. A fair assessment would be: a man of remarkable presence. To exaggerate: He was too handsome, too charismatic, almost too good for this world. Even though Elysia harbored no romantic feelings for him, she couldn''t help but internally award his looks and demeanor a perfect score. "Daydreaming? Are we going or not?" he called out. Elysia quickly responded, "On my way!" She hurried towards him, forgetting she was wearing high heels. Her foot slipped, and she stumbled forward. The sneaky quartet gasped, hearts leaping into their throats! Tarquin''s brow furrowed, and he swiftly moved to catch her. The four kids exhaled in relief: That gave us a scare. Daddy scores a point in this round. Elysia found herself in Tarquin''s arms, her face twisted in pain. Tarquin quickly knelt to examine her ankle, pressing gently. Elysia hissed in pain, though not too severely. Tarquin said, "It''s not swollen. Try walking on it." Elysia moved her foot, "I can walk. These darn high heels, I can never get used to them." "I''ll have someone bring you a pair offy slippers." "No! I''m wearing a cocktail dress; it has to be paired with heels to maintain the aura!" Tarquin looked at her, "You don''t need to impress anyone for Elijah''s sake. With me around, you could show up in pajamas and they wouldn''t dare disrespect you or Elijah. Change into slipperster, whatever makes youfortable." "I don''t want to. I don''t want to change. Heels look good! It''s just a slight twist, not a real injury. I''ll tell you when I really want to change." Seeing her insistence, Tarquin pressed his lips together, "Torturing yourself, for what?" Elysia muttered, "You''re not a woman, you wouldn''t understand." Tarquin didn''t push further, wanting to support her but she refused, leaving him to respect her wishes. A thought lingered in his mind: Does caring mean I''m falling for her? The four little ones had already scampered back to their original spot, keen to keep their spying a secret. Evan remarked, "Overall, for a cad, Tarquin did okay this time, earning a point!" Emmett asked, "Wasn''t it three points?" Evan exined, "He''s too timid to directly ask Mommy if she likes him, deducting two points there. The remaining point is for catching Mommy in time, preventing her from falling." "Oh, got it. I think he''s starting to like Mommy." Elliot interjected, "Drop the ''I think.'' It''s more than ''starting.'' He''s definitely into Mommy, just too stubborn to admit it, probably still hung up over Elijah''s mother." Emmett immediately asked, "Should we tell him the truth?" Evan shook his head, "Of course not. Mommy doesn''t like him back yet. We''ll wait until she does." Elliot nodded, "Evan''s right. Let''s wait a bit longer. Love isplicated for adults. We should stay out of it for now." Evan mumbled to himself, "I''ll note this down. Once he scores a hundred, I''ll approve of him being with Mommy." Elijah remained silent, deep in thought about how to score big points for his dad. By now, the Bradfords had joined the four kids, ncing at Elijah to gauge his mood, frowning at his apparent well-being. Then, they turned their attention to Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, feigning curiosity. Chapter 544 "Who''s your daddy?" Evan red at Allegra, the same woman who had earlier tried to run over his beloved mom. Suppressing the urge tosh out, he snapped, "What''s it to you? You old witch!" Allegra''s face darkened instantly. "How dare you speak to me like that? Such disrespect! Have you no manners at all?" Evan retorted, "I don''t just talk back; I can throw a punch too. Want a free demo? No charge if it doesn''t hurt." "You... Has Elysia never taught you that it''s wrong to insult others?" This time, Elliot jumped in, "Insulting people is wrong, but calling out vile folk is totally fair game." "Vile folk?" "In this world, there were no swear words at first. They were invented because of vile people. You could say, vile folk are those who deserve to be called out." Allegra red at them, "Are you saying I deserve to be insulted? Is this how Elysia taught you to speak to your elders?" "Our mom taught us to be polite to our elders, but she also said that doesn''t apply to the likes of those who don''t act their age." Allegra clenched her teeth in anger, "You wild children!" Elliot frowned, "We''re not wild. We have a dad, a mom, and people who love us. But you, on the other hand, acting like savages, ganging up on a bunch of kids. Shame on you." Fuming, Allegra snapped, "I''ve had enough of your lip. If Elysia won''t discipline you, I''ll do it myself. Guards!" Evan''s eyes sparkled, "A fight, is it? Count me in!" But before Evan could make a move, Elijah stepped forward. He shielded Evan and fixed the approaching guards with a death re, so intense they halted in their tracks. Elijah''s anger was palpable, reminiscent of Tarquin''s intimidating aura. Turning to Allegra, Elijah spoke coldly, "Are you really trying to bully my family right in front of me?" The room went silent, everyone shocked by Elijah''s behavior. As the sole heir to the Bradford family, his arrogance was not unearned, but his fierce protectiveness was unexpected. Allegra frowned, "Elijah, are you confused? We''re your family." Elijah''s gaze was icy, "I decide who my family is, not you. And to answer your question, their dad is my dad." "What?! Their father could be any random man, how could he possibly be " "My word is final. Anyone who has a problem with that can leave the Bradford family for good, stripped of their name." The room gasped in shock. Being cast out of the Bradford family? As the sole heir, Elijah had the authority to make such a decree. But to threaten disownment so readily was like signing a death warrant for them. The benefits and privileges of being part of the Bradford family were too significant to lose. Ignoring their astonishment, Elijah coldly swept his gaze over the crowd, "These are my people, brought into the fold by my father and me. Those who can''t stand it can either get over it or blind themselves!" With that, Elijah turned and left with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett to find Elysia and Tarquin. The Bradford family was left in stunned silence. Chapter 545 Elijah''s mannerisms, including the way he threatened others with that chilling tone and piercing gaze, were a carbon copy of his father, Tarquin! It was like looking at a mini Tarquin! Whenever he spoke, it felt as if Tarquin himself was addressing the crowd, instilling a level of respect that was hard to ignore. Add to that the fact that the Bradford family tradition had always been to pass everything to the sole heir, and Elijah, being the only heir to the Bradford legacy, had an aura that allowed him to walk with confidence through the family''s vast estate. Despite his young age, his presencemanded attention! The Bradfords were initially shocked but then quickly fell into a buzz of worried whispers. "What in the world is going on? Is Elijah really cured? How did he recover so swiftly?!" "As soon as he opens his mouth, he''s talking about disowning us or worse, blinding us. Such a young age and already so ruthless and malicious..." A woman halted her tirade mid-sentence, suddenly aware of her surroundings, then quickly changed her tune, "Elijah was such a good kid; he must''ve fallen in with the wrong crowd, picking up bad habits!" They dared not criticize Elijah openly, fearing that their words might reach Tarquin''s ears through the grapevine. So, they turned their ire towards Elysia and her brothers, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. "Badpany corrupts good character. Elijah''s been led astray following them!" "Tarquin''s lost his senses, falling for that Elysia. What''s she got besides her looks? Just look at how she''s raising those kids!" "Elysiaes from nowhere, no family, no background, just a pretty face trying to snag a rich husband. If she really marries into the Bradfords, there''ll be no peace. Mark my words, she''s trouble." Allegra, fuming, turned to her father Gideon and said, "Dad, when Tarquines to you wanting Elysia and her kids to officially join the Bradford family and be added to the family tree, you have to say no! Tell him we all disapprove. Elysia, with her humble background, has no ce in the Bradford family!" Aunt Verity, always one to stir the pot, added, "Tarquin should remember his father. Marriages not blessed by the family neverst or bring happiness." The room went silent, eyes narrowing, as if they''d struck a nerve with Tarquin, gaining the upper hand. Their mood visibly brightened. Gideon, with a furrowed brow and a stormy expression, looked towards where Tarquin and Elysia were standing, then nced at Elijah with an inscrutable look, and without a word, limped towards the main house. The others, sensing the shift in atmosphere, followed suit. Elysia and Tarquin, blissfully unaware of the murmurs, alongside their sons, also made their way to the main house. Inside the main house, the staff had prepared dinner, just waiting for the right moment to serve. Knowing Elysia was hungry, Tarquin suggested, "If you''re hungry, why don''t you and the kids start with some snacks to tide you over? The Bradfords might be a tough crowd, but they do know their food. You''ll like it." "And you?" "I need to have a word with Gideon." Elysia, concerned, reminded him, "Don''t forget to ask him for the medical bills!" It was a pressing issue for her; the injury couldn''t just be overlooked. They had to im those medical expenses! Tarquin, lips pursed as if holding back a smile, gave her a look that seemed to say, ''Still on that, huh?'' Elysia''s eyes widened as she pressed, "You didn''t forget, did you?!" "No, I didn''t." "Good, did you bring the hospital bill?" "Why would I need that?" "Are you serious? How are you going to ask for reimbursement without it? They''lle up with any excuse not to pay." Tarquin''s lips twitched, amused at her naivety. "The bill understates it. Not showing them could mean we get more." Elysia paused, baffled, "We can ask for more?" Chapter 546 "Sure, I''ll handle it. Why don''t you grab a bite to keep your strength up? Just holler if you need me; I''ll be just upstairs." "Alright, go on then. I''ve got the kids. Knock ''em dead! And hey, if you can''t get it sorted, give me a shout, I''lle down and we''ll tackle it together. Oh, and try not to get into a brawl, let''s win them over with reason!" Tarquin: "...Got it." After he left, Elysia took the kids over to the pastry section. The Bradford family''s selection of sweets was truly something else, making the average bakery look like child''s y. The pastries, fresh from the oven, were a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. Evan and Emmett were practically drooling. But Elysia was cautious, not fully trusting the Bradfords just yet. She did a quick safety check to make sure everything was up to snuff before letting the kids dive in. "Oh, this is so good! Mom, you have to try this." Evan held up a piece of ice cream cake with a look of pure joy, eager to share his find with his mom. Elysia took a bite from Evan''s fork. The cake melted in her mouth, perfectly sweet - delicious. She nodded in approval. Tarquin was right. The family might have its issues, but the pastries were top-notch. "Here, Mom, these two are your favorites," Emmett said, handing over a couple of pastries. Elysia smiled, "Don''t worry about me, kiddo. Pick whatever you like." The kids scampered off to choose their treats, while Elysia watched from a distance, keeping them in sight. "Bet you''ve never had pastries this good in your life, huh?" Allegra''s voice came from behind, dripping with condescension, as if she were royalty looking down on amoner. Allegra, nked by a group of elegantly dressed women, eyed Elysia with disdain. Elysia internally scoffed at the arrival of these drama queens. She swallowed her bite of cake and faced them head-on, "I haven''t just never had pastries this good; I''ve also never seen people this awful." One of the women snapped, "Who are you calling awful?" "Whoever took offense," Elysia shot back. "You..." Another jumped in, "Elysia, you''re here enjoying pastries while we can''t stand you. Are you clueless or just in daft?" Elysia was unphased, "Seems to me you''re the ones with issues. If you don''t like me, keep walking. Why make a spectacle? And since when does not being liked mean I should be upset? I don''t like you lot, but you don''t see me crying in a corner." "How dare you! Do you know who you''re speaking to?" "Nope, and I don''t care to know. All I know is your opinion of me doesn''t matter. As long as my man... Tarquin, likes me, that''s all that counts." My man, referring to Tarquin. Allegra''s frown deepened, "Elysia, do you really think just because he likes you, you can waltz into the Bradford family and im our fortune? This family isn''t just his; he doesn''t call all the shots!" Marry into the Bradford family and im their fortune? Elysia realized they had the wrong idea. No wonder they were so irate! But she wasn''t about to correct them. Let them stew in their misunderstanding. Better for them to be infuriated! Elysia leisurely finished her pastry and wiped her hands with a napkin. Then, she shrugged off her cashmere coat, revealing a stunning red designer dress underneath. She stood up, ready to face them head-on. Battle stations! Chapter 547 A group of women stared at her, their eyes widening in sheer astonishment! They had seen beautiful women before, and evening gowns weren''t anything new to them either. But perhaps, they hadn''te across a natural beauty who could bring out the true elegance of a gown quite like Elysia did! Even those who didn''t particrly like Elysia couldn''t help but be dazzled by her beauty and figure at that moment! Elysia stood tall and majestic like a queen, running her fingers through her luxurious wavy hair, arms crossed as she looked down upon the group of women, "Do you really think I married into the Bradford family for your wealth? Wrong. I did it for his love! His love is all I need. Your Bradford fortune? I couldn''t care less about it!" Couldn''t care less? As arrogant as that sounded, if she was willing to renounce the Bradford family''s wealth, it would actually be a relief for them. The women were still muttering among themselves when Elysia added, "But make no mistake, I won''t just hand it over. What''s rightfully ours must be shared, not a penny less! We''re a family of six now, everyone deserves a piece!" "Elysia, you..." the women gritted their teeth in frustration. One woman, seething with anger, blurted out, "And you think your bunch of no-good stepchildren deserve a share of the Bradford estate? They..." "p!" Elysia delivered a p so swift, not indulging her for a second, "Adults are talking, leave the kids out of it. Dare say another word about my children and see what happens!" The woman was shocked, covering half of her face, ring at Elysia, "You dare hit me, you..." As the woman attempted to retaliate, Elysia grabbed her wrist tightly, "I''m not just willing to hit you, but any of them. Whoever dares speak ill of my kids will face me! And just so you know, my children aren''t just Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, there''s also Elijah! Whatever you''ve been whispering about Elijah before, I turned a deaf ear. But from now on, be careful. Anyone dares to curse or bully my Elijah, I''ll fight you with everything I''ve got!" The group of women was stunned into silence by Elysia''s outburst, taking a while before another dared to speak, "Elysia, to be so bold and defiant on our turf, you..." "Wondering where I get my courage from? My man gave it to me!" Elysia stood proud, "My man said, even if I were to tear your family''s world apart, I shouldn''t worry. If you have a problem with that, go take it up with him." Allegra''s face turned dark, "A woman who only knows how to rely on her man, and you''re proud of it? Shameless!" Elysia scoffed, "Of course, I''m proud. I rely on my own man, not someone else''s. What''s there to be ashamed of? If your men werepetent, you could rely on them too. Let theme to my man if they''ve got an issue!" "..." The women collectively lost their voice, ".. None of their men dared to confront Tarquin! Elysia mocked them further, "Jealous of me because your own men don''t measure up, how pathetic. Ah well, I''ll not stoop to your level. I guess I deserve to be envied, what with a man who''s both capable and loves me dearly!" The women were green with envy and added, "Without your man, you''re nothing!" Elysia chuckled, "Heh, that''s not quite right. Let''s not talk about men for a moment, just ourselves. Do you feel superior to me in any way? I have looks and children, love and affection. What do you have? At most, more money than I do. But money can''t buy love, can it? And it''s not like I''m struggling to put food on the table! So whatever you have, I might have less, but I still have it! But what I have, youck entirely! And it''s something money can''t buy! So really, what are you bragging about?" The women were speechless. Elysia looked around the circle and added, "A bunch of clearly unhappy women, trying to mock someone living a blissful life, how amusing." Chapter 548 A group of women were absolutely fuming because of Elysia! It seemed like Elysia had not only humiliated them but was now unting her happiness in the most infuriating way! Before any of them could say a word, four little ones noticed themotion and ran over, "Mommy!" Emmett clung tightly to Elysia''s hand, standing by her side. Elliot, Evan, and Emmett lined up in front of Elysia, eyes ring at the group of high-societydies as if they were guardians. Despite their young ages, their stares were intimidating enough to send a clear message: Stay away from our Mom! Dare to touch our Mom and see what happens! Want to be cut off from the Bradford family? We can arrange that in a heartbeat! Thedies were speechless... Elysia, looking at her brave sons, felt an immense sense of pride and told the envious Allegra and her entourage, "Seeing how pitiful you all look, let me give you some friendly advice. You really don''t want to mess with me. I''ve got my kids and my man to back me up. If you mess with me, they''ll get mad, and trust me, they won''t just be exchanging words with you." With that proudly said, Elysia, in high spirits, led her children to continue their afternoon enjoying some cupcakes. The group of women, grinding their teeth, watched her leave, seething with rage! They hade to pick a fight with Elysia but ended up swallowing their own anger. But with Elijah around, they dared not escte things further and could only stew in their frustration! Meanwhile, the downstairs bustle contrasted sharply with the quiet study upstairs, where only Tarquin and Gideon were present. Tarquin, taking matters into his own hands, printed a document and tossed it in front of Gideon. Gideon''s eyes widened in disbelief, "Share transfer agreement?!" Tarquin, legs crossed and leaning back in his chair, reminded him, "Elysia''s medical bills." Gideon was stunned. He knew Tarquin wouldn''t let the day''s events slide, but he never expected him to demand shares! He could have handled a demand for a hefty sum, but shares were a whole different ballgame! 1% of the shares alone brought in millions in dividends annually, not to mention 2%! Besides, shares weren''t just about money; they represented a say in thepany''s affairs. Tarquin already owned 69% of the shares, while Gideon''s totaled less than 20%, with the rest scattered among the board and other Bradford family members. Even Allegra and Verity from the Bradford family each only held 2%. Others in the Bradford family didn''t even have 1%! And with the Bradford Group thriving, everyone was clutching their shares tightly, making it nearly impossible to acquire more at this time! Tarquin asking for 2% out of the blue was... unthinkable! Why didn''t he just outright kill him instead?! Gideon steadied himself, trying to contain his anger, and said, "Tarquin, you''ve got this all wrong. You know our family tradition of sole inheritance. Elijah, being the sole heir of the Bradfords, couldn''t be left to fend for himself. It was only right for Elijah to be with you until your ident. After that, I had no choice but to bring him back to the family mansion for his safety. After all, too many are out to harm him, and Elysia, just an ordinary woman, couldn''t possibly protect him. That''s why I stepped in. I''m sorry she got hurt, but these shares... Come on, you already own so much. Do you really need to squeeze out my grandfather''sst bit?" Tarquin''s smirk was tinged with scorn, "No need for such a long exnation. Those shares aren''t for me; they''re for Elysia." Gideon was taken aback, even more shocked, "You''re asking for shares for Elysia?!" "Yes, she was injured and bled today; you''re responsible." Gideon, brows furrowed, struggled to understand, "You... you''ve really fallen for her?" Chapter 549 Tarquin''s voice was icy, "This is between her and me; you''ve got no part in this. Just sign the paperwork and throw in an extra million, and we can call it a day. If you don''t agree, I''ll find another way to get her medical bills paid." The threat in his tone was palpable, casting a shadow over Gideon''s face. Tarquin''s "other ways" of getting the money were sure to be far more brutal and terrifying than the current proposal! Yet, giving away 2% of his shares felt like slicing flesh from his own body! Gideon fell silent for a moment before tentatively offering, "She got hurt by my people, and I owe her for her medical bills. Would ten million do?" "No deal!" Gideon''s expression darkened, "Do you really have to push me this far, Tarquin?" Tarquin red back, "You knew what you were getting into. Why act surprised now?" This was all Gideon''s own doing! After a tense stare-off, Gideon exhaled as if making a monumental decision, "I can give her 1% of the shares, at most!" "That won''t do!" Gideon''s breathing grew rapid, clearly struggling to keep his temper in check, "1% of the Bradford Group''s shares is more than enough to cover her medical bills. Hell, it''s enough to buy her life ten times over!" Tarquin''s expression darkened, "You should be grateful she''s still alive. Otherwise, you''d be mourning the loss of the entire Bradford family right alongside her!" The implication was clear: if she died, he''d bring the whole Bradford family down with her. Gideon stared at him, shocked, "You''ve always been in love with Elijah''s mother. You couldn''t possibly have fallen for Elysia. Why do you care so much about her?" "That''s none of your business! A 2% transfer of shares, not a fraction less. 1% for Elysia''s medical bills and the other 1% for her and her child''s emotional distress. Technically, you should also give 2% to me and Elijah, but let''s keep this between us for now. Consider the 2% for me and Elijah a fee for our silence." Gideon''s face turned even darker, "?!" 2% wasn''t enough; he was actually thinking about 4%?! After a long look at Tarquin, Gideon asked, "If you secure shares for Elysia, she''d be thrilled. Why wouldn''t you want her to know?" "You don''t need to know." Gideon frowned, "You''re hiding the shares and your true identity from her. What are you really up to?" "That''s not your concern." "...And you''re not worried I''ll spill the beans?" Tarquin shot him a cold look, "If you do, I''ll juste clean to her. It''s no big deal. But don''t expect to get off easy!" Gideon clenched his jaw, "..." " Tarquin added, "You have three seconds to decide. Sign or don''t sign?" Gideon inwardly cursed, ring venomously at Tarquin for a full three seconds before finally signing the document. Signing it felt like his organs were being ripped out! Tarquin took the signed document, nced over it, and tucked it away with satisfaction. Gideon said, "If she suspects anything when signing, it''s on you." Tarquin ignored him, but before leaving, he threw in a reminder, "Don''t forget the million!" Gideon, " The moment Tarquin left, Gideon hastily grabbed some heart medication from the table and swallowed it, feeling genuinely enraged to the point of nausea. Downstairs. Tarquin momentarily tucked the share transfer document away, intending to find Elysia. Just then, he witnessed the following scene... A woman slipped and fell towards Elysia. Instinctively, she grabbed Elysia''s hair as if clutching at a lifeline and yanked it down hard. Elysia''s head jerked back, and she hissed in pain. Even as the woman was steadied by herpanion, she didn''t let go of Elysia''s hair, pulling with vicious intent, regardless of Elysia''s well-being. Chapter 550 The woman standing next to her was ring at Elysia, clearly on purpose. Tarquin''s face darkened, and he strode over. With a swift movement, he pushed the woman''s hand away and pulled Elysia into his arms. The woman, upon seeing Tarquin, gasped in fright and hurriedly apologized, "Sorry, Ms. Thorne, I didn''t mean it. I was just admiring your dress and wanted to ask where you bought it. Then I slipped, and instinctively grabbed your hair." "Yeah, yeah, I can vouch for her, it was an ident." The two women were overly humble in their demeanor. Elysia frowned, touching her hair which was now painful, her face contorted in difort. Several strands of hair had been yanked out, and it truly hurt. But since she had her back to them, she couldn''t tell if their actions were intentional or idental. For a moment, Elysia was unsure how to handle them. Their kids had been munching on cookies and only now came over, having not seen whether the women did it on purpose. Seeing their mom in pain saddened them deeply. Just as the little ones were about to speak up, Tarquin beat them to it, saying, "If you''re so keen on losing hair, then go shave it all off beforeing back to the family dinner!" Elysia: "?" The two women: "!!!" Shave off their hair? Was Tarquin suggesting they go bald? But they were women! They weren''t nuns! Having their hair shaved off, how could they even step outside?! Tears welled up in the eyes of the two women as they were about to defend themselves, but Tarquin added, "If you don''t want to shave, then get out of the Bradford family and nevere back. Change your names and start anew!" Change their names and start anew? The two women broke down crying, "We really didn''t mean it, we''ve apologized, sob sob sob..." Tarquin couldn''t be bothered to argue, "idental or not, I only care about the oue." And the oue was Elysia in pain, several strands of hair pulled out. After Tarquin''s cold nce towards their rtives, the two men shivered and quickly dragged the women away. Before leaving, they repeatedly promised to make sure their hair was shaved offpletely, not a strand left! The two women were dragged away crying in full view of everyone. Other women instinctively touched their own hair, terrified. This move wasn''t severely harmful, but it was incredibly humiliating! Women were frightened, and men were equally nervous; Elysia was too attractive, and they had been staring a bit too long. Now, they quickly averted their gaze, afraid that Tarquin might gouge their eyes out for looking too long. Elysia was shocked and touched by his actions, blinking her big eyes in astonishment. Before she could speak, Tarquin teased her, "I leave you alone for a minute, and someone pulls your hair. You can only show off in front of me and the kids." Elysia immediately pouted, "That''s not true! Your aunt came over with a bunch of women looking for trouble, and I almost made them cry." "What''s the use of making them cry? You have to make them feel pain to teach them a lesson." Elysia pursed her lips, "I think I did pretty well. I took on a whole group by myself, and they didn''t win!" Tarquin pursed his lips, scoffing, "You''re the best, number one in the world." "I..." Suddenly, Emmett chimed in, "Mommy, are you and Daddy flirting or what?" Chapter 551 Tarquin remained silent, his gaze fixed somewhere in the distance. Elysia''s cheeks flushed a crimson red. "Don''t be ridiculous, that doesn''t count! We''re discussing serious matters here. Emmett, who taught you that word?" "From Evan." Elysia turned her head towards Evan, feigning anger. Evan tilted his head up, gazing at the sky. His deep, dark eyes rolled around in their sockets, deliberately avoiding her gaze. Soon after, he dragged Emmett away to grab some food. Elliot nced at Tarquin with a slightly narrowed gaze and said to Elysia, "Mom, I''m gonna go find my brothers." A proud smile graced Elijah''s face as he said, "Dad''s got Mom''s back, so I''m relieved. I''ll go catch up with Evan and Emmett." As soon as Elijah caught up with Evan, he said, "Doesn''t this earn Dad some points? He stood up for Mom just now." Evan nodded. "Yeah, give him a point." Elijah, trying to bargain, asked, "Can''t we give him two points instead? Adding points one by one, when would they ever finish?" Among the four, Elliot and Emmett remained neutral, but Evan was the most critical of Dad. If they could win Evan over quickly, the four brothers would be united in purpose! Then, they could all work together to bring Dad and Mom closer! Seeing Evan''s hesitation, Elijah turned to Elliot for support. Elliot chuckled, "Dad did good today, dealing with those two troublemakers. Let''s give him two points." Evan, always listening to Elliot, conceded, "Alright, alright, two points it is. That makes it three points in total." Tarquin was oblivious to the fact that, in Evan''s eyes, he was now worth three points. And that was only after Elliot and Elijah''s intervention! Finally, Gideon made his way down from upstairs, and Tarquin called out to Elysia, "Let''s go, time for dinner." Elysia''s face was a picture of embarrassment; Emmett''s sudden outburst had left her feeling awkward. Fortunately, he seemed to have moved on as if nothing had happened. Elysia steadied her nerves and gathered the four little ones, getting ready for the family dinner. As the other guests noticed Gideon, they too made their way to the dining room. The Bradford family, despite its tradition of single inheritance, was not short of daughters. Along with the rtives from the extended family, they were quite a prosperous and populous household. Therge round table that could seat dozens was not nearly enough, and the dining room was arranged with several smaller tables to amodate everyone. Gideon took his ce at the head table, with Tarquin of course, and Elysia and the four little ones joined them at the head table. Despite some murmurs of disapproval from those who felt Elysia didn''t deserve to sit at the main table, the events that had transpired earlier silenced any open objections. As everyone settled down, Gideon was about to speak when Tarquin suddenly pulled out a share transfer document. The sight of it instantly shattered Gideon''sposure, his face darkening and his blood pressure skyrocketing. Tarquin, unfazed by his reaction, handed the document to Elysia, "Sign this first, then we can eat." Elysia, puzzled, asked, "What''s this?" She nced down and saw the words "Settlement Agreement." To avoid revealing his true intentions, Tarquin had cleverly added a page about a settlement agreement to the share transfer document. "Grandpa identally hurt you at home today, and he feels terrible about it. He''s agreed to give you a million dors aspensation for medical expenses. If you have no objections, just sign on thest page." Tarquin said, flipping directly to thest page to keep her from seeing the words "share transfer." "How much?!" Elysia''s eyes widened in shock. Tarquin repeated, "One million dors." Elysia was astounded. Sure, she had gotten a bit hurt today, but there was no way her medical bills would amount to a million dors! Chapter 552 Elysia, her heart racing, discreetly swallowed her fear and refrained from signing on the spot, instead pulling Tarquin to the side for a private word. The rest of the Bradfords looked on with suspicion and curiosity. Today''s news of Gideon''s visit to Future Community was already the talk of the day. By bringing it up in front of everyone, Tarquin seemed to be issuing a warning: mess with Elysia, and you''d face the consequences. But was making such a big deal necessary over a mere million dors? Looking at Gideon''s expression, doubts only deepened. To Gideon, a million dors was pocket change, so why did he seem so infuriated? Elliot, intrigued, picked up the settlement document to take a closer look. His eyes lit up when he saw the words "stock transfer." No wonder Tarquin was insisting on Elysia signing in front of everyone. No wonder Gideon looked so upset. It turned out... While 2% of the shares might not mean much to him, to everyone else, it was akin to a gold mine! For Elysia, it was a literal gold rush! In essence, Tarquin had just secured a gold mine for his mom! Elliot let out a sigh of relief, nced at Tarquin with a newfound respect, and turned to Evan, saying, "Give the man some credit!" Evan nodded, "He even remembered to ask for medical expenses for mom. That''s worth a point. A million dors, look how happy it made mom." "No, give him five points!" Evan was shocked, "Five?" Elliot repeated, "Five points!" Evan''s eyes widened in disbelief, "That much, just like that?" "Yeah! He deserves those points! Trust me on this." Elliot showed them the stock transfer document. Elijah was quietly thrilled, not expecting his dad to pull off such a move! Evan and Emmett might not have grasped the full significance of the shares, but seeing Elliot so serious, Evan agreed, "Alright, then an extra five points it is!" Elijah was secretly ecstatic; dad just scored eight points! Allegra, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, stood up and walked over to investigate. Elliot, unopposed, handed her the document. Allegra, skeptical at first, gasped aloud when she saw the content, "Oh my God¡ª" Gideon immediately snapped, "Quiet!" Tarquin had insisted on keeping the stock transfer a secret. If Allegra spilled the beans, he would have to cough up another 2%! Allegra quickly mped her mouth shut and approached Gideon, lowering her voice to challenge, "Dad, how could you give Elysia shares? And 2%, no less! I''m your eldest and a true Bradford, having given so much for the family, and I only have 2%! What makes Elysia deserve the same as me?!" The whole of the Bradford estate and the guests were stunned! What the heck, Gideon was giving Elysia 2% of the shares?! Holy smokes! Had Gideon lost his mind?! Everyone in the Bradford family knew the value of those shares. Gideon granting Elysia a share was unthinkable! Apart from Gideon, only Allegra and Verity held 2% of the shares, with others not even having 1%. And now, Elysia suddenly had 2% as well! Just moments ago, they were looking down on Elysia as some poor nobody, unfit for their elite circle. But in the blink of an eye, she was wealthier than them, a p in their faces. This... Chapter 553 Gideon was in a sour mood, practically feeling the pinch in his wallet. "My shares are my own business! Everyone back to your seats and stop getting on my nerves!" The room was filled with murmurs of discontent. "Sure, it''s your right to do as you please with your shares, but they''re part of the Bradford family legacy. How can you just hand them over to an outsider?" "And to give away so much in one go, what were you thinking?!" Gideon, fuming, mmed his cane on the floor with a resounding ''thud''. Did he even want to give them away? Was it his choice? He was more frustrated than anyone, feeling like he''d swallowed a bitter pill, but heshed out anyway. "Anyone else wants to speak up? I''ll make you all cough up 2% of your shares to give to Elysia!" Silence fell. Meanwhile, Elysia was just as anxious on the other side. Her worries weren''t about shares, but about the million-dor question. She clung to Tarquin by the window, unable to make out what the others were saying, but their displeased expressions were clear enough. "Is a million too much?" she asked Tarquin, her voiceced with worry. Tarquin didn''t answer right away, his gaze fixed on her hand still holding his arm. Her hands were delicate and pale, the kind you''d expect from ady of high society, not someone in her position. When he remained silent, Elysia gave him a slight shake, "Hey, I''m talking serious here." "You worry about a million being too much? Since when did you start turning down money? I thought you dreamed of living the high life," Tarquin finally responded, his thoughts returning to the present. "Yes, but I never imagined I could get a million just for this! A million dors, that''s more than a decade''s sry for most. We''re not crossing into ckmail, are we?" Tarquin couldn''t help but understand why Elliot had been so secretive about his wealth around her. A million dors made her this nervous? She was both greedy and cowardly. Even if she had the slightest ill intent, she wasn''t the type to pull off a grand scheme. "Just sign the settlement," Tarquin reassured her with a smile. "We''re asking for more because they can afford it. If they were just regr folks, you''d be lucky to get a few thousand. Be happy you''re getting a million." Elysia nodded,ing around to his perspective. "You''re right. Thepensation should match the offender''s ability to pay. If only I knew I could get this much, I might have aimed for a more serious injury!" Tarquin shook his head at herment, half-amused, half-exasperated. "You''re hopeless and naive. No amount of money beats good health. Even a child knows that. Silly!" Elysia pouted in response, "I was just saying." Feeling a bit relieved, she let go of Tarquin''s arm, and he felt an unexpected emptiness. He looked at his arm for a moment before adding, "Just sign the agreement without worrying about their reactions. Once you do, the money will be in your ount today." "Got it!" Elysia was visibly excited as they headed towards the dining room, her steps light and almost bouncy. The Bradford family members glowered at her, secretly hoping she''d back out. Elliot was already flipping to thest page of the contract, pen in hand, ready for Elysia''s signature. Chapter 554 "Mom, please sign here. I''ve checked it for you, and the settlement document is all good." "Alright!" With a flourish, Elysia signed her name. The Bradfords: "..." Their anxiety turned into utter despair! Elliot chuckled as he neatly filed away the settlement document. "Congrats, Mom. You''ve finally made it; you''re a wealthy woman now." The million dors from Tarquin and that unlimited credit card were nothing. But this 2% shareholding turned Elysia into a bona fide wealthy woman! Elysia thought Elliot was referring to the million-dor medical bill and immediately whispered, "Let''s keep it low-key." Her eyes curved with joy, her smile almost reaching her ears. She was clearly overjoyed. In the oddly tense atmosphere of the dining room, she was undoubtedly the happiest. Only their family of six was joyful, while the rest looked like they had lost all hope! "Let''s eat," Gideon said with a dark face, pulling everyone''s attention to the Christmas dinner. He couldn''t bear to think about the shares anymore; it made his blood pressure soar! Servants began bringing in the dishes one after another. Gideon shot Tarquin a re and then focused on Elijah. He let out a cold huff and signaled to his confidant, who understood and left the room. The Bradford family''s Christmas dinner was extravagant, with ingredients so fine and dishes prepared by top chefs. They had Lobster Bisque, Turducken, Prime Rib, Shrimp Scampi, m Chowder, a Seafood Medley, Caesar Sd, and Cornbread. Not to mention authentic dishes like Southern Fried Chicken, Tex-Mex Stir Fry, Honey zed Ham with Papaya, and more. Elysia, Evan, and Emmett were practically drooling. They were the little foodies of their family. Once all the dishes were on the table, Gideon, feeling deted, rushed through a couple of blessing words and then they began their meal. Due to his sour mood, many formalities were skipped. Elysia picked up her fork and first served Emmett some Prime Rib, then got Evan some Shrimp Scampi. Next, she served Elijah and Elliot some Papaya Chicken and Tofu Casserole. All their favorite dishes. "Thanks, Mommy!" The four voices chimed in unison, sounding incredibly cute. Elysia looked at them, her face blooming with happiness. She was already blissful with three sons; adding Elijah this year doubled her happiness! It was a joyful year! "Enjoy," she said. After serving the kids, Elysia realized her favorite Caesar Sd was right in front of her! What a coincidence! She had been craving this dish for so long, even discussing it with the kids on the way here. Delighted, she served herself a portion to savor this earthly delight. Tarquin nced at her, discreetly moving his fork away from the Lobster Bisque in front of him. Only then did the Lazy Susan start to turn. The Bradfords all sneakily nced at Tarquin. Tarquin, eating with an air of aloof elegance, ignored them all. Their gazes then shifted to Elysia. Unbeknownst to her, the Caesar Sd had been deliberately ced in front of her by Tarquin. While he seemed to be casually picking at his Lobster Bisque, his real intent was to have the Caesar Sd stop in front of Elysia! This subtle yet tant favoritism had all the women at the table green with envy. Looking at the men beside them, who were either quietly eating or chatting away, it was clear they didn''t care as much! A woman''s fate can be so different! Jealousy was an ugly thing! This dinner, akin to a state banquet, left them feeling rather unsettled. Midway through the meal, Elysia''s phone suddenly rang. Chapter 555 The call was from Blossom. "You all go ahead and eat, I''ll take this call," Elysia told Tarquin and the children before stepping out with her phone. As soon as she was gone, Allegra immediately turned to Tarquin with a scowl, "Are you seriously in love with her? A woman from the lower rungs of society, saddled with a bunch of unruly kids, what on earth do you see in her? Does she even belong in the Bradford family?" Tarquin''s face darkened, and he didn''t mince his words in response, "Whether I love her or whether she belongs in the Bradford family is none of your business! You have no right to judge! And for your information, those kids are well-raised by Elysia. They''re great kids. If you think they''re ill- mannered, maybe it''s you who needs to take a good look in the mirror. They have more manners than some people I know!" He nced coldly around the room, making sure everyone knew exactly who he was referring to. Allegra turned a shade of purple, "Tarquin, you..." "If you don''t want to eat, then leave. If you''re going to stay, then eat quietly and keep your opinions to yourself," Tarquin snapped back. The rest of the Bradfords exchanged ufortable nces. Elliot, Evan, and Emmett all silently approved of Tarquin''s defense, while Elijah was secretly pleased that Tarquin hadn''t outright denied his love for Elysia. Just then, a new bowl of steaming soup was served by the housemaid, and everyone got a bowl, including the kids who were now happily spooning soup into their mouths. Suddenly, Elijah''s spoon ttered to the floor, and he slumped down, crashing to the ground. "Elijah!" Tarquin''s face went pale as he rushed over, with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett following closely behind, "What''s wrong with Elijah?!" Elijah was foaming at the mouth, convulsing for a few seconds before going still. The shock and panic were palpable on Tarquin and the boys'' faces. "Call a doctor-now!" Tarquin''s voice was hysterical as he began CPR on Elijah, "Elijah, wake up! Elijah! Elijah!" But Elijahy lifeless, eyes shut, not responding to Tarquin''s desperate pleas. Tarquin continued the chestpressions, his voice trembling, "Elijah, please, wake up! Listen to me! Elijah-" He repeated Elijah''s name over and over, sweat dripping down his forehead as he refused to stop, "Where''s the doctor? Get the doctor here now!" He roared, his voice breaking, almost on the verge of losing itpletely, his emotions a mix of shock, panic, and fear. Emmett was already in tears, "Elijah, Elijah, I don''t want Elijah to die, waaaah..." Evan was crying too, "Bro, what''s wrong with Elijah?! Waaah...why won''t he wake up?!" Elliot was pale, gasping for air, "Quick, go get Mommy!" Evan quickly wiped his tears and ran to call Elysia. The Bradfords stood frozen, finally realizing Elijah wasn''t breathing. Their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets in shock, "Elijah''s...he''s dead?!" Dead?! Gideon was in disbelief, pushing himself up with his cane to check on Elijah. Tarquin was still on the floor, desperately trying to revive Elijah, who showed no signs of life, clearly gone. Gideon was stunned!!! He turned to his confidant, who was just as shocked, shaking his head frantically, indicating it wasn''t his doing, clueless about what had just happened. Chapter 556 They had indeed poisoned Elijah; it was all premeditated! But their goal was to keep Elijah hanging by a thread, turning him into a sickly figure! The poison they used was never meant to kill, much less act so swiftly! They weren''t fools; only a madman would let Elijah sumb to the poison right there at the dining table! Doing so would directly cast suspicion on them by Tarquin, wouldn''t it? So now, Gideon and his trusted allies were utterly baffled and panicked, clueless as to why Elijah had suddenly sumbed to poisoning! The culprit surely wasn''t them, so who could it possibly be?! The family doctor rushed over in a hurry, checked Elijah''s breathing, then pried open his eyelids to look, trembling as he said, "Young Master Elijah... is gone!" Everyone: "!!!!!!" Tarquin couldn''t believe it, his gaze filled with terror as he looked at the family doctor! The doctor''s words struck like a thunderp, shattering his heart and all his hopes! "Master Tarquin, please, ept my condolences." "Get out-" Tarquin shoved the doctor aside, his face grave as he continued to perform CPR on Elijah, refusing to ept reality, "Elijah can''t be gone! Elijah, wake up! Listen to me, Elijah..." His voice choked up, unable to speak further. Yet his hands never ceased their efforts... Emmett''s crying grew even louder! Elliot couldn''t hold back his tears any longer; the doctor''s words were the final straw that broke him. If earlier he was scared and upset, now he was just devastated. The rest of the Bradford family slowly emerged from their shock, their expressions suddenly diverse. After their initial shock, they felt a secret joy! With Elijah gone, the heir to the Bradford estate was now up for grabs! Their descendants finally had a shot at ascending to power! To them, Elijah''s death was a fortunate turn of events! If it weren''t for their fear of Tarquin, they''d probably beughing out loud by now. Elysia, who had been outside on a call, heard about Elijah''s predicament and rushed to the dining room. When she saw Elijah motionless on the ground, her eyes widened in shock! Gasping for air, she stumbled and fell next to Elijah, "What happened to Elijah?!" Allegra interjected, "He''s dead!" Elysia''s mind went nk; she shook her head vigorously, her teeth chattering, "It can''t be! Impossible! My Elijah can''t be dead! My Elijah was supposed to live a long life! We had ns; we were going to celebrate the New Year together!" Her fingers inadvertently touched Elijah''s now still pulse... Her expression went through a myriad of changes! Her face turned ashen, tears instantly streaming down her face, panic-stricken, "Elijah... Elijah, please wake up, look at mommy, don''t scare me, Elijah... don''t do this, mommy is scared, Elijah..." Elysia sobbed uncontrobly, frantically shaking Elijah. Unable to wake her son, she looked helplessly at Tarquin, "...please, wake him up..." Tarquin could no longer hold back his tears; they rolled down his cheeks! With bloodshot eyes, he looked at Elysia, feeling as though an invisible hand was tightly squeezing his heart, making it hard to breathe, nearly suffocating. He sniffled hard, bowed his head, and continued performing CPR on Elijah. Chapter 557 Elijahy motionless on the ground, his body limp and lifeless. Elysia''s fear escted into uncontroble trembling as tears streamed down her face. She looked at her three little ones, refusing to ept reality. "Please... tell mommy that Elijah isn''t responding because he''s just sleeping, right? He''s just asleep, isn''t he?" Her refusal to face the truth only made the scene more heartbreaking. The three kids buried themselves in her embrace, their cries growing louder. "Mommy! Waaaahhh..." The Bradford n stood aside, watching with cold indifference. The women, once envious of Elysia, now seemed to relish in her pain. It was as if they were finally venting their pent-up malice. There were snide remarks and attempts to stir discord. "Crying as if it''s real, who are you trying to fool? Deep down, you''re probably wishing Elijah was dead." "Yeah, Elijah wasn''t even her own flesh and blood. How many stepmothers truly care? She must be thrilled about this!" Some offered insincere condolences. "Ms. Thorne, no need to cry. Tarin''s the one who''s truly suffering, he needs your constion." "Yeah, save your crocodile tears. Better focus on the real victim here! Your wailing won''t change anything." Elliot clenched his fists, shooting a venomous re that could freeze blood. His eyes were red, tears clinging to hisshes, but his gaze was fierce, like a predator seconds away from a kill. Allegra''s heart skipped a beat at that look. It reminded her of the devastating aftermath faced by Elizabeth and Kendrick, the same look Tarquin had. The resemnce was uncanny! If you only looked into those eyes, you''d swear it was a young Tarquin staring back. Allegra was shocked, taken aback, and frightened. That gaze was truly intimidating! The snarkyments ceased as the women mped their mouths shut, not daring to utter another word. Elliot, fighting back his grief and rage, turned his attention back to Elysia. "Mom, you need to calm down. Now''s not the time for tears. We have to save Elijah! He needs you!" Elysia nodded, her voice breaking, "Right, right, we need to save him!" She roughly wiped away her tears, which refused to stop, bit her lip hard enough to draw blood, and pinched her palm to force the pain to focus her. She needed to shift from being a grieving mother to a decisive doctor. Elliot then stopped Tarquin from making futile rescue attempts. He knew that no matter how hard Tarquin tried, it was pointless. Their only hope was mom. If there was even a sliver of chance, mom would surely save Elijah. If not, then... "Let mom handle Elijah! Find a quiet ce for mom and Elijah, now!" Tarquin, his brows furrowed, his forehead veins bulging from stress, looked terrifying. He watched Elysia force something into Elijah''s mouth, making him swallow, and then remembered Elysia''s medical expertise. Tarquin forced himself to remain calm, turning to the Bradford crowd with a sharp, fierce tone, "Get out!" The Bradford family shivered and didn''t dare to resist, promptly leaving the scene. Even Gideon was kicked out! Once outside, they started murmuring among themselves. "He really doesn''t care about us, does he? Kicking us out into the cold like that. As if that''s going to bring Elijah back to life!" "There''s no way Elijah''sing back. Even the family doctor said he was gone for good!" "But how did Elijah suddenly die? He seemed so lively and healthy today. I thought he had fully recovered!" Chapter 558 "Can''t you guys see? Elijah''s lips were turning blue, and he was foaming at the mouth, like he was poisoned!" "You mean to say, Elijah was murdered?" As soon as these words were uttered, the reactions varied among the crowd. Gideon, panic-stricken and irritable, stepped away from the group to confront his confidant. "Are you absolutely sure nothing went awry today?" His confidant, fully grasping the gravity of the situation and nearly in tears, assured, "Boss, if anything had gone wrong, I wouldn''t dare hide it from you! Everything went ording to n, smooth as butter!" "Then why is Elijah dead?!" "I... I have no idea, sir. It''s not our first time poisoning Elijah, and besides, he''s the one who provided the poison. Nothing was changed in our routine!" Then, lowering his voice, the confidant added with a hint of paranoia, "Boss, do you reckon our poisoning n was uncovered tonight, and someone used it to take Elijah out?" Gideon''s face darkened, and after a moment of silence, he said, "Even if we didn''t directly cause his death, we must ensure Tarquin never finds out about our attempt. With Elijah gone, he''ll definitely dig deep. We need to cover our tracks thoroughly!" "Don''t worry, boss. He won''t be able to trace anything back to us. But... surely, the real culprit is among those people, right?" Gideon''s gaze turned icy as he stared at the members of the Bradford family from a distance, filled with murderous intent. It was clear to him that someone had exploited his actions to kill Elijah! Someone had made him a pawn in their game! Gideon watched them for a long while, clenched his teeth, and then looked towards the main mansion''s entrance. The rest of the Bradford family also had their eyes glued to the main door. Although everyone knew Elijah was gone, they were all waiting for what woulde next. After what seemed like an eternity, the main mansion doors finally opened. Tarquin, with a grim expression, rushed out holding Elijah, followed closely by Elysia, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. As the Bradford family members moved to approach, a cold stare from Tarquin froze them in their tracks. Tarquin''s lips were pressed tightly together, his gaze cold and fierce as he scanned over them. Still holding Elijah, he quickly got into a car and left the mansion. The Bradford family members were left dumbfounded for a moment before they began to gossip, "Why''s he ring at us? It''s not like we''re the ones who did it!" "Not even a word, what, in a hurry to reincarnate or something?" "He must be taking Elijah''s body to the hospital. What''s the point when he''s already gone?" "Just let him be, no matter how much he struggles, Elijah won''te back. Gotta say, this is quite the shocker for the year''s end!" The group dispersed with an air of mirth, leaving Gideon with a sinister expression. A few minutester, Tarquin and Elysia arrived at Benjamin''s hospital with Elijah. Benjamin, having been alerted earlier, was already there to make arrangements. Elysia entered the emergency room to attempt a rescue, while Tarquin, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett waited anxiously outside. The good news was that Elysia had managed to pull Elijah back from the brink, granting him a faint breath of life. The bad news was that Elijah remained unconscious, still not out of danger. Whether he would live or die was now up to fate. The three younger ones sat on the hallway bench, eyes red and swollen, staring intently at the emergency room door. Tarquin, with a face full of anger, knew Elijah wouldn''t be out anytime soon. Clenching his jaw, he stepped aside to call Lowell and Axel, "Seal off the Bradford mansion, no one goes in or out without my say-so! Conduct a thorough search; we need to find out how Elijah was poisoned, where the poison came from, and who the culprit is!" Chapter 559 After giving his orders, Tarquin began to chain-smoke, one cigarette after another, a storm cloud of worry and anticipation brewing around him. With each passing second, the New Year''s Eve countdown began outside, signaling the end of an old year and the dawn of a new one. The countdown echoed, "10, 9, 8, 7... 3, 2, 1... Happy New Year! Cheers to a prosperous new year, haha..." The arrival of the new year was celebrated with fireworks lighting up the sky over Jindale City, and the sounds of celebration filled the air. But for the group of six who had promised to ring in the new year together, a cold, unyielding door separated them into two worlds. Elysia was still in the emergency room, fighting to save Elijah''s life! Tarquin, along with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, were left in the haunting silence of the corridor, a mix of anxiety and helplessness their onlypany. The joy of the new year seemed a world away; their reality was fear, worry, and impatience. Elijah''s fate was still unknown. This was supposed to be the happiest year of his life... Tarquin, staring toward the direction of the emergency room, took a harsh drag of his cigarette, his eyes swollen, his heart heavy. He reminisced about every moment with Elijah. He remembered the first time he saw Elijah. Five years ago, N handed him the baby, wrapped in a nket with a note iming he was the father. Shocked and skeptical, he looked down at newborn Elijah, so tiny and wrinkled, barely the length of his arm. He took baby Elijah for a medical check-up himself, even getting a paternity test done. That first night with Elijah, not even knowing for sure if he was his son, he stayed at the hospital, clumsy and inexperienced in caring for a child, spending a sleepless night for Elijah''s sake. The next day, the paternity results confirmed Elijah was indeed his son. He could still vividly recall the mix of emotions, unable to contain hisughter even in front of Benjamin. It was a whirlwind of excitement, shock, surprise, but above all, overwhelming joy... From that day on, his life shifted from solitude to fatherhood. Elijah was his first child, and he was a new father; together, they grew. Without any prior experience, he insisted on being hands-on, which led to many a mishap. The first time he changed Elijah''s diaper, just as Elijah had a messy ident. In his rush to clean up, he left Elijah unattended for a moment, returning to a scene straight out of a horror movie. Elijah, covered in mess from head to toe, created a memory Tarquin could never forget. Then there were the firsts - the first bath, the first time dressing him, the first grasp of his finger. Elijah made him fall in love with photography, capturing every moment of his son''s life. Like any father, he wished to freeze time, recording every milestone. He still remembered the pride and joy when Elijah first called him "Daddy" - so much so, he called Lowell and Axel Keaton at two in the morning, boasting and insisting theye over to hear it for themselves, non-attendance not an option. Chapter 560 There they were, a bunch of grown men, staying up from the wee hours of the morning, keeping watch over Elijah until the crack of dawn. And throughout it all, Elijah didn''t utter a single word. Little Elijah slept soundly, snoring away, but at some point, his diaper shifted, leaving poor Keaton, who was keeping vigil by his crib, with quite the surprise on his face. Then there was the day Elijah took his first steps. To Tarquin, that moment was more exhrating than striking gold in a high-stakes lottery! He smothered Elijah''s cheeks with kisses, lifted him into the air, and raced across thewn, proudly proiming, "My boy''s the best! Top of the world!" Keaton couldn''t help but tease him, "You''d think nobody''s kid had ever learned to walk before." "Heh," Tarquin chuckled at the memory, augh breaking through his lips. But in the next second, tears welled up in his eyes. He nced again towards the emergency room, his breath catching in his throat. Every little moment of Elijah''s life shed through his mind like scenes from a movie. From a tiny baby no longer than his arm to a little boy now standing at four feet three, they''d shared more than five years of memories. When Elijah was happy, Tarquin was right there, sharing in his joy, often even more overjoyed than Elijah himself. When Elijah felt sad, the weight of his sorrow was even heavier on Tarquin''s shoulders. On the countless nights Elijah stayed awake, missing his mother, Tarquin would hide in the shadows, silently keeping himpany. This kind of love for Elijah, it was something perhaps only another parent could truly understand. He loved Elijah more than words could express. The mere thought of losing Elijah was unbearable. He imagined he''d go mad,sh out at the world, and then... what? There was nothing beyond that abyss. As his cigarette burned down to the filter, Tarquin lit another, his hands trembling uncontrobly. Fear gripped his heart. Today, he was truly afraid. At the first light of dawn, the doors to the emergency room finally swung open. Elysia stepped out. The three kids sprang from the bench in unison, "Mommy!" Tarquin quickly snuffed out his cigarette and rushed to her side, his eyes searching hers anxiously. His lips moved, but no sound came out. He was terrified of hearing the worst. Elysia sniffled, her voice choked with emotion, "Elijah''s back!" He''d been saved! Tarquin and the kids were stunned into silence. The hallway fell silent for a brief moment before the children burst into relieved sobs. Tears filled Tarquin''s eyes as he pulled Elysia into a tight embrace. All the words that needed to be said were conveyed in that hug. Elysia understood. She didn''t resist, quietly letting him hold her. They both needed this embrace, not just him. She could finally let go of her fears, no longer needing to brace herself for the worst. She could switch back from being a doctor to just a mother. The tension that had kept herposed snapped, and she needed his support to keep from copsing. This was her son, her flesh and blood she had just begun to properly love and care for, and she had almost lost him. The terror was overwhelming. When Allegra told her Elijah was gone, she thought her heart would stop from fear. "I...I thought I was going to lose Elijah, I was terrified... you know? I was absolutely terrified..." Cradled in Tarquin''s arms, she sobbed uncontrobly. Tarquin held her tightly, his voice deep and hoarse, ¡°I know!" At that moment, no one could understand each other''s feelings better than they could. They were likerades who had survived a battle together, seeking sce and warmth in each other''s embrace after escaping the clutches of death. Chapter 561 After a moment, Elysia steadied herself, rising from Tarquin''s embrace. Drying her tears, she crouched down to wipe away the tears of the three little ones. "Don''t cry now, okay? Elijah is going to be just fine. He''ll be up and about in no time." Emmett, sniffling and with a voice as tender as a ss of warm milk, asked, "If Elijah is okay, why didn''t hee out with Mommy?" Elysia soothed him gently, "Elijah is still resting inside. He hasn''t woken up yet." Evan immediately asked, "Can we go see him then?" "Of course, we can." Getting up, Elysia said to Tarquin, "I''m going to the restroom. You guys go in and see Elijah, okay? Dr. Benjamin is in there with him." "Alright." Tarquin quickly led the three little ones into the ICU. Elijahy quietly on the hospital bed, surrounded by a maze of tubes, hisplexion pale. Yet, the monitors on the bedside table showed his vitals were stable. With eyes red from crying, Emmett asked Elliot, "Brother, does it hurt where Elijah is?" Elliot''s heart squeezed at the question. Elijah had indeed been pulled back from the brink, and he must be in pain. Mommy and the doctors had worked tirelessly to save him. He had been poisoned and surely felt as if he was burning from the inside. Trying to ease Emmett''s worry, heforted, "Don''t worry, Elijah is sleeping now. He doesn''t feel the pain." "Yeah, I hope Elijah gets well soon." Tarquin stood behind them, his brows furrowed as he looked at his son''s frail form on the bed. In this moment, his worry was reced by a deep sense of tenderness and rage. Whoever dared to harm his Elijah, good! The pain and suffering Elijah endured today, he would repay it tenfold! "Have you identified the poison yet?" Dr. Benjamin shook his head, "Still checking. It might take a few more hours to get the results. Have you found the culprit? Who poisoned him?" "Not yet." Dr. Benjamin frowned, "This happened at the Bradfords'', it must be rted to those people! They really are heartless. No matter what, Elijah is of Bradford blood, and he''s only a child at five! To think they didn''t like Elijah is one thing, but to go as far as poisoning him... We''re lucky Ms. Thorne was here, or else we would''ve lost Elijah!" Tarquin''s face was a mask of cold anger, and his aura dark as the stormiest night, his eyes shing with menace. The Bradfords weren''t just heartless; they were utterly devoid ofpassion! If they had even an ounce of it, his parents wouldn''t have met their fate, and his return to the Bradfords wouldn''t have been a nightmare! "I''ll head back to the estate for a bit. Keep an eye on Elijah for me here. And, Elysia and the kids are exhausted; find a clean room for them to rest." Dr. Benjamin nodded, "I''ll handle it. You go do what you need to." Tarquin then crouched to tell Elliot, "I need to step out for a while to take care of something. Make sure you help your mom and brothers get some rest." Elliot, understanding the gravity, nodded, "You go ahead. Call me if you need anything." "Alright." Tarquin affectionately ruffled Elliot''s hair before standing to leave. As he made his way towards the restroom to inform Elysia of his departure, he hadn''t gotten far when he saw her copsed in the hallway! Tarquin''s heart tightened, and he rushed over, "Elysia!" Hearing themotion, the three little ones also hurried out, "Mommy!" Dr. Benjamin quickly examined Elysia, "Don''t worry too much, she just fainted." Tarquin frowned, "She was fine just a moment ago, how could she suddenly faint?" Dr. Benjamin exined, "The stress from Elijah''s emergency took its toll, plus she was in the ICU fighting for Elijah for hours. It''s more than most could bear, draining both emotionally and physically. But don''t panic, a few IV nutrition bags and a good night''s rest should do the trick. Let''s get her to a room." Chapter 562 Elysia looked noticeably unwell, herplexion pale and her body weak. Tarquin''s face was etched with concern and tenderness as he gently scooped Elysia up, lifting her in his arms to carry her to the infirmary. He carefully settled her on the hospital bed, then watched as Benjamin started an IV drip for her. Once Benjamin was done, he said, "You go handle your stuff, I''ve got this covered." Tarquin remained silent, his gaze fixed on Elysia for a long moment before he finally spoke, "I''m not going after all." "Huh?" Benjamin was taken aback, "Why the sudden change of heart?" Elliot was also surprised, looking at him. After all, Tarquin was supposed to investigate the culprit, a matter of great importance! Tarquin offered a half-hearted exnation, "Lowell and Axel are on it. They don''t need me there." Benjamin nced at Elysia, realizing Tarquin''s reluctance stemmed from his concern for her. "Alright then, I''ll leave this in your hands. I''m heading to theb to check on the progress with the poison analysis. I''lle find you when I have something." "Okay." ¡°? After Benjamin left, Tarquin turned to the kids with a serious tone, "I appreciate how worried you''ve been for Elijah. Thank you. Elijah is lucky to have friends like you. Once Elijah is feeling better, I''ll treat you guys to dinner." Evan mumbled under his breath, "We were worried about Elijah, not doing it for you." "Either way, I know you''re all good kids, full of loyalty and heart. Elysia raised you right." Evan beamed with pride, "My mom is the best, the best in the whole world!" Tarquin turned to look at Elysia, appearing to be asleep, and said from the bottom of his heart, "She really is." She was kind, optimistic, strong, and independent, with a heart full of love and solid morals. Despite being non-confrontational, she wasn''t afraid to stand up for her children, going head-to-head with the formidable N, and even taking on the Bradford family women for Elijah. After facing so many setbacks and raising her children on her own, she never harbored any resentment. She still loved life, was hopeful for the future, and radiated positive energy. Her children were well-raised, too-clear about right and wrong, full of optimism, and brimming with life. She was a great mother! And a wonderful woman! Ordinary at a nce, but truly one of a kind! Tarquin shifted his gaze back from the window to the kids, "It''s almost dawn. You guys should get some rest in the next room. I''ll take care of her." The kids nced at him, then at Elysia, clearly worried. Tarquin''s tone was gentle, "The doctor said she''s just exhausted. A good sleep will do her wonders. Don''t worry about her. And don''t worry about me taking advantage of her while she''s out. She saved Elijah, which means she saved me. She''s my savior, and I would never betray her trust." Elliot looked at him with mixed emotions, "What about you? Don''t you need to rest?" He had been through a lot as well. Wasn''t he tired? "I''m not tired. You kids go get some sleep, alright?" After a moment of hesitation, Elliot didn''t say anything more and ushered his brothers to rest. Suddenly, Tarquin asked, "Do you guys need help getting to sleep? If so, I can help." The kids blinked at him, not quite understanding. Tarquin exined, "Do you need a bedtime story or something? If you do, just let me know." The kids: "..." Tarquin added, ¡°Elijah doesn''t see your mom as a stranger, and you don''t have to be formal with me either. If there''s anything I can help with, just say the word." Elysia truly loved Elijah, and he would genuinely reciprocate that love for her children. He might not have Elysia''s attention to detail or her knack for caregiving, but he was willing to try. Chapter 563 Elliot, Evan, and Emmett stared at him for a long while before Elliot said, "No worries, we can sleep on our own. Just make sure mom is taken care of, okay?" Once inside their room, Elliot whispered to Evan, "Let''s give him an extra point. He''s sacrificing something so important to stay and look after mom. I''m really touched." Evan nodded immediately, "Yeah!" Before bed, Elliot asked Emmett to touch up his and Evan''s makeup. Thankfully, Emmett was a whiz with the makeup kit. Otherwise, after all the tears shed today, their makeup would''ve been ruined, and Tarquin and the Bradford family might have noticed! Outside, Tarquin leaned against the window, calling Lowell. His gaze lingered on Elysia. He told Lowell he''d stay put for now, inquired about the investigation''s progress, and arranged some tasks. After hanging up, he tiptoed into the boys'' room to check on the trio. Seeing them all asleep, he carefully tucked them in, turned off the light, and left. The hospital room was quiet. He sat by Elysia''s bed, silently keeping vigil. Today had been a brush with death for Elijah, and for him too. If Elijah had died, it would''ve been as if he died too. So, in saving Elijah today, Elysia had also saved him. He was grateful, moved, and pained. She was exhausted because of him and his son. Tarquin looked at her tenderly, unconsciously lifting his hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers gently traced her cheek, and his heart skipped a beat. It was like an electric shock. He swiftly withdrew his hand but soon found himself reaching out again. Elysia''s skin was soft and smooth, a sensation he found himself lingering over. He gently, like a thief in the night, caressed her cheek, her eyebrows, her nose, and couldn''t help but touch her lips... The moment his fingertip brushed her lips, a torrent of dreamy images flooded his mind-images of them entwined passionately. In the dream, they were undressed, he pinned her hands above her head and kissed her fervently. Her eyes were closed, her cheeks flushed. Beneath him, she trembled and panted, responding to him with a shy yet passionate eagerness. They kissed, tumbled across the bed, freely indulging in the most primal acts of passion... A sob snapped Tarquin back to reality. To his horror, his lips were pressed against Elysia''s! Panic-stricken, Tarquin pulled away. He breathed heavily, shocked and uneasy at having stolen a kiss. The sobbing sounded again,ing from the boys'' room. Tarquin steadied his heart and, putting the incident aside for a moment, went to check on the situation. In the dimly lit room, Emmett sat up in bed, crying, while Elliot and Evan, awakened by the noise, tried tofort him. Tarquin flipped on the bedsidemp, "What''s the matter?" Elliot exined, "Emmett had a nightmare." Through tears, Emmett sobbed, "I dreamt of a monster so big, with three heads and eight arms! Its mouth was bigger than a car tire, and its teeth were longer than me! It was chasing mom and Elijah, trying to eat them, sob sob... I tried to save them, but I couldn''t beat it. It pped me away, sob sob... I saw it catching up to mom and Elijah, about to eat them, sob sob..." Evan reassured him, "Don''t worry, I''ll protect mom and Elijah from any monster, no matter how scary. I''ll knock them t!" Elliot, frowning, said to Tarquin, "Emmett is as timid as mom. It must''ve been the scare from Elijah''s ordeal that triggered his nightmare." Chapter 564 Tarquin gently pulled a tissue from the box, dabbing at Emmett''s runny nose and tear-streaked cheeks before scooping him up into his arms. "You and Evan keep on sleeping, I''ll take care of him." With the bedsidemp switched off and the inner door carefully closed behind him, Tarquin cradled Emmett and moved towards the hospital bed in the dimly lit room, his voice soft and soothing. "Look, your mommy wasn''t gobbled up by monsters. She''s just sleeping soundly, and so is Elijah. They''re both okay, no need to be scared." Rubbing his eyes, Emmett peered at Elysia lying in the bed. Reaching out, he gently touched Elysia, whispering, "Mommy''s warm." Tarquin couldn''t help but chuckle. Of course, she was warm; she was very much alive. "Alright, try to get some more sleep. By the time you wake up, she''ll probably be awake too. Don''t worry, I''ll protect her, Elijah, and all of you. If any monsterse, I''ll chase them away." "Okay," Emmett murmured in a sleepy voice, nodding and snuggling against Tarquin''s shoulder, drifting back to sleep. Standing up with Emmett in his arms, Tarquin gently patted his back and rocked him, lulling him back to sleep. Elliot and Evan peeked through the crack of the door, relieved to see Emmett had stopped crying. They watched Tarquin, seeing him in a new light, almost like a nurturing father, and something in their gaze shifted. Back in bed, Evan pondered for a moment before speaking up, "Bro, I''ve decided to give him an extra point! For Emmett''s sake!" "Yeah! Agreed!" Elliot responded. The brothers settled back down to sleep, blissfully unaware of Tarquin''s secret kiss. Had they known, they might have reconsidered those extra points. Outside, Tarquin, while soothing Emmett, couldn''t help but nce at Elysia. His initial desire had cooled, but the memory of his stolen kiss lingered. He wasn''t naive; despite never being in love before, he recognized his feelings for Elysia were real and beyond his control. The stolen kiss was proof of his unbidden affection. He couldn''t pinpoint when his feelings had started. It was after a close encounter, fueled by alcohol, that he realized his feelings for her were unlike those for any other woman. Dreams of intimacy only confirmed his attraction. From that day, he deliberately distanced himself, conflicted over his emotions because of Elijah''s mother. Perhaps Elysia was right. His search for Elijah''s mother was about atonement, not love. Yet, he had promised to take responsibility. He doubted whether she would forgive him or consider a future with him. Nheless, he hoped to remain faithful until he found her. If she chose to share her life with him, he vowed to dedicate his love to her. If not, he would find another way to make amends. Despite his resistance, Tarquin''s feelings for Elysia had deepened, proving emotions can''t be controlled. He struggled with hismitment to Elijah''s mother and his growing love for Elysia. If only Elysia were Elijah''s mother, how perfect that would be! But s, she was not. Chapter 565 Tarquin frowned as he watched Elysia, with Emmett fast asleep on his shoulder, yet he didn''t put the little guy down. He was gently patting Emmett''s back, like a caring father soothing his son to sleep. However, his gaze remained fixed on Elysia, weighed down with worry. It wasn''t until arge bag of IV fluid was almost empty, signaling it was time to change Elysia''s drip, that he thought about putting the child down. He carried Emmett to the next room. Elliot and Evan were still asleep, the two brothers, born of the same mother, sleeping in stark contrast to each other. Ellioty on his back, his hands neatly ced at his sides, embodying the posture of a disciplined sleeper, his breathing even. Evan had wriggled to the foot of the bed, lying on the edge like a little frog, his small face squished out of shape, arms and legs dangling off the bed''s edge, at risk of falling off any second. Tarquin took an extra moment to look at Evan, the little rascal, even in his sleep, couldn''t stay still. He hade to know the personalities of these three children quite well. Elliot was the epitome of a child wise beyond his years, smart, judicious, a steady yer. Evan was the quintessential energetic kid, his eyes lighting up at the mention of a brawl, lively and impulsive. Emmett was soft and a bit of a crybaby, not the brightest bulb in the box, much like Elysia, more tears than cunning, a concern for his intellectual prowess. He carefully ced Emmett beside Elliot, then picked Evan up. After tucking them in and making sure the nkets were snug, he turned to leave. Stepping out of the room, he saw Elysia sitting up in bed. Tarquin paused, then hurried over to support her, "Why are you sitting up? Don''t move around, you still have a needle in your arm." Seeing that she had already removed the IV needle, he was even more surprised, "Why did you take it out?" Elysia, just waking up and still a bit weak, exined, "I wanted to go check on Elijah." "Elijah''s in the ICU, don''t worry about him. You lie down, I''ll call a nurse to reinsert the IV." "What happened to me?" Tarquin: "... You don''t know what happened, and you took out the IV?" "I just wanted to go see Elijah, I couldn''t leave with the IV." Tarquin was moved; her love for Elijah was as profound as that of his own father! "Elijah hasn''t woken up yet, he''s the same asst night. You fainted from exhaustionst night, Benjamin gave you an IV. How do you feel now? Any better?" Elysia touched her head, still feeling a bit dizzy, but clearly much better. "I''m alright, has there been any progress with the poison in Elijah''s body?" "Doesn''t seem like it, Benjamin didn''t update me." Elysia frowned, then asked, "How are Elliot, Evan, and Emmett?" "They''re resting in the next room." Elysia stood up, wanting to check on the children. Tarquin offered his help, but she refused, "I''m fine, really, I feel much better after some rest. I want to see the kids." Tarquin could only sheepishly retract his hand. Elysia first checked on the three little ones in the next room, then left the ward to see Elijah. Tarquin, concerned she might faint again, apanied her. Just as they reached the ICU door, Tarquin''s phone rang, a call from Lowell. There must be some situation at the old house! Tarquin furrowed his brow and told Elysia, "Go see Elijah, I''ll take this call." "Okay." Elysia entered the ICU alone. She put on a disposable istion gown, donned a mask and cap, and went through sterilization before approaching Elijah. Little Elijah was still in a deep sleep, his body connected to various tubes. Benjamin had just finished his morning check-up; the little guy must be ufortable. He wasn''t awake, but his tiny brows were tightly furrowed. Chapter 566 On the little cart beside her, over a dozen vials of blood were neatly lined up, all freshly drawn from Elijah''s body. Elysia''s heart felt like it was being squeezed, tears welling up in her eyes again. Her little Elijah, though no longer in life-threatening danger, had suffered damage to various organs. He had to take medication, endure injections, and go through painfully exhaustive examinations. Yesterday, during the stomach pump procedure, even though Elijah was unconscious, he trembled and shivered in difort... And they had just drawn several vials of blood yesterday, and now, even more! Her little boy was only five years old; how much blood could his tiny body even hold? But there was no choice. The poisoning was severe, and all these tests were necessary! Elysia felt a mix of distress and heartache, wishing she could take all this pain upon herself instead! She couldn''t bear to see her son go through this suffering. He was so young, yet had to endure such pain... Elysia gently touched Elijah''s hand, wanting to tell him ''Mommy is here,'' but she couldn''t find her voice. Her body trembled, lips quivering, tears steadily cascading down. Her little Elijah, how her heart ached for him... "Ms. Thome." Benjamin, having heard of her visit, hurried over to update her on Elijah''s condition. Elysia sniffled hard, lowering her head to wipe away her tears, "Yeah." Benjamin gave her a look, touched yet somewhat puzzled. Elysia''s love for Elijah was no less than Tarquin''s! Yet she wasn''t Elijah''s biological mother. Why then was her affection so intense? Her love for Elijah seemed a bit much. It was rare to see such strong emotions unless one was the biological parent or had raised the child themselves. But Benjamin had personally conducted the paternity test; Elysia and Elijah were indeed not rted by blood! Benjamin was curious but didn''t press further. He softly told Elysia, "We''ve identified all the toxic substances in Elijah''s system, take a look. Also, the results from yesterday''s battery of tests are all here." Elysia quickly took them to examine. She read through each result with utmost attention! The more she read, the more agitated she became! "Just as I thought! Just as I thought!" Like she had discovered something incredible, she dashed out of the ICU! Pulling down her mask, she confronted Tarquin, teeth clenched, body trembling! Her eyes were a mix of pain, guilt, anger, and resentment! Tarquin, just off the phone, was confused, "What''s wrong?" Before Elysia could speak, tears began to flow. She harshly wiped away her tears, only for new ones to quickly rece them. With a trembling voice, she asked, "Have you found out who poisoned Elijah?" Tarquin stared at her intensely, "What happened?" Elysia''s voice rose sharply as she demanded, "Did you find who poisoned Elijah?!" Tarquin frowned, puzzled by her demeanor. Without nodding or shaking his head, he shared the current findings, "The perpetrator tampered with Elijah''s dinnerware. Last night, while you were on the phone, a new soup and bowl were served, and the poison was on the soup bowl. Elijah drank from that bowl and was poisoned on the spot. Lowell conducted a sweep of everyone who could have had ess to that bowl and found a suspect, a maid in charge of the children''s dinnerware. But before we could interrogate her, she was found dead." "Dead?" Chapter 567 "Looks like a case of guilt-driven suicide," Tarquin mused, scanning the scene with a detective''s eye. Elysia, wiping away her tears, looked up in a mix of hope and confusion. "Does that mean... the killer''s been caught?" Tarquin sighed, the weight of truth heavy on his shoulders. "She was probably just a scapegoat." He had no grudge against the maid; she had no motive to poison Elijah. It seemed more likely that the real culprit had set her up to take the fall, creating the illusion of a suicide to divert suspicion from themselves. "So, what you''re saying is... she''s not the killer. The real murderer is still out there, walking free?" Elysia''s voice trembled with rising panic. "Yeah, but... try not to worry, I-" Elysia''s fear boiled over. "How can I not worry?! Someone''s out to hurt my Elijah, and we don''t even know who they are! They''re still out there, possibly nning to strike again. I... I..." Her emotions surged like a storm, words failing her as her frustration grew, pushing her to the brink of hysteria. Tarquin, still puzzled by her intense reaction, ventured cautiously, "You''re afraid they might try to harm Elijah again, aren''t you?" Elysia nodded vigorously, tears streaming down her face. "They definitely will!" He rushed to reassure her, "Don''t worry! I won''t let them seed again. We might not have caught them yet, but I promise, they won''t get another chance to hurt Elijah." But Elysia, inconsble, shook her head, clearly unconvinced. Her emotions escted, almost to a roar, "How can you make such promises?! Elijah''s been poisoned before! This isn''t the first time, and every time you''ve failed to notice!" Sobbing, she continued, "How could you not see it? You''re always by his side, you love him so much, and yet you''ve missed it every single time someone has poisoned him! He''s just a child; can you imagine how much pain he must be in each time? Every time he''s poisoned, you don''t know, I don''t know, only Elijah bears the pain alone... My poor Elijah, how he''s suffered all these years. I''ve failed him, I..." Tarquin was stunned. "What did you say?" Through her tears, Elysia whimpered, "Elijah... he''s always been hurt by someone..." Tarquin''s expression darkened, his brows furrowing deeply. "Elysia, calm down for Elijah''s sake. What did you just say? Someone''s been poisoning him repeatedly?" Elysia, trying topose herself, showed him the test results, her hands trembling. "I knew something was off about Elijah''s condition. I suspected it wasn''t just grief over his mother. There had to be another cause! I''ve had him examined, looked through countless case studies, but couldn''t pinpoint the reason until today. Look, along with the lethal poison, there are traces of chronic toxins in Elijah''s system. These didn''t just appear overnight; they''re the result of repeated exposure. This toxin affects cognition, this one induces irritability, and these...," Elysia pointed out, her voice breaking. Tarquin, no expert in medicine, struggled to understand the details but grasped the gravity of what Elysia was saying. Elysia was saying: Elijah''s psychological issues weren''t just due to his deep longing for his mother. There was a deliberate, human element involved. Chapter 568 Someone had been poisoning Elijah for a long time, repeatedly! Tarquin''s breathing grew heavy, his lips pressed into a thin line as he asked, "Are you sure there''s no mistake?" Elysia stomped her foot in frustration, "No mistake at all!" Tarquin was seething, a storm brewing in his eyes. Someone dared to poison Elijah right under his nose, and not just once but repeatedly and over a long period! The audacity of that person! And how foolish he had been! He thought he had protected Elijah well, but what was the result? Elijah had suffered greatly under his care! He was failing as a father! No wonder Elysia looked at him with a mix of pity, guilt, anger, and resentment when she brought the news. Pity for Elijah, for the repeated harm done to him. Anger at the perpetrator, furious at whoever was heartless enough to target a child in such a vile manner! As for the guilt... he was momentarily at a loss for its reason. But the resentment was definitely directed at him, ming him for not keeping Elijah safe, for not detecting a single instance of the poisoning! He deserved the me! He owed Elijah an apology! Tarquin, consumed by anger and self-reproach, clenched his jaw, fighting to keep his raging emotions at bay, as he asked Elysia, "How did they manage it? Elijah undergoes regr check-ups, even Benjamin didn''t notice anything out of the ordinary." Benjamin, though young, was a prodigy in the medical field and trustworthy. Had Benjamin noticed anything unusual, he would have informed him right away. Besides Benjamin, Elijah had been seen by countless medical experts, none of whom had detected anything. Elysia sniffled, exining, "It''s not surprising that Dr. Benjamin didn''t catch it. This poison isn''tmon; it contains rare toxic elements that Dr. Benjamin wouldn''t have encountered before. Even if he did find traces during a check-up, he wouldn''t suspect poisoning. Moreover, this poison has a characteristic where its potency is highest upon entering the body, making it the easiest to detect. Over time, its potency weakens, which is why the perpetrator needed to poison Elijah multiple times! They did it to keep Elijah in a constant state of illness!" To keep Elijah constantly ill! Tarquin''s lips were pressed tightly together, his face ashen with rage, veins throbbing at his temple. "Can the umted poison still be treated?" "I need to study it more closely. I''m really worried that if the perpetrator didn''t seed in killing Elijah this time, they might try again. They''re a repeat offender!" Tarquin looked at her earnestly, saying, "I don''t know much about medicine, so I can''t help Elijah myself. I''m entrusting you to take care of him! I hope you can pull yourself together and clear all the poison from his system as soon as possible. As for the rest, leave it to me. I''ll handle it!" His tone was gentle at first but turned steely with determination by the end. Unbeknownst to him about the ongoing poisoning, now that he was aware, it was time for retribution! After saying his piece, Tarquin left the hospital. No sooner had he left than Benjamin came looking for Elysia, "Ms. Thorne, you should look at Elijah''s blood test report from this morning. It''s different from the one you have. I''m not sure what''s going on?!" Elysia quickly wiped away her tears, forcing herself to calm down, and followed Benjamin into the ICU. He was right; he didn''t understand medicine, so it was up to her to cleanse Elijah''s body of the poison! As for catching the perpetrator, she would leave that to him! In a corner, someone had heard every word of Elysia and Tarquin''s conversation, clear as day... Chapter 569 Elliott and Evan woke up to find Elysia missing from their hospital room. Piecing things together, they figured she must have gone to check on Elijah, so they headed over to find her. As fate would have it, they stumbled upon her conversation with Tarquin. Evan, red with rage, eximed, "Someone has been poisoning Elijah multiple times! Bro, we''ve got to root out this scumbag and avenge Elijah!" Elliott''s expression darkened. "Yes, we''ll find him!" The audacity to poison his brother, keeping Elijah sick for so long, was unforgivable! And their mom was right to worry. If the culprit was a repeat offender, there was a chance they''d try poisoning Elijah again. Until they caught him, Elijah wasn''t safe. Evan grumbled, "That jerk Tarquin couldn''t even figure out who the culprit is. I bet it was someone from the Bradford n! Bro, let''s take down their whole gang!" Elliott pondered. The poison was definitely linked to the Bradfords. But when he observed their reaction after Elijah was poisoned, except for Gideon looking oddly out of ce, the rest seemed shocked and almost delighted, not the reactions of a guilty party. As for Gideon... His shock turned to disbelief, then to nervousness. Why would he be shocked and then nervous? Because he didn''t expect Elijah to be poisoned to death! Maybe Gideon was the one consistently poisoning Elijah, but the person trying to kill Elijah this time might not be him! After some thought, Elliott said to Evan, "Tarquin must be onto the Bradfords looking for the culprit. Let''s head over. If he can''t find them, we''ll figure something out." "Alright!" The brothers put on their masks and left the hospital, heading straight for the Bradford estate. Tarquin drove like a man possessed, reaching the estate in record time. The butler, shaking, greeted him at the door, but Tarquin didn''t spare him a nce. With a scowl, he mmed the car door and strode into the main building. Inside, apart from the Bradfords, several police officers were present. A maid had died in the house, and the Bradfords had called the police not to investigate the murder but for protection. They were trapped in the estate by Tarquin and feared he might go on a rampage and kill them all! The Bradford women wereining to the officers, "Officer, it''s not like his son was poisoned by us, and we didn''t kill the maid. Why are we being held hostage?" "Yeah, if he''s got beef, go settle it with the killer, not us. Today''s the first day of the year; we wanted to have a peaceful holiday!" "Officer, isn''t his behavior criminal? Can you arrest him?" Tarquin, with a face like thunder, entered and announced, "The doors of the Bradford estate are wide open. Anyone who wants to leave can do so!" Lowell and Axel, who were at the door, greeted him, "Tarquin!" Tarquin nodded and then turned his fierce gaze toward the Bradford women, his eyes sweeping over them with a chilling ferocity. The women, terrified, collectively shivered and quickly shut their mouths. The leading officer, Rnd, was the local precinct captain and knew Tarquin well enough to know he was trouble. After a brief stint in the station, a major shake-up in the police department followed, and the officer who handled his case, Josiah, was promoted three ranks¡ªa testament to Tarquin''s influence. If Tarquin was indeed guilty of a crime, they''d need solid evidence to proceed, and as of now, there was none. Besides, his son was the victim of a poisoning attempt that night! Rnd stepped forward, "Mr. Bradford, I''m Detective Rnd, the lead investigator on this case." Chapter 570 Before Tarquin even arrived, he''d already gotten the gist from Lowell, nodding politely in acknowledgment. "Any progress on finding out what happened?" "So far, nothing definitive. We''re pretty sure your son''s poisoning has something to do with that maid, but she''s dead now. That leads us to a dead end." Tarquin frowned, "Any leads on the maid''s death?" Rnd shook his head, "Looks like suicide at first nce, but it''s too early to jump to conclusions. We need to dig a bit deeper." Tarquin just hummed, not asking anything further. Rnd then said, "We''ve wrapped up the evidence collection here and have someone guarding the scene. Unless there''s anything else, we''ll be on our way. We''ll keep you updated on any breakthroughs." Tarquin nodded, "Yeah, please keep this under wraps." "Understood, you''ve got it." With that, Rnd signaled his team to leave, leaving the Bradford family in a state of panic. "Just like that? What about him holding us here against our will?" Rnd replied, "Didn''t Mr. Bradford just say the front door is open, and you''re free to leave if you wish?" "He..." Earlier, through Lowell, Tarquin had made it clear anyone attempting to leave would face severe consequences¡ªa tant threat! But now, nobody wanted to be the first to voice this out. They all hoped someone else would, to their benefit. So, the group fell into collective silence. Seeing no one speak up, Rnd left with his team. The moment the police were out of sight, Tarquin nced at Lowell, "Lock the door." Lowell immediately shut the mansion''s main door. The Bradford family was petrified. Allegra stepped forward to speak. "Tarquin, we get you''re upset about your son, but taking it out on us isn''t fair. Direct your anger at the killer, not us!" Tarquin, legs crossed and seated on a couch, ignored her and tossed a document onto the coffee table. He then lit a cigarette, taking a drag in silence. Curious, Allegra picked it up, her eyes widening in shock. "Share transfer agreement, 20% of the shares?!" The rest of the Bradfords, overhearing this, rushed to take a look, their eyes bulging with disbelief. What was Tarquin nning? 20% of thepany shares were worth a fortune! Gideon, sitting across from Tarquin, first scrutinized the document, then looked up, puzzled. "What are you trying to do?" Tarquin flicked ash from his cigarette. "Regarding Elijah''s poisoning, whoever provides a significant lead will get these 20% shares." The room went silent with shock. They now realized he was using the shares as bait for information. The police had failed to catch the culprit, so he was taking matters into his own hands. Such a tempting offer! Gideon didn''t even have 20% of the shares himself. Whoevernded this deal would be the Bradford Group''s second inmand overnight! Not just a fortune in gold, but a leap in power too! Everyone was envious but frustrated at theirck of leads. Gideon''s heart raced, fearing betrayal from within, he quickly said, "Throwing out such big bait, your motive is right, but in the end, the shares stay in the family!" Tarquin lifted an eyebrow at him. "I, Tarquin, always keep my word. To you, those shares are priceless; to me, they''re trivial. If someone brings valuable information, the shares are theirs. I won''t tarnish my reputation over this." With everyone watching, he signed his name on the document. The room held its breath, eyes glued to the paper. It was like a pack of starving dogs eyeing a juicy bone, drooling in anticipation. Gideon''s closest aides broke out in a cold sweat. Chapter 571 He knew sticking with Gideon for a lifetime wouldn''t get him as much. After all, even Gideon himself didn''t have this much! If he sold out Gideon now, those shares would be his. Plus, Gideon would surely be done in by Tarquin, so he wouldn''t have to worry about any retribution! After much deliberation, with a thud, he knelt before Tarquin, "Master Tarquin, I know who poisoned young Master Elijah!" Gideon gasped, shooting up from the couch! The Bradfords all turned in shock toward the man kneeling on the floor, "What?!!!" Tarquin, frowning slightly, asked him, "You know?" "Yes, yes! I know!" "Speak!" "It was... it was..." The confidant turned to look at Gideon. Gideon, nearly spitting blood in fright, red at the confidant, panting, "You scoundrel! For a mere 20% of the shares, you dare to nder your own master?" The confidant trembled, "Master, don''t me me for being disloyal. If you wish for something to remain a secret, then don''t do it at all. Even if I didn''t speak up today, the things you''ve done couldn''t be hidden forever. Sooner orter, it would''vee out." "You..." Gideon grabbed his cane, ready to strike, but Axel immediately grabbed his wrist. Without a word, Axel forced him back onto the couch. Tarquin red harshly at Gideon, then turned to the confidant, "Spill everything you know, and the shares are yours!" The confidant hurriedly said, "It was the master who poisoned young Master Elijah, not just this time but before as well! His goal was to keep Elijah sick, to divert your attention so you wouldn''t focus on thepany''s affairs, making it easier for him to seize control from you. Another reason was to make you suffer; he was unhappy being under your influence and used Elijah to hurt you, to get back at you!" "You... you...!" Gideon was furious, a surge of anger causing him to cough up a mouthful of blood. Tarquin red at him again and continued to interrogate the confidant, "Why aim to kill Elijah this time, when before it was only to make him sick?" The confidant quickly said, "It was an ident! The master only intended to make the young master sick this time; he didn''t expect it to lead to death!" Tarquin, eyebrows knitted, stared down at him, the confidant trembling with fear, "I''m not lying, I''m telling the truth! If I were lying, you could kill me right now!" Tarquin watched him for a few seconds more, then asked, "Do you know what went wrong?" The confidant replied, "It seems the poison was tampered with, like it was swapped out." "Swapped by whom?" "I don''t know." Tarquin fell silent for a moment before asking, "Was the maid killed by you guys?" The confidant''s lips quivered, "It was the master''s orders. He feared you''d uncover something through her and wanted to quickly move past this incident, so he ordered us to kill her. The maid was just a scapegoat." Tarquin watched the confidant for another two seconds, then shifted his gaze back to Gideon. Gideon was panting heavily, hisplexion terrible, as if his end was near. "Keep talking, spill everything you know! Axel, take him to the study upstairs." Tarquin rose to head upstairs, Axel hauling Gideon along. Lowell stayed behind to continue the interrogation. Chapter 572 Upon reaching the second-floor study, Axel tossed Gideon into the room, mmed the door shut, and stationed himself outside. Now, it was just Gideon and Tarquin, grandfather and grandson, alone in the room. Initially, Gideon was a mix of panic and defiance, but then he burst intoughter, "Yes, it was all me! Hahaha, I''ve been slowly poisoning Elijah over the years, at least seven or eight times. The poison was slow-acting, not lethal, but painful enough to make him suffer! Every time he got poisoned, Elijah must have felt terrible, especially during the initial days when the poison was at its strongest. He''d sweat buckets and grimace in pain, haha. But, oh, how na?ve you were, always thinking his illness was due to his obsession with his mother! And why did I poison Elijah? It''s all because of you! If he didn''t have you as his father, he wouldn''t have suffered so much! So, yes, I am the culprit, but you''re not innocent either. All the suffering Elijah has endured over the years is on you!" Gideon knew exactly how to hit Tarquin where it hurt! Tarquin, with a stern face and red eyes, clenched his lips tightly and red at him for a long while before speaking, "You haven''t changed a bit, always ready to do anything for your own agenda, even if it means harming your own flesh and blood! Back then, you targeted your own son, and now, your great-grandson. Is power really that important to you? Is that all you live for?" Gideon, with a scowl, retorted, "Of course, power is important. Without it, would any of you even consider me? If I had power, would you dare treat me this way? And as for your father and Elijah, don''t pin all their suffering on me! I wanted to harm them, true, but I never wished for their deaths! They suffered because, like your father, you never listened to me! If you had not always opposed me, I wouldn''t have thought of harming you!" "Hah!" Tarquin scoffed coldly, "So, you harm others, and it''s still their fault?!" Gideon red back, stone-faced, "We''re at this point now, so just say how you want to deal with it. Stop bringing up irrelevant matters!" Tarquin clenched his jaw tightly, holding back his rage for the moment, and cut to the chase, "Who switched the poison today?" Tarquin was certain Gideon''s confidant hadn''t lied. Gideon, intent on using Elijah to control the rest of the Bradford family, wouldn''t want Elijah dead. There had to be someone else pulling the strings. And Gideon surely knew who it was. Without hesitation, Gideon used, "It was that scoundrel downstairs! He''s the one who switched the poison!" Gideon aimed to shift the me to his confidant, but Tarquin was clearly not buying it. "I want the truth!" Gideon snorted coldly, "That is the truth. Take it or leave it!" Before Tarquin could respond, Gideon arrogantly added, "I know you''re furious right now, but remember, I have something you desperately want. If you dare harm me, I''ll destroy it!" Upon hearing this, Tarquin''s face contorted with rage, veins bulging on his forehead as his anger spiraled out of control! He jerked his tie loose and called out, "Axel!" Axel pushed the door open and stepped inside, "Yes?" "He''s delirious. Make him see sense, make him understand his current situation!" With those words, Tarquin rose, cigarette in hand, and left the room. Chapter 573 Gideon''s cockiness evaporated in an instant when realization dawned on him. He looked at Tarquin, panic and fear evident in his eyes, "Tarquin, you wouldn''t dare touch me, would you? Aren''t you afraid I''ll really destroy it?! I...ugh...ahhh!" Tarquin stood by the window at the end of the hallway, silently smoking a cigarette, listening to Gideon''s screams without a hint of sympathy in his cold, stern expression. Sure, Gideon was his grandfather, but after all the harm he had caused-betraying his father, threatening his mother, and endangering his son-how could Tarquin see him as family? Human hearts are made of flesh, and had Gideon shown even a shred of decency, things wouldn''t havee to this point. Being kind to a heartless person is merely cruelty to oneself. Thus, Tarquin harbored no pity for Gideon. In Tarquin''s world, his parents and his son were everything. Anyone who dared harm them was signing their own death warrant. Gideon had crossed the line three times! If it weren''t for Gideon possessing something of great importance to Tarquin, he would have been history by now. In the Bradford family, blood rtions meant littlepared to personal gain. Without mutual benefits, familial ties were worthless. Just like now, with Gideon''s agonized cries piercing the air, the Bradfords downstairs could surely hear every scream, yet not one of them came to his aid. Assisting Gideon offered them no advantage; it might even provoke Tarquin''s ire. So they stayed out of it, indifferent to Gideon''s fate. Deep down, some probably wished for Tarquin to end Gideon, eyeing a piece of his wealth for themselves. Tarquin had been naive as a child, not understanding why Kendrick insisted on severing ties with the Bradfords, even demanding his name be stricken from the family records and forbidding his recognition of ancestry. Only after the tragic deaths of Kendrick and Elizabeth abroad, and being forcefully brought back to the Bradfords by Gideon, did Tarquin begin to understand Kendrick. A person with a conscience couldn''t blend into a circle filled with the heartless and ruthless. Kendrick couldn''t find happiness amidst the cold indifference of the Bradfords. That''s why he chose Elizabeth over the family''s legacy. To the outside world, Kendrick was a traitor, forsaking his kin for a woman. But only he knew his decision was right. He was a man full of life, living to appreciate the beauty of the world, not to be someone''s pawn or puppet. He sought his own happiness, and Elizabeth was his joy-kind, genuine, and radiant, like the sun that chased away his darkest shadows, leaving only light. Even in death, Kendrick had no regrets, cherishing the years of happiness he had lived... His only regret was dying too soon to protect them. In Gideon''s eyes, Kendrick, Tarquin, and Elijah were mere pawns to secure the lineage and thwart any ambitions within the Bradford family. To Gideon, Kendrick wasn''t a son, Tarquin wasn''t a grandson, and Elijah wasn''t a great-grandson. They were just pieces in his game to maintain control. Being born into the wealthy Bradford family was, ironically, a tragedy. The door creaked open as Axel stepped out, his expression calm, "I think he''s finally realized the gravity of his situation." Tarquin snapped out of his thoughts, extinguished his cigarette, and walked into the study. While the room bore no visible traces of violence, the air was thick with the scent of blood. Chapter 574 Gideon slumped on the couch, looking like a broken doll, his limbs intact but rendered useless, his muscles severed, and one of his eyes gruesomely plucked out. Axel, with a twisted sense of consideration, ced the eyeball where Gideon could see it, ensuring it haunted him continuously. Fearing the sight might disturb Tarquin, Axel carefully bandaged the empty socket, showing a bizarre form of tenderness amidst the cruelty. Terror painted Gideon''s face as he stared at his own eyeball, his body trembling uncontrobly. The sight of Tarquin only intensified his fear, as if he were looking at a monster. Tarquin''s face was a mask of indifference. "Don''t think you''re special. What you''re going through is nothingpared to what Elijah faced," he said coldly. Gideon gasped for air, his chest heaving, his lips quivering, but no sound came out. Tarquin red at him, ice in his voice. "And you know very well, if it weren''t for what you''re holding, you''d have been gone by now. Don''t test my patience. Destroy it, and see what happens." Gideon''s shaking worsened, a mix of rage and fear in his eyes. Seeing him subdued, Tarquin shifted the conversation back to the poison. "Who switched the poison?" Gideon, still trembling, whispered, "I don''t know." Tarquin frowned, prompting Gideon to quickly add, "But I suspect the person who gave it to me. He reached out to me, iming he had a poison that could make someone sick without killing them. He said it was virtually undetectable. Even if I used it on Elijah, you wouldn''t have noticed. You''d think Elijah was just pining for his mother." Tarquin''s frown deepened. "Who is he?" "I don''t know. He''s always been a mystery, never showing his face. I only know he''s a man, probably not too old. He knows a lot about the Bradfords, my secrets, and even some of yours. He knew how much Elijah missed his mother, and that you''ve been desperately searching for her." Tarquin''s expression turned icy, his mind racing to the mysterious figure and the ominous ''New Year''s gift'' he''d mentioned. Could poisoning Elijah be his twisted present? Tarquin''s expression darkened. "Tell me everything you know about him!" Gideon looked ufortable. "That''s all I know." "Think harder!" "...He''s skilled and good at hiding his identity. After he contacted me, I tried to find out who he was but came up empty. I even tried to meet him in person, to catch him and see for myself, but it was a failure. He''s too good, and he knows my secrets, so I couldn''t confront him directly." Tarquin became even more convinced this was the man he was after. "You know anything else?" "That''s it... Wait, he mentioned a daughter." "A daughter?" "Yeah. Once, when I arrived for a meeting, he was on the phone. I heard him say, ''Daddy misses you too, pumpkin. Be a good girl and eat up, sleep tight." Pumpkin? Tarquin''s heart skipped a beat. Was this the ''pumpkin'' Elliot had mentioned? A daughter - his pumpkin? Suddenly recalling a past conversation with the mysterious man, Tarquin grew anxious. "How do you know it''s his daughter?" "After the call, he looked at his ne, and I saw a photo inside the pendant. A little girl, maybe about four or five, around Elijah''s age. Must be his daughter." Four or five, the same age as Elijah... Tarquin''s breathing quickened. "What did the little girl look like?" Chapter 575 "I didn''t get a clear look before he put it away." Tarquin was silent. Thest time they met, the mysterious man had told him: "You know, you have a daughter you don''t know about. If you don''t want anything bad happening to her, let me go, heh." At that moment, Tarquin was shocked, filled with doubts. That''s why he didn''t dare to make a move that day and let him go! Since then, he had been pondering over it. It wasn''t impossible for Elijah''s mother to have had twins, but without any leads, he remained skeptical. But now, he was starting to believe it might be true! *Ding*-a new message alert. A message from an anonymous number: [Are you satisfied with your New Year''s gift? Heh.] Tarquin''s brow tightened. It was him! He quickly replied to the message, but the sender had already deactivated the ount. Tarquin''s breathing grew heavier. The one trying to harm Elijah was this mysterious man! Could his daughter actually be his own?! Was he really a father to a daughter he never knew existed??? Tarquin held his breath, a mix of shock and joy, excitement and anxiety! If he really had a daughter, if Elijah really had a sister, it would be a cause for celebration! But his daughter not being by his side, potentially in the hands of this mysterious man, was a major concern! Tarquin tried to calm down and analyze the situation. If the mysterious man wasn''t lying, then this man''s daughter could very well be his own! Years ago, the mysterious man had taken Elijah and his sibling from their mother, sending Elijah to him but keeping the daughter for himself. What was his purpose? If he took the daughter, it must have been to threaten him, but why was he so concerned about his "darling"? Could it be that the "darling" was the mysterious man''s own biological daughter, and his own daughter was raised somewhere else? Tarquin racked his brain but couldn''t figure out the mysterious man''s intentions, growing frustrated. His emotions running high, Axel noticed something was off, "Tarquin?" Tarquin frowned and called Axel out of the study to instruct him, "Have someone check all the girls in Jindale City about Elijah''s age, especially those nicknamed ''Darling''." Axel looked puzzled, "You''re looking for the mysterious man''s daughter?" "She might be my daughter!" A flicker of surprise and confusion passed through Axel''s eyes, but he didn''t question it further, merely asking, "Does the girl have any other distinguishing features?" Tarquin shook his head, "Not for now." "...With so little to go on, it''s like looking for a needle in a haystack." Tarquin, with a furrowed brow, responded, "If she and Elijah are twins, there must be some resemnce between them. Follow that lead." "Alright, got it." "Keep it discreet, don''t let anyone find out, especially not Elijah for now." "Understood." Tarquin stepped outside to smoke a cigarette and calm down a bit more before adding, "Move Gideon to the ground floor." After extinguishing his cigarette, he went downstairs first. When the Bradford family members saw Gideon''s condition in the main hall, they were shocked, their eyes nearly popping out of their sockets! Everyone held their breath, filled with fear! Tarquin got straight to the point, "I''m giving you one day to move out of the mansion. I''lle to check tomorrow. If your stuff is still here, I''ll have it all thrown into the dump." Gideon, upon hearing this, became agitated, "You... you want me to move out of the mansion?" "Not just you, all of you! The main building, the east and west wings, the annex, clean them all out!" "Tarquin, you..." "Keep your opinions to yourself! If you can''t, then you might as well lose your tongue!" Gideon''s eyes bulged, and he fainted from anger on the spot. Moving out of the mansion was like being exiled from a pce in ancient times; it wasn''t just about losing a house, it was the copse of power and influence! For Gideon, this was more brutal than physical torture-it was a fatal blow! The rest of the Bradford family didn''t care about Gideon''s plight, but seeing how it affected them, they immediately became unwilling. Chapter 576 "Tarquin, this has nothing to do with us. Why are you taking it out on us?" "Exactly, and this old mansion has been in the Bradford family for generations, it''s a shared asset. Isn''t it a bit harsh to just kick us out? This ce is worth a fortune." Tarquin didn''t waste his breath, "Axel, if anyone has objections, have a word with them privately." Axel casually tossed Gideon''s eyeball onto the coffee table, his expression calm as he looked around at the members of the Bradford family, "Anyone want to chat?" The Bradfords shuddered collectively, instantly silencing themselves, not daring to utter another word. Lowell stepped forward, highlighting the crucial information they''ve managed to get out of Gideon''s right-hand man, before asking, "What about the 20% shares?" Thisckey, having been Gideon''s aplice in countless dirty deeds, was the epitome of scum! The thought of giving him 20% of the shares made Lowell cringe. Scum like him didn''t deserve to be on top! Tarquin was silent for a few seconds, then addressed Gideon''s henchman, "I''ll give you two choices. First, you can die, and I''ll give your share to your family. Second, you stay alive but you turn yourself in to the police. I''ll take care of your family from here on. Choose!" Without waiting for an answer, he walked away. He''d given him the choices, and frankly, he didn''t care which one was picked. Back in his car, Tarquin rubbed his temples. He had vented his anger, but the difort remained. His guilt over Elijah hadn''t eased one bit; Gideon''s words still echoed in his head. It was because Elijah had him for a father that the boy had suffered so much! If Elijah hadn''t been his son, he''d surely be living a happier life. Comparing Elijah''s life to the lives of Elysia''s three sons, Elijah''s was certainly unfortunate! Tarquin''s heart ached, and he was worried about his daughter, burdened with heavy thoughts. Suddenly, his phone rang. It was Elysia. Seeing her name shing on the screen brought a softness to his eyes, Elysia... Just the name seemed to calm him down. He steadied his mind and answered, "Hello?" Elysia immediately asked, "Have you seen Elliot and Evan?" "What''s wrong?" "Elliot and Evan are missing! I asked Emmett, and he thought they might have gone downstairs for some fresh air, but I''ve looked everywhere and can''t find them. Did they go with you? Are they with you?!" "... Yes, they''re with me. I forgot to tell you." Elysia''s anxiety subsided, and after taking several deep breaths, sheined, "You could have at least told me, you scared me to death!" "I''ll scold themter." "You''re going to scold them? What about you? Whether the kids decided to go with you or you took them, you should have told me! They''re just kids and don''t understand, but you do, don''t you?" Tarquin felt better being chastised, "I think I''m quite sensible." "You... so thick-skinned!" Tarquin chuckled, "Just kidding. I took the initiative to bring them over. They probably thought I had told you, so they didn''t contact you. My fault, I apologize." Elysia pursed her lips, "Let me talk to them!" "... They''re not with me right now, but don''t worry, they''re safe. I''ll bring them back now." Elysia calmed down for a few seconds before asking, "Did you find the culprit?" " We''ll talk when we meet." After hanging up, Tarquin looked out the car window with a sigh. He had noticed the two rascals had followed him, but he had been too busy dealing with the situation to attend to them. Putting away his phone, Tarquin opened the car door and stepped out. He walked straight to arge tree and looked up... The tree had borne fruit, two children, to be exact! Chapter 577 Two little rascals were clinging to a tree branch, gazing down at him with eyes as clear and sparkling as dewdrops, their faces soft and plump like freshly baked buns. They were the very picture of cuteness, small and adorably chubby. With every flutter of their long, dense eyshes, it felt like a direct nudge to Tarquin''s heart. He was utterly charmed. There they were, the trio, in a silent standoff between the branch and the ground. Tarquin, with a heart full of warmth, felt a twinge of envy for theirte father and softly called out, "Come on down, be careful." Evan panicked a bit, "What do we do, bro? He spotted us!" Elliot, ever the cool one, replied, "No worries, I actually wanted to ask him something. Let''s go down." Under Tarquin''s watchful eyes, the boys began their descent. Evan led the way, jumping down from a height of about ten feet, aiming to impress Tarquin with a coolnding. Instead, he found himself caught in Tarquin''s arms, his attempt at looking suavepletely thwarted and now enveloped in an embrace! Frustrated and slightly embarrassed, Evan''s face turned a shade of red, kicking his legs and protesting like a feisty little animal, "Let me down, you jerk, Tarquin!" Tarquin, with a smirk, teased, "Jerk, Tarquin, huh? Is that for me?" Huffing, Evan threatened, "Don''t you dare hold me like I''m some kid. I''m way too precious for you... Ah!" A gentle flick on the forehead from Tarquin, followed by a cheek pinch, left Evan both angry and embarrassed, his pride slightly wounded by the unsolicited affection. Fuming, Evan blurted out, "Let go of me, or I''ll have all your points deducted, every single one!" Tarquin, puzzled, asked, "What points?" "Not telling you!" Evan retorted with a pout. "If you won''t tell, guess I''ll just have to keep holding you," Tarquin yed along. This only worked Evan up more, his eyes brimming with tears, "Let go! I''m going to tell my mommy on you!" Hearing this, Tarquin quickly set him down, "You can''t just say things like that.¡± Knowing how fiercely protective Elysia was, if she heard Tarquin had been rough with her son, there''d be hell to pay. Seizing on this newfound leverage, Evan''s pride swelled, turning away with a huff. Tarquin, caught between frustration and fondness, turned to Elliot, "Need a handing down?" "I''m good," Elliot replied, descending gracefully. Though not as agile as Evan, Elliot had his basics covered and managed the tree with no issue. Once on the ground, he dusted off his clothes and cleaned his hands with a tissue, every bit the little gentleman, in stark contrast to Evan''s wild antics. Evan, who had wiped his hands on his clothes the moment his feet touched the ground, scoffed at the idea of using a tissue. Why waste a tissue when your clothes did the job just fine? As Tarquin moved to help clean him up, Evan shot back, "Don''t touch me! Touch me and I''ll tell my mom you''ve been bullying me!" Tarquin, with a hint of sarcasm, retorted, "And here I was, covering for you, or you''d be in for it when you got home." Evan scowled, "What do you mean?" Tarquin, with a yful smirk, revealed, ¡°Elysia''s been looking for you two. She even called me.¡± At that, both boys'' eyes widened in rm, and they hastily checked their smartwatches. Chapter 578 They had secretly followed Tarquin, setting their smartwatches to silent mode to avoid detection once they arrived. Their minds had been preupied with Elijah''s condition when they left the hospital, forgetting to inform Elysia. Seeing their anxious expressions, Tarquin reassured them, "Don''t worry. I told her you''re with me and even said it was my idea, not like you two sneaked out or anything. She thinks I''ve already informed her when we left." Evan pouted, his eyes rolling, caught in a dilemma of not wanting to admit Tarquin''s help yet unable to deny the reality. Elliot, on the other hand, was curious about Elysia''s reaction, "What did Mom think about us being with you?" "She''s relieved, of course. She knows you''re safe with me." Elliot squinted, puzzled. "Mom would''ve freaked out before, but now she''s actually calm. Seems like her view of you has really changed!" "Let''s get in the car. Elysia''s waiting at the hospital, and we can talk more on the way there." Obediently, Elliot and Evan followed Tarquin back to the vehicle, heading towards the hospital. On the way, Tarquin inquired, "Did you guys follow me to find out who poisoned Elijah?" Elliot admitted, "We overheard your conversation with Mom. We were worried you wouldn''t catch the culprit and couldn''t stand up for Elijah, so we came to check it out." Tarquin, touched, affectionately ruffled Elliot''s hair, "Elijah is lucky to have you guys." Evan chimed in, "Elijah''s our real brother! If someone messes with him, they''re messing with us! Of course, we won''t just stand by. We''re going to avenge Elijah!" Elliot''s eyes flickered nervously at the mention of ''real brother.'' Tarquin, oblivious, added, "Elijah would definitely consider you his real brothers too." Elliot, trying to hide his disdain, muttered under his breath before getting back to the point, "We couldn''t hear everything you and Gideon discussed. Are you sure he was the one who poisoned Elijah?" "Yeah." Elliot frowned, "But Gideon doesn''t have a motive to kill Elijah. And judging by his reaction after the incident, it might not have been him this time." "The long-term poisoning was his doing, but not this time. This was the work of some shadowy figure who''s been supplying Gideon with the poison." Elliot was taken aback, "No wonder Mom said the poison was rare and hard to detect. It''s that shadowy figure again!" But something didn''t add up. The shadowy figure wanted to lure Mom back, right? Knowing Elijah was her son, wouldn''t poisoning him turn her against him? Or did he not care whether Mom loved or hated him? Did he have some leverage over her? "Darn it! So he was the one trying to kill Elijah! Bro, we need to find him and make him pay!" Evan was furious. Elliot, snapping out of his thoughts, nodded and then asked Tarquin, "Before that shadowy figure''s decoy jumped, he mentioned preparing a New Year''s gift for you. Was it this?" Tarquin''s face darkened, "Yes." The car fell silent for a moment before Elliot continued, "The shadowy figure deserves to die, but Gideon''s been poisoning Elijah for a long time. He''s a murderer too. What are you going to do with him?" Tarquin replied, "I dealt with him today." Evan immediately asked, "Is that it? You''re not going to hand him over to the police?" Tarquin frowned slightly, "There''s no solid evidence linking him directly, and the police can''t convict him based on hearsay. Besides, I can''t push him too hard." Elliot sensed there was more, "Does he have something on you? Elijah mentioned you haven''t taken down the Bradford family because you''re investigating something." Chapter 579 A shadow of gloom passed through Tarquin''s eyes, and after a hesitant moment, he said, "My mother''s ashes are in his possession." Elliot and Evan were shocked, their eyes wide with disbelief. Tarquin''s expression was icy as he slowly continued, "When my parents died, I was just a kid. The funeral was entirely orchestrated by Gideon. When I refused to go back to the Bradford estate with him, he threatened me with my mother''s ashes." Elliot gritted his teeth. Gideon was a real piece of work! Respect for the dead is a given, and yet he dared to use a mother''s ashes to ckmail her own son! Grandma shoulde back as a ghost and tear him to pieces! Beyond anger, Elliot felt a pang of sympathy for Tarquin. He could rte. If someone tried to use his mom''s ashes against him, he would be livid! But even in his rage, he knew he''d have to keep his cool because those ashes were his Achilles'' heel. He wouldn''t gamble with his mom''s ashes, wouldn''t treat the matter lightly. He wouldn''t show his full hand unless absolutely necessary. Tarquin added, "Besides my mother''s ashes, I need to investigate the real cause of my parents'' deaths. They were murdered. Gideon might be an aplice at best. The real murderer is likely someone within the Bradford family, but I haven''t figured out who yet." Elliot quickly asked, "Any leads?" Evan couldn''t help but interject, "Could it have been the work of that mysterious figure lurking in the shadows?" Tarquin didn''t confirm or deny, "It''s unclear if there''s a connection with the mysterious figure, but the real murderer is definitely a Bradford. Just no leads to pinpoint who yet. Too much time has passed, and evidence has vanished, making the search difficult." Elliot frowned, "Could this mysterious person be a Bradford?" Tarquin pondered. Thest time he met with the mysterious figure, certain things were emphasized. Besides mentioning a daughter, the figure kept stressing that killing him would lead to lifelong regret. He also said that keeping his identity hidden was for Tarquin''s own good, knowing would only bring pain and sorrow. This suggested a close connection to Tarquin. Within the entire Bradford family, he only had a good rtionship with his father, Kendrick. If the mysterious figure was Kendrick, it would indeed be shocking and painful. But Kendrick had passed away long ago. And this mysterious figure clearly wasn''t of Kendrick''s generation. Even Gideon mentioned that the figure wasn''t old. So, the likelihood of the mysterious person being a Bradford was slim, as there was no one else in the family whose identity would cause Tarquin such distress. Tarquin stated firmly, "It''s possible, but we have no evidence linking him to the Bradfords yet." Elliot''s brow furrowed deeply with concern. This mysterious figure was a menace. Until they found him, peace would be elusive. But who could he be? Elliot was at a loss but turned his gaze back to Tarquin. Tarquin was staring out the window, lost in thought, his expression tense and troubled. Elliot felt even more sympathy for him now... He fully understood why Tarquin hadn''tpletely severed ties with the Bradfords or wiped them out. Years had passed, and even Tarquin hadn''t managed to uncover his parents'' killer. Elliot wasn''t confident in catching the culprit either. But he could probably help with the ashes. Gideon had been trying to reach ''Alpha'' to use him against Tarquin. And Elliot was Alpha himself! Maybe he could use his identity as ''Alpha'' to retrieve his grandmother''s ashes. As Elliot was contemting this, Tarquin snapped back to reality, steadying his emotions before saying, "Let go of your anger over Elijah''s poisoning. Don''t think about revenge against Gideon just yet. Wait until we catch the mysterious figure." Chapter 580 Evan''s frown deepened, showing his reluctance, but Elliot nodded, "Got it." The Bradford family was tangled up in something sinister, involving their grandmother''s ashes and the killer who took out both their grandparents. Elliot knew better than to mess with the Bradford family too hastily, to avoid throwing a wrench in Tarquin''s carefullyid ns and identally making things worse. "Alright, let''s shake it off. When we see Elysia at the hospital, just say I''m the one who brought you guys. Don''t slip up." Elliot and Evan: "..." They had just arrived at the hospital when Lowell called. Tarquin stepped aside to take the call, leaving the kids to find Elysia. Lowell mentioned that one of Gideon''s trusted associates had decided to ditch his 20% share in favor of staying alive and confessing to the authorities. Tarquin made Lowell promise to take care of his family. After discussing the aftermath for a while longer, Tarquin hung up and went to look for Elysia. At that moment, Elysia was alone in the hospital room, not noticing Elliot, Evan, or Emmett''s absence as she busied herself making the bed where the three little ones had slept the night before. Tarquin leaned against the doorway, hands in his pockets, watching her move. She seemed to cast a spell over him; seeing her stirred aforting flutter in his heart, smoothing over all his worries. His heart felt like it was wrapped in warmth, touched by the gentle breeze of spring, soft andforting. All the shadows in his mind cleared, leaving nothing but clear skies. For a moment, he felt a connection to his father. Kendrick had always said Elizabeth was his sun, brightening his mood and filling him with hope for the future whenever he saw her. Kendrick had described Elizabeth as his healer, soothing his wounded soul with her gentle, optimistic spirit, making him feel hopeful and happy. Tarquin had never fully grasped his father''s deep love and reliance on his mother until now. His mother was his father''s sun. Perhaps Elysia was his sun too. Elysia, with her healing presence, seemed capable of mending his fractured soul. Suddenly, he felt an urge to embrace her... This thought made Tarquin''s heart race with nervous anticipation. He wondered, if he just went and hugged her, how would she react? Would she cry out in shock? Or would she turn around and p him? After all, she had a penchant for aiming at his face! "Goodness! You scared me half to death sneaking up like that. You could give someone a heart attack, you know? I thought I''d seen a ghost!" Elysia eximed, clutching her chest, obviously startled. Tarquin snapped back to reality, realizing he had somehow moved closer to Elysia without noticing. Had she not turned around just in time, he might have actually embraced her from behind. Tarquin felt a twinge of disappointment at the missed opportunity. But seeing Elysia''s reaction, he figured a hug might have earned him a p after all. He swallowed, the sense of loss reced by relief at avoiding a p. "What''s up?" Elysia noticed his flushed face, "Are you feeling okay?" Tarquin coughed awkwardly, "I''m fine." "Then why''s your face all red?" "It''s hot." "Hot? Where, are you running a fever?" "My heart''s hot." Elysia was confused and slightly worried as she grabbed his wrist to check his pulse, frowning, "Why is your heartbeat so fast?" Chapter 581 When she touched him, Tarquin''s heart raced even faster. Her fingertips were hot, like a spark that ignited him in an instant. Even in his dreams, images of them entangled started ying in his mind... Tarquin felt a feverish heat, his breath erratic, his Adam''s apple bobbing. Elysia, still clueless about his feelings, looked up at him with a puzzled expression, "What''s going on with you?" Tarquin''s eyes were fixed on her lips, yearning for a kiss, yet he feared startling her! Eventually, he suppressed his desires, withdrew his hand, and turned with a scowl to head to the bathroom. Elysia was left wondering, "What''s upset him now? Is it because of Elijah?" She frowned, feeling a pang of sympathy for him. She had heard from Elliot and Evan that it was Gideon who had been poisoning Elijah for a long time. Gideon, his own grandfather, and Elijah''s great-grandfather, had been poisoning Elijah to weaken him! She had no ties to the Bradford family, yet the revtion had left her furious! For him, aside from anger, there must be a sense of betrayal, too. Later, Tarquin emerged from the bathroom, hisposure regained. "Where are Elliot, Evan, and Emmett?" he inquired. Elysia, after a thoughtful look, responded, "Blossom picked them up a while ago. She came over after hearing about Elijah''s situation. I figured since Elijah was out of danger, there was no point in them staying here, risking hospital germs and losing sleep, so I let Blossom take them.¡± That was one reason. The other was she didn''t want the kids to stick around him too much. It could getplicated if things got exposed. Tarquin didn''t dwell on it, instead asking, "You didn''t scold them, did you?" At this, Elysia pursed her lips at him, her gaze reminiscent of a middle school principal looking at a mischievous student. Unaware of the reason, Tarquin protested, "Did you scold them? I exined to you, it was my decision to take them, it''s not the kids'' fault...¡± Elysia cut him off, "Enough! They confessed as soon as they returned, didn''t even wait for me to ask. They overheard our conversation, couldn''t stand it, and followed you to the old house to find out who the culprit was. They forgot to inform me in their haste." Tarquin was speechless, feeling betrayed. "These little traitors! White-eyed wolves!" Elysia red at him but, knowing he meant to protect the children, her tone softened, "Teaching kids to lie is not okay!" Tarquin nodded earnestly, "You''re right, I''ll be more careful." Elysia frowned and pouted at him, then asked, "Did you visit Elijah beforeing here?" "Yes, he was still unconscious. Benjamin wouldn''t let me in; I saw him through the ss." "Elijah needs rest; disturbing him constantly won''t help. Don''t worry, I''ve studied the poison in his system. It can be cleansed, but it''ll take some time. Alright, I''ve made up the bed for you. Go rest a bit, and when you wake up, call me. I''ll see what we have in the kitchen and cook something up for you." Tarquin''s heart melted once again, "A bed made up for me? And you''re going to cook for me?" Chapter 582 "Seriously, you''ve been going like a machine, no food, no sleep. You''re gonna crash at this rate." There was a sparkle in Tarquin''s eyes, a fiery intensity that couldn''t be missed. Caring about him, making a fuss over him, tucking him into bed, and whipping up something in the kitchen - if this wasn''t a sign of affection, what was? Tarquin looked every bit the clueless teenager in love, gazing at Elysia with a grin that could light up the darkest room. That smile was genuine, reaching all the way to his eyes. He was truly happy. Elysia, puzzled, asked, "What''s with the smile? You look like you''ve won the lottery." Tarquin just sat there, quietly watching her, his handsome face lit up with that smile. Elysia was at a loss for words. His behavior was like a peacock unting its feathers - but why? He didn''t have feelings for her, so what was with all the fanfare? Was he sick or just messing with her? Elysia frowned, deciding to ignore him and headed for the kitchen, leaving him to his devices. Seeing her walk away, Tarquin quickly dropped his lovestruck expression and caught up to her. Elysia, taken aback, asked, "What''s up?" Tarquin spoke softly, "I''m not tired." "Not tired or not, you need to rest. You''re only human, not made of steel. You can''t keep running on empty." Tarquin hesitated for a moment before changing the subject. "Aren''t you curious who tried to poison Elijah?" He had thought she would bombard him with questions the moment he returned. Elysia furrowed her brows, "Elliot and Evan gave me the gist of it. I was nning to discuss it with you after you''ve rested up. I didn''t want to stress you out and mess with your recovery." Tarquin felt a surge of warmth and happiness. She really did care about him, thinking of him in every little thing. Was he falling hard or what? His voice grew even softer, "I''m still wide awake. Let''s talk about it. What did Elliot and Evan tell you?" The mention of the topic made Elysia lose her cool. She clenched her fists, visibly agitated, "Elliot and Evan told me you found out it was Gideon! I can''t believe it was him. Elijah is his great-grandson, for crying out loud! Most people dote on their great-grandkids, but not him. It''s like he didn''t care at all to go as far as to harm him! How could he?!" Elysia was baffled by Gideon''s thought process! The man was over seventy, an age to enjoy peaceful family times, yet here he was,mitting unspeakable acts. He was sick in the head! The whole lot of them must be sick! Tarquin said coldly, "He spent his lifetime chasing fame and fortune, never changing his ways even in old age. For power, he''d stoop to anything." Elysia, fuming, wanted to curse Gideon and his ancestors but stopped herself, remembering Tarquin and the kids were also his family. Instead of cursing his lineage, she cursed only him. "What goes aroundes around. Karma''s always watching, and Gideon will get what he deserves. Just you wait and see!" After venting, she turned to Tarquin with aforting tone, "Don''t let his actions dishearten you. If he could harm Elijah, it shows he never saw you or Elijah as family. Just treat him as an enemy, nothing more." Tarquin''s expression softened as he looked at her, "Can I have a hug?" "Huh?" Elysia paused, their eyes locking. The emotion in his eyes was overwhelming, yet to Elysia, it tranted into a world of hurt. Looking at him, she felt like she wasforting a big, wounded dog that had been let down by its own family. Chapter 583 Hesitating for just a moment, Elysia gave him a big, warm hug. "You know, they say blood is thicker than water. In the tapestry of human connections, the bond of kinship certainly ys a pivotal role, but the ties that bind us are often woven through the time we spend together. That''s why there''s a saying, ''The one who raises you is more of a parent than the one who gives birth to you.'' Take someone like Gideon, over seventy and still stirring up trouble, poisoning his own great-grandchild. It just goes to show he''s cold-hearted by nature, utterly devoid of familial warmth. Such a person doesn''t deserve to know the meaning of family. A cold-hearted mancks empathy; nothing you do will ever move him, so whatever he does shouldn''t bring you down. It''s simply not worth your tears. Don''t let his negativity get to you. The world is still full of good people, and life is still beautiful..." Although Elysia was aware that Tarquin had a strained rtionship with the Bradfords, she didn''t realize he had long regarded them as foes. So, she keptforting him. Tarquin, holding her close, rested his chin on top of her head, eyes closed, quietly listening to her ramble on. He was a man who preferred silence over chaos,cking patience for most people except for Elijah. He usually couldn''t stand long-winded conversations. But today, he found enjoyment in her chatter. It was a rare moment of tranquility. Her voice was so soothing, her body so soft, her hair so smooth. Her scent, faintly herbal, was distinct and pleasant. In this moment, Tarquin''s mind was clear of all distractions. He felt peaceful, content, and grounded. As if all his troubles had melted away, leaving only beauty. His only wish was to hold her forever. If he could also fall asleep like this, securely in her embrace, it would be even better. Holding her felt more precious than the whole world. She was a treasure beyondpare. Tarquin cherished this happiness, unwilling to let go. Elysia had poured out all theforting words she could think of while being held in his arms. She was starting to feel a bit awkward... Did he even listen to what she was saying? Did it improve his mood? Although she had embraced him with no ulterior motive, simply wanting to soothe his wounded spirit, they couldn''t just keep hugging! After all, there are boundaries between men and women. How embarrassing it would be if someone saw them! Besides, she had something important to discuss. After a while, seeing he had no intention of letting go, Elysia took the initiative to speak up. "Um, did you hear what I said?" "Mhm." "Are you feeling any better?" "Mhm." "Let''s sit down and talk for a bit, I have something to tell you." "What''s it?" He asked, still holding on. Elysia said, "I''m thirsty, I''m going to grab a ss of water." That finally got Tarquin to reluctantly release her. After such a long embrace, Elysia''s forehead was sweaty, her fine hair sticking together, her long locks slightly disheveled. Tarquin instinctively reached out, gently fixing her hair. Elysia felt a bit uneasy, quickly smoothing her hair before heading to the kitchen to fetch two sses of water. Handing him one, she took a few sips to steady herself, then looked at him. "Elliot said that Gideon has been poisoning Elijah for a while, but this time, the one who tried to kill Elijah wasn''t him. We haven''t found the real culprit yet, have we?" Tarquin slightly furrowed his brow, "Mhm." Getting the confirmation, Elysia, with a worried look and after a moment of hesitation, earnestly said, "Once Elijah is discharged, I want to take him under my care." "To Future Community?" Tarquin asked, caught off guard. "Yes, I''ve already talked to Blossom about it. She''s more than happy to help. I n to temporarily have him stay with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett." Eager to get his approval, Elysia quickly added, "I know a thing or two about medicine. Elijah will be better off under my care." Tarquin nodded in agreement, "You taking care of Elijah is ideal. But there''s no need to stay at Blossom''s. Move to Sunshine Community instead. Once Elijah is discharged, you can bring Elliot, Evan, and Emmett along and stay with us." Chapter 584 The vision of a bustling, happy family of six shed through his mind, filling him with an immediate sense of contentment. But in the next moment, Elysia t-out rejected the idea, "No way!" "Why not?" Elysia''s brows furrowed with concern. She was already uneasy with the kids spending too much time around him, let alone the idea of living together day in and day out. Even if Elliot and Evan wore disguises every single day, it was only a matter of time before their cover was blown. Besides, it wasn''t exactly practical to live in disguise 24/7! Grasping at straws, Elysia protested, "We''re practically strangers, and moving in with you, kids in tow, would just invite gossip." Tarquin immediately reassured her, ¡°As long as I''m around, no one would dare gossip in your presence." "That''s not the point! It''s... it''s just weird for me," she insisted. "How is it any weirder than you staying over at my ce now? You''re already spending nights here to take care of Elijah." "It''s different. I''m your nanny. Staying over asionally is one thing, but moving in with my whole family? That''s just not how things are done. When does a nanny ever move in with her employer?" Tarquin''s brow furrowed in frustration. "Who said you''re just the nanny? You''re not!" "But that''s what you said. And if I''m not the nanny, then what am I?" Tarquin was momentarily speechless, his face darkening. Had he really said that? After a pause, he argued, "Since when does an employer''s son call his nanny ''mom''? Neither Elijah nor I have ever treated you like you''re just the nanny." ¡°Still, I can''t just move in with my kids." Tarquin thought she was just feeling awkward and tried to persuade her, ¡°Don''t overthink it. Just focus on Elijah. He''d be thrilled to have you and the kids move in." Elysia frowned, "Elijah would be just as happy if we all went back to the Future Community." Seeing her slightly upset, Tarquin asked, "So, you really want to take Elijah back to live in the Future Community?" "Yes!" Tarquin hesitated for a moment before relenting, "Alright, fine. After Elijah gets discharged, we''ll go with you." Elysia''s eyes lit up, "You agree?" Seeing her happiness made Tarquin smile foolishly, touched by how easily pleased she was. He nodded indulgently, confirming, "Yeah, I agree.¡± Elysia was ted, but before she could celebrate, he added, "Take me with you." Elysia was taken aback, "What?" "If you''re set on taking Elijah to the Future Community, then take me too. I''ll move there with Elijah." Elysia''s eyes widened in disbelief. Tarquin mistook her shock for delight, smirking with a yful glint in his eye, "Happy to the point of speechlessness?" Elysia swallowed hard, "No, it''s just... inappropriate for you to move there with us." "Why''s that?" "We''re staying at the Blossom residence. It''d be awkward for a grown man like you to move in, plus there''s no extra room for you." "So, you were nning to take Elijah and leave without considering me?" Elysia nodded sheepishly, "Yeah." Tarquin''s face fell, a mix of disappointment and resignation. He stared at Elysia for a few seconds before asking, ¡°What about me then?" "You... you can stay at your ce." "So, you and Elijah leave, and I''m just supposed to live by myself?" "You''re an adult. You''ve been living independently for a while now. You''ll be fine on your own, won''t you?" Tarquin pressed his lips together, a contrast of images shing through his mind: Elysia with Elliot, Evan, and the twins, Elijah, all of them together, their lives filled withughter and joy. And then there was him, alone, the very picture of loneliness. Tarquin''s expression darkened, ¡°I reject that proposal. If you''re taking Elijah to the Future Community, you have to take me too. Otherwise, it''s off the table!" Chapter 585 Elysia was on edge, her voiceced with urgency. "I''ve already told you, it''s not convenient for a grown man like you to stay at the Blossom residence. Besides, there''s no extra room for you." "Why don''t you just move in with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett to my ce then?" "That''s out of the question! I''m not going to drag the kids over to your house!" "Then let''s just keep things as they are!" Tarquin''s tone was sharp, his brows furrowed and his demeanor stern. The status quo meant Elliot, Evan, and Emmett staying at the Blossom residence, Elijah living at his own ce, and Elysia running back and forth between the two. Elysia''s emotions were like a rollercoaster: first anger, visible in her furrowed brows and ring eyes, followed by a sense of helplessness and extreme frustration when her plea was rejected, and finally, a look of hurt as she bit her lip and tried to hold back tears. Tarquin''s resolve softened in an instant, despite his previous determination not to give in. Seeing her on the verge of tears, how could he remain indifferent? "I didn''t mean to snap at you," Tarquin said, adjusting his tie in an attempt to calm himself. "It''s not that I''m heartless or unwilling to consider your request. It''s just that what you''re asking would mean separating me from Elijah. Do you understand what that means?" Elysia remained silent, biting her lip. Tarquin continued, his frustration evident. "Elijah has been with me since he was a baby. We''ve never been apart. Have you thought about how this separation would affect us?" Elysia mumbled, "Elijah would be okay with it. He likes me and the boys." "And what about me? Am I okay with it?" Elysia fell silent again. Tarquin, trying to keep his cool, went on, "You know Elijah has been my world. And yet, you still insist on separating us. Have you even considered my feelings in this?" "I... I have!" Elysia protested. She had even encouraged him to start dating again, hoping it would lessen his focus on Elijah and prepare him for their eventual separation. She knew Tarquin wasn''t a bad person and genuinely wished the best for him. As for taking Elijah away, she felt guilty and selfish, but couldn''t bear leaving her own son behind nor could she stay with Tarquin out of obligation. She believed that a child growing up in a happy single-parent household was better off than in an unhappy two-parent home. Hence, she chose to take Elijah with her. Tarquin, unable to grasp her perspective, pressed on, "If you care about how I feel, why insist on taking Elijah away?" Elysia replied, "The culprit is still out there. I''m worried they might try to harm Elijah again." Chapter 586 "Worried about Elijah''s safety? Shouldn''t you be pushing him to stay with me then? I can protect him." "And how exactly have you been protecting him? You''ve been by his side all these years, and yet, he still got hurt, didn''t he? And let''s not forget, the one who hurt Elijah did it because of you." Tarquin fell silent. Elysia said, "I''m not ming you. I know you love Elijah, and you''d never want him to get hurt. It''s not surprising you wouldn''t know about the poisoning, given yourck of medical knowledge. But think about it, if the attacker went after Elijah because of you, maybe they''d back off if you two were apart?" Hearing this, Tarquin felt a slight ease in his heart. She wanted them apart for Elijah''s safety, not because she didn''t care about him. He felt a deep guilt over Elijah''s situation. "Elijah getting hurt is indeed on me. If he wasn''t my son, the attacker wouldn''t have targeted him. I''ve brought danger to Elijah, I know that. But your idea isn''t right! The attacker knows Elijah is my weakness. Even if Elijah and I were apart, it wouldn''t stop them. In fact, Elijah would be an easier target away from me. He''s safest by my side!" Elysia couldn''t counter his argument, yet she wasn''t ready to give up on this rare chance to have Elijah back by her side. After a moment, she proposed, ¡°Then, how about assigning more bodyguards to watch over Elijah at Future Community?" Tarquin was taken aback, "You still think of keeping Elijah away from me?" "I... I just want Elijah to be with me." Tarquin''s emotions red again, ¡°You''re concerned about Elijah''s safety, sure, but you also see this as an opportunity to pull him away from me, don''t you?" Elysia remained silent. Tarquin''s face turned grim, "Why? How does separating Elijah from me benefit you? Or do you just want to cause me pain?" "I don''t!" "Then exin yourself!" Elysia was at a loss for words. Tarquin, breathing heavily, his voice low and filled with suppressed anger, demanded, "And what about after? You''ve always said you never nned on settling down in Jindale City, that you''d leave someday. Do you still n on leaving?" Elysia nodded, barely audible, "...Yes." That single word ignited a zing fury within Tarquin! His lips pressed into a thin line, he stared at Elysia for a long moment, until he couldn''t contain himself any longer and burst out, "You still n on leaving! And you want to take Elijah with you! Do you want to snatch him away from me, to run off and leave me behind?" Caught off-guard by his direct hit, Elysia was visibly shaken, her wide eyes fixed on him in rm, "..." Her silence was confirmation enough for Tarquin! His agitation grew, along with his anger. Veins throbbed in his neck as he roared, "Elysia, you''ve said you cared about me, yet now you''re thinking of leaving! Taking my child with you! What am I to you? Have you ever considered how I feel? Do you even care about me?!" Elysia looked bewildered, her mind racing to catch up. Before she could formte a response, Tarquin suddenly asked, "Elysia, do you even like me?" Chapter 587 Elysia''s breath caught, and her eyes widened in sheer shock. She clearly hadn''t expected that question. Seeing her reaction, Tarquin''s chest heaved with anger, and it took a moment for him topose himself before speaking. "Back at the precinct, we made a bet. We agreed that if I got out, you''d honestly answer one question for me. If you lie, you''ll never strike it rich! Now, I''m asking you, do you actually like me or not?" Elysia blinked, her face a picture of confusion as she shook her head and admitted, "No, I don''t." Tarquin felt as if an invisible hand had clenched his heart, the pain so intense he could barely breathe. "Not even a little bit?" Elysia, cautious, replied, "No, not at all." Tarquin was a portrait of devastation, all his earlier excitement and joy wiped clean. His heart sank, shattering into pieces on the floor. The room fell into a dreadful silence. Their gazes met, worlds apart in expression. One looked as though he''d been dealt a grievous blow, aplete sense of defeat enveloping him. The other was cautious, clearly still trying to piece together the situation. After what seemed like an eternity, Tarquin''s phone broke the silence. He took a deep breath to steady himself before answering. The call was from Keaton. "Tarquin, I just heard about Elijah''s situation, and I''m on my way to the hospital. Are you there now?" "Don''t bother! I''lle to you!" Tarquin pocketed his phone and, with ast pained look at Elysia, turned and left. Elysia watched his retreating figure, utterly baffled. Her brain was slow on the uptake, still trying to process what had just happened. He was mad because she nned to take Elijah away from Jindale City, which was understandable! But why did he ask what he meant to her? What did he mean to her, if not the reluctant father of her child, a truth she was unwilling to admit? And why did he ask if she liked him? She''d honestly answered no, so why was he upset? Moreover, what did her feelings for him have to do with taking Elijah away? No, it wasn''t just about Elijah. He was also upset that she didn''t like him! Good Lord, could he actually have feelings for her? This was... Elysia''s heart raced, shocked and bewildered. But why would he like her? What about her could possibly appeal to him? Ah, Elysia was on the verge of madness, frantically raking her fingers through her hair, reaching for her phone to call Blossom and spill her guts. But she wasn''t entirely sure, how could she even begin to exin to Blossom? He''d only asked if she liked him, without confessing any feelings himself. What if she was reading too much into it? Elysia was a whirlwind of panic and confusion... On the other side, Mr. Bradford, with his heart in pieces, arrived at Blissful Uncle''s Bar and immediately started smoking in silence. His aura was so icy, he almost scared off all the patrons, resembling a walking, human-sized freezer. Initially, Keaton thought it was all about Elijah, bombarding him with a flurry ofments. But whether it was about Elijah or cursing Gideon, Tarquin just smoked in silence, a thunderous expression on his face. Until Elysia was mentioned... "I heard it was Elysia who came through again, and she even passed out from exhaustion trying to save Elijah. Honestly, she truly loves Elijah." Tarquin''s expression darkened ominously, his irritation palpable as he gritted his teeth. "She only loves Elijah!" Keaton paused, then it clicked. "Are you upset because Elysia doesn''t love you?" That was it, she didn''t love him! Tarquin''s chest felt like it was burning, as he took a harsh drag on his cigarette. "I couldn''t care less!" "So, you don''t care about Elysia''s love? Then why the anger?" "It''s because she''s trying to take Elijah away from me!" Keaton was confused. "What do you mean?" Tarquin, irritation clear on his face, flicked away his cigarette ash, the frustration evident. Chapter 588 "She''s nning to take Elijah away from me, move to another city, and start a new life!" Keaton was stunned, "Take Elijah away from you?" "Yeah!" Keaton was puzzled, "First off, she''s not Elijah''s biological mom, and secondly, she hasn''t been the one raising him. Why would she even think like that? My guess is she must be head over heels for him! But don''t you think her love for Elijah is a bit... obsessive? You are Elijah''s real dad, and she''s practically a stranger to him. Yet, she thinks she can just take Elijah from you? That logic is bonkers!" Tarquin furrowed his brows, caught up in his anger earlier, he hadn''t considered this point. Elysia''s affection for Elijah was indeed abnormal... "But from this, it''s clear Elysia really fancies Elijah, and quite frankly, isn''t your biggest fan!" Keaton added, twisting the knife. That stung! Tarquin pursed his lips, giving him a cold, menacing look. Keaton chuckled, "You know, women need to be charmed! If Elysia wants to take Elijah, why not just agree and avoid the argument?" Tarquin''s expression darkened, "Agree to let her take Elijah away from me? To let her and Elijah leave me? Why don''t you just hand her a knife to stab me with?!" Keaton exined, "Agreeing with her and actually letting her take Elijah are two different things. You agree to make her happy, and once she''s happy, she''ll warm up to you, right? And about her taking Elijah away, think about it. Jindale City is your turf. If you don''t want her to leave, she won''t be able to take a step out of the city, let alone take Elijah." Tarquin''s expression softened a bit... Keaton continued, "Remember, try to avoid arguments with Elysia. After a fight, you''re the one who ends up angry, and then you have to swallow your pride and apologize. It''s a lose-lose for you." Tarquin turned and red at him, "Why should I apologize? She''s the one who''s wrong!" Keaton pursed his lips, "In the game of love, there''s no right or wrong. Whoever falls first, loses. And when ites to arguments, you''ll definitely be the one apologizing." Tarquin frowned, his face stern, "I admit I fell for her first! But right is right, and wrong is wrong. I will not be the one to seek her out and apologize!" It''s her who wants to take Elijah and leave, not caring about him! It''s her who''s indecisive, iming to care and then saying she doesn''t! She hurt him, and she should be the one to apologize! Keaton smirked, "Says the rookie who''s never been in love." Tarquin: "..." Keaton, legs crossed and eyes squinting, said, "I bet you, this time, you''ll be the one going to Elysia to make peace. You''ll apologize first! If I lose, I''ll call you daddy!" Tarquin looked at him with disdain, "I don''t need a son your size! But I definitely won''t be the one to apologize!" "Then let''s bet! If you lose, you invite Elysia out for a drink, and you kiss her in public for three minutes!" Tarquin was taken aback, "!" Keaton raised an eyebrow, "What do you say? Dare to bet?" He knew it well; if he didn''t step in to y matchmaker, this guy wouldn''t get a date in a million years! Tarquin swallowed, the thought of kissing her sending a rush of heat through him. But... Not just in front of everyone, even in private, he doubted he''d dare to kiss her without getting pped! So, if he lost, it meant either getting pped by Elysia or being the butt of the joke among his friends! This bet had its stakes! But the oue was in his control, nothing to be scared of. He steadfastly believed he wouldn''t be the one to apologize first. Tarquin flicked his cigarette ash, "You''re on!" Keaton grinned wickedly, "Done! I''m recording this, you know. A bet''s a bet; backing out is for cowards!" Tarquin: "..." Chapter 589 Halfway through his cigarette, Tarquin was starting to feel on edge, his mind crowded with thoughts of Elysia. What could she possibly be doing right now? Did his outburst scare her? Did he make her cry with his harsh words? And was she, at this very moment, thinking of him too? The more he pondered, the heavier his chest felt. He didn''t think he was in the wrong today, but he couldn''t help but reflect. Was he too harsh? Elysia was always timid by nature, and his aggression must have frightened her! The image of her with teary eyes, looking so utterly distressed, made Tarquin feel even worse. But it was her fault today! He wouldn''t be the one to make the first move to apologize. It wasn''t just about who was right or wrong; it was a matter of pride! Sure, he liked her, but he had his ego to consider, didn''t he? Apologize when he wasn''t at fault? That was something he couldn''t bring himself to do. Unless she reached out first, even a simple text would do, he''d go back in a heartbeat! Tarquin flicked the ash off his cigarette and reached for his phone on the coffee table to check for any messages. Nothing. Not a single message from Elysia. No texts, no calls. Biting the inside of his cheek in frustration, he felt his anger rising again. She didn''t even seem to want to reach out! Did she not realize how mad he was? Or did she simply not acknowledge her mistake? With a scowl, Tarquin tossed his phone back on the table, feeling irritated. "Get Tristan and the guys over for some poker!" he barked. Keaton, with a sly grin and a twinkle in his eye, understood all too well. This was Tarquin trying to distract himself, unable to find a way back to Elysia without swallowing his pride. A ssic case of a man suffering for the sake of his ego. With a chuckle, Keaton teased, "How about I give Elysia a call, see if she can make the first move, ''beg'' you toe back?" "Get lost!" "Ungrateful, I''m just trying to help you out." Tarquin, still scowling, flicked his cigarette ash again. "You looking to get buried today? Just say the word, and it''s done!" Keaton couldn''t help butugh, not expecting Tarquin''s love life to be this entertaining so quickly. The prideful man in love was always the most amusing spectacle. But Keaton''sughter soon faded as the night progressed. After Tristan and the others arrived, they switched to ying poker, initially filling the room with lively chatter and jokes to cheer Tarquin up. However, the room quieted down as hunger set in. These sons of fortune, ustomed to lives of luxury, were held captive by Tarquin from noon till evening, missing lunch and heading straight into dinner without a bite. Their stomachs growled in unison, craving something as simple as a dozen bagels each. They all started giving Keaton desperate looks, hoping he coulde up with a solution. Starving himself, Keaton yed another hand before suggesting, "Tarquin, how about we change the scene? There''s this new ce that opened up in the west suburbs, heard their signature dish is out of this world. Let''s give it a try, my treat." The others looked at Tarquin with hopeful eyes, silently praying he''d agree. Tarquin nced at his phone lying on the corner of the table, its screen dark, with no signs of Elysia reaching out. Feeling both frustrated and restless after all this time without a word from her, he thought, has she already forgotten about me? "Tarquin?" Keaton called out cautiously. With clenched teeth and a voice as cold as ice, Tarquin replied, "Not hungry!" Chapter 590 Everyone felt like crying, but Keaton, trying to muster some courage, said: "Look, we''re starving here. Please, have a heart and let us go. It''s the holiday season. If we all starve to death, next time you get hurt, there''ll be no one around to keep youpany." Tarquin barely lifted an eyelid and dropped a bomb, "Want a meal or your legs?" "Excuse me?" "If you want to eat, you''ll have to break a leg! Literally. Break your own leg, then you can go." Everyone: " " Seizing the moment Tarquin headed for the bathroom, the groupmented in despair, "Who on earth managed to anger the Grim Reaper himself during the holidays?" "If we find out who it is, they''re as good as dead! It''s their fault we''re all suffering!" "Talk about being clueless. Out of everyone to provoke, they had to pick Tarquin. Don''t they know he''s thest person in Jindale City you''d want to mess with?" "Keaton, do you know who it is?" Keaton, nearly fainting from hunger,zily replied, "Even if I told you, you wouldn''t dare mess with them." "Why? Besides Tarquin, is there someone else in Jindale City we should be afraid of?" "Not exactly a big shot, but if you try anything on her, Tarquin will make sure you regret it!" Everyone was shocked but curious, gossiping, "Who is it?" Before Keaton could answer, someone''s stomach growled loudly, "For the love of God, please let Tarquin let us go grab a bite! I''ll light a candle, I''ll bow down!" Keaton said, "Praying to God won''t help, you need to pray to Elysia!" "Who''s Elysia?" Keaton said, "She''s the one person even Tarquin wouldn''t dare cross! Remember that name. If you ever run into her, don''t even think about causing trouble! Better yet, just kneel and cling to her coattails. Whoever manages to get on her good side is set for life!" Everyone: "??? Really? That''s hard to believe!" Keaton remained enigmatic, offering only a smile. But in his mind, it was clear as day. Clinging to her coattails was like winning Tarquin''s favor. And that was no exaggeration. Keaton had already decided to visit Elysia with a gift tomorrow! Little did Elysia know, her name was making rounds in the elite circles, despite her humble background. A bunch of big shots were waiting to cling to her coattails! Meanwhile, in the bathroom. Tarquin leaned against the sink, phone in hand, hesitating. Eventually, he didn''t contact Elysia directly. He sent a message to Benjamin instead, "How''s Elijah doing?" Benjamin replied promptly, "All good here, don''t worry." After a few seconds, Tarquin typed, "Is Elysia taking care of Elijah?" "No, Elijah just needs rest, no special care. She''s been in theb all day working on the antidote, just went home." All day in theb? That probably meant she was too busy to reach out, not intentionally ignoring him. This thought slightly eased Tarquin''s mind, but he pressed on, "Where did she go?" "She stayed in the same suite with her kidst night. She hurt her hand in theb earlier, so I urged her to go home and rest. She''s been pushing herself too hard." Hurt her hand? Tarquin''s brows furrowed, his concern escting. While still walking out, he dialed Benjamin, "How did she hurt her hand? Is it serious? Why didn''t you tell me sooner?" Benjamin sounded exasperated, "...It''s not serious, just a prick from a nt''s thorn." "Did it bleed?" "Yeah, but..." "Bleeding and it''s not serious?! You should''ve called me sooner! I''m heading back now!" After hanging up, Tarquin grabbed his coat and car keys, and dashed out. Chapter 591 For Keaton and his band of misfits, this was an unexpected delight! But they were also confused, "What''s going on, Tarquin?" "Let''s call it a night," Tarquin said without turning his head, striding away. Keaton paused for a moment before calling Benjamin, "Is there something up with Elijah again?" Benjamin was just as puzzled, "Elijah''s fine." "Then why was Tarquin in such a rush?" Benjamin replied, "I was wondering that myself! All I said was that Elysia got a small cut, and he started freaking out..." Keaton couldn''t help but roll his eyes. Tarquin was hopelessly head over heels! He wondered if Tarquin would sweat bullets and seek vengeance on a whole mosquito family if Elysia got a mosquito bite. Keaton then asked, "Did you send him back?" "No! He decided to go on his own." Keaton raised an eyebrow and chuckled. After hanging up, he told the others, "Well, this drama wasn''t for nothing. Let''s n a get-together and have Tarquin perform a live kiss scene, three minutes long!" " Meanwhile, Tarquin arrived at the hospital when it was pitch dark outside. He hurried to the door of Elysia''s room, turned the knob, and tried to push the door open. But... The door was locked from the inside, and he couldn''t open it. Tarquin knocked, "Elysia, open up!" Elysia was about to take a shower when she heard his voice, her heart skipped a beat, then started pounding wildly. She wasn''t sure yet if he had fallen for her. But she felt he must be interested! But she didn''t like him back! She hadn''t figured out how to face him, and besides, it was toote, and she was alone in her room. It wasn''t proper for a man and a woman to be alone together at this hour, so she really didn''t want to see him. Elysia held her chest, standing still, nning to pretend no one was inside. But then Tarquin''s voice came through again, "Elysia, I know you''re in there, open up!" Elysia''s lips twitched, out of options, she wrapped herself tighter in her robe and cautiously asked through the door, "What do you want thiste?" "Benjamin said you were injured!" "Injured? I''m not injured." "He mentioned you got a small cut and even bled." Elysia nced at her now-healed finger, confused. Was that even considered an injury? "It''s healed, like a mosquito bite, it''s nothing." "Open up, let me have a look." Elysia''s heartbeat quickened, "Well, it''s reallyte, it''s not appropriate for you toe in! Let''s talk tomorrow! I''m going to bed!" After saying that, she even pretended to turn around, stomping her feet to create the illusion that she was walking away, then leaned on the door to listen. Her childish act made Tarquin press his lips together, unabashedly calling her out, "I know you''re still at the door, I have something else to discuss, it has to be tonight!" Realizing she was caught, Elysia''s lips twitched, "What is it? Just say it." "Open the door! I''lle in, we''ll talk face to face." "I told you, it''s toote, just say it, I''m listening." Tarquin: "..." Seeing she was determined not to open the door, he turned and left. Elysia, hearing his footsteps fade away and the elevator''s doors open and close, hurriedly peeked through the peephole. Tarquin was nowhere to be seen. She cautiously opened the door a crack, then stuck her head out to look both ways. The hallway was empty; Tarquin had indeed left. "Phew..." Elysia sighed in relief, finally at ease. She locked the door, feeling safe to head to the bathroom for a shower. Standing under the spray, she was utterly baffled. How could he have fallen for her? Chapter 592 He had no clue she was the one he''d been searching for all along; ironically, he spent most daysining about how slow she seemed! And let''s be real, as a single mom juggling three kids, she was far from living the dream. In today''s world, raising just one child was a challenge, let alone three! Money? Education? Skills? She had none of those. So, who in their right mind would take a chance on her? Could it be that she got it all wrong? Maybe his interest wasn''t in her; maybe he thought she was into him? That revtion hit Elysia like a lightning bolt. He assumed she was crushing on him, wanting a future together! Thus, his over-the-top reaction upon realizing she intended to take Elijah away and wasn''t exactly his biggest fan made all the sense in the world! Oh boy, if that was the misunderstanding, it was a colossal one! She cared for him, sure, but it was more out of guilt for wanting to whisk Elijah away from him, not because of some romantic feelings! A misunderstanding was far simpler to resolve than unrequited love. They could clear the air and go back to being cordial, just like before. With that thought, Elysia felt a weight lift off her shoulders. The idea of being liked by someone she didn''t have feelings for was nothing but trouble! "Thud!" A sudden noise from the living room startled her, sending her heart racing! Quickly turning off the shower, she wrapped herself in a towel, straining to hear any further sounds. But silence followed. Had she imagined it? She had locked the door; it was supposed to be secure. Benjamin had assured her the hospital''s rest area was as safe as a five-star hotel, promising a peaceful night''s sleep. It must have been her imagination. Still, to y it safe, Elysia grabbed a hefty shampoo bottle for protection and cautiously stepped out to investigate. The moment she entered the living room, a towering dark silhouette by the window made her freeze. Her heart stopped. Before she could take a closer look, panic took over, and she screamed at the top of her lungs. Tarquin had just climbed in! Locked out, he had resorted to breaking and entering. Whatever it took to clear the air about their quarrel that day. He couldn''t stand a night of tossing and turning over this. But, he hadn''t anticipated catching Elysia fresh from the shower. The towel she had hastily wrapped around herself left little to the imagination, showcasing her elegant corbones, bare shoulders, and slender legs, all damp from the shower. Caught off guard, Tarquin couldn''t help but let his gaze wander a bit too freely. The realization she was barely covered underneath sent a jolt through him, prompting a hard swallow. That''s when the pain hit. Distracted, he didn''t see the flying shampoo bottle until it was toote. "Elysia, wait!" he called out, as she made a dash for the door, desperately screaming for help. "Thief! Help, there''s a thief!" He had to stop her. The thought of her being seen in just a towel was unbearable. He couldn''t allow it. ¡°Elysia, stop!¡± But fear had taken over, and she wasn''t listening, only running faster towards the door. In his haste to calm her down, Tarquin identally grabbed her towel instead of her arm. And then- Disaster struck! The towel slipped away, leaving Elysia exposed, and Tarquin utterly speechless, caught in the headlights of a major mishap. Chapter 593 The surprise was too sudden and too alluring! Tarquin forgot to avert his gaze, staring at her unabashedly. The intense visual impact ignited a fire within him instantaneously! A fire that raged uncontrobly within his being, scorching every nerve, every cell, and overwhelming his rationality! His blood began to boil, his cells rallying for action! A heat surged towards his lower abdomen... He was aroused! Swollen! His body lost all control, his mind void of reason, filled with dreamy images of them entangled together. In his dreams, their clothes were disheveled, they kissed passionately, rolling around in bed, sometimes he was on top, sometimes she was. Their bodies merged as one, reaching the heights of ecstasy with his heavy breathing and her soft moans, only to plummet from the bliss again and again! They possessed each other with wild passion, venting their desires. He exerted himself on her, and she reveled beneath him... "Snap!" Elysia pped him across the face. That p woke Tarquin up, erasing the steamy images from his mind. Somehow, Elysia had snatched the towel from him, wrapping herself up again. Her eyes red with anger and hurt, she red at him, "Pervert! Whimper..." She ran back into the inner room, mming the door with a bang. Tarquin snapped back to reality, desperately trying to quell the fire within, rushing to the inner room door. He wanted to push the door open to exin, but Elysia had locked it from inside. All he could do was apologize from the doorway, "Elysia, I''m so..." "Get lost!" "Don''t be mad, it wasn''t on pur..." "Go away!" ¡°Elysia, I...¡± "Just go!" Her voice was choked with sobs, clearly upset. Tarquin was both anxious and panicked. He didn''t mean for this to happen; he didn''t want to upset her! He only wanted to climb through the window to talk things out, not expecting this turn of events! He... She... Scratching his head in frustration, Tarquin turned and headed to the kitchen. Elysia was too angry to listen to anything now. She needed time to cool down. And so did he! Entering the kitchen, he grabbed a bottle of cold water from the fridge, gulping down half of it in one go. After a brief pause, he finished the rest. After drinking, he went to the bathroom intending to ssh some water on his face to fully calm down. But then he saw Elysia''s lingerie. His gaze was fiercely assaulted once again! Tarquin wasn''t one to make a fuss over such things, but this was Elysia''s! It had been worn by her, and he couldn''t help but let his mind wander! The restless part of him stirred again, and Tarquin quickly looked away, leaving the bathroom. Back in the kitchen, he grabbed another bottle of cold water, standing in the living room, lost in thought. Once she''s calmed down, he wanted to tell her it wasn''t intentional. Would she believe him? She was brought to tears, clearly really upset. Was it over for him? Would she even let him live to see another sunrise? Keaton said women needed to be coaxed. But how could he coax her? Should he let her hit him as much as she wanted? No way! She didn''t care about his face at all. If she wanted to hit, she would, so letting her p him a few times wouldn''t make her feel any better. Get down on his knees for her? Durian, keyboard, instant noodles, let her choose? That wouldn''t work either! A man''s knees are precious, he can''t just kneel for anything. It''s too humiliating, a blow to his pride! Should he try to cheer her up with money? Chapter 594 It definitely wasn''t going to work. Sure, she might be a bit of a penny-pincher, but she had her principles. Money couldn''t smooth this over! What about roping in Elliot, Evan, and Emmett to talk some sense into her? Even worse! If Elliot, Evan, and Emmett caught wind of this, they''d probably go ballistic! If only Elijah were awake, getting him to sweet-talk her might actually stand a chance. Tarquin was nursing a headache. He should have known better than to sneak in through the window tonight! He''d rather toss and turn all night than deal with this mess! Just as he was at a loss, the doorbell chimed, "Ms. Thorne, are you asleep?" It was Benjamin''s voice. Tarquin scowled, visibly annoyed. Coming around thiste to see Elysia, didn''t he know to keep a distance?! He drained his bottle of water in one go and tossed it into the bin with perfect aim. With a frosty demeanor, he strode to the door and opened it, asking Benjamin in a none-too-pleased tone, "What do you want with her at this hour?" Benjamin was taken aback, ¡°When did you get back?" Tarquin had headed straight to Elysia''s ce upon his return, unbeknownst to Benjamin. Without offering any exnation and blocking the doorway, clearly not intending to let him in, Tarquin pressed, "What do you want with her, exactly?" ¡°...Elijah''sb results came in tonight, I thought she should take a look." Tarquin''s expression shifted, "Is there a problem with the report?" "I couldn''t spot anything amiss, but better safe than sorry, right? Better have Ms. Thorne check it out, she''s sharper than I am." "...She''s already resting. Hand it over, I''ll pass it along." Benjamin was puzzled, "She''s asleep? Then why are you still in her room? What are you doing there?" Tarquin, still unyielding, frowned and warned coldly, "Don''te looking for herte at night again! You might not mind the gossip, but she does. She''s not as thick-skinned as you. If it''s urgent,e to me first, and I''ll ry the message." After shutting the door with that, Tarquin took the report inside. Benjamin was baffled: "?" So, it''s scandalous for him to visit Elysiate at night, but not for Tarquin? Isn''t he a man too? Shouldn''t he avoid giving the wrong impression? So domineering. To those not in the know, they might assume he was Elysia''s husband! Grumbling to himself internally but knowing Tarquin wouldn''t harm Elysia, Benjamin didn''t overthink it and turned to leave. Yet, before he could get far, Tarquin called him back, ¡°Actually, better you give it to her.¡± "Huh? Why? You just said..." "Quit yapping, get inside!" Now Benjamin was utterly confused, still trying to figure out Tarquin''s angle when the man was already knocking on the inner door, "Elysia, could youe out for a moment?" The way Tarquin''s voice softened when addressing Elysia was a stark contrast to his earlier tone with Benjamin-it was so gentle it could almost squeeze out droplets of honey! Talk about ying favorites! Inside, Elysia was cocooned within her nkets, having transformed herself into a human pupa. As soon as she hade in, she hurriedly dressed in a camisole and a long robe for a semnce of security before diving into bed. Frustrated and embarrassed was an understatement! She had cursed him out in her mind a thousand times over! Calling him every name under the sun, every insult she could think of had been directed at him! Hearing his voice only fanned the mes of her anger. She was about to tell him off when she heard him mention, "Elijah''sb results are in. Benjamin just brought them over, says he can''t make heads or tails of it, wants you to have a look." Benjamin: "???" Before he could object, Tarquin shot him a silencing re. Chapter 595 Benjamin had just swallowed his words when Elysia''s voice echoed through the house, "Dr. Benjamin?" Tarquin shot him a look that screamed ''speak up'' without uttering a single word. Benjamin rolled his eyes, exasperated. What was this, some kind of weird game? He licked his lips and replied to Elysia, "Uh... Ms. Thorne, I''m here." Hearing Benjamin''s voice confirmed to Elysia that Tarquin wasn''t lying. "Give me a sec, I''ll just change and be right out." "Alright." No sooner had Benjamin responded than Tarquin was dragging him out the door, practically shoving him into the hallway. "Your part''s done. Go get some sleep. And remember what I said, steer clear of her at night! If you absolutely must see her,e to me first! You''re old enough to know better!" With that, Tarquin mmed the door shut, leaving Benjamin dazed and alone in the hallway. A few minutester, the bedroom door finally opened again. Seeing Elysia again made Tarquin''s back break out in a nervous sweat. The image of her not dressed shed through his mind, and he quickly forced himself to focus. Now was not the time for wild thoughts! Elysia, now in jeans and a hoodie, shot him a re before looking around for Benjamin. Not seeing him, her gaze returned to Tarquin, "Where''s Benjamin?" "He had to leave. Urgent stuff." Elysia frowned, "And Elijah''s blood test results?" "Right here." Elysia walked over to the coffee table to grab the report, flipping through it on the spot. Tarquin quickly poured her a ss of chamomile tea, hoping to soothe her, "Take a seat, have a look." Elysia ignored him, scanning the report carefully before coldly stating, "Elijah''s bloodwork is fine!" Turning on her heel, she started to leave, but Tarquin caught her arm gently, "Elysia..." "Don''t touch me!" she snapped, causing Tarquin to retract his hand as if burned, looking utterly helpless and pitiful. Elysia red at him angrily before striding towards the inner room. Tarquin quickly stepped in front of her, blocking her path. No matter how she tried to sidestep him, he mirrored her moves, steadfastly blocking her way, refusing to let her pass. Frustrated to the point of teeth-gritting, Elysia demanded, "What''s your deal?!" Tarquin, eyes downcast and furrowing his brows, apologized, "I''m sorry." "I don''t want to talk to you!" "I messed up." "Move!" "Can you just give me a chance to exin?" "No! I don''t want to hear it! I don''t even want to see you! Just go!" Tarquin didn''t budge, and Elysia, out of sheer frustration, tried to push him away! But even with all her might, she couldn''t move him an inch. In a fit of rage, she bit down on his arm! Tarquin winced but remained still, letting her bite. She could hit him, curse him, as long as she didn''t ignore him. Elysia bit down hard until the taste of iron filled her mouth before finally letting go, baring her teeth at him in a feral grin, warning, "Move, or I''ll bite you again! And trust me, I''ve got sharp teeth!" She hoped to scare him off, but instead, Tarquin asked, "Where do you want to bite next?" Elysia was dumbfounded. Tarquin rolled up his sleeve, exposing his forearm, "Go ahead, bite anywhere. Your call." Elysia was speechless, her face flushing with anger, "Are you insane?!" Tarquin looked apologetic, "If it''ll make you feel better, go ahead. Heck, eat me if that helps." "You..." "Look, I won''t let you go back inside unless we clear this up. Elysia bit her lip, furious, "You want to apologize, is that it? Well, I don''t ept! Happy now?" "...I didn''t expect you to forgive me. I just wanted you to know, I didn''t mean to do it." Chapter 596 "You''re doing this on purpose!" "I''m not." "You are!" "I swear I''m not." "You so are!" "I..." Elysia''s eyes brimmed with tears, her frustration making her stomp her foot. "You don''t even see your mistake, and you''re apologizing? If you''re not doing it on purpose, then I''m the one who''s wrong for being mad, right?!" "That''s not what I meant..." "Then what do you mean?" She demanded, her eyes red, looking like she might burst into tears any second. Tarquin felt his nerves fraying, forcing himself to go along with her. "Alright, alright, I admit it, I did it on purpose. Just calm down, please don''t be mad." That only made Elysia angrier. "I knew you did it on purpose, and you still had the nerve to deny it! You jerk! I don''t want to talk to you anymore, I don''t even want to see you, just go! If you don''t leave, I''m calling the cops!" Hearing this, Tarquin quickly added, "I only admitted it so you wouldn''t be mad, but honestly, I didn''t do it on purpose, I..." "You''re starting with your excuses again! You just can''t admit you''re wrong! You ass!" Tarquin was at a loss, frowning deeply, not sure if he was angry or just frustrated, his breathing all over the ce. He had never felt so suffocated and speechless. Nothing he said was right! In desperation, Tarquin yanked at his tie. "Elysia!" She paused, lifting her chin defiantly. "What are you yelling for?!" Grinding his teeth, Tarquin said, "Just remember what I''m saying, and remember it well. If I ever make you mad again, I''ll be a dog! I''ll kick my own butt!" Elysia was puzzled. After saying that, Tarquin undid his tie and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt. He finally understood why Keaton always said, you can''t reason with a woman when she''s angry, nor argue about who''s right or wrong! An exnation is just an excuse, and excuses are the start of being in the wrong... Like now, how do you exin? If you say you didn''t do it on purpose, she gets mad! To appease her, you admit you did it, and she gets even madder, even wanting to cut ties with you! Then you quickly exin you only admitted it to appease her, and she uses you of making excuses, saying you can''t admit you''re wrong! What was he supposed to say? Ignore her? Let her stew? No way! He couldn''t do that; it would break his heart! Today had already taken a toll on him, yet he spent all day thinking about her! Besides, he was indeed at fault tonight, wasn''t he? Reluctant to upset her further, unable to reason with her or make her understand, in the end, he was the one who suffered! So, why bother upsetting her? Having never dealt with women before, hecked experience, but today was a real eye-opener! Earning money is hard, food can taste awful, but appeasing a woman is the hardest! Lesson learned; he''d never make her angry again! Whether intentional or not, if he ever made her mad again, he''d punish himself! Tarquin took a deep breath, trying to calm down, remembering Keaton''s advice: Forget about who''s right or wrong when she''s angry, just apologize first! He steadied himself and said to Elysia, "You''re right, I''m a jerk! I have no shame! I''m sincerely apologizing now, can you forgive me?" Elysia was still furious. "No!" "So, what can I do to make you forgive me?" "I''ll never forgive you! I don''t want your forgiveness! You''ve gone too far!" Tarquin paused, then with utmost seriousness asked, "What if I strip down for you, would that make it up to you?" Chapter 597 Elysia''s cheeks suddenly flushed a deep red, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at him. Was this not outright harassment?! Fuming, Elysia swung her hand in a swift motion,nding a p across his face, "Whack!" Tarquin, taken aback, grabbed her retreating hand indignantly, "Why did you hit me again?!" "You''re shameless! You''re harassing me!" "When did I ever harass you?!" "The stuff you just said, that''s harassment!" Tarquin, his face darkening, couldn''tprehend, "You saw me undressed and felt like I took advantage of you, making you upset. Now, I''m offering you the chance to see me, to even the score. How is that harassment?" He thought he was making a sacrifice! Did she think anyone could just look at him whenever they pleased? Elysia, her face still red, retorted, "Who wants to see you, anyway?! You are harassing me! You''re just shameless! Let me go!" Tarquin held on tight, unable to grasp what had upset her so much, but he knew he couldn''t just let her go. She was so worked up; releasing her now would only lead to more ps. Learning from past mistakes, Tarquin decided not to argue further, saying, "I was just speaking off the cuff. If you don''t agree, let''s pretend I never said it. Just calm down first." "Let me go first!" "I''ll let you go once you''ve calmed down." "You..." Seeing her temper re even more, Tarquin added, "I''ll let you go, but you can''t hit my face again. Anywhere else is fair game." Elysia red silently, and Tarquin exined, "Getting hit in the face is visible to others, it''s embarrassing! And it''s not good for your reputation either. People will start saying Elysia is some wild she-beast." "You''re the wild beast! Don''t you know why I hit you? Why would I hit anyone else? I hit you because you deserve it!" Tarquin admitted, the first p of the evening was indeed deserved. But the second p? He felt it was unjust, and his right cheek silently protested. He didn''t mean to harass her by suggesting they strip; he genuinely wanted to solve the issue. Tarquin kept his grievances to himself. "I''m not saying you can''t hit me, just keep it private. Can''t you spare my dignity? That''s all I ask. If you can do that, I''ll let you go." Elysia understood his point. Of course, she knew not to hit the face in anger. But in the heat of the moment, who thinks about where to hit? "If you don''t want to get hit, don''t provoke me!" Tarquin immediately responded, "Rest assured, I won''t provoke you anymore." So hard to please! Seeing her slightly calmer, Tarquin released his grip. Indeed, Elysia didn''t swing at him again, but she also ignored him, sidestepping him to head inside. Tarquin quickly caught her arm again, "Let''s talk." "I have nothing to talk about with you!" "...I offered to let you look back, and you didn''t want to. What can I do to make things right?" "Just stay away from me. If I don''t have to see you again, I won''t be upset." "Sorry, can''t do that." He had been anxious and restless just a few hours without seeing her; how could he possibly stay away forever?! Elysia, furious, "If you can''t do that, then don''t bother asking for my forgiveness. Let me go!" She struggled fiercely, like a little wildcat provoked, biting and kicking. With her in this state,munication was impossible, and Tarquin just wished she''d calm down a bit. Chapter 598 The moment she felt his grip, she let out a sharp gasp of pain, even before he had truly exerted any force. Yet, as soon as Tarquin loosened his hold, Elysia immediately tried to wriggle free again. Left with no choice, Tarquin simply hoisted her up in his arms and carried her straight to the bedroom, tossing her onto the bed before looming over her. Instantly, Elysia becamepliant! Her eyes widened, her voice trembling, "What... what are you doing?!" Tarquin, pinning her down, swallowed hard before issuing a stern warning, "You better listen to me. If you don''t, I can''t guarantee I won''t lose control tonight." "What kind of losing control?" "Like, assaulting you!" "You wouldn''t dare!" "Why don''t you test me and see if I dare?!" Elysia took a deep breath, clearly defiant but didn''t dare to challenge him further, biting her lip as she red at him. Tarquin frowned, "Stop biting your lip!" He had always found that habit of hers irksome. Every time she bit her lip, he felt an irrational fear that she might actually draw blood. Elysia retorted, "I''m biting my own lip!" Tarquin responded, "That''s why you shouldn''t!" She could bite his, for all he cared. Elysia couldn''t fathom his thoughts but chose not to provoke him further, reluctantly releasing her lip. Her slightly parted lips seemed all too tempting to Tarquin, who covertly swallowed before letting her go and turning towards the door. He had to leave; staying any longer might truly lead him to lose control. He wanted to kiss her. Badly. As Tarquin walked away, Elysia quickly got off the bed and rushed to lock the door. Just as she was about to close it, a strong hand appeared in the gap, effortlessly pushing the door open. Tarquin stepped in, holding a bottle of iced tea. After entering, he kicked the door shut. Elysia, frightened, scampered back to the bed, wrapping herself tightly in the covers, leaving only her bright, wary eyes visible. Before he could speak, she blurted out, "If you... if you dare assault me, I''ll fight you with everything I''ve got!" Tarquin, suppressing a smirk, walked to the foot of the bed, opened the iced tea, and offered it to her, "Have some tea, cool down a bit." Elysia eyed him warily, not moving. "Do you want me to feed you?" Tarquin''s gaze narrowed slightly. Elysia quickly took the iced tea from him, sniffing it first. Finding nothing amiss, she took a cautious sip, then realizing her thirst, gulped down several more. If only he had known this would calm her down, he would have done it sooner. After drinking half the bottle, Elysia ced the rest on the nightstand and retreated back into her nket fortress, only her eyes peeking out, watching him cautiously. Tarquin sighed softly, patiently exining, "Believe it or not, I need to tell you. I came through your window tonight to talk about what happened today. I didn''t know you were in the shower. I saw you running out in a towel and tried to stop you, worried someone else might see. I didn''t mean to... you know, grab your towel. It was an ident." Elysia furrowed her brows, half-doubting his words. Tarquin continued, "If I had really wanted to assault you, you wouldn''t have stood a chance. By now, I would have... well, let''s just say, it wouldn''t have been just a look." As images flickered through his mind, Tarquin swallowed hard again. Chapter 599 Elysia bit her lip, visibly annoyed. ". "That''s so dominating and forceful, it''s really irritating!" she thought, clenching her fists in frustration. But deep down, she knew it was true. If he really wanted to do something to her, she''d be powerless to stop him. In the heat of the moment, her rationale had flown out the window. She was convinced he did it on purpose. After all, he had sneaked in through the window! There she was, taking a shower, and in came this guy, sneaking through her window. And when she tried to run, he grabbed her, and even pulled off her towel... Of course, she''d think he was up to no good. It had to be intentional! Elysia pouted, grumbling, "Intentional or not, you''re still in the wrong!" "Yes, I admit I was wrong! That''s why I said you could have your revenge, didn''t I?" Tarquin replied. Elysia pursed her lips and red, ready to erupt again. Tarquin quickly exined, "I wasn''t trying to be a creep. If I were, I wouldn''t have asked for your opinion. I don''t get why you got so mad after hearing it. If I knew it would backfire, I definitely wouldn''t have said it. I was just trying to cheer you up, not make you angry or anything shady." His face was a picture of sincerity, but Elysia couldn''t help butin, "Who cheers someone up like that?" Tarquin said, "I''ve never really interacted with women before, so I guess I don''t know how to make someone feel better. I''ll learn." Elysia''s lips moved, but she said nothing more. Tarquin added, "Even though it wasn''t on purpose, the situation was my fault, so I''m sincerely apologizing. Tell me what you want to make it right." Elysia hesitated for a moment, then saw her chance and said, "I want to take Elijah in after he''s discharged from the hospital!" "Done! No problem!" Tarquin agreed readily. Climbing through that window was all about telling her this. He figured Keaton was right; there was no point in getting mad over this. If she wanted to take care of Elijah, then he''d let her have her way. As for her taking Elijah away from Jindale City, that was his call to make! Elysia was surprised, "You agree?" "Yeah." "Elijah wille to Future Community with me after he''s discharged?" "Yeah." Elysia''s face lit up with unmistakable joy. Seeing her reaction, Tarquin let out a silent sigh of relief. She was actually easy to appease; he just hadn''t gone about it the right way. Tarquin then asked, "I agree to let you take care of Elijah. Can we move past the towel incident now?" Elysia coughed lightly, feigning generosity, "For Elijah''s sake, I''ll let it slide! But if there''s a next time, I''ll fight you tooth and nail! Also, let''s... just pretend this never happened. Don''t ever bring it up again, and don''t you dare tell anyone!" Hearing this, Tarquin finally felt at ease! This ordeal was finally over. "Of course, this is under the condition that I allow Elijah toe live in Future Community. If you back out, I''ll take back what I said." Tarquin didn''t nod or shake his head, "After Elijah is discharged, you can take him to Future Community, but he can''t stay there forever. Once I catch the culprit, Elijah shoulde back to live with me." Elysia frowned at first, then thought it over. She didn''t like the idea of giving Elijah back, but for now, she''d take the first step. "Once you catch the culprit, and after Elijah has fully recovered, he cane back to you." "Alright." With that, the two reached a temporary agreement. Elysia was pleased, and her mood improved significantly. Her good mood rubbed off on Tarquin as well. But then, Elysia suddenly said, Chapter 600 "Okay, look, there''s something I''ve got to get off my chest. I care about you, sure, because I think you''re a decent person, and you''ve been good to Elijah. But that doesn''t mean I like you romantically. At most, we''re friends." Upon hearing this, Tarquin''s brief moment of good spirits evaporated instantly. Frowning, he looked at her. "Friends?" "Yeah, I mean, we''ve had our ups and downs in the past, but that''s water under the bridge now. If you''re open to it, we can totally be friends." Tarquin''s face darkened. "I don''t want to." Elysia was taken aback. "You don''t?" His expression was grim, his tone firm. "No, I don''t." Elysia pouted. "Fine by me! I''m not exactly dying to be your friend either!" Hmph, look at him being all high and mighty! Better off not being friends. That way, when she takes Elijah and leaves, she won''t feel sorry for him. Tarquin, seeing her all huffy, wanted to say something but hesitated and eventually gave up. "Do you not like me?" he asked. "Yeah, didn''t I just say that? My care for you is just what friends feel for each other, not romantic. I don''t like you that way!" Tarquin''s breathing was uneven. "Why not?" "I just don''t, okay? No reason." "Am I really that bad in your eyes?" "You''re okay, but just because you''re not bad doesn''t mean I have to like you. There are plenty of decent guys out there. Love is all about chemistry." "What if I''ve fallen for you?" Elysia was shocked. "How could you possibly fall for me?!" "Why can''t I?" "I''m a single mom with three kids, struggling to make ends meet! What''s there to like? My life''s a mess?" Before Tarquin could respond, Elysia continued, "Don''t entertain such unrealistic thoughts. It''s pointless and a waste of energy." Tarquin felt a tightness in his chest as he looked at her, his voice a bit heavier. "What I like about you is my business. I''m asking you, what if I''ve fallen for you?" Elysia didn''t hesitate. "I''d steer clear of you, that''s for sure." Tarquin''s heart sank. "Why?" "Because I don''t like you back. If you fell for me, it would be nothing but trouble. You''d probably end up bothering me without realizing it, and I''d find it annoying. I''d avoid you. Think about how you treat N?" Tarquin felt a pang of despair. She was oblivious to his feelings, and while part of him was relieved, it was overshadowed by profound sadness. She truly didn''t like him. Not one bit. She wouldn''t even allow him to like her... Elysia sensed something was off and looked at him nervously. "You haven''t really fallen for me, have you?" He did. Deeply. Beyond control. But he couldn''t admit it now, hesitating before finally saying, "No, it''s not that. It''s just... I don''t dislike you. You''re a good person, you''ve raised your kids well, you''ve been great to Elijah, you have strong values, you''re kind and honest, and you approach life with positivity and optimism..." Despite insisting he didn''t like her, he inadvertently listed all her virtues. Elysia was puzzled. "If you think I''m so great, why won''t you be my friend?" Chapter 601 Tarquin caught Elysia''s innocent, curious gaze and his lips twitched, but he offered no exnation. "You should rest. I''m heading out." With that, he turned and left. Elysia was a bit taken aback. That''s it? He''s just leaving? She thought he would have more to say. Just as she was about to get out of bed to check, Tarquin suddenly reappeared at the doorway. The cool, handsome features of his face were touched with a hint of mncholy. "I''ve made sure your windows are locked. Feel free to take a shower if you want, or just go straight to bed if you''re not up for it. Don''t worry about anyone elseing in. I''ll be at the hospital tonight, just give me a call if you need anything." After saying this, he furrowed his brows deeply, giving her another meaningful look before he left. When Elysia came out to check, he was already gone. Standing in the living room, she wondered to herself, was he upset about something? Why did it feel like he was so down just now? He didn''t have to be friends with her if he didn''t want to. It''s not like she was forcing him. What was there to be upset about? She wasn''t even upset about it herself! Elysia couldn''t fathom the real reason behind his dejection. Pouting slightly, she ran to the window to check. Sure enough, it was tightly shut. Standing by the window, a sudden realization struck her! She lived on the eleventh floor! How high that was! How did he manage to climb up here? Did the guy have some sort of superhero ability?! Thank heavens they weren''t enemies, or she''d be in serious trouble! Elysia shivered involuntarily, quickly took a shower, and then headed to bed. Downstairs, Tarquin leaned against a tree, staring up at her window while smoking a cigarette, feeling utterly dejected. He didn''t want to be just friends with her because he wanted to be her boyfriend... Such an obvious reason, yet she couldn''t see it! Her naivety was endearing, but it also made him anxious with how clueless she was. Was his affection not obvious enough? She seemedpletely oblivious to it. But then again... Her obliviousness was probably for the best. If she knew and didn''t feel the same way, she''d likely avoid him. The thought of her not liking him made it hard for Tarquin to breathe, his heart felt like it was being squeezed. Why wouldn''t she like him? If she didn''t like him, then what type of person did she like? Someone like the father of Elliot, Evan, and Emmett? She must have really liked him to have three sons, right? What kind of man was he that Elysia would fall for him? What charm did he possess?! Thinking about this man made Tarquin''s mood plummet even further. He was desperate to know who this man was. On one hand, he wanted to learn from him, to see what Elysia liked so he could try to be more like that. On the other hand, he was genuinely jealous, envious that Elysia had feelings for someone else. Tarquin smoked his cigarette in frustration, finally pulling out his phone to send a message to Elliot: "I need your father''s details!" He knew that Elliot had manipted the information about their father, making it impossible for him to find out anything on his own. He had no choice but to ask Elliot directly. Meanwhile, Elliot was at the Future Community. Evan and Emmett were already asleep, and he was pondering how to swindle Elizabeth''s ashes from Gideon''s grasp. Gideon was cunning, and fooling him to get such an important item would require a wless n. Upon seeing Tarquin''s message, Elliot''s eyes narrowed slightly. What was this stepfather of his up to now, in the dead of night? After making sure his brothers were tucked in, Elliot grabbed his smartwatch and headed to the bathroom to call Tarquin back. This was definitely going to involve their mother, and he needed to get the details straight. Chapter 602 As soon as the call connected, Tarquinunched into his threat, "If you don''t spill the beans, tomorrow I''ll let Elysia in on your little secret." Elliot was speechless. A threat right off the bat-it was clear Tarquin was on edge. Sensing something was off in his tone, Elliot asked, "First off, why are you so eager to dig up dirt? What does this have to do with Mom?" Tarquin frowned, hesitated for a moment, then got straight to the point, "What does Elysia see in him, anyway?" Elliot was taken aback, "Who told you Mom has a thing for him?" Tarquin shot back, "Why else would she have his kid if she didn''t like him?" Elliot pursed his lips, "So having a kid with someone automatically means she likes him? Ever heard of just in parental love?" Tarquin looked puzzled, "So, you mean, Elysia doesn''t like him?" Elliot paused for a couple of seconds, "I don''t want to talk about him. If you''re so curious, go ask Mom." "I have, but she doesn''t want to talk about it." "Neither do I." Tarquin, growing curious, pressed, "Did your dad do something unforgivable to Elysia? Why is it that neither of you wants to talk about him? Was he a deadbeat? A total loser?" Elliot sidestepped the question, "What does Mom liking him have to do with you? Why are you so nosy?" After a few seconds of silence, Tarquin admitted, "Elysia doesn''t like me!" There was a mixture of anger, sadness, and a touch of feeling wronged in his voice. Elliot was momentarily stunned, "Didn''t I tell you ages ago Mom isn''t into you? Are you just nowing to terms with reality?" Indeed, the harsh truth had only hit him tonight. Tarquin grunted in frustration, and Elliot bit his lip. No wonder his mood was so off tonight; finding out Mom didn''t fancy him had wounded his pride. Then, Tarquin added, "I just want to know what Elysia''s type is. And how do I not measure up to him?!" Elliot was speechless. He wondered how Tarquin would react when he eventually finds out that the man he''s so jealously curious about is actually himself. After a moment of silence, Elliot offered, "I can''t give you the details now, and threats won''t work on me. But pitying your sorry state, I''ll tell you this- you still have a chance, a pretty good one at that." "What do you mean?" Elliot tried to console him, "Mom''s attitude towards you has changed a lot. She might not like you now, but at least she doesn''t hate you. And with just you by her side, your chances are plenty." Tarquin''s eyes gleamed, as if a lightbulb went off. Elliot was right. As long as Elysia didn''t hate him, there was hope! And with no other men around Elysia, all opportunities were his. If he yed his cards right, the possibility of Elysia falling for him was huge! Who cares whether she liked Elliot''s dad or not? He''s out of the picture, and he, Tarquin, is the one right in front of her now! With this thought, Tarquin''s spirits lifted immensely. He felt like he''d been given a shot of adrenaline, his mood instantly brightening, "Elliot, you''re a good kid! I''ll buy you something nice someday. Get some sleep." Hanging up, Tarquin gazed towards Elysia''s room, a twinkle in his eye, love in his heart. At the very least, Elysia didn''t hate him! At the very least, he had a fighting chance! It didn''t matter that she didn''t like him now; there was always the future! Tarquin''s bruised ego was mended by a fewforting words from his own son. Chapter 603 The next morning, Elysia was up at the crack of dawn, freshened up in a hurry, and headed out to see Elijah. But as soon as she opened the door, she was met with an unexpected sight! There was Tarquin, still in yesterday''s clothes, leaning against the wall with a cigarette. The hallway reeked of cigarette smoke, and it was anyone''s guess how long he had been standing there. He looked worse for wear, with dark circles under his eyes and a general look of exhaustion. Blinking in surprise, Elysia asked, "What are you doing here? How long have you been standing out here? Did you not sleep at allst night?" At the sight of her, Tarquin had already stubbed out his cigarette. After feeling a bit betterst night, he had first visited Elijah in the ICU beforeing back here. This spot, closest to her, gave him a sense offort and peace. And before he knew it, he had spent the entire night there. "I came back for my jacket," Tarquin said, brushing off her questions with a casual excuse. If she couldn''t ept his feelings now, he decided to keep them hidden; her peace of mind was what mattered most. Elysia, puzzled, asked, "You knew I was inside, why didn''t you knock? Or you could''ve just called me." "No rush." Elysia bit her lip, then said, "Come inside, then." Stepping into the apartment, Tarquin followed her lead as Elysia shut the door behind them. She took off her jacket and hung it by the door, deciding not to go out anymore. "Did you stay up all night again?" she inquired. "...Couldn''t sleep." "How can you not be tired after being up for so long?" Tarquin lied, "I caught some sleep during the day yesterday." Elysia frowned; she knew he hadn''t. If he had, he wouldn''t look like this now. He must have been awake since the incident with Elijah! She wanted to ask if his insomnia was because of her, especially since he had left in a bad mood the night before. But she hesitated, fearing it might upset him again. After a moment of silence, she didn''t press further on hisck of sleep and instead asked, "Have you had breakfast yet?" "Not yet." "Go brush your teeth, there''s a new toothbrush in the bathroom. I''ll make you something to eat." Tarquin felt a warmth in his heart, "Have you eaten?" "Not yet, we can eat together." "I could order something; you should rest." "I''ve slept all night, I''m not tired. Takeout isn''t as clean or quick as homemade. I saw we have noodles in the fridge, how about noodles in clear broth?" "Sounds great!" "Alright, you go freshen up; I''ll get started in the kitchen." Elysia stood up and headed for the kitchen. Watching her go, Tarquin felt an overwhelming sense of contentment. Indeed, one shouldn''t yearn for too much; contentment brings happiness. Though she might not return his feelings, her genuine concern for him was enough to make him happy. By the time Tarquin was done freshening up, Elysia had already served the steaming noodles on the table. Looking at the hot meal and then at the woman joining him for breakfast, Tarquin''s heart filled with warmth. After they had eaten and cleaned up, Elysia was ready to visit Elijah, insisting Tarquin stay behind to rest. He knew better than to argue; she''d get mad! So, Elysia left, and heid down in the bed she had slept inst night, her scent still lingering on the sheets. Even though she wasn''t there with him, he felt enveloped by happiness. When he woke up, he received the best news: Elijah had woken up and had been moved to a regr room. Rushing over to Elijah''s side, Tarquin found Elysia already there, chatting away with him. Chapter 604 Both of their eyes were rimmed red, a clear sign that tears had been shed not too long ago. Seeing him, Elijah''s face lit up, "Daddy!" Tarquin felt a lump form in his throat, almost breaking down into tears. Without Elysia, he might never have heard Elijah call him ''Daddy'' again. Calming his heart, Tarquin quickly walked over to Elijah, his brows furrowed as he gently caressed Elijah''s cheek, his myriad thoughts condensing into a few words, "I''m just d you woke up." He paused, guilt written all over his face, "I''m sorry, buddy. It''s all my fault. I should''ve been there to protect you from the bad guys." Shaking his head, Elijah replied, "Mom already exined it to me. The poison was rare, even Uncle Benjamin couldn''t detect it, let alone you, Daddy. You did nothing wrong." Tarquin nced at Elysia, touched by her support. Just then, Elysia''s phone rang, "Talk amongst yourselves, I need to take this call." She gently patted Elijah''s cheek and stepped out. With Elysia gone, Elijah didn''t start with the attacker''s subject but instead said, "Mom has been defending you ever since I woke up. She says it''s not your fault I got poisoned, and she keeps saying how much you love me, and that you''re a great dad... She''s really worried I''d me you. Daddy, Mom is truly wonderful." He knew his mom always wanted to take him away, but even in this situation, instead of speaking ill of his dad, she defended him, proving she was a kind person. Not one to tarnish someone else''s name for her own sake. His mom was genuinely a good person, and he was both proud and grateful. And it made him even more hopeful for his dad to be with his mom! He worried his dad might miss his chance with her! Understanding his son''s thoughts, Tarquin, who would usually brush off such topics, earnestly said, "You''re right, she is wonderful, and I really like her." Elijah, excited, asked, "Daddy, do you like Mom because of me?" "You yed a part, but my feelings for her are about who she is as a person. But she doesn''t feel the same way about me right now, so I have to keep these feelings to myself until the right momentes to tell her. Can you keep a secret for me?" Elijah nodded vigorously, "Go for it, Daddy!" Tarquin affectionately ruffled his son''s hair, "I''ll do my best!" For himself, and for his son! After a while, Elysia returned, apanied by Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. The room instantly filled with lively chatter. Despite just waking up, Elijah''s spirits were high, especially seeing his three little friends. Seizing a quieter moment, Tarquin stepped out to call Lowell. "Is everything set for the Future Community?" He had promised Elijah that he could stay in the Future Community with Elysia and had arranged for Lowell to buy the house across from Blossom''s. He nned to move there too. Just as Blossom''s neighbor had a mishap and the house went up for sale. Lowell sounded frustrated, "Don''t get me started. The house has already been sold. I tried contacting the new owner, but no matter how much I offer, he just won''t sell! Given that the house was the site of a suicide, it''s considered unlucky, and you''d think people would be deterred by that, but even when I offered five times the asking price, he refused!" Tarquin frowned, "Who''s the new owner? What does he do?" "Keith, apparently he''s a preschool teacher." "Keith?" Chapter 605 The name was unfamiliar to him. Tarquin''s voice was icy, "Why doesn''t he want to sell at a high price? Did he give a reason?" "He says the Future Community is close to his work, which is convenient for him." "Are there no other listings avable in themunity?" "As luck would have it, there''s nothing avabletely. The listings that were up before the holidays got snapped up fast after that stunt double''s suicide. It really brought down the property values in Future Community, and the listings sold like hotcakes." Lowell added, "But if you''re willing to consider other buildings, we might have something to talk about." After all, those who bought at a low price generally wouldn''t refuse to sell at a high price. Keith was an exception. Tarquin frowned. Living in another building was out of the question; he was moving there for Elijah and Elysia. Why would he live anywhere else? The other buildings were too far from them. Living right across from them was ideal! "Did you meet with this Keith face-to-face?" "No, he''s not in Jindale City right now. Probably won''t be back until after the 15th, when the preschool starts." Tarquin pondered for a moment, "Look into his background." After all, with Elysia and the three kids living there, and Elijah nning to move in, it was essential to check out anyone who seemed out of the ordinary living across the door. He had just ended the call and returned to the hospital room when Keaton suddenly appeared. Thedies'' man arrived with an armful of roses and thetest limited edition LEGO sets in hand. There were four LEGO sets-one for Elijah and the others for Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. The kids were thrilled, thanking him repeatedly. Elysia was happy with the roses, and although she was polite and somewhat distant with Keaton, she greeted him with a smile and gentle warmth. She even sneaked a sniff of the roses when she ced them by the window, clearly loving them. Keaton''s grin was wide, "Elijah owes a lot to Ms. Thorne''s care. As his godfather, I couldn''t be more grateful. If there''s ever anything I can do to help, just say the word. Once Elijah''s out of the hospital, dinner''s on me." Before Elysia could respond, Keaton found himself on the receiving end of a kick. He turned to see who it was. Tarquin, acting as if nothing had happened, didn''t even nce his way but spoke softly to Elysia, "Stay with the kids, I need to have a word with him outside." Keaton, puzzled, asked, "Why do we need to talk outside?" "You''re too loud!" Keaton found himself being dragged outside by Tarquin, straight to the smoking area. There, Keaton protested, "What do you mean, too loud? Seems to me like you''re just jealous because I''m popr, and Elysia and the kids like me." Tarquin''s face darkened as he warned coldly, "Stay away from Elysia!" Keaton narrowed his eyes, "Jealous? Upset that Elysia liked the flowers I brought?" Tarquin rolled his eyes and lit a cigarette. Yes, he was jealous and upset! He hadn''t even gotten around to giving Elysia flowers, and here was Keaton, beating him to the punch! And seeing how much Elysia liked them made his heart sour! Keaton chuckled, "Who''s to me if you don''t bring her flowers? She''s not going to fall for you just like that!" "She likes money!" "But you can''t just give money! You have to put thought into your gifts to move her. Get it?" Tarquin took a drag on his cigarette, silent. He had no experience in wooing women. She liked money, so he found ways to give it to her. He hadn''t considered other gifts. And since Elysia didn''t seem to like him, would she even ept a gift from him? The thought of her possibly rejecting it outright made Tarquin irritable as he took another drag, "Who loses and who gains when a man strips down for a woman?" Chapter 606 Keaton couldn''t help but bring it up, "You know, it really depends on who you''re with and the situation. Between lovers, it''s kinda spicy - adds a bit of vor. But if there''s no love, and thedy''s not into it, then it''s just being a creep!" Tarquin just stared nkly for a moment. Keaton, with a mischievous glint in his eye, teased, "You didn''t try to pull a fast one on Elysia, did you?" Tarquin''s face turned sour immediately, "Of course not!" With a chuckle, Keaton continued, "If you really want to charm Elysia, just flex those biceps, show off the six-pack, maybe a little bit of those killer quads - that should do it. Go full monty, and you''re asking for a smackdown." Tarquin pressed his lips together, choosing to ignore thement. As they continued their walk down the hallway, Keaton couldn''t resist jabbing one more time before leaving, "Don''t forget about our bet, man. You owe me a public disy of affection with Elysia - a three-minute kiss, no less! Once Elijah''s out of the hospital, you better pay up." Tarquin just shook his head. The mere thought of kissing Elysia was enough to know he''d be weing a p. It wasn''t the p he feared, but the thought of her being angry at him that did. He didn''t want to lose face in front of his friend, nor did he want to upset Elysia. He needed to think this through carefully. Taking a drag from his cigarette, he pondered - Elysia loved money, but what else? Keaton''s bunch of roses came to mind, and it irked him. Pulling out his phone, he dialed Lowell, "Buy out a flower shop!" Just as he finished his instructions, Elliot appeared. Tarquin quickly snuffed out his cigarette, his tone softening, "What are you doing here?" "Just wanted to talk." Elliot, looking all too serious for his age, stared up at him, "Mom''s the most important person to us. I don''t mind you chasing after her, but let mey it out straight - you can''t force her to like you, can''t make her anxious, and definitely can''t annoy her. If it doesn''t work out, don''t you dare take it out on her." Tarquin got the message. The callst night had made Elliot see right through his feelings for Elysia. He was here to issue a warning. Tarquin, earnest and gentle, replied, "I care about her just as much as you do. I''d never do anything to make her sad or hurt. Even if she never returns my feelings, I''d only be upset with myself, never her." Elliot nodded, then added, "Mom''s too good and has been through a lot. Now that she has us, we won''t let anyone hurt her. Treat her well, and we''ll do the same. But if anyone dares to hurt her, they''ll have to answer to us." His tone was calm, but the underlying threat was clear. Tarquin, affectionately ruffling Elliot''s hair, said, "Count me in your squad. Let''s protect her together. Us five guys, looking out for onedy." Elliot gave him a long, meaningful look before nodding. Changing the subject, Elliot mentioned, "I did some digging on Gideon. He wasn''t lying. He really doesn''t know who the mystery person is. You''re wasting your time on him." Hearing about the mysterious person made Tarquin frown. His mind had been so preupied with Elysia that he had even delegated the task of checking on the Bradford family''s move to Lowell. He had also set people on finding out about the mystery person, but to no avail. "Got any leads on him?" Tarquin asked. Elliot shook his head, "Nothing." This person was proving to be rmingly elusive. So far, they couldn''t even be sure if they had ever met his real identity. Considering he had arranged for a decoy, there could very well be more than one. Who knew if the ones they had met or who had contacted Gideon were just stand-ins? Chapter 607 Now, the only thing they knew for sure was that he had a heart-shaped birthmark over his chest. But given its location, it was almost impossible to spot. So, finding him was like looking for a needle in a haystack. They had to figure out some way to lure him out! The best way seemed to involve Elysia, but that meant putting her in danger. Elliot wasn''t willing to take that risk, and neither was Tarquin. There was a moment of silence in the hallway before Tarquin spoke up, "Don''t worry too much. Even if we do nothing, he''ll show up eventually. His n isn''t finished yet. If we can''t find any leads, we just wait!" Elliot agreed, nodding. The mystery man had been pulling the strings for years, ying a long game with a very specific goal in mind. He would continue to haunt them until the very end, sure to make a move himself! Until then, all they had to do was stay vignt and patient. Time passed, and there was still no word from the mystery man. It was as if he had vanished into thin air. Elliot and Tarquin found no traces of him. He made no moves. Life for the family of six was peaceful andfortable. Tarquin got along well with Elysia, as well as with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. That peace was disrupted when Elijah was discharged from the hospital half a monthter! Following their previous arrangement, Elijah went straight to the Future Community with Elysia. Blossom had already tidied up the house, even going as far as decorating it with balloons and streamers for a small wee party for Elijah. The house was filled with joy, and the kids were amazed as they walked in, "Wow!" Blossom lifted Elijah into her arms, cheerfully saying, "Wee to the Blossom household, Elijah. This is your home now. Here''s to your health and happiness every day." Elijah''s face turned red with emotion, "Thank you, Blossom." "Don''t mention it, don''t mention it. Now, you guys go check out the kids'' room. There''s a surprise waiting for you." The four little ones were thrilled, and Emmett even gave Blossom a peck on the cheek before they all ran off to the kids'' room. Elysia was deeply moved, embracing Blossom, "Thank you so much, Blossom." "Oh, stop it. No need for formalities with me." Blossom quickly turned to greet Tarquin and Lowell, "Mr. Bradford, Lowell,e on in. Have some tea." Tarquin, following behind Elysia, carried a suitcase filled with Elijah''s belongings. Lowell also arrived, armsden with gifts prepared in advance. Though Tarquin still felt uneasy about Blossom''s potential connection to the mystery man, he was touched by her efforts for Elijah. He politely expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for your hospitality." Blossom hurriedly responded, "It''s nothing, really. Oh, why did you bring so many gifts? You shouldn''t have." "It''s the least we could do." Lowell, all smiles, carried the gifts inside, asking Blossom where to put them. Blossom led Lowell to the storage room. Laughter and chatter from the kids'' room filled the air as Elysia watched from the doorway, her face a picture of contentment and joy. Tarquin nced inside too, seeing the kids ying on the bed. Blossom had reced the old bed with a custom-made bunk bed, the bottom bunk two meters wide and the top a bit over one meter wide. The four kids had plenty of room to sleep without feeling crowded. The bed sheets and covers were in a dark blue cartoon theme, matching the room''s dark blue wallpaper perfectly. There were four identical pillows and teddy bears on the bed, and cartoon decorations that any boy would love hung around the bed. It was clear that Blossom had put a lot of thought into making Elijah feel wee. Chapter 608 Elysia bit her lip, trying not to show it, but she was deeply touched. Having Blossom as her BFF was like winning the lottery three times over! Tarquin surveyed the cozy atmosphere of the room, his heart swelling with emotion, feeling a sense of peace settling in. Lowell had dropped off a gift and left, and Blossom went down to the basement to fetch something, leaving as well. Tarquin said his goodbyes to Elijah, "Whenever you miss daddy, just give me a call, okay?" "Okay! Take care of yourself, daddy." Elijah looked up at him with big, watery eyes. Tarquin felt a lump in his throat; goodbyes were always bittersweet, especially since this was the first time he''d be away from Elijah. He tousled Elijah''s hair, feeling reluctant to leave. Elysia felt a pang of softness, "Whenever you miss Elijah, you''re wee here anytime. Just give me a heads-up." "Thanks, it means a lot." Tarquin gave her a meaningful look before turning to leave. Elysia and the kids walked him to the door. That''s when the unexpected happened, catching everyone off guard- Keith suddenly showed up! As the door swung open, there stood Keith, wearing blue jeans, a ck hoodie, and a creamy-white down jacket, with arge suitcase by his side, as if he had just traveled from afar. His hand was still mid-air, frozen, apparently about to ring the doorbell when the door suddenly opened, leaving him startled. The household stood inside, Keith on the outside, separated only by the doorstep. Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s faces changed instantly upon seeing Keith, their hearts jumping to their throats, "!!!" Elysia was shocked, "Keith?!" Tarquin squinted at Keith, a flicker of recognition, yet unable to ce where he''d seen him before. Keith, equally stunned, quickly greeted Elysia politely. Then, his gaze shifted from Tarquin to Elijah, and finallynded on Elliot and Evan, "Are you two Elliot and Evan? Howe you..." (What happened to you? Disguised?) "Happy New Year, Keith!" Elliot quickly interrupted, dashing outside and mming the door shut behind him, leaving himself and Keith outside, and everyone else inside. Standing outside, Elliot said, "Mom, give us a moment, I need to have a quick word with Keith at the door." Elysia was gobsmacked, her eyes wide as saucers, breathing heavily, heart pounding! Keith was Elliot and Evan''s teacher, familiar with their true identities, thus his curiosity upon seeing their current appearances. Had Keith finished his question, the secret of Elliot and Evan''s disguises would''ve been out in front of Tarquin. Wouldn''t that mean Elliot and Evan''s cover was blown? Wouldn''t Tarquin discover the truth?! And now, Keith knew about the disguises! He must have figured out the father-son rtionship between Tarquin and the boys! This big secret exposed to an outsider! It was all going downhill from here, a total mess! Elysia''s panic and distress were evident to Tarquin, who, with furrowed brows, asked, "Who is he? What''s your connection with him?" Elysia was too nervous to speak, her lips moving but no sounding out. Clearly, something was up. Tarquin, suspicious, tried to step outside to investigate, but Elysia quickly stopped him! If he started chatting with Keith, Elliot and Evan''s secret would be out! Elysia grabbed Tarquin''s hand, pulling him towards the study. She locked the door behind them, leaning against it to block his exit. Chapter 609 Tarquin''s suspicion deepened as he witnessed the reactions of Elliot, Evan, Emmett, and Elysia upon seeing the man - shock and panic, but no hostility. This indicated the man wasn''t an enemy. If not an enemy, then what stirred such a reaction within them? There had to be something between Elysia and that man! Tarquin furrowed his brows, pressing for answers, "What exactly are you so nervous about?" Elysia, catching her breath with her longshes fluttering, attempted a lie with wide eyes, "Me, nervous? Not at all!" With a skeptical frown, Tarquin pushed, "It''s written all over your face. What is your rtionship with him?" "He... He''s Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s gym teacher, Keith." Keith? The kindergarten... Tarquin''s concern deepened, "He''s Keith?" "Yes, do you know him?" Tarquin''s frown deepened. Keith was the new homeowner across the street, the one Lowell had unsessfully tried to persuade into selling his house despite offering a price many times its worth. So, that''s why Lowell couldn''t seal the deal with Keith - it was all connected to Elysia! But what sort of rtionship could cause such a stir at the mere sight of him? And Keith, upon seeing him and Elijah, seemed just as taken aback. "You know him well?" Elysia shook her head instantly, "Not really, I''ve only seen him once before. Today was the second time." Tarquin half-doubted her words, "Just the second time and yet, you, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett react like this?" "We... What reaction? We''re just nervous seeing the teacher!" "Don''t insult my intelligence. If you don''t give me a straight answer, I''ll go ask him myself." Elysia''s eyes widened in panic, "You... you can''t go talk to him!" Tarquin scowled, "Then tell me the truth! What''s going on between you two?" "I told you, he''s the kids'' teacher. Our rtionship is purely that of a teacher and a parent. He camest time to visit Blossom, probably here for the same reason today." "Then why the panic at the sight of him?" "We didn''t..." Snap! Snap! 99 Not a p, but Tarquin cing his hands on the door frame, cutting off Elysia''s words. He cornered Elysia between himself and the door frame in a ssic move. Elysia shivered in fear, finding herself trapped with no escape! Tarquin, with a stern look, pressed her, "I''ll say it onest time, either you exin, or I go find him now." Breathless, Elysia knew she couldn''t reveal the truth nor let him confront Keith! But what to do? As her mind raced for a solution, Tarquin inched closer! His imposing presence was nearly overwhelming! Startled, Elysia let out a scream, "Ah!" Tarquin, looming over her, his voice icy, "Decided yet? Will I hear it from you, or him?" Elysia, feeling utterly trapped, could only look up at him with a pitiful expression, lips trembling. Tarquin''s brows knitted together in irritation, "Stop biting your lip!" Chapter 610 Elysia had finally caught Tarquin''s attention, urging him to let go. Her demeanor was reminiscent of a high school student sheepishly epting a scolding from the principal, regardless of whether they agreed or not. Tarquin was visibly upset. "Once is an ident, twice is a coincidence, there won''t be a third or fourth time! This is the second warning I''ve given you about biting your lip. Do it again, and you''ll face the consequences!" Elysia''s eyshes fluttered in defiance, but upon meeting his stern gaze, her courage faltered. Pouting, she could only grumble to herself, "What''s it to you if I bite my own lip? Got a bee in your bo or just salty because you live by the sea?" Tarquin, as if reading her mind, pressed his lips together in disdain and chose not to engage further, simply stating, "You''ve got three seconds to rethink your stance, or I''m going straight to Keith for answers. Three, two, one..." With that, he lifted her away from the doorway. Elysia was taken aback, her heart racing, "Hey!" But Tarquin was resolute, unmoved by any further dy. He was determined to seek answers from Keith directly. Elysia rushed over, grabbing his arm, "Please, don''t go!" Tarquin nced at her dismissively, "You''ve lost your say in this. I''m not interested in hearing more excuses. I''ll ask Keith directly." Despite her pleas, Tarquin coldly shrugged off her hand, his decision unchangeable. However, in the next moment- Elysia unexpectedly hugged him from behind! She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, a gesture so sudden it took him by surprise, making his heart race unexpectedly. Elysia wasn''t thinking too deeply about the embrace; it was purely an attempt to stop him from leaving. As she clung tightly to prevent him from breaking free, she nced up at his stern profile, pleading, "Can''t you just not go to Keith?" Tarquin, feeling a whirlwind of emotion, found it hard to stay mad. The fact that she was hugging him made it even harder to resist. Without saying a word, he turned within her grasp to face her directly, their embrace bing even more intimate. Elysia thought about letting go, fearing that if she did, he would indeed seek out Keith. And if Keith found out about Elliot and Evan disguising themselves, it would only be a matter of time before Tarquin discovered their true identity as his sons! This thought made Elysia hold on even tighter. As she pulled him closer, Tarquin, caught off guard by the affection, stumbled, and they both nearly fell. Just in time, Tarquin wrapped his arm around her waist, lifting her up and pressing her against the door, their bodies closely entangled. Breathless from the scare, Elysia was too preupied to notice the change in Tarquin''s demeanor until she felt something pressing against her. Realizing what it was, her heart skipped a beat, and she looked up at him with wide eyes... Chapter 611 Somehow, Tarquin found himself sweating bullets, his breathing heavy andden with an intensity that seemed to scorch the air itself. His gaze, fiery and desperate, suggested he was on the verge of losing control, his emotions a tempest barely contained. The bulging veins on his forehead, coupled with the unmistakable tension in his body, hinted at a struggle within. And from the evident arousal and the heat in his eyes, it was clear he was about to snap. Elysia, though not the sharpest tool in the shed, was far from foolish. She could tell exactly what was going on with him, and it sent her heart racing, fear tightening its grip on her throat. "You... oh..." Before she could say another word, Tarquin silenced her with a kiss, a clear sign he had lost all semnce of control. He wanted her, with a desperation that bordered on madness. Panicked, Elysia tried to push him away, but he was unyielding, pinning her arms above her head against the door with one hand, while the other pulled her closer, as if wishing to merge her into his very being. Their lips met in a sh of desperation and desire, a kiss so intense that Elysia found herself struggling for breath. His tongue invaded her mouth, tangling with hers in a way that left her dizzy and overwhelmed. Despite her initial resistance, Elysia''s will crumbled under the weight of his desire. Tarquin, fueled by her submission, grew even more fervent, driven by primal urges he couldn''t suppress. He had managed to keep his feelings hidden, never confessing his love for her, but his body''s desires were another story. Just like he knew he should wait for Elijah''s mother before making a move, he found himself unable to hold back. He wanted her, wanted to lose himself in her like he did in his dreams. The fire within him burned fiercely, and the physical ache was bing unbearable. Meanwhile, outside the room, Elliot was trying to exin the situation to Keith, with Elijah, Evan, and Emmett listening anxiously. After dragging Tarquin back to the study, the boys had rushed to find Elliot, hoping to keep their family''s secrets safe. Keith, after listening to Elliot, remained silent for a moment, the tension palpable. The boys feared their identities and their mother''s would be exposed if they couldn''t convince Keith to keep their secret. Finally, Keith spoke, seeking rification about their father''s ignorance of his other sons and their mother''s true identity. Elliot, Evan, and Emmett confirmed, exining their disguise was meant to protect this secret, as their father would grow suspicious otherwise. Keith seemed to understand their predicament, questioning why they hesitated to reveal themselves to their father. The boys shared their mother''s reluctance to be with him, fearing either being taken away or forcing their mother into an unhappypromise. "We don''t want our mom to be unhappy," Elliot said. "We know if we reveal ourselves, it might force her into a situation she doesn''t want to be in." Keith nodded thoughtfully, understanding the gravity of their situation. Chapter 612 Keith nodded again. "So, before your mom fell for him, you didn''t want to acknowledge him?" "Yeah." "I get it now. No wonder you were so startled when you saw me. What about him? Does he like your mom now?" "He does." Keith was surprised, "He likes her even without knowing the truth?" "Yeah, he said it himself." "Is it just a physical attraction, or does he genuinely like her from the bottom of his heart? Or is it because of certain circumstances that he feelspelled to like her?" Elliot was confused, "Isn''t liking just liking? Is there a difference in how you like someone?" Keith hesitated for a moment, then lifted his hand to ruffle Elliot''s hair. "There are many kinds of liking. You''re still young. You''ll understand when you grow up." Changing the subject, he asked, "What about you? Do you want them to be together or not?" Elliot responded, "We''ll follow our mom''s lead. If he likes her and she likes him, then of course we want them to be together." "I understand. Don''t worry, I won''t spill your secret. I''ll cover for you." Hearing this, the kids finally rxed and collectively thanked him, "Thanks, Keith!" Keith smiled, "You''re wee." He then seemed to remember something, his expression turning to one of disbelief, "The guy who''s been bugging me about buying a house recently, that wouldn''t happen to be him, would it?" "Huh? What do you mean?" Keith nced across the street and smiled, "I haven''t told you yet, but we''re going to be neighbors. I bought the house across from yours." "What?!", the kids were shocked. Keith smiled as he exined, "I heard from Blossom before the holidays that the house across from hers was going for a steal. I needed a ce, so I bought it. Then, a few dayster, someone offered to buy it from me for triple the price. I thought that was fishy because it''s a fixer-upper. The previous owner sold it for cheap, but this guy wanted to pay a premium for it, so I refused. I wonder if it was him." Elliot was aware, "It was him." Elijah was moving to the area, and Tarquin, wanting to keep an eye on things, didn''t think much of it at the time and didn''t investigate, so he didn''t know Keith had bought the house. Keith grimaced, "This is going to be awkward. He''s probably got a bone to pick with me over the house. Our discussions haven''t been pleasant." Elliot reassured him, "Don''t worry. He might be tough and opinionated, but he can be reasonable. Plus, you have us. If you really don''t want to sell it to him, we can talk to him." "That''s a relief. I really don''t want to sell. Themute to work is so much better; I can sleep in an extra half hour every morning." "Leave it to us." Keith offered, "I won''t let you help for nothing. If you want to make sure he''s really into your mom, I can lend a hand." The kids were puzzled, "????" Keith borated, "He''s going to keeping back about the house. I can pretend I''m not selling because of your mother." Elliot caught on quickly, surprised, "You mean pretend to be into my mom? Pretend you''re not selling the house just to get close to her, to pursue her?" "Exactly. It''s a solid n, and he won''t suspect a thing." The kids were speechless, ". Chapter 613 A few kids hesitated, their young minds sharp but not quite versed in theplexities of love and affection that seemed to baffle even the wisest of adults. Indeed, there seemed to be nothing more perplexing in the world than the matters of the heart! They were young, after all, with blind spots in their understanding of the adult world. And then there was the matter of Elijah''s request to Tarquin. What if Tarquin''s newfound affection for Mom was solely because of Elijah''s plea? Just because Tarquin was nice to Mom now didn''t mean his feelings were genuine. Mom was kind to him, sure, but it wasn''t like she was head over heels. It was better to clear things up, considering Mom''s happiness and how it would affect their ns going forward. They really wanted to get to the bottom of it. Elliot asked Keith, "Would testing this out affect Mom''s mood or daily life?" Mom''s well-being was always their top priority. If it would upset her, then it was a no-go. Keith smiled reassuringly, "Don''t worry, guys. I won''t let on that anything''s up. I know how to handle it. She won''t be affected." The three little ones agreed to Keith''s n and eagerly asked him how he intended to test it. Their conversation flowed easily and joyfully. It was clear that Elliot, Evan, and Emmett all liked Keith a lot. After all, Keith had been their teacher for a while, winning over the hearts of many kids back in preschool. Only Elijah remained silent, frowning at Keith with a cold gaze. He didn''t like this man! Not because Keith had proposed testing Dad. Elijah wasn''t against the idea, as he too wanted to know if Dad''s so-called affection for Mom was genuine or just because of his request. But the specific reason for his dislike of Keith eluded him; it was as if he was naturally repelled. "Why did you buy the house across the street and thene knocking on our door with your luggage instead of going straight home?" Elijah suddenly spoke up. His brow was furrowed, and his deep eyes shimmered with an inscrutable light. Keith turned to Elijah, clearly sensing the boy''s coolness towards him, but he didn''t get angry. Instead, he exined calmly, "I bought the house right before the holidays and had it being fixed up while I was away. I left the keys with Blossom to keep an eye on things for me. I needed to collect the keys from her before I could move in." Elijah was silent. Blossom, returning from the basement with some items, was surprised to see the group in the hallway. She rushed over, her eyes darting between Elliot and Evan, and asked Keith nervously, "When did you get back?" Keith replied with a rxed tone, "Just a little while ago. Don''t worry, I''ve got the gist of why Elliot and Evan dressed up as Emmett. I''ll keep their secret." Relieved, Blossom let out a sigh, "I really appreciate you keeping this under wraps for Elysia''s sake. I''ll go get your keys." After fetching Elliot, Blossom quietly asked him, "Tell me everything Keith knows, so I don''t identally spill the beans about something he''s unaware of." Elliot quickly briefed Blossom on what he''d shared with Keith. "Got it! I''ll go give him the keys." After handing over the keys, Elliot walked to the study and called out, "Mom." Chapter 614 In the study, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Elysia found herself pinned down on the couch by Tarquin, his weight pressing her firmly into the cushions. Somehow, their heated argument had spiraled into this moment of passion, moving from the entrance to the seclusion of the study. Tarquin''s lips imed hers with an assertive hunger, his hands firmly holding hers in ce. Though he was clearly losing control, he dared not take things further with Elysia here, in this ce. Instead, he poured all his pent-up longing into their kiss, venting days of yearning. Elysia was utterly dazed by the intensity of his kiss, her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, her eyshes fluttering. It wasn''t until Elliot''s voice pierced the air again, calling out "Mommy?" that she snapped back to reality. Her eyes widened in shock, and she immediately began to resist. Tarquin too heard Elliot''s voice, reluctantly releasing her lips but still remaining close, his body hovering over hers. The room was charged with their heavy breathing, faces inches apart. Tarquin''s frustration was evident in his furrowed brows and dark expression, while Elysia, overwhelmed with embarrassment, could hardly meet his gaze, quickly averting her eyes. This gave Tarquin a clear view of her flushed neck and ears, igniting an even fiercer desire within him. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to calm down and finally stood up, his expression unreadable. Despite his unfulfilled desires, he knew he had already pushed the boundaries by leaving her lips swollen. He expected a p was imminent. However, as soon as Elysia was free, she leaped up from the couch and dashed for the door. Tarquin was puzzled. "Not going to p me?" Just as she reached for the doorknob, Tarquin quickly regained his senses and caught her, whispering lowly, "Your hair''s a mess, and your lips are swollen. If you go out now, they''ll notice." Elysia paused, then turned to the desk to grab a small mirror. The reflection showing her disheveled state enraged her, and she stormed over with her hand raised for a p. Tarquin braced himself, the dyed retribution he expected was about tond. But instead of letting her hit him, he caught her wrist gently and offered apromise, "We havepany soon. Can this wait? A p mark would be too telling." Elysia, frustrated and unable to pull away, resorted to kicking him instead. After a few kicks, she identally hurt her toe, wincing in pain. Tarquin immediately carried her back to the couch to check her foot, ensuring no serious injury. Holding her foot stirred his desire again, but at her resistance, he quickly let go, saying, "Take a moment here to collect yourself. I''ll handle our guests. Just wait a bit beforeing out." Elysia shot him a fierce look, wrapping herself in a throw nket, her demeanor clearly showing she was flustered and embarrassed. "Mommy?" Elliot''s voice came from outside the door once more. Tarquin adjusted his clothes hastily, trying to appear nonchnt as he opened the door to find Elliot with a puzzled expression. "Where''s Mommy? What were you guys doing in there? Why didn''t you open the door?" Elliot asked innocently. Chapter 615 Tarquin fibbed, "She''s just tuckered out. I was trying to help her sleep and missed your call." Elliot was puzzled, "You were helping my mom sleep?" "Yeah, she''s been burning the candle at both ends at the hospital with Elijah. She''s been all out of sorts today. Tried to nap but couldn''t settle, so I helped her rx." Elysia was seething internally. Rascal! Liar! Who asked him for help?! She''s not a toddler in need of bedtime stories, is she? This jerk, can''t hee up with a better excuse?! Elliot clearly wasn''t buying it. His gaze shifted between Tarquin and the direction of the study where Elysia was, eventually deciding to check on her himself. Elysia panicked and feigned sleep! Tarquin stood by the doorway, suggesting, "Let her catch some Z''s, don''t disturb her now." Elliot peered at Elysia, instantly seeing through the act. His mom was many things, but an Oscar-worthy actress she was not. Who sleeps with their eyshes fluttering like that? But if mom was ying possum, there had to be a reason. He chose not to call her out, instead offering, "Mom, take it easy. I''ve sorted things out with Keith. Get some rest." After ensuring his mom was left undisturbed, Elliot stepped out, closing the door gently behind him. Once outside, he confronted Tarquin, "What exactly did you do to my mom?" "She was all nerves when she dragged you into the study, and now she''s pretending to sleep? What''s up?" Tarquin''s lips twitched, dodging, "Kid, grown-up stuff. Don''t pry." He then realized Keith wasn''t around, asking, "Where''s Keith?" Elliot, letting go of his suspicions, replied, "He headed back to his ce, just across the hall." Tarquin frowned. His previous mention of helping Elysia was meant for Keith''s ears, hoping to unt a bit of affection. Seems his nned disy of affection fell through. Switching topics, he quizzed Elliot, "What did you two discuss?" "Private matters." Tarquin was left hanging just as Blossom, Evan, Emmett, and Elijah made their way in. Seizing the moment, Tarquin excused himself, "Don''t bother Elysia, she needs rest. I''m stepping out for a smoke." After calming his nerves with a few cigarettes at the end of the corridor, his desire cooled off, he found himself at Keith''s door, ringing the bell. He needed rity on what was between Keith and Elysia! Keith answered almost immediately, d in casual whites, not at all surprised to see Tarquin, as if he''d been expecting him. Squinting slightly, he invited, "Come in, let''s chat." Tarquin entered, noting the ce''s modern and simplistic makeover, a stark contrast to hisst visit. The living room, devoid of the usual sofas and coffee table, featured a solid wood table, benches, an expansive bookshelf, and a cozy nook on the balcony with a lounge chair among lush nts. A fish tank added a touch of life to the space, hinting at Keith''s caring nature. "Have a seat," Keith offered, brewing a cup of tea with a courteous nod. Tarquin settled down, and before he couldunch into questions, Keith preempted, "I just found out you were the other interested buyer for this ce. Sorry if I seemed standoffish before." Tarquin''s brows knitted together as he asked, "How did you know it was me?" "Elliot told me just now. He knew you wanted the apartment but didn''t realize I was the new owner; otherwise, he would''ve mentioned it sooner." "So, that chat with Elliot was about the apartment?" "Yeah, he hoped we wouldn''t let the propertye between us." Chapter 616 Tarquin furrowed his brow, deep in thought. If Elliot came to talk about this, why was Elysia nervous? It dawned on him that Elysia had no clue about his ns to buy a house! "What exactly is your rtionship with Elysia?" he quizzed. Keith shot back, "What do you think it is?" After locking eyes for a few tense seconds, Keith broke the silence, "We''re just a parent and a teacher, but I''ve got a thing for her." Tarquin''s face transformed instantly, his gaze sharpening like a de, icy and cutting. With an air of calm, Keith continued, "That''s why I''m sorry, but I can''t sell you the house. I bought it because of her. I want to pursue her." Tarquin''s lips tightened, hisplexion turning stormy, his tone frosty, "You better stay away from her!" "Oh? And why''s that?" "You''re not worthy of her affection!" "I beg to differ. I''m single, we''re around the same age, I''m a decent guy with a stable job. I can bring home the bacon and do the chores. More importantly, not only do I fancy her, but I also have a soft spot for Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. I genuinely want to pursue her, to give her and the kids a home." Visibly agitated, Tarquin yanked at his tie, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it with a flick of his lighter. With a snap, he tossed the lighter on the table. After taking a few drags, he spoke, "I''ll give you an out. Forget about Elysia, sell me the house at a high price, and I''ll throw in another one for free. Disappear from Elysia, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s lives!" Keith''s eyes narrowed at the proposition, "Why should I follow your directions? Sorry, Mr. Bradford, but I''m not taking the path you''re offering. I care for her, and her kids, and I intend to be their husband and father." Suddenly, Keith pulled out a bug from his pocket and turned it off in front of Tarquin. Elliot had given him the device, and the kids were eavesdropping on their conversation. After shutting off the bug, Keith smirked, leaned in, and said, "I''ve actually been into her for a while now. I..." Whatever Keith whispered next sent Tarquin into a frenzy, his face contorting with rage! Dropping his cigarette, he threw a punch without another word! Keith turned the bug back on, touched the blood at the corner of his mouth, and challenged, "Who are you to dictate who I can or cannot like?!" Tarquin, driven to fury by Keith''s words, grabbed him by the cor for another punch. As they scuffled, Keith argued, "If you''re into her too, we could''vepeted fairly! You can''t just force me out. If she starts liking you, I''d step back willingly. But does she like you now? She doesn''t! So, I have every right and reason to pursue her. I genuinely care for her. But what about you? Do you... Ah, ouch..." Hearing Keith''s pained groans, the four little ones listening in were stunned, then quickly dashed out of the room towards themotion. Blossom, busy prepping ingredients in the kitchen, saw the kids scrambling out and followed them, curious. Upon seeing Keith''s condition, Blossom''s eyes widened, and she screamed, "Oh my God!" The scream echoed through the open doors of both apartments, reaching Elysia''s ears. Realizing something was wrong, Elysia threw off her nket and rushed out to see what had happened. Chapter 617 At Keith''s ce, the scene was chaotic. Tarquin had been yanked away from Keith by a bunch of kids. Keithy on the ground, battered and bruised, blood staining his face, his expression twisted in agony. Blossom was frantically dialing 911. Elysia, upon entering, was taken aback by the sight, her eyes nearly popping out of her sockets! Seeing Keith bleeding from his head, she rushed to his side, her voice filled with urgency, "Everything was fine just a moment ago, what happened?! Do you have a first aid kit? Blossom has one at her ce! Blossom, go grab your first aid kit, I need to stop Keith''s bleeding!" "Right away!" Blossom hurried off to fetch the kit. Elysia, with furrowed brows, examined Keith''s wounds, her face etched with worry. Keith, despite the pain, responded with a gentle voice, "Don''t worry, and don''t be scared. I''m a grown man; these injuries are nothing." Speaking seemed to hurt him as he winced, clearly in pain from a wound in his mouth. Elysia''s brows were knitted tightly together. Keith''s injuries were severe: a broken arm, a still-bleeding head wound that definitely needed stitches, and who knew what else inside his mouth! "I''m... really fine, don''t worry," Keith managed to say, though his voice was weak. Blossom returned with the first aid kit, and Elysia told him, "Don''t talk, I need to stop the bleeding." She carefully opened the kit, took out alcohol wipes and cotton swabs, and gently started cleaning his wounds. Tarquin watched her flurry of worried and tender actions, feeling a burning rage coupled with jealousy! He felt like he''d been submerged in a vat of vinegar! From the moment she walked in, she hadn''t nced at him, not even a flicker of attention! Her entire focus was on Keith! Tarquin stepped forward, grabbing Elysia''s arm, "Stop fussing over him!" Elysia was startled, only then noticing Tarquin. Tarquin was unharmed but had blood on his hands! "Did you do this to Keith?" She was still piecing things together, having rushed in to see the injured Keith and, acting on instinct to help, hadn''t noticed anything else. Tarquin''s silence was admission enough for Elysia, who was shocked, "Why would you attack Keith?" "He had iting!" Tarquin clenched his jaws, ring at Keith fiercely. Elysia frowned, "I''ll deal with youter." Putting aside the reason for their fight for the moment, and seeing Tarquin was unhurt, she tried to shake off his grip to continue tending to Keith. Tarquin''s anger soared, and without another word, he tried to drag her away, insisting she leave Keith alone. Elysia struggled, "Let me go! Keith''s head is still bleeding; I need to take care of it!" Tarquin snapped, "He deserves it! Leave him be!" Elysia, frustrated, shook off his grip with all her might, "If you want to leave, then go ahead, but don''t tell me what to do!" Regardless of Keith being their teacher or a stranger, she couldn''t stand idly by and watch him bleed out without doing anything! Especially since Tarquin was the one who had caused the injuries, Keith''s wellbeing was now his responsibility too! Elysia returned to Keith''s side, "This might hurt a bit, but I''ll be as gentle as I can." "Don''t worry about me. I can handle it," Keith assured her, casting a meaningful nce at Tarquin. Wasn''t that a tant challenge? Chapter 618 Tarquin''s lips pressed into a thin line, his breath heavy, his chest heaving, and his face a stormy grey. He was clearly furious! He red at Keith for a few seconds, clenched his jaw hard, and then stormed toward Elysia. He was about to forcefully whisk her away to keep her from dealing with Keith. But Elijah grabbed him, "Daddy." Elijah shook his head at him, taking his hand and leading him outside. If this kept up, Daddy and Mommy were bound to get even angrier! Once they were out, Elijah said, "Mommy is kind-hearted, and Keith is Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s tutor. She couldn''t just ignore him. If you force her not to care, Mommy will definitely be mad at you." Tarquin, seething with rage, wanted to smoke but couldn''t do so in front of his child, was incredibly frustrated. Just thinking about what Keith had said made him want to strangle him! And yet Elysia was so concerned about him! This foolish woman! Elijah said, "Mommy is worried about him and even treated his wounds. It''s not because she likes him. Daddy, you need to calm down." Tarquin fumed, "She''s just naive! It''s like she''d count the money for someone who sold her out! She must have been born without a brain!" Elijah frowned, "Don''t talk about Mommy like that." Tarquin''s heart felt heavy as he looked at his son. Elijah said, "We heard your conversation. He had a bug on him from Elliot. He was testing you today, to see if you really care about Mommy." "Testing me?" "Yeah, it was his idea." Elijah exined the whole situation to Tarquin, whose face darkened even more. If it weren''t for what he had said, Tarquin might have believed it was a test. But those words, especially since they were said after he knowingly turned off the bug, indicated a significant issue! The words he said today were probably his true feelings, just masked as a test! "Daddy, the signal cut off right when you were about to react. Did he say something to provoke you, or were you jealous of what he said earlier?" The kids were sensitive, too; they noticed something was off when the signal suddenly cut. Tarquin clenched his jaw, looking at Elijah. Those kinds of things, he couldn''t discuss in front of the children. "This Keith is trouble. Stay away from him!" "We can''t avoid him; he''s Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s tutor, and they all like him." "I''ll find a way to make him disappear!" Elijah frowned and shook his head, "He''s Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s tutor. If you do something to hurt him, Mommy will definitely get mad, just like now. Unless Mommy also realizes there''s something wrong with him." Tarquin''s mood turned even darker, pondering how to make Elysia see Keith''s true colors. How could he do that without revealing his own feelings for her? What if she knew and started to avoid him? Paramedics rushed in, and Keith needed to go to the hospital. Elysia wanted to follow, but Blossom said, "The kids are still at home. I''ll go by myself; you stay here and take care of them. And try to find out why they fought?" So, Elysia stayed behind. She stood in the hallway and told the four little ones, "Elliot, Evan, Emmett, Elijah, go back to your rooms; I need to have a word with him alone!" The four kids nced at Elysia warily and obediently headed back inside. Chapter 619 Elysia red at Tarquin, her fury palpable. It looked like she was seriously pissed off! Tarquin, with his brows knitted tightly, met her gaze. The anger inside him hadn''t cooled off yet, and her fiery demeanor only added to his frustration! Was she about toy into him on Keith''s behalf?! Did she think he was in the wrong? "Are you hurt?" she suddenly asked. Tarquin blinked, taken aback. The first thing she did was ask about his well-being. Feeling slightly mollified but still stubborn, he scowled and said bitterly, "My whole heart might as well be trampled on by Keith, and you''re still worried about whether I''m dead or alive?!" Elysia rolled her eyes, unable to hold back her irritation, "You beat him up so bad, if something serious happens to him, who''s gonna take the fall? If I don''t patch him up and he ends up worse, how would you handle that?" "Deserves him right if he dies!" "You think you''d feel any better?" "Absolutely!" "Stubborn!" she snapped. "Even if you did, you wouldn''t get away with it!" Tarquin only caught the word ''stubborn'', and his face darkened as his mind raced with thoughts. He red at Elysia, swallowed hard, and looked away like a jealous child, "Just tell me, who are you actually concerned about, him or me?" Without hesitation, Elysia said, "Of course, I''m worried about both!" Tarquin, dissatisfied, pressed, "But who are you more worried about?! Why even care about him? Do you like him or something?" "Like him, my foot! He''s Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s coach, and now thanks to you, he''s injured. Why wouldn''t I be concerned?!" "He''s a jerk, no reason for you to care about him!" "Aren''t you just making a scene now?" "Me, making a scene? You think it''s my fault we fought?!" "I..." Elysia was taken aback. Was his head injured too? His thinking was seriously off-kilter! Talking to him was like talking to a wall; he wasn''t getting the gist of what she was saying at all! Elysia dropped the subject, circling back to her original question, "Are you actually hurt? Where does it hurt?" Tarquin, still irritable, retorted, "Yes!" "Where? Let me check!" "My heart hurts!" Elysia: "..." She was beyond exasperated! She was about to have a heart attack from the frustration! She stopped asking and instead grabbed his wrist to check his pulse. He tried to shake her off, but she scolded him, "Stay still! Keep this up, and I swear I''ll stop caring!" Tarquin, fuming, shot back, "So you''d rather care about Keith, is that it?" Elysia rolled her eyes, not bothering to respond, and finished checking his pulse. Aside from being overly emotional, he was physically fine. That gave her some peace of mind. It seems in this scuffle, Keith was the only one who got the short end of the stick. A clear case of one doing the hitting, and the other getting hit! Elysia calmed herself, "Now, tell me, why did you fight with Keith?" "He had iting!" Elysia frowned at him, "If you don''t exin, I''m going to assume the worst about you." Hearing that made Tarquin''s blood pressure spike again! His brain was definitely not functioning properly at the moment, clouded by jealousy, always missing the point in Elysia''s words. All he could think about was how sour he felt! "Me, the problem? You think it''s all my fault?" Elysia said, "If you hit someone without a good reason, then yes, it''s your fault!" "And you think I''d hit him for no reason?!" "That''s why I''m asking! I''m not ming you; I just want to know the reason." Tarquin pressed his lips thin, "Why do you even need a reason?" "How am I supposed to understand the situation without knowing the reason?" Chapter 620 Elysia red at him, her patience wearing thin. "What on earth is your problem?" she demanded, her voice rising in frustration. Wasn''t she just asking a simple question? How did that make it her fault? Even if he was mad at Keith, why take it out on her? Why did he have such a big issue with her anyway? Tarquin''s chest heaved with anger. What was he so mad about? Mad at thement Keith made. Mad that she seemed to care about Keith. Mad that he couldn''t express his feelings for her without blowing his cover, leaving him to swallow his pride in silence. And mad that she didn''t just blindly take his side but kept asking questions to figure out who was in the right between him and Keith. Keith was right about one thing: she didn''t like him. If she did, she would''ve sided with him no questions asked! He knew she didn''t have feelings for him, and yet, here he was, fuming over it, about to explode with rage! In a fit of anger, he blurted out, "You need to cut Keith offpletely. If I catch you talking to him again, I''m taking Elijah with me today!" Thatment hit Elysia like a ton of bricks, and she lost it. "Are you out of your mind?!" she exploded. "Your beef with Keith has nothing to do with me! I was just trying to show some concern for you, and yoush out at me?! What did I ever do to you?! And now you want to take Elijah away from me? We had an agreement that you''d only take him after you''ve caught the culprit and he''s fully recovered, but now you... you''re going back on your word! You''re being unreasonable!" Tears welled up in Elysia''s eyes as she spoke, and without another word, she turned and stormed home. Tarquin''s heart softened instantly. He hurried after her, calling out, "Elysia." "Don''t talk to me!" Elysia snapped, shrugging off his hand and pushing through the front door. The four little ones stood at the doorway, staring at her in unison. Elysia paused, her lips moving but no sounding out. She knew she would break down if she spoke. Tarquin followed her inside, and Elysia shot him a tearful re before retreating to her room, mming the door shut and locking it from the inside. Tarquin moved to follow her, but Elliot, Evan, and Emmett blocked his way, their tone icy, "Stay away from our mom!" Tarquin frowned, the kids'' attitude towards him adding to his distress. "I didn''t mean to upset her." Elliot used, "You made her cry!" Evan stated, "I don''t care who''s right or wrong, or the reason. You made our mom cry, that''s on you!" Emmett added tearfully, "You... you were mean to our mom. She was just trying to be nice to you, and you yelled at her." Elijah, with a scowl, chimed in, "You shouldn''t have threatened to take me away! And mom was really just worried about you!" That had been thest straw for their mom. Regret washed over Tarquin. He had just wanted to push Elysia away from Keith. There was something off about Keith! But he couldn''t exin himself, and in a moment of overwhelming jealousy and anger, he had spoken out of turn. "I''m sorry, I just said that in the heat of the moment. I didn''t really n on taking Elijah away." Elliot, Evan, and Emmett red silently while Elijah advised, "Let mom cool down. You should go cool off too. We''re here for her, so don''t worry." Tarquin nced at the kids, then back towards Elysia''s room, "Try to make her feel better." With that, he left, pulling at his tie in frustration the moment he was out of sight. Keith, huh? Alright, then. War it is. Chapter 621 The moment Tarquin left, the kids immediately rushed to Elysia''s room. Elliot knocked on the door, "Mom, he didn''t really mean to take Elijah away. Don''t be upset, okay?" Elijah''s expression was serious, "Mom, he can''t take me without my say-so. Don''t worry." Emmett started to sob, "Mom, he''s gone now. Can you open the door, please?" Elysia was in her room, tears streaming down her face, feeling utterly wronged. Hearing Emmett cry, she quickly dried her tears, opened the door, and scooped Emmett into her arms tofort him, "It''s okay, Emmett. Don''t be scared. No more crying, okay?" Emmett clung tightly to Elysia''s neck, "I don''t want Mom to be sad, waa." "Yeah, Mom''s not sad anymore. I was just worried he''d take Elijah away, but now that he said he won''t, I''m fine, see?" Elysia, holding Emmett, sat on the living room couch and gently wiped away his tears. Evan and Elijah quickly joined them. Elliot ran to the kitchen first to get Elysia a ss of warm water, then sat down and came clean, "Mom, it wasn''t Dad''s fault he and Keith had a fight. It''s on us. We were just curious if Dad really liked you, so we..." Elliot exined the whole ordeal of testing Tarquin''s feelings, leaving Elysia astonished, "Why would you... How could you..." All four kids were in on it, apologizing together, "Sorry, Mom." They had merely wanted to test if Tarquin truly cared for their mom, never anticipating it would upset her. Had they known, they would have never agreed to it. Elysia frowned, her head buzzing with confusion, "And here I was wondering what all this had to do with me! Turns out it''s all about me!" Those kids really... "How did you evene to think he liked me?" Elliot, not wanting to reveal Tarquin''s true feelings, exined, "We noticed he''s been really nice to youtely, so we just wanted to be sure if he liked you or not." Elysia pursed her lips, "Being nice doesn''t mean he''s fallen for me, got it?" "Oh." The kids nodded in unison. "But still, why did it have to lead to a fight?" Elysia continued. Elliot replied, "Maybe Keith crossed a line, said something he shouldn''t have, and provoked him." By now, the kids figured the main issue must have happened in those few seconds when the listening device went silent. Something Keith said or did in that moment must have set Tarquin off. That''s why Tarquin, unable to hold back any longer,shed out! But they were clueless about what exactly transpired in those seconds. However, they were certain the fight wasn''t Tarquin''s fault; he wasn''t to me. Elysia couldn''t make sense of it, "What could Keith have possibly said to drive him to violence?" The kids shook their heads; they were just as in the dark. Elijah said with a tight voice, clearly angry, "It definitely wasn''t anything nice, or Dad wouldn''t have gotten so mad! Dad might have a short fuse, but he''s not the type tosh out without reason." Elijah was fuming, not at Keith directly, but at the situation. Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, despite their past good times with Keith, weren''t holding any grudges against him for making their mom upset; they were ming themselves. But Elijah saw things differently; from his perspective, an outsider, everything was crystal clear. The whole mess was sparked by Keith''s suggestion to test Tarquin. Perhaps Keith knew Tarquin would be at a disadvantage, unable to defend himself verbally, which is why he might have intentionally provoked the fight. He got hurt, knowing full well that their mom would intervene and inevitably question Tarquin about the fight. Chapter 622 Dad''s got his reasons, mixed with a pinch of jealousy, and that''s how we ended up in this mess! Right now, Elijah thinks of Keith as what? Right, a wolf in sheep''s clothing! He''s just like those people you hear about on the inte, all innocent on the surface but scheming behind the scenes, trying to mess up Dad and Mom''s rtionship! All this talk about "helping to test" - it''s a trap! But without any proof to back up his suspicions, Elijah keeps his mouth shut. No proof, no persuasion. Luckily, Elliot is clear-headed enough. Even though he doesn''t me Keith, he knows it''s not Dad''s fault for the fight. Elysia nods, having known someone for a while now, just like Elijah said, he might have a temper, but he''s not the type to start a fight without reason. "But if it''s not his fault, why won''t he tell me why they fought?" she muses. Elijah frowns in response, "Dad must have his reasons, something he can''t exin to Mom." Elysia is puzzled, what could be so hard to say? But she trusts her kids! If they say it wasn''t his fault, then it must not be. She decides she needs to talk to him more about it. After a moment of silence, Elysia says, "Let''s not worry about this anymore, it''s grown-ups'' business. But no more foolishness, and you must tell Mom everything first thing!" "Is Mom still mad?" "No, I''m not mad. I know you''re all good kids." Elijah quickly asks, "So, Mom, you''re not mad at Dad anymore?" Elysia thinks for a moment and says, "Fighting is definitely not okay. You can''t follow his example. We live in a society ofws; we must be civilized, especially you, Evan, got it? No fighting!" The kids nod eagerly. Elysia continues, "But since you all said it wasn''t his fault, I won''t me him. As long as he doesn''t try to take you away from me, we can live in peace. Alright, don''t worry about this anymore. I''ll call Blossom to check on Keith." Elysia heads back to the bedroom to call Blossom. Blossom reports that Keith needed stitches and is now in a cast. Elysia frowns; it sounds pretty serious. Blossom asks, "Did you find out why they fought?" Elysia counters, "Did Keith say anything?" "With doctors and nurses around on the way, and then all the check-ups at the hospital, I haven''t had the chance to ask him." Elysia sighs, "It''splicated, ask Keith when you get a chance. And tell him I''m sorry about today, I''ll cover his medical expenses." Blossom is surprised, "Why would you pay? What about their cheapskate dad?" Elysia purses her lips, knowing his temper, he wouldn''t care about Keith. "He''s given me plenty of money before; I''ll cover it this time." "Alright, I''ll tell Keith." After a brief chat, they hang up. Elysia holds her phone, debating whether to call Tarquin. But then she thinks better of it, guessing he''s still fuming. A conversation now would only lead to another argument. Better let him cool off first. Meanwhile, Tarquin is already at Blissful Uncle''s Bar. Keaton is shocked to see him, sensing the tension in the air as if a few rounds wouldn''t be enough to calm him down. He cautiously asks the brooding figure, "What happened this time?" Tarquin, lounging on the sofa with his legs crossed, smoking a cigarette, his expression could freeze you solid. Keaton ventures again, "Is it Elysia again?" It seems no one else has the power to get under his skin like she does! Chapter 623 Tarquin''s brows furrowed upon hearing the words. He was on the verge of blowing his top but then thought better of it, swallowing his anger as he sullenly took a drag from his cigarette, staying silent. Keaton already knew the answer and sighed inwardly. He always said, in the game of love, the first one to fall is the one who loses! The one who falls first is always the most vulnerable and gets hurt the easiest! And because Tarquin fell first, that''s why he was sulking every other day. Keaton didn''t say anything, just smoked alongside him. When he felt Tarquin had cooled down a bit, he offered, "How about we crack open a beer?" Tarquin, with a cold expression, flicked his cigarette ash, "No!" If he got drunk and went off to bed, what about Elysia? He wasn''t sure the kids could actually cheer Elysia up! And what if that Keith guy took advantage of him being sound asleep to go after Elysia? So, no drinking! Keaton didn''t push it, "So, what''s going on with Elysia? Let me help you figure it out." Tarquin took a deep drag from his cigarette and spilled the beans about Keith. After listening, Keaton couldn''t help but exim, "Wow, looks like you''ve got a wolf in sheep''s clothing on your hands!" Both Keaton and Elijah were outsiders in this, which meant they could see the situation clearly and immediately spotted what was really going on. Tarquin, still with a cold demeanor, said, "The guy''s a real piece of work, and Elysia won''t believe me!" Keaton replied, "Let''s put him aside for a moment and talk about you. Your biggest issue is that even though you know Elysia doesn''t like you, you''re measuring her actions by the standard of ''she loves you.'' How are you not gonna get hurt? From Elysia''s perspective, first off, she doesn''t like you, why should she trust you? She has no reason to blindly take your side. Second, she''s clueless about the whole testing thing, doesn''t know why you guys were fighting. So, her asking about the fight is a natural response. Also, you need to see things from another angle. She''s taking care of the wolf in sheep''s clothing maybe because of you. You were the one who roughed him up; if he died, you''d be responsible! Elysia is thinking ahead for you." Tarquin, still smoking, didn''t reply. Keaton knew he had cooled down by now and probably understood everything he said. The reason he acted that way was simply out of anger and jealousy, not being rational. All he could think about was who Elysia cared about more! Keaton continued, "You can''t let the wolf in sheep''s clothing win! Getting mad at him is one thing, but you can''t afford to mess things up with Elysia. If you two are in a tiff, the wolf in sheep''s clothing would be thrilled. As long as you and Elysia are solid, the one getting angry will be him!" Tarquin''s brows furrowed again. After calming down, he wasn''t mad at Elysia anymore and actually regretted blowing up at her earlier. It''s like biting the hand that feeds you, and he was the biter! Keaton asked, "I haven''t heard you mention this guy before, where did hee from?" After taking a few more puffs of his cigarette, Tarquin finally spoke up, "He''s Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s teacher, but he never had any private dealings with Elysia before." "Right! He''s also the teacher of Elysia''s sons, so there''s no way Elysia could just ignore him. But they''ve had no private interactions, so how did he fall for Elysia?" Tarquin grumbled, "Still unclear." "Have you looked into him?" "Checked him out, his background is clean." Given Elliot''s cautious nature towards Keith, Keith probably wasn''t a threat. Elliot was cautious and would have noticed if Keith was up to no good. Regardless of whether Keith was truly after Elysia or had other motives, the goal was to get rid of him ASAP! But getting rid of him was tricky, given his special status as the teacher of Elliot, Evan, and Emmett! Keaton guessed his thoughts and suggested, "If it''s tricky to take direct action against him, then work it from Elysia''s side. Arrange for Elysia to move out of the Blossom household, then switch her sons'' preschool. Cut off any chance for the wolf in sheep''s clothing to get close to Elysia." Chapter 624 Tarquin''s brow twitched slightly; indeed, that might just work! Keith was stubbornly refusing to sell his house? Fine, let''s have Elysia move out then! Keith''s role as a teacher to Elliot, Evan, and Emmett was aplicated issue? Easy fix: switch the kids'' schools, so Keith would no longer be their teacher! Without any reason to see Elysia, how could he possibly pursue her? Mulling over his n, Tarquin suddenlyshed out and kicked Keaton hard. Keaton, caught off guard, eximed, "What the heck, man?!" Tarquin sneered at him, "You''re slightly betterpany than a stray dog. I''m outta here." He snubbed out his cigarette and left, leaving Keaton in disbelief. Keaton muttered under his breath, "Jerk!" ... When Tarquin returned to the Future Community, he found Elysia cleaning up at Keith''s ce. The sight soured his mood further, but this time, he managed to keep his cool, albeit barely. Standing at the doorway, he frowned deeply and said to Elysia, "Come outside." Elysia nced at him, a mix of confusion and irritation in her expression. "Give me a minute." Tarquin''s lips pressed into a thin line, fighting the urge tosh out again. He watched her for a few seconds, bitterness evident in his tone. "I''ll wait in the hallway." "Okay." Tarquin turned and left, his mood darkening by the second. Elysia continued her chores, feeling guilty for the chaos that had unfolded because of her, turning a once peaceful home into a disaster zone. Moreover, she was doing it for Blossom, who had a faint heart for blood. Blossom had called earlier, saying she''d be back with Keith soon. Keith, stubborn as always, refused to stay in the hospital and wanted to recuperate at home. Elysia hurried to clean up the most conspicuous blood stains, nning to deal with the restter, mindful of Tarquin waiting outside. Upon stepping out, she saw him at the end of the hallway, smoking, a clear sign of his bad mood. She sighed inwardly, approaching him. Tarquin immediately put out his cigarette; he knew she hated the smell. "Shall we take a walk downstairs?" Elysia offered, her voice calm and gentle, surprising Tarquin given their recent fallout. He eyed her warily, "You''re not mad anymore?" "I''m over it. But violence is never the answer. It sets a bad example for the kids," Elysia replied, her tone firm yet fair. Tarquin felt a twinge of defiance but managed to keep a conciliatory face. "I''ll be more mindful, at least not in front of the kids." To himself, he thought, if ites to it, I''d still take a stand, kids or no kids around. Elysia rolled her eyes, "You should avoid fighting altogether. We''re adults, not schoolkids. Talk things out instead of throwing punches." Tarquin mumbled, "You hit me all the time, too." "I... do I?!" Elysia was taken aback, then caught his teasing gaze. She couldn''t help but smile, albeit briefly, at his yful usation. "Fine, but I don''t make a habit of it. And it''s hardly the same as you fighting Keith. You were out for blood." Recalling the intensity of their altercation made her shudder. If the kids hadn''t intervened, Keith could have been seriously hurt. Seeing her flustered made Tarquin''s mood lift. His earlier gloom vanished as he shed a charming smile, his tone affectionate, "I don''t mind you hitting me, just keep it private. A man''s got his pride." Elysia paused, sensing something off in his words but was interrupted before she could ponder further. "Let''s go," Tarquin suggested eagerly. "Where to?" "On a date." Her heart skipped a beat at his words, her eyes wide in surprise. "A date?" Chapter 625 Tarquin retorted, "Weren''t you just asking me out?" It took Elysia a moment to realize what he was implying, and when she did, she felt a mix of embarrassment and irritation. "Call that a date? I was merely suggesting we take a walk downstairs!" She was worried that Keith might return unexpectedly, leading to a possible altercation between him and Tarquin in the hallway. So, she thought it would be better to invite him for a walk outside to discuss things properly. And here he was, making it about a date. Was his head filled with air or what? Tarquin''s handsome eyes narrowed slightly, "Feeling disappointed?" "I...," she started. "Next time, I''ll be the one to ask you out." Elysia''s face turned a shade redder, "Who''s disappointed? Stop talking nonsense! Even if you asked, I wouldn''t be free! Let''s go!" With that, she spun on her heels towards the elevator, her steps slightly hurried. A charming smile crept across Tarquin''s lips; she seemed shy. Why would she feel shy around him unless she harbored some feelings for him, perhaps unknowingly? Tarquin felt a surge of pleasure at the thought. After all, he considered himself pretty experienced in these matters. He cheerfully caught up with her, his long strides closing the distance. "Even a walk downstairs counts as a date." "Get lost!" Elysia snapped at him before stepping into the elevator. Tarquin followed suit, his gaze fixed on her with an amused smile. Elysia frowned, avoiding his look, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Keith had provoked him, testing whether Tarquin had feelings for her, which led to a fight. Why did he hit Keith? Was it because he was irritated by the misunderstanding, or was it out of jealousy? If it was the former, it meant Tarquin had no interest in her whatsoever. But if it was thetter, it hinted at something more, especially considering the baffling things he''d said in anger previously... Elysia was leaning towards thetter option. But why would he like her? What was there to like? She wanted to confront him about his feelings directly but hesitated. What if she was wrong? How embarrassing that would be, making her seem conceited! All she wanted was to understand why he fought with Keith, but Tarquin wouldn''t say. As Elysia was internally debating, Tarquin suddenly called out, "Elysia." "What?!" Her tone was a bit sharp. "Lost in thoughts?" "None of your business!" "...So, are we still going for that walk?" "Of course! Aren''t we already on our way down?" Tarquin pressed his lips together, ncing at the elevator door. Only then did Elysia realize they had reached the ground floor; the elevator doors had been open for a while. If it weren''t for him holding the door open, they might have ended up heading back upstairs. Embarrassed, Elysia mumbled something and exited the elevator. "What''s on your mind?" Tarquin asked her again. "Nothing!" As Elysia stepped out of the building, Tarquin followed closely behind, like a loyal guard dog ensuring her safety. The temperature in Jindale City had noticeably risen this month, with the sun shining brightly, casting a warm, golden glow that felt soothing. Most people were at work at this hour, leaving the neighborhood quiet. They walked along themunity''s jogging track, and after a while, Elysia nced at Tarquin, "You know about the kids teaming up with Keith to test you today, right?" Tarquin, hands in his pockets, looked back at her, his usually charming gaze nowced with an extra hint of allure, making him even more tempting. He nodded, "Yeah." Elysia''s heart fluttered, and she quickly averted her gaze, feeling unusually flustered today. Even the simple act of making eye contact with him made her heart race. Chapter 626 Elysia steadied herself and said, "I didn''t expect the kids to be so immature. They saw us getting alongtely and jumped to the conclusion that you like me. Kids don''t understand theplexities of adult rtionships. Don''t overthink it, and definitely don''t me them. I''ve already cleared things up with them, and they..." "How did you exin it?" Tarquin interrupted her. "...I told them there''s nothing going on between us." "Nothing going on?" Elysia instinctively swallowed. They had been intimate and even had a child together; it was hardly ''nothing going on''. And just a few hours ago, they were kissing in the study... Elysia felt her cheeks burning, "...I meant ''nothing going on'' as in you don''t like me. You don''t like me, do you?" She sneaked a nce at Tarquin, her eyes probing. She wanted to hear his answer... Tarquin''s eyes narrowed, catching every bit of her nervousness and shyness. Was she testing him? He watched her, hesitating for a moment before deciding not to take the risk of being too direct, changing the subject instead, "I didn''t overthink it, and I''m not upset with the kids for banding together with Keith to test me." The kids wanted to confirm his feelings for Elysia, which he could understand. After all, Elysia was their cherished treasure, and they obviously wanted to figure things out. Elysia frowned. Why wouldn''t he give a straight answer? If he did, she could understand his thoughts and stop driving herself crazy. "What exactly did the kids tell you?" he asked again. Elysia pushed her thoughts aside and answered, ¡°The kids were honest with me, saying it wasn''t your fault." Tarquin was touched and told her, "Those kids are sharper than you think, smarter too." Elysia knew he was nudging her about her attitude toward Keith and immediately rified, "He''s their teacher, so of course, I''m going to be decent to him. And even though I haven''t spent time with him outside school, Blossom and the kids always mention how handsome and nice he is, that he..." "Is he more handsome than me?" Tarquin interrupted, clearly annoyed. Elysia took a quick nce at him... Truth be told, both he and Keith were handsome, but in different ways. Tarquin had a cold allure, while Keith''s charm was more gentle. Their vibes were different. But if push came to shove, he might just be the more handsome one! Elysia decided not to entertain his trivial question and continued, "First off, my respect for Keith isn''t the same as liking him. Asking you about the fight wasn''t about taking sides or defending him. Secondly, I trust my kids. If they say it wasn''t your fault, then I stand by you! But fighting, especially in front of the kids, is not okay!" Tarquin felt a wave of relief wash over him. She might be na?ve, but she was loyal! She blindly trusted her kids, who were smart enough to discern right from wrong. Importantly, they were good-natured and morally sound, which meant they wouldn''t lead her astray. Tarquin apologized proactively, "I was out of line today. He got under my skin, and I lost it for a moment. I promise I won''t snap at you again." "...What did he say that got to you?" Tarquin frowned, knowing Keith''s words would upset her if she heard them. No doubt Keith had banked on him keeping quiet, which is why he had been so bold. Elysia probed further, "Are you angry because he said he likes me?" Chapter 627 "Sort of, but not exactly." Elysia frowned, confusioncing her voice. "What do you mean ''sort of, but not exactly"?" Tarquin didn''t borate, his tone serious. "Let''s move." "Excuse me?" "I''ve got a friend who''s got a vacation home sitting empty. You and the kids can move in there. No rent, and it''s afortable ce." He quickly added, hoping to ease any worries Elysia might have, "You and the kids would move. I wouldn''t being." Elysia was speechless. Tarquin continued, "There''s a great preschool nearby, too. I can help with transferring the kids." "Transfer schools?!" "Yeah, it''s a better school than the one around here. And don''t worry about the paperwork or tuition fees." Elysia frowned, "No way!" Staying in his friend''s house felt too close forfort, almost as if they were living under his roof. It would make it too easy for their secret to be exposed. They were getting along fine now, but who''s to say he wouldn''t change his tune and fight her for custody if he found out about the triplets? She couldn''t take that risk. Not unless he and she... Tarquin was puzzled. "Why not?" Elysia struggled to find an excuse. "Personal reasons I''d rather not discuss. But I''m definitely not moving or transferring the kids." Seeing her resolve, Tarquin''s brows knitted tighter together. Before he could say anything, Elysia quickly added, "This has nothing to do with Keith. Don''t jump to conclusions." Tarquin''s expression darkened. "But I''m suggesting this move because of him! Keith is bad news. Buying the house across from Blossom was no ident. He''s up to something!" Elysia looked at him calmly. "Do you have any proof?" Tarquin fell silent. Elysia exined, "I''m not using you of ndering Keith. I just want to know why you''d say that. After all, Blossom and the kids think Keith is a decent guy." Tarquin replied coldly, "He''s just good at pretending! I can''t prove it right now, but I''m sure there''s something off about him! I wouldn''t harm you!" Elysia held his gaze for a few seconds. "I believe you wouldn''t hurt me. But if you think Keith is up to something, what do you think it is?" Tarquin was at a loss for words. He had wondered about Keith''s real motive for getting close to Elysia but hadn''t figured it out yet. "Do you think Keith is not just testing the waters, but actually likes me?" Elysia asked. Tarquin frowned, pondering before asking, "What do you think?" Elysia was candid. "I don''t think he likes me. Not only is it a lot of pressure dating someone with three sons, but Keith and I also have no private contact. We don''t even have each other''s numbers. If he liked me, he''d at least ask Blossom for my contact or try to bump into me asionally, right? Emotions can''t be controlled that easily. He wouldn''t be able to stay so detached." Tarquin found himself agreeing with Elysia''s logic. The fact that Keith couldpletely vanish from her sight at least proved he wasn''t that into Elysia. And then there were the things Keith said after turning off the listening device today! He talked about dreaming of intimate moments with Elysia, in various ces, in various positions... He got into graphic detail, which is why Tarquin couldn''t hold back and punched him! That''s also why he didn''t tell Elysia or the kids when they asked about itter. The kids were too young for such topics. And as for Elysia, he didn''t want to upset her. After all, no woman would be pleased to hear someone fantasizing about them in such a manner. Chapter 628 Keith''s words were downright disrespectful to Elysia! How can you truly like someone and not show them respect? So, Tarquin also doubted Keith''s feelings for Elysia. But... If Keith didn''t like her at all, why would he go out of his way to buy the house right across from Blossom''s? And why create drama today of all days? His interest in Elysia surely wasn''t because he liked her or wanted to pursue her. There had to be another reason! What could that reason be? Was he here for Elysia or for some other ulterior motive? Elysia was clueless about what Tarquin was pondering. She went on to say, "Regardless, I don''t think Keith likes me. I''m not nning on moving or changing the kids'' school, but I''ll keep your words in mind and remind the kids to keep their distance from Keith as much as possible." Hearing this, Tarquin snapped out of his thoughts, his brows furrowing tightly. He could have forced her to move or change schools, but the thought of how she''d react held him back. He didn''t want to upset her. So, hepromised, "If you really don''t want to move, I won''t force you. But you have to promise to stay away from him. Otherwise, I''ll worry about your and Elijah''s safety so much that I might just force you to move!" "...I promise, I''ll try my best." For her, Keith was just a stranger she had met once. Keeping or not keeping in touch didn''t matter much. Their conversation went smoothly, the only thing bothering Elysia was that she still couldn''t figure out what Tarquin felt for her. They continued walking down the track, oblivious to the eyes watching them from above. By now, Blossom and Keith had both returned. Keith stood by the window, watching the two walk side by side. Although he couldn''t make out their expressions, he knew it was Elysia and Tarquin. His eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable, leaving one to wonder what was on his mind. Blossom, having made his bed, came to tell him to get some rest. Keith finally turned around, saying kindly, "Thanks, Ms. Blythe." Blossom replied heartily, "Ah, don''t be so formal. I heard about the mix-up from Elysia. Mr. Bradford must know it''s all a misunderstanding by now. Get some rest, and we''ll clear things up when we all have a chance to talk." "Alright." "I''ll head home now. You''re not in any condition to cook, so either we''ll bring you some foodter, or you can join us at my ce." "Sounds good." Just as Blossom left Keith''s ce, Elysia and Tarquin returned. Seeing Blossom, Elysia quickly asked, "How''s Keith?" Not mingling was one thing, but today''s fight had to be addressed, especially since Keith was seriously injured. Blossom replied, "He''s quite banged up, but it''s nothing that won''t heal with some rest, ording to the doctor." "...I''ll go check on him." Tarquin, visibly displeased but knowing he couldn''t stop Elysia, said, "I''lle with you." Elysia immediately stopped him, "You should check on the kids. I''ll be fine on my own, I''ll be back soon." She practically pushed him back home. She didn''t dare let him see Keith, not with the mood he was in. They might end up fighting again, and keeping him away from Keith was the safest bet! Her visit to Keith was merely out of politeness and a sense of responsibility. Blossom apanied her, whispering conspiratorially as if she had just uncovered a great secret, "Elysia, I''m telling you, he''s definitely into you!" Elysia was taken aback, "Who?" Was she talking about someone in particr, or Keith? Chapter 629 Blossom eximed, "Of course, it''s Elijah''s dad!" Elysia''s heart raced. "How did you know? He... he never told me he liked me!" "But he''s already proven it with his actions! He got into a fight today because of you! Think about it, for a guy his age to get so heated over a woman that he ends up throwing punches, what else could it be if not love? Trust me, you don''t need to doubt it; he''s totally into you!" Blossom''s conviction made Elysia''s heart beat even faster, to the point where her breathing became difficult and her cheeks flushed. He likes her? He really likes her? Blossom nudged her with her shoulder, a gossip-hungry look on her face. "Come on, spill the beans, you''ve fallen for him too, haven''t you?" "I... I have not!" Elysia stuttered, refusing to admit it. It wasn''t entirely about not wanting to admit it; she honestly didn''t know how she felt about him. She was a mom, for crying out loud, and had never been in love, never had a crush. Her emotional world was a nk te, clueless about what love even was. She knew she didn''t dislike him, but was unsure if she liked him too. "Your face is all red, you''re blushing! Blushing means you like him, Elysia, you''re in love!" Blossom dered, looking both surprised and all-knowing. Elysia''s cheeks turned even redder with embarrassment. "What do you know, being single and all, stop talking nonsense." "Don''t underestimate the single folks; it''s the spectators who see the game clearly, and I''m that spectator right now. You''re definitely falling for him." Elysia felt her heart flutter, even her ears turning red. "Stop it, let''s go check on Keith." Worried Blossom might say more, she quickly knocked on the neighboring door. Despite not wanting to admit it, she indeed felt shy; this indescribable feeling was new to her. Could this be what liking someone feels like? But when did she start liking him? How could she fall for him? With a creak, the door opened. Elysia snapped back to reality. Keith stood there, still in the white crew-neck sweater he wore that morning, his posture upright, exuding a gentle, gentlemanly vibe, like someone from a prestigious family. He had an artistic aura about him, not something forced but cultivated from years surrounded by the arts. You''d never guess he taught physical education, and in a preschool, no less. Now, with one arm in a cast and a bruised face, he seemed somewhat vulnerable. Elysia couldn''t imagine what ''bad'' meant in his case. If he was truly a bad guy, then he was terrifyingly good at pretending! Elysia shivered unconsciously. Composing herself, she greeted him politely, "Hey Keith, Blossom mentioned you were back. Just wanted to check on you." Keith smiled warmly. "Don''t worry about me, I''m fine. Come in, let''s chat." Elysia nodded, stepping inside with Blossom. As soon as she sat down, she rushed to apologize, "I only found out after your hospital visit that today''s incident was because of me. I''m so sorry, I..." She still had Tarquin''s words in mind, not nning to befriend Keith, but felt responsible since Keith was hurt because of her. In addition to apologizing for herself, she unintentionally included Tarquin, "...Actually, despite his temper, he''s not a bad guy. Today''s fight was an ident, he..." Keith listened quietly, nodding as she spoke well of Tarquin. He kept a serene smile, looking gracious and unfazed. After Elysia finished, he finally spoke, "You don''t need to apologize, nor do you need to for him. Today wasn''t your fault, nor his. I initiated the challenge, and though it ended in a misunderstanding with some injuries, these minor wounds are nothing. Don''t feel guilty." Chapter 630 "And it was me who got under his skin first, not his fault. I didn''t watch my tone, kinda provoked him," Keith admitted with a rueful smile. "Provoked?" Elysia was taken aback. "Yeah, I told him I liked you and he better stay away from you. Said I wouldn''t be so nice if he didn''t. Honestly, I just wanted to see if he''d back off. Never expected him to throw the first punch. And man, he''s got some moves. I didn''t stand a chance, got totally outyed." Elysia was silent, processing. So, the fight wasn''t necessarily about her. Given his personality, he couldn''t stand being taunted. Even without her in the picture, he might''ve stillshed out after Keith''s provocation. Was the fight about her or not? Did he like her, or didn''t he? Lately, he had been quite nice to her, even... even kissed her, and it was very... very... "Elysia!" Blossom nudged her abruptly. Elysia flinched, "Huh?" "Zoning out? Keith was talking to you." "Oh, sorry, I was just thinking... yeah, he''s got a short fuse, can''t take a challenge. But he''s not a bad guy, really, he..." Blossom rolled her eyes, trying to bring her back to the point. "Keith was asking who''s covering the medical expenses, you or him?" Elysia turned even more embarrassed, quickly replying, "Oh, I transferred it to Blossom, but it''s his money. Please, just take it, it''s the least we can do." Her phone rang right at that moment; it was from Tarquin. Elysia knew he was urging her toe back, so she didn''t pick up, instead telling Keith, "You just rest up, Keith. Lunch is on us. We''ll bring you something nice." She meant to bring him something, not invite him over. Keith nodded, his smile unfaltering, "Then I won''t be shy about it. Thanks a lot." "It''s nothing, really." Elysia got up to leave. Her interaction with Keith fluctuated between formalities and evident distraction... Keith noticed, his eyes flickering with an unspoken thought but remainedposed as he stood to see Elysia and Blossom off. Opening the door, they were met with a surprise! A group of people in uniform stood outside, at least seven or eight of them! Tarquin, however, stole the show. Dressed in a sleek suit, standing casually among them, he was a sight to behold with his charming looks andmanding presence. Elysia was confused, unsure what was happening. Before she could ask, Tarquin took her hand. Not the wrist, the hand. In front of everyone, he pulled her to his side, his tone familiar as if they were an old married couple. "Keith''s a bachelor, and it''s not appropriate for ady to being and going from his ce. Let the caregivers handle it, you don''t need to worry." His gaze then shifted to Keith, his expression turning ice-cold. Thinking he could use his injury to get Elysia''s attention? Fat chance. Who did he think he was, to deserve Elysia''s care? He wouldn''t even let her lift a finger! "I''ve covered the caregiver expenses, consider it a charity. Just focus on getting better, and don''t cause any trouble." With a meaningful warning, Tarquin took Elysia''s hand and led her back to their ce. Keith watched their retreating figures, his face emotionless, but a storm was brewing in his eyes. Chapter 631 Back at the house, Elysia couldn''t help but ask, "Why are you hiring so many caregivers? How much is this going to cost? Blossom and I can take care of him; there''s no need to throw money away." "All those caregivers put together still aren''t worth as much as you." "I... I''m free, you don''t have to pay for me!" Realizing she took it the wrong way, Tarquin pursed his lips in disdain. "I''d rather pay than have you take care of him!" "...Isn''t that just wasting money?!" Tarquin looked down at her. "Or how about you take care of me, and I''ll pay you." Elysia was speechless. "What do I need to take care of you for when you''re perfectly fine?" "I can break an arm or a leg right now, make myselfpletely helpless." Elysia: "..." She was utterly speechless! She wanted to retort against his absurd spending habits, but her gaze inadvertently fell on their hands together. Her heart started racing. Their hands were still intertwined, hisrge palm enveloping hers tightly. The warmth from his palm made her cheeks flush and her heart tremble. "Mommy?!" Emmett suddenly appeared from his room, delighted to see her and quickly ran back shouting, "Mommy''s back!" Elysia''s heart skipped a beat, and she immediately tried to withdraw her hand. But she couldn''t pull it away! The harder she tried, the tighter he held. After a few seconds of this standoff, Elysia looked up at him in surprise and anger, just in time to meet Tarquin''s burning and ambiguous gaze. His look was full of insinuation, as if he wanted to devour her whole! Elysia''s breath quickened, too nervous to speak, her eyes signaling him to let go. Instead of releasing her, Tarquin''s thumb started to slide gently over her hand, the movement loaded with suggestion. His touch was like fire, making her all hot and bothered, her heart fluttering wildly. Elysia thought she heard the kids jumping out of bed, bing even more anxious. How embarrassing would it be if the kids saw them like this! Feeling both embarrassed and annoyed, unable to free her left hand, she lifted her right hand intending to p him! Quick as a sh, Tarquin caught her wrist and pulled her into the bathroom, not even closing the door, pinning her against the wall and kissing her deeply! Elysia''s eyes widened in shock! The kids were still in the house; they coulde looking any moment! And Blossom could be back at any time too! "Mmm-" She resisted, but Tarquin didn''t give her a chance. He held her wrists above her head, his legs pinning hers, and kissed her with a dominance that bordered on madness. The kiss was fierce, carrying a hint of punishment. Elysia couldn''t hold out, her body going limp, until they heard the kids'' voices from the living room, "Hmm? Where''s mommy?" Emmett in his childish voice said, "I just saw mommy a moment ago." Elysia''s body shivered; she held her breath, daring not to move. Tarquin finally let her go, but immediately drew close again, biting her lip as a form of punishment, his voice low and threatening, "Every time you see him, I''ll kiss you once! The longer you see him, the longer I''ll kiss you!" Elysia''s lips were tightly pressed together, shocked and displeased. "?!?" Tarquin frowned at her, his Adam''s apple bobbing, clearly unsatisfied. He lifted his hand, his thumb grazing her moist lips, cleaning off their mingled essence. The gesture was both teasing and intimate! Elysia, mortified, pushed him away forcefully. "You... you jerk!" She quickly left the bathroom, and the kids saw her, eximing in surprise, "Mommy!" Four little voices chirped at once. Four tiny figures rushed into her arms... Evan ran the fastest, not managing his speed and force well, lunging at Elysia and sending her crashing back into Tarquin''s arms. Chapter 632 Tarquin effortlessly won Elysia''s affection... Evan: "???" The three little ones: "!" Tarquin, with one arm around Elysia, looked down at Evan from his higher stance, "Watch it, if you bump into me, you''re in big trouble!" The four little ones: ". Evan was half confused and half shocked, kind of getting it but not really??? Emmett waspletely lost, clueless about the deeper meaning behind Tarquin''s words, his big eyes blinking in confusion. Only Elliot and Elijah, one with a slight frown and the other squinting slightly, their expressions unreadable as they nced between Tarquin and Elysia. Elysia''s feelings at that moment were beyond words. Fuming, she stomped hard on Tarquin''s foot and then turned to the kids, "Keith''s back already, let''s put this behind us... you guys go y in your room, I''ll make lunch." Elliot sensed Elysia''s difort. Though unaware of what had transpired between her and Tarquin, he knew she wanted to send them away. So, Elliot immediately herded his three brothers back to their room, mentioning before closing the door, "Mom, no rush with lunch, we''re not hungry yet." Once the door shut, only Elysia and Tarquin remained in the living room. Elysia turned and red at him, "Be careful from now on! If you dare to make another move or talk nonsense, I''ll... I''ll thump you!" After her heated deration, she quickly retreated to her bedroom, even taking a vase with her for some reason. Tarquin, smirking, watched her bedroom door for a moment, his grin reminiscent of a goofy squire! He stood there, chuckling to himself for a while before Keith came to mind, his gaze sharpening. Striding towards the children''s room, he knocked softly and asked in a hushed tone, "Anyone up for some ice cream?" After a few seconds, the door cracked open, revealing Evan and Emmett peeking out. Evan said, "Not me!" Emmett, unable to resist, admitted, "I do." Evan quickly added, "Alright, alright, just to keep youpany, I''ll sacrifice and have a little bit!" He then looked up at Tarquin, pretending to be picky, "What vors do they have? I won''t eat it if it''s not good!" Tarquin, indulging him with a smile, replied, "There''s a new ce downstairs, seems they''ve got a wide selection, you''ll find something you like." Evan mumbled, "But mom said we shouldn''t eat ice cream, only a little in summer, and not at all in winter." "It''s fine, we''ve got heating at home, a little now and then won''t hurt. If she gets mad, just say I forced you. If she''s looking to scold someone, I''ll take the hit." Evan''s eyes sparkled, "You promise?" "Yeah, my word. Let''s go." Just as Evan was about to let out a squeal of excitement, Tarquin reminded him, "Keep it down, if she hears us, we won''t make it." Evan nodded eagerly, "Right, right, low profile." He turned to Elliot, "Bro, let''s go, ice cream time." Elliot squinted slightly. He knew about the ice cream shop downstairs; it had been open for a while. Tarquin inviting them for ice cream wasn''t just for the sake of it. He wasn''t much into sweets, but he didn''t refuse either, following them out. With mom not around, he had to look after his brothers, and he was curious about what Tarquin was up to. Chapter 633 At this hour, most people were either at work or school, leaving the caf¨¦ unusually quiet. When the server spotted the group of five, her eyes widened in astonishment. The eldest was incredibly handsome, and the youngest, adorably cute. Was this some high-flying CEO out with his charming kids, or perhaps a celebrity scouting locations for an uing film? The young and pretty waitresses couldn''t help but feel their hearts flutter, cheeks flushing with a mix of admiration and shy excitement. A man like Tarquin, with his striking looks, regal demeanor, and an aura of unattainable sophistication, was the kind of man they only dreamed about! "This rose already has its thorns," Elijahmented with a furrowed brow, catching the waitresses off guard and prompting awkwardughter as they scrambled to ease the tension. "The kids are so handsome; your mom must be beautiful, huh?" one of them ventured, trying to make small talk. Elijah, not usually one to engage with strangers, remembered his mother''s advice on politeness and nodded earnestly, though he didn''t borate further. His reserved nature made him seem even more unreachable than Tarquin. Tarquin affectionately ruffled his son''s hair, proud of Elijah''s attempt to interact in an unfamiliar setting - a significant step forward for him. Before Elysia came into their lives, such progress would have been unimaginable. Elijah would have been anxious and disruptive, a challenge to manage outside the safety of home. Elysia changed everything, softening Tarquin''s heart at the mere thought of her- truly, a gift from above, the most precious one could ask for. "We''re fine for now, but we''ll call if we need anything," Tarquin informed the waitresses. They quickly responded, "Of course, feel free to try some samples from our disy area if you''re undecided." "Free samples?" Evan eximed, eyes lighting up with excitement. Emmett, too, gazed eagerly at the waitress, who barely resisted the urge to pinch their adorable cheeks - such cuteness was irresistible! "Sure, I''ll show you where," she offered, anything to please these little charmers. "Thank you!" The two young food enthusiasts eagerly followed, but not before Tarquin reminded them to take off their coats, considering the warmth inside. Evan quickly shed his puffer jacket, stowing it away with practiced ease, while Emmett needed a bit more help from Tarquin, who took a moment to ensure his youngest wasfortable before letting them explore. Turning to Elliot and Elijah, Tarquin asked, "Want to try some samples too?" Both shook their heads, Elliot choosing a quiet spot to sit, making it easier for Elijah to rx in the cozy caf¨¦ setting. Once settled, Elliot cut straight to the chase, "We sneaked out with you, so let''s keep it brief and stick to the essentials." Tarquin was taken aback. Elliot''s sharpness was undeniable, making even the most astute adults seem dim byparison. The boy''s intellect and perceptiveness were a mystery, a gift that seemed to surpass even that of histe father. Without beating around the bush, Tarquin dropped the bombshell, "Keith is trouble!" Elliot froze, perplexed, while Elijah tensed up, worried. Without solid proof against Keith, such a bold usation could easily backfire, casting doubt on Tarquin''s motives. Could he be trying to tarnish Keith''s reputation out of spite, or was there genuine concern behind his warning? Chapter 634 After all, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett all had a great deal of respect and affection for Keith. Elijah nervously nced at Elliot, terrified that the fragile goodwill his dad had worked so hard to build in Elliot''s heart might crumble. Tarquin knew exactly what was making Elijah anxious, but he didn''t expect Elliot to take his word for it. He spoke up to put Elliot on guard against Keith! Elliot was sharp and cautious, especially when it came to matters involving Elysia. He would be extra vignt. Whether he believed Tarquin or not, he''d be careful around Keith after hearing him out. Tarquin couldn''t be there to watch over them around the clock. If the kids were mentally prepared, they could better protect themselves and Elysia when he wasn''t around. That was the whole reason he suggested they go downstairs for ice cream! Since they couldn''t shake off Keith for the time being and hadn''t caught him red-handed in anything shady, the best they could do was stay alert and minimize any chance Keith had to stir trouble! As for whether Elliot might misunderstand his intentions, that was a minor concernpared to the safety of the kids and Elysia. Elliot frowned, pondering Tarquin''s silence before asking, "After Keith turned off the listening device, what exactly did he say?" Tarquin scowled, "He made some disrespectful remarks about Elysia." "Disrespectful... about my mom?" "Yes." Elliot''s brow furrowed deeper. "What did he say?" "You''re too young; it''s not appropriate for you to hear. But I''m not lying to you, Keith is bad news!" The room fell silent for a moment. Elliot then said, "I''ve done my own checking on Keith before. He seemed okay." Tarquin and Elijah tensed, but then Elliot continued, "But I believe you''re not lying to me." Between Keith and them, he''d definitely trust Elijah and Tarquin more. Even though he''d interacted with Keith back in preschool, he hadn''t really gotten to know Keith well enough to judge his true nature. But when it came to Tarquin, one being his biological father and the other his brother, he was clear about their character. Hearing this, Tarquin and Elijah silently breathed a sigh of relief. Elijah then spoke up: "Dad is a straightforward person. He wouldn''t bad-mouth someone without reason! Keith upset Mom as soon as he showed up today! His so-called ''test'' must have been premeditated!" Elliot knitted his brows, "If that''s the case, Keith buying the house across the street is suspicious." Tarquin added, "He might have bought that house because of Elysia, but if he liked Elysia, he wouldn''t have said those disrespectful things about her today." "So, he''s getting close to Mom for some other reason?!" Elliot and Elijah eximed in unison. Tarquin nodded, "I believe so, but we still don''t know his true intentions." After saying this, Tarquin looked at Elliot, "Just to be safe, you should keep your distance from Keith. But when I talked to Elysia about moving and changing your schools today, she refused. Could you try talking to her?" Without hesitation, Elliot answered, "No." He knew why his mom was reluctant to move or change schools. She hadn''t warmed up to him yet. Regarding the secrets of their origins, she was definitely still on guard. With that thought, Elliot gave Tarquin a meaningful look and asked, "Did you upset Mom today?" Tarquin froze, "When?" Elliot was straightforward, "Just before we came downstairs." Tarquin was silent. He had upset her. In a fit of jealousy, he had pinned her against the bathroom wall, kissed her, and even warned her. Chapter 635 Elliot furrowed his tiny brows in a stern warning, "Before my mom takes a liking to you, hands off, buddy. And don''t you dare make her do anything she doesn''t want to!" Elliot sounded like a protective fatherying down thew to his daughter''s suitor. Scratch that, not a suitor, just one of the potential candidates. Tarquin''s lips twitched, itching to say ''kids shouldn''t meddle in adult affairs,'' but he didn''t want to upset Elliot. After all, Elliot was looking after Elysia like a doting dad with his little girl! Tarquin didn''t argue, "I won''t make her do anything she doesn''t want to." Stealing a kiss... that didn''t count! And going further, like getting intimate, he definitely wouldn''t force her. Elliot gave him another meaningful look, shifting the topic back to Keith, "I can''t convince my mom to move houses, but I''ll warn her to steer clear of Keith. Once we''re back, I''ll do some digging on him." Tarquin breathed a sigh of relief, nodding. Though he couldn''t persuade Elliot to talk Elysia into moving, at least Elliot was aware that Keith was bad news. Mission somewhat aplished. And with no evidence to back his ims, Elliot''s trust was touching. This kid must really like him, must be really keen on having him as a dad! Even if it''s not by blood, Tarquin was more than happy to y the role! Thinking to himself, feeling a surge of fatherly affection, "What vor of ice cream do you want? I''ll grab some for you. Don''t worry, if Elysia finds out, I''ll cover for you." ... Meanwhile, Elysia was oblivious to the fact that her ''home'' had been ''invaded,'' her kids thoroughly ''kidnapped''! She was busy ranting in her bedroom! She called Tarquin shameless, a scoundrel! And she was peeved: why should she get kissed by him every time she sees Keith? Who did he think he was to her! Yes, he was the father of her child, but that was it! What a jerk! She even cursed him for being a wasteful spender, thinking about all those caregivers, all that money, it made her cringe! As if she was the one paying! After a good rant, she calmed down, then plucked a flower from the bouquet and began to tear its petals one by one, "He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, he loves me not..." One moment she was testing if Tarquin liked her, the next if she liked Tarquin. Back and forth, wasting no small number of flowers. Thest petal ended on ''he loves me,'' and she was nervous. Had it been ''he loves me not,'' she''d be just as jittery! Hiding in her bedroom, she was like a startled fawn, alternately tearing petals, scratching her head, wringing her hands, and then lying on the bed kicking her legs in frustration. When Blossom came back and saw the mess, she was shocked, "What in the world happened to you? Why all the flower petals?!" Elysia looked up from the bed, her eyes pitiful, "Blossom, I think I''m gonna die." "Stop talking nonsense, what''s wrong? Is this about Elijah''s dad and Keith?" "It''s not about Keith." "Then it''s gotta be about Elijah''s dad! What did he say when he dragged you back here?" " ," He said he''d kiss me every time I see Keith! As often as she sees Keith, that''s how often he''d kiss her! Elysia''s cheeks burned as she stammered, "He didn''t really say much. I was thinking about what Keith said, that him hitting Keith wasn''t really about me, but because Keith provoked him..." Blossom was sharp today, quickly catching on to Elysia''s true feelings, Chapter 636 "Are you wondering if he''s into you or not?" Though slightly embarrassed, Elysia nodded. Perched on the edge of the bed, Blossom advised, "Just go up and ask him!" "What?" "Rip off the Band-Aid! Whether he likes you or not, at least you''ll know where you stand. But... I think he''s into you, even if it was just a spur-of-the- moment thing when he stood up for you." Blossom couldn''t help but gossip further, "What if he really does like you? What then?" "I... I don''t know." "See? You''re all over the ce! Remember when I first suggested you two get together? You were so against it, said there was no way in hell! Now look at you." Elysia didn''t respond. Blossom continued, "Your feelings have clearly changed. Maybe you''re not head-over-heels yet, but there''s something there. Anyway, I''m all for it." "Why?" "First off, you two are a match made in heaven looks-wise. Plus, he''s the father of your kids. Sure, he''s hit a rough patch financially, but he''s not exactly on the streets. He''s got a modest house and a car, at least! And it''s obvious you''ve got a crush. If he feels the same, you''d be crazy not to give it a shot. It''s rare to find mutual affection. Don''t let it slip away!" Elysia grimaced, "But the past..." "Forget about the past. Live in the moment. You know he had his reasons that day at the airport." Elysia retorted, "Last time, you said to only look at the oues, not the reasons." Blossomughed, "That''s because you didn''t like him then!" Elysia blushed, muttering, "I still don''t." Blossom winked at her. Elysia rolled her eyes, changing the subject, "I need to figure out how he feels first!" "Just ask him outright. It''s better to know for sure," Blossom encouraged. "What if he says he doesn''t? Won''t that be awkward?" "A moment of awkwardness is better than endless wondering. Besides, it''s not like you''re confessing your love; you''re just asking a question." Elysia was swayed, deciding it was better to face the music sooner rather thanter. No point in torturing herself with what-ifs. "I''ll ask him when he gets back!" "Right on! You''ve got my full support!" With that settled, Elysia asked about Keith. "Oh, right! Keith asked me to tell Elijah''s dad thanks for covering the expenses. And he told me to tell you it''s all water under the bridge, no hard feelings." Elysia frowned, feeling even guiltier. "And the caregivers?" "Keith kept one, sent the others away. Said he didn''t need them all, it''d be a waste." After a bit more chatting, Blossom went to grab a package, and Elysia headed to the kitchen to make lunch. While cooking, Elysia psyched herself up: No need to be nervous. We''re adults. Time to be straightforward and ask. No backing down. Chapter 637 Not long after, Tarquin and the four little rascals returned. Under Tarquin''s lead, they sneaked into the house, quietly opening the door and tiptoeing inside. Their eyes, all five pairs of them, were glued towards the direction of Elysia''s bedroom, terrified of being caught by her. But then- Elysia''s voice emerged from behind them, "Freeze!" Startled, the group stopped dead in their tracks! Then, they simultaneously turned around to face her. Elysia, apron tied around her waist and a kitchen knife in her hand, stood at the kitchen doorway, her brows furrowed in a mix of confusion and irritation, "What have you been up to? Why are youing from outside?!" She had thought the little rascals were ying in the yroom all this time! Caught red-handed, the kids blinked rapidly, one after another, before unanimously turning their gaze towards Tarquin, waiting for him to save the day. Tarquin nced at the shiny kitchen knife in Elysia''s hand, cleared his throat, and repeated the story they had agreed upon earlier, "We were just bored, so I took the kids out for a little stroll downstairs. Didn''t want to worry you, so we came back after a short while." Elysia interrogated, "A stroll downstairs? When did you sneak out? And why didn''t you tell me?!" Tarquin replied, "You were in the bedroom; thought you were resting. Didn''t want to disturb you, so I didn''t mention it." Elysia, half-believing, stared at him for a few seconds, then her gaze shifted towards the four little ones. With just one look from her, the kids spilled the beans, "Mommy, he took us downstairs for ice cream." "It was his idea." "We didn''t want to go, but he tempted us with delicious ice cream!" "He even said if you got mad, he''d take the me for us." Tarquin: "???!" Ah? So much for the "ship of friendship." When they were downstairs, they had agreed that if Elysia found out, they would all stick to the story of just going for a walk. Whoever mentioned ice cream was the traitor! Looks like he was the only one who took that seriously? These little traitors! Had he known, he would''ve been better off telling Elysia the truth from the start! As Tarquin was inwardlymenting their betrayal, Elysia, visibly upset, said, "You four, back to your room! You,e with me!" Elysia, still holding the kitchen knife, headed towards the study. The kids scampered off to the yroom quicker than you could say "ice cream," closing the door behind them. Tarquin: "..." The ship of friendship hadpletely capsized! Reaching the door of the study and noticing Tarquin hadn''t moved, Elysia snapped, "Come here!" Tarquin grimaced awkwardly, managing a strained smile, "Let''s just talk. No need to get physical, especially not with a knife." Only then did Elysia realize she was still holding the kitchen knife she had been using to chop vegetables. Hearing themotion, she had instinctively grabbed it beforeing out. Toozy to return to the kitchen, she carried it with her into the study. Tarquin swallowed hard and followed. Once inside, Elysia sat on the couch while Tarquin, not daring to sit, stood and exined, "There''s a new ice cream parlor that just opened downstairs. I figured kids love ice cream, and since we had some time, I thought why not treat them." Elysia fumed, "Did the kids lie?" "No." "So, it was indeed your idea to take them for ice cream?" "Yeah." "You..." Elysia, livid, "Do you have air for brains?! It''s the middle of winter. Feeding kids something that cold is terrible for their health! Other parents go out of their way to keep their kids away from ice cream, and here you are, inviting them to have some! You..." Chapter 638 Elysia was going on and on, venting her frustration, while Tarquin listened quietly, without showing any sign of annoyance. "Whatever you say is right!" After she finished, Tarquin took the initiative to apologize. "I wasn''t thinking clearly, I''ve reflected on it, and I''m sorry." His tone was so earnest that Elysia couldn''t stay mad at him. She muttered, "Kids love ice cream. You only give it to them when they''re so desperate they can''t be calmed down otherwise. You should never be the one to suggest it! Too much and they''ll end up with a stomachache! And from now on, you can''t just take the kids out without telling me. You have to let me know in advance." "Got it! I''ll remember!" "Do you really remember?" "Yeah, I''ve taken your words to heart." Elysia''s heart skipped a beat, her lips quivered, recalling Blossom''s words, her heartbeat involuntarily quickening. "That thing..." "What thing?" "You know..." Tarquin was puzzled. Elysia, whose palms were now sweaty with nervousness, had lost her earlier bravado at the sight of him. After a considerable internal struggle, she finally asked, "Did you fight with Keith today because he provoked you?" "He provoked me?" "Yeah, Keith said he deliberately warned you to stay away from me or else he wouldn''t be nice, and then you hit him." Tarquin rolled his eyes in disdain, "You believed that?" Elysia didn''t directly respond, only saying, "I''m asking you." "What if I said he was lying? Would you believe me?" Elysia was surprised, "He lied?" "Yes." "Why would he lie to me about that?" It was clear she believed him. Tarquin was in a good mood, this silly girl might be a bit naive, but at least she wasn''t foolish and knew whose side to take. He leaned against the desk, hands in his pockets, watching Elysia. "I''m not a toddler, and neither is Keith. If all he said was ''I won''t be nice'', I wouldn''t have been provoked to hit him." "What did he say, then?" Tarquin remained silent. Elysia didn''t press him further, instead asking, "Was it about me?" "Yeah." "So... you fought with him because of me?" "Yeah." Elysia''s heart raced again, "Then you... you..." Before Elysia could finish, Tarquin''s cell phone rang. He took it out, nced at the screen, and his expression visibly changed! But instead of answering the call, he looked up at her, "Is there anything urgent you wanted to say?" Elysia could tell he was in a hurry and didn''t want to hold him back. "I... I don''t have anything urgent. You go ahead if you need to." "Alright, I''lle back to you guys as soon as I''m done," Tarquin said gently, patting her head before turning to leave. His gesture was so affectionate it sent Elysia''s heart into a flutter. After leaving the study, Tarquin also made a quick visit to the kids'' room to say goodbye, asking them to take care of themselves and Elysia, before he left the apartment. Once outside, he immediately called Axel back. "Any news?" Axel had been investigating the whereabouts of a daughter Tarquin wasn''t even sure existed. But with both a mysterious informant and Gideon mentioning her, there was a chance she was real. So, despite having no evidence to prove he had a daughter out there, he still had Axel looking into it discreetly. Chapter 639 Axel''s response was blunt, "No news at all." Tarquin''s heart skipped a beat! Just after getting into the car, he frowned and asked, "No leads on a little girl resembling Elijah?" "Yeah, I''ve gone through all the girls Elijah''s age in Jindale City, not a single suspicious one!" Axel then added, "Could the info about the daughter be a red herring by the mystery person to throw you off?" Tarquin lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag. The tension around him was palpable; even the air in the car seemed to drop. Lowell was sitting in the driver''s seat, ncing at Tarquin through the rearview mirror, not daring to make a sound. After a brief silence, Tarquin spoke again, "Keep looking. If she''s not in Jindale City, then expand the search nationwide!" He wasn''t sure if this daughter actually existed. But what if she did? What if he really had a daughter out there? He couldn''t give up on finding her! After hanging up, Tarquin lit another cigarette. The only smallfort he had was that if this daughter did exist and was indeed with the mystery person, she was probably not in danger for now. The mystery person seemed to care about this daughter. Lowell, unaware of this development, had been focusing on thepanytely. Turning his head, he cautiously suggested, "Tarquin, maybe you should head to the office. It''s chaos over there; the executives are losing their minds." After the holiday, there was a backlog of work and many projects needed Tarquin''s approval to proceed. But Tarquin had been staying at the hospital with Elijah and Elysia since the holiday, and hadn''t been to the office, driving the executives to the brink of madness! Feeling down, Tarquin didn''t want to impose his mood on Elysia and the kids. Flicking off the ash, he said, "I''ll check it out." Upstairs, Keith stood by the window, watching Tarquin''s car leave the neighborhood. His gaze was intense, his fingers tapping the windowsill rhythmically, his expression unreadable. ... At noon, as Elysia was just finishing up lunch, the doorbell rang. Blossom egged her on to answer the door, "It''s gotta be Elijah''s dad. Go and talk to him. If you chicken out now, don''t bothering back!" Blushing, Elysia lightly hit her, handed her thedle to serve the soup, and went to wash her hands before opening the door. Taking a deep breath to muster her courage, she swung the door open and blurted out, "Be honest, do you like me?!" Silence stretched on, and he didn''t reply. Elysia''s heart sank as she looked down, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. No answer meant no affection, right? Irritated and looking for a way out, she said, "Just kidding. Don''t take it seriously. Better if you don''t like me because, guess what, I don''t like you either!" As she turned to walk back inside, her eyes began to sting with a mix of shame, anger, and an indescribable surge of emotions. "Ms. Thorne," suddenly came Keith''s voice from behind her. Stunned, Elysia quickly turned around to see Keith standing at the door, looking utterly baffled. Elysia: "???!!!" Keith, one arm in a cast and holding a cake in his other hand, sheepishly asked, "Were you talking to me just now?" Only then did Elysia realize her mistake. She had been so nervous she hadn''t even properly looked at who she was talking to, afraid of backing out again. And now... Elysia wished she could dig a hole big enough to hide a whole apartment in with her toes. She quickly stammered, "No, no, I... I got the wrong person." Chapter 640 Keith''s eyes twinkled with mischief before he broke into a grin and asked, "So, you''ve mistaken me for Elijah''s dad, huh?" Elysia felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. Keith''sughter softened the awkward moment. "Seems like Ms. Thorne has fallen for him. That''s great. He is the kids'' father, after all. If you two got together, it would be like a family reunion. Best wishes to you both." Elysia''s eyes widened in shock at Keith''s words, nearly forgetting that he knew her secret! It was a reminder that she couldn''t afford to get too close or offend him easily. "Our family situation is a bit...plicated," Elysia managed to say. "I know, Elliot filled me in. Don''t worry, your secret is safe with me. I won''t gossip or spill anything. I''ll help you keep it under wraps," Keith reassured her. Elysia thanked him politely, then asked why he hade over. Keith had brought over a cake, apologizing for dampening the mood when he first moved in and wanting to make amends. Elysia was looking for a way to decline the cake when Blossom suddenly appeared. "Keith?" She had nned to catch up on thetest gossip with Elysia and Tarquin, so Keith''s presence took her by surprise. After a brief exchange at the door, Blossom warmly invited Keith inside. The kids, hearing Keith''s voice, came to greet him. "Hey, brought you guys some cake," Keith announced cheerfully. "Thanks, Keith! Come on in, let''s chat for a bit," Elliot weed him eagerly. Elysia felt uneasy, not fully trusting Keith despite not knowing what specifically was off about him. She remembered someone''s warning and preferred the kids not to be alone with him. "Uh, Elliot, whatever you need to say, we can talk in the living room," she intervened. "Don''t worry, Mommy, we''ll be quick! We won''t give Keith a hard time!" Elliot assured her, dragging Keith into the yroom and deliberately closing the door behind them. Evan and Emmett greeted Keith enthusiastically, only Elijah remained aloof. The kids had agreed on their approach toward Keith after returning from the ice cream parlor. Elliot had his reasons. Firstly, Keith knew their secret, so they couldn''t afford to alienate him. Secondly, after returning from the ice cream parlor, Elliot had done some digging but found nothing suspicious about Keith, which meant they needed to keep him close to uncover anything. Lastly, they had liked Keith before, and a sudden change in attitude might tip him off. Acting innocently, Elliot asked, "Keith, we wanted to know about the test results. Do you really like our mom?" Without hesitation, Keith nodded, "Like her? I really, really do!" The kids were taken aback by his candid admission. Keith continued, "He punched me today because I disrespected your mom in my words. If a man doesn''t love a woman enough, he wouldn''t care what anyone says about her. So, you can rest assured, he truly likes your mom." Evan frowned, "So, the disrespectful things you said about our mom, you did that on purpose?" Keith feigned surprise, "You knew?" The kids exchanged puzzled looks. Keith sighed, exining with a helpless smile, "Your dad must have told you. I turned off the bug because I didn''t want you to get upset. Only he and I knew about it. Please exin to him for me. I did it on purpose, not to actually nder Ms. Thorne. I have a lot of respect for her." Keith''s open and straightforward demeanor didn''t seem deceitful at all, leaving the kids with mixed feelings. Chapter 641 After Keith left the Blossom household following lunch, the kids immediately convened their little council. Elijah was the first to voice his opinion, "I don''t buy his excuse that disrespecting Mom was just a test for Dad. If it was really a test, Dad would''ve seen right through it!" Evan and Emmett were on the fence, both turning their gazes towards Elliot for guidance. "If he''s telling the truth," Elliot began, furrowing his brow in thought, "then we''ve all misjudged Keith. But if he lied..." Elliot paused, the concern evident on his young face, "Then it proves he''s cunning and not to be underestimated. No matter how you look at it, he''s got an excuse ready to clear his name." Evan, growing anxious, asked, "So, is Keith a good guy or a bad guy?" Elliot pondered for a moment before replying, "Hard to say for now. Let''s stick to our n-act like we don''t know anything and keep an eye on him." Evan and Emmett nodded in agreement, while Elijah''s expression darkened. He was firmly on Dad''s side, convinced that Dad was truthful and that Keith was up to no good! However, he didn''t resent Elliot, Evan, and Emmett for their skepticism. He understood it. After all, Keith... Elliot had shared earlier that day about a time in preschool when Emmett fell from the top of a climbing frame. Keith had rushed over without a second thought, injuring his knees and arms in the process, but Emmett came out unscathed. Afterwards, Keith had brushed it off as no big deal, stating that it''s a teacher''s duty to protect their students, insisting they not tell their parents to avoid worry. Then there was the time N locked them up at the preschool, and Keith, concerned for their wellbeing, shed with N''s bodyguards. Although he didn''t manage to free them, Keith was hurt and nearly lost his job over the incident. And they had only learned about these acts of bravery from other teachers afterwards, which moved them and made them grateful to Keith. Keith wasn''t just a hero to them; he was like this with all the kids at the preschool. He was like an unsung hero, doing good deeds and helping many without seeking recognition or praise. In everyone''s eyes, Keith was cheerful, optimistic, gentle, and humble-a true helper in need. This made Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, as well as Blossom, fond of him. And there was another crucial point-Keith had been working at the Sunshine Daycare for two years! Meaning, when Keith started his job there, Elliot, Evan, Emmett, and their mom were still in the remote countryside. If Keith had targeted them from the beginning, how could he have known they would end up in Jindale City and that the boys would attend Sunshine Daycare? If Keith had set his sights on them only after their arrival, then maybe it was their mom he was interested in-after all, she was incredibly beautiful! Yet, Dad imed Keith wasn''t interested in Mom, and Keith himself had shown no signs of affection towards her. So, considering everything, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett were still only skeptical about Keith, not fully siding with Dad, which was understandable. In the kitchen, Elysia was washing dishes alone. Blossom had dashed off to pare notes" with Keith, as the preschool was about to start and she hadn''t finished the workload assigned to the teachers. Keith had mentioned during lunch that he hadpleted his tasks and could help Blossom out. So, right after lunch, Blossom had hurried off to see Keith. As Elysia scrubbed the dishes, she pondered how to broach the subject of Keith with Blossom. Chapter 642 If Blossom had any inkling of the reservations she''d feel today, she certainly wouldn''t have extended such a warm invitation to Keith toe over to her ce. But having worked alongside Keith for two years, his good qualities were practically etched into her mind. The sudden suggestion that Keith might be problematic was hard for her to swallow. After all, there wasn''t a shred of evidence to suggest anything was amiss with Keith! Elysia was still mulling over how to broach the subject when her phone suddenly rang. It was him. Her heart raced as she steadied herself before answering, "Hello?" "Come down!" "Excuse me?" "I''m waiting for you downstairs!" Tarquin hung up immediately after his briefmand. Elysia was puzzled by his tone, wondering what she could have possibly done to upset him this time. After a moment''s hesitation, she untied her apron and stepped outside. Tarquin''s car was parked right in front of the building. Elysia saw it the moment she exited the lobby. She wrapped her coat tighter around herself and briskly walked over, about to knock on the window when the back door swung open. The st of warm air was weing. Tarquin, looking effortlessly cool in a thin ck shirt with his legs casually crossed, gave her a look that said, "Get in!" His appearance was undeniably attractive, causing Elysia''s heart to skip a beat. Lately, she found herself increasingly drawn to his looks and physique. Caught up in her crush yet irked by hismanding tone, she retorted, "Spit it out. I''ve got dishes to wash back home!" Tarquin watched her with a tight-lipped smile, his presence dominating, "Get in!" "I won''t! I''m not your secretary to be summoned at will. If there''s nothing important, I''m leaving!" "Do you want to be my secretary?" Tarquin shot back, half-joking. Elysia rolled her eyes, "Who''d want to be your secretary? And besides, do you think you''re some kind of CEO?" Ignoring her dig, Tarquin teased, "So, you want me toe down and carry you in?" "I" Before she could protest, Tarquin made a move to exit the car. Seeing this, Elysia quickly got in, fearing he might actually follow through with his threat. No sooner had the door closed than she found herself pulled into a strong embrace, his crisp, fresh scent enveloping her. The kiss came out of nowhere, taking herpletely by surprise. Elysia''s heart raced as she instinctively pushed back, but her efforts were futile against his firm hold. When her resistance grew, he bit her tongue as a form of punishment. Once she calmed down, his kisses became even more intense, as if he hadn''t kissed her in ages, more domineering and wild than before. It was as if he wanted to devour her whole! Elysia found herself without the strength to fight back, her mind going nk and her body going limp. The kisssted so long that Elysia''s tongue began to numb, and she nearly passed out before he finally let her go, reluctant to break the connection. Now, Elysiay in his arms, weak and docile like a tamemb. Tarquin finally felt the knot in his throat ease. Ever since he found out Keith had lunch with Elysia and the kids, he''d been bothered. A lump had been stuck in his throat, neithering up nor going down. Now, atst, it had cleared. Tarquin didn''t speak immediately, allowing her a moment to rest. He wrapped one arm around her, picking up his phone with the other to answer a call. His phone had been ringing off the hook, Lowell had been calling non-stop. Chapter 643 The phone connected, and Lowell was on the verge of tears. "Tarquin, where have you been?! The meeting''s only halfway through!" At thepany, a crucial executive meeting was in session when Tarquin suddenly stood up and left. Lowell and the other executives thought he had just gone to the restroom or perhaps stepped out to make an urgent call. But forty-odd minutes had passed, and he hadn''t returned! Everyone was panicking, one after another pressuring Lowell to track him down. Lowell was at his wit''s end! Little did they know, Tarquin had left to find Elysia. "Let them wait, I''ll be back in an hour," Tarquin said, his voice cold. "An hour? Where are you... beep beep..." The call had been cut off. Lowell, speechless and helpless, didn''t dare to call back. He braced himself and returned to the boardroom. The executives immediately bombarded him, "Did you get hold of him? Where''s Mr. Bradford?" Lowell tried to exin, "I''m not entirely sure. I heard Tarquin''s voice, he was panting, a bit hoarse, like he was... exercising!" Everyone: "Exercising?!" "Yeah, like he was out for a run." Thest executive to present was terrified. "Good heavens, when Mr. Bradford left, I noticed he looked really upset. He wasn''t mad at me, was he? Mad enough to go for a run to cool off but not wanting to fire me because I''ve been here so long?" Lowell twitched awkwardly, "Don''t jump to conclusions; it surely wasn''t about you." You''re not that influential to send Tarquin off on a run. If he was angry with you, he''d have told you straight. Meanwhile, at Future Community. It took Elysia a moment toe back to her senses. She slowly opened her eyes, only to meet Tarquin''s intense and dangerous gaze. Elysia bolted from his embrace, pressing herself against the car door, her breathing short, her face flushed, "You... you jerk!" Tarquin squinted, "Calling me a jerk, yet you still don''t listen. Seems I''ve been too soft on you." "Soft my foot!" Elysia cursed, beyond frustrated. Her tongue was still numb, her lips felt nothing. Where was his so-called gentleness? Tarquin rarely heard her swear. Instead of getting angry, he actuallyughed, "Not teaching you a lesson, you''d never learn. I warned you this morning to stay away from Keith, and by lunch, you''re dining together! Did you take my words for the wind, or did you think I was just scaring you?" Elysia paused, then argued, "It wasn''t me who invited him! We had just finished cooking lunch when Keith suddenly showed up with a cake, and Blossom invited him in..." Elysia huffed, trying to prove her innocence. But Tarquin already knew. Elijah had reported to him, and he was aware of what Keith had said to the kids. Tarquin asked her, "Did you tell Blossom about Keith?" "Not yet, I haven''t figured out how to say it, especially since you don''t have proof that Keith is trouble. For all we know, Blossom might think you''re just trying to smear Keith." "Then don''t say anything yet." He''d find a chance to talk to her. He''d been wanting to meet her anyway. As for the mystery person, Blossom was a prime suspect! Elysia mumbled, "Then if Blossom is the reason I have to interact with Keith, you can''t me me! And you can''t me Blossom!" Tarquin said, "If you can''t avoid him and have to interact, you need to tell me in advance." Elysia was not pleased at all. Chapter 644 Elysia pressed her lips tightly together, tilting her chin up defiantly, ready to challenge him. But as soon as she locked eyes with his intense gaze, her courage faltered. She was utterly intimidated by his kiss! Annoyed, Elysia quickly changed the subject. "How did you know Keith joined us for lunch?" Tarquin flipped through his phone to show her a photo. Keith had posted on Twitter an hour ago, with three photos and a caption. The photos included one of his arm in a cast, the lunch they had shared, and a blooming flower. The caption read: "Life has its ups and downs. Face it with a calm mind and a positive outlook, and like a flower turning towards the sun, you will flourish." Elysia was puzzled. "But he didn''t mention having lunch with us." Tarquin pinched her cheek gently, "Silly! I knew right away that the meal in his post was made by you, plus there were four kids'' meal sets on the table." Light dawned on Elysia, "No wonder... I thought the kids told you!" Speaking of the four little "traitors," Tarquin felt a headacheing on. Such a big event and not one of them had mentioned it, not even Elijah until after the meal was over. If they had thrown a tantrum, refusing to let Keith join them for lunch, would Keith have seeded? They were just kids, after all; making a fuss was their right! Even if it was embarrassing, couldn''t they make that small sacrifice for him? He loved those kids so much, and yet, traitors! Tarquin decided to shelve his thoughts on the little traitors for the moment and asked Elysia, "What do you make of Keith''s tweet?" Elysia countered, "What about it?" Tarquin pursed his lips, realizing she hadn''t noticed anything amiss. Keith''s tweet was clearly a calcted move, meant to provoke him and sow discord. Keith must have known that Tarquin was watching him closely and that he would see the tweet. By continuing to get close to Elysia and the kids despite the warnings, it was a challenge. And knowing that Tarquin would be jealous and angry after finding out he had lunch with Elysia, possibly causing a rift between them, was an attempt to drive a wedge. Keaton was right; the guy was a wolf in sheep''s clothing. "Do you see anything off about it?" Elysia asked him back. Tarquin said bluntly, "It screams ''wolf in sheep''s clothing'' to me." Elysia was speechless. Tarquin, with an open and honest tone, added, "I''d say it to his face, too. I''m not wronging him!" Elysia handed him back his phone, "No matter what you say about Keith, it doesn''t involve me. But ming me without asking for the reason, especially when I wasn''t the one who invited him for lunch, is unfair!" Tarquin smiled affectionately, "I''m not ming you. I knew before you came down that it was Blossom who invited him." "Then why did you..." "I just wanted to kiss you." The air in the car suddenly became still. Elysia''s eyes widened in shock as she stared at him,pletely taken aback! Tarquin was also momentarily stunned, his honest feelings slipping out faster than he intended. As they looked at each other, their expressions varied, their thoughts swirling. The temperature in the car seemed to spike, the atmosphere growing increasingly tense. In the heat of the moment, both seemed on the verge of losing their reason. Elysia wanted to ask outright: "Do you like me?" Tarquin wanted to confess: "Elysia, I like you." After what felt like an eternity, they both spoke at the same time. Elysia: "You..." Tarquin: "I..." Their words ovepped, silencing them for a brief second before they both urged, in unison, "You go first." The car fell silent once more, "..." Tarquin, looking at Elysia''s flushed cheeks, swallowed hard, "Go ahead, I''m listening." Chapter 645 Elysia''s palms were sweaty, her heart lodged in her throat as if it might leap out at any moment. Her lips moved without sound for an agonizing moment, and she found herself growing frustrated¡ªfrustrated with herself! She was always so bold in private, but when push came to shove, she''d fall apart. Just seeing him made her weak in the knees! Remembering those sleepless nights, tossing and turning in frustration, Elysia gritted her teeth, lifted her chin, and stared him down, demanding, "Do you like me or not?!" Tarquin was taken aback, clearly not expecting such a direct question. Looking at her furrowed brow, he couldn''t tell if she was trying to save face or genuinely upset and questioning him. His heart was all over the ce, hesitant to respond too quickly. He''d noticed a change in Elysia''s behavior towards himtely, as clear as day. She seemed to blush more around him, bing more obedient, more trusting. When he said Keith was no good, she believed him without question. Even if she resisted kisses, her anger afterwards seemed more flustered than truly mad. This wasn''t like her at all. He wasn''t sure when the shift began, but there was no doubt in his mind that she had feelings for him. But how deep those feelings ran, he couldn''t be sure. So, he hesitated, too afraid to make his feelings known. Falling too deep made him cautious, afraid to speak his heart. But now she''d asked, and he couldn''t lie and say he didn''t like her! After a moment''s hesitation, Tarquin began, "I..." His confession was cut short as Blossom suddenly appeared. Blossom instantly recognized his car and, curious, started heading their way. The fragile moment between them shattered. Elysia, already a bundle of nerves for having spoken up, felt even more unsettled by his silence. Seeing Blossom approach, she said nothing more, flung open the car door, and practically ran to Blossom''s side, saying, "Blossom." Blossom remarked, "I thought you might be in the car. I couldn''t find you at home just now; thought you might have gone out to throw out the trash. Why didn''t Tarquine up looking for you? What were you two chatting about down here?" Tarquin couldn''t catch Elysia''s exnation, only hearing something about ast-minute school meeting. Then they parted ways, Elysia heading into the building, Blossom walking towards the south gate of themunity. Elysia left in such a hurry, not once looking back at him, as if she was running away. Tarquin swallowed hard, not following after her. He adjusted his tie and lit a cigarette. He didn''t pursue her, unsure of Elysia''s true feelings. What if her affection for him hadn''t fully developed? Would confessing now scare her off? And if he were to confess, it couldn''t be rushed... This was Elysia, the woman Tarquin cared for. He couldn''t afford to be hasty. He wanted to leave no room for regrets. A grand gesture was necessary! Keaton always said, every woman longed to be loved, cherished through romance and grand gestures. Love was an intangible thing, but romantic gestures were a perfect way to express it. He might not have been experienced in love or romance, but he was willing to learn. Once he was sure of her feelings, he''d prepare meticulously, ensuring a memorable and meaningful confession. Chapter 646 Tarquin was still basking in the glow of his daydream about confessing his feelings when his phone buzzed again. It was Lowell-again! Tarquin''s good mood evaporated instantly. Nobody likes getting calls about work, not even CEOS! He picked up the phone and snapped, "If I end up single forever, it''s on you!" Lowell was taken aback, muttering to himself, "Good Lord! Did I just cross some divine line?" After hanging up, Tarquin didn''t call his driver back. Instead, he slid into the driver''s seat and started the car, heading towards the south gate. Blossom''s car was off-limits today due to city restrictions, so she was nning to catch a cab to school. Tarquin pulled up beside her and rolled down his window, "Let me give you a lift." Blossom was surprised, "Oh?" "I''d like to talk," Tarquin admitted. Blossom quickly nodded and hesitated for a few seconds before getting into the passenger seat. She was worried sitting in the back might give him the wrong idea, as if she was treating him like a chauffeur. Tarquin, usually sporting a chilly demeanor except around Elysia and a few kids, revealing a gentler side, was intimidating to most. Blossom, fearing him, didn''t dare refuse his offer. She buckled up, sitting straight and proper, more so than she ever had in school. Tarquin reached into the glovepartment and handed her a sealed bottle of water, "Don''t be nervous. You''re Elysia''s best friend; I wouldn''t dare upset you. She''d have my head." Blossom took the bottle, slightly dazed by his words. She unscrewed the cap and took a few gulps to calm her nerves. It was only after drinking that she noticed the brand of the water-Iluliaq, a premium brand priced at over $40 a bottle, touted as the most eco-friendly water in the world with a very limited annual production. A luxury few could afford. She nced at Tarquin, thinking the luxurious water seemed out of ce with the car but matched his aura perfectly. But wasn''t he supposed to be bankrupt, as Elysia mentioned? A bankrupt man, driving an ordinary car, drinking $40 water? It had to be a facade! Blossom decided not to call him out, just as she was pondering over his words, he suddenly said, "Elysia asked me if I liked her." Blossom, surprised, "Elysia asked you?!" "Yeah. Does she like me?" Despite her fear, Blossom didn''t answer outright, concerned about her friend''s privacy and happiness. After a moment of hesitation, she probed, "Do you like Elysia?" "I do." Her eyes lit up, "Really? You really like her?" "A lot. Have for a long time." "Then why haven''t you told her?" "I thought about it. But back then, she said she''d avoid me if I did. So, I never dared to say anything. Today, when she asked, I couldn''t answer directly. I wanted to know how she felt first." Tarquin nced at Blossom, "You must know how she feels better than I do." Blossom asked, "Can''t you tell at all what she''s thinking?" "I think she likes me too. But I''m not sure how deep her feelings are. If I confess out of the blue, could it scare her off?" Chapter 647 Blossom was all tied up in knots, debating whether to spill the beans to him or not, especially since Elysia hadn''t figured out her own feelings for the future. Lately, Elysia had been wrestling with the big question: did she actually have feelings for him, or was it just a fleeting crush? And if it turned out she did have feelings, what then? Their history was a tangled web that stretched back six years, involving both past grievances and a child, making Blossom cautious about egging Elysia on but hesitant to speak out of turn in front of Tarquin, for fear ofplicating things further for Elysia. Tarquin, sensing her dilemma, spoke honestly: "The reason I came to you is because I believe you truly want her to be happy. I''ve alreadyid my cards on the table, and now I''m trying to gauge her feelings¡ªnot just for my sake, but for hers too. If she feels the same way, I''m ready to make my move, to love her right, and build a happy future together. But if she doesn''t, or if her feelings aren''t as deep, I''m willing to wait, to hold onto my feelings until the timing feels right. Yet, the thought of her possibly feeling the same way and me not expressing it, that''s torture for both me and her." Blossom frowned, knowing full well the toll it was taking on Elysia, who''d been restless at night and distracted by day, clearly not her usual happy self. After a moment, Blossom said, "I can say for sure, she''s fallen for you!" Tarquin mmed on the brakes, bringing the car to a halt in the middle of the road! He turned to Blossom, breathing hard, "For real?" Blossom, startled by the sudden stop and thankful for her seatbelt, implored, "Can you, maybe, pull over first?" Discussing this while driving seemed a tad risky! As if he hadn''t heard her, Tarquin repeated, "She really likes me?" Blossom nodded vigorously, "Truly!" "Wow!" Tarquinughed, the atmosphere around him shifting, as if he''d suddenly perked up. He then pulled the car over, eager to know, "Did she tell you she likes me?" Blossom exined, "She''s too shy to say it outright, but I know her well enough to see it. She''s definitely smitten. If she knew you felt the same, she''d be over the moon¡ªit''s a typical, sweet crush. But, I''m not sure what happens after the initial happiness. Does her affection for you run deep enough to ovee all her reservations?" Tarquin''s heart sank, "What do you mean?" Blossom''s expression turnedplex, as she pondered, "Even though Elysia ims to have moved past what happened years ago, the scars remain. If they decide to part ways now, it''s like turning a new leaf. But if they get together, those old wounds might reopen, leading to more hurt. In moments of vulnerability, Elysia might dwell on the past, potentially deepening her resentment and their conflicts. Most couples might call it quits after a brief romance, but with theirplicated history and a child involved, a breakup would likely be messy and painful. After all, they have a past filled with both good and bad, and now there''s a child in the mix. A split would hurt both parties, especially Elysia, who might end up the most vulnerable. If ites to a separation, she might even risk losing her child... So yes, Elysia''s feelings are genuine, but to take the leap into a rtionship with him requires immense courage! I''m not sure if Elysia has that courage, or if her love for him is strong enough to ovee all doubts." This revised version maintains the integrity of the original Chinese text''s emotion, style, and plot while making it more suitable for an English-speaking audience. Chapter 648 Tarquin waspletely in the dark about all of this. Seeing her silence, he prodded again, "What''s holding her back?" Blossom certainly wasn''t going to spill the beans. "That''s Elysia''s personal business. If you want to know, you''ll have to ask her yourself." Tarquin didn''t press her further, instead, he shifted the topic. "Do you know anything about the father of Elliot, Evan, and Emmett?" He suspected that Elysia''s reservations might have something to do with the kids'' dad. After all, getting involved with her would mean stepping into the role of stepdad for the boys. At his question, Blossom felt a pang of anxiety, "No, I don''t know him!" Tarquin was skeptical. "But you''re her best friend. How do you not know anything about her husband?" Blossom was confused. Her husband? Wasn''t he asking about Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s father? Did he actually think those boys were Elysia''s husband''s kids? Was he out of his mind? But then she remembered Elijah had mentioned something about a paternity test proving he wasn''t the father of Elysia''s kids. So, Tarquin had stopped suspecting Elysia, which meant he wouldn''t suspect anything about Elliot, Evan, and Emmett either. Eager not to say the wrong thing, Blossom advised him, "If you want to know about Elysia''s husband, you really should be asking her, not me. It''s her private business." Tarquin eyed her silently for a moment before changing tack, "Then tell me about some of her past, the bits you can share." " "1 Meanwhile, Elysia had locked herself in her room, her mind racing with his words: "I just want to kiss you..." Her heart was pounding uncontrobly, those flirtatious words throwing her into a tizzy. After stewing under her covers for a while, she finally calmed down enough to ponder his reaction. His surprise was understandable, given the abruptness of her question. But why didn''t he answer? Was he torn between liking her and not, unsure of what to say? Just like her-if he asked whether she liked him right now, she wouldn''t know what to say either. Not like? Clearly not the case. But like? She wasn''t entirely sure either. So, it boiled down to her having a bit of a crush on him. At that thought, Elysia''s heart rate picked up again, her thoughts growing more abundant. One moment she thought being together would be better for the kids. The next, she worried about their secrets and how a potential breakup could turn messy, especially with the kids caught in the middle. What would she do then? Elysia was fraught with worry, feeling utterly insecure until Elliot knocked on her door, snapping her back to reality. Standing up, she opened the door, trying to appear normal, "Elliot, did you need something from mom?" Elliot mentioned, "The kitchen''s still a mess. Are you feeling okay?" Normally, Elysia would have tidied up before resting. Elysia fibbed, "No, I just felt suddenly tired and took a nap. I''ll clean it up now." "It''s okay, I''ve already cleaned up." Observing his mom''s demeanor closely, Elliot inquired, "Do you have something on your mind?" After a pause, Elysia replied, "Where are your brothers?" "They''re taking their nap." "Alright,e in. I need to talk to you about something." Once her son was inside the room, Elysia hesitated before asking, "Elliot, what do you think about your dad?" Elliot instantly knew what she was getting at. Mom''s starting to ask about him, which means she must like our soon-to-be stepdad a bit. Looks like our bargain-bin dad is about to be priceless! Chapter 649 Elliot, with his usual straightforwardness, said, "He''s got a lot going for him, but he''s not without his ws." "Oh? Do tell." Elliot borated, "His biggest strengths are his integrity and solid moralpass, not to mention he''s quite capable, takes responsibility, and has a sense of duty. Plus, he''s not just a breadwinner; he also knows how to look after the home front. And he''s easy on the eyes too-definitely a catch. The downside? He''s a bit cold, straightforward to a fault, cane off as abrasive, and has a bit of amanding presence. Plus, he''s not exactly the type to sweep a girl off her feet with sweet nothings. If Mom decides to give it a go with him, she might have to whip him into shape a bit." Elysia''s cheeks flushed, "I-I didn''t say I was going to be with him." "I mean in the future. I get the feeling Mom''s got a bit of a soft spot for him. There might be something there down the line." Elysia was taken aback at Elliot''s observation. Could it be that even her child noticed her feelings? Was it that obvious? Elysia cautiously asked Elliot, "Hypothetically speaking, if¡ªand I stress if-Mom were to start a rtionship with him, would you and your brothers be opposed?" Elliot chuckled, "Of course not. As long as Mom''s happy, we''re happy." "But I''ve noticed you three don''t seem too fond of him, especially Evan." "Well, he hurt Mom before, so of course, we weren''t fans. But if he makes Mom happy in the future, we''ll definitelye around, Evan included. Evan''s already starting to see him in a new light." All because he stood up to Keith! Evan had given him a solid ten-point boost! Evan had made it clear: anyone who disrespected his favorite girl would have to answer to him, no exceptions. So, in this case, Dad''s intervention was spot-on, earning his full support! And just like that, Tarquin scored an extra ten points in their book! Elliot added, "Mom, just go for it. Follow your heart without worrying about us or the future. If you like him, dive in. If not, we''ll steer clear. Either way, we''re with you,e what may. Even if things with Dad go south, we''re sticking with you." Elliot was dispelling Elysia''s concerns. He wanted his mom to experience love like any young woman should, boldly pursuing happiness and love rather than always putting her children first. Mom deserved her own life! After everything Mom had been through, she deserved all the happiness in the world, including a beautiful love story. Elysia was moved to tears, holding her son tightly, speechless with gratitude. How lucky was she, Elysia, to have such wonderful children! She must have done something extraordinary in a past life to be blessed with them as her children. Comforted by her son''s words, Elysia felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Her children''s unwavering support was all the reassurance she needed! Elysia''s worries faded, and her thoughts simplified. If there was mutual attraction, why run from it? Letting things flow naturally was the best course. As for whether it would lead somewhere, only time would tell. That afternoon, Elysia took a well-deserved nap, waking up refreshed. Checking her phone, she saw it was already past five-time to start dinner. Blossom had texted, saying she''d be out for a work dinner and wouldn''t be home. Just as Elysia replied with an "OK" emoji, a rapid knock at the door startled her. "Ms. Thorne, Ms. Blythe, are you home? It''s the caretaker from across the hall, Keith''s aide." Chapter 650 Keith''s caregiver? When Elysia heard the urgency in her voice, she quickly got out of bed to see what was happening. "What''s wrong?" Several kids, hearing themotion, ran out and stood by Elysia, eyeing Keith''s caregiver warily. The caregiver was frantic, "I came to borrow a first aid kit. Keith fell, and he''s bleeding. I told him to go to the hospital, but he refused. He asked me to just patch him up at home, but he doesn''t have a first aid kit." Elysia frowned. "I''ll go check on him." She had medical knowledge; she couldn''t just stand by and do nothing. Grabbing a jacket and the first aid kit, Elysia was about to head to Keith''s when Tarquin blocked her path! Holding a bouquet of roses in one hand and a bag full of groceries in the other, he stood in front of her! Today was the first day he knew Elysia liked him back. He was thrilled and wanted to celebrate. And who better to celebrate with than Elysia? So, he came with roses and groceries, only to find her rushing to Keith''s ce. "What are you doing?" Tarquin asked, displeased. Elysia was taken aback; she hadn''t expected such timing, on her way to see Keith and then he appears. Before she could answer, she was captivated by the bright red roses in his hand. Their vibrant beauty took her breath away, making her heart race. Were these for her? Seeing her silent, Tarquin turned to Keith''s caregiver. The caregiver shivered with fear and quickly exined, "Keith fell down. I came to borrow a first aid kit. Ms. Thorne said she''d go check on him." Tarquin nced toward Keith''s house, his brows furrowed, his expression dark. Was this another one of his tricks? Without another word, Tarquin took the first aid kit from Elysia and handed it to the caregiver, "Tell him, the kit is a gift. He doesn''t need to return it!" After saying that, he grabbed Elysia''s hand and pulled her back to the house. The kids quickly followed them inside. Once inside, they dashed back to their room, wisely choosing not to intrude. Tarquin immediately asked, "Did you really think I wouldn''t find out?" Elysia quickly exined, "The caregiver said Keith fell, and since I have medical knowledge, I thought I should check on him." She quickly added, "I haven''t seen him yet!" So, you can''t be mad! Tarquin, with a meaningful look, let out a slight chuckle at her naive reaction and teased, "Silly!" Before she could retort, he continued, "From now on, stay out of his business. A fall is not the end of the world. Even if he did die, it wouldn''t be your concern! Clearly, it''s another ploy to get your attention!" Elysia was speechless. Changing the subject, Tarquin ced the roses in front of Elysia, "For you." Seeing the vibrant bouquet of roses made her heart skip a beat. Though gifting roses might seem clich¨¦, they symbolized love. Elysia didn''t probe why he suddenly brought roses, instead, she took them, remarking, "Waste of money." Tarquin, pleased she epted, replied, "Not a waste if you like them." He then asked, looking deeply into her eyes, "Do you like them?" Yes. Elysia answered silently in her heart, but aloud she only asked, "How much did they cost?" "They were free." "Free? Why were they free?" Chapter 651 Tarquin wanted to say he got them from his own florist, but realizing Elysia didn''t know about the flower shop he had bought for her, he hesitated. Just like the 2% share he had acquired from Gideon to give to her, he hadn''t found the courage to tell her yet. Seeing the puzzled look on her face, Tarquin cleared his throat and tried to lighten the mood, "Good lookse for free, you know." Elysia rolled her eyes, but Tarquin quickly added, "Why don''t you rx? I''ll handle dinner tonight and call you when it''s ready." He took off his coat, hung it by the door, and slipped into some house shoes before grabbing a bag full of groceries and heading into the kitchen. He knew Blossom wouldn''t being home tonight; she had told him herself. After their chat, they had agreed to be ''just friends'', and Blossom was all for him pursuing Elysia. Elysia watched his tall figure move, stealing another sniff of the roses and chuckling to herself, feeling a burst of joy. She ced the roses on the TV stand and decided to join him in the kitchen to help prepare dinner. Tarquin had already rolled up his sleeves and was tying on an apron. Seeing Elysia enter, he didn''t hesitate to ask for help, "Can you give me a hand?" Without any fuss, Elysia stood behind him, each hand taking one of the apron strings and tying a neat bow at his back. She then picked up an apron for herself, but just as she was about to tie it at her back, Tarquin stepped closer, his tall frame enveloping her. Elysia''s heart skipped a beat, her first instinct was to flee, but Tarquin''s hands were firm on her waist, "Stay still." Her breathing quickened. The warmth of his palms sent tingles across her body, "What are you doing?" "I''m helping you with the apron." "I can do it myself." "It''s only fair. I don''t owe you anything." His hands stayed put, firmly on her waist, as his Adam''s apple bobbed with nervous tension. Elysia felt her heart pounding out of her chest, her face flushed with a deep red, half expecting him to embrace her. But he simply secured the apron around her waist and went back to his cooking without another word. Elysia was left wondering if he was acting strangely or if her thoughts were too impure. Thankfully, Blossom''s timely phone call gave her an excuse to escape. "I need to take this call from Blossom. You carry on," Elysia said, taking her phone and rushing back to her room, while Tarquin watched her go, swallowing hard. He knew he was close to losing control just now. His desire for her was growing stronger by the day. Meanwhile, across the hall. A nurse was tending to Keith''s wounds, chatting away, "Ms. Thorne''s husband sure is intimidating. You should have seen his look; scared me to death! That man doesn''t seem like someone to mess with, Keith. I''d keep my distance if I were you. He doesn''t seem too happy about Ms. Thorne talking to you." Keith sat expressionless on the couch, a cold look in his eyes. "How do you know he''s her husband?" he asked suddenly. The nurse paused, "Isn''t he? I heard Ms. Thorne''s kid calling him ''daddy''." Keith''s reply was cryptic, "For now, maybe. But not for long." "Huh?" The nurse clearly didn''t catch on. Keith, with a calm demeanor, said, "Prepare dinner, please. I''ll manage on my own." The nurse hesitated, "Are you sure? You''re still in a cast." "I''ll be fine." Chapter 652 Keith got up, grabbing an alcohol wipe as he headed to the bathroom. Once the bathroom door clicked shut, his expression shifted dramatically, as if he morphed into someone else entirely. Standing before the bathroom mirror, his handsome eyes narrowed, his gaze turning chilling. His deep-set eyes seemed to harbor a monstrous beast... He prodded the cut on his forehead with a finger, then, using the bloodied digit, scrawled ''Bradford'' on the mirror. And then, he crossed it out with a vehement ''X''. ... Across the hall, Blossom was telling Elysia she''d be staying at her mom''s ce for the night, suggesting that Elysia could invite Tarquin over to stay. Elysia''s cheeks flushed even more at the suggestion. "Don''t be ridiculous!" Blossom chuckled, "What''s there to be embarrassed about? You''re both adults. Plus, he''s into you, and you like him. Let me tell you, girl, opportunities like this don''te around often. He''s a total catch, you know. If you hook up with him, you''re the winner!" Elysia, reddening further, retorted, "Stop it, or I''m hanging up." Blossom''sughter grew louder, "Just kidding. Just wanted to let you know I won''t be home tonight. Gotta go." "Drink less at the dinner, and call me if you need anything." "Yeah, yeah, got it." After hanging up, Elysia exhaled deeply, touching her burning face. Blossom really knew how to tease her, making her even more shy! To an outsider, it might seem like she was ying wingwoman, setting things up on purpose! Elysia stayed in her bedroom for a while longer to calm down before venturing out again. Tarquin had also managed to cool off, now busy at the kitchen counter. Walking into the kitchen, Elysia felt awkward, unsure how to break the silence. Then, Tarquin unexpectedly handed her a bunch of kale. "Wash these. I''ll cook them in a bit." Elysia paused, then replied, "Oh, okay." With an unspoken understanding, they avoided bringing up the earlier awkwardness, and the atmosphere gradually returned to normal. They cooked and chatted, talking about children, Blossom, and amusing incidents in their lives. Afterughing and sharing stories for over an hour, they prepared a full dinner with eight dishes and two soups. Elysia called the kids to dinner, and they all scampered out. Elijah was unusually cheerful, resembling a joyous, somewhat sillyndowner''s son. Elliot, adopting a ''proud father'' demeanor, watched Tarquin''s attentive gestures towards Elysia with satisfaction. Emmett and Evan kept their eyes on Elysia, sharing in her happiness. The family of six enjoyed a lively dinner, more joyful and bustling than any holiday feast! After dinner, Tarquin insisted on cleaning the kitchen alone, allowing Elysia to rx. But Elysia didn''t just sit back; she tidied up the dining and living rooms while he was busy. By the time Tarquin finished, Elysia had also done her part. The house was spotless and cozy. After dinner, Tarquin yed LEGO with the kids while Elysia caught up on some TV shows on the living room couch. Their nces asionally met in the air; one would hastily look away, while the other''s gaze was warm and persistent. Nine o''clock came, and it was time for the kids to get ready for bed, but Tarquin hadn''t left yet. Elysia had been wanting to ask him to leave, but every time their eyes met, she found herself too nervous to speak. His intense gaze made her feel uneasy. But it was gettingte, and with the kids off to bed soon, it would be just the two of them. That wouldn''t be proper. Just as Elysia was about to speak up, Elijah suddenly asked, "Mommy, can Daddy stay over and sleep with us tonight?" Chapter 653 Tarquin and Elysia were both momentarily stunned, speechless. Despite the fire raging inside him, Tarquin hadn''t actually considered staying over. He turned to Elysia, waiting for her to make the arrangements... Elysia froze for a few seconds before quickly declining, "No way, no way, our couch is too small. It''d be a terrible night''s sleep for everyone if we tried to squeeze in. He should head home." After she said this, she hurriedly looked back at Tarquin. His intense gaze made her avert her eyes momentarily before she mustered up the courage to say, "It''s bedtime for the kids, and you should be heading out too." Tarquin: "..." He knew it. He knew she wouldn''t let him stay. He didn''t respond but turned to the kids instead, "I''ve got an early start tomorrow, and it wouldn''t be convenient to stay here. But, how about I finish the bedtime story before I go?" At the mention of a bedtime story, the children immediately perked up, especially Evan and Emmett, "You know bedtime stories?" "Yep, want to hear one?" "What stories do you know?" "What do you want to hear?" Emmett eagerly replied, "Do you know any stories about Bigfoot?" "I do!" "I want to hear it! I want to hear it!" Tarquin affectionately ruffled Emmett''s hair and turned to Elysia, "I''ll just finish a bedtime story for them, then I''ll leave, okay?" Elysia: "..." She had wanted to send him on his way now. His presence made her anxious, too anxious. She feltpletely on edge around him. His gaze was like a wolf eyeing a sheep! It was as if he might pounce at any moment! But seeing the eager faces of the little ones, her heart softened. Her lips moved slightly, and she finally relented, "Okay, fine. But it''s alreadyte, so just the Bigfoot story and then you have to leave." "Deal!" Tarquin agreed cheerfully, lifting Emmett up and leading the children to their room, "Bigfoot stories can be a bit scary, you sure you''re not afraid?" "Not afraid!" the children chimed in unison. Tarquin warned, "Well, don''t me me if you end up cryingter." The kids fell silent, but Elysia couldn''t help but interject, "Don''t scare them too much! It''ste." Tarquin turned back with a smile, "Just having a bit of fun. You sure you don''t want to join in?" Elysia hesitated for a moment, "No!" After refusing, she refocused on the TV, trying to ignore them. Tarquin''s smile lingered as he watched her for a few seconds before heading into the children''s room with the kids. Hearing the door close, Elysia turned back once more... She could hear the children bombarding him with questions, their voices ovepping in excitement. They asked him who Bigfoot''s parents were, what Bigfoot really looked like, if Bigfoot melted would that mean he died, and if he died, could he be reborn? He answered each question with patience, his deep, soothing voice filled with affection and love for the kids. It was the voice of a doting father. Elysia listened quietly, feeling bothforted and saddened. Comforted that the father and children were getting along so well, but saddened by... Despite her best efforts over the years to fill the void in her children''s hearts, she couldn''t rece their father. Deep down, the kids still longed for him! Maybe they kept quiet about wanting their father because they didn''t want to upset her. Elysia sighed softly to herself, her eyes on the TV, but her heart was with them in the children''s room. She couldn''t make out what Tarquin was saying exactly, but she could hear the kids'' asional exmations, indicating a harmonious atmosphere. A smile yed on her lips, soft and gentle... However, the clock on the wall had already struck half past nine, and the Bigfoot story was still going! Chapter 654 The kids were all tucked in like clockwork, usually fast asleep by 9:30 PM. Elysia didn''t want to wait until they were all asleep to send him away. She felt a bit safer with the kids still awake and bustling in their rooms. After turning off the TV, she got up and headed toward the kids'' room, her hand raised to knock, but the sounds of their lively chatter softened her resolve. Without knocking, she turned back to her room. After freshening up, she realized he was still going on! Elysia was puzzled. Was this really supposed to be a bedtime story? Who knew bedtime stories could be marathon sessions? Had he moved from tales of Bigfoot granddads to Bigfoot juniors?! Elysia wandered aimlessly around the living room for a bit, then drifted into the study. She tried to focus on a book to calm her nerves, but his image kept intruding on her thoughts. After what felt like ages, there was finally some movement from the living room. Elysia quickly stood up and walked out, just as Tarquin was tiptoeing and gently closing the kids'' room door. Seeing her, he put a finger to his lips in a shushing gesture. Elysia froze in ce, not daring to move. After closing the door, Tarquin turned around and walked towards her with light steps. Elysia whispered, "Are the kids asleep?" "Yeah, managed to tuck them in." Elysia was stunned. With the kids asleep, it was just the two of them now. She was already nervous, and now her anxiety spiked, making it hard to breathe. She pinched the soft flesh of her palm, forcing herself to stay calm and avoid his intense gaze as she hinted that he should leave, "You should go, it''ste." "Elysia," he suddenly said. "Hmm?" As soon as Elysia looked up, he leaned down and gave her a quick kiss! Elysia froze, her face tilted up, eyes wide in surprise. His kiss was fleeting, barely dipping into deeper waters before pulling back. It took Elysia a few seconds to snap out of it, her face flushing from pale to pink. She quickly averted her gaze, "You-you should go! No need to see you out!" She tried to make a break for her bedroom, but Tarquin quickly wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her into the study and leaned in for another kiss. The initial kiss was just a prelude, an impulsive test. Now, this kiss was the real deal! He was as wild and domineering as ever, as if he hadn''t kissed her several times today already, like a wolf starved for centuries, unable to resist devouring her in one gulp. Breathing heavily, he pinned her against the door, one hand locking hers above her head, the other wrapping tightly around her waist, leaving no room for resistance. He missed her, almost to the point of madness! From the moment he knew she reciprocated his feelings, he wanted nothing more than to pounce on her. But, overwhelmed by his emotions in the afternoon, he dared not seek her out, afraid of frightening her. He held back, waiting until nightfall. His arrival coincided with dinner, so he waited, not wanting to disrupt their meal. After dinner, there were the kids to attend to, so he continued to wait. Now, with the kids finally asleep and just the two of them left, he couldn''t hold back any longer! This night was torture for him! Now, his body was in uproar, each kiss fueling his desire further, like a wolf that''s tasted blood, craving more after the first sip. With a burning difort in his loins, he yearned to release it inside her... But he dared not go further! He could only intensify his kisses, devouring the sweetness of her mouth. He kissed her against the door, on the couch, her eyebrows, the tip of her delicate nose, her earlobes, and her neck... Chapter 655 As Tarquin moved in, Elysia found herselfpletely overwhelmed, her brain starved of oxygen, everything turning nk within moments... A single passionate kiss nearly did her in! She couldn''t even recall how she ended up on the sofa. All she knew was that his lips never left her, moving from her lips to her cheeks, to the tender lobe of her ear, down to her chin and neck, lingering at her corbone... She melted under his touch, her heart fluttering uncontrobly. Limp beneath him, she had no strength to resist, only managing to clutch at the sides of his shirt, letting him have his way with her. Tarquin was like a man starved, his hunger not sated but growing more intense with every moment! The heat between them grew unbearable, nearly explosive, yet frustratingly just shy of ignition. He was in agony, his movements bing more forceful, eliciting a soft moan from Elysia, "Mmm..." That sound nearly pushed him over the edge! He paused, his gaze intense as he looked down at her... Her eyes were closed,shes fluttering, cheeks flushed with desire, her biting on her lip in a way that spoke volumes. Tarquin''s breathing became ragged, his Adam''s apple bobbing fiercely! He gritted his teeth and dove back in, kissing her with a renewed frenzy, even more passionately than before! He couldn''t hold back! Not anymore! Tonight, he was going to... Suddenly¡ª "Waaaah... Mommy, I want Mommy! Waaaah..." Emmett''s cries came from the next room. Tarquin froze! Elysia''s eyes snapped open! The voices of Elliot, Evan, and Elijah followed, "What''s wrong, Emmett?" "The monster, the monster''s gonna get me, waaaah... I''m scared, I want Mommy! Waaaah..." Emmett had a nightmare. Elysia was instantly alert, her panic evident as she looked at Tarquin, her face burning red. Tarquin looked back at her, just about to speak when Elysia shoved him away. She quickly got up from the sofa, hurriedly fixing her clothes, and dashed towards the door, stopping just at the threshold without turning back, she bitingly said before leaving. "Get out! If you don''t leave now, I swear I''ll turn on you!" Tarquin: "... He nced down at himself, offering a moment of silent sympathy, before suppressing his desire and heading to check on Emmett. The door to the children''s room was ajar, dark inside, but the light from the living room allowed him to see Elysiaforting Emmett. Emmett clung to her neck, his body shaking with sobs, still mumbling about the monster... Elysia''s re warned him: Leave now! Tarquin''s lips moved, but no sound came out, aware he might have pushed her too far tonight, feeling a bit guilty. He hadn''t nned to go this far tonight. He just wanted to kiss her, but he nearly crossed a line! He knew rushing things with her was too hasty, but he couldn''t control himself, especially knowing she had feelings for him too, he felt bolder. If Emmett hadn''t woken up, perhaps tonight would have been different between him and Elysia... Tarquin swallowed hard, his mouth dry, daring not to provoke her further, he headed to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, he downed two bottles of ice-cold water in one go. Then, reluctantly ncing towards the children''s room several times before leaving. Taking the elevator down, he lit a cigarette as soon as he got into his car. He regretted telling the kids a monster story tonight; he should have chosen something heartwarming, something that wouldn''t give them nightmares. But as much as he regretted it, the thought of Elysia''s mutual affection made him smile uncontrobly. Upstairs, Keith stood by the window, watching his car, his eyes narrow with scorn and disdain. The nurse approached, "Keith, aren''t you resting yet?" "I''m about to." He then added with a sigh, "Tomorrow will be a sunny day." The nurse paused, "But the weather forecast said it''s going to be cloudy." Keith chuckled, "For me, it will be sunny." The nurse was puzzled, unsure of what he meant. Chapter 656 Across the street, after Elysia had tucked Emmett into bed, she hurried back to her own room for a quick shower. Stripping down, she caught sight of the red marks on her neck in the mirror, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She wondered if it was the longing of her body as she got older or the fact that he was in her heart that made her nearly give herself to him tonight. If Emmett hadn''t woken up suddenly, she might have crossed a line. She was surprised at how quickly her disciplined heart had be so restless. When he kissed her, she felt nervous, yet thrilled... Elysia swallowed unconsciously, closing her eyes and tilting her face under the shower, hoping the water would calm her agitated heart. It took a while for her to cool down, reminding herself to keep in control. Even though they were fond of each other, they hadn''t defined their rtionship-it was definitely too soon for intimacy... After getting ready for bed, Elysia checked on the kids again before finallyying down, by which time it was quitete. Out of habit, she nced at her phone, finding several messages from him: 11:10 PM, [Got home. Did you manage to get Emmett to sleep?] 11:15 PM, [Went to grab some water from the fridge and found those potatoes and carrots you bought a while back have sprouted. Talk about resilience.] Attached was a photo of the sprouting vegetables. 11:18 PM, [I nted them in a pot. Wonder if they''ll grow?] Another photo followed, showing them buried in soil. 11:35 PM, [Just got into bed after freshening up.] 11:36 PM, [Don''t wake up early to make breakfast. Sleep in, I''ll bring something over.] 11:40 PM, [Elysia, going to sleep now.] 11:45 PM, [My phone is on 24/7, call me anytime.] 11:46 PM, [For anything or nothing at all.] 11:48 PM, [Elysia, goodnight.] He didn''t mention the events of the evening, nor did he express his feelings directly, but his fondness for her was unmistakable. Elysia''s heart raced with excitement, a feeling beyond words. She didn''t reply to his messages, instead pulling the covers over her head, tossing and turning restlessly. "Ding" Another message. She peeked from under the covers, it was him again. [Elysia, are you asleep?] Her heart fluttered at his message, but after typing a reply, she deleted it. Just the thought of their encounter earlier made her too flustered to engage in a normal conversation... In Sunshine Community, Tarquin was propped up against his headboard, staring at his phone. Her silence left him anxious, his mind racing with reasons she hadn''t replied. Restlessness had him pacing from his bed to the kitchen for water. He thought about calling her directly, but hesitated, fearing he''d wake her. Not wanting to disturb her rest, he tormented himself instead. That night, he went through two ashtrays, took four cold showers, and made over a dozen calls to Lowell, brainstorming ideas for confessing his feelings. Sitting at hisputer, he searched for advice on derations of love, instructing Lowell to buy various items he thought might help. His mind was a whirlwind of scenarios involving Elysia''s possible reactions, the thought of her surprised face making him chuckle to himself. Sitting alone, chuckling in his study, he looked nothing like the CEO he was, more like a lovesick fool. The next morning, before dawn, Tarquin was already up, preparing breakfast. He remembered she loved his omelets, so he made them. He recalled her once mentioning how much she enjoyed his sweet porridge, so he made that too. He also whipped up some side dishes, fried heart-shaped eggs, and boiled her favorite sweet corn. After breakfast, he took another shower. At just past six, Tarquin, dressed in a tailored suit, adjusted his tie, slipped on his watch, and left with his homemade breakfast. Elysia, like him, had a restless night. But unlike him, she managed to catch a few hours of sleep, waking up around five and starting her day, albeit a bit frazzled. Chapter 657 Elysia had never been one to fuss over her wardrobe, but today was different. She rifled through her closet, discarding outfit after outfit until she finally settled on her third choice. To top it off, she even applied a hint of makeup, something she seldom bothered with. Her kids, ustomed to seeing her in casual home wear, hair tousled and face bare, were visibly stunned. "Mom, are you going out today?" one of them asked, their eyes wide with curiosity. "Nope, there''s smog today. It''s not a good day to be outside." "Then why are you all dolled up?" Elysia fluttered her eyshes, feigning innocence. "Aren''t I always like this? Wasn''t mommy pretty before?" "Mom, you''re always pretty, but..." their voice trailed off, taking in her appearance. Elysia was dressed in a long, white sundress that she usually reserved for special asions. Her hair, though still loose, looked freshly washed, and she''d even put on lipstick, earrings, and a ne. The kids stared up at her,pletely baffled. Feeling a bit self-conscious under their gaze, Elysia admitted to herself that the high-necked dress was a strategic choice to hide a love bite on her neck. As for the makeup, she couldn''t quite exin why; it just happened. Seeking an excuse, she said, "I decided to skip making breakfast today. Got a bit bored and ended up ying with makeup. Nothing more to it." "No breakfast? Are we going out to eat?" "No, we''re staying in." "Then what''s for breakfast?" "Your dad is dropping something off. Oh, and Elliot, Evan, you guys might want to freshen up your makeup fromst night," she added, remembering how Tarquin had left, and the kids had wiped off their yful makeup. Checking the time, Elysia felt a rush of nervous excitement, unsure when he would arrive. She needed a reason to go downstairs, so she announced, "You guys get ready. I''ll be right back; just taking out the trash." The children exchanged looks, suspecting their mom''s efforts were all for their dad''s benefit. Downstairs, after disposing of the trash, Elysia couldn''t help but nce towards the entrance, half-expecting to see him. Instead, she spotted Keith, dressed casually in a trench coat with a caramel scarf, petting a stray cat that seemed to adore him. Feeling his gaze, Keith looked up and greeted her with a smile, "Ms. Thorne, headed out so early?" "Just taking out the trash. You''re out for a walk?" Elysia replied, maintaining a polite distance. "Yeah, I like to start my day with some exercise. Just happened to run into this little guy," Keith said, nodding towards the cat. Elysia cautioned him, remembering his recent injury, "You''ve been hurt; you should take it easy. Light walks are good, though." Keith smiled, appreciating her concern. Their conversation meandered from his injury to general pleasantries until Keith hesitated, indicating he had something more personal to discuss. Elysia, sensing the shift in tone, encouraged him to speak his mind. When Keith finally revealed his thoughts about Elijah''s father, Elysia was left speechless, her eyes wide with shock. Chapter 658 "Really? Are you serious?" "Yeah, if you don''t believe me, you can ask him yourself," Keith said confidently. He then added, "I think this could really shake things up for you. You should think carefully about what to do next." Elysia frowned, visibly agitated. If what Keith was saying was true, this could indeed have a huge impact on her! Suddenly, Keith reached out and brushed something off her head. Elysia froze, her eyes wide with surprise as she looked at him, her frown deepening. "What the heck?!" Keith paused, then carefully exined, "You had a bug on your head just now. I thought it might freak you out, so I went ahead and took care of it." He pointed to the tiny insect on the ground. "See? It must have fallen from the tree." Elysia, feeling a bit awkward, muttered an apology for her earlier tone. Keith just smiled. "No worries, I was a bit forward." With her mind preupied by Keith''s revtion, Elysia had no desire to wait for Tarquin any longer. She said to Keith, "I''m going to head up." "I''m heading up too. Let''s go together." Without much further conversation, Elysia and Keith walked toward the apartment building. Tarquin, who had just arrived carrying a lovingly prepared breakfast, caught sight of them just as he got out of his car. Elysia and Keith were walking side by side, hands in pockets, with Keith turning his head to say something to her, a big smile on his face. Bystanders nearby chatted among themselves. "Which apartment does that cute couple live in? They look amazing together, like celebrities." "Must be new around here. Never seen them before. How do you know they''re married?" "It''s obvious, isn''t it? They''re perfect for each other. And the way he looks at her? So tender it''s practically dripping with honey. And her, all dolled up so early in the morning? Clearly for his eyes only. If they aren''t married, they''re definitely an item. Imagine how beautiful their kids would be." The spectators moved on,ughing and chatting, oblivious to Tarquin. Tarquin''s heart, initially warm with anticipation, turned ice cold, though his temper red. He clenched his fists, tempted to confront them but remembered thest time and held back. "Elysia!" Hearing that familiar voice, Elysia stopped dead in her tracks and turned around. There stood Tarquin, dressed sharply in a dark suit, his brow furrowed and his expression dark with displeasure. Especially when he nced at Keith, his gaze was sharper than a de! Elysia, fearing another confrontation, quickly told Keith, "You go ahead, I''ll catch up." "Alright," Keith agreed, shooting Tarquin a challenging look before he left. Tarquin was fuming. Elysia approached to exin, "I just came down to take out the trash and bumped into Keith." Tarquin stared at her, jealousy bubbling up uncontrobly. "Dressed up to take out the trash? And we took out the trashst night. What trash are you taking out so early in the morning?" "I..." Elysia, embarrassed to admit she got dressed up for him, scrambled for an excuse. Before she could find the words, Tarquin pressed on, "Are you sure bumping into Keith was an ident, or did you deliberatelye down for a little morning date?" Elysia stared at him in disbelief. "Why would you even think that?" Tarquin, his face dark with jealousy, countered, "What am I supposed to think? You''re all dolled up, with Keith, and you feed me some flimsy excuse. Do I look like a toddler to you?! If you like him, just say it!" "You... you''re being ridiculous!" Elysia turned and stormed towards the apartment building. Tarquin, seeing her leave, furrowed his brow and followed, trying to hold her hand. She pulled away. He reached for her wrist; she shook him off, clearly angry. Tarquin had no choice but to grab her hand, leading her to a quiet spot to exin, "I didn''t mean to make you mad. I just need to know if you like him." Everything the bystanders said hit too close to home. Elysia, all dressed up for Keith, made him jealous and insecure. He felt utterly vulnerable. He knew Elysia liked him, but the depth of her feelings was a mystery. He feared that whatever affection she had for him could easily be swayed by Keith. Elysia red at him, hurt and disgusted, trying to leave. "I don''t want to talk to you!" Tarquin blocked her path, trying to appease her. "I''m sorry for how I acted." "I don''t ept your apology!" "What will make you ept it? Want to hit me?" Before she could respond, he raised his hand as if to p himself. Elysia quickly grabbed his arm. "Are you insane?" Tarquin gave a wry smile. "Can''t bear to see me hurt?" Elysia pursed her lips and stomped on his foot-hard. Given she was in heels, Tarquin winced in pain. Elysia snorted. "Serves you right!" Tarquin merely sighed, acknowledging his fault. Why did he provoke her in the first ce? Now, he had to make amends. He looked at her, his voice soft. "Are you still mad?" Elysia didn''t respond but didn''t walk away either. She decided to take this moment, while their kids were not around, to discuss what Keith had revealed earlier. Chapter 659 Tarquin looked at her, his eyes softening, "Can we talk calmly once you''ve cooled down?" Elysia muttered, "You were the one who got mad first!" "So, I apologized, didn''t I? I was too impulsive and my attitude was off. It just irks me seeing you with him, especially after I''ve told you to keep your distance." "I exined it already, didn''t I? I bumped into him by ident when I went downstairs. You just won''t believe me!" Tarquin''s lips twitched, "Be honest with me, do you like Keith?" Speechless and on the verge of snapping back, Elysia caught the earnest look on his face and swallowed her words, grumbling instead, "I don''t! I''ve said it a million times!" Relief washed over Tarquin, settling his restless heart. Though he still had his reservations about her looking so dolled up around Keith, as long as she didn''t fancy Keith, it was okay. He reached out, gently patting Elysia''s head in a soothing gesture, "There, there, let''s not be angry." "Get lost!" Tarquin chuckled, his mood instantly lifting. He had never known what it was like to truly care for someone until now. Joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, all because of her. "Let''s go, I brought you breakfast. All your favorites." Elysia stood still, "I have a question for you." "What is it?" he asked. Elysia hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Are you nning to rent apartment 1803?" Tarquin was taken aback, "How did you find out?" Their building, Blossom, housed four apartments per floor. The Blooms lived in 1801, Keith in 1802, and the other two apartments were 1803 and 1804. Since Keith refused to sell, Tarquin had negotiated with the other tenants and settled on 1803. Not for rent, but to purchase outright. It was currently being fast-tracked for renovation so he could move in right away. He hadn''t told her because he wanted to surprise her once he moved in. But now... Seeing the frown on Elysia''s face, Tarquin felt his heart sink, "What''s wrong?" Elysia, with her eyebrows knit tightly, questioned, "Why would you rent another ce when you already have a house? Just to be closer to me and Elijah?" "...You should cancel the lease." Tarquin frowned, "You don''t want me moving in?" "No." His heart sank further, "Why not?" Elysia bit her lip, their rtionship not yet defined, and she wasn''t ready to expose the secrets of the children. If he moved in, Elliot and Evan''s secrets could easily be revealed,plicating their lives. Unable to exin, Elysia simply stated, "I just don''t want you to move in right now." Tarquin, unable to grasp her thoughts, felt a mix of frustration and disappointment, "Give me a reason." Elysia looked down, avoiding his gaze, "...There''s no reason." Tarquin''s frustration mounted, his jaw tightening as he tugged at his tie, "And Keith? Did you ask him to move out too?" "This is between us, Keith has nothing to do with it." "How can he not be involved? Did he tell you about 1803? Is he the reason you don''t want me moving in?!" Aside from Keith''s interference, he couldn''t think of any other reason. Moving in next door meant they''d see each other more, which was a good thing, yet she was against it. Elysia frowned upon hearing Keith''s name again. True, Keith had informed her about 1803, but her decision was her own. "Stop bringing up Keith. It has nothing to do with him not wanting you to move in." Tarquin''s expression darkened, "Then why can he live across from you, but I can''t live next door?" Chapter 660 "I''m not saying you can''t, just... not right now. Can you give me a little more time?" She was determined to rify her rtionship with him before bringing up the kids. But now was definitely not the time! They were just starting out, feeling each other out with no realmitments or even a clear admission of their attractions. The matter of her children had to remain under wraps for now. Her kids meant the world to her; nothing would be revealed until everything was settled. Tarquin''s handsome face clouded over with frustration. "I can give you time, but you''ve got to give me a reason. Why can''t I move in yet?" "I''ll tell you...ter." "How long is ter''?" "I''m not sure." "So, what, I''m just supposed to wait forever without any idea of where we stand?" Elysia looked down, unable to respond. Tarquin, his emotions getting the better of him, furrowed his brows and pressed on, "Elysia, do you think this is fair to me? You won''t let me move in, you won''t tell me why, and you won''t give me a timeframe. Are you just looking for excuses to keep me at bay?!" "No! That''s not it, I just..." "Then what is it?" Tarquin interrupted, clearly upset. Elysia frowned, wanting to exin but not knowing where to begin. In his frustration, Tarquin blurted out, "Keith can stay here, but I can''t. Are you worried I''d cramp your style with Keith? Am I just a backup n to you?" Elysia, taken aback, quickly became defensive, "Who said you''re a backup? You can''t just make usations like that!" "If I''m not a backup, then what''s going on?!" "I told you, I don''t like Keith that way. There''s nothing between us, but you won''t believe me..." "How can I believe you when you''re all dolled up for morning walks with him? And now you''re acting all cagey about me moving in. Are you trying to see how things go with Keith before deciding about me?" "Believe what you want! My not letting you move in has nothing to do with Keith! And I''m not treating you as a backup!" With that, Elysia ran off, tears in her eyes. She had her reasons, her own struggles and pains that she couldn''t yet share! Without settling the future between them, she couldn''t risk revealing her children. Thus, the reason for not letting him move in remained unsaid. But it hurt that without any proof, he''d suspect Keith. She trusted him unconditionally; why couldn''t he extend her the same courtesy when she couldn''t provide reasons? It was one thing to misunderstand her, but another to not even have the basic trust. Watching her run off, Tarquin wanted to follow but held himself back. He had his pride and stance too. He took issue with not being allowed to move in and wasn''t ready topromise. And today''s events didn''t feel like affection to him; instead, he felt sidelined, and it made him furious. Dark-faced, Tarquin returned to his car. Opening the door, he saw the thermos of breakfast he''d prepared for Elysia sitting on the passenger seat. Irritated, he tossed it in the trash and drove off. Unless Elysia gave him a satisfactory exnation, he wasn''t going to back down. Chapter 661 Elysia, with her eyes rimmed red, took a moment topose herself in the hallway upstairs before daring to enter her home. She didn''t want her kids to notice anything amiss and start worrying about her. Upon her arrival, the kids immediately bombarded her with questions about when their stepdad woulde over. Elysia forced a smile, made up an excuse about him suddenly being tied up with work, and then turned to head into the kitchen, trying to hold back her tears as she prepared breakfast. After the morning chores were done, she locked herself in her bedroom, dove under the covers, and wept in silence. Her heart ached unbearably. He had actually used her of keeping him as a backup n! In his eyes, was she really that despicable? Despite exining that her encounter with Keith was purely coincidental, he refused to believe her, suspecting her of secretly dating Keith. She had reiterated herck of interest in Keith numerous times, yet he persisted with his doubts and usations. Had she done something to blur the lines with Keith? And then there was his reluctance to move in with her. She knew it was unfair to him and felt guilty about it, but she couldn''t expose the kids to such a significant change without being sure about their future together. If he had just agreed, she would have found a way to make it up to him. Even if he initially disagreed and got angry, she could understand. But using her of stringing him along while keeping things unclear with Keith? That was just low. In his eyes, was she really such a fickle-hearted person? Both Elysia and Tarquin were in agony. After their unpleasant parting, Tarquin returned to hispany only to find out a key project had been halted due to a mistake made by a project manager under the influence, leading to a government stoppage. This meant not only a hefty fine for breach of contract but also a blow to thepany''s reputation and future dealings. Tarquin''s rage was palpable, shocking even Lowell, his right-hand man. The entire atmosphere at Bradford Group was tense, with everyone on edge, working diligently to avoid further issues. Throughout the day, Elysia kept to herself except for meal times, her heart heavy with sorrow. Tarquin, on the other hand, drowned himself in work, skipping meals and maintaining a stern demeanor that clearlymunicated a "do not disturb" warning. Lowell, despite his best efforts, couldn''t persuade him to take a break, nearly getting frozen by Tarquin''s icy re. As the night deepened, neither of them could find sleep. Their rtionship had barely started, yet they were already tasting its bitterness. Elysiay in bed, her attention glued to her phone, hoping for a message from him. Each time her phone buzzed, she would quickly check it, only to feel dejected when it wasn''t from him. She considered reaching out but didn''t know what to say, her pride and hurt feelings keeping her from breaking the silence. Meanwhile, Tarquin spent the night in his office, unable to focus on work as thoughts of Elysia consumed him. He stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office, overlooking the lights of Jindale City, smoking a cigarette - a habit he hadn''t indulged in for a long time. The more the night wore on, the more he missed her, finding it impossible to concentrate. He contemted reaching out to her numerous times, but each time, he held back at thest second, unwilling to appear weak or to concede to her demands, which would mean not moving in together. Chapter 662 He wanted to move in, to be there with her and Elijah every single day, and he wasn''t about to back down. The nights were long, both torturing themselves and each other. They endured like this for three straight days. Tarquin had spent three consecutive days at the office, his aura growing darker by the hour. He was like a robot devoid of emotions, just burying himself in work, clearing the pile-up of tasks that had umted over the holiday season! The pace was too much for the employees; three executives were already out sick, and the rest were mentally begging for a break. But with the boss burning the midnight oil, no one dared to take a day off. They just kept their heads down and worked on! All they could do was silently pray for a miracle to brighten up their boss''s mood. During these days, Elysia was down in the dumps, the sparkle in her eyes dimming more with each passing day. Dark circles had formed under her eyes, and she looked more haggard as days went by. Merely mentioning him would bring tears to her eyes. Blossom and the kids all sensed something was off, and they tried to mediate. Blossom talked to Elysia, while Elijah and a few of the kids tried to reason with Tarquin. But both of them were tight-lipped, refusing to speak a word about it! Since no one knew the real reason behind their silent battle, any advice was of little to no use, having almost no effect at all. The cold war continued, with both sides torturing themselves and each other. Until the morning of the fourth day, Tarquin suddenly received a series of photos. The photos were sent from an anonymous ount, all featuring Elysia and Keith. There were pictures of them walking shoulder to shoulder, Keith opening the door for Elysia as they exited a building, and even enjoying the sunset together. There was even a photo where Keith was affectionately patting Elysia on the head. In some photos, Keith was looking at Elysia, in others, Elysia was looking up at Keith, and then there were those where they were gazing into each other''s eyes. Seeing these photos, Tarquin''s lips thinned, his face turned ashen, and his facial muscles twitched in anger! The emotions he had been suppressing for days surged to his heart. Completely losing control, he threw the documents he was holding, grabbed his car keys, and stormed out! He didn''t even bother to put on a coat, just wearing a thin ck shirt. Lowell, worried he might catch a cold, chased after him with his coat, but Tarquin had already vanished into the elevator. At the crack of dawn, Tarquin showed up at Blossom''s doorstep. With a scowl, he raised his hand to knock. But just as his hand was about to touch the door, he hesitated. His approach was fierce, filled with rage, but standing here, about to see her, his anger was subdued by longing. He had refrained from seeing her these past days, and it had been tough! He missed her, truly missed her! If it wasn''t for his stubbornness, he would havee to see her already! He didn''t want to be in a cold war with her, to upset her, to go days without seeing her. He stayed at the office for three days, thinking of her every moment! If he didn''t immerse himself in work, he wouldn''t have made it through these days! Not wanting to scare her with his dark mood, Tarquin steadied himself for a good while before he finally rang the doorbell. While waiting for Elysia to answer, he reminded himself: Those photos must have been sent by Keith, Keith trying to stir trouble again. He couldn''t fall into Keith''s trap! He could ask Elysia about those photos, but he shouldn''tsh out at her. He had to keep his temper in check, not to frighten her! This was the girl he liked, after all. Scaring her would hurt him more than anything! However When the door opened, and he saw Elysia, cheeks flushed, breathing uneven, and Keith looking disheveled, his mental fortifications crumbled instantly! Chapter 663 Elysia and Keith together were like waving a red g in front of a bull, and Tarquin was the bull on the verge of charging! Just catching a glimpse of their picture together was enough to set him off, let alone this situation. Early morning, when most people were still enjoying their dreams, Keith was already inside Elysia''s house! Elysia, with her hair in disarray and cheeks flushed, seemed surprised at first, then shocked, and finally visibly panicked upon seeing him, as if caught in a guilty act. Keith, standing behind her in a thin white shirt with several buttons undone, revealing hints of his chest muscles and the shirt creased from what must have been a passionate encounter, was breathing as erratically as she was. The scene was too suggestive not to raise eyebrows and sent a rush of adrenaline through Tarquin! It was a direct challenge to every nerve, every cell in his body! The suppressed anger within him broke free, the fury intensifying and zing within him more fiercely than before! He stood outside the door, lips pressed tightly together, his facial muscles tense, and the veins in his neck bulging from the overwhelming emotions! He looked chilling, like a wrathful spirit risen from the depths of hell - downright terrifying! Elysia eyed him cautiously... She couldn''t guess his thoughts, but in those few seconds, her emotions were on a roller coaster. Upon opening the door and seeing him, she was taken aback. They hadn''t seen each other in three days, and she hadn''t expected him to show up today. Then came the surprise! Despite their ongoing cold war, seeing him filled her with an inexplicable joy. They had been at odds for three days, and she had missed him terribly, every single day, her longing intense. So, her first reaction wasn''t to continue their silent battle but to feel excited, happy. Unfortunately, this flicker of ''surprise'' vanished too quickly for Tarquin to notice. After the surprise, she became nervous. She hadn''t put on any makeup, was dressed casually, and looked a mess - she worried he might find her unappealing. Her nervousness then turned into panic thinking about Elliot and Evan also being unprepared. She became increasingly anxious and uneasy. Seeing the heavy aura of displeasure around him now made her fear his reaction... "Mommy?" Suddenly, Evan''s voice came from behind. Elysia''s heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly turned around to see Evan running towards her, her heart leaping to her throat. Evan was without makeup, and if Tarquin saw him like this, it would be disastrous! With a "thud!" Elysia quickly shut the door, leaving Tarquin outside. Tarquin felt his heart sink to the lowest depths! Thankfully, Elysia, worried about upsetting him further, managed to say, "You... just wait for a moment, I''lle out to you soon." After speaking, Elysia quickly ushered the kids back to their room. She told them their dad was here and asked them to stay in the room until Emmett could get Elliot and Evan ready. After briefing the kids, she dashed back to her bedroom and reemerged dressed in a beautiful, beige cinched-waist dress, her hair neatly done. Her eyes sparkled with life again, as if a person who had been listless suddenly regained their vitality. She hurried to the door, seemingly eager to see the person waiting outside. Chapter 664 Keith stood in the living room, a frown creasing his brow as he watched her. Yet, she didn''t even nce his way, as if she hadpletely forgotten he was there... and that she and Tarquin were in the midst of a silent battle. Brimming with excitement, she ran to the door, quickly adjusting her clothes and hair, taking several deep breaths before finally opening the door. Her cheeks flushed, she stuttered at Tarquin, "Why, why are you here without telling me first?" At that moment, Tarquin was seething, too furious to utter a word! He didn''t respond to her, just shot her a nce before immediately looking towards Keith, his gaze as sharp as a dagger, filled with menacing intent. Elysia noticed this and, afraid he might act impulsively and start a fight, quickly stepped outside, "Let''s talk." As she went out, she also closed the door behind her. Keith''s gaze lingered, witnessing all the demure gestures Elysia disyed upon seeing her beau; it was clear as day to him. He was certain, Elysia had truly fallen for Tarquin! Keith''s frown deepened, ayer of frost seeming to cover his eyes... Outside, Elysia and Tarquin stood face to face. Before he could ask, Elysia began exining today''s incident, "This morning, the gas was cut off in our area, and Keith came over to check on my situation. Just then, my bathroom''s water pipe burst, and Keith came in to help fix it... That''s why he was at my ce." She wasn''t lying. When Keith knocked on her door to ask about the gas, there was a sudden ''bang'' from the bathroom! She rushed to check, finding the water pipe had burst, water gushing out. In panic, she tried to stop the flow and called the property management,pletely overlooking Keith. It wasn''t until the property management staff arrived that she even noticed him... She hadn''t even had the chance to ask Keith if his injured arm got wet before Tarquin showed up. Tarquin, upon hearing this, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, "Fixing the pipe?" "Yes! If you don''t believe me, you can go check. Not just Keith is there, but also the property management staff, they''re still fixing the bathroom. You can also ask Elijah, the kids can vouch for me, I''m not lying." Elysia finished, cautiously ncing at him as if afraid he wouldn''t believe her. Tarquin looked down at her, believing her! So, his anger subsided a bit. But, he couldn''t believe it was all just coincidence! Today he received those photos, and when he arrived in a rage, he saw the scene unfold before him... If he hadn''t retained a bit of his rationality, if Elysia hadn''t turned him away, they would have definitely argued again! The result of an argument would be, after three days of cold war, their rtionship would further deteriorate! So, today''s series of events seemed less like coincidences and more like someone had nned them from the start! Who could that be? The answer was obvious. Tarquin lifted his head, subconsciously ncing towards the door, his eyes dark and deep. He couldn''t allow Keith to continue causing trouble. If this went on, his rtionship with Elysia would be in jeopardy. Today, he had to understand Keith''s motives! Chapter 666 Keith had barely cracked the door open when Tarquin came at him with a powerful kick. Unprepared, Keith was sent flying back several feet, crashing into the hall''s decorative stand. The ceramic ornaments it held shattered upon impact, littering the floor with sharp fragments. One particrly nasty piece cut deep into Keith''s hand, causing blood to stream down instantly. The darkness that Keith had been hiding in his eyes surfaced immediately. Seeing Tarquin m the door shut behind him, Keith got up and rushed at him, ignoring his own injuries. Both men were seething with anger. Tarquin''s fury stemmed from Keith''s provocations and Elysia''s attitude towards Keith. Keith''s rage was purely from jealousy-Elysia''s affection for Tarquin was more than he could bear. The room was filled with the sounds of their violent sh, with objects breaking all around them. Keith, despite having one arm in a cast, refused to back down. But his injuries put him at a clear disadvantage, making him an easy target for Tarquin''s wrath. It wasn''t long before Keith was battered and bruised. Licking the blood from the corner of his mouth, Keith let out a derisiveugh, provoking Tarquin into delivering another brutal punch. This one seemed to shatter the bones in Keith''s face. Copsed on the floor, coughing up a mouthful of blood, Keith looked up at Tarquin and continued tough. His bloodied smile was haunting, a stark contrast to his usual refined and cultured demeanor. Normally, Keith was an educator who taught both physical education and art, radiating a schrly aura. But now, he looked more like a bloodthirsty fiend. With blood trailing down his chin, Keith taunted Tarquin, "Is this all you''ve got? Beating up a guy with one good arm? You''re pathetic. And you think you can protect Elysia and the kids like this? The game''s just getting started, buddy." Tarquin, taken aback by the mention of a game, demanded, "What game?" Keith, grinning wickedly, replied, "The game between you, me, Elysia, and the kids. A fun game." Tarquin''s brow furrowed. "What''s your real purpose in getting close to Elysia?" Keith''s smile grew eerie as he confessed, "I want to steal her from you." Tarquin''s face darkened. "Steal Elysia?" Keith showed no fear, still smiling. "Yes, I want to take Elysia and the kids away from you, make them mine." Tarquin, grinding his teeth in anger, pressed, "So, you''re doing this to get at me?" Keithughed, "I like Elysia. I think she''s wonderful-beautiful, smart, a great mother, and she would make a great wife. I want to win her over." Tarquin pressed his foot against Keith''s chest. "You think you can win her? You''re delusional!" Lying on the floor, Keith looked up at him, still smiling provocatively. "You think I can''t? At least she allows me to stay close to her. We see each other every day. But she won''t let you move in. If you ask me, I think my chances are better than yours." Tarquin''s eyes darkened with jealousy. This was a point he couldn''t let go of. Keith continued, "She has her reasons for not letting you move in, reasons she hasn''t told you. But she told me. I know why." Tarquin was taken aback. "What?" Keith''s voice was full of smug superiority. "If you don''t believe me, you can ask her yourself." Tarquin''s brow furrowed even more deeply. Keith added, "I know the reason, but I won''t tell you because I promised her I''d keep it a secret. I''m telling you this to show you that she trusts me with her secrets, while she keeps you in the dark. So, when the timees for her to choose, who do you think she''ll pick?" Tarquin''s breathing grew heavier, a sense of crisis creeping into his heart. The reality was undeniable-she allowed Keith to stay close but wouldn''t let him move in. She had secrets she shared with Keith but not with him. Despite her supposed dislike for Keith, why would she confide in him? Chapter 667 Tarquin Bradford was practically dragged out of Keith''s ce by Elijah. Elijah, worried that Tarquin might have done something impulsive that could backfire, made a special trip to check on him. He wasn''t surprised to find them fighting. But... "Daddy, are you okay?" Elijah stood in the hallway, looking up at Tarquin with a worried expression. He didn''t know what was wrong with his dad, but he could sense that something was off. The air around Tarquin seemed heavy with tension and mncholy. Though he bore no physical injuries, his expression was one of deep pain, as if he''d been hurt on the inside. It had been a long time since Tarquin looked this way. With a furrowed brow, Tarquin remained silent, causing Elijah to grow more concerned. Finally, Elijah tugged at his arm, "Daddy..." Tarquin snapped back to reality at that! Seeing the concern in his son''s eyes, he quickly forced himself to shake off his thoughts, "Daddy''s fine, don''t worry." After ruffling Elijah''s hair in aforting manner, Tarquin scooped him up and headed toward Elysia Thorne''s ce. Just as he was about to knock, the door swung open. Elysia, about to head out in search of them, was taken aback upon seeing them, "!" The sight of Elysia caused Tarquin''s brows to knit together even more tightly, his gaze lingering on her with aplex expression for several seconds before he handed Elijah over to her and turned to walk toward the elevator. Elysia, holding Elijah, called out, "Hey!" Tarquin didn''t stop, stepping into the elevator and disappearing from sight... Elysia frowned, turning back inside with Elijah in her arms. Elijah, with a worried frown, said, "Daddy seems upset." "I can tell. You guys stay home for now; I''ll go check on him." After putting Elijah down and grabbing a jacket, Elysia hurriedly changed her shoes and rushed out the door. She could tell something was off with Tarquin, not just anger, but as if he was internally wounded. She was worried about him. Unfortunately, by the time she got downstairs, he was nowhere to be seen, his car gone. Worried about him driving in such a state, Elysia frantically tried to call him, only to find his phone turned off. Elysia was anxious, anxious for the whole day. Because she couldn''t reach Tarquin all day. It wasn''t until around 7 pm that she received a call from Keaton Huber, "Elysia, it''s Keaton. Are you free right now?" "Hm?" "If you are, could youe down to Blissful Uncle''s Bar? Tarin''s here." Elysia quickly asked, "Did something happen to him?" Peeking into a private room, Keaton saw Tarquin downing a full ss of liquor as if it were water. Keaton sighed, "His mood''s been off all day, drowning himself in drink, and we can''t seem to stop him." Elysia panicked, "He''s been at the bar all day?" "Yeah, he called us for a card game during the day and then for drinks in the evening. He hasn''t eaten anything all day." Elysia replied urgently, "I got it! I''m on my way!" She hung up and immediately called Blossom Blythe, exining she had to step out and asking her to watch the kids. Fortunately, Blossom had juste back and was downstairs with the kids, secretly enjoying ice cream. After making arrangements for the children, Elysia quickly put on her coat and left. At Blissful Uncle''s Bar, everyone sat around the table, all wearing concerned expressions and hardly daring to breathe. Tarquin''s reckless consumption of alcohol, treating it like water, had stunned everyone. It was clear to anyone that Tarquin was in a bad mood, no, a terrible mood, the kind that''s reached its absolute worst. Chapter 668 They wanted to say something, to intervene, but they couldn''t muster the courage. They wanted to join him in his drinking spree, but the fear held them back. The whole vibe in the private room was exceptionally somber. They were simultaneously sympathetic, curious, and frightened. Just what had gotten into Tarquin tonight? He had been the one to set up this whole gathering today. Earlier in the day, everyone had been teasing him about that ''three-minute make-out session'' with Elysia. But as the day wore on and his mood took a nosedive, everyone tiptoed around him, carefully spending the day at his side. During the day, he was just moody and sullen, but stable, silently ying cards while everyone else just went along with it. But as night fell, he began to drink like a man on a mission, which terrified everyone. Seeing Keaton walk in, Booker quickly leaned in to whisper, "Any luck? Did you get ahold of her?" "Yeah, just wait," Keaton said. Given his state, it seemed only Elysia''s presence might calm the storm. Forty minutester, Elysia rushed in, out of breath and with beads of sweat on her nose. Keaton, upon seeing her, lit up as if he''d seen a savior, quickly getting up to greet her, "Elysia!" All the wealthy young men in the room turned their gazes towards her, stunningly taken aback by her beauty. Sure, they''d seen plenty of beautiful women, even those of natural grace. But someone of Elysia''s caliber was rare even for them! Dressed in simple ck leggings and a white cropped puffer jacket, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, and her face bare of makeup, she was breathtakingly beautiful! It wasn''t just her features or her face shape; there was an indescribable allure to her, something about her aura that was unique and captivating! They had wondered what kind of woman could possibly match up to Tarquin''s looks. Now, they had their answer. Her and Tarquin, a perfect match! But Elysia didn''t spare them a nce, her eyes fixed on Tarquin amidst the crowd. However, Tarquin wasn''t looking at her; he was busy pouring himself another drink. From afar, Elysia could almost smell the alcohol on him. He was still wearing the ck shirt from when he helped fix the pipes at home, now with the top two buttons undone, lounging back in his chair, exuding a sense of defeat. Elysia''s heart clenched at the sight; something was wrong. As Tarquin lifted his drink, she rushed over, snatching it away, "Stop drinking!" Tarquin, annoyed at being interrupted, looked up with a dark scowl, "Are you looking for trouble?!" But then, recognizing the figure before him, his expression shifted from surprise to shock. Staring at Elysia for a moment, he quickly softened, exining, "I didn''t know it was you. I thought it was one of them." Everyone else: "..." So, Elysia can intervene, but we''re just looking for trouble. What do they call it? Bros before...oh, never mind. Elysia set the ss on the table, frowning at him, "If you''ve got something on your mind, spit it out! Why drown yourself in drink? Who''s going to deal with you if you get sick?" Tarquin, leaning back, scowled at her, his frustration growing. His worries, could he even voice them? And if he did, could she offer any solution? Keith gets to be close to her, but he can''t! Keith gets to know her secrets, but he''s kept in the dark! Why?! Chapter 669 Wasn''t she into him? Yet, she tantly ignored his wishes, constantly mingling with Keith, their bond seemingly deeper than what she shared with him! Did she harbor feelings for Keith as well? The more Tarquin mulled over it, the more unsettling his emotions became, fueled further by the alcohol coursing through his veins, morphing into resentment. Gritting his teeth in frustration, he grabbed the ss Elysia had just set down and downed its contents in one go. Then, in a swift motion that left no room for Elysia to react, he stood up, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her. The act was so sudden, it caught everyone off guard, shocking them that he''d dare to kiss Elysia in such a public setting! Elysia, taken aback, blushed furiously, her heart pounding in her chest. She was shy, not one to engage in public disys of affection, and she struggled to break free. But Tarquin, seemingly out of control and oblivious to everyone around, had eyes only for Elysia, as if they were the only two in the room. He tried to deepen the kiss, but Elysia bit his tongue in resistance! Pain shot through Tarquin, making him release her. Breathing heavily, Elysia was a mix of flustered and furious. Tarquin frowned, looking straight at her, "Tell me the truth, do you like Keith?!" Elysia was stunned at first, then her anger red up. How many times did she have to exin herself? Why wouldn''t he believe her? Not wanting to argue in front of everyone, she pushed his hands away and turned to leave. Tarquin pulled her back into his embrace, determined not to let her go. His stern gaze bore into her, his eyes screaming ''we need to settle this today.'' With her face tight with frustration and anger, she red back at him, her eyes brimming with grievance and fury. He kept questioning her, refusing to trust her. Making a scene and even kissing her in front of everyone, he showed her no respect. Just as she was about to speak, the room went silent. Elysia''s words were cut short when Tarquin, in a surprising move, pped himself hard across the face with her hand, then sealed her lips with another kiss. This kiss was overwhelming, leaving no chance for resistance,sting for what felt like an eternity before he finally let her go and stormed out of the room without a word. Kissed and ditched! The room was buzzing with confusion. Elysia gasped for air, dizzy from the kiss, her mind nk. By the time she regained herposure, Tarquin had vanished, along with Keaton. Only unfamiliar faces remained, cautiously watching her, cautiously offeringfort, "Ms. Thorne, would you like something to drink? Maybe it''ll help you calm down." With her cheeks still flushed, Elysia said nothing, biting her lip as she fled. She hailed a cab, retracing her steps back home, though her emotions had drastically shifted. On her way there, she was worried about him, but now, resentment filled her heart. How could he kiss her like that in front of everyone? Did he have any respect for her at all? Arriving home with a heavy heart, Elysia forced a smile to reassure Blossom and the kids before heading off to freshen up. Blossom left for her parents'' house again that evening; her cousin hade to visit Jindale City and was staying there. With her parents away, Blossom wanted to keep her cousinpany. After tucking the kids into bed, Elysia curled up under her covers, nursing her sorrows alone. The sudden ring of her phone startled her. Hesitantly, she reached for it, seeing Keaton''s name on the disy. A call from Keaton was bound to involve him. Despite her frustration, after a moment''s hesitation, she sat up and answered, unable to detach herself from her concern for him. "Hello, what''s up?" Keaton''s voice was anxious, "Ms. Thorne, can you get ahold of Tarquin?" Chapter 670 Elysia frowned, "I haven''t been in touch, what''s happened to him?" Keaton''s voice was heavy, "He''s gone off the radar. Disappeared after leaving the pub and no one knows where to. We''ve all been looking for him, checked everywhere possible, but there''s no sign of him." Elysia began to worry, "Have you tried calling him?" "Yeah, tried that. He''s not picking up, no replies to texts either. He was in a bad mood today, we''re all a bit concerned. Could you try reaching out to him?" "...Alright, I''ll let you know if I hear anything." After hanging up, Elysia hurriedly dialed Tarquin''s number, not even upset with him anymore. After several unanswered calls, she sent him a message, [Where are you?] [Keaton and the others are looking for you, worried sick. Reply when you see this.] After a long wait without a reply from Tarquin, she couldn''t help but say, [I don''t have feelings for Keith, not one bit! Don''t be upset over him!] With no response, she continued to send messages, [Don''t frighten everyone. They''re worried about you, and so am I. Let''s pretend whatever happened at the pub tonight never did. Get in touch as soon as you see this.] [...] Elysia sent many messages, all sinking without a trace! She clutched her phone, waiting until well past midnight. Still no word from Tarquin, she was too anxious to sleep, her mind racing with all sorts of dreadful scenarios. At one moment, she feared he might have encountered some trouble, or worse, been kidnapped. Then she worried, with his mood so off, if he might have considered harming himself. The more she thought, the more terrified she became, eventually calling Keaton to suggest involving the police. Keaton reassured her, "You don''t have to worry about that. There''s no way he''s been kidnapped or would harm himself." Who''d dare kidnap him, are they looking for trouble? And who could possibly manage to kidnap him? Harming himself is even less likely; he would never abandon Elijah like that! Keaton said, "He''s just in a bad mood, I''m worried he''s slipping into depression, that''s why we need to find him fast! He''s been emotionally offtely, ecstatic one day and as depressed as if he''s been through a breakup the next. Very fragile, huge swings in mood." Elysia: ".. Keaton tentatively mentioned, "He seems to really care about that Keith guy." After a pause, Elysia exined, "Keith is ElliotEvan Emmett''s teacher, lives right across from us. I don''t like Keith, but he always overthinks." Happy she was willing to chat, Keaton then said, "It''s because he likes you, that he overthinks. Tarin likes you, you do know that, right?" Elysia''s lips moved, silently agreeing. Keaton continued, "The more he likes you, the more he''s bothered by other men around you. Keith is like a thorn in his side; he''s very sensitive about Keith. Even normal interaction makes him jealous, especially since Keith isn''t exactly easygoing. Elysia, hear me out, if you like him too, you guys should clear the air soon. Don''t let others affect what you have. It''s a rare blessing in life to have mutual feelings with someone you like. If you''re lucky enough to find it, don''t let it slip away! Love is supposed to be beautiful. You should be enjoying the sweetness of love, not its bitterness. Life is short, you''ve got to seize the moment, enjoy and cherish." Elysia, blushing, stammered, "He... he never said he liked me." He had never confessed his feelings to her. Keaton bluntly said, "He''s scared." "Huh?" "He was afraid because you didn''t like him back before, scared he''d frighten you by confessing. Now, he''s unsure how deep your feelings are for him, afraid he''ll scare you off by confessing. He likes you, very cautiously so." Chapter 671 Elysia''s heart was racing, pounding against her chest as Keaton spoke again, "I''ve been his wingman since we were kids, nobody knows him better than I do. You might question his temper, but never doubt his love for you. He''s head over heels for you, Elysia. If I''m lying, you can have my sistere and p me!" Keaton, fearless as he was, had only one fear - his sister! Anyone who knew him knew that. After hanging up, Elysia stared nkly at her phone. Truth be told, these past few days had been anything but joyful for her. Ever since she realized her feelings for him, especially after Keith entered the picture... It was either arguments or cold wars between them. Three days of silent treatment, and she hadn''t slept a wink, walking around like a zombie, heart aching and on the verge of tears at the drop of a hat. She was utterly drained. Today, he had finally shown up, only to find Keith unexpectedly helping with a plumbing issue, sparking jealousy and anger once again. They hadn''t even had a proper conversation before things escted to this point. She was unhappy, and he was undoubtedly even more so. Keaton was right; they couldn''t keep getting upset over others! After much hesitation, Elysia typed out a message to Tarquin, "I want to have a serious talk with you, about us." Before sending, she deleted it and rephrased it, "I want to have a serious talk, about us." She changed ''you and me'' to ''us''. At that moment, Tarquin was braving the icy waters of the Antic, going for a winter swim. He had drunk more than his fair share tonight, feeling particrly down. Leaving the bar, he found sce at the beachside. Alone, with the sea breeze as his onlypanion, he thought of Elysia. And with thoughts of her, came the inevitable thoughts of Keith. Keith''s taunting pictures, his derisiveughter, his provocative words... The more he thought about it, the more irritated he became. So, he crushed his cigarette and leaped into the sea. In January, Jindale City was bitterly cold, and the sea was freezing, paralyzing him as he plunged in, immobilizing his limbs. He didn''t struggle, didn''t react, just let the sea engulf him. He never understood why people called love a poison, addictive and inescapable, until now! Since realizing his feelings for Elysia were different from any he''d had for other women, he had lost all control. He was at the mercy of these emotions, step by step, from the initial spark toplete surrender. His feelings for Elysia were intense, his heart aze, yet he treaded lightly, fearing he might scare her away. Unable to fully express his love, he felt suppressed. Keith''s arrival only amplified this feeling to its peak! So he was sad, heartbroken, furious, and anxious! Now, all these emotions had morphed into fear! He believed Elysia didn''t like Keith; if she did, there''d be no reason for her to lie to him. But Keith''s words tonight filled him with dread... Elysia opening up to Keith meant she didn''t see him as a stranger! It at least suggested the possibility she might grow to like him! What if today''s indifference turned into tomorrow''s affection? Overwhelmed by a sense of crisis, he struggled for breath! Just when the sea was about to im him, he started moving his limbs, breaking the surface for air before diving back into the depths. In the pitch-ck night, he swam alone in the sea, venting all the pent-up negative emotions within him! He was genuinely, deeply in love with her, longing toy his feelings bare, to let her know how much she meant to him, yet always fearing he might push her away! He was giving her time, hoping with each day she''d grow fonder of him, waiting for the right moment to confess his feelings! But Keith''s sudden appearance had thrown a wrench in his ns! Keith came prepared, and Tarquin feared that before he had a chance to confess, Elysia might already be swept off her feet by Keith! Chapter 672 The more Tarquin thought about it, the more his heart raced. Without another moment''s hesitation, he turned and swam back to shore with all his might. He couldn''t let things progress to a point of no return! He couldn''t wait any longer! He couldn''t afford to live with regret, couldn''t stand the thought of Elysia being swept off her feet by Keith and then having to nurse his wounds in solitude! He had to find Elysia, to open up his heart to her, to confess his feelings! He had to make his feelings known to Elysia before Keith had a chance to whisk her away! He wanted to tell her, he loved her, was madly in love with her! He was nearly going insane because of her! Tarquin swam from the ocean''s embrace back to shore, the chilly wind cutting through his drenched clothes, stimting his skin. He didn''t feel cold, though; instead, he felt a burning heat inside! At that moment, a fierce fire was zing within his heart! Getting back to his car, he grabbed his phone only to see missed calls and messages from Elysia! Surprised and thrilled, seeing her concerned and worried words made hime alive, grinning like an idiot. She cared so much; she must really like him! Yes, she cared, she liked him! Tarquin roughly wiped away the seawater obscuring his vision, pulling out a tissue to dry his phone screen. His eyes locked on herst message, and his heart began to race... What did she want to talk about regarding them? No matter what it was, he had toy his cards on the table tonight! Determined, Tarquin was about to message Elysia back when a new message popped up! He opened it, and his heart skipped a beat! His body froze, his expression cycling through disbelief! Elijah''s mother... wasing back? How could this be... *Ding-* Another message came in, "Get ready for a wee back party. The three of you will finally be reunited. Congrattions." Tarquin''s breathing became erratic, barely processing the truth behind the message. He had forgotten, utterly forgotten! His mind had been filled with nothing but Elysia these past days. Opening his eyes, he saw her; closing them, it was still her. His love for her was so intense it hadpletely overshadowed Elijah''s mother! This message was a stark reminder. Between him and Elysia, there was Elijah''s mother! Before, such news might have filled him with joy, but now, it brought nothing but anxiety, nervousness, and uncertainty. Elijah''s mother wasing back, what about him and Elysia? Breathing heavily, Tarquin was overwhelmed by an indescribable emotion, suffocating him! *Ding ding ding, ding ding ding...* His phone wouldn''t stop ringing. Elysia was calling again. Tarquin stared at the screen, his hand trembling slightly, too afraid to answer. *Boom-* Suddenly, a roll of thunder exploded, followed by a downpour! Sitting in his car, Tarquin was instantly enveloped by the rain. The relentless rain pelted the car windows, making a ''pitter-patter'' sound that struck directly at his already tumultuous heart. Elysia, hearing the thunder, quickly got out of bed, grabbed her phone, and ran to the window. The relentless rain made her even more anxious! No word from him, where could he be? In such heavy rain, did he have an umbre? Was he soaked? The phone kept ringing, but no one answered, driving Elysia to the brink of worry! Looking out at the pouring rain, she lost control and sent him a voice message, "Please don''t scare me, okay? I don''t like Keith, not one bit! It''s you I like! I like you so much! Please, reply to my message, can we talk?" Just as she sessfully sent the voice message, Keaton suddenly sent her a location, "I found him! He''s here!" Without a second thought, Elysia checked the location, threw on a coat, and rushed out the door! Chapter 673 Winter in the North is known for its blizzards, so rain during this season is a sure sign something''s off. This unusual weather only heightened Elysia''s concerns for Tarquin, who''d been acting distant and preupied. With worry nagging at her, Elysia bolted out of her apartment building, umbre in hand. The moment the fierce wind flipped her umbre inside out, her heart nearly leaped out of her chest! Lightning tore across the sky, followed by the deep rumble of thunder, causing Elysia to slip and fall to the ground. A security guard patrolling the neighborhood spotted her and rushed over with his umbre. "Ms. Thorne? Are you alright?" Helped to her feet by two guards, theymented, "Out in such heavy rain at night, and in slippers no less?" Only then did Elysia realize her choice of footwear. In her haste, she''d forgotten to change her shoes. Now, her feet were soaked and cold. "You''re soaked through, let''s get you back inside. Change into something dry and warm up, you don''t want to catch a cold," one guard suggested. Shaking her head, Elysia declined, "Thanks, but I need to head out, it''s urgent." Ignoring the guards'' concerned looks, Elysia, umbre in hand and slippers squelching, made her way to the exit. As thunder continued to roll and the wind howled like an angry deity, Elysia''s heart ached. It felt as though a giant hand was squeezing her heart, making it hard to breathe. Arriving at the beach around 2 a.m., Tarquin still hadn''t replied to her messages. She tried calling him, but his phone was off. Why would he turn off his phone? Was it out of battery, or did he do it intentionally after seeing her message? She had confessed her feelings to him, but did he even hear her? If so, why was there no response? Was he alright? With her mind buzzing, Elysia pushed the car door open and dashed into the pouring rain. The taxi driver, noticing she left her umbre behind, called out, but Elysia''s figure had already disappeared into the night... The rain intensified, and the deste beach was empty. Normally, Elysia wouldn''t dare venture here at this hour, not even for all the money in the world. Yet, tonight, consumed with thoughts of Tarquin, she forgot her fear. Meanwhile, Tarquin stood on the beach in the rain, the stormy weather mirroring his turbulent emotions. He looked up, allowing the rain to wash over his face, hoping it could cleanse his inner turmoil. Two unexpected messages tonight reminded him of Elijah''s mother''s existence. Regardless of whether she returned, just the thought of her filled him with guilt. He had promised to make her the happiest and most honored woman in the world. Though he harbored resentment for her abandoning Elijah, it didn''t deter his resolve to take responsibility. Initially, his aim was to reunite their family. However, he realized that responsibility didn''t equate to love, andpensation wasn''t the same as affection. Still, he wanted to offer her the choice, a form ofpensation and a way to honor his word. He hoped to steer clear of any romantic entanglements until her return, offeringpensation if she chose not to stay with him. Then, he could move on with his life. Unfortunately, emotions aren''t easily controlled. His feelings for Elysia surpassed his grasp, uncontrobly veering into love. He loved her to the brink of madness. Chapter 674 Elijah''s mom - a memory Tarquin had almost forgotten existed in his life! Now, out of the blue, he''s hit with the news that she''s making aeback. This wasn''t just idle gossip; it had the ring of truth to it. And just like that, his world was thrown into chaos! Choosing Elijah''s mom meant he had to put his rtionship with Elysia on hold. Forget Keith''s lurking presence; Tarquin couldn''t even bring himself to ask Elysia to wait for him. He was in the dark about what Elijah''s mom would decide, leaving him unable to promise Elysia a future. Asking her to wait would unfairly make her his n B. He loved her too much to ever treat her like that! But how could he face Elijah''s mom if he chose Elysia? Even if Elijah''s mom understood and stepped back, Tarquin''s guilt wouldn''t let him be at peace. Six years ago, he had been the one to insist, changing her from a girl to a woman on her very first night. How could he not feel responsible?! Tarquin was a mess of guilt, agitation, frustration... a storm of negative emotions that left him struggling to breathe! "Tarquin Bradford?!" A familiar voice suddenly broke through his turmoil, making him spin around in surprise. It was Elysia, running towards him, her presence giving his heart a jolt of shock and excitement. The sand underfoot made her struggle in her flip-flops, so she kicked them off and ran barefoot towards him. A sudden sharp pain made her cry out and fall, "Ouch!" Realizing this wasn''t a dream but reality - she''d reallye for him - Tarquin rushed to her side, "Are you okay?!" Seeing her drenched and bedraggled tugged at his heartstrings. He scooped her up and headed for his car without a second thought. As Elysia clung to him, looking relieved yet utterly vulnerable, her eyes filled with unspoken hurt. "Did you get my messages?" she asked. Tarquin, lost for words, countered, "Why did youe out in this pouring rain all by yourself?" "You weren''t answering your phone, and you didn''t reply to my texts!" Tarquin looked away, guilt-ridden, "I''m sorry." Elysia''s voice wavered, "I don''t want your apologies! Did you even see myst message?" She had confessed her feelings, despite it not being an official deration. She''did her heart bare, and he hadn''t responded... Tarquin remained silent, gently cing Elysia in the car before checking her foot, finding a small cut likely caused by a seashell. "I''ve got a first aid kit in the trunk. I''ll grab it." After adjusting the car''s heater to its highest setting, Tarquin dashed out into the rain to fetch the medical supplies. No sooner had he stepped out than Elysia followed, standing in the pouring rain and asking once more, "Did you even see myst message?" Tarquin, his brow furrowed in concern, tried to usher her back into the car, but Elysia stood firm, facing him in the downpour. This was her safeguarding her heart. If he had seen the message but still avoided the topic, it meant he couldn''t reciprocate her feelings, regardless of the reason. She knew herself well. She''d be heartbroken, likely to cry. But in the rain, her tears would be hidden, allowing her some semnce of dignity. Tarquin swallowed hard, "I saw it." Chapter 675 Elysia pinched the soft flesh of her palm hard, her eyes brimming with tears, "Why didn''t you respond when you saw my message?" "I... I''m sorry." Sorry? He was apologizing to her! So, he was rejecting her feelings! Elysia felt a pang of heartache, just like any girl whose confession had been turned down, her tears uncontrobly mixed with the rain, thankfully concealing her sorrow from him. "I get it." Elysia forced herself to sound calm, pretending to be unharmed, "I just said it in case you were down because of Keith, to cheer you up. Don''t take it seriously." What she implied was clear: It''s fine you don''t like me, because I don''t like you either! Tarquin was confused, "But didn''t yourst message ask me to reply asap, wanting to talk about us?" Elysia paused, "That was the one before! Thest one was a voicemail!" "Voicemail? You sent me a voicemail?" Elysia: "..." Tarquin exined, "I was swimming when you tried to reach me, and by the time I wanted to reply, I got caught up in something, and then I left the phone in the car." Elysia was surprised, "Then your phone was off, did you know?" "It was? No, I didn''t know." Elysia: "..." He clearly hadn''t seen her message. Meaning, his apology wasn''t a rejection of her feelings! The sadness was reced with nervousness. Before she could say anything, Tarquin again carefully lifted her into the car. After closing the door, he began to clean the wounds on her feet. "I''ll drive you home," he said, after finishing. As he moved to the driver''s seat, Elysia grabbed his hand, "Don''t you have anything to say to me?" Tarquin frowned in silence for a moment, "I was in a bad mood today and did something terrible at the bar... I kissed you in front of everyone... I''m sorry. And I''m sorry for worrying you by not replying to your messages." Elysia shook her head, "I didn''te here to hear your apology! I want to know what''s really bothering you today. Is it because of Keith?" Tarquin frowned, about to admit that Keith was indeed a part of his troubles and he was nning to confess everything to her. But now, he was at a loss for words! Elysia said firmly, "I don''t like him! I can tell you seriously, again, I don''t like him! Not one bit! Don''t get the wrong idea!" Tarquin looked at her with aplex expression, clearly not buoyed by her assurance. Elysia frowned, "Don''t you believe me?" "I do believe you," he admitted, though he was worried she might fall for Keith someday, he believed her current feelings. Elysia was puzzled, "Then why are you still unhappy? Is there another reason for your mood today?" Tarquin''s frown deepened. Keith was only a small part of the problem; the real issue was Elijah''s mother! But he didn''t know how to exin this to Elysia... Suddenly, Elysia asked, "Are you facing a financial crisis?" If it wasn''t Keith, then money issues were the next logical conclusion. "Did you lose money in some business deal again? I have money! I haven''t touched what you gave me; it''s all yours!" Tarquin looked at her, touched and also pained. She was so careful with her money, and yet she was willing to give it all to him. If that wasn''t love, he didn''t know what was! Yet, he didn''t know how to respond to her affection. Tarquin shook his head, "I''m not in a financial crisis. Don''t worry. Let me take you home to change." He attempted to leave, avoiding the topic of Elijah''s mother, wanting to escape the conversation. But Elysia wouldn''t let him, grabbing him tightly, "We need to clear things up tonight!" "Elysia..." "Please, don''t scare me, okay? I don''t like Keith, not one bit! I like you! A lot! Please, let''s talk, okay?" Tarquin was stunned. Elysia, cheeks flushed red, looked at him determinedly, her resolve firm as she yed the voicemail on her phone for him! She was shy and easily embarrassed, but she couldn''t continue in this vague state with him any longer. She was unhappy recently, and so was he. It was better to clear the air once and for all! Perhaps the rain outside the car window gave her courage. Or perhaps his unusual behavior ignited a sense of urgency in her. She needed to express her feelings, to understand his thoughts! She yed the voicemail again, her heart racing with anticipation. Chapter 676 "I don''t like Keith, not one bit! It''s you I like! So much, so very much!" He remained silent, and she yed the message for the third time, "...I like you, so much, so very much..." The car was filled with her eager voice, Tarquin looked at her with eyes wide, disbelief written all over his face! He never imagined she''d make the first move! She... Elysia''s gaze was resolute as she looked at him, "This is the only chance I''m giving us. If you''re not willing to open up to me now, don''t expect me to listen if you change your mindter!" Tarquin''s expression turned even grimmer. He stared straight at Elysia, wanting to say something but found himself at a loss for words. Outside the car window, the rain poured down relentlessly, as the two of them sat inside, looking at each other, listening to the sound of the rain and the voice of their own hearts. Time ticked away, her voice confessing her feelings for him echoed inside the car. Tarquin''s breathing became rapid, his face a mix of surprise, delight, and panic. If not for the memory of Elijah''s mother, he would be over the moon right now! But Elijah''s mother was his Achilles'' heel, he couldn''t just ignore her! Yet, Elysia had no idea what was on his mind! As her voice message yed over and over, dering her affection, he remained unresponsive, hurting Elysia deeply. If he truly liked her, he couldn''t possibly remain indifferent! At the very least, he wouldn''t be without a single word of happiness! Elysia felt miserable, so miserable that her nostrils burned and a lump formed in her throat. Watching him swallow hard, she pushed the car door open and dashed back into the rain, running blindly forward! Tarquin was horrified, a fear of beingpletely abandoned by her welled up inside him, and he hurried after her, "Elysia!" He grabbed her, but she resisted! He called her name, and she yelled back, "Don''t you dare call me!" They struggled in the pouring rain, Elysia emotionally charged, screaming and hitting! When she couldn''t shake his grip, she bit him! After biting, she started to cry... Her emotions escted, and Tarquin, heart aching, forcefully pulled her into his embrace and kissed her! "Uh, uh..." Elysia first resisted, but soon gave in, and after conceding, she began to boldly reciprocate. She tiptoed, wrapped her arms around his neck, and lost herself in the kiss. Her passionate response was like an aphrodisiac, sending tremors through Tarquin''s heart. He pulled her closer, pressing her body against his, and kissed her fervently! The rain continued to fall, the two of them standing in it, pouring all their tumultuous feelings into the kiss. Only when they were on the verge of losing control, when only a sliver of reason remained, did they part, ending the kiss. Elysia finally calmed down, but the sadness did not fade. She hung her head, not looking at Tarquin, nursing her inner wounds as tears streamed down her face. Tarquin still held her waist, his voice low and husky, "Elysia, I like you!" Elysia was stunned, her heart skipping a beat! With reddened eyes, she looked up at him, surprised! Tarquin lowered his gaze to meet hers, his expression serious, "I really like you, terribly! Madly! To the point of losing control! To the point of helplessness! I like you so much... I can''t even find the right words to describe it. But I know, if you want, I''d give my life for you!" "You''re like my sunshine, and I can''t help but orbit around you, afraid of making you sad, wanting to make you happy every day. Afraid you won''t like me, trying everything to catch your eye. Just one nce from you, and I could be happy all day." "Missing you when I can''t see you, day and night. Wanting even more when I do see you, to hug you, to kiss you, to be with you every second of every minute! I don''t want to be apart from you!" "I want to build a life with you, not to ponder the philosophies of life, but to tackle the daily grind together. I want us tost forever, greedily, not just in this lifetime but in the next, and the next after that, to meet you, to be with you!" "..." Tarquin said so much, jumping from one topic to another, making no logical sense. Though his words seemed far from romantic, to Elysia, every word was filled with romance. She blushed, batting her beautiful eyes at him, "Then why... back in the car did you...?" Tarquin furrowed his brows, silent for a moment, then confessed, "Because of Elijah''s mother." Chapter 677 Elysia was at a loss for words, wondering what was going on. Before she could even ask, Tarquin blurted out, "Elijah''s mom ising back." After saying that, he pulled her into a tight hug, resting his chin on top of her head as if he was afraid that mentioning another woman would upset her and drive her away. Elysia was dumbfounded. She''sing back? She''s been back for ages! Who was spreading these rumors? Who was feeding him this false information? Trying to get a better look at him, Elysia struggled in his arms, but he held her so tightly she couldn''t move. Pressed against his chest, she could hear the steady beat of his heart as she asked, "Who told you she wasing back?" "That''s not the point," Tarquin''s voice was filled with a sense of defeat, "I wronged her years ago, I promised her I''d take responsibility, I..." He trailed off, unsure of how to continue, but Elysia got the picture. He didn''t realize she was Elijah''s mother. He thought of her and Elijah''s mom as two separate people! That''s why he was so torn... Although he wasn''t particrly fond of Elijah''s mother, a sense of dutypelled him to take responsibility. If Elijah''s mom came back and wanted to be with him, he''d oblige! That meant he and Elysia couldn''t be together. But if he chose Elysia, then there''d be no ce for Elijah''s mom by his side, and he''d feel he was betraying her. Caught between duty and love, he was at a crossroads, unsure of which path to choose. Elysia let out a sigh. If she wasn''t Elijah''s mother, she might have been angry or jealous! In her view, love was between two people, with no room for a third. If he was indecisive, unable tomit to being with her, then it was time to go their separate ways. But, as luck would have it, she was Elijah''s mother, so there was no room for anger or jealousy, only a deeper understanding of his feelings for her. If it wasn''t for his deep love for her, given his obsession with Elijah''s mother over the years, he would have let her go, content to wait for Elijah''s mother''s return. His suffering stemmed from not wanting to let her go! Elysia raised her hand to wrap it firmly around Tarquin''s waist, her face pressed against his chest, feeling his love for her. She understood his dilemma, but she wasn''t ready to reveal everything. After all, bringing up the child wouldplicate things further. They had just confessed their feelings for each other and hadn''t even officially started dating yet. She wanted to wait a bit longer before bringing up the child... After all, mutual affection didn''t guarantee a happily ever after. She wouldn''t bring up the child until the veryst moment. But she couldn''t stand to see him so troubled anymore. After some thought, Elysia said, "You don''t have to worry about Elijah''s mom. She won''t be showing up for a while, and even if she does, she won''t have any negative impact on us." For now, she had decided not to reveal her identity, so ''Elijah''s mom'' wouldn''t be making an appearance. When she did, it would be the day she revealed everything, and he would be overjoyed to learn she was Elijah''s mother. Hence, ''Elijah''s mom'' wouldn''t negatively affect their rtionship. Tarquin was surprised, "How do you know that?" "I..." "Do you know her?" Elysia wasn''t sure how to respond, only managing to say, "Let''s not talk about this now. Just believe me, she won''t be showing up any time soon, and even if she does, it won''t cause us any trouble. Don''t let her be a burden on your mind." "You..." "Do you trust me?" Elysia pressed. Tarquin''s brows furrowed in concern, "Tell me the truth, do you know her? Are you in contact with her?" Chapter 678 Elysia''s eyes darted away, avoiding contact. "I told you not to ask. If you keep at it, I''m really going to get mad. Seriously mad!" Tarquin was silent, baffled. The message she was sending couldn''t be clearer; she knew Elijah''s mother, knew her well at that! But why the secrecy? Could she possibly be... A thought struck Tarquin, tightening his brows and halting his breath momentarily. Secondster, his heart raced uncontrobly, his blood boiling with anticipation. Gasping, his face taut with shock, he stuttered, "Elysia..." "Hmm?" "You..." Seeing his emotional turmoil, Elysia inquired, "What''s wrong?" A bolt of lightning cleaved through the night, followed by the distant rumble of thunder. The rain showed no signs of stopping, only growing fiercer. Swallowing hard, Tarquin pushed down what he was about to say, lifting Elysia in his arms again. "Let''s get you home first." If she wasn''t volunteering the information, it meant she chose to hide it. Badgering her wouldn''t change that; he had to uncover the truth himself. Unaware of his thoughts but sensing his heightened agitation, Elysia, sping his neck, cautiously asked, "Do you believe what I just said? Has it eased your mind?" Tarquin gave her a meaningful look, nodded, and swiftly changed the subject. "Let''s get you home into some dry clothes first. Don''t want you catching a cold." Back in the car, he wrapped her in a spare nket stored in the trunk and nted a kiss on her forehead before taking the driver''s seat and starting the engine. The heavy rain made driving difficult, and it was past 3 a.m. by the time they reached home. Instead of heading to Future Community, Tarquin drove to Sunshine Community, closer to the seaside. Upon arrival, he adjusted the water temperature for Elysia to take a hot shower. "What about you?" she asked, noting his drenched state. "I''ll shower after you," Tarquin replied. "My hair''s long; it''ll take me a while. You go first; you''re quicker." He watched her intently. "Either you go first, or we go together." Elysia blushed deeply at his suggestion, turning away to enter the master bedroom, now imed as her own. She remembered having a change of clothes here but found only undergarments, no outerwear. After a futile search and several sneezes, Tarquin, concerned for her health, urged, "Go shower. I''ll find something and leave it at the door." Left with no choice, Elysia nodded and retreated to the bathroom. Tarquin, eyeing the bathroom door, furrowed his brows in deep thought. Elysia, is it really you? Minutester, Tarquin knocked on the bathroom door. Still under the shower, Elysia quickly wrapped herself in a towel at the sound. "What''s up?" "I couldn''t find your clothes. Do you want to wear mine, or should I go back for yours?" Given thete hour and the relentless downpour, going back was out of the question. She conceded, "I''ll wear yours. Just leave them at the door." "Alright. And don''t worry about the kids; I''ve called Lowell. He''ll check on them." After cing the clothes at the door, Tarquin retreated to his study, too soaked to sit, opting to stand instead. He lit a cigarette, staring out at the rain, lost in thought. Elysia''s words, her recent behavior, all seemed to hint at something troubling... Tarquin''s brows knit together once more as he extinguished his cigarette, picking up his phone to call Benjamin Lawson. "I''lle to the hospitalter to see you." " Chapter 679 After what felt like an eternity, noise from outside broke the silence. Tarquin hurried out, just in time to catch Elysia making her way to the bedroom door. Her hair was damp, draping loosely around her shoulders, and she was wearing one of his shirts, which barely covered her, leaving her legs entirely exposed. She wasn''t particrly tall, but her figure was striking, with long, straight legs that were quite the sight. And at this moment, incredibly enticing. This was the ultimate seduction in a shirt. Tarquin felt his throat go dry, swallowing subconsciously without saying a word, as Elysia dashed into the bedroom. Knowing she was shy, Tarquin fetched a hairdryer from the bathroom and knocked on the door, announcing, "I''ming in to dry your hair." Upon entering, as expected, Elysia had covered her legs with the nket, sitting on the bed drying her hair, "Just leave it here, I''ll do it myselfter." Tarquin didn''t bite, instead, his gaze lingered on her a bit longer, admiring her in his shirt, his thoughts wandering... He made another swallowing motion, walking over to the bed to start drying her hair. Elysia wanted to protest, her lips moved but then she gave up, knowing she couldn''t stop him. The room was silent as he dried her hair, the silence and the tension thick in the air. Fortunately, Tarquin didn''t make a move, simply advising her to rest and not to worry about the kids before taking the hairdryer and leaving. Elysiay in bed, lost in thought. Though their feelings were clear, he was still tooposed, not even suggesting a serious talk or mentioning dating. It was probably because of Elijah''s mother. Sigh... But she couldn''t risk anything concerning the kids, not even a little! She had told him Elijah''s mother wouldn''te back or interfere with their rtionship, giving him time to think it over. Yawning several times, Elysia eventually fell asleep. Not long after she drifted off, Tarquin entered the room again. He had taken a shower and changed into clean clothes, standing by the bed to watch Elysia for a while before gently touching her cheek and turning to leave. Once outside, his expression changed immediately! He coldly made a call instructing his bodyguards to ensure Elysia''s safety, then hurried to his car, driving to the hospital. What was usually a forty-minute drive, he made in just over twenty minutes in this extreme weather! Having called ahead, Benjamin was waiting in his office. Upon seeing him, Benjamin quickly stood up and asked, "What''s wrong? What happened?" Tarquin, with a serious expression, handed over a dossier, "I need a paternity test!" Benjamin was puzzled, "Whose?" Tarquin didn''t exin, simply stating, "Get someone to do one, and you do one yourself. I''ve brought enough samples." Benjamin guessed it might be about Elijah, the only reason Tarquin woulde personally! But not knowing the specifics, and seeing Tarquin''s urgency, he didn''t ask further and immediately arranged for the test. Keeping a sample for himself, Benjamin said, "I''ll start the test now, but the earliest I can have results is by tomorrow morning. Are you going to wait here or go home?" "I''ll stay with you." "Huh?" Tarquin didn''t borate, only stating, "I''ll watch you do it." Benjamin was left speechless... Theb lights stayed on all night, with Tarquin maintaining a stoic presence, not leaving even for a moment. He appeared calm, but inside, he was anything but, eagerly awaiting a result he desperately hoped for. That night was more torturous for him than any other. Chapter 680 Ben used to spend nights cursing his luck, loud enough for the stars to hear. It wasn''t just him; everyone who knew him thought he drew the short straw in life. He''d thrown every insult in the book at the heavens, each more colorful than thest. But that night, he did aplete 180. He apologized to the man upstairs, even begged for a slice of happiness, just this once. The next morning, around 10:30, the wait was over. Benjamin stared at hisputer screen for a moment before turning to Tarquin, "You want to take a guess? Is this the paternity test for Elijah and his mom?" Tarquin frowned, "We got results?" Benjamin was worried. The results were in, but he hadn''t printed them yet. Even without paper in hand, he knew. He also knew Tarquin had fallen hard for Elysia. Now, with Elijah''s mom potentially back in the picture, what was Tarquin to do? "Out with it!" Tarquin''s voice was sharp. Benjamin jumped, "Yes, we got them. It''s a match. Mother and son!" Tarquin froze, his expression flipping like a switch! Benjamin could only tell he was shocked, but couldn''t decipher if it was good shock or bad. But judging by his friend''s recent infatuation with Elysia, this revtion was bound to sting. "Ha!" Tarquin''sugh broke the tension. Benjamin shivered. Had the news knocked him loopy? But Tarquin''sughter grew louder, carefree and triumphant, as if he''d won the lottery. Benjamin was puzzled. Was Tarquin genuinely ecstatic, or had sorrow driven him to madness? Before Benjamin could ponder further, another reportnded on his desk. "Dr. Benjamin, the DNA results confirm a maternal match." "Got it, thanks. You can leave now." Benjamin nced at the report, about to share the news with Tarquin when-wham! A punchnded on his chest, knocking the wind out of him. Clutching his chest, Benjamin gasped, "What the heck, man?!" Tarquin was beaming, unable to contain his joy, looking like the luckiest man alive. "The big guy upstairs has finally cut me some ck, haha! No more bad-mouthing him. From now on, he''s my guardian angel. Anyone dares to speak ill of him will have me to answer to!" Benjamin was lost. What was going on? Tarquin''s excitement bubbled over. "I''m going to pour money into the Lawson family''s hospital. Need a billion? Just say the word. I''m feeling generous today!" Benjamin''s eyes widened. Was this for real? Dealing in billions? Seeing Tarquin genuinely happy, Benjamin finally rxed, but before he could speak, Tarquin kicked him, hard. Benjamin doubled over, "Dude, are you trying to kill me?!" Tarquin shot back, "If it weren''t my lucky day, I might have! Last time, you screwed up the paternity test, telling me they weren''t rted! Made me jump through hoops, nearly lost my girl over it! Consider that kick a lesson. Next time, get it right!" With that, Tarquin grabbed the report and strutted out, looking like a kid on Christmas morning. Even greeted Benjamin''s assistant with a merry, "Guess who Elijah''s mom is? An angel!" Chapter 681 Ben''s assistant stood there, gobsmacked and bewildered, a mix of shock and ttery washing over him. "What?!" After all, they knew who Tarquin was. They''d seen him around more than a few times, but having him initiate a conversation? And with a smile? That was a first! Tarquin didn''t just baffle Ben''s assistant; he had everyone he encountered scratching their heads in disbelief! He struck up conversations with the elevator operators! He chatted up families waiting in the hospital lobby! He even made small talk with the elderly folks chilling in their wheelchairs at the entrance! And, believe it or not, he didn''t spare the janitors, eximing, "My son''s mama is Elysia!" "Elysia, oh, Elysia! The most perfect Elysia in the world!" "I can''t believe it''s her. How did I get so lucky? Tell me, did I save the gxy in a past life or what?!" "Elysia! Haha! It''s Elysia! I... hahaha... I''m so lucky! So happy!" Soon, word spread through the hospital like wildfire: a tall, handsome man was going around, seemingly lost his marbles, mentioning ''Elysia'' and bursting into goofy grins whenever he did. Some of the older folks felt pity, saying, "Such a handsome, young man. Why has he lost his senses? What could''ve shocked him so?" There were even suggestions to the hospital staff to perhaps have Tarquin checked into the psychiatric ward for a thorough evaluation! Ben was floored when he heard the news! He gripped his assistant''s hand so hard his knuckles turned white, his eyes nearly popping out of his skull. "What did you say?!" His assistant, trembling with fear, exined, "Mr. Bradford has been acting really odd today, telling everyone about Elysia being his kid''s mom. He''s not just greeting strangers; he''s been grinning like a madman! It''s like he''s lost it!" Ben''s jaw dropped. "Elysia?!!!" It finally dawned on him. He had just processed the paternity test between Elysia and Elijah! Meaning, Elysia was indeed Elijah''s biological mother! "Oh, my Lord! Where is he?!" Without waiting for an answer, Ben bolted from theb, theb coat still trailing behind him. He was running so fast and fiercely that he nearly took a tumble but regained hisposure and continued sprinting towards the elevator. His assistant hurried after him, "Dr. Ben, where are you headed? We''ve got a surgery this morning!" Ben, seemingly deaf to the question, turned and said, "Elysia is Elijah''s mother! The heavens have finally opened their eyes! After all these years of tormenting Tarquin, it''s finally raining sugar! I''m... I''m so damn happy for him! My brother has suffered enough..." Ben, getting choked up, left his assistant dumbfounded. Mr. Bradford has gone bonkers! And now Dr. Ben''s off his rocker too! God, the assistant felt like he was losing his mind too! But, seriously, who in the world is Elysia?! Ben, after his brief moment of jubtion, began to me himself, "How could I have screwed upst time? I''ve practically doomed my friend! Thank goodness Elysia didn''t slip through his fingers, or I''d never forgive myself... I owe it to him to make things right for the rest of his life..." His assistant, puzzled, thought, What? Be responsible for Mr. Bradford for life? That... sounds a bit odd, doesn''t it?! Meanwhile, Tarquin was in his car, furiously pounding on the steering wheel with joy. No words needed: Ecstatic! Three words: So very happy! Four words: Absolutely over the moon! Five words: Nearly dying of happiness! Six words: So thrilled, I could fly! A whole sentence: So happy, I''m nearly a lunatic! After stirring up the entire hospital and getting back into his car, he looked at the paternity test report in his hands. He first celebrated by hitting the steering wheel, then murmured to himself about his incredible luck, and finally, his eyes welled up with tears... They say real men don''t cry easily, but he couldn''t help himself. After all these years, he''d never felt so overwhelmed, moved to tears, eager to shout from the rooftops: Elysia is the mother of his child!!! Elysia is the woman Tarquin had been searching for, for six whole years! Envy me, be jealous, for I, Tarquin, am the luckiest, happiest, and most overjoyed man alive! Truly... What fortune, that it''s her! Chapter 682 Oh, what a stroke of luck, it''s her! Ha, it''s her, it''s really Elysia, how wonderful! In his joy, he was also filled with regret. Thinking back on the harsh words he''d spouted at her, the anger he''d unleashed, he wished he could kick his own butt! Why had he been so foolish?! Thank goodness, there was still a chance to make things right! He vowed to treat her well, twice as well as before! He was going to spoil her, spoil her rotten! "Ding ding ding..." His phone suddenly rang. Lowell was on the line, talking work stuff, "Tarquin, are we still having that meeting today? It''s time, and you haven''t shown up at the office." Without missing a beat, Tarquin blurted out, "Vacation!" "Huh?" "Pass it along, tell them I said everyone''s been working hardtely. The wholepany''s taking a three-day paid leave! And get finance to approve some team-building funds. Whatever they spend on team building, we''ll reimburse! Start the budget at six figures!" Lowell was still in the dark about the paternity test results, and was stunned. ¡°A vacation, three days, and team building???" "Yep! Oh, and also, announce that all Bradford Group ventures will be offering a 50% discount!" Lowell was even more shocked, "Half price? Even on real estate?" ¡°Yeah, and if the old clients get upset, justpensate them the difference. Plus, waive the maintenance fees for all our properties for three years! Any losses, I''ll cover personally from my ount!" Lowell''s eyes bugged out. Wasn''t this the same as throwing money away? Good Lord, what in the world was happening?! "Tarquin, is... is there some good news?" Tarquin was ecstatic, "Huge good news! Get ready to toast to my happiness tonight. No, wait, not tonight, I won''t have time. We''ll schedule itter!" He wanted to spend the day with Elysia and had no time for anyone else! "Right, if anyone asks what''s going on, just tell them I''m over the moon today. If they''re touched, tell them to wish me a lifetime of happiness!" After hanging up, Lowell was dazed. A lifetime of happiness? With whom? Confused, Lowell ryed Tarquin''s message. And just like that, the entire Bradford Group went wild! The relief and joy were akin to high school students being released after years of exam stress! Tarquin himself was bubbling with happiness, unsure of how else to express his joy other than by spreading his wealth, wanting everyone to share in his tion. If it weren''t for considering Elysia''s feelings, he would have announced it to the world by now! He, Tarquin, was going to be a dad to Elysia''s child! With his heart racing, Tarquin went back to see Elysia, just as he started the car, a call from Benjamin came through, his voice choked with emotion, "Tarquin, I owe you an apology!" He was right to apologize; his mistake had nearly doomed Tarquin to bachelorhood! But Tarquin wasn''t mad, "Kicking you was punishment enough. Your mistake was understandable; I get it." "Huh? What do you get?" Tarquin frowned, changing the subject, "Stop the nonsense. While I''m in a good mood, go hustle some sponsorships. Once this opportunity passes, it''s gone." After hanging up with Benjamin, Tarquin steered back to Sunshine Community. He trusted Benjamin implicitly, knowing well that the mishap wasn''t Benjamin''s fault. The mix-up with the paternity test must have been the work of some schemer lurking in the shadows! Elysia''s first kiss with him had been in a bar, and he''d sensed something off even then. That brief kiss had him thinking of Elijah''s mother, prompting him to conduct the paternity test. This schemer must have been watching from the shadows, for reasons unknown, not wanting him and Elysia to connect, thus tampering with the paternity results. Benjamin, being just a doctor, was an easy target for this mystery person''s games. That''s why the first paternity report falsely stated that Elysia and Elijah weren''t rted! And that''s why he''d been so harsh to Elysia afterward! Thankfully, she hadn''t been driven away by his actions! Thankfully, today, sensing something off in her words, he''d gone for another test! Thankfully... Chapter 683 As Tarquin basked in a mix of relief and seething anger towards the enigmatic stranger, he found himself back at Sunshine Community in just over twenty minutes. Gently pushing open the door to his home, he noticed the absence of Elysia in the living room and proceeded to the master bedroom. It was midday, yet the bedroom remained shrouded in darkness. The curtains were still drawn, allowing only a sliver of light to sneak through and illuminate Elysia''s face, showing her deep in slumber. The sight of her immediately banished thoughts of the mysterious man from Tarquin''s mind. Today was their day, a moment solely for him and Elysia, and he''d be damned if anyone dared to interrupt. Treading lightly, Tarquin closed the door behind him and approached the bed, gazing at her with a mix of caution and adoration. This was Elijah''s birth mother! The woman he''d been searching for over six long years! The one he had wronged, wanted to make amends for, tirelessly sought after, and now loved deeply - it was all her. Tarquin''s expression was a tangled web of emotions as he gently caressed her cheek, his hands trembling... His feelings for her wereplex, a blend of love and guilt. Relief, self-reproach, and deep affection coexisted in his heart. Discovering she was Elijah''s birth mother filled him with joy, an overwhelming happiness. But the joy was quickly overshadowed by endless guilt and sympathy, especially now, seeing her up close, intensified his feelings of remorse andpassion. She had shared her past with him - how, after he had wronged her, she was scorned by her husband and cast out. Following that, her pregnancy with Elijah had led to curses and insults from those around her. And then, she was forced to leave Jindale City, her hometown... He couldn''t even begin to imagine what she had endured over the years. Her struggles, her hardships, and the insults and humiliations she faced were all because of him. And what had he done in return? Upon their reunion, he had been harsh, argumentative, and verbally abusive, even going so far as tobel her as promiscuous based on their past. How could he? How dared he? The pain in Tarquin''s heart was suffocating, as if an invisible hand was squeezing his heart, making it difficult for him to breathe. With each breath, his heart ached sharply. He despised his past self, wishing he could obliterate that version of him. In a moment of emotional turmoil, Tarquin pped himself across the face. He was filled with regret and anger at himself. The sound of the p was loud, waking Elysia from her slumber. Blearily opening her eyes, she immediately noticed Tarquin and the red mark on his face. Elysia''s pupils dted, and she snapped to full alertness. Sitting up abruptly, she asked, "What happened?" Touching his reddened cheek, her heart ached for him. "Did you do this to yourself? Why would you... are you bankrupt from a business failure? I have money, I can help..." Elysia''s mind always raced to financial solutions at the first sign of trouble. Before she could finish her sentence, Tarquin pulled her into a tight embrace. Sitting on the bed, with Tarquin kneeling beside it, he held her closely, burying his face in the crook of her neck, wordlessly seeking forgiveness. Elysia waspletely stunned. She could feel his strong heartbeat, his body trembling against hers, and then she noticed something else... Her shoulder was bing damp and warm. He was crying. Tarquin was crying. Elysia''s heart raced, fearing the worst. She quickly tried to console him, "Don''t scare me, just tell me what''s wrong. If it''s a business loss, I can help. I haven''t spent any of the money you gave me; it''s all yours." Tarquin tightened his embrace, his shoulders shaking more violently, his emotional turmoil evident. How kind and innocent Elysia was! And he had hurt her... Elysia was deeply concerned, "If it''s not about the money, is it about Elijah''s mother? I told you she isn''ting back anytime soon. And even if she does, it won''t affect us negatively. Trust me, if she returns, you''ll be even happier." His silence only heightened her anxiety. "Please, talk to me. Don''t scare me. Whatever the problem, we can face it together, solve it together." Tarquin took a deep breath, his eyes brimming with tears as he looked at her, "I''m sorry!" Elysia was baffled, "Huh?" Kneeling by the bed, Tarquin apologized repeatedly, "I''m sorry, I''m sorry..." Chapter 684 Elysia was utterly confused and clueless. Truth be told, she wasn''t the sharpest tool in the shed and believed that as long as she didn''t admit to anything, Tarquin would be none the wiser! So, listening to Tarquin repeatedly apologize, she didn''t realize he already knew the truth! But having studied a bit of psychology, she could tell he was in a bad ce. He was hurting, deeply regretful, like there was a ton of guilt pressing down on his chest, impossible to shake off! He was even more distressed than he had been the day before! There''s a saying that men don''t easily shed tears, only doing so at the deepest sorrow. And right now, he was genuinely heartbroken! Elysia had no idea what had happened, seeing him like this for the first time. She was worried and panicked, her mind racing with wild thoughts, "Have... have you fallen for someone else? Or, did you get tangled up with another woman in some emotional mess?" Had he gotten involved with another woman and felt guilty towards her? Tarquin was momentarily stunned before he hurriedly defended himself, "No, that''s not it. I only have eyes for you. I swear, I..." Elysia quickly cut him off, "I don''t need your oaths. I trust you! I''m just curious about what''s going on with you. Why do you keep apologizing to me? Did you do something to wrong me?" Tarquin looked into Elysia''s earnest and naive eyes, his lips quivering, struggling to confess. Elysia must have figured out that he was the one who had troubled her at the airport years ago! She must also know that Elijah was her own flesh and blood, which exined her deep affection for him! Why else would she want to see his scars, or why was she so upset when he used her of misconduct, and why did she so confidently tell himst night that Elijah''s mother would never return! She knew everything, yet chose not to confront him about it! Tarquin couldn''t understand why Elysia, despite having moved past their previous issues and even started to develop feelings for him, still wouldn''t confront the truth. But he respected her decision! He vowed never to make her sad or unhappy again! If she didn''t want to confront it, he would keep her secret! With a sniff, Tarquin embraced her again, "Don''t worry, I''m fine. My apologies..." He paused before saying, "are because I''ve made you worry, and I''ve hurt you in the past. I deeply regret it." Elysia, in her innocence, thought he was referring to his recent bad attitude towards her, not connecting it to the incident six years ago. She wrapped her arms around his waist, gently patting his back tofort him, "You were mean to me before, but I wasn''t exactly nice to you either. We''re even now, and let''s not dwell on the past. We have our future to look forward to." Tarquin hugged her tightly, "Yeah, you''re right! I''ll make it up to you, I promise never to let you down again! Elysia, let''s make it official, shall we?" Elysia''s heart raced, her cheeks burning. Even though they had confessed their feelings the night before, hearing him propose they officially be a couple sent her emotions soaring. Tarquin then released her, gazing into her eyes with deep affection, "Elysia, can we start as boyfriend and girlfriend? Be mine?" Elysia blinked up at him, her face flushed and her heart pounding with nervous excitement. Tarquin continued, "I''ve never been in a rtionship before, so I might not know how to be the perfect boyfriend, but I promise to learn. Whatever joy other women experience in love, I''ll give you double. What they can''t have, I''ll also give you double! I want to make you truly happy. Give me a chance to love you properly, give us a chance, will you?" Elysia''s heart thumped wildly, "I, I... then you can''t tell the kids." "Hmm?" "We can date, but let''s keep it a secret for now, just between us." Tarquin, understanding her shyness and not wanting to make their rtionship public yet, immediately smiled and agreed to her childlike request, "Alright, your wish is mymand." He looked at her adoringly, while she shyly avoided his gaze, blushing like a rosebud about to bloom. Tarquin, moved by the moment, cleared his throat, "Elysia, your boyfriend wants to kiss you. May I?" He barely waited for an answer before his lips imed hers, sweeping her off her feet and onto the bed, holding her close... Chapter 685 At this moment, Tarquin''s heart was overflowing with emotions, but his kiss was extraordinarily gentle. So gentle, it was almost cautious! It was like how a kid savors their favorite slice of apple pie, wanting to devour it all at once yet not wanting the moment to end, savoring it bite by bite. Or like a collector admiring a rare and precious artifact, movements filled with tenderness, as if afraid that even a slight pressure would cause damage. Elysia''s eyes were closed, her eyshes fluttering gently. Tarquin''s kisses were usually straightforward, but today''s unexpected gentleness, reminiscent of a first kiss, was all the more enticing, all the more heart-stirring. It used to feel like he was kissing her with his body, but today, it felt like he was kissing her with his heart. Elysia, nervous, clutched at the sides of Tarquin''s shirt, letting him kiss her. In the bedroom, the air was charged with an unsteady excitement, the temperature gradually rising, bing hotter and hotter. Their breathing became rapid, bodies intertwined, souls entangled, passion seeping into their bones. Desire zed within Tarquin, his body burning up, his lower abdomen ufortably tight, soon losing control. His kisses became more assertive, his hands wandering restlessly over her body. Through the thinyer of fabric, his hand moved from her waist down towards her thighs, lifting the hem of her shirt, his hand making its way inside. His palm directly grasped Elysia''s waist, the delightful sensation making Tarquin''s heart race. Elysia let out a soft moan almost making him surrender then and there! His desire was palpable, eager, the kisses bing wild, his hand starting to roam upwards. The sounds of their heavy breathing and soft moans filled the room... Suddenly, Elysia''s eyes, which had been tightly shut, flew open, grabbing Tarquin''s wrist with a flushed face, looking at him breathlessly, "No, we can''t." Tarquin swallowed hard, wanting her yet not daring to force anything, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, the corners of his eyes reddening, "What''s wrong?" "I, I''m not ready, I..." Suddenly, she thought of her estranged husband. She didn''t like him, but they were still not divorced, legally speaking, didn''t that make Tarquin the other man? No! That can''t be! She couldn''t let him carry thatbel! And it made her ufortable... "I just remembered something, can you give me some time? Please don''t be mad, I... I... It''s not that I don''t like you, or don''t want to be with you... I have my reasons, I..." Seeing her ramble on, trying to exin, Tarquin felt a pang of heartache. Not wanting to hurt her meant he had to restrain himself. He wanted her, but he had to hold back! He wouldn''t force her to do anything she wasn''t ready for anymore! Tarquin took a deep breath,ying on top of her without moving, knowing any movement could cause him to lose control. "I''m not mad, if you don''t want to, I won''t touch you!" Elysia''s lips moved, unsure of how to respond. Tarquin kissed her forehead, "I''ll go to the bathroom for a bit, you stay here and rx." He really needed to cool down, heading to the bathroom to take care of his frustration. After Tarquin left, Elysia covered her head with the nket, only her eyes peeking out. She felt both shy and sorry for him. It wasn''t that she didn''t want to, she was an adult with natural desires... But the sudden thought of her husband made it hard for her to proceed. She felt awkward and guilty towards Tarquin. Caught up in the whirlwind of love, she hadn''t thought about the fact that she was still married when she agreed to date him. It just hit her now! Chapter 686 She and Tarquin weren''t even officially divorced yet. If Tarquin found out about them, what if it hurt him? No way, she had to get in touch with the Royal Community''s office pronto and get that divorce from Tarquin sorted! Seizing the moment while he was in the shower, Elysia sat up, grabbed her phone, and dialed the Royal Community, "Hello, I need to know when Tarquin can meet me? I''m in urgent need to get a divorce! If he refuses to get back to me, I swear I''ll camp out at his office!" The person on the other end said they''d pass the message to Mr. Bradford and hung up promptly. Elysia frowned, worried. Did Tarquin have some serious issue? There was zero love between them, they hadn''t even met face to face yet, so why on earth was he dragging his feet on the divorce? After stewing in her frustration for a while, Elysia calmed herself down and called the kids. Blossom was home today, and the kids were all fine. They told her not to worry and to take care of her business. Hanging up the phone, Elysia let out a sigh of relief, but the thought of Tarquin reignited her frustration. When Tarquin came back from cooling off, Elysia was still brooding over the divorce. Seeing him, her heart raced, filled with guilt, "I..." Tarquin, in his pajamas and with his hair still damp from the shower, tossed the towel aside and climbed into bed. Elysia shivered, nervous. Tarquin snuggled under the covers, pulling her into his embrace, "Don''t worry, I''m not going to do anything, just want to hold you." Elysia nestled in his arms, looking up at him, "You''re not mad?" "I can''t bear to be mad at you." Her heart fluttered at his response, and after a moment''s thought, she sat up to face him seriously, "We need to talk." Seeing her seriousness, Tarquin sat up quickly, "As long as it''s not about breaking up." "I, I, I''m not divorced yet!" Tarquin: "?!" " Elysia mustered all her courage to say, "I didn''t want to hide this from you. You have the right to know. My husband and I, we''re still not divorced." Tarquin was surprised, "I thought he was dead?" "He''s not dead." Tarquin was even more surprised, "He''s alive??!! " "Yeah, he''s alive and well. But there''s absolutely no love between us, not a single bit. I don''t like him, and he doesn''t like me, I..." Before Elysia could finish, Tarquin''s phone rang. ncing at it, he saw it was from the Royal Community. Without a second thought, he hung up! He tossed the phone onto the nightstand and turned back to Elysia, "If there''s no love, why not divorce? Is it because of the kids?" He still thought the three little ones were Elysia''s ''husband''s'' kids! Elysia, mindful of Tarquin''s status, didn''t go into details, only saying, "There were some unpleasantness, leading to the dy. I actually came back this time with the kids to get the divorce, but it''s been dragging on." "He doesn''t want to divorce?" "Yeah." Tarquin frowned, "Why wouldn''t he want to?" "He... he didn''t explicitly say he doesn''t want to, I guess he''s just too busy with work." Managing the entire Bradford Group must be super demanding, right? Tarquin''s expression darkened, dissatisfied, "However busy, there''s always time for a divorce. Excuses! Give me his info, I''ll handle it!" If there''s no love, it''s better to end it sooner rather thanter, and not keep Elysia tied down! Chapter 687 Elysia shook her head vigorously, "No way, you can''t contact him!" "Why not?" "I... I''m afraid he''ll hurt you!" Tarquin sighed, "You don''t need to worry about that, I just want to have a calm chat with him." "That''s still not okay." He and Keith had evene to blows before, seeing Tarquin would surely make him lose his cool even more! After all, Tarquin''s demeanor would definitely be less forgiving than Keith''s! Keith couldn''t stand it, let alone Tarquin! If he ended up hitting Tarquin, that would be the end of it! Even though they both carried the Bradford name, one was a top CEO, and the other, a bankrupt businessman. How could he possiblypete? Moreover, he was in the wrong. The other guy was the legally recognized husband by the state, and he was, at best, a... If Tarquin got angry and decided to throw him in jail, throwing the book at him with a bunch of charges that could lock him up for decades... Elysia couldn''t bear to think further; she was scared, "I''ll handle things with him myself. If I really can''t manage, then I''ll tell you." "He..." Elysia took the initiative, wrapping her arms around him and tumbling him onto the bed, "Stop asking! I mentioned him to avoid any hard feelings over what happened just now, and to tell you it''s not that I don''t like you, or don''t want to be with you... It''s just that thinking about him made me ufortable, which is why I rejected you. As for him and me, I''ll figure something out as soon as possible." Tarquin''s heart raced, "Are you really over him?" "I am! I promise!" Tarquin held her tight, sighing inwardly. Her difort meant, as long as she didn''t divorce, they couldn''t be together? This damn man, who the hell was he?! Messing with his love life! He had heard bits and pieces about him from Elysia before, how that scumbag treated Elysia poorly. After she was bullied, he not onlycked empathy but also kicked her out! Ruining Elysia''s reputation, breaking her heart! Tarquin just wanted to find out who he was, then confront him, to stand up for Elysia. But Elysia was reluctant to say... It seemed like she was really worried her husband might hurt him! He didn''t want to worry her, so he yed along for now, "You handle it first. If things don''t go well, youe to me. Don''t worry, he can''t hurt me; I''m not afraid of anyone." Privately, he was definitely going to dig around! Elysiay on top of him, her face pressed against his chest, "Okay." After saying this to appease him, she kissed him. Tarquin was ttered, momentarily forgetting everything else. He flipped over, pinning her beneath him, and teased her mercilessly. But as the teaser, he was also the one who suffered! Wanting but not being able to have, he took not one but four cold showers back and forth. After every attempt to cool off, he couldn''t resist kissing her again, reigniting his desire immediately. He found himself running back and forth to the bathroom... They didn''t go anywhere, just staying in bed from noon, cuddling until evening. By the time Tarquin came back from the bathroom for thest time, Elysia couldn''t stand it anymore and refused to let him kiss her, diverting his attention with conversation instead. Talking led them to drift off to sleep again. When they woke up, it was already dark outside. Waking up in each other''s arms, they looked into each other''s eyes at close range and smiled. In that moment, their eyes and hearts were filled with nothing but happiness! Tarquin wanted to kiss her again, but Elysia was quicker, blocking his lips with her hand, "No more kissing!" A kiss would only lead him back to the cold shower! Chapter 688 Tarquin could read her like an open book. Gently pushing aside her hand, he nted a soft kiss on her cute nose and forehead. "Hungry?" He shouldn''t have mentioned it. Now that he did, Elysia realized she was actually starving. They had been wrapped up in each other all day, not bothering to eat a thing. "What would you like to eat? I''ll whip something up for you." Elysia made a move to get up, but Tarquin gently pushed her back down onto the bed. "What do you want to eat? I''ll take care of it. You rest a bit more." Elysia chuckled, "I''m not tired anymore. Let''s do it together?" "Alright, you can be my sous chef." Both got out of bed, and Elysia, still donning his shirt, headed to the bathroom to freshen up. Catching her reflection, her cheeks flushed and her heart raced. Her neck bore the marks of his affection, bold and intimate. After freshening up, she found Tarquin busy in the kitchen, looking every bit the domestic god. Seeing her, his gaze intensified. Elysia, feeling somewhat self-conscious, nced down and, with flushed cheeks, mumbled, "I''ll go change." Tarquin immediately stopped her, "The clothes are still drying. No one else is here, keep it on. It looks good on you. I like it." His shirt hung loosely on her, exuding that perfect boyfriend vibe. Elysia walked over to the balcony where her clothes from yesterday were still drying. Indeed, they were damp. With no choice, she braved it out and joined him in the kitchen. "What are we making?" Tarquin, looking utterly smitten, replied, "We haven''t eaten all day, so something greasy might not sit well. How about I make you some chicken soup? I''ve ordered a few sides; they should be here soon." "Oh, what can I do?" He handed her a bunch of green onions and some parsley. "Wash these and set them aside." Elysia rolled up her sleeves and got to work. Tarquin was chopping tomatoes and asionally looked up to steal nces at her, each time breaking into a goofy smile. After a few repeats, Elysia couldn''t help but ask, "What''s so funny?" Tarquin replied, "Just can''t believe my luck, finding such a beautiful girlfriend!" "Stop it and focus on cooking!" Tarquin''sughter filled the kitchen, the very picture of happiness. Just as the chicken soup was ready, the doorbell rang with their order. Elysia moved to answer it, but Tarquin insisted, "I''ll get it." She was dressed for his eyes only! Even if the delivery was made by a friend, it wouldn''t matter! Tarquin brought in the order, and Elysia set the table with the soup and the sides. A simple yet cozy meal. Meanwhile, in apartment 1802 of Future Community, Keithy on his bed, glued to his phone with a furrowed brow and a grim expression. After being beaten up by Tarquin the day before, his caregiver wanted to rush him to the hospital, but he refused. He despised the sterile scent of hospitals! After getting treated at home, he''d been resting in bed. Later, he sent a message, "Are they together now?" The reply came, "Seems like it. He rushed for a paternity testst night and found out Ms. Thorne is indeed the woman he''s been looking for. They''ve stayed in all day today, so judging by what I know of him, their rtionship must have warmed up quite a bit." Keith''s face darkened. Their rtionship warmed up? It was understandable for Tarquin to fall for Elysia, but how could she reciprocate? She fell for the man who assaulted her? Was she foolish or just blindly in love? A self-inflicted misery! Fuming, Keith sent out a message, "Round up some men. I''ll be needing them in the next few days..." Chapter 689 Elysia didn''t get home to Future Community until after 10 p.m. Tarquin had been reluctant to let her go; parting with her felt like leaving a piece of his heart behind. But Elysia hadn''t seen her kids in over a day and was missing them terribly. Besides, she believed that even in a rtionship, it wasn''t healthy to be glued to each other''s side every minute of the day. So, she insisted on going home. As soon as their car rolled into Future Community, Tarquin''s mood visibly darkened, his brows knitting together in displeasure. The reason? Keith. The very thought of him was enough to sour Tarquin''s mood. Elysia mistakenly thought his unhappiness was due to their imminent separation and tried to console him, "We''ll see each other again tomorrow." "... Yeah." Parking in front of building number 10, Tarquin turned to her, his voice suddenly gentle and filled with affection, "Elysia." Elysia froze, her heart skipping a beat at the sound of her name spoken so tenderly. "What''s up?" Tarquin, still in the driver''s seat, looked at her seriously, "Can you wait a moment before going up? I''d like to talk to you about Keith." They had been too caught up in each other since yesterday to bring up Keith, not wanting to ruin the wonderful time they were having. But now that they had a moment of calm, it seemed unavoidable. Elysia, thinking he was still suspicious of her rtionship with Keith, felt a twinge of annoyance but didn''t want to start another argument over him. She replied calmly, "I really don''t like him! I''m serious!" "I know, but I want to hear your thoughts on him." Elysia was forthright in her response, "I neither like nor dislike Keith. To me, he''s just someone I know but don''t have a close rtionship with. I have no intention of getting involved with him." "...Would you share your secrets with him?" Elysia was confused, "What do you mean?" Tarquinid his cards on the table, "Yesterday, he told me you share everything with him, even the reason why I can''t move in with you." Elysia was shocked, "Keith said that?" "Yeah! He seemed pretty proud of it, almost like he was showing off." Elysia frowned, "How dare he! Yes, he knows some things, but not because I told him willingly. He found out by ident! Thest thing I want is for him to know anything about me. I don''t like him, we''re not close, why would I tell him everything?!" Tarquin''s brows furrowed, "Is he using this information to threaten you?" "No, he always says he''ll keep it a secret. I''ve been polite to him, not setting clear boundaries partly because of this. I''m worried he''ll spill my secrets." After exining, Elysia hurried to reassure him, worried he might be upset, "I didn''t keep secrets from you because I don''t like you. I''m just not ready to share yet. Give me a bit more time." She was cautious with her words. Just as he was careful about his feelings for her, she was equally cautious from the moment she fell for him. Keeping her children a secret was her mistake, and she was anxious it might upset him. Seeing her worry, Tarquin gently touched her face,forting her, "I understand. Don''t worry, I can wait. When you''re ready to tell me, I''ll listen." Elysia, feeling guilty, promised, "I won''t keep secrets from you for too long." Now that they were in a rtionship, all she wanted was to see if they had a future together. If they did, she certainly wouldn''t hide her children from him. Tarquin patted her head, "No rush." Though he was curious about the secret she was keeping, knowing she cared for him made everything else seem trivial. Elysia then asked, "Why would Keith tell you all this?" Chapter 690 Tarquin frowned, "He must be lying on purpose, trying to rile me up, make me angry with you, and drive a wedge between us. Before I came to see you yesterday, he..." He almost brought up the photos, but the thought of frightening her made him hold back. After all, being stalked and photographed is a terrifying ordeal for anyone. Tarquin quickly changed the subject. "He told me he wants to pursue you, to take you and the kids away from me." Elysia''s eyes widened, "Keith? Pursue me??" "Yeah." "Did he say that when he was testing mest time?" "No, it was yesterday." Elysia was shocked, "How could that be?! We barely know each other. How could he think about pursuing me? And to take the kids!" She looked utterly incredulous, paused, then continued, "He''s never shown the slightest interest in me. He treats me just like I treat him, with courtesy." Tarquin''s tone was icy, "That''s why he''s dangerous, cunning!" "...But how could he possibly like me? It''s just... impossible! You can''t hide affection! If he really liked me, no matter how cunning he is, he''d slip up at some point, but he''s shown no signs. I''m sure he doesn''t like me!" Tarquin was pensive. Elysia was right; affection can''t be hidden, emotions are uncontroble. The things Keith had said didn''t sound like someone who liked Elysia. But he kept trying to stir trouble, even boldly stating he wanted to take Elysia and the kids away. There was definitely something off about him! Elysia continued to mutter to herself, "But if he doesn''t like me, why is he after me and the kids? What''s his endgame?" Tarquin didn''t have an answer yet. Seeing Elysia anxious, he quickly reassured her, "Maybe he knows I like you and said it just to upset me." He knew Keith''s real motive was probably more than that, but he didn''t want to scare Elysia. Because Elysia was easily frightened. He told her these things mainly to let her know that Keith was not simple, not friendly, and his hostility towards Keith was justified. As long as she could avoid Keith, that would be enough. He would handle the rest! Seeing Elysia still somewhat skeptical, Tarquin pulled her into his arms, "I''m telling you this because I want you to understand why I have such a big issue with him! I don''t want to fight with you over him anymore. Lately, all our arguments have been because of him. I hope you can try to avoid him, not interact with him." Elysia was still a bit nervous, "But you guys didn''t interact before, right? Why is he trying to upset you?" "Maybe he''s held a grudge since I punched him the first time we met." Elysia: Seeing her worried look, Tarquin decided to give her a passionate French kiss. Talking about Keith wasn''t meant to scare her! After a deep kiss, Elysia was left dazed and confused. Tarquin took the opportunity to say, "Even if it''s just to make me happy, try not to deal with him anymore." Elysia nodded with a flushed face, "Mhm." Tarquin smiled indulgently and walked her upstairs. In the hallway, Tarquin kissed her intensely once more before letting her go back to her room. Then, with a scowl and a flicker of disdain and fierceness in his eyes, he turned and left. Back in his car, he didn''t leave immediately but sent out a message first, then lit a cigarette and sat waiting. Soon enough, Blossom came downstairs. Chapter 691 Blossom waved at him before sliding into the backseat of the car, "What''s so urgent that you had to see me thiste?" Tarquin had just texted her, asking to meet downstairs. Without answering her question, Tarquin asked, "Is Elysia asleep?" "I left her tucking in the kids. Told her I''d be staying at my parents'' tonight. I followed your advice and didn''t mention you wanted to see me. She didn''t suspect a thing." "Solid! Are you in a hurry to get back? If not, how about I treat you to a drink?" Blossom declined without hesitation, "It''s not really appropriate for just the two of us. Maybe next time with Elysia. Plus, I''m really in a rush. My cousin''s waiting for me at my folks''. Can you just tell me what''s up?" After a brief silence, Tarquin cracked a smile, "Elysia and I are dating." Blossom was taken aback, "What?!" A grin that Tarquin couldn''t hide spread across his face, "She agreed to be my girlfriend." Blossom''s eyes widened, "For real?!" "Yeah, but she insisted we keep it under wraps for now, can''t let the kids know yet." Blossom paused before responding, "No wonder Elysia seemed so guilty when she saw me. So, you two have been sneaking around, huh? Haha, you guys are truly meant to be. It''s like fate tied you together - destined to be!" Tarquin loved hearing that, "Keep theplimentsing." Blossom immediately switched to ''blessing mode'', showering them with well-wishes. Tarquin, still smiling, had his suspicions about Blossom''s possible connection to some mystery person, but he knew she had Elysia''s best interests at heart. "Thanks. I''ll treat you to a celebratory drink when she''s ready to make it official." "Deal! So, this is what you wanted to talk about?" Tarquin got to the point, "Who do you think is better for her? Me or her husband?" "Her husband?" "Yeah, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s father." Blossom was shocked, "Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s father is...?" Tarquin fixed his gaze on her, "Is what?" Blossom swallowed nervously, "How did Elysia describe the father of the triplets to you?" "She didn''t get into details. Mentioned he was dead, but today she said he''s alive but they haven''t divorced yet." Blossom quickly asked, "Did Elysia tell you she''s married to the father of Elliot, Evan, and Emmett?" "Isn''t she?" Blossom was silent. She wasn''t the brightest, but she wasn''t foolish either. She could tell Elysia hadn''t revealed the whole truth. She could understand Elysia''s position. Elysia cared deeply for her children and wouldn''t expose them unless absolutely necessary, not even for a romantic rtionship. Clearing her throat, Blossom steered away from the topic of the triplets'' father, focusing on Elysia''s husband, "Honestly, I think you and Elysia are a much better match. Her husband is a real piece of work - the epitome of a scumbag who doesn''t deserve her!" You could argue that what happened between Tarquin and Elysia in the past was a mistake, but Elysia''s husband? There''s no excuse for his actions! Elysia was victimized, how could that be considered infidelity? If he wanted a divorce, just go through with it. Why tarnish her reputation? And the worst part? After dragging her name through the mud, he still refuses to let her go, keeping her in limbo. That''s seriously messed up! Tarquin, understanding why Blossom felt this way, pressed on, "Do you know who her husband is?" After hearing Elysia''s story, he had someone look into it, but they came up empty. Chapter 692 Was it Elliot pulling strings behind the scenes, or was that guy just too good at covering his tracks? No clue! So, he figured he''d hit up Blossom for a chat. Blossom was Elysia''s bestie, she had to know. But when he asked, Blossom just shook her head, "I''m in the dark too." Tarquin was taken aback, "You don''t know?" "Yeah, totally clueless. Elysia and her hubby eloped, didn''t even invite us to the wedding. We''ve got no idea who her man is. She ms up every time we ask." Tarquin frowned, "Why the secrecy?" "No idea, but I get the vibe there''s not much love there. They''re still hitched, but it''s pretty much loveless!" Tarquin puzzled, even in a secret marriage, a bestie should be in the loop. Why wouldn''t Elysia tell even Blossom? "Just so you know, since Elysia did spill the beans, I hope you won''t hold the not-divorced-yet thing against her." Tarquin snapped back to reality, "Don''t worry, I won''t." Seeing he wasn''t getting anywhere with Blossom, Tarquin said, "I''ve got some personal stuff to sort out. I''ll get someone to drop you at your folks''." Blossom immediately declined, "No need, I can drive myself, I..." But when she saw Axel appear by the car window, her surprise quickly turned into agreement, "You''re right, it''ste, and it''s not safe for a girl to drive home alone. Thanks, handsome, what''s your name?" Axel gave her a cold nce and didn''t respond, signaling her to get off. He headed to his car. Blossom wasn''t offended and followed him, still curious she asked Tarquin, "What''s his name?" "Axel." "Axel? Sounds familiar. Oh yeah, Elysia mentioned him. Is he the blind date you were setting me up with?" Tarquin: "..." Axel heard that, turned his head to re at Tarquin, who just coughed awkwardly and looked away. Blossom ran towards Axel with a dreamy look, greeting, "Lowell." Axel, with a stone face, shut her down, "Don''t talk to me!" Blossom: "..." After Axel and Blossom left, Tarquin lit up a cigarette. He couldn''t dig up info on ''Elysia''s husband'' on his own, and Blossom was a dead end. Looks like Elliot was his next stop. But it was toote for that now. It would have to wait till tomorrow. So, Tarquin called Keaton to set up a night out. Half an hourter, Tarquin showed up at the bar. The noisy private room silenced as he entered, everyone greeting him, "Tarquin." Tarquin was in high spirits, announcing, "Party''s on me tonight." Elysia''s husband and Keith were weighing on his mind, but overall, he was feeling good. Sleepless night anyway, might as well gather the crew. It was more about showing off than hanging out! After all, he was newly off the market, had a girlfriend, and was feeling pretty great! His good mood was written all over his face, and the crowd was curious, "Keaton said you''d be in a great mood today, spill the beans! What''s the good news? Let us in on the joy." Tarquin settled into the center seat, lighting a cigarette and leaning back. With a casual air and a hint of cockiness, yet somehow not making a big deal of it, he boasted, "Nothing major, just started dating." Chapter 693 Everyone was in shock. "Who is it?! Is that Ms. Thorne?" Tarquin, squinting his handsome eyes, flipped out a photo to show them, "My girlfriend, Elysia." The photo was a selfie of him and Elysia, where she was sleeping with her eyes closed, lookingpletely at peace. He had sneaked up to her side and taken the photo with his phone. It was obviously a candid shot. Someone tried to grab the phone for a closer look, but Tarquin pped his hand away. "Just look, don''t touch!" He was being overly protective, clearly a bit of a jealous type. The group didn''t fuss over it, instead, they stared intently at his phone screen. Someonemented, "Yourdy is quite the stunner!¡± Tarquin beamed with pride, "An angel among us." Another added, "She looks so kind and gentle, the epitome of warmth!" Tarquin, with a touch of haughtiness, replied, "The perfect wife material." Someone else observed, "She seems like she''s deeply loyal in love." Tarquin boasted, "She only has eyes for me." Then someone mentioned, "But with her looks, she must have a lot of men chasing after her!" Tarquin''s smile turned into a chuckle of confidence, "In her eyes and heart, there''s only me. No other man stands a chance. I''m her one and only." Keaton, aware of the whole situation, couldn''t help but tease him, "Man, you''re thirty and still get this excited over a rtionship. That''s kinda sad!" Tarquin shot him a cold look and scoffed, "Some people hop from one to another and still don''t know what true love is. That''s even sadder." Just as Keaton was about to retort, Tarquin cut in, "I have true love, and a kid!" Keaton was left speechless, his lips pursed. He really couldn''tpete with that. His own love life was all about flings, devoid of real love, let alone having a child. He couldn''t hold a candle to Tarquin. Not just him, no one in the room could. Finding someone you love who loves you back just as much is harder than reaching the stars! Tarquin nced at Keaton with disdain, then turned to the others, practically radiating arrogance. His face might as well have been engraved with the words: I''m the happiest man alive,e at me if you dare! From then on, whatever the topic of conversation, he found a way to bring it back to Elysia. To sum up his message: I''m in love with Elysia, jealous much? My girlfriend is Elysia, I''m the luckiest guy in the world! In three words: Just showing off. In four words: Purely boasting. In five words: Absolutely unting it! And while unting, he didn''t forget to issue a warning: "My girlfriend is just an ordinary girl, who loves herforts and is a bit timid. If you or yourdies ever run into her, keep it low-key. Don''t you dare upset or scare her, or you''ll have me to answer to!" Keaton mocked, "Look at him, got a girlfriend and forgot all about his buddies. ssic case of bros before... well, you know." Tarquin, ever so magnanimous, dered, "Bros can be reced, but a girlfriend like mine, once gone, is gone for good!" The bros: "..." Never knew our very own President Bradford was such a hopeless romantic! Meanwhile, Elysia was blissfully unaware that she had be the talk of the town among the elite bachelors! She continued her calm and collected life, finishing her nightly routine before checking on her children. Having not seen them for a whole day and night, she missed them terribly. It''s often said that kids around four or five can''t be away from their mother, but truth is, it''s the mothers who can''t stand being away from their kids! She gently touched each of their faces, giving them a goodnight kiss, before heading back to her bedroom. Chapter 694 As soon as Elysia entered her apartment, the phone on her nightstand buzzed with a new message. She walked over to her bed and picked up the phone. [Elysia, are you asleep?] At first, she thought it was Blossom messaging her, but upon closer inspection, it was him! Her heart immediately started to race! Even though she was no spring chicken anymore, well into her twenties and even had kids, this was her first dive into the dating pool. His flirty nces and endearments were enough to make her cheeks burn and her heart pound. Elysia opened up WhatsApp to reply and realized he had already sent several messages. [Elysia, what are you up to? Missing you.] [Elysia, I''m missing you.] [Babe, your boyfriend''s thinking of you.] [Miss you so much.] Leaning against her headboard with flushed cheeks, Elysia texted back, "Just went to check on the kids, just saw your message." The next second, Tarquin''s call came through. Elysia answered, her heart thumping wildly, "Hey." "Elysia, I miss you like crazy!" Her cheeks were on fire. "Why are you still up?" "I can''t sleep. Missing you. And when you didn''t reply, I thought you didn''t want me anymore." Elysia was speechless. How could he be so sensitive? Not replying meant she didn''t want him? "I agreed to be your girlfriend, didn''t I? Stop overthinking and go to sleep." Tarquin chuckled, "Then say you like me." Elysia hesitated. ¡°Come on, just once? I want to hear it." "Have you been drinking?" Elysia asked, noticing a hint of drunkenness in his voice. "Yeah, had a bit to celebrate today." "Are you drunk?" "Not at all! How could I be? I''m perfectly clear-headed." Elysia knew right then he was anything but sober. No wonder he was so bold! "Where are you? Who are you with?" "I''m at home, on the bed we slept in yesterday. But it feels so empty without you. You''ve stolen my heart." Elysia''s heart raced even faster. ¡°Just go to sleep if you''re drunk. I''ll call Lowell to look after you." The next second, Lowell''s voice came through, "Ms. Thorne, I''m here." Elysia was shocked. He said all those flirty things with Lowell listening?! This man had no shame! Well, she still had hers! "Don''t worry about Tarquin. He''s just a bit too happy today and had a few too many. I''ve just got him home and sent someone to get some hangover soup." "...Okay, thanks for that. I''m going to sleep now. Bye." Elysia quickly hung up, muttering under her breath about dog men! At 2 a.m., just as Elysia had drifted off, her phone rang again. It was Tarquin. He immediately asked, "Elysia, are you asleep?" With her eyes barely open, Elysia mumbled, "Yeah, asleep." "Oh, did I wake you up then?" "What do you think? Talk tomorrow, go to sleep!" Elysia hung up and tried to go back to sleep. But soon after, he called again. "Elysia, I''ll bring you breakfast tomorrow. What do you want? I''ll prepare it!" "I don''t want anything right now. I just want to sleep." "I mean for tomorrow morning." "Then we''ll talk in the morning." Elysia hung up again. But just as she did, he called back, still sounding tipsy, "It''ll be toote if I start preparing in the morning. Just tell me now, and I''ll get started." Chapter 695 Repeatedly woken up, Elysia was fuming. ncing at the clock, it wasn''t even 3 AM yet. Angrily, she confronted the caller, "What on earth are you doing at this hour?! I''m warning you, if you don''t get some sleep right now, you''re really going to make me mad! Go to bed, and don''t you dare call me again!" After hanging up, he didn''t call back. Just as she was about to put her phone back on the nightstand, he sent a voice message, "Elysia, are you mad at me? Please, don''t scare me. I get scared easily. Please, don''t be mad." "Elysia, look how obedient I am. You said not to call, so I''m not calling. I''m listening, so you''re not mad, right?" Elysia was speechless, not even managing to internallyin before he sent another couple of voice messages, "Elysia, why is it still dark outside? Do we really have to wait for daylight to meet?" "Elysia, why do we have to wait for the sun to be up to meet?" Elysia: "..." She wasn''t mad at him anymore; she was mad at the alcohol! Who let him drink so much?! There''s no reasoning with a drunk, so Elysia decided to call him back proactively, "Are you having insomnia?" "Yeah, I miss you. Where have you gone? Why aren''t you in my arms?" "...If you really can''t sleep, then go ahead and talk. I''m listening, so don''t ask if I heard you. I definitely can." Elysia put her phone aside, put on her headphones, and tried to sleep. Suddenly, a melodious voice filled her ears, "The rain bes quiet as the wind gently blows, through the ancient temple colored in green. As I cross the bridge over the stream, a visitor appears, your galloping hooves remember to report on time..." Elysia was wide awake! This was the first time she heard him sing, and her ears were utterly captivated. His voice... not pursuing a career in music would be a waste! After Tarquin finished singing, without waiting for him to ask, she said, "Beautiful." Tarquin was pleased, "You like?" "Yeah." "Shall I sing another?" "Please." "What would you like to hear?" "Anything." After a moment of silence, Tarquin spoke again, his voice still enchanting, "Wandering by candlelight at night, the midnight stars likepanions on the run, loving every scar and wound on you, turning into aged, strong liquor..." Elysia fell asleep to his singing, his voice echoing even in her dreams... The next morning. Elysia woke up yawning, immediately checking the time, only to find her phone had turned off! Rubbing her eyes, she sat up, charged her phone, then went to check on the kids. All the little ones were already awake. Elliot was busy with a tablet, while Evan, Emmett, and Elijah were building with Legos. Seeing her, they all eximed in surprise, "Mommy!" Elysia smiled, entering the children''s room, "Why are you all up so early?" Evan said, "It''s not early, it''s already 7:30." Emmett put down his Lego, "Mommy''s awake, I''ll go make breakfast for Mommy and my brothers." He hadn''t gone earlier to avoid waking Mommy. Elysia, adoringly lifting Emmett, was just about to say she''d make breakfast when Elijah said, "No need, Daddy texted me, he said he''lle over with breakfast soon." That''s when Elysia rememberedst night''s conversation. She asked Elijah, "My phone turned off by itself, did he say anything else?" "He asked if you were up half an hour ago, I said no." "...Alright, you guys keep ying, I''m going to freshen up." Leaving the children''s room, Elysia headed to the bathroom. By the time she came back to the bedroom after freshening up, her phone had just turned on. Chapter 696 The continuous ''ping, ping, ping'' of her phone was relentless, a barrage of notifications flooding in! Grabbing her phone, Elysia was greeted by 68 missed calls and over 99 unread messages. All from him! She was stunned. Did this guy not sleep at allst night? While she was still marveling at the thought, another call came through, and of course, it was him again. Elysia answered, "My phone was off, just turned it on and saw your messages." "I know, I''m already on my way, bringing you breakfast." "Uh, you... didn''t sleepst night?" "Couldn''t. You were all I could think about." Elysia''s cheeks flushed, at a loss for words, only managing to say, "Just, uh, be careful driving." "Will do!" After hanging up, Elysia found herself rifling through her wardrobe, trying on outfit after outfit until she settled on a vintage-style cotton-linen maxi dress adorned with tiny floral prints. She essorized with a pair of sunflower earrings and a vintage ne. Her hair was braided into a fishtail, secured at the end with a ribbon, giving off a vibrant, pastoral vibe, fresh and uniquely beautiful. Just as she finished getting ready, the doorbell rang, and she hurried to open the door. There stood Tarquin, dressed in a crisp, tailor-made suit, tie, and wristwatch, exuding the aura of a polished professional. His gaze upon seeing her was filled with passion and eagerness, his anticipation to see her palpable. Their eyes met, a flurry of emotions swirling between them, sparks flying instantly. Just as Tarquin was about to express his yearning with more than just words, he caught sight of the children standing behind Elysia. Four little ones, each with a different expression. Evan Thorne''s was particrly fierce! Tarquin swallowed hard, remembering Elysia''s warning to keep things low-key around the kids for now. Forcing himself to calm down, Tarquin tenderly said to Elysia, "I made you breakfast." Her cheeks turned a deeper shade of red as she fought to maintain herposure, "Come in." As Tarquin stepped in with the insted food container, little Elijah called out, "Daddy." Tarquin smiled and nodded at his son, his attention quickly returning to Elysia, his eyes shimmering with affection. Elysia''s heart raced from the moment sheid eyes on him. To hide her turmoil, she coolly called out to the children, "Time to wash up for breakfast." The kids hurried into the kitchen to wash their hands and then gathered around the dining table, stomachs growling in anticipation. When Tarquin opened the container to reveal the breakfast he had prepared, all with Elysia''s favorites, she couldn''t help but tease, "Is this all?" Tarquin chuckled, "Isn''t it enough?" Elysia, eyes wide, asked, "What about the kids?" Tarquin turned to face the little ones, who were all staring at him expectantly, like hungry chicks. Realizing his mistake, Tarquin''s expression fell. In his focus on Elysia, he hadpletely forgotten to prepare something for the children! Embarrassed, he quickly pulled out his phone to ce an order, "I made too little. I''ll have Lowell pick up some more from the diner. It''ll be quick, don''t worry." The kids exchanged nces, their silence speaking volumes. Really, dad? Forgetting your own kids in the throes of new love? Chapter 697 Elysia massaged her temples, feeling a secondhand embarrassment for him. Luckily, his efficiency saved the day. The delivery arrived swiftly, brimming with bite-sized delights: mini quiches, shrimp dumplings, mini donuts, along with burgers and sandwiches, not to forget the soy milk and a variety of hearty oatmeals. A feast to cater to the varied tastes of the little ones. Elysia called out for the kids to wash up for breakfast, and the little rascals bolted from the yroom. They scurried to the dining table, eyes scanning for their breakfast before racing off to wash their hands. Tarquin set aside the delivery, cing his homemade dishes in front of Elysia. "Eat this," he suggested. "Why''s that?" "It''s made by me, not some other guy," Tarquin said, knowing well that the chefs at Jinpeach Restaurant were all men. Elysia rolled her eyes. Was this really the time for apetition? Before she could retort, the children dashed back, settling into their seats. "Mommy, I want the burger!" "Mommy, can I have the dumplings?" "Mommy, I want the shrimp dumplings!" "Mommy, I want to drink the oatmeal." The four of them chirped like little birds eager for feeding, turning into tiny tigers once the food was served, devouring their meal with gusto. Thanks to their super dad, they were famished. "Take it easy, don''t rush your food, Evan. Chew properly before swallowing." Evan, the athlete of the family, always ate as if there was no tomorrow, especially when he was starving. After ensuring the kids were fine, Elysia finally sat down to her meal. She was nked by Emmett to her left and Evan to her right, with Elijah and Elliot nearby, leaving Tarquin at a distance. He eyed the kids, feeling a tad resentful for the first time. It seemed to him that these four were hindering his romance with Elysia! He wished he could bundle them off to school already! But, school was still out... After a moment, Tarquin texted Lowell, plotting. Post-breakfast, Tarquin suggested, ¡°Let''s hit the mall today, then catch a movie. Consider it my way of making up for the morning mishap.¡± The promise of an outing excited the kids, and Elysia agreed. After getting ready, the family of six headed out. Downstairs, Evan spotted a small hedgehog in the bushes, thrilling the kids to no end as they gathered around it. Elysia reminded them that hedgehogs were protected and to look but not touch, then she and Tarquin, carrying a bag full of essentials - wet wipes, a portable first-aid kit, and spare clothes for the kids - headed to the car. Juggling motherhood meant always being prepared. As Elysia was about to call the kids over, the car abruptly sped off! It was gone!!!! Elysia''s eyes went wide with shock. "Hey! The kids aren''t in the car yet!" "I know, my car can''t fit everyone. They''ll go with Lowell''s," Tarquin exined. Elysia was bbergasted. The kids, still fixated on the hedgehog, noticed Tarquin''s car leaving and were instantly bewildered. Evan was shocked. "We''re not in the car yet, why''d he leave?" Emmett added, "And he left so quickly, as if he was running away from us." Elliot and Elijah just exchanged looks. Then came Lowell, as enthusiastic as a kid in a candy store, "Elliot, Evan, Emmett, Elijah, how about I take you guys out for the day? We can hit the amusement park, visit the zoo to see the big tigers, and then catch a movie and grab some delicious eats..." Tarquin, unable to ditch the kids at school, decided to hand them over to Lowell instead! The kids instantly knew this had to be their stepdad''s arrangement! Chapter 698 It was crystal clear what he was up to - Tarquin was scheming to have a romantic day alone with Elysia, shooing the kids off with a clever distraction! How could anyone say he was a devoted dad? Even a stand-in dad would do a better job! Evan was having none of it, using Tarquin of high robbery, of whisking his beloved mom away right under his nose! And he demanded Tarquin to bring his mom back, stat! Lowell, ever the strategist, whipped out his phone with a grin, showing off a video, "Check this out, guys. I''m taking you to this ce today. It''s wild, it''s thrilling - Evan, you''re gonna love it!" Evan''s eyes lit up at the sight of an intense boxing match, "Can I join in too?" "Absolutely," Lowell encouraged with a wink, "The champ fromst year''s tournament is here today. If you wanna get in on the action, go for it. Don''t worry about Ms. Thorne finding out. Mum''s the word!" A tailor-made adventure for Evan - he was bound to be all in! Evan nodded vigorously, "Mr. Lowell, you''re the best!" Lowell chuckled, then turned to Emmett, "Besides, there''s a food festival and a cutting-edge design exhibit. Totally your scene, Emmett." Then, ncing at Elliot and Elijah, "There''s also an auction happening today. Heard it''s got some rare jewels that a lot of girls go crazy for. If you''re interested, might be nice to grab something for Ms. Thorne." Before long, Lowell had all four young gentlemen hopping into the car, all buzzing with excitement. Lowell couldn''t help feeling a bit smug, convinced he had a natural talent for handling kids. Meanwhile, Elysia got wind of Lowell''s day out with the kids and immediately saw through Tarquin''s ploy, expressing her displeasure, "ying these games might backfire, Tarquin. If the kids end up disliking you, don''t expect me to stand by you. I''m warning you now - if they don''t approve, our rtionship is off the table. Being in a rtionship is between you and me, but astingmitment needs their blessing. If they''re not on board, we''re through." Tarquin nced at her, then suddenly swerved the car into a secludedne, pulling over. As Elysia began to question his actions, he leaned in for a kiss that was fierce and full of a punishing passion. Caught off guard, Elysia panicked, "Hey, wait...!" Even though thene was quiet, they weren''t invisible to the outside world! Feeling as if they were kissing in full public view, Elysia''s heart raced. Just as she thought to bite him in protest, he released her, his voiceced with annoyance, "So, are we breaking up or what?" Pinned under him, Elysia''s breaths came fast, her cheeks flushed, "I didn''t really mean it. It was just a figure of speech." "I don''t care. I don''t want to hear it," he retorted. Elysia muttered, "Well, you better start making a good impression in front of the kids, then!" Tarquin thought to himself: Win the queen, and the game is yours. If Elysia is happy, those kids won''t dare toin. Sure, winning over the kids was essential, but Elysia was his main focus now. He had to prioritize. With that strategy in mind, Tarquin imed, "I asked Lowell to take them somewhere they''d enjoy more. Today''s our second day as a couple, and I wanted it to be just us." He didn''t even want to think about Keith or Elysia''s ex- all he wanted was to be close to Elysia. Being new to the whole romance game was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Elysia upied his thoughts every moment, longing for cuddles and kisses, yearning for their time alone together. Chapter 699 Elysia was sailing in uncharted waters with her first rtionship, and every emotion Tarquin felt, she experienced too. But, unlike Tarquin with his newfound confidence, Elysia was shy, her cheeks easily flushing a bright red at the slightest provocation. "Look, I''ve said my piece. How you deal with them is up to you!" "Don''t worry, I got this. They''re all younger than mebined. If I can''t handle them, I might as well be a ghost!" Elysia immediately covered his mouth with her hand, "Shush, don''t even joke about that!" Tarquin just chuckled in response. "I really hate that word. Don''t you dare say it in front of me again," Elysia scolded, her tone more serious now. In a move that shocked Elysia, Tarquin cheekily licked her palm, causing her to retract her hand quickly, her face burning even more. "You...you''ve got some nerve!" "All I want is a girlfriend. Pride? I can take it or leave it." Elysia was stunned. "Have you changed? Since when did you stop caring so much about your image?" "How about this? You never mention breaking up, and I''ll never mention...you know, the ''D'' word. Deal?" Tarquin proposed softly. Before she could respond, he buried his head in her shoulder, his voice carrying a whiny tone, "Just the thought of you saying we''re through hurts more than anything. I can''t bear it." This new, childlike side of Tarquin took Elysia by surprise. Is this what love does to a man? Feeling her heart soften, she soothed him like one would a child, "Alright, alright, I won''t say it. Now,e on, let''s hit the road. We were going to check out the shops, remember?" Tarquin looked up, smiling like a kid who''d just been given candy, but in the next moment, he shifted gears, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both gentler and more intoxicating than before. His tongue explored her mouth, leaving Elysia trembling with a mixture of shock and desire. Lost in their passionate embrace, theypletely forgot they were still in the car until a knock on the window snapped them back to reality. Elysia, mortified, pushed Tarquin away and saw a police officer standing outside. Tarquin, trying to catch his breath, rolled down the window. "What''s the problem?" The officer, slightly taken aback by Tarquin''smanding presence, replied in a surprisingly gentle tone, "You can''t park here. You''ll get a ticket. Better move along if you''ve got no urgent business." "Got it, thanks," Tarquin responded, buckling up and starting the car. As they were about to leave, he couldn''t resist asking, "You in a rtionship?" The officer, caught off guard, managed, "Not yet." "Ah, single, huh? Tough break! Well, I''m taken. This is my girl." With that, Tarquin drove off, leaving the officer dumbfounded. "What does your love life have to do with me?" he thought, baffled by Tarquin''s boast. As the officer''s figure disappeared from the rearview mirror, Elysia finally dared to speak, turning to Tarquin with a re, "What was that all about?" Seeing Tarquin still smiling, Elysia''s irritation grew. She pinched him hard, eliciting a yelp of pain from him. "Okay, okay, I''m sorry. I won''t kiss you on this street anymore," Tarquin conceded. Elysia was exasperated. "So, what? You''ll just choose a different location? Listen here, no more public disys of affection, or we''re done!" Chapter 700 She released him, huffing as she turned to re ahead. At the red light, Tarquin brought the car to a halt, turning to soothe her with a charm that was hard to resist, "Whatever you say, hon. Please, don''t be mad." Reaching for Elysia''s hand, he was met with a p on the back of his hand. Far from being deterred, he sped Elysia''s hand even tighter within his own. Just as Elysia was about to snap at him, he gave her a pitiful look and said, "I think I''ming down with something." Elysia paused, her anger subsiding into concern, "What''s wrong? Where does it hurt?" "It''s everywhere. I only feel better when I''m close to you, the closer the better." Rolling her eyes, Elysia smacked his hand again, "Focus on driving!" With a goofy grin, Tarquin hit the gas as the light turned green, driving off with the joy of a peacock in full disy. He couldn''t even stop himself from humming love songs... On the second day of their love affair, they walked hand in hand through the streets, grabbed a bite to eat, and caught a movie, sneaking kisses in the street, the mall, the cinema... By the third day, the kids were back to school, and Keith had lost his job. Tarquin had put pressure on the preschool to fire Keith, and since Keith was badly injured and confined to his home, Elysia didn''t feel guilty about the kids being at school. But Tarquin turned into a whole new problem. Insisting on taking the kids to school himself, he risked exposing them-after all, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett didn''t wear makeup to school! With no other choice, Elysia, along with Blossom, had to drop the kids off at school half an hour early. This left Tarquin fuming. He sent Elijah to stay at a vi for a day and ''imprisoned'' Elysia in their Sunshine Community apartment, where he yfully tormented her all day long. They explored new ces to kiss kitchen, bathroom, balcony... Yet, the final boundary remained uncrossed, as Elysia set her limits, which Tarquin dared not overstep. However, when passion overwhelmed him, he couldn''t hold back, pouring out his affection for Elysia twice. Elysia, though embarrassed, didn''t me him, understanding his feelings. As days passed, their love soared like a rocket entering its peak phase. Not just Tarquin, Elysia too wanted to stick by his side every moment. Despite the temptation, she moved into apartment 1803 alone, leaving the kids at Blossom''s. She held keys to both ces, staying with Blossom during spats with Tarquin, and with Tarquin during their sweeter moments. Even in the throes of love, she never allowed Tarquin to move in with her. Yet, every night, Tarquin lingered until well past midnight before leaving. Then came March, bringing spring and the promise of renewal. Just when everything seemed to be going right, disaster struck out of the blue. One day, Tarquin''s Volkswagen spontaneouslybusted in the parking lot! They were kissing under a nearby tree when the car exploded, bursting into mes. Elysia screamed, haunted by nightmares for days after. Tarquinter investigated but found no signs of foul y, attributing the fire to spontaneousbustion. The insurancepany would handle it. Then, not long after, just when Elysia had begun to move past the incident, another, far more severe tragedy struck. Chapter 701 On a crisp Friday afternoon, Tarquin Bradford Elysia Thorne, had just finished a casual shopping spree at the local supermarket, stocking up on essentials and a fewfort foods for the weekend. Little did they know, their peaceful day was about to take a turn straight out of an action movie. No sooner had they left the parking lot than they noticed a car tailing them. Tarquin, with a quick flick of the wheel, managed to lose them, but that relief was short-lived. Another car tried to rear-end them, and when that failed, two more cars joined the fray, attempting to sandwich them in a coordinated attack. Tarquin wasn''t one to panic. Pushing the pedal to the metal, he channeled his inner action hero, weaving through traffic with a blend of speed and precision that would make any stunt driver proud. Just when it seemed they had shaken their pursuers, three more cars appeared on the overpass- a coordinated trap aiming to push them off the edge. Thanks to Tarquin''s driving skills and a bit of luck, they narrowly escaped disaster. In a bold move, he elerated and rammed into one of the attacking cars, forcing it forward and causing another to miss its mark and plummet from the overpass. Elysia, wide-eyed and gripping the dashboard, watched in horror as the car fell, knowing the grim fate of those inside. The shock was too much, and she fainted, herst conscious thought filled with Tarquin''s anguished cries. When Elysia came to, she found herself in a hospital room, Tarquin by her side, his hand gripping hers with a mix of relief and worry. Despite his own injuries and disheveled appearance, his concern was all for her. She reassured him, touching his bruised face gently, "You''re hurt." Tarquin, trying to lighten the mood despite the gravity of their situation, responded, "Just a scratch. But enough about me, how are you feeling?" Elysia insisted she was fine, more concerned about the attackers and whether they had been caught. Tarquin was hesitant, revealing only that one of the attackers had survived the crash. The conversation turned tense as Elysia realized Tarquin had not involved the police, a pattern she had noticed in their rtionship. "Why wouldn''t you call the police?" Elysia pressed, her anxiety mounting with each unanswered question. Tarquin''s silence spoke volumes, leaving Elysia to confront the reality that her boyfriend, the man she loved, had secrets that ran deeper than she could have imagined. Their rtionship, once filled with simple joys like grocery runs andzy weekends, had suddenly thrust them into a world of danger and mystery. Chapter 702 Elysia felt an uneasy knot forming in her stomach. Why was Tarquin so hesitant to involve the police? Was it fear or distrust that held him back? She couldn''t wrap her head around it and pressed on, "Someone''s dead, Tarquin. This is definitely something for the police to handle. Why wouldn''t you report this?" Tarquin tried to soothe her worries. "Just rest up and don''t stress about this. I''ll take care of it." Elysia remained silent, a storm of thoughts brewing in her mind. Tarquin shifted the conversation to a lighter note, "The kids still have no idea about your ident. You''ve been out cold, and I didn''t have the heart to tell them. Maybe we should do a video call now?" Elysia sniffled, "Let''s not. They''d be worried sick seeing me like this." "Did you tell Blossom about it?" "Yeah, Blossom Blythe knows. She came to see you when you were unconscious. She''s back home taking care of the kids now." "Make sure Blossom keeps this under wraps for me, will you? Just tell the kids I''m out with you on a short trip." "Sure thing." Tarquin looked at her, guilt etched across his face, "I''m sorry, Elysia. I should''ve protected you better." Elysia shook her head, "It''s not on you. The me lies with those who attacked us! But Tarquin, I still think we should go to the police. This is a big deal, and we need their help." Not wanting to upset her further, Tarquin nodded in agreement, "Alright, your wish is mymand." Elysia sighed in relief, finally feeling a bit at ease. She then inquired, "What about the survivor? Did he spill why we were targeted, or is he still out cold?" Before she could finish, Tarquin''s phone buzzed. It was a message from Axel: [He''s awake.] A chill ran down Tarquin''s spine, but he quicklyposed himself, tucking his phone away. "He''s been unconscious. The cars involved were stolen, and we haven''t caught anyone yet. But there''s news. I''ll do as you say and get the police on it today." Elysia could sense his inner turmoil and tried tofort him, reaching out to touch his face, "You''ve let yourself go." "Huh?" "You don''t have to stick by me. Go freshen up, change, and get some rest." Tarquin captured her hand and kissed it, avoiding any talk of leaving. "I''ve let myself go, you say. Do you still fancy me?" Without hesitation, Elysia replied, "Of course, I do. You''ll probably look even worse when we''re old. If I start fussing over your looks now, what will happen when we''re really old?" A spark of excitement lit up Tarquin''s eyes. Was she thinking about their future together? "Once we''re old and the kids are grown, we''ll ditch them and live our own lives." Elysia chuckled, "By then, our kids will have their own little ones. I''ll be too busy spoiling my grandkids to run away with you." Tarquinughed heartily, "Alright then, we''ll spoil them together. Wherever you are, that''s where I''ll be." Elysiaughed again, "Now go and clean yourself up. You look and smell terrible." "I want to stay with you." "I don''t need you to." "But I need to be with you." Elysia felt a mix of emotions-touched yet heartbroken. She insisted on him freshening up, not just for his sake but to give him a moment to rest. He looked so worn out and needed a break. Their exchange was her way of lifting his spirits. She knew he was burdened with worries, and it pained her to see him like that. Chapter 703 Elysia yfully said, "But what if I still want to sleep?" "Then keep sleeping, sleep peacefully, don''t worry about anyone hurting you. You''re safe," was the reassuring reply. "Okay, I''ll sleep a bit more then." "Alright." No sooner had Elysia closed her eyes than Tarquin''s phone buzzed urgently. He quickly silenced it. After a nce at the screen, he frowned slightly and pocketed the device. He remained seated by the bed, gently holding Elysia''s hand, softly humming a love song to lull her to sleep. Elysia had nned to pretend to sleep so he would go rest, but his singing actually lulled her into slumber. Once sure Elysia was asleep, Tarquin carefully released her hand, tucking it under the covers and making sure she was snug before leaning down to nt a gentle kiss on her forehead and then her lips. Only then did he call in a nurse to keep watch. The moment he stepped out of Elysia''s room, Tarquin''s demeanor shifted dramatically. He transformed into the alpha of the night! His lips were a tight line, his facial muscles taut, his eyes rimmed red and emitting a chilly light. Lowell was waiting just outside, quickly reporting, "Tarquin, Axel said the guy''s awake." Without a word, Tarquin strode into the elevator. Only when the doors had closed did he speak, "Add more guards for Elysia. No one gets near her room without my say-so!" "Understood. Don''t worry, we won''t let anything happen to Ms. Thorne." It wasmon knowledge among Tarquin''s crew that Elysia was his Achilles'' heel. No one dared take matters concerning her lightly. Had the incident not urred with Elysia in the car, fainting from shock, Tarquin wouldn''t have unleashed such fury. Lowell still vividly remembered the look on Tarquin''s face as he rushed Elysia into the hospital ¨C not anger, but helplessness, anxiety, fear. His eyes even held a plea when he handed Elysia over to Benjamin, begging him to save her, to keep her from harm. Elysia hadn''t been injured, merely fainted from fright, yet Tarquin was visibly shaken. Having lived on the edge of life and death since childhood, Tarquin feared very few. Previously, only Elijah had that power. Now, Elysia joined that sacred list. She was someone he held dear, a touch to her was a death wish. As long as Elysia remained unconscious, Tarquin was a constant presence in her room, refusing to leave or even eat. His rage was always there, simmering beneath his concern, waiting for the moment... Now that Elysia was awake and confirmed to be okay, he could finally ease his guard. Next came vengeance. Minutester, Tarquin arrived at a makeshift shack by the seaside. A solitary chair stood at the entrance, where Axel was seated, expressionlessly enjoying the sea breeze. Upon seeing Tarquin, he stood, "Tarquin." Tarquin nodded briefly, aggressively stripping off his tie and tossing it aside before shedding his suit jacket. Rolling up his shirt sleeves, he made his way into the shack. Lowell and Axel stayed outside, knowing better than to follow. The tin shack was small, barely spacious enough for a metal bed and walls adorned with various implements of torture. This was Axel''s secret hideout, a ce no outsider left intact. Currently, a man was tied to the bed, limbs spread in a stark "X," his mouth sealed with duct tape, eyes wide with terror at Tarquin''s approach. Tarquin''s face was a mask of cold fury as he rolled up his sleeves further, then took off his watch. Elysia had onceplimented that watch; it wouldn''t do to stain it with blood. Only after securing the watch did Tarquin approach the bed, his gaze fixed on the man tied there. Chapter 704 The man was gasping for breath, terror etched across his face. Despite the chill of the season, he wore nothing but a pair of boxers, his body slick with sweat. Sweat dripped into his eyes, stinging them, causing his eyshes to tremble - a mix of difort and fear. Tarquin lifted his hand and tore the duct tape from the man''s mouth. Immediately, the man begged for mercy. "Please, don''t kill me! I''ll tell you everything I know. No, wait - just kill me quickly, don''t torture me, I... Ahhh!" His screams nearly blew the roof off the tin shack! Outside, Axel and Lowell stood by the door, chatting casually as if oblivious to the horror unfolding inside. Lowell asked, "How long has it been since Tarquinst visited?" Axel paused, "Two years." Lowell sighed, "Ms. Thorne was traumatized into unconsciousness. Tarquin''s been beside himself with worry." Axel, hands in his pockets, leaned against the door frame, gazing at the pitch-ck ocean. He quietly listened to the howling wind and the screams from within, choosing not to respond. Everyone has their limits, and ordinary folks'' limits should never be tested, let alone Tarquin''s. It wasn''t that he was heartless; some folks just had the misfortune of living in a cruel world. If you weren''t ruthless, you''d end up prey. After what felt like an eternity, the room fell silent, save for the man''s whimpers and sobs. Then, even those faded away. The metal door swung open, and Tarquin emerged, his hands covered in blood. He walked to the shoreline, squatting to wash his hands in the sea. Lowell quickly handed him a clean towel to dry off. Axel nced inside the room. The man was still tied to the bed, conscious but in too much pain to make a sound. The extent of his injuries was unclear. Axel didn''t care. He turned his attention back to Tarquin. Tarquin, having cleaned his hands, took the towel from Lowell, wiped off, and lit a cigarette. He took a few puffs before saying coldly, "We have a mole." This revtion shook Lowell and Axel! Lowell eagerly asked, "Who?!" Tarquin flicked the ash from his cigarette, "He didn''t know." Axel looked grave. He was responsible for Tarquin''s inner circle. A mole among them meant he had failed in his duty. "Any leads?" Tarquin shook his head, "He only knew there was a mole. Someone got wind of the fact that I took Elysia to the grocery store today without any bodyguards and acted on it!" Tarquin usually had inclothes bodyguards with him, but today, feeling good, he''d given them the day off. Lowell immediately asked, "Could it have been someone close to Ms. Thorne?" Axel frowned, "Only our people would know Tarquin''s bodyguard details!" The mastermind might not be one of their own, but the leak certainly was. In other words, there was a traitor among them! After a brief silence, Axel said, "I''ll handle the mole." Tarquin didn''t object, silently agreeing to the proposal. Lowell asked, "Any idea who''s behind this? Is it the same group responsible for the car firest week? What''s their motive? To kill you?" Tarquin''s frown deepened. Two major incidents in one week, each more dangerous than thest. Yet, these events led him to a peculiar feeling: the mastermind didn''t seem particrly keen on taking his life! What then, was their goal? To intimidate him? Or to frighten Elysia? After all, she was present during both incidents... Chapter 705 Tarquin''s face darkened with a thought, and he took a harsh drag of his cigarette, his voice ice-cold, "Call the cops, cooperate with the investigation of the crash, and hand over the one inside to them as well." Lowell and Axel looked at him, bewildered. This wasn''t Tarquin''s style at all. Tarquin wasn''t one to mingle with the police-not out of fear, distrust, or anything. He justcked the patience. He found dealing with the bureaucratic red tape ofw enforcement too tedious! "I promised Elysia," Tarquin flicked the cigarette ash and exined briefly. He didn''t want Elysia to be scared anymore. If she wanted him to report it to the police, then that''s what he would do. Anything for her, even changing his ways was nothing inparison. Lowell and Axel got it immediately once he mentioned Elysia. Elysia was a gentle soul with a timid heart, so it made sense she''d want to involve the police. Tarquin added, "Focus on those who showed up today. Whether we can root out the mastermind or the mole is another matter, but those people... we must find every single one of them!" Lowell and Axel nodded in agreement, "Got it!" Only by tracking down those involved could Elysia feel truly at ease. Tarquin''s mind was entirely on Elysia... When Tarquin returned to the hospital, Elysia was still asleep. He approached her bed, caressed her hand, touched her face, clearly smitten. Lowell had prepared a change of clothes for him, wary of waking Elysia. He even went to the bathroom inside to freshen up. But when he came out, Elysia had awakened. Ignoring his damp hair, he rushed to her side, whispering gently, "Did I wake you?" Elysia shook her head, "Woke up on my own. You haven''t gone to rest?" "I took a short break. Just had a shower. I''ll call Dr. Benjamin to check on you." "No need. It''ste; don''t trouble Dr. Benjamin. I''m a doctor myself, I''m fine." She seemed much better than when shest woke up. Tarquin sat down, "Hungry?" Elysia nodded slightly, "A bit." "What would you like?" Tarquin''s face was a picture of tenderness. Elysia thought for a moment, "Some porridge?" "How about chicken and spinach porridge?" Tarquin offered with a smile. Elysia loved that, "Do we have any right now?" "Justy back, I''ll fetch you some." Elysia was surprised, "You made some?" "Yeah, knew my little glutton would be hungry when she woke up. Had it ready early." Tarquin kissed her forehead affectionately and headed to the kitchen. Elysia''s heart warmed at the sight of his retreating back. Returning with the porridge, Elysia said it was too hot and decided to wait a bit to eat. She sat up and took the towel from around his neck, "Lean down." "Hmm?" "I''ll dry your hair." He hadn''t properly dried it after his shower, and Elysia worried he might catch a cold. Tarquin, pleasantly surprised, simply smiled at her, his clean, white teeth bared like a big, happy wolf pup. He pulled a chair closer to the bed, plunging his head into Elysia''s embrace. The big wolf pup was seeking affection. Elysia, pushing his head gently, "Stop it, you''re getting the nket wet." Tarquinplied, lifting his head just so, making it easier for Elysia without tiring her arms. With both hands, Elysia tenderly dried his damp hair. Tarquin''s hair was a natural, non-treated ck, cut neatly in a style that was both clean and straightforward, much like the man himself. His hair was thick and of good quality¡ªa pity he wasn''t a woman; such hair would''ve been the envy of many! His short hair dried quickly, not taking much effort. "All done." "Already?" "Yeah, your hair''s short, easy to dry." Tarquin slumped onto herp, clearly not ready to move, "A bit longer." Chapter 706 Elysia knew he was up to his old tricks again, yfully shoving him away, "Stop it, I''m dry now." He fell silent for a moment before diving back into Elysia''s arms, wriggling about like a clingy golden retriever. Tickled by his antics, Elysiaughed while trying to push him away, only to find herself backed against a wall with nowhere to retreat. She exerted more force in her push, eximing, "Cut it out! Big Pup!" Her voice was indulgent, filled withughter. Hearing her call him Big Pup, Tarquin looked up with a fiercely yful re. Elysia''s cheeks flushed as she issued her light-hearted threat in the least menacing tone possible, "I''ll smack you if you don''t stop, you hear?" A mysterious glint appeared in Tarquin''s deep eyes as he gazed at her for a few seconds before lowering his head to yfully bite her! He really was turning into a big wolfhound! "Hey!" As he nipped at her, Elysia pinched him in retaliation, both careful not to use too much force. Given Tarquin''s size and strength, he naturally dominated their yful ''fight'', nibbling at her relentlessly until his nibbles found her lips. Elysia shivered, letting out a muffled groan. Tarquin, now overtaken by passion yet mindful of her frail state, kissed her intensely for a few minutes before reluctantly letting her go. Elysia, left breathless by his kisses, had her cheeks flushed a deep red. After a moment of quiet, Tarquin smiled and said, "I''ll feed you some soup." Elysia, unustomed to being fed, refused. But he insisted, and she couldn''t resist him. The soup was still hot, so he would carefully blow on it before feeding her, disying both patience and care. Knowing he hadn''t eaten either, Elysia invited him to share, and they took turns with the spoon, one sip at a time. After finishing the soup, Benjamin stopped by to check on Elysia. Once assured she was alright, he left. Late into the night, Tarquin sat beside Elysia''s bed, keeping herpany. Knowing he hadn''t rested all day, Elysia suggested he get some sleep. He refused, saying he couldn''t rx without seeing her. Elysia, having slept through the day, wasn''t tired and didn''t want to keep him up. After some thought, she said, "Come up and join me, then." Tarquin froze, a mix of surprise and confusion on his face. They had been together for a while but hadn''t shared a bed for the night; at most, they had cuddled during intimate moments, but Elysia had always set boundaries for the night. Her invitation caught Tarquin off guard. Elysia, her cheeks burning at his stare, added, "If you don''t want to, forget it." "I want to!" Tarquin quickly climbed into the bed. Elysia reminded him, "You''re here to rest, no funny business!" Tarquin grinned, "Can we cuddle, at least?" Before she could respond, he wrapped his arms around her. Tarquin rested his chin on her head, "It feels like I''m holding the whole world." Elysia nestled into him, her heart fluttering. When Tarquin wanted to chat, she insisted she wanted to rest, silencing him. Soon, Tarquin fell asleep. Listening to his steady breathing, Elysia carefully lifted her head to admire him. From her angle, she could see his chiseled profile and his stunning features, wless as if sculpted with precision. Unable to resist, Elysia reached out to touch his chin... But her phone suddenly rang, startling her. Tarquin stirred, tightening his embrace. Elysia waited until she was sure Tarquin had fallen back into a deep sleep before cautiously checking her phone. The message she saw sent her into a whirlwind of surprise and concern! Chapter 707 "Drop him, girl. Being with him is like dancing on a tightrope." Elysia knew this message came from that mysterious dude who had a bone to pick with Tarin. He''d been gunning for Tarin''s downfall, hoping to see him bite the dust! She wasn''t exactly Tarin''s fan club president before they started dating. To her, he seemed like a walking disaster. But now that Tarin was her main squeeze, she downright loathed the guy! Her boyfriend''s enemy was her enemy. Elysia frowned, thumbing a rapid response, "Was that car wreck today your handiwork?" The reply came swift, "Not me, but I''ve got the 411 on who did." Elysia pressed, "Who?" "Mate, it''s someone in your circle." Elysia''s brows knitted tighter. Someone she knew? Before she could dig deeper, he added, "But I''m zipping it on their details. Enemy of my enemy and all that jazz. Can''t throw them under the bus." Elysia''s frustration grew. He went on, "Just a friendly heads-up, your boy''s like a ck cat - bad luck follows him. There''s a line of folks wanting to take him down. Jump ship while you can, love. Don''t wait till you''re kicking yourself." Elysia bristled, "The man I''m into isn''t a jinx; he''s golden. And whatever he is, I''m all in. Save your breath. Nothing you say is going to make me walk away!" Her message sailed into the void. Elysia clutched her phone, waiting for a reply that never came. That night, sleep was a stranger, and just before dawn, she finally drifted off, only for nightmares to seize her. She dreamt of Tarin, bloodied and battered, fleeing for his life with a mob hot on his heels - some armed with knives, others with guns, all baying for blood. As they nearly caught up, Tarin stumbled, and the mob swarmed... "No! Stop! Ahhh-" Elysia''s scream tore through the silence, waking her. Tarquin was right there, concern etched on his face, "What''s wrong?" Seeing his unblemished face, her eyes welled up, and she copsed into his arms, sobbing. Tarquin, heart aching, held her close, "Nightmare?" Elysia couldn''t speak, only cry. Tarquin soothed her, "Dreams, they''re a twisted mirror. A nightmare means there''s something good on the horizon." Elysia, sniffling, said, "They say we''re born of our parents'' flesh and blood, that your life isn''t mine to fret over, but I can''t bear the thought of anything happening to you! If you don''t take care, l''II... I''ll be so mad!" "...My life mighte from my folks, but it belongs to you and our future kids now. I''ll keep safe, for you and them." Tarquin then asked, "Did you dream I was in trouble?" Elysia, lips quivering, managed, "So many were after you... You were hurt, covered in blood, and then... then you fell, and they... they were all over you, hitting you..." As she recalled the dream, tears flowed even harder. Moved and pained by her distress, Tarquin wiped her tears, holding her tight, trying to kiss the sorrow away until she calmed down, "Don''t believe the nightmares. Look at me, right here beside you, safe and sound." Elysia, still sobbing, whispered, "Do you have a lot of enemies?" "...Back in my business days, I might''ve stepped on a few toes." Her worry was palpable, "How bad did it get, for them to want you dead?" Chapter 708 Tarquin frowned slightly, mulling over the age-old problem: it always came down to money. Standing tall on his financial pedestal, it was inevitable that he''d catch the eye of those looking to pull him down and im his wealth as their own. If he were just an average Joe, he wouldn''t have a target on his back. He had yet toe clean to Elysia about the full extent of his wealth, deliberately avoiding the topic of money. He asked her, "Being with me could be dangerous. Does that scare you?" "Frightened?... But I won''t leave you because of it!" Tarquin was profoundly moved, pulling Elysia into a tight embrace. Reflecting on recent events the night before, he suspected someone was stirring up trouble to intimidate Elysia. They wanted her to realize the danger of being with him, hoping she''d get cold feet and leave him of her own ord. The thought made him anxious, knowing Elysia''s timid nature. Hearing hermitment left him deeply touched. "Check this out," Elysia said, pulling away to show him a message on her phone. Tarquin studied the screen, immediately thinking of the mysterious figure who seemed to be using the danger surrounding him to drive Elysia away. But if the car ident wasn''t their doing, who else could it be? The suspects boiled down to three: the mystery person, Keith, and Elysia''s estranged husband! If the mysterious figure wasn''t the mastermind, then it had to be Keith or her husband, both of whom had motives. After theirst altercation, Tarquin hadn''t seen Keith, even going so far as to have someone dig into Keith''s background in his hometown, still awaiting findings. And Elysia''s husband was an enigma, untraceable. Asking Blossom led nowhere; interrogating Elliot got him silence; Elysia herself remained tight- lipped. He was still in the dark about her husband''s identity. Yet, identifying the mastermind was secondary to securing Elysia''s peace of mind. "I''ve called the police," Tarquin reassured her, "Just tell them the truth, no need to hold back." "You did?" Elysia blinked in surprise. "Yeah, you were right. It''s a serious matter; it deserves police attention." Elysia''s spirits lifted, "Exactly, with the police involved, investigations go faster, and those out to get you will think twice. Criminals fear thew." Tarquin nodded in agreement. The police took their statements that morning, informing them that the assant responsible for the highway crash had been apprehended and was currently under police custody. They were also tracking down the other involved parties. Relief washed over Elysia, visibly rejuvenating her. Tarquin, watching quietly, felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Her well-being was his sce. At noon, Axel''s call came unexpectedly, "Can you talk?" ncing at Elysia, who was engaged in conversation with Blossom about the kids, Tarquin excused himself, "Give me a sec, I''ll step out." He headed towards the hospital''s designated smoking area, phone in hand, "Go ahead." Axel was straight to the point, "We''ve found the mole." Chapter 709 Tarquin frowned, "Who?" "Den." Tarquin''s eyes narrowed sharply! He didn''t speak, instead, he pocketed one hand and walked over to the smoking area, tucking his phone between his ear and shoulder as he lit up a cigarette. Den had been with him for a decade, mentored personally by Axel. He was one of his secondary bodyguards. Axel was the only primary one. Though there were several at the secondary level, those were his core team members. And in his world, core team members meant brothers! Den''s betrayal felt as if he had been stabbed in the back by his own brother. Tarquin didn''t explode in anger. Instead, he furrowed his brows deeper, taking half a cigarette''s time before asking, "Why?" "The other side threatened him with his ex-girlfriend and kid, forced him to betray you." Tarquin clenched his jaw in surprise, "Den has a kid?" "Yeah, his ex found out she was pregnant after they broke up. Couldn''t bear to terminate it, so she had the kid behind Den''s back. He had no clue until someone spilled the beans to him a month ago. He secretly met the kid, ran a paternity test, and sure enough, the child was his. The ex admitted it too." That was all Axel had to say. The rest was up to Tarquin to decide. After finishing the rest of his cigarette in two quick drags and lighting another, Tarquin asked, "The kid and his mother, they''re with them?" "Yeah." After a brief silence, Tarquin said, "Use me as bait, set something up to get them out." Axel hesitated, "Using you to save them definitely means setting up something life-threatening." With the mother and child held hostage to manipte Den, any n to demand their release would require significant leverage. It would have to concern Tarquin''s life to be considered sufficient. "Don''t worry about me; I won''t die." Axel''s lips twitched, but he said no more. Outsiders called Tarquin a merciless devil, born cold-blooded and brutal without a shred of humanity. But deep down, he was just like Elizabeth and Kendrick, inherently good. It was the harsh realities of his upbringing that forged his current demeanor, the imprable armor he wore, built from past wounds and scars. His strength now was a testament to the depth of his past injuries. After a few seconds of silence, Axel asked, "What about Den? He''s ashamed, wants to end it." Tarquin''s temper red at that, "What right does he have to die now? His woman and child are still in the hands of others! He can think about dying once they''re safe! Then, he can die however he wants; nobody will care!" Hanging up, Tarquin adjusted his tie, feeling irate. Regardless of the reasons, the fact remained that he had been betrayed by a brother! Yet, he couldn''t find a reason to justify killing him! He was angry at Den for theck of loyalty, yet he understood his actions. He even thought Den wasn''t in the wrong. If he were in the same situation, he might have done the same. So, for now, he couldn''t vent his anger on Den, leaving him to stew in his frustration. Seeing Blossom emerge from the hospital room, Tarquin stubbed out his cigarette and headed back in. Upon entering, Elysia immediately noticed the smell of smoke, worry etched on her face as she asked, "Something wrong?" "Hm?" "You''ve been smoking a lot; you must be stressed." Elysia knew about his smoking habit and had been keeping him in check for his health. He had beenplying, noticeably reducing his intake. But now, seeing him revert to smoking heavily, she knew something was bothering him. Tarquin offered a smile, "No, just the cravings hitting hard. Got carried away; I''ll be more careful next time." Seeing he didn''t want to talk about it, she didn''t press further, opening her arms instead, "Hug?" Tarquin hesitated, "I smell like smoke." "I don''t mind." His lips curled into an immediate smile as he embraced Elysia. As she hugged him, gently rubbing his back, she murmured, "Just two more months till your birthday." Chapter 710 "Huh? How''d you know that?" "I asked Elijah." "Why''d you go and do that?" "I wanted to surprise you." Tarquin let go of her, a sparkle in his eyes, "What kind of surprise?" Elysia teased, "If I told you, it wouldn''t be a surprise anymore. But I promise, it''ll make you so happy you''ll feel like you''re flying." Tarquin''s gaze sharpened, "Are you suggesting we... you know?" Elysia blinked, confused for a moment, "Do what?" "Make love." Elysia''s face flushed a deep red, "You... shameless!" She pushed him away and dove under the covers, embarrassed. Tarquin chuckled, "Well, what else could make me feel like flying?" Elysia ignored him from her cocoon of nkets. She had wanted to cheer him up since he seemed down, and here he was, taking the conversation in apletely different direction. Tarquin felt his mood lift inexplicably. He climbed into bed, intending to tease her further, but his phone rang. It was Lowell. After a brief conversation, Tarquin''s eyes narrowed slightly. He ended the call and excitedly told Elysia, "Elysia, I''ve got great news." He jumped out of bed, grabbed the remote, and turned on the TV to the news channel. The local Jindale City station was reporting on yesterday''s incident. The culprits and their vehicle had been caught... This was indeed fantastic news! Elysia quickly forgot their previous conversation, thrilled, "They caught them already?" "Yeah, the police are pretty efficient." Elysia took his word for it, praising the police before inquiring about the reason behind the attack. "...The police are still investigating, but with the perpetrators caught, there''s no need to worry." Elysia nodded in agreement, thinking simply that catching these people meant everything was okay now. She feltpletely relieved and checked out of the hospital to return home that afternoon. Tarquin dropped her off without entering. He was in a rush to leave. Axel had called not long ago, saying Den wanted to see him. Tarquin was still harboring some resentment towards Den but agreed to meet. Elysia stood in the hallway, asking, "Will you be back for dinner tonight?" "Not sure, don''t wait up for me. Just have dinner without me." "Okay, just text me whether you''reing back or not." "Will do." "And if you need money for work, just let me know. I haven''t touched the million you gave me." Tarquin felt touched but also guilty. He hadn''t yet dared to reveal his true identity to Elysia. Firstly, because Elliot hadn''te clean yet, he didn''t dare to either, fearing she''d be scared off upon discovering he was a billionaire. Secondly, his initial reason for hiding his identity was to see if she''d be interested in him regardless of his wealth, which wasn''t exactly honest. Now, he worried she''d be upset upon learning the truth. He kept putting off the revtion, and now, he continued to hide it. After they got together, Elysia had asked about his job, and he casually mentioned he was involved in a startup, specifically in environmental protection. Coincidentally, the Bradford Group was investing billions in an environmental project at the time, so he went with that story. Elysia, innocent as she was, believed every word and even supported him, praising the environmental sector for its potential to both earn money and contribute to environmental protection. He nned toe clean once Elysia shared why she didn''t want him moving in with her. Tarquin gently kissed Elysia on the forehead, "What''s mine is yours, but I don''t need it." "Mine is yours too. Just say the word if you need anything." Tarquin smiled, "Okay." After Elysia went inside, Tarquin took the elevator down. As the doors opened, his expression instantly changed. Coincidentally, Keith was in the elevator. Chapter 711 Keith was decked out in his workout gear, a fitness tracker wrapped around his wrist, dripping with sweat as if he''d just finished a marathon. This was the first time they had seen each other since that brawl. Keith had healed up and was currently riding the unemployment wave, without the urgency to dive into a new job. His days were filled with painting and his nights with excursions to the local gym for some fitness routines, swimming, or hitting the basketball court. Life was surprisingly stress-free, devoid of the typical job-hunting anxiety, and he hadn''t sought out Elysia either. He even became something of a local hero in Jindale City for saving a kid from drowning during one of his swim sessions, earning him the ''Good Samaritan'' title. This was the scoop Tarquin got after doing some digging around. Their gazes shed in the air, electric and explosive, with an undercurrent of tension thick enough to cut through. Yet, no punches were thrown! Keith, spotting Tarquin, was taken aback, squinting slightly before stepping out of the elevator. Tarquin, brows furrowed, shot him a re before entering the elevator. Neither acknowledged the other. But just as the elevator doors were about to close, Keith''s hand shot in, forcing them open again. Standing at the elevator entrance, Keith threw out, "Happy break-up in advance." Tarquin''s brows knitted tighter, his temper ring up instantly! He had his suspicions about Keith, and thisment all but confirmed them. The recent incidents around him were clearly orchestrated to instill fear in Elysia, pushing her to deem a rtionship with him too perilous and call it quits! What infuriated him the most wasn''t the underhanded tactics but the audacity to use Elysia as a pawn! Recalling Elysia''s terror-stricken face, he was seething with rage! Tarquin grabbed Keith by the cor and yanked him into the elevator, mming him against the wall, "Did you orchestrate the recent drama?" Keith, wincing from the impact, red back at Tarquin, his expression transitioning from anger to disdain in a matter of seconds, "Which drama are you referring to?" Tarquin, struggling to keep his anger in check, prodded, "ying dumb now?" Keith, far from angered, smoothly adjusted his disheveled shirt, meeting Tarquin''s gaze with a defiant smirk, "If you''ve got evidence,y it out. Otherwise, save your breath. Better yet, spend this time figuring out your next move post-breakup with Elysia. What''s it gonna be, end it all or take a vow of solitude?" Tarquin glowered at him, "If you''re man enough,e at me directly. Don''t target Elysia!" Keith scoffed, "If you''re man enough, you''d protect her. Can''t even safeguard your own woman; what kind of man does that make you?" Tarquin felt his blood boil over, unable to contain it any longer! Just as he was about to retaliate, the elevator dinged open, and Blossom appeared at the entrance. Upon seeing them, Blossom gasped, her eyes wide, ¡°You guys...¡± Keith immediately switched to a more pleasant demeanor, greeting her, "Ms. Blythe." Blossom, slightly taken aback, nodded and turned her concern to Tarquin, "Are you alright?" Wanting to spare Elysia any worry, Tarquin had no choice but to suppress his anger. A fight with Keith in front of Blossom would inevitably reach Elysia, stirring unnecessary concern. Tarquin shot Keith a final re before parting ways with Blossom. Stepping into the elevator, Blossom curiously inquired, "What brought you two together?" Keith sighed, "Just my luck, can''t seem to avoid him. Ran into him at the elevator, and he was in a foul mood over something, pinning it on me. Had you not shown up, I''d probably be nursing another beating. Just my luck, always the victim, and worse, can''t seem to hold my ground against him." After a brief pause, Keith added with a hint of grievance, ¡°I can''t fathom what Ms. Thorne sees in him. Such a temper, is that really what she wants in a life partner?" Blossom suggested, "He''s really good to Elysia, and she adores him. There must be some misunderstanding between you two." Chapter 712 Blossom was in the dark about a lot of things, always believing that Tarquin''s grudge against Keith stemmed from that one ''test'' incident. In her eyes, Keith had shown no romantic interest in Elysia whatsoever. Since Elysia and Tarquin became an item, Keith hadn''t seen Elysia alone, and he seemed to be leading a pretty stable life, showing no signs of a broken heart. Blossom added, "Misunderstandings always clear up eventually. Just give it some more time." Keith sighed in resignation, "It''s like Mercury is in retrograde for me this year. He''s still on my case, even after losing his job." Blossom was taken aback, "Your resignation was because of him?" "Yeah, he pressured the school board, and they got cold feet about keeping me on." Blossom was speechless. As they exited the elevator, Keith mentioned, "Oh, and when you see Ms. Thorne, could you tell her I don''t know what''s been going on with them recently, but it''s got nothing to do with me. Ask her to talk to her boyfriend; he needs to stop obsessing over me." Blossom nodded awkwardly. Elysia was in the kitchen preparing dinner when she saw Blossome in and greeted her, "Finally home, huh? Go wash up; dinner''s almost ready." Blossom changed into her slippers and walked into the kitchen, "How are the kids?" "They''re in their room." She whispered, "They haven''t noticed anything, right?" Elysia shook her head, whispering back, "I''m in good spirits, no injuries; they really think I''ve been out having fun." Blossom chuckled, "Kids are so easy to fool." She then ryed to Elysia what she had seen in the elevator and what Keith had said. Elysia frowned and spoke about Tarquin, "He wouldn''t go after Keith without a good reason. There must be something off with Keith. You should keep your distance from him too." Blossom was surprised, "I thought you''d think your man was being unreasonable." Elysia scoffed, "My man is never unreasonable." Blossomughed, "Are you blinded by love?" "Not at all! I might not know Keith well, but I know my man. If he says Keith is bad news, then Keith is bad news!" Blossom teased, ¡°I''m full already, full of lovey-dovey stuff." Elysia yfully pped her, telling her to keep an eye on the soup while she went to the bedroom to call Tarquin. Tarquin had just arrived at his mansion when he saw Elysia''s call, a softness shing in his eyes, "Hello?" Elysia queried, "You almost got into a fight with Keith?" Tarquin frowned, "He talked to you?" "No, Blossom told me..." After Elysia repeated Blossom''s words, Tarquin exined, "I did mess up his job, and yeah, we almost came to blows today, but I...¡± "You''re hurt?" Elysia cut him off before he could finish. Tarquin paused before answering, "No." "That''s good. Are youing home for dinner?" "...No." "Oh, then we won''t wait up. We''re going to eat." "Alright." As Elysia was about to hang up, Tarquin asked, "You''re not going to grill me?" "Why would I?" "My run-in with Keith..." Elysia understood, "Grill you for what? I was just worried you might be hurt and wanted to know if you wereing home for dinner." She mumbled, "You''re my boyfriend; he''s nothing to me. If anyone''s giving you trouble, I''d stand up for you." Her mindset had certainly be more pragmatic. Now that she and Tarquin were together, she was decidedly in his corner. If Keith decided to stir trouble by exposing their family secrets, so be it. She was ready to face the music! Chapter 713 Tarquin''s face bloomed into a smile, so wide and joyful it was practically worthless in its abundance. He felt as if he''d swallowed a spoonful of honey, his inner gloom swept away, leaving him in a fantastic mood. Previously, whenever he and Keith had a spat, Elysia, though not exactly taking Keith''s side, would chide him. But this time, she was entirely on his side! If only she were here right now, he''d pull her into a tight hug and shower her with kisses, marveling at how her sweet words could make him feel so alive! "Once a word is spoken, it''s like water poured out; from now on, if I''m treated unfairly out there, you''ve got to stand up for me!" Elysia dered with a swagger. "Absolutely," Tarquin replied, his smile growing even wider. He kept Elysia on the phone, cooing sweet nothings for several minutes before finally hanging up. Lighting a cigarette, he lounged on the living room couch, pondering, "How did I get so lucky?" When Heath saw him return, he brewed a cup of tea and brought it over, chuckling at Tarquin''s self-satisfied grin, "Something good happen today, sir?" Tarquin, with a hint of smugness, replied, "Elysia''s fallen head over heels for me, haha!" Heath just shook his head, amused. Seeing Tarquin so happy made him happy too. He remarked, "Reminds me of when the master and the mistress were courting. The master woulde back with that same silly grin." The master and mistress he referred to were Tarquin''s parents. Mentioning them made Tarquin''s expression turn a bit solemn. Kendrick once told him that in life, it''s incredibly fortunate to find true love. Not everyone experiences love, and not all love stories are beautiful. So when you do find that beautiful love, you must hold on tight and never let go! Or else, you''ll regret it for the rest of your life! He felt lucky, lucky to have met Elysia, and luckier still that she could love someone like him. He was determined to hold onto this rare love tightly, never letting go! Anyone who dared to mess with it would have to answer to him! Thinking of Keith, Tarquin''s gaze hardened. He was almost certain Keith was behind the recent troubles! Biting down on his back teeth, Tarquin grabbed his phone to call Axel, "I''m home. Bring Den over." ... Meanwhile, in the Future Community, Keith had just finished showering and was sitting in the living room reading. He nced at the clock from time to time. From seven until nine in the evening, still no message from Elysia. No texts, no calls. Keith knew he wouldn''t hear from her. Frowning, he closed his book and brewed himself a cup of coffee, sipping it by the window. Today''s chat with Blossom was meant for Elysia''s ears. She must know now why he had to resign, and that Tarquin had nearlye to blows with him again today. Given Elysia''s character, she would feel guilty and reach out. Her silence meant she didn''t feel guilty. It also meant she wasn''t worried about him spilling her secrets anymore. In short, she had fallenpletely for Tarquin. Standing by the window with his coffee, a cold light twinkled in Keith''s eyes... Ding- His phone chimed with a new message, not from Elysia, but from someone he cared about even more. He smiled, a smile that reached his eyes, put down his coffee, and replied, "I''m close, just give me a bit more time. I''m preparing a huge surprise for you. You''re going to love it." After sending the message, he paused, then made a call, "Move up to n B. We act tomorrow!" The next day. Early morning, Elysia was up making breakfast for the kids. Today, the kindergarten had organized a field trip. Teachers would lead the group, so parents weren''t required to go, but they did need to prepare snacks and water for their children. Chapter 714 When Elysia woke up, the first thing she saw was a text from Tarquin: "Ely, just woke up, missing you." Elysia felt a warm flutter in her heart and texted back, "Missing you too." No sooner had she sent the message than Tarquin was calling her. Elysia, phone in hand, headed to the bathroom to freshen up while answering, "That was quick. Have you been glued to your phone?" Tarquin said, "I''ve set a special alert for your messages. My phone buzzes the second you text. Why are you up so early today?" "Got to prep a pic for the kids today. Want toe over for breakfast?" "I''ll pass, got things to do." "Work stuff?" "...Yeah." Elysia didn''t pry further, "Well, you''re missing out on a delicious opportunity. I''m nning to whip up some real treats." Tarquin chuckled, "Save me some." "Can''t do. They won''t taste good cold." "Can you make a fresh batch when I get back?" "No way!" She was nning to bake scones, which wasn''t something you could just whip up on a whim. The dough had been fermenting sincest night. Tarquin, sounding like a kid, grumbled, "You only have true love for the kids." Elysia rolled her eyes, "Jealous much? Even jealous of the kids!" Tarquin, true to his jealous form, asked, "If the kids and I were drowning, who would you save first?" Elysia was speechless, "Are you serious? If you all ended up in the water, it would only be for a swim. No need for rescuing! Alright, I''ve got to go. Busy day. Focus on work, okay? And remember to eat breakfast. Oh, and cut down on the smokes." After hanging up, Elysia got ready and headed to the kitchen with her phone in hand. Tarquin texted again, "I love you more than you love me." Elysia couldn''t help but smile at his silliness. She didn''t text back, knowing it would lead to an endless conversation. Initially, she thought he wasn''t much of a talker, preferring tomunicate with looks rather than words. Now, it''s like he can''t stop talking! An hourter, Blossom and the little ones woke up, excited for their pic. Elliot, Evan, Emmett were up earlier than usual, buzzing with excitement. Elijah, though not going, was also thrilled and woke up with his siblings. They all had breakfast together, and Elysia packed the freshly baked scones into their little backpacks. At 8 AM, Blossom took them out for the day, leaving just Elijah and Elysia at home. Elysia coaxed Elijah, "How about we go on our own little pic next week? Just the family?" She knew Elijah wanted to join the pic but was a bit introverted and not too keen on mingling with strangers. Elijah asked, "Will daddy be there too?" "Of course, he''ll be our driver and bodyguard." Elijah beamed, "Okay!" Elysia ruffled Elijah''s hair, "It''s a beautiful day. How about we do a big clean-up at home? You can help mommy." Elijah was even more excited, "Yes!" Elysia''s life was a peaceful bliss, oblivious to the brewing storm outside. At 9 AM, Keith received an unexpected call. Still in bed, he sat upright with a scowl upon hearing the news, "When did this happen?" "Just now. Tarquin led the charge himself. They didn''t stand a chance. Took the mother and son and rounded up our guys too. I only escaped because I was out getting breakfast. They were well-prepared, knew exactly what they were doing. And... he left a message for you." Keith clenched his jaw, "What did he say?" "He didn''t speak. Just tore up a painting on camera." Keith''s eyes narrowed, "Send me the footage!" "Will do." Chapter 715 Keith''s heart clenched as he fast-forwarded the video to the end, only to find Tarquin alone in the room. Squinting his eyes at the camera, Tarquin pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and held it up to the lens. With a crisp tearing sound, he ripped it in half. It felt to Keith as though it wasn''t just the paper being torn, but his heart as well. Tarquin''s provocative gaze never left the camera as he continued to tear the paper into shreds, scattering them in front of the lens before leaving a warning look and walking away. The pieces fluttered down to the floor... Breathing heavily, Keith felt as if the torn paper mirrored his shattered heart. Everyone has something they cherish deeply, and Keith was no different. He had moved to Jindale City, leaving behind his beloved sanctuary. That cabin, nestled away, held countless treasures of his heart. It was his refuge, his secret hideout, the ce he valued above all others. And that paper came from there. The fact that Tarquin had it meant he''d discovered Keith''s sanctuary. How did he find it? Who told him? Keith dared not think of what had be of the ce now... In his urgency, Keith stumbled out of bed, barely pausing to throw on some clothes before he headed for the door. Just then, his phone buzzed with a video from an unknown number. It showed a cozy cabin in the woods, engulfed in mes. The crackling fire consumed the wood, the cabin copsing into ashes before his eyes. "No, no, no, this can''t be happening!" Tears reddened Keith''s eyes as he trembled with rage and shock. He dialed Tarquin, his voiceced with venom. "What have you done?!" Tarquin''s response was chillingly calm. "Just lit a fire. Burnt down a cabin." "You bastard! You bloody bastard!" Tarquin wasn''t bothered by the insults. If anything, Keith''s desperation fueled his satisfaction. Keith had dared to mess with what Tarquin held dear, so it was only fair for Tarquin to strike at the heart of what Keith cherished. Luckily, during his investigation of Keith, Tarquin had stumbled upon the cabin. He didn''t know its significance to Keith, but he knew it meant everything. "Oh, Keith, just wait. I''ll make you regret this," Keith threatened before angrily ending the call and smashing a decorative crystal nearby. Rushing to the site, Keith found nothing but ashes where the cabin once stood. He spread his jacket on the ground, carefully collecting the ashes, tears falling freely. After gathering as much as he could, Keith headed to theke nearby, diving in to let the water consume him. When a threat approached, Keith took it as an outlet for his fury. He wrestled a crocodile in the water, his punches lethal. A young, massive crocodile fell victim to his wrath. Even after it stopped moving, Keith continued his assault, dragging it ashore tond more punches. Blood stained his face, but he showed no sign of stopping, a terrifying sight more fearsome than any monster. Chapter 716 The crocodile''s skin was thick, but the blood sttered on his face was his own! He nearly wrecked his hands before he stopped! Gasping for air, hey back on the grass, staring up at the azure sky, his heart trembling. After what seemed like an eternity, his phone rang. He answered with his left hand, "Speak!" "n B is in motion, sessful." Keith let out a coldugh, "Got it. Send me the hospital''s location." After hanging up, Keith stared at the sky, hisughter starting softly before swelling into a booming cackle. His sinisterughter sent the birds in the forest into a frantic flurry. At that moment, Elysia was rushing to the hospital. She had just received a call from Blossom, saying Elliot had been badly injured in an attack while they were hiking in the mountains. The school had already contacted the police, and Elliot had been taken to a nearby hospital. The news nearly knocked Elysia off her feet! She was now pale as a ghost in the back of a taxi, her body trembling, not quite sobbing, but tears streaming down her face non-stop. Elijah was heartbroken but felt helpless, knowing there was no consoling Mom at this moment. All he could do was sit by her, furrowing his little brows in worry for Mom and Elliot. Suddenly, the phone rang. It was Tarquin. Elysia acted as if she hadn''t heard. Elijah picked up, "Hello, Dad." Tarquin''s voice was filled with urgency, "Where''s your mom?" "She''s with me. We''re on our way to the hospital." "I''m on my way too. Tell your mom not to worry. Elliot''s going to be fine. I''ve already contacted Benjamin to bring a team of pediatric specialists over..." "Okay." When Elysia arrived at the hospital, Tarquin was waiting at the entrance. Seeing Elysia''s ashen face, Tarquin''s heart ached, "Elysia!" He rushed to her side, but Elysia only gave him a bewildered look before staggering toward the emergency room. Tarquin''s heart tightened at that look... He sensed something was off, his mind racing with worry but not daring to dwell on it. He quickly followed with Elijah. Blossom and Evan Emmett were waiting outside the emergency room, bursting into tears as they saw Elysia. "Mommy, Elliot... he''s... he''s bleeding so much, sob..." "I''m sorry, Mommy. I couldn''t protect Elliot, sob..." Elysia felt as if her heart was being torn apart. Just as she was about to speak, the emergency room doors swung open. A nurse rushed out, "The patient urgently needs a blood transfusion, but he has a rare Rh-negative type. We don''t have enough in our supply, and it might be toote to get more from another hospital. Does anyone here have Rh-negative blood? We can do an on-site draw." Toote?! Elysia lost control and ran toward the emergency room, but the nurse stopped her, "Ma''am, please calm down. You can''t go in there." Elysia pleaded through tears, "It''s my son who''s hurt. I know medical procedures. Please, let me see him... Please let me in..." Benjamin emerged upon hearing themotion, "Ms. Thorne, don''t panic. Elliot''s injuries aren''t fatal. The only thing we''re short on is blood. As long as we have enough, I guarantee Elliot will be safe! Please stay calm; we''ve got this." Benjamin then turned to Tarquin, "Tarquin, you''re Rh-negative! Elliot''s blood type matches yours. Hurry to the blood draw room!" Tarquin suddenly remembered his blood type and reassured Elysia, "Right! Elliot and I have the same blood type. Don''t worry, blood is the solution!" As he turned to leave, Elysia, struck by a sudden thought, red at him, "Stop right there!" Chapter 717 Tarquin halted in his tracks, "What''s up?" Elysia was frowning deeply, her breathing in short gasps. He was Elliot''s biological father, a direct rtive! Transfusions between close family members could easily lead to a graft-versus-host disease, a potentially fatal reaction to blood transfusion. That''s why hospitals generally advise against blood donations from close kin. Too risky! "Does someone need O-negative blood? I''m O-negative!" Keith suddenly appeared, rushing over breathlessly. After saying that, he turned to Elysia as if surprised, "What are you guys doing here? Who''s in trouble?" Elysia, overwhelmed with emotion, didn''t even care about their past grievances and hurriedly asked in a hoarse voice, "Keith, you''re O-negative?" "Yeah, I''m O-negative. Came in for some minor cuts, and when the nurse mentioned the emergency room needed O-negative blood urgently, I just ran over. Didn''t expect to run into you guys. What happened? Who''s hurt?" Elysia''s eyes were red with tears, "Elliot! The doctor said he urgently needs blood, but the blood bank''s running low." "Don''t worry, I''m O-negative and healthy, fit for donation!" After saying that, Keith turned to the nurse, "Where do I go? How do we do this?" The nurse quickly responded, "Follow me, please." "You''re not alone," Keith reassured Elysia, then hurried after the nurse. Tarquin''s temper red, pushing Keith away, "Back off! We don''t need your help!" He was well aware that Elliot''s ident had something to do with Keith. If it weren''t for the urgency of the situation, he would''ve already thrown a punch at Keith''s face! To think he''d hurt a child and now shows up pretending to care, he had no good intentions! Tarquin red at Keith with a warning, "I''ve got no time for you now. You''d better keep your distance and think about what''sing to you!" After saying that, Tarquin moved to donate blood himself, but Keith, fists clenched and indignant, retorted, "Are you seriously picking a fight with me at a time like this? Elliot''s still in there lying down! Even if you don''t care about him as much, at least put on a show! Save the grievances forter, let''s save a life first!" He then hastened his steps to follow the nurse, rolling up his sleeve as he ran, "I''ve got plenty of blood; take as much as Elliot needs!" Tarquin, veins throbbing with anger, decided to ignore Keith for now; Elliot was the priority! He turned to Benjamin, "You take my blood. Use mine!" "We''re not using yours!" Elysia suddenly eximed, still visibly agitated. Tarquin insisted, "I''m O-negative too." Elysia bit her lip, "Still, not yours. We''ll use Keith''s!" Tarquin was baffled, "What?!" A female doctor rushed out from the emergency room, "Did you find a blood donor? The patient''s condition is getting worse!" Hearing this, Elysia''s body shook, and she dashed into the emergency room. The doctor tried to stop her, but Benjamin let her go. Elysia''s figure vanished into the emergency room, leaving Tarquin standing outside the door, his expression grim. Benjamin knew about the risks of close rtives donating blood! But he had no idea Elliot was Tarquin''s biological son! After all, with the Bradford family tradition of one heir per generation, and Tarquin already having Elijah, it seemed unlikely there''d be another son! So, he hadn''t considered this possibility and couldn''t understand why Elysia was against using Tarquin''s blood. He even wondered if they were having a serious disagreement. Benjamin couldn''t make heads or tails of it, but he could see the disappointment and frustration in Tarquin''s eyes. All he could offer was, "Whoever''s blood it is doesn''t matter as long as the blood type matches. I''ll keep an eye on Keith, make sure he doesn''t mess around with the blood type. Don''t worry." Chapter 718 Benjamin rushed into the emergency room, his determination palpable in the tense atmosphere. Blossom, her brows furrowed in concern, nced at Tarquin. Despite his pitiful state, she couldn''t help but offer somefort, "You''ve got to believe that Elysia loves you. Whatever decision she makes, she has her reasons. She''s just wrapped up with worry for Elliot right now, so she doesn''t have the time to exin things to you. Once Elliot''s condition is stable, I''m sure she''ll sit down with you." She was privy to the reason behind Elysia''s refusal to allow the blood transfusion, but this wasn''t her secret to share. It was something Elysia needed to exin to him in her own time. Tarquin, his brows knitted tightly, nced at her and the kids before turning to stride down the hallway. Craving a cigarette, he needed a moment to himself. A few hourster, Elliot''s condition finally stabilized, and he was moved from the emergency room to a regr ward. Still under the influence of the anesthesia, Elliot was deep in sleep, his face still painted with the makeup he''d worn for the field trip earlier that day. Lately, with Tarquin and Elysia''s blossoming romance, the chances of bumping into them had skyrocketed. Elliot, ever cautious, had figured that dealing with his kindergarten mates and teachers was far simpler than risking Tarquin catching on to their secret. Gathered around the hospital bed, everyone looked on with heavy hearts. Even though the critical phase was over, seeing Elliot''s pale face was heart-wrenching. The three little ones, Emmett, Evan, and Elijah, huddled close, gently touching Elliot''s arm and hand, their sobs filling the room. Emmett and Evan''s cries were loud, while Elijah, trying to be strong, let silent tears roll down his cheeks. Elysia, sitting beside the bed, looked particrly stricken, her eyes red and swollen, the very picture of distress. Blossom, her eyes also teary, stood next to her, offering aforting embrace, "Our Elliot''s just facing a tough time, but he''ll get through this. After this ordeal, life''s bound to be smoother and safer." Elysia sniffled, her vision blurring before she could respond. Tarquin watched from the side, his heart aching for her. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Keith walked in. Tarquin''s mood soured instantly, but Elijah quickly tugged at his sleeve, urging him to keep his cool. After all, it was Keith''s timely intervention and blood donation that had saved Elliot. And given Elysia''s apparent displeasure with Tarquin today, it wasn''t the time to stir up more trouble. "Keith," Blossom greeted, breaking the tense silence. Keith nodded, his gaze shifting from Elliot to Elysia. Seeing her in such a state reminded him of someone dear to him, and he couldn''t help but feel a pang of empathy. Trying to offer somefort, he said, "Take care of yourself. Elliot wouldn''t want to see you like this when he wakes up." Elysia, steadying herself, nodded gratefully, "Thank you for today, Keith. We owe you a great debt. Once Elliot''s better, we''ll make sure to properly thank you." From a mother''s perspective, Keith''s role in saving Elliot was undeniable, warranting her deepest gratitude. Keith, however, waved off the formalities, "No need for all that. I was just lending a hand. If you ever need anything, just let me know." He then frowned slightly, adding, "I ran into a colleague from the nursery on my way here. They mentioned Elliot got hurt during today''s field trip. How could something like this happen, especially with so many kids around, and only Elliot getting hurt? Could someone be targeting him? Have you upset anyely?" Tarquin''s anger red at Keith''s insinuations, seeing them as nothing short of provocation, as if Keith was deliberately trying to stir up trouble and sow discord within their family. It seemed to Tarquin that hurting Elliot was part of Keith''s n all along. Chapter 719 "Daddy!" As Tarquin spiraled out of control, Elijah quickly called out to him. Blossom shivered at the sight of Tarquin''s expression, cautiously reminding, "Let''s all just calm down, Elliot''s still resting." Tarquin, unable to contain his fury, had the urge to grab Keith by the cor and drag him outside for a ''private chat''. However, before he could act, Elysia''s stern gaze pinned him down. Elysia didn''t utter a word, just fixed him with a steady stare. Tarquin''s impulsiveness, impossible to suppress, gradually receded under her gaze. After a few seconds, Elysia turned to Keith, "The police have been notified. They''ll get to the bottom of this." Keith nodded, "If there''s anything I can do to help, just say the word. No need for formalities. I''ve got other matters to attend to, so I''ll be off now." Elysia got up to see him out, but Keith refused, "No need, stay with Elliot." Keith''s departure was graceful, leaving no doubt in anyone''s mind that he saw Elysia purely as a friend. Blossom chimed in, "I''ll walk him out. Elysia, you stay with Elliot." As Blossom escorted Keith out, she signaled the kids to follow, leaving just Tarquin, Elysia, and the unconscious Elliot in the room. Elysia gazed at Elliot, while Tarquin observed her. The room was eerily quiet, unsettlingly so. Tarquin felt ustrophobic, the silence suffocating him. A vague sense of dread loomed over him, his heart racing with the fear of impending doom. Normally, Elysia would have already thrown herself into his arms, weeping to release her pent-up emotions. But she didn''t. She sat quietly, motionless, not even sparing him a nce. Tarquin''s anxiety peaked, "Elysia, are you mad at me?" Elysia remained silent, not meeting his gaze. Tarquin''s panic grew, "Please, if something''s on your mind, just spill it. Don''t bottle it up." Still, Elysia said nothing. "Look, if you''re upset, just hit me! Let it all out!" Tarquin pleaded. Silence persisted. Fear gripping his heart, Tarquin''s eyes welled up, his voice choked, "Elysia, please don''t ignore me. I''m scared." Tears suddenly streamed down Elysia''s face! Head bowed, her shoulders shook violently as she sobbed. Tarquin quickly enveloped her in his arms, "Please, tell me what you''re thinking. Ignoring me... I''m terrified, feels like you''re about to leave me behind." Unable to hold back any longer, Elysia burst into tears, wailing into his chest. The pain was unbearable! Learning of Elliot''s ident had terrified her! Finding out Elliot urgently needed blood had thrown her into panic! But when she rushed into the emergency room, seeing her son with his eyes shut, lying on the operating table, his small, clean belly cut open, blood everywhere, his insides visible... Her heart shattered! Elliot was only five, so young, so innocent... How could he endure such agony? The thought of her child in pain was excruciating! How could fate be so cruel... She would have rather taken the pain herself, suffered in his ce, than let her child go through this. But she was helpless, powerless, forced to watch him suffer... The agony was killing her! Tarquin, holding her tight, wished he could merge her into his being. His heart ached for Elliot, for her, and he was scared, terribly scared! The moment Elliot was in danger, his sense of crisis surged. Chapter 720 Keith was clearly gunning for him! "Elysia, believe me, this is thest time! I won''t let anyone hurt our kids again!" Elysia didn''t reply, just cried and cried until she finally stopped. Pulling away from Tarquin''s embrace, she wiped her tears with a raspy voice, "Could you leave for a bit? I need some alone time with Elliot." Tarquin''s eyes narrowed, "Elysia..." "I just need some quiet, some time alone with Elliot," Elysia insisted. Tarquin felt a pang of pain but nodded, "I''ll be just outside. Call for me, and I''ll hear you." Elysia shook her head, "Go get some rest." "I don''t want to leave." Elysia didn''t say more, just hummed in response. Reluctantly, Tarquin stepped out of the room, gently opening and then closing the door behind him. He stood in the hallway, looking through the ss window at Elysia''s frail figure, his heart aching. They were in a regr hospital, nowhere near as equipped as the Lawson family''s private facilities. Elliot''s room was a single, with just a bed and a bathroom. No room for overnight stays, no kitchen. Tarquin had suggested moving Elliot, but Benjamin advised against it, saying rest was crucial after surgery. Any transfer should wait until Elliot woke up. Suppressing his emotions, Tarquin called Lowell to arrange for an overnight bed. Elysia was bound to stay the night; he wanted to ensure she had a ce to rest. Neither had touched their lunch. Come dinner, Tarquin ordered all of Elysia''s favorites, trying to get her to eat even a bite, but she refused. With her not eating, Tarquin lost his appetite too. Worried about her, he had Lowell check on the kids back at Future Community and asked Blossom toe. "She won''t eat or talk much. Maybe you can cheer her up?" Blossom was surprised, "You haven''t talked with Elysia?" "She doesn''t want to." Blossom was silent for a moment, thinking Elysia would have opened up about the children''s situation after the blood test. "Maybe you''re the only one she can open up to now. Keep herpany," Tarquin suggested. Blossom quickly nodded, "Okay, I will." Entering the room, Elysia didn''t even turn her head, sitting silently by Elliot''s bed like a statue. "Elysia," Blossom greeted, approaching her. Elysia looked up, "Why are you here?" "Just checking on you. Evan, Emmett, and Elijah are asleep. Lowell''s watching them, so don''t worry." "Okay." Blossom nced at Elliot, then took a seat beside Elysia, whispering, "Were you silent earlier because you thought it was Elijah''s dading in?" "...Yeah." "Are you guys... upset with each other?" Elysia shook her head, "No." "Then why are you ignoring him? You''ve been off with him since this morning. Do you have any issues with him?" Before Elysia could answer, tears rolled down her cheeks. Startled, Blossom quickly handed her a tissue, "Don''t cry. If you don''t want to talk about it, that''s fine. We won''t discuss him anymore." Elysia shook her head, pulling up a message on her phone and handing it to Blossom. Blossom''s eyes widened in shock and fear, "Who sent this to you?!" Chapter 721 Elysia looked utterly defeated, her vulnerability tugging at the heartstrings, "I just don''t know..." Blossom frowned. This was a tant threat and warning! A message popped up on Elysia''s phone from an anonymous sender: ¡¾Last time it was Elijah, this time Elliot, next up are Evan and Emmett. You can''t always be lucky to save them. Do you really want to gamble with your children''s lives, Elysia? You need to listen to reason, leave him. It''s too dangerous for you to be around him.¡¿ The "him" in question was Tarin. This wasn''t advice; it was a downright threat! Blossom knew Elysia well. Her children were her Achilles'' heel, and someone was exploiting this to force her away from Tarin! No wonder Elysia had been so cold towards Tarin today! With her children being used to threaten her, how could she dare to continue her rtionship with Tarin? But she loved him so much, and the thought of leaving him was unbearable... If this was a choice, it was an impossible one! Blossom felt a pang of sympathy for her friend. She set the phone aside, wrapped her arms around Elysia, and said, "The problem is this person. Let''s go to the police and track him down. Once we do, the kids will be safe, and you won''t have to leave Tarin." Elysia, tears streaming down her face, shook her head, "Catching one won''t end it; he has too many enemies..." After the car ident a few days ago, she received a message warning her to leave Tarin, but she hadn''t wavered. She loved him, regardless of the dangers that surrounded him. But today, she was scared! She med herself, thinking if she hadn''t been so lost in love, refusing to leave, Elliot wouldn''t have been hurt. It was because she insisted on being with Tarin that Elliot was in danger! Elysia felt overwhelmingly guilty, "It''s all my fault... I''ve put Elliot in danger..." Blossom quickly tried tofort her, "You can''t think like that! It''s clearly the perpetrator''s fault, not yours. You''re not to me, and neither is Tarin. The person at fault is the one who harmed Elliot!" Elysia sobbed, "But if I hadn''t been with Tarin, the perpetrator wouldn''t have targeted Elliot. He wouldn''t have gotten hurt..." Blossom was anxious, "Elysia, I understand you''re upset about Elliot, but you really can''t think like that! The fault clearly lies with the person who hurt Elliot. You and Tarin..." Blossom stopped short. She wanted to encourage Elysia, but she was at a loss for words when it came to Tarin. The incident with Elliot wasn''t Tarin''s fault, but it was indeed triggered by him. If Elysia hadn''t been involved with him, the perpetrator wouldn''t have targeted Elliot... Blossom felt panicked, and she struggled to find the right words to defend Tarin. All she could do was offer a shoulder for her friend to lean on, to be a listener for her to confide in... It wasn''t until Elysia''s crying subsided that she spoke, "Regardless, Tarin and you aren''t to me. You mustn''t jump to conclusions. As for you and Tarin... don''t rush to make a decision. Elysia, personally, I don''t think you should break up with him over this. You love him, and leaving him would only bring regret and sorrow. You might end up crying yourself to sleep. Haven''t you always said how a parent''s mood can affect their children''s development? If you''re unhappy, how can you create a cheerful, positive environment for them to grow up in?" Elysia choked up, "I''m just scared..." "I get it, I really do. Any single mom would be scared in your shoes." Chapter 723 Tarquin''s heart was hammering, "Oh, good." He hurried after Elysia into the hospital room. Inside, there was a small table. Elysia took out somete-night snacks and set them up, beckoning him over, "Come on, have something to eat." Tarquin was pleasantly surprised, looking like a kid who thought he''d done something wrong, carefully watching Elysia''s expressions and cautiously making his way over. His cautious demeanor caught Elysia''s eye, and she felt a pang of sympathy. She wanted to say something tofort him but didn''t know what to say, so she chose silence. She quietly handed him a fork, and Tarquin quickly reached out to take it. With her not speaking, he didn''t even dare to breathe too loudly. After thete-night snack, Tarquin insisted on cleaning up the table, and Elysia didn''t fight him for the task. She went to the bathroom, and when she came out, she started making the bed. It was a twin bed, one that Tarquin had bought new that day, along with fresh bedding. After cleaning up, Tarquin stood quietly nearby, not daring to speak. Elysia finished making the bed, checked on Elliot in his hospital bed, turned off the main light, leaving only a nightlight on. She told Tarquin, "Time to sleep." After saying that, she turned and walked towards the freshly made bed. Tarquin wasn''t sure what she meant and stood frozen in ce. Elysia walked to the edge of the bed, and seeing him still not moving, she added, "Come here, let''s cuddle." Tarquin''s heart skipped a beat, his eyes warming. Elysia had no idea how profound her simple request for a cuddle was! Since the ident with Elliot, Tarquin had been on edge, scared out of his mind! He knew Elysia too well, understood her thoughts clearly! He was genuinely worried that Elysia would break up with him over Elliot''s situation! He feared Elysia would leave him... He was scared, so scared, that he couldn''t even focus on finding the perpetrator all day, his heart entirely devoted to Elysia! Hearing her ask for a cuddle now, he truly wanted to cry... With a sour nose and a lump in his throat, he rushed to Elysia''s side, embracing her tightly. All his anxiety, worry, frustration, and guilt... were all poured into this embrace! He wished he could meld Elysia into his being, so he''d never lose her again! Elysia, understanding his feelings, allowed him to hold her until she couldn''t take it anymore and said, "Ouch..." Tarquin immediately let go, his voice hoarse with concern, "Where does it hurt? Did I hug you too tightly?" "Sorry," he immediately apologized, repeating, "Sorry, Elysia, I''m so sorry..." Sorry, for hugging you too tightly. Sorry, because I let Elliot get hurt. Sorry, for not giving you enough sense of security. Sorry, so very sorry... Elysia looked at him, eventually unable to resist, she tiptoed to seal his apologies with a gentle kiss on his lips. It wasn''t a passionate kiss but a brief touch, silencing his apologies. "I want to sleep for a bit." Tarquin sniffled hard, "Okay, you sleep. I''ll watch over Elliot." But as heid Elysia down and covered her with the nket, she caught his wrist, "Stay and sleep with me." Tarquin was stunned, "?!?" "Elliot will be fine; he won''t wake up anytime soon. I want to sleep in your arms." Tarquin trembled with excitement, swallowing hard, his voice choked with emotion, "Okay!" He removed his shoes and got into bed, gently wrapping Elysia in his arms. Elysia, like a docile kitten, nestled into him and stayed still. Chapter 724 They just held each other in silence, not speaking of the day''s events or whaty ahead... The next day. Elysia woke up early, and as soon as she opened her eyes, she saw Tarquin staring at her. Without a word, she slipped out of bed and went to check on Elliot. Tarquin quickly followed, "Should I call a doctor?" "Not for now." ¡°Can we transfer him to another hospital today?" "Let''s wait and see." "...I''ll have breakfast ready for you." "Okay." As Elysia began examining Elliot, Tarquin watched her for a few seconds, frowned, and then, not wanting to disturb her further, he left the room. He would respond to anything she said, but her demeanor still had Tarquin''s heart in a vice. He stepped outside the hospital room to make a call, arranging breakfast for Elysia. That morning, Gideon Bradford made an unexpected appearance. It was the first time the grandfather and grandson had seen each other since the chaos of the Thanksgiving dinner. If it weren''t for Elizabeth''s ashes still being in Gideon''s possession, Tarquin would have erased him from their lives for good! But with the ashes at stake, Tarquin had no choice but to deal with him. At the end of the hospital corridor, Tarquin lit a cigarette, clearly annoyed, "Cut to the chase!" Sitting in his wheelchair, Gideon tried to hide his irritation, "Elysia is a woman, and her son''s in this mess because of you. She''s bound to hold a grudge, might even break it off with you..." Tarquin''s face darkened, and his gaze turned fierce, "Stay out of my rtionship!" Gideon said, ¡°I''ve been around the block, kid. I know a thing or two. Now''s the time to prove yourself. Show her how much you care about her boy, make her believe you''ll protect him as if he were your own. But talk is cheap; you need to act." Tarquin glowered down at him, "What are you getting at?" Clearing his throat, Gideon said, "Get her son listed in the Bradford family tree." Tarquin looked skeptical, waiting for him to continue. Gideon went on, "No matter what you think of the Bradfords, you''re one of us. Listing her son in our family tree is the ultimate gesture of how seriously you take this!" "And then?" Gideon squinted, "But Elysia''s boys aren''t Bradfords by blood, and our family tree isn''t just for anyone who fancies it. But you know as well as I do, I call the shots in the Bradford family now. As long as I don''t object, it doesn''t matter how much the others protest. Give me 20% of your shares, and I''ll nod along, allowing Elysia''s sons into the Bradford family tree." He added quickly, fearing Tarquin''s refusal, ¡°It''s a fair deal for you. Even after giving me 20%, you''d still be the Bradford Group''srgest shareholder. You keep control, and it might just win Elysia''s heart back." Tarquin took a harsh drag from his cigarette and shot back, "Your existence is a tragedy!" All Gideon could see, even at his age, was power and influence. Tarquin couldn''t grasp it. Chasing fame and fortune might be normal for the young, but to still be obsessed with power at his age? Pitiful! Gideon scowled, "Don''t be so quick to dismiss my offer. Think it over, and contact me when you''re ready." As Gideon wheeled away, Tarquin didn''t even spare him a nce. Right after Gideon left, Elijah suddenly appeared, "Daddy." Tarquin quickly snuffed out his cigarette, "How did youe from the stairwell?" Elijah didn''t exin, simply stating, "I heard everything between you and great-grandpa. I think it''s worth considering, Daddy." Tarquin was speechless... Chapter 725 Elijah furrowed his brow slightly, his expression deep and serious, almost a carbon copy of Tarquin. Of all the kids, Elijah was the spitting image of Tarquin! Especially when it came to the look in his eyes and his mannerisms, Elijah was like a little Tarquin in the making! Elijah said, "I heard from Blossom that Mom''s feelings about you are pretty mixed right now. She likes you, but the whole ordeal with Elliot really shook her up. You really need to give Mom some peace of mind, show her how you treat Elliot, Evan, and Emmett! Make her believe that you''ll protect them just like you protect me! That you have the capability to keep them safe! I know Dad doesn''t care much for the Bradfords, but if Elliot, Evan, and Emmett were to be listed in the Bradford family records, it would be the same as with me, that''s the attitude you should have. Plus, Mom''s always been worried sick about their citizenship status. Getting them listed in the Bradford family records would mean you could officially take them under your wing, and that would clear up Mom''s biggest worry." Elijah, to this day, still hadn''t dared to disclose the true identities of Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. He respected and understood his mom, and he wouldn''t rashly spill the beans on something she cared so deeply about. But he could lend a hand, add fuel to the fire to get Mom to open up to Dad sooner rather thanter. Once that truth was out in the open, Mom and Dad''s rtionship would be rock solid! Getting Elliot, Evan, and Emmett in the Bradford family records was a golden opportunity... Tarquin frowned, "Would she agree to it? Being listed in our family records means they''d officially be part of our family. How she feels about me now..." If Elysia was set on staying with him, that would be fantastic. But Elysia was on the fence, and if he forcefully added Elliot, Evan, and Emmett to the Bradford family records, it was like binding them to him for good! Tying the kids to his name meant Elysia couldn''t easily leave, which was great for him, something he desperately wanted! But he had the intent without the courage. He was afraid. Afraid that Elysia would think he was trying to trap her! Elijah said, "Dad, just go ahead and arrange it. Leave the rest to me, I''ll convince Mom." Elijah even offered him a littlefort, "Mom''s so cautious, yet she didn''t leave you even after everything that happened. It proves she really likes you, Dad. You gotta fight for it." Tarquin: "..." After finishing his talk, Elijah went to Elliot''s room, leaving Tarquin alone in the hallway, deep in thought for a long time, finally deciding to follow his son''s advice! He was on pins and needles, desperately looking for a way to reassure Elysia! He called Gideon, cutting straight to the chase, "Arrange to get Elysia''s sons listed in the family records. I''ll give you 10% of the shares. Contact me when it''s done." He hung up without leaving room for negotiation. Gideon was both thrilled and a bit disappointed. Thrilled because Tarquin had agreed, and 10% of the shares was a fortune! But he was disappointed because he had originally asked for 20%! His confidant said, "Since he''s agreed, we should insist on 20% of the shares!" Gideon frowned, "If we push him too far, we might end up with nothing. Let''s settle for 10%. Knowing when to stop is crucial." "True, but... if the others find out, there''ll be hell to pay." Being listed in the family records meant bing a Bradford, entitled to a share of the Bradford fortune. The cake was only so big; the more people there were to share it, the smaller each piece would be. This move touched on the interests of the entire Bradford family. Gideon was essentially leveraging the family''s interests for his own gain. He scoffed, "The deal with Tarquin will be sealed with a confidentiality agreement. They can only make a fuss with Tarquin, not with me. We''ll just sit back and reap the benefits." Chapter 726 As soon as Gideon finished speaking, he immediately spread the word. He announced that Tarquin had suggested listing Elysia''s three sons in the Bradford family''s genealogy, to be ced alongside Elijah. Predictably, this set off a firestorm within the Bradford family. "Why should a bunch of kids with no blood rtion to the Bradfords be added to our family tree? I won''t stand for it!" "I''m against it too! Since when can you just add names to the family tree? Who are they, and do they share any blood rtion with the Bradfords?!" "Our family has passed down its legacy from generation to generation. Now, all of a sudden, Elijah has several ''brothers'' added to the family tree? This has got to be a joke!" "It must be that schemer Elysia''s idea. I knew she was up to no good, trying to use those kids to get her hands on the Bradford estate. Not happening!" "Who do these outsiders think they are, trying to get on the Bradford family tree? Dream on!" The Bradfords were in an uproar, and they stormed the hospital that very day to confront Tarquin and Elysia. But Tarquin stopped them in their tracks, and Elysia waspletely unaware of the situation. Everything changed the day Elliot woke up... Elliot had been severely injured,psing into unconsciousness for three full days. He woke up on the morning of the third day, calling out before he even opened his eyes, "Mommy, don''t be scared, mommy..." Elysia, who had been vigntly by his bedside, was instantly moved to tears. With eyes brimming with tears, she tightly gripped Elliot''s small hand, "Mommy''s here, Elliot. I''m not scared. As long as you''re okay, mommy''s not scared. Please wake up..." Elliot''s eyshes fluttered lightly, and his eyes slowly opened. Elysia eximed, "Elliot!" His siblings chorused, "Bro!" Elliot looked at them without speaking, taking a moment before saying, "I''m okay, don''t be scared." Tears immediately sprang to Elysia''s eyes, her Elliot was still thinking of them even in his state. Such a thoughtful child, how could fate allow him to suffer?! Emmett was crying hard, a mess of snot and tears, "Brother hurts..." Evan was crying so hard his nose was bubbling, "It''s all my fault. If I hadn''t strayed so far from Elliot because I was so eager to y, the bad guy wouldn''t have been able to hurt him. I didn''t protect Elliot..." During a school trip, Evan had been so excited, running ahead with the teacher leading the group. Elliot had been at the back when danger struck suddenly, and before Evan could react, Elliot had been injured... Evan had been ming himself, regretting being so far from Elliot at that time, angry at himself for not protecting Elliot. Elliot smiled, lifting his hand to wipe away Emmett''s tears and snot, "Emmett, don''t cry, I''m not in pain." Then he looked at Evan, "Evan, don''t cry either. It''s not your fault; it''s the culprit''s!" After reassuring them, he turned to Elysia, "Mommy always says that the path of growth is inseparable from thepanionship of hardships, and that hardships are stepping stones on the path of growth, right? The ordeal I went through is promoting my growth, which is a good thing. Don''t be sad, mommy." Elysia was heartbroken. Though she spoke those words, as a mother, she wished nothing but a healthy and smooth life for her children. "Elliot..." "I love it when mommy smiles. Seeing mommy cry breaks my heart." Elysia quickly sniffed, wiping her tears, "Mommy won''t cry." Elliot then smiled, "You look the best when you''re not crying." After he hadforted his little tearful family, he finally turned his attention to Elijah. Chapter 727 Elijah, despite his quiet demeanor and ongoing struggle with mental health issues, was sharp and intelligent. He was more than capable of keeping the household running smoothly. So, when he noticed Elijah''s eyes brimming with tears, he chose not to offer mere constion. Instead, he reassured him, "I''m fine now, don''t worry. Have they found the culprit?" Elijah''s brows furrowed in concern. "It seems like someone had a vendetta against Dad. They wanted to drive a wedge between Mom and Dad by targeting me, to upset Mom." Elliot frowned at this, prompting Elysia to quickly interject, "Elliot, it''s true that the person holds a grudge, but he didn''t want you hurt. He cares about you, he really does..." Elysia was torn. Despite her internal conflict about whether to continue her rtionship, her instinct was to defend him. She didn''t want Elliot to be angry with him or to let this incident create a rift between them. Elliot understood her intentions and immediately said, "I don''t me him for this, and Mom shouldn''t either. You should just go ahead and be happy with him." As for the perpetrator... A fierce determination glinted in Elliot''s eyes. Whoever dared to harm him would have to pay. And anyone who caused his beloved Mom to worry and shed tears would pay twice over. Elysia, unaware of Elliot''s thoughts, was taken aback. "You know about me and him...?" Elliot softened his gaze and smiled. "I know you''re dating him." Elysia gasped in surprise. Evan Emmett chimed in, "I knew it too!" Elijah''s gaze conveyed that he was also in on the secret. Elysia''s heart raced, feeling uneasy. "How did you all find out? Did he tell you?" Elliot shook his head with a smile. "No, we figured it out on our own." Elysia was astonished. Were her and Tarquin''s actions so obvious that even a five-year-old could tell they were in love? Elliot reassured her, "As long as Mom''s happy, we have no objections to your rtionship. Don''t let my injury affect you." "But..." Elysia hesitated. Elijah quickly asked, "Mom, are you worried about the person who sent you those messages?" Elysia was surprised again. Elijah mentioned, "I heard Dad talking about someone threatening Mom." Frowning, Elysia pulled out her phone to show them the messages. Elliot''s eyes darkened with anger as he read. It was a tant threat and warning! He tried to calm his rage before advising Elysia, "Mom, I don''t think you should give in. If you do, this person will just find other ways to threaten you, and you''ll never be free. You should be brave and stay with Dad. I believe he has the strength to protect us! Elijah is the best proof. He might have been hurt by the Bradfords, but no other enemies have gotten to him. That shows Dad''s capable. The reason I got hurt wasn''t Dad''s fault. He didn''t know about our father-son rtionship. I feared it would expose us, so I specifically told him not to arrange protection for us. That''s why the bad guys could get to me so easily." Elliot''s logic was clear and to the point. He knew Elysia had feelings for Tarquin, which is why he encouraged her. He didn''t want her to end things with Tarquin and live in sorrow. With a worried expression, Elysia pondered deeply. Elliot took her hand, his eyes filled with unwavering support. "Mom, I''m behind you and Dad being together. Don''t let outside forces sway you. You need to be brave!" Chapter 728 Elijah chimed in eagerly, ¡°Mommy, I''m on board too!" Emmett, with his adorable baby voice, followed up, "Me me me... I support it too!" Evan Thorne pouted, thinking his dad wasn''t exactly scoring a hundred in his booktely, but recalling how pitiful he looked these past few days... Initially, Evan made a face, but then dered, "I support it too!" After all, if mommy likes him, what choice did he have? Even if it meant putting up with a dad who was a bit of a mess, mommy''s happiness came first! Elysia''s heart raced as she looked over her four wonderful boys. She had a soft spot for Tarquin, and hearing her sons rally like this filled her with courage. Her wavering heart found peace. "I''ll go talk to him! Where is he?" Elijah quickly said, "Daddy went to the old family estate. He''s adding Elliot, Evan, and Emmett to the Bradford family tree." Elysia gasped, "Adding Elliot, Evan, and Emmett to the Bradford family tree?" "Yep!" "Why now, all of a sudden?" ¡°Daddy wants mommy to know he values Elliot, Evan, and Emmett just as much as he does me." Elysia frowned, touched by the sentiment. He didn''t even know Elliot and Evan were his kids yet, but he was ready to im them as his own, likely for her sake. But considering how the Bradfords had reacted at the family gathering, visibly wary of themying im to the family fortune, how could they agree? "The Bradfords agreed to this?" Elijah revealed, "They didn''t, but daddy used money to persuade them." Money, to persuade?! Elysia''s eyes widened, "How much?" Elijah admitted, "I''m not sure of the exact amount, but it''s definitely a lot." Elliot saw an opportunity to fan the mes, "Even with the money, the Bradfords will still look for ways to make things difficult for him." Hearing this, Elysia couldn''t stand it, "Why should they make it difficult for him? You''re his sons! You share their blood! Why should we pay them anything at all?!" Elysia was up in arms, incensed at the thought of her man being bullied and their family being extorted. No way! The cost of adding a son to the family tree must be at least a hundred grand, right? That''s three hundred grand for three kids! Three hundred grand! My goodness! Wouldn''t that money be better spent on the kids? They couldn''t let the Bradfords, those scoundrels, have a cent! "Stay here, the nurse will look after you. Mommy''s going to find your daddy!" Elysia was about to head out, then paused with a thought. She nced at Emmett, her brow slightly furrowed, a flicker of concern in her eyes. ¡°Evan, Elijah,e with mommy. Elliot, you rest up and heal. Emmett, would you stay here with your brother, please?" Emmett nodded vigorously, "Yeah, yeah." With a loving ruffle of Emmett''s hair and a peck on his cheek, Elysia took Evan and Elijah and left. Meanwhile, at the Bradford family estate... The guest room next to the ancestral hall was packed. Bradford elders and influential younger members were present. Not just Bradfords, but several VIPs from outside the family were there too - top military and police officials, high-ranking politicians, and leading business moguls... These were the heavy hitters the Bradfords had called in. Technically, they had invited the subordinates of these high-flyers, as getting the bigwigs themselves was a tall order. Surprisingly, the bigwigs showed up in person, all for Tarquin! Initially, the Bradfords were intimidated seeing who hade, as these were Tarquin''s allies. They were either close friends with Kendrick or confidants of Elizabeth, so their support would naturally lean towards Tarquin. But after their initial apprehension, the Bradfords regained theirposure. Because in the matter of adding to the family tree, Tarquin was on shaky ground! Chapter 729 The Bradford n gathered, their expressions stern and judgmental, resembling a council of old-school aristocrats confronting the unruly offspring of a distant rtive. They were there to face Tarquin, a man whose power and influence were unmatched but who, in their eyes, still needed to adhere to the principles of fairness and tradition. The Bradfords, with their long history and pride, were visibly agitated, their emotions fueled by the stakes involved. "I''ve lived a good many years," one of the elder Bradfords eximed, "and never in my life have I heard of adding names to the family tree without a drop of blood rtion! Not in a distinguished family like ours, not even amongmon folks. Are we now to muddy the Bradford lineage with outsiders?" "Exactly," another chimed in, "If the family tree is open to anyone, should we then consider adopting a dozen unrted children just to swell our ranks?" "A bunch of low-born brats aspiring to be part of the Bradfords'' legacy? Over my dead body!" the words were spat out with venom. Tarquin, sitting quietly to the side, his face a mask of controlled fury, finally spoke up, his voice cutting through the room like a knife, "If you don''t agree, you can drop dead!" The room went silent, shocked by his audacity. Tarquin scanned the room, his gaze icy, "Let me make myself perfectly clear. Elliot Thorne and Evan Emmett will be added to the Bradford family tree today. Anyone who has a problem with that can either leave the family and strike out on their own or, frankly, drop dead. And if anyone dares to nder them again, they''ll answer to me." "You..." Allegra Bradford, ovee with emotion, her wordsced with contempt, "You''re just like your father! Ignoring all the decent women only to chase after a woman who''s had children with another man..." Tarquin''s response was swift and physical; he grabbed a teacup and hurled it at Allegra''s feet, shattering it and cutting her ankle with the shards. Allegra screamed, both from pain and anger, as she red at Tarquin, "Elizabeth sure taught you well! Insulting your elders wasn''t enough; now you resort to violence!" Before Tarquin could retort, a high-ranking military officer present mmed his handgun onto the table, his face stern, "You disrespected yourself first, expecting Tarquin to treat you with deference? ''Promiscuous''? With a single word, you''ve insulted the two women he holds dearest! You''ve insulted his mother and his partner, and you expect him to respectfully call you ''aunt''?" The man''s presence, coupled with his undeniable air of authority and experience, silenced the Bradfords. This was a man who had seen and survived countless battles, a man whose mere look could instill fear. Now in his fifties and in a position of power, he had long passed the age of rash decisions. Yet, any mention of Elizabeth ignited a fire in him that time had not dulled. Those familiar with his story knew of his unrequited love for Elizabeth, how he had pursued her in his youth only to see her marry Kendrick. He had then chosen a life of military service, never marrying, his heart forever loyal to Elizabeth. Chapter 730 After joining the army, everyone he ever met - hisrades, his troops, and every ce he''s been to - knew he had a beloved, named Elizabeth! But after Elizabeth and Kendrick got together, he never contacted Elizabeth again. He truly lived by the principle: I love you, but I won''t disturb you. I''m content just watching you from afar, your happiness is my happiness. He even turned into a rival whom even Kendrick respected! When tragedy struck Kendrick and Elizabeth, he flew back overnight, weeping beside Elizabeth''s body for a long time. From then on, he became an unshakeable mountain supporting Tarquin from behind! Regrettably, due to urgent situations at the borders in those years, he couldn''t always be by Tarquin''s side and wasn''t very familiar with Tarquin''s childhood... Moreover, his position was not as powerful as it is now; he didn''t have the influence back then to protect Tarquin. However, his presence indeed deterred many external threats! Especially in recent years, with his significant military influence, powerful enough to look down on others! In matters concerning Tarquin, he made it clear that he was protecting his own, always proiming Tarquin as his godson to the outside world, warning anyone against bullying Tarquin, or they''d have to deal with him! Allegra nced at the cold weapons, then at the man''s icy gaze, swallowing nervously several times. It was then she realized she had misspoken. She should never have criticized Elizabeth in his presence - wasn''t that courting death?! Allegra awkwardly shifted the topic away from Elizabeth, "I''m just upset. Messing with the Bradford Group genealogy is like muddling the pure bloodline, isn''t it? If it were someone else, it might be okay, but Tarquin... Our Bradford family has been passing down from father to son for generations. His lineage is the purest of the Bradford family. If his line gets mixed up, wouldn''t that be the end of the Bradford family?" Others agreed, "Exactly, we''re all thinking of what''s best for the Bradford family. If we let Tarquin continue this recklessness, our ancestors would be turning in their graves!" Some even questioned, "Put yourselves in our shoes, if this happened in your family, what would you do? Would you ept illegitimate children into your family tree?" The group of influential figures frowned in unison. They knew the Bradford family members were all looking out for their own interests, but their hearts were with Tarquin. But when it came to the family tree, Tarquin was indeed in the wrong. Seeing the influential figures silent, the Bradford family members got more audacious, "We''re all reasonable people here. If Tarquin and Ms. Thorne got married and had children, they should rightfully be included in the Bradford family tree. But Ms. Thorne''s children with another man shouldn''t be part of our Bradford family tree!" "We unanimously object, over our dead bodies!" The influential figures frowned, at a loss for words. Even with their immense power, they couldn''t find a way to support Tarquin in this situation, as family lineage wasn''t something power could easily resolve. Tarquin''s face darkened, no longer wanting to waste time arguing, just about to lose his temper when suddenly- Elysia walked in with Evan and Elijah! Elysia''s brows were tightly furrowed, "My children carry the Bradford family blood. What right do you have to object?! On what grounds do you object?!" Chapter 731 The room fell into a stunned silence. This included the Bradfords, the big shots, and even Tarquin. Everyone''s eyes were on Elysia, scanning her from head to toe, each with a different expression. No one spoke; clearly, they didn''t believe her words! Even Tarquin thought she was just saying this to get him out of a tight spot. He quickly got up and made his way to her, his face unable to hide his adoration. Seeing her seemed to melt away the icy demeanor he had just moments ago, transforming him into apletely different person. He took a few steps to reach her, took her hand gently in front of everyone, and asked with a soft tone, "What brings you here all of a sudden, worried about me?" Elysia: I''m worried about the money! She scanned the room, recognizing only a few Bradfords. The rest were strangers to her. She thought they were all Bradfords, all Tarquin''s rivals. Without greeting anyone and looking displeased, she pulled Tarquin aside, lowered her voice, and asked, "Did you give them money?" "Uh?" Elysia frowned, "I heard from Elijah that you wanted to include Elliot, Evan, Emmett in the family tree, and they opposed. So you decided to use money to persuade them!" "Uh... kind of." He had offered Gideon a 10% share, essentially paying for their eptance. Elysia was anxious, "Why are you being so na?ve? Instead of spending money on a family tree that I don''t care about, you might as well give the money to me! I never said I disliked Elliot, Evan, Emmett. What were you thinking with such a half-baked n!" "... It was Gideon''s idea. I refused at first, then Elijah.....¡± "Enough, has the money been paid out yet?" "Negotiated, but not yet paid." "You can''t give them a dime! Elliot and Evan are your sons; they naturally belong in your family tree. No one has the right to object!" Elysia had known this secret for a while, so she could discuss it casually without any surprise or curiosity. But Tarquin was different! He was shocked! Curious! Baffled! "...Elysia, do you even understand what you''re saying?" "Of course, I do! Elliot, Evan... Ah, forget it, I won''t exin now. Just don''t give them any money. If you do, you''ll have me to deal with!" They were his family; why should they pay?! "Just let me do the talking," Elysia concluded, dragging Tarquin back. She looked at Gideon with displeasure, "You really make it interesting. It was your family who proposed the idea, and he agreed to pay. Yet, you''re all making obstacles. Are you ying games with us?" Elysia didn''t know Gideon was a self-serving schemer, not truly aligned with the Bradfords. To her, it was infuriating how the proposal came from them, yet they were the ones creating barriers. Her words immediately set Gideon off! The Bradfords turned to Gideon, outraged, "You were the one who suggested this? You told us it was Tarquin who insisted!" "So, you were using our interests for your own gains! Watching from afar and profiting from our conflict!" "You sure had it all figured out, not caring about the rest of us one bit!" Everyone chimed in, turning Gideon''s face beet red with embarrassment. But he couldn''t refute; the usations were too urate. Gideon red at Elysia, intending to take his frustration out on her. But before he could speak, the cold stares from Tarquin and Elijah came first, a clear warning! Not to mention Evan, standing protectively by Elysia, ready to defend his mom with a look that said, ''Say a word against my mom, and your dentures are history.'' Gideon, boiling with rage, found himself unable tosh out at Elysia directly. After all, she might be an ordinary woman, but the people shielding her were far from ordinary. Gideon had no choice but to swallow his anger and try to shift the focus back to Elysia, attempting to turn the Bradfords against her. Chapter 732 "Wait, you''re saying your kid is part of our Bradford n? I''ve never heard Tarin mention anything about this." Tarquin hadid down thew - anyone who spilled the beans about his identity to Elysia was in for it! So, the moment Elysia showed up, Gideon switched to calling Tarin. That little trick managed to shift everyone''s focus back to Elysia. Frowning, Elysia said, "Due to various reasons, I kept the truth about him and the kids from him, which is why he thought about splurging on the family tree research. Now, I''m telling you straight up, my kids are part of your family, they share your blood. It''s only right they''re on your family tree, and you shouldn''t be charging us!" Despite her clear exnation, no one seemed to believe her! Allegra scoffed mockingly, "Seems like someone''s desperate to climb the socialdder! You''ll say anything, won''t you? The Bradford lineage has always been a single-child tradition, and Tarin already has Elijah. There''s no way he could have another son! Besides, your son doesn''t even resemble Tarin." Everyone turned their gaze towards Evan, whispering amongst themselves, "Yeah, they look nothing alike." Evan had been to the hospital today and had purposely put on makeup, still sporting Emmett''s face. He was too rushed earlier to remove it. "Mommy, should I go wash my face? Emmett gave me this makeup remover," Evan said, showing Elysia a white bottle Emmett had prepared for him. Elysia nodded immediately, "Yes, go wash up!" Elijah said, "I''ll take Evan." As the two children headed to the bathroom under everyone''s watchful eyes, the Bradford folks resumed their mocking, this time addressing the room atrge, "Look at this, if you weren''t all here to see it, you''d never believe us. One''s overly eager to im another man''s child for our family tree, dying to y daddy! And the other? Boldly ims her son is part of the Bradford n! They say birds of a feather flock together." The roomful of influential figures furrowed their brows. They all knew about the Bradford''s tradition of having just one child per generation and were confusedly looking at Tarquin, wondering what was actually going on. Tarquin himself was baffled, staring at Elysia in confusion... Elysia, too impatient to exin, waited for Evan to return and retorted to the Bradford''s earlierment, "You''re the ones who are not normal! Your whole family is not normal! How dare you say he''s ying daddy when he is my child''s biological father!" The other party sneered, "Talk is cheap. It''s not like you saying it makes it true!" "And what if it is true? What will the Bradford n do then?" "We''ll livestream ourselves eating a humble pie!" Someone blurted out the challenge, and despite a moment of hesitation from the others, they quickly agreed, "Yeah, we''ll all do it!" Elysia smirked, "Alright, everyone heard that. Don''t back out and embarrass yourselves!" The Bradfords dismissively replied, "And what if your son isn''t part of our family?" Elysia countered, "What do you propose?" The Bradfords red fiercely, "Then you and your son can take a hike, leave Jindale City for good!" That way, she wouldn''t dream of iming their inheritance, plus it would be a p in Tarquin''s face! Tarquin was livid at the thought of them asking Elysia, someone he''d want by his side every day, to leave Jindale City! Just as Tarquin was about to snap back, Elysia beat him to it, "Fine by me!" Tarquin''s expression darkened, "Elysia!" Elysia looked at him confidently, "What are you worried about? They''re your sons, no doubt about it. Just wait and see them eating their words!" Seeing Elysia so sure of herself made Tarquin realize something was off. Could it be... With a "click", the bathroom door opened. Elijah and Evan stepped out together... Seeing the striking resemnce between the two children, everyone was utterly stunned, "!!!" Chapter 733 The Bradford family elders rose from their seats in unison! All the big shots got up at once! Gideon tried and tried again, wishing he could rise from his wheelchair! The rest of the Bradford family looked on, their eyes nearly popping out of their sockets! "How, how is this possible?!" Elysia snorted coldly, "How is it not possible? The truth is right before your eyes!" Allegra''s breathing became erratic, "Impossible! This is absolutely impossible! You must have done something to the child''s face, it didn''t look like this just a moment ago! Is this kid wearing a fake mask or something? Let me see!" Allegra rudely reached out for Evan, but Tarquin pushed her away with a quick move! Allegra stumbled and fell to the ground, Tarquin didn''t even nce at her. He walked over to Evan, knelt down, and looked at him up close... His heart pounded! His breathing was rapid and uneasy! He looked at Evan in disbelief, his chest heaving! Even Verity Bradford, who had been silent,pletely lost herposure, her eyebrows knitted together in shock! The room fell silent for a long time, until someone suddenly spoke up, "There are plenty of look-alikes in the world without any blood rtion! Just because they look simr doesn''t mean they''re father and son! Who knows if they''ve used some high-tech trickery!" "Right! Everyone has a nose, a mouth, two eyes; looking alike doesn''t prove anything!" Verity let out a sigh of relief, she too thought it impossible for Tarquin and Evan to be father and son! After all, the Bradford family had a tradition of single heirs, how could it all fall apart at Elijah''s generation? Absolutely impossible! So, with a steady demeanor, Verity spoke, "I have here a paternity test between him and Ms. Thorne''s son." Everyone immediately turned to look at her, "?!?" Ever since she knew Tarquin was nning to add a few children to the Bradford family tree, Verity had found ways to bribe the hospital staff for the children''s samples. Then, she managed to get a sample from Tarquin and secretly conducted the paternity test. She was prepared for today, in case Tarquin insisted these children were his biological sons. But since Tarquin didn''t use that argument, she hadn''t brought out the test results. Unexpectedly, although Tarquin kept silent, Elysia suddenly brought it up, making the test results useful after all! A paternity test is the most authoritative proof! If the test results show they''re not father and son, Elysia''s arguments would be useless! Verity exined to Tarquin, "Sorry, when I heard your grandfather say you wanted to add a few kids to the family tree, I thought, being as smart as you are, you wouldn''t do such a thing unless these kids were really rted to you by blood. So, out of curiosity, I went behind your backs and did the paternity test. I just got the results this morning, look, the seal isn''t even broken, I haven''t seen the results myself. I did it out of curiosity, with no other intentions. If Ms. Thorne hadn''t suddenlye over to talk about this, I wouldn''t have brought it out. A paternity test is the best way to prove the truth. Do you want to open it in front of everyone?" Verity, usually low-key and gentle to everyone, actually had many tricks up her sleeve! Before Tarquin could speak, Elysia suddenly praised Verity sincerely, "You actually did the paternity test in advance, that''s great! I didn''t have time to arrange this with the sudden developments, you''re really a good person." Verity: "......" Elysia reached for the paternity test, but Verity didn''t hand it over. Verity was worried Tarquin wouldn''t agree to check the results in public. What if he destroyed the results, andter produced a fake? After all, it would be easy for Tarquin to forge itter. But this test was arranged by her personally; it couldn''t be faked! Verity directly handed the paternity test to Keaton Huber''s father, "For fairness, let''s have a third party open it." Richard Huber, of course, sided with Tarquin. He took the test results, his expressionplex as he looked at Tarquin. If it turned out they weren''t rted, it would be hard to deal with the aftermath! Tarquin was anxious, looking at Elysia. Elysia stood firm, "Open it!" Tarquin then nodded to Richard. Keaton''s father took a deep breath and opened the envelope in front of everyone, pulling out the test report... Everyone focused intently on him, their hearts in their throats! Only Elysia and Evan remained calm, even little Elijah furrowed his brow, worried the test might have been tampered with! "Good Lord!" Richard suddenly eximed, his eyes wide in shock. Everyone''s heart jumped, "What does it say?" Richard didn''t look at anyone else but stared, his hands trembling with excitement, at Tarquin, "You, you, you rascal! You''ve made it big! He''s really your son! The test results show a DNA match of 99.9999%, confirming a father-son rtionship!" Chapter 734 Everyone''s jaws hit the floor, eyes bulging out in sheer disbelief! The Bradfords gasped, "How is that even possible?!" The big shots were all over it, "Let me see that! Good Lord, this kid did good, twins, no less!" A military honcho chimed in, confused, "Hold up, did you say twins?" Tarquin was too stunned to speak, eyes glued to Elysia, oblivious to everything else around him. He was dumbfounded, shell-shocked by the unexpected joy that hit him like a truck! Elijah, speaking up for his dad, corrected, "Grandpa, it''s not two; Dad''s got four boys!" "Hot damn!" The military big shot nearly jumped through the roof in excitement. He gave Tarquin a hearty punch in the chest, "You little rascal, you''ve outdone yourself! Four sons! I need to spread the good news, your old man will be over the moon! Wait till your mom hears she''s got four grandsons to spoil. She''ll be ecstatic!" With that, he bolted out, making a beeline for the Bradford family hall to share the joyous news with Kendrick. Richard, too, was visibly moved, tears welling up as he looked at Elijah and Evan, and thought of the two he hadn''t met... He couldn''t hide his envy! Flushed with emotion, Richard rushed out to find his underachieving son, Keaton! The other big shots looked at Tarquin with respect and a hint of jealousy, each muttering, "You''ve really made something of yourself, kid!" The Bradfords were beside themselves, utterly bamboozled! Especially Verity, who was in shock. What in the world was happening? Was this some kind of joke on her? Her mind was racing, trying to process how Tarquin suddenly had three more sons, meaning the Bradfords now had three more heirs. What about her own son? She couldn''t handle the pressure and fainted on the spot! The room erupted into chaos, a cacophony of gasps, screams, and utter confusion. Tarquin, unfazed by the drama, took Elysia''s hand and, with Evan and Elijah in tow, made his way out of the madness. Soon, the entire elite social circle was abuzz with the news. Tarquin''s quadruple blessing broke the Bradford family''s generational curse, leaving many green with envy. The news stirred up a frenzy among peers and elders alike. Richard, upon leaving the Bradford estate, headed straight for the Blissful Uncle''s Bar, where he gave Keaton a piece of his mind for not giving him grandkids yet. Poor Keaton could barely stand afterwards! Booker had it tough, too. His dad, not one for violence, turned out to be even harder to please with his tearful disappointment. "Look at Tarquin, making us all proud with four boys at once! I''m not asking for four, just one would do... Can''t you at least try, for your old man''s sake?" Even Benjamin, the workaholic, couldn''t escape the pressure. Fresh out of surgery, he was summoned by Braxton Lawson, who lectured him on the importance of settling down and starting a family, all because Tarquin had set a new benchmark. Braxton, after a stern talk,id down thew, "From now on, you''re going on dates, aiming to marry within the year, and expecting two kids within three!" Benjamin, exasperated, muttered, "Thanks a lot, Tarquin. My dad''s lost it!" Booker and Keaton echoed the sentiment, overwhelmed by their own familial pressures, all thanks to Tarquin''s sudden windfall of fatherhood. Tarquin''s phone was blowing up with messages and calls, but he ignored them all, his focus solely on his wife and kids. Brothers? Forget them! At that moment, nothing else mattered to him. Chapter 735 The Bradford estate boasted a man-madeke, its surface dotted with water lilies that hadn''t yet bloomed this season. Despite their flowers remaining closed, the green stems stood tall and proud, and the ovepping leaves painted a picturesque scene. A quaint, vintage gazebo had been constructed at the heart of theke, adding to the charm. Tarquin, having pulled Elysia away from the noisy crowd, sprinted with her all the way to this secluded spot. Now, they stood alone under the gazebo, the only two souls in this tranquil haven. Elijah, ever the observant one, had wrapped up his duties with a flourish and instructed the driver to return them to the hospital to find Elliot and Emmett, leaving his parents some much-needed alone time. He understood that they had a lot to discuss, some issues that needed to be conclusively addressed today. A gentle breeze stirred the water lilies, their leaves rustling in the wind, a soft background to Tarquin and Elysia''s heavy breathing. Elysia''s breaths came in short gasps, not from any emotional turmoil but simply because Tarquin had grabbed her hand and dashed from the house, running so fast and for such a distance that she was nearly spent! And Tarquin? His breathlessness was not from the physical exertion but from the overwhelming shock of the day''s revtions. His heart raced with excitement, his blood boiled with anticipation, and every nerve in his body was alive with an electrifying energy. He was so thrilled he could barely contain himself, yet also terrified it was all an illusion. The surprise of finding out the three little ones were his own made him ecstatic yet fearful that it might all be a dream. The reality had struck him so unexpectedly that he struggled to believe it. "Elysia, hit me!" Tarquin looked at her, his body tense with anticipation. Elysia, puzzled by his request, couldn''t understand his excitement nor his bizarre demand. "Why on earth should I hit you?" "I need to know if it hurts, to see if I''m dreaming!" he exined. With a roll of her eyes and a slight pout, Elysia pinched him, asking, "Does it hurt?" "Yes!" "So, do you now realize you''re not dreaming?" Tarquin couldn''t help but burst intoughter, looking as giddy as a schoolboy. Just as Elysia was about to scold him for being silly, he suddenly scooped her up in his arms! "Elysia!" he eximed, holding her aloft. Feeling ack of solid ground beneath her feet, Elysia clung to him, "Hey, put me down." But he seemed not to hear her, repeating her name with augh, "Elysia! Ha, Elysia!" His joy scared the fish hiding under the lily pads, scattering them in all directions. He held her tight, spinning around in circles,ughing and shouting her name as if trying to release all the pent-up happiness inside him onto her. Finally, Tarquin sat down on a bench, with Elysia in hisp, her arms around his neck as she slumped against him, both physically and emotionally spent. "Elysia, I''m your son''s real dad!" Tarquin announced, a mix of pride and joy in his voice. Elysia, her breath still uneven, her cheeks flushed, weakly responded, "I know." His excitement bubbling over, Tarquin shook her gently, "Elysia, focus, listen to me, I''ve magically gained three big sons out of nowhere! Three!" In this quaint English setting, by the sereneke and the charming gazebo, amidst the rustling of the water lilies and the backdrop of the grand Bradford estate, Tarquin and Elysia shared a moment that was as surreal as it was joyous, marking a new chapter in their lives. Chapter 736 "Elysia, can you believe it? You''ve only ever had my child. No one else''s!" Tarquin couldn''t contain hisughter. "I mean, wow!" Elysia blinked, staring at him as if he had lost his mind. "And that''s news...how?" Had the guy gonepletely bonkers with joy? "Hey, hey, just take a breath, will you?" Tarquin couldn''t help but spill his excitement, "I am calm! Totally calm! It''s just...I can''t stopughing. I''m over the moon, Elysia! How did I get so lucky? Tell me, am I not the luckiest guy alive?" After his rant, his stomping around, and calling out her name until his eyes welled up, Elysia couldn''t stand it anymore. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, pouring all her love into that one gesture, hoping to calm the storm in his heart. Tarquin quickly took over, kissing her back passionately, channeling all his excitement into their embrace. When the kiss ended, his tense nerves finally rxed, his voice hoarse, "Elysia, thank you. Thank you for such an incredible surprise." Elysia, catching her breath, tried to steady her emotions. She had nned to wait until his birthday to tell him, but she couldn''t hold back any longer. She couldn''t bear the thought of the Bradfords squeezing him for money or letting them badmouth him without doing anything about it. "I wanted it to be a birthday gift, but I guess the surprise came early. Now I''ve got nothing left for your birthday." Tarquin, affectionately kissing her forehead, whispered, "This surprise... it''s enough tost me a lifetime." But following the joy came a wave of guilt and remorse as he thought back to six years ago... "Elysia, about six years ago, I..." Elysia cut him off, "I know it wasn''t on purpose. I''ve forgiven you." Tarquin felt choked up, "Elysia..." Elysia continued, "I was angry at you, but now, I''m just d it was you. Despite everything, I''m d it''s you I love." Tarquin''s heart shook, his voice even huskier, "Elysia..." "And after having our child, I stopped being angry. I just hoped I''d never have to see you again. But who could have imagined? On my first day back in Jindale City with our child, I''d run into you. Not only did we meet, but we also fell for each other again. It must be fate, right? It feels like it was all prearranged, that we''re meant to be together." Tarquin held her tighter, filled with a mix of relief, guilt, and tenderness. "They say giving birth is like walking through the valley of the shadow of death. For some, even one child is a miracle. But you... you gave birth to our children. Was it painful?" Elysia shrugged, "The pregnancy was tough, and it''s not like jobs are lining up for pregnant women... But giving birth? I didn''t even know it was happening until I woke up and our child was already born." Her nonchnce contrasted sharply with Tarquin''s aching heart. "Elysia, I''m so sorry." He was sorry for the hurt at the airport six years ago, for the life she had to rebuild alone, for the pain of childbirth she endured without him by her side, and for all the years she and their child spent without him. He was sorry for being cold when she returned to him, bearing their child. "I''m sorry," he repeated, his apology a whisper of regret for all the years lost and the hardships she faced alone. Chapter 737 Tarquin''s eyes burned, and his mind was flooded with images... The image of Elysia, looking lost and defeated at the airport after he had mocked her, andter, when her husband kicked her out. The image of her curled up in a corner, crying alone after being ndered, insulted, and cursed. The image of her, pregnant and heartbroken, leaving Jindale City. The image of her working hard, close to giving birth, trying to provide for herself and her child. The image of her sick, feverish, and utterly alone during her pregnancy. And the image of her returning, only for him to shame her... So many images shed through Tarquin''s mind, each one a sharp knife stabbing straight into his heart! "Elysia, I''m so sorry, I''m truly sorry..." Tears streamed down Tarquin''s cheeks! He was in agony, a pain so deep it was unbearable! He had so much he wanted to say to Elysia, but nothing came out except apologies. What else could he say? What right did he have to say anything? He had hurt her too deeply! Elysia noticed his emotional turmoil. She knew he was remorseful, his apologies were for the events of six years ago! Once, she had thought that if she ever encountered that man again and he apologized, she would p him across the face! Was his apology supposed to be valuable? Who would care?! But now, she gently lifted her hand to wipe his tears. She liked him, seeing him cry even made her heart ache... "It''s all in the past now, what matters is our happiness. You did hurt me before, but you also gave me angels in return, we''re even. I decided to let bygones be bygones when I chose to forgive you, I truly don''t dwell on the past anymore." Tarquin shook his head with teary eyes, "It''s not even..." How could it ever be even? He owed her too much, a lifetime of love wouldn''t be enough to make up for it! It would take an eternity, countless lifetimes... Elysia frowned slightly, holding his face, looking into his eyes seriously, "I kept the children a secret before because I was afraid you''d fight me for them, including when I didn''t let you move to Future Community, it was all because of the kids. I wasn''t sure if we couldst. But now, I''ve told you everything about the kids, which means I''ve made up my mind to grow old with you! I hope every day we spend together is a happy one, that the kids and I are happy, and so are you! I don''t want you living in guilt and self-me. I want my man, the father of my children, to be optimistic and joyful, to be happy!" Elysia said, kissing away his tears, "We need to forget the past and live well now. Even if we can''t forget, we shouldn''t let it sadden us anymore. We need to live our lives positively and happily, striving to provide a better life for our children! So, I don''t want you to dwell on the past anymore, I want you to look ahead, I want us to be happy." Tarquin sniffed hard, pulling her into a tight embrace, as if he wanted to merge her into his very being. His Elysia, gentle, kind, and optimistic Elysia! His Elysia, the best in the world! "Elysia, I love you." Tarquin''s voice was hoarse beyond recognition! But to Elysia, it was the sweetest sound, him saying he loved her! Elysia''s heart raced, fluttering like that of a young girl experiencing her first crush. "I, I love you too." It had nothing to do with the kids, she just loved him purely. Tarquin''s body trembled, "Elysia, I love you so much." Elysia''s voice quivered, "I, I love you so much too." For a long time after, they kept repeating these words. He said he loved her, and she replied with her love for him! He said he loved her so much, and she replied with the same! He said he was madly in love with her, and she replied, "I''m madly in love with you too..." Eventually, these derations of love were lost in a passionate and deep kiss... Chapter 738 After a long kiss, Elysia was still wrapped around his neck, sitting on hisp. They looked into each other''s eyes, neither spoke. In that silence, Elysia suddenly buried her face in his chest, overwhelmed with embarrassment. The next second, realizing something was off, she quickly jumped out of his embrace, staring at him with wide eyes and a flushed face. He was aroused, and she felt it! Embarrassed and flustered... Clearing his throat awkwardly, Tarquin pulled her back into his arms, making sure she sat on just one of his legs this time. "Just a hug." "You..." "Just a hug." Elysia swallowed hard several times before finally relenting. She tried to change the subject, suddenly remembering something important. "Right, I need to talk to you about Emmett." "Hmm? What about Emmett?" "Emmett... he''s not your son." Tarquin''s expression changed dramatically, shocked, "Emmett isn''t mine?!" "Yeah!" Tarquin frowned, his expressionplex as he looked at Elysia, "Then whose is he?" "I don''t know. I found Emmett abandoned on a mountain. When I woke up from giving birth to the boys, only Elliot and Evan were with me. Finding Emmett alive, I quickly took him home to save him. I tried to find his biological parents but had no luck, so I decided to raise him myself. Having been adopted myself, I know what it''s like to feel out of ce. I didn''t want Emmett to feel inferior, so I''ve always kept it from him. Emmett''s always been curious why he doesn''t look like his brothers. I told him it''s because of fraternal twins, that it''s normal not all multiples look alike. Emmett''s not as bright as Elliot and Evan; he believes whatever I tell him, never doubting his origins. I know I should tell him the truth, but I''m worried it''ll mess with his head. I''ll tell him when he''s older." Elysia looked directly at Tarquin, her expression serious and a bit warning, "Even though Emmett isn''t your biological son, you can''t treat him any differently. Emmett is our treasure, cherished by me and his brothers. If you dare treat him differently, we won''t stand for it!" Tarquin looked at her tenderly, admiring her kindness and beauty. Meeting her was a stroke of luck for Emmett... "Don''t worry! I don''t ce much importance on blood ties. I''ll treat Emmett just like you do, without any prejudice." Elysia was relieved, "Emmett is such a good boy. Once you get to know him, you''ll love him. He might not be as clever as Elliot, Evan, and Elijah, but he''s very well- behaved and has his own talents. You never noticed anything off about Elliot and Evan because Emmett covered for them! Emmett has an amazing sense of style..." Elysia beamed with pride, just like a mother boasting about her child. She truly loved him, not by blood, but just as deeply. As they talked about Emmett, Tarquin remembered something a mysterious person had told him, his gaze darkening. He asked Elysia, "Elysia, when you were pregnant and went for your check-ups, did they tell you how many babies you were carrying?" He was thinking about the mysterious person''s mention of a daughter... Having only been with Elysia, if he had another daughter out there, she would have to be Elysia''s as well. Now knowing Emmett wasn''t Elysia''s biological child, but Elliot, Evan, and Elijah were. If Elysia had been expecting triplets, then the mysterious person must have been lying. But if it was quadruplets, then... Chapter 739 Elysia was lost when it came to talk of ''daughters'' or the purpose behind his question. The sudden inquiry stirred a tinge of sadness within her. The past was a wound reopened... "I don''t know." Tarquin was taken aback, "Didn''t the doctor tell you?" Elysia replied with a hint of detachment, "I only went for a check-up when I first found out I was pregnant. After that, I never returned. I didn''t even know I was carrying multiples." If she had known, perhaps she wouldn''t have been unaware of Elijah being taken! Tarquin couldn''t hide his surprise, "Why wouldn''t you go for check-ups?" "I..." Elysia faltered, her voice barely above a whisper, "I was in a really tough spot back then..." After a scandal had her kicked out by her husband, her adoptive parents, ashamed and fearing the exposure of a switched-at-birth secret, severed ties, forcing her to leave. Her sister, Daphne Thorne, was even more sinister, plotting to sell her off to some remote area for profit. Pregnant, and without any means to defend herself, Elysia had no choice but to flee under the cover of night. Fearing discovery by the Thorne family and concerned about the stigma affecting her children, she chose to settle in a secluded mountain vige, disconnected from the world. Penniless, she worried about basic necessities, let alone medical expenses. Eventually, she managed to save a bit from a job, but she still avoided hospitals, dreading that Daphne might find her... Moreover, the journey was daunting. To reach a hospital, she would have had to walk a great distance while heavily pregnant to catch a bus down the mountain. Carrying multiples,bined with malnutrition and exhaustivebor, she simplycked the strength to make the trip... A myriad of reasons led to her avoiding hospitals throughout her pregnancy. Fortunately, her children remained healthy... She didn''t share these hardships directly with Tarquin, fearing it would add to his guilt. After all, these troubles stemmed from him. Had it not been for that incident at the airport, none of this would have followed... Yet, her simple admission of "life being tough back then" visibly shattered Tarquin. His brow furrowed, his throat worked as he fought back emotions, eyes swelling, nostrils tingling sharply. In this day and age, it was unheard of for a pregnant woman to skip prenatal care unless under dire circumstances. It was all his fault... "Don''t me yourself, I..." Elysia tried tofort him, but Tarquin pulled her into an embrace, wordless. What could he say? Apologize? Make promises? Meaningless. Nothing could undo the hardships she''d endured. All he could do was silently vow: To love her! To truly cherish her! To doubly ensure her happiness, leaving no room for any further sorrow! Tarquin held her, steadying his emotions. He didn''t want Elysia, after all her suffering, to worry orfort him. Elysia wanted him optimistic, not dwelling on past griefs. He resolved to heed her wishes. He would transform his guilt into love, graduallypensating for her past in the days toe. After a long silence, Tarquin finally spoke, "No more hardship, only sweetness from here on out." Hearing this, Elysia''s spirits lifted, "That''s the right mindset. We can''t alter the past, but we can embrace it and ensure every day ahead is joyful!" Tarquin released her, his gaze softening into an adoring smile, "Yes!" His Elysia had endured enough bitterness in her early years. It was time she truly knew happiness. Every day must be filled with joy! "Ring..." A sharp ringtone cut through the moment, not Tarquin''s phone, but Elysia''s. ncing at the caller ID, she saw it was Keaton. With Tarquin''s phone off, Keaton had resorted to calling Elysia. Chapter 740 Tarquin groaned, "Just ignore it, no need to pick up!" "But what if it''s something urgent?" came the retort. Elysia slid the answer button, "Hello?" Keaton''s voice was polite but urgent, "Hey, Elysia, is Tarin with you? I need to speak to him urgently." Elysia nced at Tarquin. With no choice, Tarquin, still holding Elysia close with one arm, took the phone and grumbled, "What?" Keaton rattled off his concerns, clearly agitated. Tarquin replied nonchntly, "I''ve got four big boys!" "Yeah, I know, but I''m talking about¡ª" "I''ve got four big boys!" "Damn it, I know, but-" "I''ve got four big boys!" No matter what Keaton said or how passionately he argued, Tarquin stuck to his line. Finally, Keaton cursed under his breath and hung up. Handing the phone back to Elysia, Tarquin wore a smug grin, "He''s just jealous." Elysia was at a loss. Whether Keaton was jealous or not, she couldn''t tell; all she saw was Tarquin''s self-satisfaction. Pocketing her phone, she wrapped her arms around his neck and teased, "Don''t get too cocky. Suddenly having four sons means your responsibilities have quadrupled! You used to only provide for Elijah, and now there are four, which means your stress and expenses have skyrocketed! Four little money pits, think about the monthly costs! And they''re still young. In the future, they''ll need college, weddings, we''ll have to save for their houses and cars..." Tarquin listened quietly, debating whether to reveal his true identity to her. After all, the concerns she voiced were no issue for him! Not just four, he could support eight or more. And those kids are talented; they don''t need his financial support. "Elysia." "Yeah?" He looked at her, words forming in his mind. Mistaking his silence for worry, Elysia continued, "But don''t feel too pressured. Kids will find their own way. Our job is to raise them well, create a loving home environment. As for houses and cars, those are nice to have but not essentials. If we can afford them, great; if not, they can strive for themselves." Elysia was an optimist, believing parental love was most crucial. Because love shapes a child''s life! A loving environment promotes healthy growth, the greatest wealth for a child. As for financial capabilities, it varies. Parents should help if able, but if not, children can build their own futures. Children raised in love tend to turn out well, leading to better lives as adults. Tarquin sighed internally, stillcking the courage to confess. He imagined telling her: Elysia, my real name is Tarquin, not Tarin. I''m the CEO of the Bradford Group, the wealthiest man around, with more money than we could ever spend. How would she react? He couldn''t bear to think about it, so he decided not to reveal everything just yet. He''d find the right moment to tell her in private. "From now on, I''ll handle making money and providing for us. You just focus on spending." Hearing this, Elysia''s lips curled into a beautiful smile. Though she wouldn''t leave all the responsibilities to him, his words were a relief. Before, she bore the burden of raising children alone financially, physically, mentally. Now, she had someone to share the load. And from today, she no longer had to worry about losing her children to him, no more hiding and sneaking around, no more exhausting lies and excuses. What a relief... What bliss... Chapter 741 Elysia let out a sigh, "Alright, pull yourself together. We''ve got to see the kids." The mere thought of his children filled Tarquin with a blend of pride and joy. His incredibly smart and talented son was his own flesh and blood! Yet, he was also nervous, considering he had hurt their precious mom in the past. After all, he had never truly fulfilled his duties as a father over the years. Elliot, with his sharp intellect, must have figured out long ago that he was his father. Yet, theirck of initiative to acknowledge this bond clearly showed how much the kids harbored against him. "Are you worried the kids won''t like you?" Elysia saw right through him. Tarquin fretted, "I''m not a qualified father." Elysia cupped his face and nted a kiss, "I can assure you they don''t hate you. It was actually their idea for me toe clean to you today. If they despised you, they wouldn''t want me to be with you, let alone encourage me to open up. Don''t dwell on their current attitude towards you. Kids are simple-minded; they gravitate towards those who treat them well. As long as you truly love them, they''ll eventually reciprocate that love, just like how I love you." Tarquin was moved. It was him who had erred and her who had been hurt, yet she was the oneforting him. In her presence, he felt like a fragile soul. Her warmth, optimism, tolerance, and her entire being were simply enchanting. The kids were lucky to have her as a mother. And he, Tarquin, was lucky to have crossed paths with her. He gently brushed her hair behind her ear, looking deeply into her eyes, "Elysia, meeting you is the blessing of my lifetime." For the rest of my days, I shall cherish this serendipity! You were, you are, and you will always be the one for me! Only you! My life, my heart, my all, belong to you, Elysia! By the time they arrived at the hospital, it was already noon. Blossom had brought lunch over and was keeping the kidspany in the ward. After greeting the kids, Elysia took Blossom outside, leaving Tarquin alone with them. Outside the room, Blossom whispered, "I heard from Evan that you came clean today?" "Yes!" "Are you sure about this?" Elysia nodded earnestly, "Blossom, I love him. I don''t want to lose him. Despite the risks of being together, I can''t bear the thought of being apart." Blossom, excited, responded, "Girl, I support you! With how vast this world is and how rare true love can be, when you find the man you adore, you''ve got to hold on tight!" Elysia chuckled, and Blossom hugged her tightly, "Elysia, congrattions. After all the hardship, your family is finallyplete. Once you and that deadbeat husband of yours are officially divorced, you should marry Tarquin right away. I''ll be your bridesmaid!" That deadbeat husband... Elysia suddenly thought of Tarquin! She needed to hurry up and get a divorce from Tarquin... Inside the ward. Tarquin faced the little ones, and they stared right back. Silence filled the air, a stark contrast to the tearful reunion between Elysia and Elijah. In truth, Tarquin was thrilled and nervous, his back drenched in sweat and his heart pounding. He had a whirlwind of thoughts he wanted to share with his children, having mentally prepared himself on the way over. Yet, faced with his offspring, he was at a loss for words. Suddenly having a bunch of sons was certainly a joyous asion for him! But he also felt guilty; he had hurt their beloved mom and failed as a father. Compared to him, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett were much calmer since they had already known about their rtionship to him. They were neither surprised nor overly excited, maintaining a stoic demeanor. It was almost as if they were assessing him like inws scrutinizing a prospective suitor... As time ticked by, Elijah finally broke the silence. "Dad, did you exin everything about the past to mom?" Tarquin nodded, "Yes." "And did she forgive you?" "Yes!" Chapter 742 Elijah nced back at Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, knowing full well the questions he asked were intentional. He was acutely aware that Elliot, Evan, and Emmett''s feelings towards Dad hinged on Mom''s disposition. Since Mom had forgiven Dad, it was unlikely the boys would hold any grudge against him. After all, Dad was now Mom''s chosen one! As expected, Elliot was the first to speak up, his calm demeanor unfazed, "We''ve known you were our Dad for a while. The reason we didn''t acknowledge you was because of Mom. We love our Mom deeply. Anyone who hurts her bes our enemy, and anyone who treats her well earns our love. Now that Mom has decided to be with you, we''re willing to give you a chance too." Tarquin''s eyes lit up, but then Evan added with a furrowed brow, "eptance is temporary! As long as Mom loves you, we''ll tolerate you. But if Mom decides she''s done with you tomorrow, then so are we! The choice has to be Mom''s. If you dare leave her tomorrow, then expect a fight from me! After all, my attitude towards you is directly influenced by how you treat my mom. Make her happy, and I''ll make your life easy. Hurt her, and I''ll be your worst nightmare!" Tarquin: "..." He couldn''t help but admire his eldest''s straightforwardness, always ready for a brawl. Emmett, with his baby voice, chimed in, "Mom said she likes you, so I like you too. But you better not hurt Mom again. No making her cry. Mom''s the best, and if she stops liking you, I''ll stop too." Tarquin looked down at Emmett, lifting him into his arms and onto hisp, "Your mom is the best mom and woman in the world! I was wrong before, but I promise to love, cherish, and protect her twice as much from now on. I won''t let anyone hurt her again!" Then, turning to Elliot and Evan without expressing his deep paternal love, he simply said, "I formally request to join your ranks, to love, cherish, and protect her together. Will you give me a chance?" He knew the children''s greatest concern was Elysia. To love what they loved was the most straightforward way to show his love for them. Elliot didn''t immediately agree but looked towards Evan, whose displeasure with Tarquin was the most evident. Evan pouted and said begrudgingly, "...The club will tentatively ept you, but don''t get cocky. We''ll be watching you. Step out of line, and you''re out!" Tarquin smiled, "Fair enough, I sincerely ept the club''s scrutiny!" Evan pouted again, but extended a little hand, "Since you''re part of the crew now, let me introduce you to White, my brother and a member of the team protecting Mom. He''s your brother too, now." Tarquin cleared his throat, "... Your brother can''t be my brother. He''s more like a son to me." After saying this, he nced at the snake, White, wrapped around Evan''s wrist, feeling reassured. He knew about White; Elysia had lent it to Elijah before to cheer him up. It was Evan''s pet, his treasure. Evan''s willingness to introduce White showed that he was genuinely epting Tarquin, at least for the moment. "Cough, cough!" Elliot suddenly coughed. Tarquin''s attention immediately shifted to Elliot, concern written all over his face, "Are you okay?" Elliot shook his head, "It''s nothing." Tarquin quickly fetched a ss of warm water for Elliot, helping him sip it through a straw. Looking at his son''s frail and pale face, Tarquin''s brows knitted together in worry. Even before he knew Elliot was his son, he felt a pang of sympathy for the boy. Now, the feeling was intensified. Hurting Elliot was like hurting Elijah to him. This vengeance was personal. Tarquin, with a furrowed brow, asked, "Did you get a good look at the assant when you were attacked?" The subject shift to the assant instantly changed the atmosphere in the room, turning it serious. Chapter 743 After a brief silence, Elliot finally spoke up, "The attack came out of nowhere. I didn''t catch a good look at the attacker, but their aim was clear. It was premeditated, and the precision in their movements was that of a professional hitman!" Evan was puzzled, "But if they were a professional, why did they botch the job?" "They didn''t botch anything," Elliot exined. "They likely never intended to kill me. A professional would know exactly how to miss vital spots, to injure without killing." Tarquin felt a wave of guilt wash over him, his face the picture of remorse, "This is on me. The attacker was targeting me, to scare you guys, to make mom freak out." Elliot, half-reclining on the hospital bed, turned his head towards him and said frankly, "It involves you, but it''s not entirely about you. The real target seems to be to drive mom away from you. It''s less about targeting you and more about getting to mom. I suspect the attacker is..." "The mysterious stranger!" "Keith!" Father and son eximed in unison! After locking eyes for a couple of seconds, Tarquin frowned and said, "A lot has been going on. After you were injured and needed a blood transfusion, Keith suddenly showed up at the hospital. He''s a major suspect." Elliot also frowned, adding, "The mysterious stranger once said outright that he wanted to snatch mom away. He wants to break up you and mom, which gives him a motive." Elijah suddenly spoke up, "Is it possible that Keith is the mysterious stranger?" Tarquin and Elliot turned to look at Elijah, their brows furrowed in unison, "..." Elijah exined with a serious face, "Keith explicitly told dad that he would take mom away from him. That''s exactly what the mysterious stranger said! Plus, Keith clearly doesn''t like mom, yet he wants to take her away, which is just like the mysterious stranger. And Keith''s identity is well-protected, mysterious and elusive just like the stranger!" Lately, Elijah and Elliot had been trying hard to investigate Keith but came up with nothing! It was the same situation they faced when looking into the mysterious stranger: despite trying everything, they ended up with zero useful information! Given their capabilities, failing to unearth anything about Keith only suggested that he was no ordinary man! Moreover, Keith''s sudden appearance in Future Community, stirring up trouble without any clear motive for disliking mom yet wanting to take her away, was utterly baffling. The mysterious stranger had always given them a simr vibe! There were too many simrities between Keith and the mysterious stranger! Thus, Elijah suspected that they were one and the same! The hospital room fell silent for a moment before Elliot said, "Keith is definitely suspicious, but we have no evidence to prove he''s the mysterious stranger. So, for now, let''s not act against him or seek revenge on my behalf." He was specifically addressing Tarquin. With a heavy frown, Elliot continued, "There will be time for revengeter. For now, we need to figure out if he really is the mysterious stranger. If he is..." A fierce look shed in Elliot''s eyes, "If he is, then we''ll need to n carefully how to settle scores with him, old and new!" The debts of the past, poisoning Elijah, constantly threatening their mom, and now attacking him, all of it would be settled! Tarquin''s expression darkened. If Keith truly was the mysterious stranger, he couldn''t afford to act rashly! Setting aside the stranger''s years-long scheming, there was the issue of ''the daughter'' he couldn''t ignore. Since ''the daughter''s'' whereabouts were still unclear, and Elysia hadn''t known whether she was expecting twins, that lead had to be followed up with the mysterious stranger! If he and Elysia indeed had another daughter, she would surely be with the mysterious stranger now. That meant even more caution was needed, for his daughter''s safety... Chapter 744 Elliot was spot on; their priority should be to figure out if Keith was indeed the shadowy figure behind their troubles before even thinking about revenge! "But how do we go about investigating him? He''s got his information locked down tight!" Evan chimed in. Tarquin said, "I stumbled upon one of Keith''s hideouts a few days ago. Found a bunch of stuff there that could potentially uncover some of his secrets." He had the foresight to document everything before setting the cabin aze. Not only did he record the entire ce, but he also took detailed photos and videos of the items inside. And he didn''t stop there; he took many of those items with him for safekeeping. Elliot immediately suggested: "Find a way to show this stuff to Mom. She''s got a knack for psychology. If it''s from Keith''s hideout, it''s bound to reveal his secrets. Let Mom analyze it!" After a moment, Elliot added a caution, "Just don''t tell Mom it''s Keith''s stuff right off the bat. Let''s see what she can find first." Tarquin nodded, "Got it!" The father and sons huddled close, discussing the matter of Keith and the mysterious figure at length, enjoying each other''spany. United, the family stood ready to face the outside world together! Elysia, unaware of their detailed discussions, felt relieved seeing them get along so well. She didn''t harbor grand dreams of revenge. All she wished for was the wellbeing of her loved ones, Hoping for a harmonious family life, filled with peace and happiness. Right now, her focus was on getting a divorce from Tarquin as quickly as possible! Once divorced, she''d finally be free, able to openly and guiltlessly be with the one she loved, living their modest dream life. Just the thought brought her immense joy... At noon, Keaton called Tarquin, inviting him out. Tarquin''s unexpected emergence with three grown sons had turned high society on its head, with their circle of friends feeling the biggest impact! All of them, without exception, found themselves under pressure to marry and start families! Unable to stand the heat at home, they sought refuge in a private club to ''cry'' together. They all med Tarquin for their predicament! And they were genuinely curious how Tarquin managed to pull off having quadruplets! "If you don''te see us, we might just collectively lose it!" Tarquin retorted, "Whoever dies pays their own funeral expenses. I''ll cover the costs." "...Juste out for a bit! We''ll keep it short!" "No can do, I''ve got to spend time with the kids and their mom." Keaton cursed, "You''re totally prioritizing your love life over your friends!" Tarquin replied with disdain, "Exactly, and I see nothing wrong with that." After hanging up, he mused to himself, is there anything wrong with prioritizing love over friends? Not in the slightest! In the afternoon, Tarquin arranged for Elliot to be transferred to a private hospital owned by the Benjamin family, securing the best suite avable. As soon as they arrived, Elysia cautiously asked him, "How much is this going to cost us a day?" Tarquin, ying along, whispered back: "Before I hit financial rock bottom, I did a favor for the Lawson family, and since Benjamin and I go way back, he''s giving us a massive discount, only $100 a day." Tarquin conveniently left out a couple of zeros. Elysia was astounded, "That cheap?" "Yeah, quite the deal, right?" "It''s a steal! Goes to show, it pays to be kind. You never know when you''ll need a helping hand. You boys see that? That''s the benefit of helping others." The four little ones nodded in unison, "Mom''s right." Tarquin joined in, "Elysia''s right, whatever Elysia says, goes." From now on, in their household, Elysia''s word wasw. Whatever she said was right, without question! Chapter 745 As dusk settled in, Elysia busied herself with making a big batch of homemade pizza. It was the first day of a heartfelt father-son reunion, and under normal circumstances, they would have celebrated with avish dinner out. However, Elliot wasn''t feeling well enough to leave his hospital suite, so they decided to bring the celebration to him. The suite they were in was top-notch, costing a pretty penny per day, akin to a presidential suite in a luxury hotel - spotless, fully equipped, and stocked with high-end brands. The pizza-making turned into a family affair. Elliot, propped up in his hospital bed, took on the role of supervisor, while the other five got their hands dirty, filling the room withughter and chatter. After dinner, Tarquin needed to step out to meet a few influential figures. Some of them were leaving Jindale City early the next morning, and tonight was hisst chance to see them. Given the day''s unexpected events, he had been preupied with Elysia and the kids and hadn''t had a moment to meet these respected elders, who were like uncles to him. Out of both respect and affection, he felt it was important to see them. Elysia, understanding as ever, only cautioned him, "Try to smoke and drink less. They''re not good for your health." This simple reminder warmed Tarquin''s heart. Now, he too had someone to nag him about his health... With a big kiss on Elysia''s cheek and a light heart, he headed out, leaving her blushing and yfully cursing him as a "jerk!" As he stood smiling goofily by the elevator, Elysia shot him a re before turning back to the room. Upon entering, she found all four kids staring at her, leading to an awkward and collective denial of having seen anything. Elysia''s ears turned as red as her cheeks. In her mind, she scolded Tarquin for his shamelessness,beling him a cheeky rascal. That night, weakened by his ailment, Elliot went to bed early, as did Evan, Emmett, and Elijah, retreating to their own rooms. Once their door was shut, Evan hatched a n, "Cover for me, I''m sneaking out with White." "What for?" Elijah inquired. "Can''t sleep. Going to hang with the Bradfords," Evan replied with a mischievous tone. Earlier that day, the Bradfords had insulted not just him but also his mom, and Evan was not the type to let such slights slide. Understanding his brother''s need for retribution, Elijah didn''t try to stop him. "We''ll cover for you. Just be careful and call if anything happens." Nodding eagerly, Evan slipped out the window, making his way down the building with a grin. Meanwhile, the Bradford household was in turmoil, their moods as dark as a stormy night. They had spent the entire day trying to disprove the connection between Tarquin, Elliot, and Evan, but to no avail. Every piece of evidence confirmed that Elysia''s sons were indeed Tarquin''s. For the Bradfords, the emergence of Tarquin''s sons was nothing short of a nightmare. They had been eagerly awaiting Elijah''s demise, hoping for their own ascendancy. Instead, not only was Elijah still in the picture, but he also now had strong rivals in these newfound heirs. Despair, frustration, and jealousy consumed the Bradfords, while at the same time, Gideon, facing the prospect of having several great-grandsons out of the blue, should have been thrilled. However, his desperation for power, having once gone as far as to poison Elijah to secure it, left him in utter despair. Chapter 746 Now, even if Elijah couldn''t take over the family business, there were Elliot, Evan, Emmett to consider! He couldn''t handle one Elijah, and now with three more popping up, it was way over his head! Gideon spent a day irritated and without eating, his frustration only fueled further when his confidant added, "Sir, no matter how you look at it, that 10% share was promised to young master Tarquin in advance. He can''t just go back on his word. Maybe you should give him a call?" Gideon smashed his coffee mug on the spot, fuming, "Call for what? To be humiliated? Idiot!" Now that it was confirmed Elysia''s sons were of the Bradford bloodline, how could Tarquin possibly consider giving him shares or a ce in the family genealogy?! Thinking about that 10% share, it was like a punch to the gut, truly painful! His confidant shivered, quickly adding, ¡°It''s all Ms. Thorne''s fault, not saying anything earlier and choosing today of all days! If only she had waited till tomorrow, those shares would have been in our pocket." Gideon was furious too. If Elysia had spoken tomorrow, those shares would have been his, with no going back. Even if Tarquin was mad, there was nothing he could do but swallow the bitter pill! But now it had turned into a mess... The more Gideon thought about it, the angrier he got, until a thought struck him, narrowing his eyes, "I heard Tarquin hasn''t even started divorce proceedings yet. Doesn''t that make Elysia the other woman?" His confidant quickly responded, "Yes! And doesn''t that make Ms. Thorne''s sons... illegitimate?" Gideon, as if having an epiphany, smirked after a moment of thought, "Children born out of wedlock by a mistress have no right to be in the Bradford family genealogy! Go, contact the Thorne family, bring Tarquin''s wife back!" Once thewful wife was back, Elysia''s status as the other woman would be exposed, her children naturally branded as illegitimates. Being illegitimate was shameful, and the Bradford ancestors wouldn''t acknowledge them! If Tarquin still wanted them in the genealogy, he would have to stick to the original deal and give up the 10% shares! Not only would the shares be secured, but it would also be a chance to spite Tarquin. The mistress would be scorned by everyone, and with Elysia beingbeled as such, Tarquin would definitely be distressed! That was exactly what he wanted, to knock Tarquin down a peg or two! Feeling suddenly better, Gideon organized for someone to fetch Daphne from the Thorne family that very night! Gideon had never met Daphne, but he was well acquainted with her personal details. He had orchestrated Tarquin and Daphne''s marriage himself years ago to weaken Tarquin''s influence. He had even consulted with a master to deliberately choose a woman whose horoscope was said to dominate her husband''s, and who was astrologically ipatible with Tarquin - Daphne! He had someone propose quietly, not revealing his identity, but he offered the Thorne family a hefty dowry, hence they agreed to the marriage. Even though Tarquin had driven her awayter, they were never officially divorced! Daphne was still hiswful wife! Lawful wife versus mistress was a universally epted fight, and he was keen to see how Tarquin would handle this! Soon, the news spread across the Bradford family, and the revtion of Elysia being the other woman, and her sons being illegitimate, turned their grief into excitement. Everyone was buzzing again, ¡°Ah, the mistress, always a target, let''s see how Tarquin protects her now!" "A mistress'' children are illegitimate. Our Bradford family cannot allow illegitimates in our genealogy, nor do they have any right to our estate!" ¡°Right! Illegitimates are like strays, a bunch of embarrassments unworthy of the Bradford name! Let''s bring Tarquin''s wife back and give Tarquin and Elysia a piece of our mind!" Evan, overhearing this: "..." Mistress? Illegitimates? Going after his mom? Hmm Chapter 747 Evan was in a foul mood, and the consequences were dire for the Bradford family. Their house was about to experience a night of tumultuous events. Allegra, was enjoying her sleep when a horrendous smell jolted her awake. Groggy and confused, she barely had her eyes open when she was met with a face full of... poop. Yes, instead of the traditional birthday cake facial, Allegra got a fresh, steaming pile of excrement smeared all over her. "What in the world is that smell?" Allegra''s husband, awakened by the stench, turned to see a paper te smeared on her face and reached to remove it. "Ugh!" he couldn''t hold back and ended up vomiting all over Allegra. Secondster, Allegra''s scream nearly blew the roof off! Then there was Verity, the family''s second child, who had just dealt with a paternity scandal and had fainted from the shock. After being rushed to the hospital and narrowly saved, she woke up to more scandalous news about secret affairs and illegitimate children. She was just about to relish in the drama when she saw a head floating past her window. "Ahh!" Verity screamed at the top of her lungs. "What''s wrong, madam?" her confidant asked. "Ghosts! There are ghosts!" Verity screamed, pointing towards the window. Her confidant saw nothing but tried tofort her, suggesting it might have been her imagination. But as he spoke, a bloody, ghastly ''female ghost'' appeared again, only to vanish before Verity could take a good look. The ''ghost'' reappeared, pressing its terrifying face against the window, giving Verity a ghastly grin. "Ahh-" Verity screamed hysterically, fainting once more. The hospital room descended into chaos again. Outside, Evan perched in a tree, packed up his tools, and pouted, dissatisfied. "Boring. She fainted too soon. Can''t take a joke," he muttered, jumping down to find a new target. That''s when he decided on Gideon, who had been exiled from the family manor and was living in a vi by the hillside. Though not as grand as the Bradford family estate, it had its charms. Evan pondered with White, his pet snake, about how to spice up Gideon''s life. "Given his age, he must be craving some excitement. Let''s give him a thrill!" Evan decided, sneaking into Gideon''s vi to tamper with his wheelchair. "All set! White, go fetch him for a fun ride," Evan said before making his escape through the window, leaving White to slither onto Gideon''s bed. Gideon, troubled by his thoughts, had just fallen asleep when he sensed something was off. Opening his eyes, he saw White, hissing with its red tongue, eyes glowing ominously. "Ah!" Gideon yelled, "Someone help!" His aide rushed in, "What''s the matter, sir?" "There''s a snake!" "A snake? Where?" By then, White had vanished. The aide searched to no avail, "Sir, perhaps you were dreaming? We''ve taken measures to keep snakes away from the vi." But the night was far from over, and Evan''s mischief had only just begun. Chapter 748 Gideon''s face was as pale as a sheet, his breathing rapid and shallow, "I saw it clear as day, a little ck snake, definitely venomous! We need to search, get everyone to search!" Gideon couldn''t bring himself to sleep anymore, so he summoned a bunch of servants to hunt for the snake. Unsure if the snake was still lurking in his bed, he had his confidante help him into his wheelchair. Then, the chaos ensued! No sooner had he settled down than the room erupted with the sound of a DJ''s rap, "Yo, yo, check this out..." Everyone: "?!?" The next second, Gideon''s electric wheelchair seemed to take on a life of its own, moving rhythmically forward, backward, left, and right along with the beat of the music! It was like it was dancing! Gideon clung to the armrests, his pupils dted, "What''s happening? Help me out of here!" Just as people rushed to assist, the wheelchair began spinning in ce at breakneck speed, making it impossible for anyone to intervene! After spinning wildly for a bit, it abruptly stopped, nearly catapulting Gideon out! Now dizzy and disoriented, Gideon''s attempt to get help was cut short as the wheelchair took off again, crashing into things inside the house! After a cacophony of crashes and bangs, the wheelchair, with Gideon still in it, burst out of the mansion! It careened down the mountain road! Gideon and his servants were terrified! After all, Gideon was over seventy years old, a senior citizen speeding down a mountain road in a wheelchairte at night... Thrilling, but terrifying! Gideon screamed as he hurtled down the mountain in the out-of-control wheelchair. His servants chased after, yelling, "Sir, Sir..." Evan, hidden in the shadows, was thrilled beyond belief. Turning to White, coiled around his wrist and looking up at him, he said, "He''s way more fun, isn''t he? Far more than anyone else. Honestly, he should be thanking me. At his age, to experience such excitement? Only I could give him such a thrill!" After his fun with Gideon, Evan racked his brain to remember who else had been loud or talkative that day... But he couldn''t quite decide. There were a few he recalled, but none he really knew. So, in the spirit of fairness, he joyfully went after the Bradford family for a bit of fun. He yed until the wee hours before heading back to the hospital. Coincidentally, Tarquin had just returned as well! Elysia was in the bathroom, and after checking on Elliot, Tarquin pushed open the guest room door to check on Evan, Emmett, and Elijah. Just then, he saw Evan, who had just returned from his escapade, standing by the window, about to jump in. Father and son locked eyes, a silent standoff. "What''s going on? Haven''t they fallen asleep yet?" Elysia emerged from the bathroom, curious about Tarquin''s stationary figure by the door. Hearing his mother''s voice, Evan panicked, his heart racing, frozen in ce. He had snuck out, afraid of his mother''s reaction. As Elysia approached, Tarquin turned and said, "No, just felt a bit thirsty." "Thirsty? I''ll get you a ss of water," Elysia said, not thinking much of it, and headed to the kitchen. Tarquin then narrowed his eyes at Evan. Evan climbed through the window, cautious under Tarquin''s gaze. After a few seconds of silentmunication, Tarquin lowered his voice, "Go wash up and get to bed." With that, he turned and left. Evan: "?!" What did he mean? Why didn''t he ask anything? And he didn''t snitch or expose him; he even covered for him! Chapter 749 Evan felt a little tug at his heartstrings, though he never knew that his dad''s silence was due to his eagerness to be by his mom''s side. Tarquin was a bit tipsy, having indulged in quite a few drinks that night. He wasn''t drunk, just pleasantly buzzed. All he could think about was Elysia. Elysia was still in the kitchen getting water when Tarquin approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her and resting his chin in the crook of her shoulder. Even though they had been together for a while, this intimate gesture still made Elysia''s heart race. Pushing him away would only make her seem prudish, so she braced herself and asked, "Have you been drinking?" Tarquin''s warm breath tickled her ear as he replied, "Yeah, had a get-together with a few uncles. Keaton and the guys cornered me, insisted I drink. Wouldn''t let me leave otherwise." "What could they possibly want, keeping you there sote?" "Nothing really, they just knew I missed you and the kid. Used it to ckmail me into drinking. But I know my limits, I didn''t get drunk. Just missed you a lot while I was out..." As he whispered, his lips brushed against her earlobe, sending shivers down her spine. Elysia, fearing he might lose control, quickly stepped out of his embrace and turned to face him, pushing a ss of water towards him, "Drink some water!" Elliot was still in the hospital room, and she didn''t want to get overly affectionate in front of their child. Tarquin took a few sips from the ss she held, then ced it on the counter and pulled her into his arms again, "Elysia..." Elysia squirmed a little, "Stop it, Elliot''s still in the room." "Just a hug," he murmured softly, his voice filled with tenderness. Elysia stopped resisting. "You must''ve had quite a bit to drink, feeling sick? I don''t have any hangover soup here, but if you''re not feeling well, I can order something for delivery." "I''m not feeling bad. I just wanted to hold you, Elysia. I''m really happy today. Really happy. The uncles said I''m as lucky as my dad for finding a good woman. But I think I''m luckier than my dad. He only had one son, but I''ve got four!" Elysia joked, "Four kidse with their own set of pressures! Are you hungry? I''ve got some dumplings left over from dinner in the freezer, or if you''d prefer, I could make you some pasta. There''s some in the fridge." Tarquin shook his head, then said, "It feels so good to be loved, cared for, and cherished." Elysia paused, a frown crossing her face as her heart squeezed a little. It was just routine care, and yet it moved him so deeply, clearly starved for affection. Those sensitive to love oftencked it... She had heard bits and pieces about his past from Elijah: losing both parents at a young age, taken in by the Bradfords but never truly loved, surrounded by wolves in sheep''s clothing. Feeling a surge ofpassion, Elysia wrapped her arms around him, gently stroking his back tofort him, "No matter what happens, I''ll always be by your side, for life." Tarquin looked up at her, his eyes brimming with emotion. Overwhelmed with feelings of joy and gratitude, he sealed his emotions with a kiss on her lips. Elysia was startled at first, instinctively checking on their child. Seeing Elliot fast asleep, she gradually rxed, though notpletely, as if they were having a ndestine affair. It was only when they were on the verge of losing control that Elysia stopped him, "Enough, I''m going to check on Elliot." She pushed him away and hurried to the bedside, her cheeks flushed with color. Tarquin watched her, swallowing hard several times before grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, unscrewing the cap, and gulping down the entire bottle to calm his nerves. He then approached Elliot''s side, checking on the little one before turning to Elysia, Chapter 750 "Tonight, I''ll stay up with Elliot. You head off to bed in the next room," Tarquin offered before Elysia could object. "Let me spend some quality time with my son. Give me a chance to show what I''m capable of," he added. Elysia hesitated, then agreed, "Alright, but call me if anythinges up. You should also try to get some rest. Usually, Elliot sleeps through the night without any issues." "Okay." Elysia got up and made her way to the adjacent room. Ever since Elliot fell ill, she hadn''t had a proper night''s sleep. The room had an attached bathroom where she took a quick shower before lying down. Just as she settled in, Tarquin appeared at the doorway. Surprised, Elysia asked, "Aren''t you staying with Elliot?" "He''s asleep. I thought I''d spend some time with you," Tarquin said as he climbed into bed beside her, pulling her close. "Elysia, why do you smell so amazing?" he murmured, his voice thick with desire. Elysia''s heart skipped a beat, then raced. She knew Tarquin had been wanting more from their rtionship. Ever since they had opened up to each other, his desire had been palpable. And tonight, with the slight buzz of alcohol, his restraint seemed thinner. They were both adults, and they had been intimate before. There shouldn''t be anything to fuss over. But Elysia felt uneasy. After all, she was still technically married. She wanted to wait until after the divorce, to give herself to him without any guilt or strings attached. Tarquin, however, was bing restless, his kisses wandering, his hands starting to roam... Elysia quickly caught his wrist, "I...I''ve told you, I want to wait until after the divorce." Mention of the ''divorce'' sobered Tarquin up a bit. "Still unwilling to tell me who he is?" he asked after a pause. Elysia stood her ground, "I''ll handle it myself." After all, this was Tarquin, the CEO of the Bradford Group. Engaging with him in any sort of conflict would only end badly for the average Joe. Revealing her soon-to-be ex-husband to Tarquin would mean dragging him into a battle he was bound to lose. So, she preferred to keep Tarquin out of the divorce proceedings, fearing he might get hurt. "What if he keeps stalling the divorce?" Tarquin pressed. Elysia sighed, wondering why her estranged husband would drag things out. "I''ve got a n to finalize the divorce. I''ll reach out to him tomorrow. Please, let''s not discuss this further." Tarquin studied her for a moment, "What''s this n?" Elysia remained firm, "Don''t worry about it. Just give me a little more time. If I can''t persuade him to agree to the divorce, I''ll tell you everything, okay?" Tarquin was visibly frustrated but knew he couldn''t force her to disclose more. "One week," he conceded. "If he hasn''t agreed to a peaceful divorce by then, you''ll tell me, and I''ll take care of it." Elysia nodded, "Agreed." Determined to not drag this out any longer, she resolved to have the divorce finalized within the month. Sensing her distress, Tarquin kissed her forehead gently, "Let''s try to get some sleep." After Elysia fell asleep, Tarquin got up to check on Elliot, stopping by the kitchen to grab a bottle of ice-cold water. The thought of Elysia''s stubborn husband filled him with rage. The man who had thrown Elysia out, tarnishing her reputation, and now dragging his feet over the divorce. Damn him. Sooner orter, Tarquin was determined to confront the man and settle the score once and for all. Chapter 751 Elysia Thorne woke up before dawn, startled from her sleep. Realizing she was still in bed, she quickly got up to check on her son. Tarquin Bradford was still by the hospital bed, surprised to see her up so early, "Awake already?" Elysia''s focus was on her son, "Yeah, just woke up naturally. How''s Elliot doing?" "He''s been quiet, sleeping soundly." Elysia checked Elliot''s pulse to make sure everything was normal before she could rx. "You should get some rest, Tarquin. I''ll stay with Elliot." Her words were polite, but Tarquin couldn''t help but chuckle, pinching her cheek, "Still half-asleep? Forgot Elliot is my son too?" "Huh?" "Why the thanks? He''s my son too. You''ve been taking care of him for years without a word ofint. Why would I find a single night hard?" Elysia froze for a moment before awkwardly smiling, "Guess I got too used to handling everything on my own, forgot I''m not alone in this." Tarquin gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, his eyes filled with affection, "He''s our son. Whatever it is, we''ll face it together from now on. You''re not alone anymore." It was still dark outside, but Elysia felt like she''d just had a sweet treat, her heart blooming with warmth, "Alright, but you need to rest too. Staying up all night isn''t good for you." "I''m not tired yet. I''ll rest when I feel like it. You should go back to sleep for a bit." After saying that, he kissed her forehead. Elysia blushed, instinctively ncing at Elliot before scolding him softly, "Don''t start with that in front of our son." Tarquin grinned, revealing a set of perfect white teeth, "Can''t help wanting to kiss you..." His actions became more suggestive as he gently caressed her cheek, his gaze turning fervent. Elysia''s heart raced, dodging the conversation, "I''ll go freshen up. Then it''s your turn to rest." Tarquin watched her graceful exit, his throat bobbing as he stood up and followed, quietly closing the door behind him. The temperature in the guest room seemed to rise... Standing at the bathroom sink, Elysia''s heart pounded, "What are you doing here?" "Elysia..." His intentions were clear. Her heartbeat quickened. He had tried to be yful before bedtime, and she had declined. Now, he seemed eager again. "I''ll just wash my face to wake up fully, then it''s your turn to rest with Elliot." As Elysia turned on the tap, Tarquin moved closer, seeking a morning kiss. Elysia, back turned, trembled slightly, "It''s still dark outside." Tarquin stood behind her, hands on the countertop, encircling her between his arms and the sink, "Forget the morning kiss. How about just a kiss?" With his warm breath on her ear, Elysia''s heart fluttered. Wanting to quickly send him away, she turned and pecked his cheek. Unsatisfied, he persisted. Blushing, Elysia turned around, tiptoeing to kiss his lips lightly. She intended it to be brief, but he suddenly took the lead, deepening the kiss... "Elysia, let''s just get a divorce," he said after they parted. His voice was husky, filled with unspoken yearning, painfully endearing. Elysia knew what he meant and how he felt, her face flushed and heart in turmoil. They had just reunited as a family, and he was clearly happy. Having had a few drinks, his desires were heightened. After being pushed away once, she couldn''t bear to reject him again. His restraint was out of respect, understanding, and care for her... She understood him, cared for him, and his difort pained her. So, trembling, Elysia took the initiative... When Elysia woke up again, it was already past nine in the morning, unaware of when she had fallen asleep. The first thing she saw upon waking was Tarquin. He was leaning over, sneaking a kiss. Elysia opened her eyes, startling Tarquin. But he didn''t back away, instead cheekily kissing her once more, smiling, "Awake? Hungry?" He was brimming with energy, visibly delighted! Elysia''s mind raced with fragmented memories, herst clear memory being his voice calling her name... Feeling parched and pushing him away to sit up, she asked, "Why are you here? Where''s Elliot?" "Benjamin Lawson took him for a check-up. Evan, Emmett, and Elijah are ying games. I came to see if you were awake. Did you sleep well? Want to sleep more?" "No, I''m actually quite hungry. Can you make me something to eat? I''lle out in a bit." "Sure!" Tarquin kissed her again before leaving, his spirits soaring. Elysia, once alone, hurried to the bathroom to wash her face and calm down. Instead of heading straight out, she paused in the bathroom to reflect on her marriage with Tarquin. Her desire for a divorce was stronger than ever. She couldn''t keep him in suspense... His patience was out of love and respect for her... Feeling for him, Elysia made a call to the Royal Community, "Please tell Tarquin, if he agrees to a divorce, I''m willing to..." After stating her terms, Elysia hung up, sighing with a mix of relief and determination. Convinced her offer would tempt Tarquin, she awaited his response, unaware of the call he was about to receive. Chapter 752 Just as Tarquin was about to answer his phone, Evan came looking for him. The little guy, with his big eyes twinkling, approached him with a bit of hesitation, "I wanna talk to you." Tarquin''s handsome eyes narrowed... Without a second thought, he hung up the call from Royal Community. Didn''t even bother to answer. His mind was swamped with thoughts of Elysia and the kids, along with Keith and the mysterious man, his daughter, and Elysia''s deadbeat ex... Hepletely forgot that he himself was married, with a wife he had never met. She was never on his mind, invisible like air, forgotten in his daily life. Tarquin pocketed his phone, turning all his attention to Evan with a look of affection, "What do you wanna chat about?" Evan nced towards the guest room, worried Elysia might overhear, and lowered his voice, "Aboutst night, don''t tell Mommy, okay?" Tarquin agreed readily, "No problem. But... you gotta tell me the truth. Was it you who caused all that chaos at the Bradford estatest night?" He had recently heard the news that the Bradford estate had gone nuts! Crying, fainting, the works! Gideon Bradford had wheeled himself down a hill in a frenzy, followed by a horde of servants - the scene was more dramatic than a movie. His wheelchair flipped, sending seventy-something Gideon flying into ake. He didn''t die or get much hurt, nor did he pass out, but from the hospital visit till now, not a sip of water, not a word, just in shock. Allegra Bradford was wailing and vomiting in a loop, after supposedly eating something disgustingst night. Verity Bradford was even weirder, fainting and waking on repeat, looking for reasons to faint rather than stay awake. And the rest of the Bradfords? The women were howling like banshees. The men seemed to have lost their minds, with some being so scared they couldn''t "stand up" anymore. Some found their kitchens reeking at night. Others discovered their homes invaded by hundreds of mice - a total nightmare. All in all, a night the Bradfords would never forget. Evan pursed his lips, "It was me. They were badmouthing my mom and brother! I just wanted to give them a piece of my mind, without getting physical." Tarquin thought, "..." He knew it. No one but Evan could''ve pulled off such a spectacle. "Don''t rat me out to Mommy." Tarquin nodded, "I won''t tell your mom. I think you did the right thing. If someone doesn''t bother you, you don''t bother them. But if they cross the line, they can''t be let off easy! The Bradfords started it, you getting back at them isn''t wrong." Evan''s eyes sparkled, and Tarquin continued, "But I gotta remind you, there''s always a bigger fish. Just because you''re tough doesn''t mean you should be reckless. Whatever you do, be careful and protect yourself first. Your parents gave you your body and health, keeping yourself safe is the best way to show love for your mom. She tells you not to fight because she''s worried about you, she''s looking out for you." "I know! My mommy is the best!" Tarquin added, "She''s scared for you, so it''s right not to worry her with some things. But from now on, you can keep things from her, not from me. Tell me first, and we''ll face it together." Evan looked at him, his dark eyes rolling thoughtfully. Tarquin said, "I can fight too. I can be your backup, and if things go south, I can take the me. I''m the adult, you''re the kid. Elysia will definitely scold me, not you. Not only can I take the me, but I''ll also cover for you and handle the aftermath so Elysia won''t find out. So, if you include me in your ns, it''s all benefit, no loss, right?" Tarquin knew how to charm a kid. With that speech, Evan was both touched and excited, nodding in agreement, "Deal. If I have any trouble, I''ll tell you. And if you''re really that reliable, I''ll have your back too when you need it." Tarquin smiled, "Deal!" When Elysia came out after getting ready, she saw them chatting andughing together. Her curiosity shifted from the events ofst night to their conversation, "What are you guys talking about?" Evan blinked, unsure what to say, while Tarquin spoke up, "Evan really likes me. He said you did right by choosing to be with me. He wishes us a lifetime of happiness." Evan shot him a look, his lips twitching. Dad was fibbing - he hadn''t said that! Even though they''d reached somemon ground, the jury was still out on dear old dad! Chapter 753 But right now, Evan couldn''t defend himself because he was still feeling guilty about hanging out with the Bradfordsst night. All he could do was pout a little in agreement and quickly scampered back to his guest room after greeting Elysia. Evan was so focused on giving the Bradfords a taste of their own medicine that hepletely forgot to mention anything about mistresses or illegitimate children. Elysia, curious, asked, "Evan''s always had quite the opinion about you. What did you say to him that made him change his mind?" Tarquin, with a smile, replied, "I just told him how much I love you, and Evan, touched by it, changed his stance." Elysia: "..." Tarquin, with adoring affection, pinched her cheek and took her hand, leading her to the dining room for breakfast. He was in such a good mood, almost eager to spoon-feed Elysia, showering her with love. The more he did this, the more Elysia blushed with embarrassment, almost wishing she could disappear. But since she couldn''t actually vanish, all she could do was re at him whenever he insisted on feeding her... ... The Bradfords had been causing a ruckus all night. After failing to find the culprit, they directed their anger toward Elysia. Without any evidence, they used Elysia of being behind everything! They even rationalized their usation, iming that although Tarquin had the means, such pranks weren''t his style. If Tarquin were to act, at the very least, it would result in severe injuriessting days! But the incidents fromst night didn''t cause any physical harm, only deep disgust and fright! Clearly, it was a high-level prank! They believed that with Tarquin''s support and her grievances against the Bradfords, Elysia had a clear motive! This only made them loathe Elysia even more, itching for revenge! They were even more desperate to find Daphne Thorne, hoping to use Daphne''s status as the rightful wife to deal with Elysia properly! To the Bradfords'' disappointment, Gideon''s efforts to locate her overnight were futile! Neighbors mentioned that the Thornes had moved away years ago. The Bradfords, frustrated and furious, issued a strictmand to find Daphne at all costs. They wanted to get rid of Elysia but were wary of Tarquin, so they pinned all their hopes on finding Daphne. Elysia was oblivious to all of this, let alone their frantic search for Daphne. All she could think about was divorcing Tarquin. Unfortunately, the conditions she confidently presented were met with silence. Tarquin didn''t rush to contact her as she had hoped! After two days without any word from the Royal Community, Elysia began to panic. That morning, with Tarquin away on urgent business, Blossom Blythe came to visit. Unable to hold back, Elysia vented to Blossom, "Iid it all out for him, and he still ignores me. Does he not care about his leg at all? To the point of not treating it just to avoid divorcing me?" Elysia was aware of Tarquin''s disability even before their marriage. The matchmaker had informed the Thornes that the groom was disabled, hence the generous dowry. This was why Daphne refused to marry, and why her foster parents forced her into the marriage as a substitute. All this time, Elysia had been pondering how to persuade Tarquin to divorce, eventuallying up with this n. She was skilled in medicine and thought she might cure Tarquin''s leg condition. She hoped to use this as leverage in negotiations. She assumed that someone who had been disabled for so long would be eager to stand again. But reality proved her wrong; Tarquin seemed indifferent. Blossom suggested, "Is it possible he''s already healed?" "I heard he was seeking treatment abroad back then and didn''t seed." "It''s been over six years since then. It''s possible he''s already recovered, or else he wouldn''t be so indifferent." Elysia frowned, realizing that after six years, Tarquin, with his wealth, could have indeed found a cure. If he was already healed, she had even less leverage for negotiation. Suddenly, Blossom mentioned, "Didn''t you say your husband prefers men? Elysia, you don''t think you''re his beard, do you?" Elysia: "?!?" Blossom continued, "It seems highly likely. He likes men but doesn''t want outsiders to know, so he uses marriage as a cover!" Elysia''s frown deepened; this possibility seemed all too real. "No, I must talk to him about this!" "Do you know where he is?" Elysia''s lips moved slightly. She didn''t know his whereabouts, but she knew where he worked! She decided to confront him at the Bradford Group. Chapter 754 Blossom said with a determined look, "If you know where he is now, I''ming with you to find him!" Elysia refused, "I''ll go by myself. You stay at the hospital and help me take care of the kids." She didn''t want Blossom getting involved in her messy situation with Tarquin, much like she didn''t want Tarin sticking his nose in. For them, the less they knew, the safer they were. If things really went south with Tarquin, didn''t that just mean dragging them down too? So, she was adamant about handling the divorce on her own, at least for now. Blossom, worried, said, "That ex-husband of yours is a real piece of work. Are you sure you can handle him alone?" "I''m not going to start a fight; I just want to talk to him calmly," Elysia reassured. "Alright then, but keep your phone on. Call me immediately if anything happens. And remember, if the talk goes south, juste back. Don''t try to stand your ground against him alone. Safety first. If things really go sideways, we''lle up with a new n together." "Got it!" After making up an excuse to tell the kids, Elysia left the hospital. She hadn''t mentioned the divorce to the children, feeling it was an adult matter and not wanting to worry them. Meanwhile, the kids were all caught up with the mysterious figure and Keith, oblivious to Elysia''s distress over her crumbling marriage. After Elysia left, Blossom, still uneasy about the whole situation, secretly dialed Tarquin. In her eyes, Elysia''s ex was the worst of the worst, and she feared what he might do if provoked. Tarquin was shocked, "When did she leave?" "Just now." "By herself?" "Yes, Elysia insisted. I''m worried about her facing that jerk alone. He''s been dragging his feet on the divorce. Can you think of any way to protect Elysia? Should we call the police first?" Tarquin frowned, "You keep an eye on the kids. I''ll handle Elysia''s situation. I won''t let anything happen to her." Hanging up, he immediately dropped everything, grabbed his car keys, and stormed out. Lowell tried to follow, but was firmly told to stay. Tarquin was determined to handle this personally. Not only did he intend to protect Elysia, but he also wanted a clear look at the man who had been a thorn in his side for too long. It was time for a direct confrontation. Without alerting Elysia, Tarquin discreetly tracked her location and followed. He feared she might back out if she knew he was involved, given her reluctance to drag them into her personal issues. Following the busy streets, Tarquin noticed Elysia''s taxi heading towards an unexpected destination: the Bradford Group''s headquarters. Puzzled, he thought, "Why there? She''s supposed to be meeting that scumbag of an ex. What business does she have at the Bradford Group?" Despite his confusion, he kept tailing the taxi until it stopped right in front of the Bradford Group''s imposing skyscraper. From his car, Tarquin watched with a mix of confusion and concern as Elysia stepped out, looked up at the towering building, and seemed to be taking in the sight of the corporate giant''s headquarters. Chapter 755 Tarquin couldn''t shake off the suspicion that the scumbag worked at hispany. But he had heard from Elysia that her husband was disabled, and to his knowledge, there were no disabled employees at headquarters. Yet, Elysia wouldn''t havee for no reason... Tarquin was puzzled about where the problemy. He stayed in his car, watching quietly from a distance. Unaware she was being followed, Elysia stood in front of a grand and architecturally stunning skyscraper, feeling intimidated. Thisndmark business tower, which obviously screamed wealth, belonged to Tarquin! Rumor had it that just this headquarters building alone cost billions! Compared to Tarquin, Elysia felt less significant than a speck of dust! She wondered what Tarquin saw in Daphne... Given his wealth and power, one would expect him to match with a high-society heiress, right? But then again, if Tarquin truly preferred men and needed a beard, choosing a woman from outside their elite circle might make more sense. Someone from a humbler background would be easier to manage. Taking a deep breath, Elysia thought about how different their worlds were: hers so ordinary, and Tarquin''s, unimaginably elite. Two people who should have had nothing inmon were married! Fate had a strange sense of humor! Elysia wouldn''t have dared toe directly to him if she wasn''t desperate. She had a man she loved, a child, and a desire to build aplete family with Tarin, which meant she couldn''t be Tarquin''s beard. She had to talk to him! This marriage had to end! Elysia timidly walked towards the entrance, feeling small but determined. As expected, a security guard stopped her at the door. "Good morning, ma''am. May I ask who you''re here to see?" "I... I''m here to see Mr. Bradford." "Do you have an appointment?" "No, I don''t, but it''s urgent." "I''m sorry, ma''am. Without an appointment, I can''t let you in," the guard said, his tone professional, his face unreadable. Elysia couldn''t reveal her rtionship with Tarquin; she could only say, "Could you please tell him that a woman named Elysia is looking for him? He''ll want to see me if he knows I''m here." She hoped Tarquin woulde out to see her now that she was at his office doorstep. But the guard maintained his stance, repeating, "Without an appointment, I''m unable to disturb Mr. Bradford. If it''s truly urgent, please schedule a meeting." So, even a message couldn''t get through. Elysia didn''t realize that someone of Tarquin''s stature wasn''t easily essible to just anyone. It wasn''t possible for a stranger to seek Tarquin and be granted an audience just like that. Otherwise, Tarquin would be swamped with requests! Tarquin was a financial mogul; countless heiresses and high-flyers were lined up to meet him, yet only a few got the chance. Feeling defeated, Elysia muttered an apology and walked away. Since she couldn''t go in to find him, she decided to wait outside for him! He had to leave the office eventually, right? Elysia was determined to see him today, no matter what! Just as she was scouting for a good spot to wait, a familiar voice caught her off guard, "Elysia?!" Her heart skipped a beat upon hearing that voice. Shocked, she turned towards the sound and saw a familiar face! Chapter 756 Although the face before her had changed, as if touched by the skillful hand of a stic surgeon, Elysia recognized her instantly. After all, they had shared two decades of life together. Elysia knew her more intimately than anyone else. The woman in question was Daphne, Elysia''s sister, whom she hadn''t seen in six years. The long-lost wful wife'' of Tarquin Bradford that the entire Bradford family had been desperately searching for, and here Elysia stumbled upon her, right in front of the Bradford Group''s towering skyscraper! Their eyes met, and shock mirrored in both their gazes. Clearly, neither had expected this chance encounter! After a moment, Daphne, d in her towering high heels, sauntered over, arms crossed, her attitude as disdainful as ever. "Well, well, if it isn''t the little tramp herself! I thought my eyes were deceiving me!" Her words wereced with venom as she scrutinized Elysia from head to toe, her jealousy of Elysia''s beauty barely concealed behind gritted teeth. "You ungrateful snake! After all these years the Thorne family took you in, and you had the audacity to vanish without a word six years ago! We should''ve adopted a dog instead!" Elysia''s brows furrowed, her breathing quickened from the emotional turmoil. Overwhelmed, she found herself speechless, her lips trembling, unable to form words. Seeing Daphne brought back a flood of painful, repressed memories, reminding her of the dark times within the Thorne household... The two girls who emerged from the Bradford Group building with Daphne nced at Elysia, curiosity piqued. "Annie, who''s this?" they asked. Annie was the new nickname Daphne had adopted. After Elysia''s escape, the Thorne family, fearing the scandal of the arranged marriage would be exposed, cut ties with her and nned to marry her off to some secluded vige, to an old bachelor desperate for a wife. Once Elysia had fled, the family, still wary of their secret being discovered, quickly took the dowry and fled abroad. Only recently had they returned, not daring to reim their old lives, but instead settling in Jindale City to make a new start. Daphne was here today for a job interview at the Bradford Group! Having spent a few years at a less-than-reputable overseas university, she unted her status as an international student, believing herself to be above the rest. She had set her sights on the Bradford Group, convinced that only a corporate giant and a sophisticated CEO like Tarquin deserved her ''talents''. Unaware of the Bradfords'' identity, the Thorne family had been led to believe they were marrying Daphne off to a wealthy, disabled old man, thanks to the dowry and the vague details provided by the matchmaker. Daphne, with a sneer, told her friends, "We once took in a stray, no, even a stray dog would show gratitude, unlike her. We gave her everything, and she repaid us with disgrace, marrying a disabled old man for his money, then cheating on him and getting pregnant with another man''s child. The old man kicked her out in a fit of rage!" The girls tsked in unison, "Not even an old man could stand her, must be quite the yer." "She looks so innocent, but who knew she''d be so scandalous. Just goes to show, you can''t judge a book by its cover." Daphne eyed Elysia mockingly once more, "Six years, and you''re still dressing like a pauper. What are you wearing? Can''t even spot a brand logo. Did you snag that outfit on a clearance sale or fish it out from a thrift shop?" Byte April, Jindale City had shrugged off the chill of winter. Elysia was dressed in a simple cream-colored midi dress under a camel long coat, her feet adorned in a pair of genuine leather low-heeled shoes. Chapter 757 Elysia made a special effort to dress a bit more formally for her meeting with Tarquin, opting for an ensemble that screamed understated elegance. It was a gift from Tarquin himself, from the same exclusive tailor he frequented. This was not your run-of-the-mill brand; it was a high-end, bespoke service where money alone couldn''t secure you an appointment. To Daphne and her clique, who couldn''t spot luxury unless it was branded across the front, Elysia''s outfit might as well have been picked up from a thrift store. They scoffed at her, convinced she was living in squalor. Without uttering a word, Elysia found herself the target of Daphne''s ridicule. "You here for a job interview with the Bradford Group? What, you think this is some kind of shelter for strays? As if they''d let just anyone in. This is the Bradford Group, the cream of the crop, not some ce for.....trash like you." Her posse chimed in, questioning Elysia''s qualifications. Daphne sneered, "She dropped out after a year of college. Doesn''t even have a degree." Laughing, another added, "High school diploma and she thinks she can get into the Bradford Group? Dream on. Even us with our fancy international degrees don''t have it easy." A third remarked, "Saw security stopping her earlier. With her background, she''s hardly fit to step through the door." Daphne, feeling superior, went for the jugr, "And where''s your little mistake? Too ashamed to bring him along? You should''ve gotten rid of it when you had the chance, you..." Her taunt was cut short by a p that echoed through the air, leaving a red mark on her face. Elysia, breathing heavily and eyes aze, stood her ground. "My ties with the Thorne family were severed the day I married! You may have raised me, but we both know the truth of how I was treated. My conscience is clear. I owe the Thorne family nothing! I''ve had no dealings with you for six years. To me, you''re nothing more than strangers now. If you dare try to harm my child, I will fight you with everything I have. Never underestimate a mother''s love." With that, Elysia turned to leave, wanting no further conflict with the Thorne family. Yet, the sight of them still stirred a deep ache within her. "Trash, stay right where you are!" Daphne screeched, as her friends blocked Elysia''s path. "Think you can hit me and just walk away? Who do you think you are?" They lunged at Elysia, intent on grabbing her by the hair, but a sudden force sent them sprawling to the ground, nursing their wounds and cursing under their breath. Their anger dissipated into shock upon seeing Tarquin. He wrapped his arms protectively around Elysia, his gaze burning with fury as he faced Daphne and her crew. "The courage she hases from me! What are you going to do about it?" Chapter 759 They turned away a woman who could publicly lead the CEO around by the nose! And after refusing her entry, they ogled her for a good while, even sneaking in a few whispers: "Man, thatdy is stunning." Holy smokes, just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine! A few young security guards were scared out of their wits and rushed to report the incident to the head of security. The head of security, shaken up as well, immediately contacted the executive office. Soon enough, the news reached Lowell''s ears. Lowell, upon hearing it, pressed his lips together and said to Tarquin''s assistant, "Those guys at the door really have some nerve! They actually dared to turn away the boss''sdy. I wouldn''t dare!" The assistant, shivering with fear, asked, "The boss''sdy? Ms. Thorne is our boss''sdy?" Lowell didn''t respond directly, piquing the assistant''s curiosity. Unable to hold back, he asked, "Hasn''t Mr. Bradford been looking for his son''s mother? How did he end up with Ms. Thorne? What''s the deal between her and Mr. Bradford?" After a moment of thought, Lowell said, "Don''t pry into things you shouldn''t, but you guys have to know, Elysia, she''s your boss''s queen bee! The big cheese!" The assistant: "!!!!!!" After turning her away, Lowell hurriedly called Tarquin to report the situation. Tarquin, his mind preupied with Elysia, didn''t answer and hung up. He could tell Elysia was in a bad mood, a really bad mood. Wrapped in a shroud of oppressive and negative emotions, she let out a sigh of relief as soon as their car left the Bradford Group and asked why he had suddenly shown up there. He lied, saying he had business dealings with the Bradford Group and just happened to see her while he was there on some business. She immediately furrowed her brows, nervously saying, "Try to minimize dealings with the Bradford Group in the future." He asked, "Why?" She didn''t answer, resting her head on his shoulder with her eyes closed, clearly not in the mood to talk. He was full of questions but didn''t dare ask. All he could do was hold her close, quietly keeping herpany. As they neared the hospital, seeing that she was still not in good spirits, Tarquin softly asked, "Do you want to go straight to the hospital to see the kids, or would you rather rest somewhere first?" Elysia opened her eyes to look outside and said, "Let''s not go to the kids just yet." She was in no state to see them; it would only worry them. "Shall I find a ce for you to rest first?" "Okay." There was a hotel nearby. Tarquin booked a room and took Elysia to rest. Upon entering the room, Elysia went straight to bed, not bothering to wash up or change her clothes,pletely deted. Tarquin felt sorry for her but was clueless about what was troubling her. He could only lie beside her, holding her, and silently apany her until she fell asleep... After making sure she was sound asleep, Tarquin carefully withdrew his arm, tiptoed out of bed, and tenderly touched Elysia''s face before tucking her in. He then took his phone and left the room. Stepping out of the bedroom, his expression immediately darkened. Frowning, his face grim, he stood on therge balcony of the top-floor suite. From here, he could see the Lawson family''s hospital and distant mountains. Tarquin lit a cigarette and took a few puffs before calling Lowell. He inquired about what Elysia had said to the security guards and also asked for information about Daphne and the others! He could tell Elysia''s mood today had something to do with those women! Lowell first recounted the incident with the security guards. Tarquin was surprised, "She went to the Bradford Group to see me?" "Yeah, that''s what the security at the door said." Tarquin: "..." She wasn''t going to see her husband? Why did she want to see me? Chapter 760 Was her no-good husband actually working at hispany? Elysia couldn''t track him down to sign the divorce papers, so she was nning to have a word with him, his boss, to put some pressure on that deadbeat? Tarquin mulled it over for a moment but couldn''t quite grasp what Elysia was up to. He didn''t take it out on the security guard either. After all, the guard wasn''t aware of Elysia''s status; keeping her out was technically the right move. "Make sure everyone gets the memo. If Elysiaes looking for me again, let me know immediately. Whether I''m in the office or not, she gets ushered into the lobby. We can''t have her waiting outside!" "Got it." "Did you finish looking into those three women?" "Yeah, they were here for interviews today, all of them studying abroad, one just got back from overseas. The other two have been back for a couple of months." Tarquin''s expression darkened, "Do any of those three have beef with Elysia?" "Two of them have no connection to Ms. Thorne, but the one who just got back, Annie, we''re still digging into her. There''s something fishy about her identity." The Thorne family were no fools; before heading abroad, they had a hacker mess with their identity records to avoid any blowback if the arranged marriage fiasco ever came to light. So, when Lowell started digging, he couldn''t trace anything directly to her. The investigation was ongoing. Tarquin frowned, "Send me whatever you''ve found so far." "Will do." After receiving the digital files from Daphne, Tarquin studied them for a while. There was no mention of ''Daphne,'' just an English name: Annie. Tarquin didn''t recall her at all. When Gideon had suggested he get married, he was abroad. Gideon had indeed sent him Daphne''s picture, but he hadn''t spared it a nce, merely noting the name: Daphne. Knowing Gideon was up to no good, he naturally didn''t care about Gideon''s arrangements. However, upon learning that the woman had been bought with money, he did feel a twinge of sympathy for her. Two years of marriage, and though he hadn''t gone back to see her or paid any attention to her life, he made sure she didn''tck for anything. They were strangers with no grievances; there was no reason for him to torment her. Of course, there was no love between them, and he had always nned on divorcing her! Agreeing to the marriage and even sustaining it for two years was due to timing issues. He was still strategizing, not yet ready to outright confront the Bradford family. Once he had taken over the Bradford Group and returned from abroad, his first thought was to divorce her. To restore her independence andpensate her generously. It was only upon his return that he discovered she was not the virtuous woman he had imagined... Looking at the file of a woman he didn''t recognize, Tarquin frowned and dialed Blossom, "I''d like to talk about Elysia..." Elysia''s demeanor today had left him concerned, more sorrowful than angry, and he suspected it had something to do with this Annie. Without Elysia saying anything, he hoped to glean some insights from Blossom. Twenty minutester, Blossom showed up at the hotel cafe. Tarquin was already waiting in the booth, and from a distance, Blossom felt that familiar mix of awe and intimidation. Not because he was terrifyingly handsome, but his aura was intimidating, radiating a ''keep out'' vibe that chilled to the bone. Knowing he wouldn''t hurt her did little to ease Blossom''s apprehension. Sitting down across from him, she greeted him politely, then sat up straight as if she was a middle-schooler in front of the principal. Her fear was matched only by her eagerness for news about Elysia, "So, did Elysia and her good-for-nothing husbande to an agreement?" Tarquin didn''t bite, instead signaling the waiter to take Blossom''s order. He had dropped his guard around Blossom, treating her with an unexpected kindness. Even though he was aware of a potential connection between Blossom and some unknown party, he hade to see her genuine care for Elysia and the kids. Blossom wasn''t the enemy. Chapter 761 After Blossom had picked out her drink, Tarquin went ahead and ordered them some snacks. Blossom, curious, asked, "More food, huh? nning on making this a long chat? What about Elysia?" That''s when Tarquin chimed in, "She''s upstairs sleeping. Didn''t catch her husband today." "Oh? Why not? That jerk still not willing to give Elysia a break?" Tarquin shot back, "Her husband, he''s got ties to the Bradford Group?" "The Bradford Group? What''s that scumbag got to do with them?" It was clear she had no clue. Tarquin probed further, "Did she ever mention anything else about him?" Thinking for a moment, Blossom recalled, "Oh, right, her husband''s into guys!" "Into guys?" Tarquin was taken aback. "Yeah! Elysia told me. I bet that jerk''s dragging his feet on the divorce just so he can keep Elysia as his beard. To cover up his thing for guys." Tarquin frowned, all too familiar with the term "beard." A beard is a woman married to a gay man, someone used as a cover-up, a victim sacrificed for the sake of secrecy. Beards are helpless, pitiable. They''re either deceived their whole lives, never receiving love from their husbands, or they discover the truth and are left in despair. If Elysia''s deadbeat husband truly preferred men, that would exin his reluctance to divorce. But that meant Elysia was the one suffering. Annoyed, Tarquin''s brow furrowed as he sent off a message to Lowell, "Check who in thepany is gay, ASAP!" Putting away his phone, Tarquin calmed down for a moment before showing Blossom Daphne''s information, "Do you recognize her?" Blossom nced at the photo and her info for a while before shaking her head, "Don''t know her." Blossom and Winona Newsom had only met Elysia in college, aware only of her three terrible rtives, nothing more. Since the Thorne family didn''t reside in Jindale City, she''d never met them. Winona, however, had encountered the Thorne family once, a memory Blossom vividly remembered. It was a Saturday, and Elysia was working her usual part-time job at a local caf¨¦. The Thorne family barged in demanding money from her, with Winona happening to be there. That day, following a dispute over Zane, Winona had argued with her parents. They disapproved of Zane, calling him a social climber unsuitable for ady of Winona''s stature, insinuating he was after her wealth. Winona, sharp yet hopelessly romantic, had fallen hard for Zane, determined he was "the one," regardless of anyone''s opinion. In the throes of love, she couldn''t stand any criticism of Zane, leading to a fallout with her parents. She stormed out, seeking sce with Elysia at the caf¨¦. As the Thorne family stormed in, demanding money and hurling insults, calling Elysia ungrateful, Winona was shocked. While most parents support their children''s education, the Thorne family was the opposite, not only refusing to contribute but also demanding money from Elysia! Elysia, still a student, obviously had none to give. When Elysia refused, the Thorne family threatened to cause a scene at her school, ensuring everyone knew of her "ingratitude." Winona''s sense of justice was outraged. Ignoring Elysia''s protests, she generously handed over a thousand dors to the Thorne family. The scene that followed was chaotic... The Thorne family left, pleased with the money, while Winona, rejecting Elysia''s attempt to repay, tore up the IOU and tossed it in the trash. She then, in her seven-centimeter heels, chased after the Thorne family, leaving the caf¨¦ behind. Chapter 762 Winona was someone who didn''t mess around. She wore her heart on her sleeve, and if someone crossed her or those she cared about, they''d better watch out. Messing with her sisters? Oh, hell no! It didn''t matter who you were, not even if you were the adoptive parents. No one got a free pass! When Winona lost her cool, the Thorne family found themselves on the receiving end of her wrath. She didn''t just stop at a verbalshing; she called the cops on them, using them of extortion and assault. The Thorne family was left licking their wounds, but they weren''t going down without a fight. They protested their innocence in front of the officers, their pride unwavering even in the face of adversity. The Newsoms might not have been old money, but they were loaded. Ridley and Caroline Newsom were livid when they saw their darling daughter injured and the Thorne family still daring to argue. They immediately got theirwyers involved, determined to pin the extortion charges on them. Seeing they had bitten off more than they could chew, the Thorne family finally showed fear, apologizing and begging for mercy through their tears. Winona hadn''t intended to throw them behind bars; she just wanted to give them a scare, a little payback for Elysia. After warning them to never bother Elysia for money again, she not only reimed the ten grand they had taken but also managed to squeeze a hefty sum out of them for "medical expenses." All that money? She handed it over to Elysia. After that ordeal, the Thorne family didn''t dare show their faces around Elysia''s school again. Mention Winona, and the Thorne family would shiver in fear. Winona had made a name for herself; she was their nightmare. Thanks to her, Elysia could finally enjoy her college life in peace. Blossom only found out about the whole sagater on. So, when she was looking at Daphne''s photo, she didn''t recognize her. But when Tarquin finished recounting what had happened today and Elysia''s state afterward, she immediately said, "This woman must be Elysia''s sister!" "Sister?" "Yeah, the daughter of Elysia''s adoptive parents! Elysia only gets that mix of sadness and anger when she talks about them." People usually stirred anger in her, but the Thorne family was different... Because there had been love, there was also grief. Elysia had lived with the Thorne family for twenty years, initially seeing them through rose-colored sses, loving them with all her heart. Their journey had reached this point because, over time, Elysia had umted enough disappointments. Every disappointment was a wound. Eventually, battered and heartbroken, she had severed ties with thempletely. But the love and the pain had been real, which is why seeing the Thorne family now brought more sorrow than anger for her. Blossom said, "Elysia was adopted by ke and Juliet. Not long after she was born, her biological parents mysteriously vanished, leaving her an orphan. As it happened, ke and Juliet couldn''t conceive, so they adopted Elysia. Then, the next year, they had a daughter of their own..." Even though Blossom had never met the Thorne family, she knew plenty about them. Talking about the harm they''d caused Elysia made her visibly angry, her hands shaking and her eyes red with emotion. "Winona and I often wish we could wield a huge sword and take them out for good! They''ve gone too far! It''s a miracle Elysia made it through with them. Given that toxic home environment, I wouldn''t have been surprised if Elysia turned into some kind of vignte..." Tarquin listened quietly from across the table, his expression solemn. He seemed to have started smoking at some point, one cigarette after another... By the time he and Blossom parted ways, the ashtray was overflowing. He usually refrained from smoking in public, his manners impable, but today was different. Hearing about the injustices and pain Elysia had suffered, he lost hisposure. Outwardly calm, his heart was in turmoil. He had long been acquainted with the darker sides of human nature, not easily shocked or surprised. Yet, what had Elysia done to deserve such malice? Why should someone as kind as her endure such intense hatred? When Tarquin returned to his room, he found Elysia curled up in bed, crying in her sleep as if caught in a nightmare. Chapter 763 "I didn''t do it, I swear... Please, don''t hit me... Dad, stop, it hurts, it really hurts..." Tarquin''s brow furrowed with concern as he rushed over and wrapped his arms around her, "Elysia!" It was as if a jolt of electricity shot through her, her body trembling violently as she fought back, "Don''t hit me! Get away from me!" But Tarquin held her tight, his heart breaking into pieces. Those damn Thorne family monsters! "Elysia, it''s me! Wake up-" Tarquin clung to her, calling out, hoping to snap her out of the nightmare. After a struggle, Elysia''s eyes fluttered open, tears veiling her vision. She looked around, timid and cautious, her eyes wide with the fear of a little girl who''s just experienced something terrifying. "Elysia..." Tarquin''s heart ached for her. Elysia stared at him for a moment, as if recognizing him for the first time, and then burst into tears, burying herself in his embrace as if seeking refuge, "I had a nightmare, a terrible nightmare..." Tarquin felt a lump in his throat, his eyes swelling with tears, overwhelmed with empathy. He hugged her close, trying hard to keep his own emotions in check, his voice husky withfort, "Don''t be afraid, I''m here now. No one will ever hurt you again! You have me, you have the kids, we''ll protect you... It''s okay now..." Elysia cried in his arms, a horrific dream dragging her back into her past. What she had endured as a child was a blur, forgotten and obscured. Since she could remember, she had already been covered in bruises and wounds. To her parents, disciplining her was as routine as dinner. Her face often swollen, her body a canvas of blues and purples. keshed out at her when work went south. Juliet hit her when money was tight and she couldn''t afford her favorite dresses or jewelry. Daphne''s mischief and poor grades would somehow always end up being Elysia''s fault in the eyes of ke and Juliet. It seemed that whenever someone in the Thorne family was upset, Elysia was their target. Living on leftovers, wearing Daphne''s hand-me-downs, even being punished to stand or kneel outside in thunderstorms and snow - it was all too common. As a child, she didn''t understand what domestic abuse was, or that she could seek legal protection. She endured it all alone, hiding her tears in secluded corners. She couldn''t cry out loud, couldn''t let the Thorne family see her tears, for it would only bring more violence. As she grew, so did her awareness to protect herself. School issues even brought police attention once. The Thorne family, under various pressures, finally refrained from hitting her for no reason, turning instead to relentless verbal abuse. Mocking her as a bastard, a slut, a worthless dog, an ungrateful wretch... Despite everything, they allowed her to attend school, though with even more disdain. No tuition, no living expenses, not a dime for her to spend. From middle school to university, she survived on schrships and the kindness of others. She studied with desperate intensity, knowing education was her only escape from that cold, indifferent home. But brilliance wasn''t her gift; relentless effort was her only path... Receiving her university admission letter, she cried for hours, a mix of pain, relief, and joy flooding through those tears. She had once truly loved the Thorne family - they were her parents, her family. How could she not? But after each betrayal, her heart withered. Now, she felt nothing but indifference towards the Thorne family. The love she once had was eradicated by their own hands, leaving no trace behind. Yet, seeing Daphne sometimes reignited those old feelings of pain and injustice... So, she still felt sad, still felt heartbroken, still ached inside. Chapter 764 Elysia found sce in Tarquin''s embrace, her tears eventually subsiding as she took a deep breath and revealed to him, "The woman we saw today was my sister, from the family that raised me. We haven''t seen each other for years, and seeing her out of the blue overwhelmed me... I... I''ve had a troubled rtionship with them." Tarquin held her tighter, nting a gentle kiss on her forehead, his hand soothingly stroking her hair. He offered her silence - aforting, epting silence. If Elysia needed to share her pain, he was there to listen, to be her sanctuary. And if she chose to keep her scars buried, he wouldn''t pry, wouldn''t force her to relive her anguish. Sniffling, Elysia opened up to him, "When I was eight, I came home from school, backpack and all, only to be met with a p from my dad that sent me crashing to the ground. I couldn''t help but cry from the pain, which only fueled his anger, prompting him to hit me harder. My mom came out, saw me, and joined him as if I were the gue. Iter found out my sister had broken her arm ying that day, and coincidentally, it was the anniversary of the day they took me in. They took out all their frustration and anger on me. At ten, I was punished for doing well on a test, something that made my sister, who had failed, jealous. She threw boiling water at me, and instead of consoling me, our parents scolded me for outshining her and inciting her jealousy. My rebuttal earned me a night kneeling in the pouring rain. When I was fifteen and got epted into a prestigious high school, they told me education for girls was useless. They wanted me to work in a factory to support them in old age. Refusing made thembel me ungrateful in front of the whole vige. By eighteen, they tried to sell me off for money to a man with mental challenges, convincing me to marry him and bear his children. It was my teachers and the school that saved me. When I turned twenty..." Elysia trailed off. That year, they had forced her into a marriage of convenience. That was the year she lost all hope, fulfilling their wishes by marrying in her sister Daphne''s ce, severing all ties and repaying their so-called kindness. But she hadn''t mentioned how this arrangement had entangled Tarquin. Changing the subject, Elysia spoke of her love for Emmett, "Do you know why I love Emmett so much? He''s like me, growing up without parents. I''ve been soaked to the bone in the rain; I don''t want that for Emmett. I want to be his shelter, to give him all the love and protection I can muster. I hope when he grows up and learns he''s not my biological child, he remains positive and optimistic. His childhood memories should be filled with love and happiness, not like mine..." To grow up without biological parents wasn''t the fear; it was growing up in an environment devoid of love that was truly terrifying. Tears welled up in Tarquin''s eyes as he tenderly kissed Elysia''s forehead and eyes. He despised the Thorne family for their cruelty, the injustice fate had dealt Elysia, and even himself for inadvertently adding to her miseries. Holding her close, he finally spoke, "They don''t deserve to be called your family. You don''t need to yearn for their love. They may not love you, but we do. The kids and I, we''ll cherish you always!" At his words, Elysia nestled closer into his arms, her voice breaking, "Tarquin, after I divorce, let''s get married." Tarquin''s heart skipped a beat at her proposal. Elysia continued, "My childhood home was a house of horrors, far from a sanctuary. I was so unhappy. I''ve always dreamt of a happy, loving home, one filled withughter every day." Chapter 766 It was just after six in the evening when Elysia, having freshened up and steeled herself emotionally, and Tarquin made their way back to the hospital to be with their son. No sooner had they stepped out of the hotel''s grand entrance than they were confronted by the Thorne family! Somehow, the Thornes had gotten wind of their whereabouts and had descended on the hotel in force. Not only had the immediate family shown up, but they had also brought along a dozen menacing-looking brutes with them! Upon seeing Elysia, ke and Juliet Thorne disyed none of the surprise or joy one might expect from parents seeing their daughter after six years. Instead, their eyes widened in astonishment at the sight of Tarquin, whose striking looks and noble demeanor clearly set him apart from the ordinary. Unfamiliar with Tarquin and emboldened by their numbers, the Thorne family didn''t take him seriously. "So, who''s this? Your new boyfriend?" they sneered at Elysia. Elysia, who had just managed topose herself, felt her emotions crumbling at the sight of ke and Juliet. After all, they had once been a significant part of her life, the people she had loved and called mom and dad. Tarquin, sensing the tension, narrowed his eyes at the Thornes, gripping Elysia''s hand tightly for support. "It''s none of your business!" Elysia snapped, her brow furrowed. The Thornes bristled at her defiance. Juliet scowled, but before she could retort, ke erupted, "Insolent girl! Is that any way to speak to your parents?!" Elysia had once been as meek as a kitten around them, taking any abuse without a word. But now, she dared to talk back! "The nerve!" Elysia scoffed. "Whose parents? Who''s your daughter? I cut ties with the Thorne family long ago. We''re nothing to each other now!" Juliet gritted her teeth, "After all the years we''ve raised you, you think you can just sever ties like that? We took you in before you were even a month old, raised you through hard times. Even a dog knows to show gratitude!" ke didn''t mince words, "Enough with the chatter! Elysia, if you want to cut ties, fine, but pay up first! Settle every penny we spent raising you. Otherwise, I''ll spill all your dirty secrets to him!" Elysia knew their visit boded no good. "Looking for money? You''ve got the wrong person! You have no right to demand anything from me. As for my past, I''ve already told him everything. There''s nothing left for you to say." Daphne, unable to contain herself, cut in, "He knows? Yeah, right!" She couldn''t believe that a man as handsome as Tarquin would be interested in someone like Elysia, who had once sold herself in marriage to an ailing, older man for money and had a history of infidelity. Unless he was in the dark about her past. Turning to Tarquin, Daphne sneered, "Did you know she married an old cripple for his money? That she cheated on him during their marriage? She''s been with so many men, she might look innocent, but she''s nothing but a tramp. Did you know?" Daphne was convinced no man of Tarquin''s caliber would stay with Elysia once he knew the truth. She was certain she was the only one worthy of a man like Tarquin. Even if he didn''t see her that way, she wouldn''t let Elysia have him. Jealousy seethed within her as she saw them together. "And Elysia, this wretch, even had a bastard child-" Elysia, incensed by the insult to her child, raised her hand to strike, but Tarquin caught her wrist. Confused, Elysia looked at him. "Why are you stopping me?" "I don''t want you to hurt your hand," Tarquin replied coolly, his gaze turning icy as he fixed the Thornes with a menacing re. Sensing the situation turning against them, ke hastily called over their thugs, threatening, "I''m not going to lie to you. I''ve gambled away a fortune, and these men are here to collect. They''re dangerous, willing to do anything. I''ve told them if I can''t pay up, they can take my daughter as payment. So, you either give us the money, or they take Elysia away!" Chapter 767 A few bulky thugs were eyeing Elysia and Tarquin with a menacing look. It was clear ke wasn''t lying; they were here to collect a debt! Pay up or hand over someone as coteral! ke used to be just an average Joe, ying cards, sipping beers at the local pub. But after hitting it big with a lottery windfall, he transformed overnight into a wealthy man, and his vices only grew worse! Gambling became an addiction, and within a few years, he had squandered all his money and racked up a massive amount of debt with sky-high interest rates. Their return to the country was driven by their inability to stay abroad any longer due to financial troubles. But as soon as theynded back home, local loan sharks were already on their tail! Facing the impossibility of repayment, ke was ready to gamble with their lives until he heard from Daphne that Elysia had been spotted! He concocted a n to shift the debt onto Elysia. Elysia could either pay up or pay with her body! After all, in his twisted logic, since Elysia was "tarnished" and they had raised her, it was only natural for her to bear the family debt. Elysia trembled with rage. Six years had passed, yet the Thornes were as vile as ever! Just as she was about to suggest calling the police, Tarquin suddenly spoke up, "You want money, huh? I''ve got it. How much do you need?" ke''s eyes lit up at the mention of money, "Ten million, do you have that?" "Sure do," Tarquin replied with ease. The Thorne family was ecstatic, but Elysia red at them, "What are you talking about? He said ten million, not a thousand! Even if you had it, you shouldn''t give them a dime! Why should they get your money? They..." Tarquin gently pulled her aside and whispered, "Elysia, you should head back first." Elysia was anxious, "If we''re going back, we go together! This is outright extortion, we should call the cops!" Tarquin nodded, "I know, and we will call the police, but even then, it will take time to sort this out. The kids are waiting at the hospital for us to join them for dinner. Go back to them; I''ll handle this." "But..." "The kids miss you. Plus, Benjamin mentioned he''d change Elliot''s bandages today. Don''t you want to see how his wound is healing?" Elysia frowned, torn between her concern for the situation and her desire to return to her family. Tarquin reassured her, "Don''t worry, our money needs to be spent wisely. I''m not going to give them a cent. My offer was just to buy us some time until the police arrive. I''ve already called them." "But what about you, with all those men..." Before Elysia could finish, her phone rang. It was Elijah, "Mommy, when are youing back? We miss you. Emmett is crying. Can you pleasee back soon? He won''t eat until you return..." Tarquin''s eyes narrowed, knowing the call was his doing, a gentle nudge to persuade Elysia to leave. He reassured her again, "I''ve already alerted the police. I''ll stay to cooperate with them. There''s no need for you to stay. Go back to the kids..." It took a while for Tarquin to finally convince Elysia to leave. With Tarquin staying behind and promising to deal with the debt, the thugs didn''t stop her, and neither did the Thorne family. As soon as Elysia left, Tarquin''s demeanor changed drastically; his face turned ominous, almost as if he became a different person! He turned to face the Thorne family, his eyes cold and menacing! The Thorne family gulped in fear! Just as ke attempted to speak, Tarquin pulled out his phone and made a call, "Prepare ten million in cash. Deliver it to the OmniAuspice Hotel!" Chapter 769 Juliet instantly shielded Daphne, raising her voice in protest, "No hitting! So she said some mean things, we can apologize, or let you hurl insults back, okay?" Tarquin frowned deeply, "So it''s always been Elysia who took the beatings?" That was indeed the case, and Juliet along with ke remained silent. With a dark expression, Tarquin stated, "When you guysy hands, it''s a p across the face, but my people? They might just break her." ke gasped, wanting to retort but didn''t dare. Anyone casually throwing around millions clearly wasn''t to be messed with. Gritting his teeth, ke raised his hand and pped Daphne hard! The p was so forceful it knocked her to the ground! Daphne fell, sitting on the floor, covering half her face in disbelief, "Dad! You hit me?!" This was the first time ke had hit her; it had always been Elysia before. Juliet rushed to her daughter''s side, fuming at ke, "Are you insane? Why would you hit your own daughter?!" ke, too, was heartbroken and snapped, "All she does is spew insults. It''s because she''s been spoiled rotten. A p will teach her a lesson, make her think twice before speaking recklessly!" Juliet, tears welling up in her eyes, responded, "But that''s no reason to hit someone. An apology would have sufficed, look at her face, it''s swollen. She''s grown so much, and I''ve neverid a hand on her, how could you?" "That''s your chance then, you hit her!" Tarquin said coldly. Juliet was taken aback, "What?" Tarquin dered, "One p is definitely not enough, keep going." Juliet was shocked, "You want a mother to hit her own daughter? How could you be so heartless? Yes, she was wrong to insult your son, but she''s already been pped!" Tarquin, cutting to the chase, warned sternly, "If I''m not satisfied with how this is handled, none of you are leaving this room!" ke, fearing the loss of the money at stake, wanted to quickly appease Tarquin to leave with the cash. He could only vent his frustration on Juliet, "I''ve always said not to spoil her! You never listened, and look where that''s gotten us! She needs to be disciplined! Hit her! If you don''t want all three of us to end up dead here, you better do it!" Daphne was terrified, "Dad! Mom..." Seeing her daughter''s pitiful state, Juliet couldn''t stop her tears, "I, I can''t do it." Tarquin signaled his bodyguard with a nce. The bodyguard stepped forward, forcibly grabbing her hand to strike! "Smack! Smack! Smack-" With each p, Daphne and Juliet wailed out loud. The room echoed with the crisp sound of ps and the heart-wrenching cries of mother and daughter. The atmosphere was grim, unsettling. Daphne''s face hurt! Juliet''s hand hurt, her heart ached even more! ke watched, his eyes brimming with tears... For Juliet, having to physically discipline Daphne was more painful than death itself! For ke, watching his daughter take hits without being able to do anything was unbearable. He wished he could gouge out his eyes. They had struggled to have Daphne, and they had never had the heart toy a hand on her! Even when Daphne was mischievous as a child, they would vent their frustration on Elysia instead! "Stop, please stop! I''m begging you..." Daphne screamed, Juliet cried out for mercy, but Tarquin remained indifferent. He just sat back on the couch, legs crossed, smoking a cigarette with an impassive expression. They had always chosen to hit Elysia, sparing their own daughter, but today, he''d make sure they had their fill! By making Juliet strike with her own hand, and ke witness it all, he aimed to inflict pain. To make them hurt, make them feel the agony! Chapter 770 After what seemed like an eternity, Daphne''s face was swollen, her lips bleeding, and she had passed out! Juliet''s hands were swollen from hitting, and she was sobbing so hard she could barely breathe, her heart shattered into pieces! It was only then that Tarquin called a halt. Ignoring her own throbbing hands, Juliet wrapped her arms around her daughter, crying as if her soul was tearing apart. Red-eyed, ke asked, "Can we leave now?" Tarquin flicked his cigarette ash, barely ncing at him through lifted eyelids. Leave? Not a chance. What came next was designed to cut to the bone. Tarquin dered, "For insulting my son, you owe a million! For insulting my partner, another million!" ke was livid, "You''ve beaten my daughter to a pulp, and now you''re demanding money?!" "If you don''t want to pay, her tongue will suffice," Tarquin retorted coldly. ke gasped, the thought of forking over money he had just secured was like signing his own death warrant! Turning to the enforcers demanding debts, ke said, "He just said this ten million is mine, it''s my money! If he takes it, I won''t have anything to pay you with! Help me get the money out, and I''ll throw in an extra half-million for you!" ke hoped to enlist these debt collectors to stand up to Tarquin. But before they could act, Tarquin''s bodyguard had the lead collector in a chokehold! A single wrong move, and his neck could be snapped! Realizing they were outmatched, none dared to move. Swallowing hard, ke resignedly opened his suitcase, pulling out two million for Tarquin. As quickly as it had been packed, it was now painfully slow to withdraw. No sooner had ke taken out two million, Tarquin continued, "For Elysia''s broken arm at 8 years old, ming her without reason, deduct a million!" "When the Thorne family made her kneel in the rain all night at 10, another million!" "At 15 years old... deduct a million!" "...another million!" "...a million!" "...a million!" Before Tarquin could finish listing their crimes, the ten million was gone! Tarquin signaled his men to take all the money, while ke clung to the suitcase, his eyes wide with terror, "This is our money, you can''t just take it!" The bodyguard disregarded him, forcefully taking the suitcase full of money. Juliet sat on the ground, holding her unconscious daughter, wailing like a banshee, as if her heart had been ripped out. ke sat down too, feeling utterly hollow, his eyes the very picture of despair. The joy at seeing the money was now matched by their utter destion. Having and then losing was worse than never having at all; the pain was more excruciating than a slow cut. This was Tarquin''s intention all along! To lift them to the heights of joy, only to brutally drag them down again! Only now did ke realize the trap; Tarquin had never intended to give them the money. It was all for Elysia''s sake! Before ke could react, Tarquin added, "You think you''ve only lost ten million? The Thorne family has lost half its economic empire! I care for Elysia, what''s mine is hers. Had you truly cared for her, a hundred billion would have been nothing!" ke was staggered, "A hundred billion? Just who are you?" "Tarquin." ke''s eyes nearly popped out, "You''re the CEO of the Bradford Group? The richest man alive?" Tarquin nodded, delivering the final blow, "Congrattions, you were almost the father-inw to the wealthiest man. Sadly, you were just a bit short!" In that moment, ke felt as if he had gained and then abruptly lost something monumental. Chapter 771 Tarquin''s voice was icy as he spoke, "Elysia has been a blessing to the Thorne family, a stroke of luck you guys didn''t even deserve. And yet, you squandered it, destroyed it with your own hands. I should have been showing you respect, but now, all I want to do is make you suffer." ke''s face drained of color. Juliet, overwhelmed by emotion, let out a shriek and burst into tears again... It was as if fate had dealt the Thorne family a winning hand with Elysia, and yet, they had yed it so terribly wrong. Seeing their despair and agony, Tarquin felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. He casually pushed his suitcase, which rolled smoothly over to a group of tough-looking men who were clearly there to collect a debt. "Tell your boss," Tarquin said coldly, "I''m offering five million for their sorry lives. I don''t care how much they owe you or what you want to do with them, but they need to stay alive." Death would be too kind, too easy an escape for them after over two decades of tormenting Elysia. They deserved to suffer for at least four decades more. Getting directly involved in their punishment was beneath him - leaving it to their creditors was the perfect solution. It ensured they''d have no good days ahead and kept them far away from Elysia. ke and Juliet, terrified, began to beg for mercy. "You can''t do this to us, the Thorne family. After all, we raised Elysia. We might not have been perfect, but we did our part, we..." Tarquin''s re silenced them instantly, "If I hear another word, you''ll wish you had no tongue! My Elysia is no longer any concern of yours." ke and Juliet were speechless. Tarquin extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray and stood up, heading for the door. "Oh, son-inw, you can''t just abandon us," ke called after him, shamelessly trying to cling to Tarquin. Lowell kicked him away, "Get lost!" Wishing for a son-inw''s support without even having a daughter''s affection to offer in return - absurd. After Tarquin left, the Thorne family was roughed up by the debt collectors and shoved into a van to be taken away. ke and Juliet were filled with regret. If only they had known who Tarquin really was, they would have never alienated Elysia. Elysia, with her kind heart and strong family values, could have been easily appeased. Winning her over would have meant securing Tarquin''s favor as well. The thought of having the wealthiest man as their son-inw had once thrilled them beyond measure. But now, facing their grim reality, they were filled with despair and regret so intense, it was almost unbearable. If only they hadn''t discovered this shocking truth; the ignorance would have been blisspared to this torment. Fearing further consequences and looking at Daphne, who was still unconscious, Juliet, in desperation, suggested, "We can''t let them take us. We''ll be tortured to death! Especially Daphne, she''s young and beautiful, she... maybe we should contact him, he owes us, he''ll surely..." "Shut up!" ke hissed. "You want to make a deal with the devil? Are you out of your mind?" "Then what do we do? Maybe we should reach out to the Newsom family. Their daughter hasn''te home; aren''t they worried at all? They..." ke, seething with frustration, whispered fiercely, "You idiot, just keep your mouth shut!" Juliet broke down into sobs. Before ke could say anything more, the driver suddenly mmed on the brakes, nearly sending them flying forward. Their van was suddenly surrounded by a group of men wearing matching uniforms. Chapter 772 News spread quickly among the Bradfords - they had found Daphne! The mood in the Bradford household soared with excitement. After days of tension and worry, they were finally able to rejoice, each more thrilled than thest. "Fantastic! We''ve finally found her! Daphne''s return will blow Elysia''s cover as the mistress! Let''s see how Tarquin will handle this mess!" "And as for his bunch of illegitimate children thinking they can im a piece of the Bradford fortune... Not a chance!" "The Bradfords are a family of high standing and principles. We never tolerate mistreatment of the rightful spouse in favor of a mistress. The wife is the wife, and a mistress is just that¡ªa mistress. If Elysia dares to cause trouble for Daphne, I''ll personally make her regret it!" The Bradfords were filled with righteous indignation, buzzing with energy. Gideon, with the 10% stake in his mind, also breathed a sigh of relief. With Daphne found, he felt more at ease. He immediately made arrangements to keep the Thornes well-fed andfortable for the time being, saving them forter use! The only downside was the Thorne family''s debt of over twenty million in high-interest loans-millions domestically and even more abroad! Twenty million was a substantial amount! Their intention was to use Daphne to undermine Tarquin, not to clear the Thorne''s debts! But with Daphne as their only leverage against Tarquin, what if the debt collectors went after her? Considering the damage the Thorne family could inflict on Tarquin, the Bradfords bit the bullet and settled the debt, viewing it as an investment in their cause against Tarquin. "Let''s blow this wide open! Make sure the entire elite circle knows Tarquin neglected hiswful wife for his mistress, even fathering several children with her!" "Yes! We have to spread the word that Elysia is the mistress! Beingbeled a mistress invites scorn from everyone. No matter how powerful Tarquin is, he can''t silence everyone. Let''s see how Elysia can face the world after this!" "Hmph, let''s see Tarquin try to add those kids to the family registry now!" "So, our priority is to make this scandal as big as possible-the bigger, the better!" With their target set, the Bradfords began devising a n to shake things up. ... Meanwhile, at the hospital, Tarquin was oblivious to the fact that the Bradfords had taken the Thornes under their wing. As soon as he returned to the hospital, Elysia pulled him aside to inquire, "How did it go? Is it all taken care of?" "Yes, they''ve been taken away. That''s the end of it for them." Elysia, assuming it was the police who had taken them, frowned and said, "They brought it upon themselves-gambling, borrowing at high rates, extortion... any of those would warrant a sentence." Tarquin affectionately ruffled her hair, "Today, in front of me, they promised never to bother you again. You''repletely done with the Thorne family. Just kick them out of your heart; you only need room for me." Elysia chuckled, "What about the kids and Blossom Winona?" "Think of them asionally. I want to be the one who resides permanently in your heart." Elysiaughed, "...You''repeting with two girls and a few five-year-olds for jealousy." Tarquin attempted a kiss, but Elysia dodged. After all, it could be awkward if someone saw them in the hallway. Tarquin yfully grabbed her hand, "I just want to be your number one." Elysia, remembering the events of that night, blushed deeply and pulled her hand away, muttering, "Childish!" She turned and walked back into the room, with Tarquin following her with a silly grin. Elysia was sensitive and timid, but indeed, she was easy to appease. Chapter 773 Lacey thought that with the Thorne family hauled off by the cops, all their troubles had evaporated. She felt at ease, finally. But the kids were sharp as tacks, sensing something was off right away. That evening, seizing the moment Lacey went to freshen up, they cornered Tarquin for the scoop on the day''s events. When it came to sharing, Tarquin was all about keeping it real. Heid it all out, leaving no stone unturned. The kids were livid! Evan was the most fired up. "I knew something was off with Mom today, her eyes all puffy and red. So it was the Thorne crew stirring the pot! We hadn''t even gone after them yet, and here they are, showing up uninvited! It''s like they''re asking for it! Bro, it''s time we settled the score with the Thorne family!" Elliot, propped up in his hospital bed, knitted his brows in concern. He''d been keeping a mental tally of the grudge against the Thorne family, waiting to wrap up a few loose ends before taking action. But they''d beaten him to the punch! It was their father they''d upset today! But the brothers had yet to have their say! "It''s time," Elliot dered with a grimace, "to make a n!" Tarquin jumped in, eager, "Count me in for a piece of the action." Elliot shot him a nce, hearing the bathroom water stop, signaling Lacey''s imminent return. He lowered his voice, "You''re on lookout duty. Let''s get Mom to bed early tonight." Tarquin was torn between tion and disappointment. Tucking Lacey in? That was a sweet gig! But ying bedtime buddy meant missing out on the kids'' scheme. Tarquin had wanted to bond with his sons over this, but after mulling it over, he decided on Lacey. After all, cuddling her to sleep trumped everything else. And he''d make sure the kids were covered, arranging for their protection from the shadows. So hemitted with a, "You got it!" By nine, the kids were feigning sleep. Tarquin tactfully escorted Lacey to the guest room for the night. Then, in the ''father and sons'' group chat, he dropped a message, [Mission aplished.] Instantly, the kids sprang to life, gathering around Elliot''s bed to strategize. With Tarquin keeping Lacey upied, they had nothing to fear from her unexpected interruptions. Evan, itching for action, said, "When do we move? Just White and me will do. I''m on this." But Elliot, voice low, shared a new twist, "It''s not like what step-dad said. The Thorne crew isn''t with their usual muscle. They''re holed up in Gideon Bradford''s estate." Evan was baffled, "How did they end up mixing with the Bradford crowd?" Elliot''s expression darkened, "The Bradfords reached out to them. I did some digging. The Bradfords have been on the hunt for Daphne! Today, they intercepted the Thornes, whisked them away, and even settled over twenty million in debts for them." Evan was astounded, "They cleared a twenty million debt for the Thornes? Are the Bradfords that close with them?" "Not at all." "Then why would the Bradfords pay off their debt?" Elijah, frowning, exined, "The Bradfords weigh their investments heavily. If they''re pouring over twenty million into the Thornes, it means they see value in them far beyond that amount!" Evan was puzzled, "But we looked into the Thornes before. Aside from their shady deals, they''re pretty much worthless, no business acumen. What could the Bradfords possibly gain from them?" Elliot exhaled slowly, "If I''m right, the Bradfords probably don''t know about Mom''s stand-in marriage situation." Chapter 774 The three little ones all turned their heads in unison, eyes wide with curiosity. Elliot said calmly, "The Bradford family only cares about their own interests. In their eyes, Dad wanting to add us to the family tree is just a move to divide the inheritance. Thus, our existence is a threat to their piece of the pie, naturally, they''re against it. But mere objections won''t do. So, they y the card of our legitimacy. If we''re considered illegitimate, then Dad trying to make us official would hit a roadblock. To the Bradfords right now, our mom is the homewrecker, and Daphne is considered Dad''s legitimate wife." The trio pursed their lips, Evan, always the sharp-tongued, said, "Are the Bradfords idiots?" Elliot exined, "Back in the day, Gideon insisted Dad marry Daphne, but the Thorne family pushed our mom to take her ce secretly. Of course, this had to be kept under wraps. Probably, aside from the Thornes, our mom, and us, no one else knows the truth." Emmett, with his baby voice, asked, "Dad doesn''t know?" Elliot curled his lip in disdain, "If he knew, he wouldn''t still be in the dark about his marriage status, would he?" Evan was shocked, "He doesn''t know? But he and mom recognized each other ages ago, didn''t they?" Elliot said, "He probably just remembers mom as the girl he hassled at the airport six years ago. As for the fact she''s his wife? Clueless. If he knew, he would''ve brought up the whole stand-in bride issue with the Thornes today. But he didn''t say a word. He still has no idea who his real wife is." The other three: "..." Some pursed their lips tighter, others rolled their eyes so hard they could''ve fallen out, their disdain for their clueless father off the charts. It was somewhat understandable for mom not to figure it out since, well, her wits aren''t her strongest suit. She still doesn''t grasp Dad''s real identity, so mistaking him for someone else is par for the course. But Dad not realizing? That just paints him as a fool! "Is he so love-struck that all he can think about is wooing mom?" Evan couldn''t help but mock. The other three were speechless, "...." Dad was indeed a hopeless romantic, his IQ plummeting in the name of love. Apart from speechlessness, the kids could only conclude: without us brothers, this family would be a mess. Evan, unable to hold back, asked, "Didn''t deadbeat Dad ever look at the marriage certificate? Mom''s name and photo must be on it." Elysia had indeed never seen the marriage certificate; she only knew her husband was Tarquin, a fact well-known to the kids. But what baffled them was how Tarquin could''ve missed it too. Elijah said in a deep voice, "Dad couldn''t care less about his so-called wife. I bet he only knows her name is Daphne and nothing more. He''s probably forgotten he''s even married." Emmett asked, "Should we tell him?" Elliot paused before saying, "Here''s what I think: the Bradfords are using Daphne to stir trouble, a losing battle! Why not turn their scheme against them, let them fight amongst themselves, and we win on both fronts..." After Elliotid out the n, Elijah and Emmett nodded in agreement, "Sounds good!" Evan felt a twinge of regret, "If we go through with this, we won''t get to rough up the Thornes. I really wanted to give them a piece of my mind." Elliotforted him, "Don''t worry, there''ll be other chances." At ten o''clock at night, after Tarquin had tucked Elysia into bed, he hurried out to join the ''meeting''. But it had already ended! Evan, Emmett, and Elijah had all gone back to their rooms to sleep. Hearing the noise, Elliot opened his eyes, and Tarquin asked, "Is the n all set?" Chapter 775 Elliot shot a look at his dad, lips pursing in disdain, "Kid stuff, pops. Stay out of it." With that, he closed his eyes to sleep. Tarquin was left speechless, sensing the disdain but clueless about the cause. The night passed without incident. The little rascals slept soundly through the night, not a peep from any of them. Even Evan behaved himself. Tarquin grew more puzzled and, once Elliot was awake, he couldn''t help but ask, "Weren''t you guys nning to settle the score with the Thornes? What happened to that?" Elliot''s response remained, "It''s kid stuff, dad. Mind your own beeswax. Worry about your own issues." Thinking of his rocky marriage, he was speechless. But he couldn''t spill the beans yet, not wanting to jeopardize their n. --- In the following days, the Bradfords were on the brink of insanity! After finally tracking down Daphne and clearing over twenty million in debt, the family of three vanished into thin air that very night! The Bradfords searched frantically but to no avail. Instead, they received debt collection calls and a video of the Thorne family, now hostages. The captors imed ke owed them ten million, threatening harm if not paid. Weighing their options, the Bradfords chose not to involve the police, grinding their teeth as they transferred ten million to the kidnappers. Shortly after, a second debt notice arrived for twenty-five million,plete with ke''s fingerprints, again with the threat of violence if unpaid. Furious yet considering Daphne''s importance, the Bradfords begrudgingly transferred another twenty-five million. But on the third day, a demand for a whopping one billionnded on them! This pushed the Bradfords over the edge. No amount of wealth justified such extortion. "This is tant ckmail. Paying this billion could lead to endless demands!" "With the Thornes'' modest means, losing twenty million in gambling was already a stretch. How could they possibly owe so much? This has to be a scam. We can''t keep bleeding money into this pit." "But if we don''t pay and they harm Daphne, who will we use to leverage Tarquin and Elysia? If those wild kids officially be Bradfords, it''s not just money at stake. And all the millions we''ve already paid will have been for nothing!" "If pushes to shove, we can drop Daphne. Tarquin and Daphne''s marriage is legit. Exposing their marriage certificate should be enough to brand Elysia a homewrecker!" "That makes sense, but who can expose their marriage certificate? Do you think Tarquin will give us a chance? The reason we kept Daphne hidden was to avoid Tarquin''s interference." "So, what now? Keep paying? A billion dors! That''s a hefty sum from each family! Paying off the Thorne''s debt is infuriating just to think about!" Amid the chaos in Gideon''s vi, where everyone''s arguments gave Gideon a headache, he finally made a decision, "Enough! We''ll pay the billion. I''ll cover five hundred million, the rest of you can split the remaining amount." Given the stakes involved, the families were forced to pool their resources, each taking a significant hit. Gideon was willing to cough up five hundred million because he still had his eyes on that 10% stake. Compared to securing that stake, this amount seemed trivial. But to negotiate with Tarquin about the shares, he first needed to solidify those kids'' status as illegitimate offspring. Only then would he have the leverage to talk business. Chapter 776 At that moment, ke Thorne was hiding out in an abandoned high-rise with Daphne and Juliet. After the thugs took him away that day, he had considered going for a Hail Mary move! Throw caution to the wind and somehow reach out to the Newsoms for a bailout. But then, halfway through, someone intercepted them! This person wasn''t just polite to them but also cleared their massive debt back home. ke wasn''t sure what was happening but seized the moment to im he had an even bigger debt abroad, wondering if his mysterious benefactor could clear that, too. Turns out, they did! Clearly, this person was loaded. That night, they were whisked away to a mansion sovish it made their heads spin, and Daphne even got a top-notch doctor toe see her. The staff called them "sir," "madam," and "miss," treating them with the kind of respect reserved for royalty. The only catch was that no one would spill the beans about who was behind all this or why. Late at night, ke received a text message. It revealed two things. One, their mysterious benefactor was filthy rich. Two, this was all a setup; they were being used for some ulterior motive and would be discarded once they''d served their purpose. ke didn''t doubt the authenticity of the message. The wealth was obvious, and as for being used, well, there''s no such thing as a free lunch. The care and the clearing of debts had to have a catch. So, ke figured he might as well get something out of it before they were thrown to the wolves. That''s why he, along with his wife and daughter, slipped away from the mansion. Miraculously, they left without anyone noticing a stroke of luck, courtesy of Elliot. Once settled in their new hideout, ke used the contact given by Elliot, a stranger, to reach out to Gideon. And so began a game of cat and mouse, with ke shamelessly extorting money from the Bradfords time and again! When the final transfer hit, ke was ecstatic. Greed got the better of him, and he wanted more. Unfortunately, that''s when the Bradfords tracked them down. ke and Juliet yed the victims, iming they had been kidnapped by loan sharks. The Bradfords, having their tes full with Tarquin and Elysia, didn''t delve into the extortion im and instead ced them in a vi under heavy guard. Then, the Bradfords announced a grand banquet, inviting the who''s who of society along with influential media. The Bradfords were looking to vent, and this banquet was their outlet. They were itching to see Daphne outshine Elysia, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation in front of everyone, using Tarquin of infidelity and fathering a child out of wedlock. What a daydream! Tarquin, however, was unfazed when he heard about the banquet. The Bradfords were unusually united, keeping a tight lid on their ns, leaving Tarquin in the dark about their motives. Under normal circumstances, a family would celebrate new blood with a feast, but the Bradfords clearly had no love for Elliot, Evan, or Emmett. This banquet had a hidden agenda. That evening, Tarquin received a call from Keaton Huber. "The Bradfords'' banquet seems ominous, likely bad news for you." Smoking in the hallway, Tarquin replied, "I couldn''t care less. Let them y their games and see whates of it." "Tarquin, something just urred to me. Are you divorced yet?" "What divorce?" Keaton was speechless. ¡°Have you forgotten you''re married? Legally, you have a wife, regardless of whether you''ve met her. If you don''t divorce, doesn''t that make Elysia...¡± He left the word "mistress" unsaid, but Tarquin got the message. Tarquin''s breathing stopped for a moment, his expression rapidly changing. He had indeed forgotten! He''d been so focused on Elysia''s husband that he forgot about his own unmet wife! He had been longing for Elysia to divorce, yet he needed one himself! ¡°The Bradfords throwing this feast, could it be rted? If this gets out, it won''t look good for you, Elysia, or the child,¡± Keaton said. Tarquin''s expression darkened. He ended the call and immediately dialed Royal Community, "Any news on that woman who''s been trying to divorce me?" "She''s still looking for you to sign the papers." "Contact her. We divorce!" "Now? The registry office is closed." Tarquin frowned, "Tell her, tomorrow, 8:30 AM, at the registry office. She must be there!" Chapter 777 The moment Tarquin hung up the phone, a wave of guilt washed over him as he returned to the hospital room. Both the child and Elysia were sound asleep, and he found himself sitting at the edge of the bed, staring at Elysia with a tumultuous heart. If he just came clean, told Elysia about his previous marriage, that he had no feelings for his ex, he was certain Elysia would believe him. He''d argue he didn''t intentionally hide his past; he genuinely forgot about that person, and he was sure Elysia would understand that too. But what rattled him was the realization of how carelessly he had cast Elysia into the role of ''the other woman''! If the Bradfords decided to make a fuss about this, he''d be at aplete loss. No matter the reason, the stark reality was that he was still legally hitched, and here was Elysia, with him and their child. The bacsh would inevitably fall on Elysia. Tarquin furrowed his brows, frustrated with himself. He professed his love for her, yet due to his oversight, he had plunged her into a severe crisis! Thankfully, there was still time to set things right! Leaning down, Tarquin gently kissed Elysia on the forehead, tucked her in, and hurried out of the room. To ensure no stone was left unturned, he had to arrange everything tonight so he could initiate the divorce first thing in the morning. As long as he was officially divorced, the Bradfords would have no grounds to stir up trouble! This way, he could minimize any harm to Elysia and their children. After ensuring a nurse was there to look after Elliot, Tarquin drove away from the hospital, heading to Royal Community. Royal Community was where their marriage had begun, and where their marriage certificatey tucked away. Only with that in hand could he proceed with the divorce as nned. On the way, he dialed Royal Community, "Have you reached her yet?" ¡°...No luck yet. Calls go unanswered, and texts are ignored." "Then keep trying. If we can''t get through, send someone to find her! Dig up the earth if you have to, but she must be at the registrar''s office by 8:30 AM tomorrow!" After hanging up, Tarquin tossed his headset into the glovepartment, pulling at his tie in frustration. When he wasn''t paying attention, she was all about getting a divorce. Now that he''s in a rush to get one, she''s vanished?! Soon enough, Elysia was woken up by the nurse. "Ms. Thorne, your phone''s been buzzing. Is it something urgent?" Shortly after Tarquin left, the nurse came over. Despite setting her phone to vibrate, the continuous buzzing finally woke her, given her recent state of exhaustion. Elysia quickly sat up, grabbed her phone, and saw it was Royal Community calling. Instantly alert, she answered, "Hello?" "..." The caller scheduled her for a divorce appointment at the registrar''s office at 8:30 AM the next morning. Elysia''s heart pounded with excitement, "No problem! I''ll be there on time." "..." The caller repeatedly confirmed if she would indeed show up. Miss an appointment? Ha! This was the moment she had been dreaming of; there was no way she''d miss it! "If he could get the registrar''s office to open tonight, I''d be over there in a heartbeat to get this divorce!" "Tell him to rest easy. As long as he doesn''t stand me up, there won''t be any hitches on my end! Oh, and the marriage certificate should be with him. Please remind him not to forget it." After hanging up, Elysia was over the moon! She was finally getting a divorce from Tarquin! Sleep was thest thing on her mind now. She got out of bed, intending to share the good news with Tarin. But he was nowhere to be found. The nurse informed her, "The gentleman had to leave for an urgent matter tonight. If you need him, you might want to give him a call." Elysia was surprised, "Did he mention what it was about?" "No, he didn''t." Elysia nced at the clock; it was nearly eleven at night. Chapter 778 It had to be work-rted. Elysia didn''t give it much thought, nor did she interrupt him. She nned to announce the news after their divorce tomorrow, aiming to surprise him! Meanwhile, Tarquin, having confirmed the appointment at the city hall for 8:30 AM, finally felt at ease. If he couldn''t get through to the Royal Community again, he was ready to mobilize a search party! One way or another, that marriage was going to end tomorrow morning! Upon returning to the Royal Community, Tarquin began the frantic search for their marriage certificate. But after a thorough search, it was nowhere to be found! The Royal Community got back in touch with Elysia to inquire about the whereabouts of the marriage certificate. Elysia was baffled, "Isn''t the marriage certificate with him? I''ve never seen it." She had always assumed Tarquin kept it. During her two years living in the Royal Community, she never came across the marriage certificate. After hanging up with her, the Royal Community ryed to Tarquin, "Ms. Thorne also has no idea where the marriage certificate might be. She thought it was with you." Tarquin''s expression darkened. She was eager for a divorce; there was no reason for her to hide the marriage certificate. Where could it have gone? In the two years of their marriage, he was barely home. Since returning, he had only visited twice: once for a divorce discussion and another time when she sought him out for the same reason before the holidays. He had paid little attention to their marriage, let alone the marriage certificate. After another fruitless search, Tarquin arranged for a duplicate marriage certificate to be issued first thing in the morning, followed by the divorce papers. At the same time, Gideon was informed of Tarquin''s return to the Royal Community. His confidant reported, "Master Tarquin has returned to the marital home, likely suspecting something and nning to divorce." Gideon scoffed, "With Daphne in our custody, how can he possibly divorce? Times have changed; divorce now requires mutual consent and personal presence. As long as Daphne doesn''t show up, he won''t be able to divorce." Gideon, feeling quite pleased, sipped his tea, "The Thorne family is still quiet, right?" "All quiet. Don''t worry, we''ve deployed extra security. Not even a fly could get in or out!" Gideon nodded, "Is the banquet all set?" "Ready. The hotel staff are working overtime to prepare. We''re expecting a big turnout from the elite circle tomorrow; it''ll definitely be lively." "And the media?" "All arranged." Gideon was content, "As long as tomorrow''s banquet goes smoothly, we''ll control the narrative." "Don''t worry, it will. But what if Master Tarquin and Elysia refuse to attend?" "Hmph! They have no choice but to attend. Tomorrow''s spectacle is specifically designed for them; it wouldn''t do for them to miss it. Don''t worry about that; I have ways to ensure their attendance." "Understood. And the Thorne family? They''re still in the dark about why we''re involving them. Should we give them a heads-up?" Gideon pondered for a moment, "Let them know. After all, they''re part of tomorrow''s show! Hint at what''s expected of them at the banquet, so they know how to act." "Right!" Soon, the Thorne family was hit with the astonishing news! Daphne was in utter disbelief, "What are you saying? I was supposed to marry Tarquin??" ke and Juliet were equally stunned, "The CEO of the Bradford Group, Tarquin?" The emissary from Gideon nodded, "Yes, our very own Master Tarquin. So, Ms. Thorne is legitimately Mrs. Bradford." Mrs. Bradford? Good Lord! The Thorne family was so shocked they could hardly believe their ears! Chapter 779 Mrs. Bradford, what stature does that title hold? Second to none and above thousands, she''s the most revered woman in the entire elite circle! She''s the esteemed wife of the CEO of the Bradford Group! The matriarch of the prestigious Bradford family! The spouse of the wealthiest man in town, Tarquin! Oh, heavens! Why not just strike them down? They''ve actually handed this position over to Elysia on a silver tter! How could Elysia, that snake, ever match up! Had I known it was Tarquin she was marrying, I would''ve taken my shot, disability or not! But wait, Tarquin isn''t disabled. We saw him just a few days ago, looking fit, handsome, with a demeanor that radiates aloofness and nobility. Just one nce and you''re hopelessly in love! And they willingly gave such a man to Elysia? Daphne couldn''t hold it in any longer, bursting into tears, "Mom, Tarquin was supposed to be mine! He''s not meant for that wretch Elysia..." Juliet''s heart was bleeding too! But before her daughter could finish, Juliet quickly covered Daphne''s mouth, terrified she''d spill the beans about the swap! It was clear, up to this point, the Bradford family still believed Daphne was Mrs. Bradford. They were unaware of the swap! If the Bradford family found out, they might not even have a chance to discuss before the Bradford family decided to take matters into their own hands. They were not a family to mess with! Juliet, silencing her daughter from spewing nonsense, excused themselves and dragged her back to their room, leaving ke to converse with the Bradford family members alone. Once inside, Daphne was a mess of tears and sobs, "Mom! I was the one meant to marry Tarquin! The title of Mrs. Bradford was mine, not Elysia''s!" "I know! Just calm down. Who would have thought Tarquin was the groom back then? If we had known, we would have never let that harlot Elysia marry him! She''s got it too good!" "She doesn''t deserve it! She doesn''t!" Mother and daughter were gritting their teeth, filled with regret and frustration. Half an hourter, ke came in. Wearing a worried expression. Juliet quickly asked, "What did they say?" ke, frowning, sat down, "The Bradford family is in the dark about the swap. They don''t even know Elysia''s connection to us! They approached us to use Daphne against Elysia!¡± Mother and daughter were puzzled, "Against Elysia, what do you mean?" ke exined, "The Bradford folks think Elysia is the other woman and want to use Daphne''s status as the legitimate wife to suppress her." The revtion startled them, and Juliet panicked, "But Daphne isn''t the legitimate wife! Did you rify with the Bradford family?" "No, with the kind of influence the Bradford family wields, and after they''ve spent so much on us, even hosting a grand g, if I had told them the truth, they might have decided to eliminate us immediately to vent their frustration!" "So, what do we do now? They''ve found us. We can''t run. If we don''t tell them now, it''lle out during the g!" ke thought for a moment before saying, "If pushes to shove, we y along!" "What do you mean?" ¡°The Bradford folks mentioned that they chose Daphne initially because she was deemed astrologicallypatible with Tarquin. Wealthy folks eat that stuff up. So, maybe we can..." After ke''s convoluted exnation, Juliet agreed, "I think it''s a n!" "If this works, Tarquin might just dump Elysia and marry Daphne!" Hearing this, Daphne quickly dried her tears, "Will he really marry me? Can I really be Mrs. Bradford?" Chapter 780 "Absolutely! After all, the Bradfords didn''t choose you for your family''s status or wealth, but for your unique personality - that''s your ace in the hole! If our n works out, you won''t just be Mrs. Bradford by chance, you''ll be Mrs. Bradford by destiny!" The mother-daughter duo was ecstatic, buzzing with excitement as if Daphne had already secured her title as Mrs. Bradford. "So tomorrow, we do it..." The Thornes and the Bradfords, seemingly allies tied bymon interests, were in fact each plotting their own schemes! Both families were eagerly anticipating tomorrow''svish g, each for their own ulterior motives! Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night. Elysia and Tarquin were also wide awake, not with anticipation for the g, but for what tomorrow held. They were looking forward to their appointment at the city hall, to divorce! Early the next morning, just after five, Elysia was already on the phone to the County Clerk''s Office. She feared Tarquin might have a change of heart about the divorce, so she wanted to confirm their appointment one more time. But before she could dial out, the County Clerk''s Office called her first. Tarquin shared her concerns, worried something might go wrong on her end! After confirming their ns once more, they both felt relieved. Tarquin couldn''t resist messaging Elysia, "I miss you, Elysia." Just one night apart, and he missed her. Elysia, phone in hand, saw his message and couldn''t help but smile, calling him back immediately. Tarquin picked up instantly, "You''re up early?" "Yeah, why are you awake so soon?" "Got some errands to run." "I heard from the caretaker that you left earlyst night. Haven''t finished what you needed to do?" "Almost, I should be done by noon. Then I''lle see you." Elysia thought he was heading to the Bradford''s g and didn''t think much of it, softly replying, "I''ll wait for you." Tarquin squinted, asking, "You sound happy. Any good news?" "How can you tell I''m in a good mood?" "I can hear it in your voice." Elysiaughed joyfully, "I am in a great mood today! Wait till you get back, I have a huge surprise for you! A wonderful surprise!" After sessfully getting a divorce, she could openly be with him, which would surely make him overjoyed! Tarquin was looking forward to it! Seeing her so happy, he didn''t have the heart to tell her about his marital status, as it wasn''t good news. He nned toe clean face-to-face after the divorce. Each harboring their own ''happy'' news, they chatted sweetly for over an hour before reluctantly ending the call. Even the caretaker couldn''t help but notice, "Ms. Thorne seems in such a good mood today." "Yeah! Happy!" Finally proceeding with the divorce, Elysia was naturally in high spirits! Eager to start her new life, Elysia couldn''t wait any longer. Before the kids were even awake, she was out the door, heading to the city hall to line up. City hall was a ce of stark emotional contrasts. Newlyweds bubbled with joy. Those there to divorce, however, carried a mix of emotions, often somber, even in cases of amicable separations. But Elysia was an exception; she was a divorc¨¦e in high spirits. To her, Tarquin was just a stranger she was married to on paper. Divorcing him didn''t bring her any sadness, in fact, she was secretly thrilled. Once divorced, she could start anew! Tarquin wasn''t as eager to arrive early; he disliked waiting. But he was punctual. At half-past eight, Tarquin showed up at the city hall''s entrance right on time. Chapter 781 However, the doors to the town hall hadn''t even opened yet. Unexpectedly, there was a malfunction with the doors, and the staff was scrambling to fix it. People there for official business were crowded outside, waiting. Those getting married were in one line, those getting divorced in another. Tarquin stayed in his car, about to ask Royal Community to check on ''Daphne''s'' location, when he suddenly spotted Elysia! She was standing among the crowd, eagerly looking towards the doors. Tarquin''s heart skipped a beat. "What?!" Why was she here? Was she here to get a divorce? Was the surprise she mentioned about divorcing her husband?! Tarquin got excited at the thought. Indeed, it was a surprise! A huge one! What a coincidence that they had chosen the same day to get divorced! Aware that this wasn''t the right ce to approach her, Tarquin stayed in his car, discreetly watching, curious about who her husband might be. Soon, a sleazy-looking guy approached Elysia and started talking to her. Tarquin frowned. Was this her husband? What a joke! Was he blind or something? He didn''t even seem worthy of beingpared to a single strand of Elysia''s hair! No wonder he clung to Elysia, refusing to divorce. A toad dreaming of eating swan meat, of course, he wouldn''t want to let go! Elysia still hadn''t noticed Tarquin. She looked at the man with furrowed brows, "What do you want?" The man, with a sleazy grin, said, "You''re here to get divorced, right? Those getting married are in that line." What business was it of his whether she was getting divorced or married? Elysia ignored him, but the man moved closer. "I''m here to get divorced too. Soon I''ll be single again. How about we exchange WhatsApp? I like your type. Dreamt of a fairy just like youst night." Elysia felt like throwing up at his greasy words! Hitting on someone at a divorce queue, what a lowlife! Just as Elysia was about to retort, a woman behind her spoke up, "Girl, I''d stay away from him if I were you. He''s an abuser!" The woman, removing her mask and sunsses, revealed a face marred with bruises and a crusted cut on her lip. "I''m his wife. These bruises are all his doing." Elysia was shocked, "!" The man brazenly cursed at the woman in front of everyone, "You bitch..." Tarquin, watching from his car, couldn''t grasp the entirety of their confrontation. He just noticed Elysia''s angry expression and clenched brows. Tarquin felt a surge of anger and adjusted his tie in irritation. He had been wanting to teach this scumbag a lesson, and on the day of his divorce, no less! Unable to intervene directly, he signaled his bodyguard, "... Go teach him a lesson!" Soon, the abusive man was taken aside. He received a thorough beating! Bruised and battered, the bodyguard left a message, "Leaving you breathing so you can divorce Ms. Thorne. If you dare not to today, she''ll be a widow by tonight!" The implication was clear: divorce today, or face deadly consequences tonight! As the bodyguard walked away, the abusive man curled up, watching them leave, both in pain and confusion. Who on earth was Ms. Thorne? Chapter 782 "His wife doesn''t even have thest name Thorne. Who the heck is this Ms. Thorne he''s divorcing?!" Meanwhile, Tarquin suddenly received a call. "Tarquin, we''ve got trouble! Just found out, Daphne''s over at the GrayLux Hotel with the Bradfords! And get this, they''re parading her around as Mrs. Bradford!" Tarquin''s face turned stormy. "What?!" Wasn''t Daphne supposed to be at the city hall for their divorce? How did she end up at a g? Was he being yed by Daphne? A surge of anger welled up inside Tarquin. He clenched his jaw tight, arranged for two bodyguards to escort Elysia through the divorce proceedings, and drove off to the hotel to confront Daphne! No sooner had Tarquin left, Elysia received a call from the Bradfords. "Elysia, your kids are here at the GrayLux Hotel. If you don''t want anything happening to them, you bettere over." The Bradfords even sent her a video clip, showing Elliot right there at the g! Elysia panicked. She ditched the divorce proceedings and hailed a cab to the GrayLux Hotel. She had received an invitation from the Bradfords yesterday but had no intention of dealing with them and decided not to go. Little did she know they would use her kids as leverage! Elysia was beside herself with worry, not knowing if the kids showing up at the g was intentional or not. By ten in the morning, the g hall was buzzing, crowded, and livelier than ever. The g was a hit, drawing in the cr¨¨me de cr¨¨me, with two-thirds of the elite circle making an appearance! At this moment, all eyes were on the newly revealed Mrs. Bradford! They hadn''t even seen Daphne yet; they only heard about her after arriving at the g, which was apparently thrown to introduce Mrs. Bradford. Curiosity was in the air, with whispers spreading like wildfire. "I heard this Mrs. Bradford, named Daphne, has been married to Tarquin for years." "But wasn''t Mr. Bradford recently dating a girl named Elysia? They even have kids together, triplets at that." "Does that mean Elysia is...the other woman?" Everyone exchanged nces, filled with murmurs and sighs. The Bradfords, dressed to the nines, mingled among the guests, clearing up any confusion, "Daphne and Tarquin have indeed been married for a while. It was a secret marriage, so it wasn''t publicized or celebrated with a wedding. Today''s g is all for her." The guests, savvy as they were, exchanged polite smiles. It was clear now. This grand affair was orchestrated for Tarquin and Elysia, with Daphne merely ying a part! This was a tant move to expose Elysia as the mistress! Elysia, the mistress, and her kids, born out of wedlock - recognizing them into the family would be a hassle! Tarquin rushed into the g, with Keaton and Booker already there, all sweating bullets for him. This game, the Bradfords were winning hands down! Now, with the divorce not yet finalized, Elysia''s status as the ''other woman'' was firmly established! This was bad news for Elysia and her kids! "Tarquin!" His buddies approached, their brows furrowed in concern as they eyed him. The guests at the g turned their gaze towards him, ready for the drama. Today''s event was shaping up to be a real high-society spectacle! Chapter 783 Tarquin brushed off the curious stares from the crowd, a storm brewing on his face as he marched straight towards Gideon. "Where''s Daphne?!" Gideon, dressed in a sleek, tailored suit, wasfortably seated in his wheelchair, engaging in lively conversations with a group of elders. His spirits were high, his face beaming with joy-it was clear he was in a good mood. Upon seeing Tarquin''s furious approach, Gideon greeted him with a benevolent smile, "Daphne''s upstairs, resting. She felt a bit out of ce since you weren''t here, and she''s not familiar with anyone." Tarquin knew all too well that Gideon was the puppet master behind the scenes. ring at him, he uttered coldly, "After today, you''ll be wiped clean of your shares." With that, he strode towards the elevator. His words, though calmly delivered, struck Gideon like a knife to the heart! Power and influence were Gideon''s lifeblood, and the shares he held were hisst bastion of control. Losing them meant hisplete downfall. His confidant quickly whispered reassurances, "Don''t worry, sir. Those shares are yours as long as you don''t sell them. He can''t strip them from you without tearing down the Bradford Group itself. And if he did that, he''d suffer the most. He owns a significant portion of the group; its downfall would hit him hardest. Given his character, he wouldn''t go that far. Moreover, his reputation will take a hit after today, negatively impacting the group. The board will have to step in. Anyone causing thepany image to suffer typically faces a united front of opposition." Feeling somewhat relieved, Gideon took a sip of his tea to calm his nerves, just as Elysia burst into the room. His mood lightened at the sight, and he instructed his aide, "Go fetch Daphne. Tell her her husband is here." As Tarquin was about to enter the elevator, Elysia''s voice suddenly called out, ¡°Tarquin!¡± His heart skipped a beat as he slowly turned around, a mix of guilt and surprise in his eyes. Wasn''t she in line for a divorce? What was she doing here? Ignoring the shocked stares of the crowd, Elysia rushed to Tarquin, clutching his arm as if it were a lifeline, "They''ve brought the kids here! Have you seen them?" Tarquin''s brow furrowed, "The kids are here too?!" "Yes, the Bradfords sent me a video. They..." "Mommy! Daddy!" The voices of four little ones suddenly cut through the chatter of the party. Elysia and Tarquin looked towards the source of the voices in unison, as did everyone else in the room. The four children were dressed to the nines in matching white suits and trousers, with ck leather shoes, bow ties,pel pins, and their hair neatlybed back. Even Evan, known for his mischief and fondness for brawling, was dressed in a suit, looking every bit the gentleman. Elliot, feeling under the weather, sat in a wheelchair, with Evan, Emmett, and Elijah standing by his side. The four boys, all smiles, looked confidently at Elysia, unfazed by the attention. Their demeanorcked any hint of inferiority; each one resembled a young gentleman groomed by a family of substantial wealth and influence. Whispers filled the room, ¡°Are those the legendary sons of Elysia and Mr. Bradford?" "They''re calling them Mommy and Daddy. And look, three of them are the spitting image of Mr. Bradford! Clearly his own. The one who looks different must be fraternal." Chapter 784 "Oh my stars, quadruplets, and each one as handsome as the next! I''m green with envy. No wonder my husband has been on our son''s case to give us a grandchild! I want a grandson too!" "But I heard that aside from Elijah, the other three were raised by Elysia. Just an ordinary woman, how did she manage to raise such well-mannered kids?" "Fair''s fair, when ites to raising kids, Elysia''s got a magic touch!" The Bradford family bristled at this, frowning in disapproval, "They got lucky inheriting the Bradford family genes for their good looks. What''s that got to do with Elysia?" The otherdies fell silent, each thinking to themselves: The Bradfords have plenty of descendants, and not all are raised that well! Elysia, her heart and eyes full of her children, didn''t catch the murmurings of the crowd as she hurried over to them. Evan and Emmett rushed to greet her, diving into Elysia''s embrace, "Mommy!" Elysia crouched to hug Evan and Emmett, then looked worriedly at Elliot and Elijah, "Are you all okay? No injuries?" "We''re fine, really." If they didn''t want toe, Gideon''s goons wouldn''t have had a chance to bring them here! Not to mention the bodyguards arranged by Tarquin were on lookout at the hospital, and just Evan alone, they couldn''t handle. The kids had ns today; had Gideon''s people not brought them, they''d havee on their own initiative. Elysia, eyes reddening, looked each of them over to confirm none were harmed. Only then did she rx, but couldn''t help asking, "Why are you dressed like this?" Evan responded, "Today''s a big day, big bro said we should dress up. Emmett picked out the outfits. Do we look good?" "Handsome!" Elysia gently replied to Evan, then inquired, "What''s the big day today?" Evan teased, "You''ll see soon, Mommy." Before Elysia could probe further, a high societydy suddenly jumped in, feigning ignorance, "Tarquin, is this your wife Daphne? She''s quite the looker! And these children, each one so well-bred! Tarquin, you''ve really outdone yourself, not only having kids but quadruplets at that." Mrs. Miller, close to Allegra, spoke with a hidden agenda, deliberately stirring the pot. Elysia, taken aback, "?!?" Tarquin? Wife? Daphne? She turned to Mrs. Miller, then to Tarquin, "What is she talking about?" Tarquin looked down, his brows furrowed, his expressionplex. Just as he was about to speak, Mrs. Miller, overflowing with enthusiasm, helped Elysia up, saying, "You''ve really hit the jackpot. Tarquin is everyone''s dream husband: handsome, fit, and wealthy. You must have done something incredible in your past life to be this lucky in this one. And such a lovely name too, Daphne... Daphne in bloom." Elysia frowned, "I''m not Daphne, I''m Elysia." "Ah?!" Mrs. Miller feigned shock, "You''re not Daphne?! But I heard Tarquin''s wife was named Daphne! Tarquin, if she''s not your wife, then who is she?" Clearly implying, if not the wife, then the mistress. Tarquin''s face turned stormy, his re at Mrs. Miller could freeze hell over! Mrs. Miller quickly shut up, apologizing to Elysia with, "Sorry, my mistake." And with that, she beat a hasty retreat, not before shooting the Bradfords a knowing look. Tarquin, ignoring her for the moment, focused on Elysia, "Elysia..." "What... what''s your real name?" Elysia asked, breathless. Tarquin swallowed hard before admitting, "Tarquin, my name is Tarquin." Chapter 785 Elysia''s breath hitched, her beautiful, wide eyes ballooning in shock. "What?!" It was like her world just did a backflip. Was this guy Tarquin? Her husband? The very man she''d been seeking to divorce? This couldn''t be real! Elysia couldn''t wrap her head around it. "You... your name''s not Tarin?" Tarquin, looking guilty and uneasy, confessed, "I''m sorry, I lied to you before." Elysia gasped, "You... you''re Tarquin, the CEO of Bradford Group?" "Yeah." Elysia was rooted to the spot, her eyes wide as saucers, utterly speechless. Her heart was pounding in her ears! Her mind was buzzing, everything else faded to ck. She didn''t know whether to be furious or overjoyed! She had been wracking her brain over how to divorce him, stressed out every day about it, and here he was, having deceived her the entire time! But, to think the man she had fallen for was actually her husband! What a twist! Just as Elysia was debating whether to kick him or pull him in for a fierce kiss, a voice called out, "Mrs. Bradford has arrived!" All attention shifted instantly. Elysia turned to see Daphne, wearing an outrageously expensive designer dress, her makeup wless, arm in arm with Allegra, strolling over. Thedies nearby couldn''t help but gossip, "Is that Tarquin''s real wife?" The Bradford n eagerly confirmed, "Absolutely! Daphne is the genuine Mrs. Bradford of our family, Tarquin''swful wife." Elysia frowned unconsciously at Daphne, her mind a whirlwind of confusion. Mrs. Bradford? Whose Mrs. Bradford? Elysia was still pondering when Tarquin''s grip tightened around her wrist, "Elysia, I owe you an apology for today. Let me exin everything when we get back. You have to believe me, I love you! You''re the only one I love! Please, take the kids and go home for now." Today, the Bradford n had crossed the line by using Elysia and the children as pawns. They had always branded him as cold-hearted and ruthless. Well, it was time they witnessed what true ruthlessness looked like! But he couldn''t bear for Elysia and the kids to see that side of him. And with the current situation turning against Elysia and the kids, he didn''t want Elysia to confront Daphne directly. "She''s your wife?" Elysia asked him. Tarquin, his expression grim but resigned, nodded. Elysia was stunned, "Then what am I?" It wasn''t an usation; she wasn''t angry. She genuinely didn''t understand the situation. She was supposed to have married in Daphne''s ce. How was Daphne now his wife? When she registered the kids, she was confirmed as married, and Tarquin was listed as her husband! What was going on? Before Tarquin could respond, a member of the Bradford n interjected, "Tarquin has a wife, and you''re asking what you are? Our country practices monogamy, so what does that make you?" Tarquin was about to retaliate when Elijah tugged at his sleeve, shaking his head to signal him to stay silent. Confused, Tarquin was about to ask why when Allegra, with Daphne in tow, approached. Allegra, looking down her nose at them, scolded Tarquin, "Really, Tarquin? Can''t you show a little discretion? Your wife is here, and you''re still cozying up with Elysia. Where do you expect Daphne to put her face?" Then turning to Elysia, she continued, "And you, showing up here like this, whose face are you trying to save? Do you want the whole world to think Tarquin can''t stay faithful in his marriage, that his personal life is a mess? Are you trying to shame the Bradford family?" Before Elysia could utter a word, the Bradford n exploded into chatter, each trying to outdo the others. Chapter 786 After months of frustration and pouring money into the Thorne family, not to mention the fortune spent on hosting thisvish party, this moment was what I had been waiting for! "Does she not understand her ce, or is she deliberately making Tarquin and us ufortable?" "I think she''s here to provoke Daphne on purpose! Honestly, mistresses these days are getting bolder by the minute. The legitimate wife hasn''t approached her, yet she''s the one making the first move!" "The one thing wealthy families like ours don''tck is children. Thinking she can elevate her status through an illegitimate child is a miscalction. The Bradford family certainly doesn''t acknowledge that!" When the conversation shifted to her children, Elysia''s temper red, and she lunged forward, pping the woman across the face. "Say one more thing about my children, I dare you!" The crowd was stunned, and the woman covered her face, sobbing, "Look at how brazen mistresses are these days! Daring to hit someone in public, oh my goodness..." "How dare you!" Gideon, seated in his wheelchair, sneered coldly at Elysia, " "To openly strike a member of the Bradford family at our own event is utterly disrespectful and ill-mannered! Today, in front of all these people, I, on behalf of the Bradford family, dere that even though Tarquin fancies you, we have always sided with righteousness over wickedness! We acknowledge only Daphne, and you will never be weed into the Bradford family!" Tarquin''s face turned ashen. Wrapping his arm protectively around Elysia''s shoulders, he red at Gideon, "Then let me make it clear to everyone here today, from this moment on, I, Tarquin, have nothing to do with the Bradford family! From now on, we go our separate ways, without any further entanglements!" The crowd was in shock: "!!!!!!" The Bradfords were collectively swallowing their astonishment! No one had anticipated that Tarquin would make such a deration for Elysia! Despite his known issues with the Bradfords, he had never left, and there were reasons for that. He was investigating the circumstances surrounding his parents'' deaths and couldn''t sever ties since Gideon held his mother''s ashes, effectively keeping him bound to the family. Even in the most strained moments, he had never suggested aplete separation from the Bradfords! Thus, it never crossed their minds that he would, like his father before him, opt to leave the family! Without Tarquin, the Bradfords would lose everything! So, in addition to the stunned onlookers, his brothers and the Bradfords themselves were at a loss for words. Tarquin then turned his cold gaze to Daphne, "Although we are husband and wife in name, we have neither shared a life nor feelings for each other. You were brought into this family by their arrangement. After our divorce today, you can follow them. They seem to value you highly!" Daphne, already feeling guilty, became even more frightened at Tarquin''s outburst and began to cry. Gideon, realizing the dire consequences of losing Tarquin for the family, yed the family card. With teary eyes, he said, "Tarquin, are you really willing to cut ties with the Bradford family over a woman? We''ve raised you with so much effort, not asking for gratitude but at least not expecting you to break our hearts like this." Allegra also chimed in loudly, "You''re even more foolish than your father. At least his woman wasn''t a mistress! Look at you, ready to break with your family over a mistress. Aren''t you ashamed? Aren''t you worried about bing aughingstock?" Elysia hadn''t expected Tarquin to sever ties with his family over her. Staring at Tarquin for a moment, she turned to Allegra with a frown, "You keep calling me a mistress. What evidence do you have to prove that im?!" "Evidence? The legitimate wife is right here, and you still want to argue?" Elysia turned to face Daphne, her eyes zing with anger. Back then, they forced her into this marriage, and now that Daphne knew Tarquin''s true status, she wanted toe back andpete for him? She wanted to see on what grounds Daphne considered herself the legitimate wife. "So, she''s his wife, and what does that make me, huh?" Chapter 787 Daphne was sobbing her heart out when Allegra roared, "Don''t be afraid of her. You''ve got the whole Bradford n backing you up! Now, tell her loud and clear, who do you think she is?!" "Yeah, tell her!" With a grit of her teeth and tears streaming down her face, Daphne cried out, "So what if you''re his wife? You just stole my spot! I should have been the one to marry him! Me! Me! Sob sob sob..." So what if you''re his wife? Elysia is Tarquin''s wife? The Bradford folks: "?!?!" Onlookers: "??!!" Keaton and the others: "???!!!" Tarquin: "?????!!!!!" The kids: "...Guess it''s time to spill the beans." Elysia ignored Daphne, turning to the Bradfords, "Now listen up, who''s the real home-wrecker here? You keep talking about defending the right and not the wrong. In your eyes, the legitimate wife is wrong, and the mistress is right? The moralpass of the Bradfords really astounds me, a meremoner! Now let me make this clear, it''s not that you won''t let me and my kids through your grand doors, it''s that me and my kids wouldn''t want to step foot in there! With your twisted values, I''d rather stay far away from you!" The Bradfords gasped collectively, their faces turning shades of red, utterly shocked! Gideon''s chest heaved, his face turning a mix of green and purple, and had his legs not failed him, he would''ve confronted Daphne right there and then! "You... you... what''s the meaning of this?! I personally chose my granddaughter-inw, and I remember clearly, her name was Daphne, not Elysia!" Allegra also red at Daphne, demanding, "You better exin yourself now!" Unable to hold back, Verity stepped up to Daphne, trying to calm her down, "Don''t cry now, and don''t be afraid of them. You''ve got the whole Bradford family behind you. Tell me, did Tarquin force you to say this?" Daphne, following ke''s guidance, fell to her knees in front of Tarquin, sobbing out her story, "Elysia was just a stray child my parents took in. When someone came asking for my hand in marriage with a generous dowry, guessing they were wealthy, Elysia, lured by vanity, insisted on taking my ce to marry into that wealth! Even though she wasn''t their biological child, my parents loved her too much to watch her threaten her own life over this, so they agreed to let her marry in my stead..." The Bradfords: "You...!!!" Elysia had taken Daphne''s ce to marry Tarquin! Now Elysia was Tarquin''swful wife?! "I don''t believe it! This is impossible!" The Bradfords collectively refused to ept this reality, their denials filling the air. Suddenly- Beautiful music filled the banquet hall, and the big screen on the stage lit up! A photo took up the whole screen, shocking everyone present! The marriage certificate of Tarquin and Elysia was ringly disyed on the big screen, blinding everyone with its significance! The certificate was in duplicate, one for Elysia and one for Tarquin. This was an electronic file Elliot had meticulously downloaded from the official website, carefully covering up their social security numbers while leaving the rest for the public to see. Both certificates bore the official seal, leaving no room for doubt. The date of the marriage, eight years ago! Meaning, Elysia and Tarquin were legally wed, their union sanctioned by the state! Meaning, their four children were not born out of wedlock but came into this world two years after their parents'' marriage! No matter how twisted the journey, how many misunderstandings had urred, the result was clear! A buzz of gossip spread among the high societydies present, "My God, the mighty Bradfords, siding with a mistress over the legitimate wife, it''s just unthinkable, their moralpass is so off it''s lost!" "This twist is unbelievable! I''m almost moved to tears by the Bradfords'' stupidity." "Defending the right not the wrong, turns out the mistress is right, and the legitimate wife is wrong? Old man Bradford really has lost it, maybe he''s got dementia?" The Bradfords, staring at the marriage certificate on the big screen, were dumbstruck. Their hearts, once suspended in hope, now sank in defeat. They had no choice but to ept the truth, even if unwillingly. They had made a mistake, a grave one! The Daphne they had painstakingly brought back was nothing! Tarquin''s wife, the one they had insulted and humiliated in front of everyone, was Elysia! Chapter 788 That is to say, all the time, effort, and money they poured into finding Daphne went down the drain! The massive debt they paid off for the Thorne family, utterly wasted! Their grand n to p Elysia in the face by presenting Daphne as the rightful wife backfired spectacrly! Ouch, that stings! Thisvish g, specifically organized for Tarquin and Elysia, turned into a circus with them unwittingly bing the clowns of the high society! They really outdid themselves... Total disasters! Absolute fools! "Oh my God!" Verity wailed before fainting, again. The rest of the Bradfords were painfully aware of their pitiful state, drowning in their sobs... Their earlier exuberance hadpletely deted! They didn''t need anyone to tell them-they felt like absolute jesters on stage! Gideon felt his head buzzing, with whispers surrounding him, wishing for a way out! "Let''s go! Let''s go! Let''s go!" he muttered, emphasizing his desperation. Gideon had his right-hand man wheel him away from the disaster of a party; he just couldn''t bear it any longer. The rest of the Bradfords, too ashamed to stay any longer, scattered, making a spectacle of themselves in front of everyone! Foolish, indeed- Daphne, green with envy at the sight of the marriage certificate on the big screen, pleaded on her knees before Tarquin, "Mr. Bradford, the Bradfords chose me back then, really, I didn''t lie to you! It was my horoscope that matched yours, not Elysia''s! I''m the only one who can bring you prosperity! Only with me by your side will everything go smoothly..." She believed her dad, who said that rich folks were superstitious! If Tarquin knew she was the one meant for him, not Elysia, he would surely leave Elysia and marry her! Elijah frowned, signaling his bodyguards with a nce to drag Daphne away and hand her over to the police. The charge was fraud and extortion. The Thornes biting the Bradfords, swindling them out of a fortune, certainly qualified as fraud and extortion! Given the amount involved, it was a serious crime! The Thornes were done for! ke and Juliet rushed over, yowling, "You can''t do this to us, our Daphne is the real deal for Mr. Bradford..." The bodyguard couldn''t help but snark, "Is your whole family brain-dead? Can''t you see Tarquin and the Bradfords aren''t exactly on good terms? The reason they picked Daphne wasn''t because she matched Tarquin; it was the opposite, to cause discord! Idiots!" The Thornes deted, speechless. Elijah didn''t even bother giving them another look, instructing his bodyguards to work with the police to shove the whole family into a squad car. The moment was finally about him and his parents; he didn''t want any unwee characters spoiling it! He had waited so long, thought so much, and nned so meticulously for this moment to arrive! His mom and dad, standing together, rightfully and openly! Meanwhile, the banquet hall buzzed with the elites of high society, still reeling from the spectacle, barely holding back tears ofughter at the Bradfords'' expense. The Bradfords, crowned the joke of the year! Elysia and Tarquin''s marriage certificate continued to scroll on the big screen. This was the first time Elysia saw their marriage certificate, and she was filled with a mix of emotions. However, the man of the hour, President Bradford, didn''t even nce at it! Not out of disinterest, but sheer overwhelm! He stood beside Elysia, panting, like a love-struck fool, turned into a statue of devotion! From the moment it was revealed Elysia was his wife, he had been frozen in this pose. Unmoving, almost reaching enlightenment! His mind was flooded with questions, all boiling down to one: Elysia is my wife? Elysia is my wife?? Elysia is my wife??? His friends, Keaton and the crew, came over, teasing him, "Man, you hit the jackpot!" Tarquin: "Elysia is my wife?" High society figures came to congratte, "Congrattions, Mr. Bradford, well done!" Tarquin: "Elysia is my wife?" Elijah, feeling impatient, nudged him subtly, "Hey, snap out of it, man. Say something to mom, it''s your chance to shine." Tarquin: "Elysia is my wife?" Everyone: "..." Chapter 789 The staff from the local registry office came rushing over! All flustered and panting, it was clear he was in a hurry. Justst night, Tarquin had arranged for an expedited marriage certificate because he said he wanted a divorce, and insisted on getting the divorce papers by this morning! But,e morning, the registry office hit a snag, and the marriage certificate was only just sorted out. The boss, worried sick that Tarquin might miss his deadline and take offense, decided to send the marriage certificate over first. To show that if Tarquin couldn''t get his divorce papers by noon, it wasn''t the registry''s fault, but his own for not showing up. The messenger was a young guy in his early twenties, with an air of innocence about him, "Mr. Bradford, your marriage certificate is ready. You can proceed with the divorce whenever you''re ready." Tarquin, clearly not yet calmed down, blurted out, "My wife''s name is Elysia?" The employee paused, wondering if the big shot didn''t know his own wife''s name? He double-checked the document he was holding, "Yes, her name is Elysia." Tarquin suddenly grabbed his wrist, tightly, "Are you sure?" The employee, startled and trembling, unsure whether Tarquin was thrilled or furious, was too scared to answer directly. He squinted at the marriage certificate again for confirmation, "Yes, your wife''s name is definitely Elysia." Tarquin: "Hah!" Employee: "?!?" Tarquin: "Hahaha..." The employee was baffled, "Mr. Bradford, are... are you okay?" Tarquin: "My wife''s name is Elysia!" This time it wasn''t a question, but a statement. The employee, still confused, nodded, "Yes, your wife is named Elysia." What followed was Tarquin showing off like he was unveiling a prized possession! He boasted to the registry staff! He boasted to Keaton and a few others! He boasted to all the high-profile guests present! He even boasted to the media reporters on site! Not even the hotel''s staff were spared, as he told them over and over again that his wife was named Elysia! As if others didn''t know! As if he was afraid they wouldn''t find out! The way humans express their emotions is universal ¨C regardless of status, wealth, or poverty, when overwhelmed with joy, they can go mad! The CEO of the Bradford Group, a tycoon standing at the pinnacle, known for his cold, cunning, and ruthless demeanor, could forget everything in his moment of absolute joy! Forgetting his status, his usual demeanor, even forgetting he was already in his thirties, he acted like a giddy teenager! Amidst theughter, there was also a touch of heartwarming sincerity! How much must he love Elysia, to be so overjoyed upon confirming she was his wife?! Joy to the point of madness, joy to the point of delirium! "Son! My wife is Elysia! Haha, jealous, aren''t you? Daddy has married the woman he loves most!" Tarquin, holding the marriage certificate, waved it proudly at his four little ones. His smile was radiant and triumphant, as cheerful as a seventeen or eighteen-year-old boy. Elijah, smiling from a distance, felt a twinge in his nose and a tearfulness in his eyes. He was happy for his daddy! And for himself! Others might not empathize or understand his daddy''s state, but he did, he understood him! He and his daddy had waited and longed for this for too long. Now, they had finally gotten their wish, he had found the mommy he had dreamed of, and daddy had married his most beloved girl! The years of hardship and bitterness didn''t matter anymore. What mattered was that their dreams had finallye true, and they were going to embrace their happiness fiercely. Elliot, sitting in a wheelchair, didn''t feel quite as intensely as Elijah did; he felt more content. Like an old father watching his dearly loved daughter finally find a husband who only had eyes for her. Though he might feel a bit jealous, he was happy for her. Seeing the love Tarquin had for his mommy, he felt reassured and at ease. Chapter 790 All past grievances were behind them, and for Tarquin, making his mom happy was all that mattered now! His mom had gone through too much hardship, deserving nothing but the best the world had to offer. It was time for her to finally bask in happiness. Emmett, always the most emotional of the bunch, sobbed softly, his tears streaming down his face. Evan quickly wiped away his tears, asking, "Emmett, why the waterworks, buddy?" Choking back sobs, Emmett said in his babyish voice, "I don''t know... I just... when I see daddy smiling, it makes me wanna cry." Evan sniffed, then joked, "Should I go make him cry so you canugh, how about that?" "No, no, don''t hurt daddy." Evan pouted, looking down at Tarquin on the big screen. Despite being visibly moved himself, he still yed the tough guy,ining, "Embarrassing, looks like a total dork. Don''t say I know him." Keaton and the guys huddled in a corner, taking a smoke break. They had been teasing Tarquin earlier when he was getting all mushy, but now, seeing him lose his cool, they suddenly fell silent. Booker, with a cigarette in hand, remarked, "Last time I saw Tarquin this happy was when Elijah first called him ''dad.'' Man, he was over the moon, just like today!" Indeed, when Elijah first called Tarquin ''dad,'' Tarquin was ecstatic, celebrating like mad! At the crack of dawn, around 3 a.m., he rang each of them to brag that Elijah called him ''dad''! He even summoned them all to his ce, just to hear Elijah say ''dad''! Benjamin mused, "Life''s full of surprises. I thought Tarquin would never get Elijah''s mother back, doomed to bachelorhood forever. Who''d have thought, out of the blue, Tarquin''s got a wife and three grown sons!" Lowell''s eyes welled up, "Tarquin deserves happiness too!" Keaton nodded, "Seems like the universe finally cut him some ck." Axel stood in the shadows, leaning against a pir, silently observing Tarquin, saying nothing. The group fell into a silent solidarity, puffing away at their cigarettes. They knew better than anyone the struggles Tarquin had faced. Seeing him so content now, they all felt he deserved it. After a lifetime of hardships, barely knowing what happiness felt like, it was only right for him to finally get a taste of sheer joy. "Guess the universe does bnce things out!" "Elysia, did you know, you''re my wife!" Tarquin was still in a frenzy, grinning at Elysia. Blushing furiously, Elysia tugged at the hem of his shirt, whispering, "Everyone''s looking, tone it down a bit!" "Right, right, keeping it low-key." He said, aiming for subtlety, but the next second, he scooped her up, spinning around in circles! In full view of everyone, he shouted, "Elysia is mine, Tarquin''s wife!" Elysia was mortified, not used to such public disys of affection, "You... put me down! Stop it, or I''ll be really mad! I mean it... You believe I won''t talk to you for a whole day?" That was the harshest threat she could think of. She was shy, not as bold as him, yet deep down, thrilled. She liked him so much that not talking to him for a day seemed like a severe punishment. Tarquin, still chuckling, put her down and took her hand, leading her outside. Elysia inquired, "Hey, where are you taking me?" Tarquin replied, "Somewhere private." Then, bursting with joy, he announced to the partygoers, "You guys have fun, I''m taking my wife for some alone time!" With those words, he shed the bright red marriage certificate at everyone! Proud and boasting! The crowd: "..." Great, we''re all stuffed with dog food now. The sickly sweet smell of lovepletely overpowered the room, leaving the single folks feeling less than fresh, suddenly craving a taste of romance themselves! Chapter 791 The young clerk at the city hall, not used to the big scenes of life, was so nervous his brain seemed to have checked out. Spotting Tarquin about to leave, he hurried after him, asking, ¡°Mr. Bradford, are you still going through with the divorce? Everything is set up; you can get divorced anytime, just head over, and you can have your divorce decree." Keaton and the others, hearing this, stubbed out their cigarettes and rushed over, "Dude, are you for real?" They quickly covered the clerk''s mouth and dragged him to a corner, giving him a once-over. The clerk was visibly shaken, "What''s... what''s the problem?" Keaton, with a sly grin, asked, "Just graduated from college, haven''t you?" ¡°...Uh, yeah, just started my internship two months ago. How did you know?" Keaton chuckled, "Your eyes, they practically sparkle with naive stupidity." The clerk: "..." Booker, trying to lighten the mood, said, "He means you''re innocent. Have you ever been in a rtionship?" "Nope, never. Forever single." "That exins a lot." "Huh?" "That exins why youck a bit of... how do I put it... worldly wisdom." It took a moment for the clerk to catch on to what they were implying, and he quickly tried to exin, "Mr. Bradford was in a rush to get divorced, put pressure on usst night. Today, if he doesn''t get divorced, it''s going to be trouble for everyone! My boss even told me this morning that we had to make sure Mr. Bradford got his divorce decree today, or it would be my job on the line." Benjamin said, "Things change, buddy. Last night, he was dead set on getting a divorce, but today, he''d fight tooth and nail not to! Mention divorce to him now, and he''ll blow a gasket!" The clerk: "..." People change their minds that fast? Last night he was insisting on a divorce, and today he''s dead set against it! He wants the divorce, then he doesn''t! Booker, patting the clerk on the shoulder with a smile, said, "Looks like your boss pulled a fast one on you, putting the tricky job on the intern. But, kid, you might just have lucked out. Go back and wait; good days are ahead!" Indeed, personally delivering the marriage certificate to Tarquin turned out to be a direct hit to his heart. With how thrilled Tarquin was, the clerk was sure to be handsomely rewarded! Outside the hotel, Tarquin was already driving off with Elysia on the open road. Elysia, in the passenger seat, asked, "Where are you taking me, exactly? The kids are still back at the hotel." "Don''t worry about them. They won''t vanish into thin air." Elysia, exasperated, "Are you even their dad?" Tarquinughed, "They''re old enough to take care of themselves. No need to fuss over them." Elysia pursed her lips, "They''re only five!" "Well, that''s not exactly toddlers needing constant care." Elysia: "..." Fathers and theirid-back ways! It''s like that saying goes: If the kids are alive under dad''s care, it''s a win! Elysia, giving up on arguing, pulled out her phone to call Elliot. With so many strangers at the party and both parents gone, leaving just the kids, she was worried. And Elliot''s injury hadn''t even fully healed yet. But as soon as the call connected, Elliot reassured her, "Mommy, don''t worry about us. Mr. Lowell and Benjamin are here. They''ll take us back to the hospitalter. You have fun outside for a few days, and don''t worry about my injury. I cane out to y, so it''s definitely okay. Just enjoy your time outside." Elijah''s young voice, earnest and deep, added, "Mommy, have a good talk with daddy. Let everything out." Evan chimed in, "Yeah, Mommy, you tell him everything ¡ª fight if you have to, shout if you need to. We''re not scared of him. If he talks back, I''ll deal with him!" Emmett, quite fond of Tarquin as a dad, decided to y it cute, trying to charm Elysia with his words. Chapter 792 "Mom, Dad''s got a whole lot of cash, you know? What''s Dad''s is Mom''s, which means, you now have a whole lot of money too. Mom, you''ve finally made it, you''re a richdy now!" Mom always dreamt about being loaded, fantasizing about living that upscale life. Now that she''s actually rich, she must be over the moon! Maybe now she won''t be mad at Dad for keeping secrets about his wealth, right? Elysia couldn''t help but smile, feeling a warm glow in her heart. Before she could say anything, Lowell''s voice rang out, "Ms. Thorne... oh, my apologies, Mrs. Bradford. Why don''t you and Tarquin have a great time out? Leave the kids to me. I''ve got this parenting thing down now. You guys could take off for months, and it wouldn''t be a problem." Hearing herself called ''Mrs. Bradford'' made Elysia''s cheeks turn a deep shade of red! Immediately after, Booker chimed in, "Elysia, listen to me, you can''t go easy on a man. After what he did, make him kneel on Lego bricks tonight!" Benjamin jumped in, "Kneeling on Lego? That''s letting him off too easy. Make it durians! Have him kneel on durians!" Keaton rolled his eyes, "Forget Lego and durians. Just ban him from the bed, and he''ll be begging for forgiveness!" Elysia, at a loss for words, turned on the speakerphone and let Tarquin take over, "You, talk to them." Tarquin was driving, and hearing the boys'' wild suggestions, he squinted his eyes and said, "My wife is too kind-hearted to punish me, you guys are just talking nonsense!" Hearing Tarquin''s voice, the guys got even more excited, "Tarquin, justice might be dyed, but make sure the bedroom isn''t. Wishing you happiness, every single night!" "Tarquin, Keaton bragged about going five rounds, you should show him seven, just to knock his pride down a notch!" Benjamin, trying to sound serious, "Stop giving crazy advice. Tarquin, there''s no need to rush things in one night. Take care of your back and health for the long run. Ms. Thorne knows medicine, she''ll understand. Take it easy tonight." Their conversation was a mix of embarrassing and hriousments. Elysia was blushing furiously, her face almost bleeding red. She grabbed the phone, ended the call, and turned to gaze out the window, pretending to be interested in the scenery. Tarquin nced at her, swallowing hard and feeling parched, he reached for a bottle of water. Their hearts beat faster in unspoken agreement. Since getting together, they had shared countless kisses and even slept in the same bed, but had never taken their rtionship further. Because they weren''t officially divorced, Elysia felt uneasy. And if she felt uneasy, Tarquin had no desire to push her. She was the girl he cherished above all others, and he couldn''t bear to see her in any difort. So, despite that one time six years ago, they had not been intimate since. But now, things were different. They were officially husband and wife, and the uneasiness of the past was gone. Everything that was off-limits before was now within reach! The temperature in the car seemed to spike, making it feel unbearably hot. Tarquin felt a flush of heat, constantly drinking water to quench his thirst. Elysia''s cheeks were flushed, her palms and back sweaty with nerves. Out of shyness, nervousness, or perhaps due to all the unspoken tension, both fell into silence. The only thing that remained active was the underlying current of anticipation, yfully teasing their senses... Chapter 793 Tarquin drove for miles until they reached the seaside. Elysia pushed open the car door and stepped out, greeted by a sea breeze that instantly cooled her down, making her feel much morefortable. Tarquin walked over, a loving smile on his face as he took her hand and led her towards the beach. There was a line of fishing boats, and among them, a shy speedboat stood out. Tarquin hopped onto one of the boats, grabbing a life jacket and goggles for her. Elysia asked, "Are you taking me out to sea?" With a smile, Tarquin said, "Not just yet. I''ve got a special ce to show you first." Elysia nced out at the vast ocean, then back at the life jacket in his hands. "Where to?" "My secret hideout." "Really?" "It''s a ce only my wife gets to see." Elysia''s lips twitched into a smile. "Out there on the water?" "Yep." Seeing her hesitate, Tarquin asked, "Scared of the ocean?" It wasn''t so much the ocean that frightened Elysia; she didn''t have thssophobia. But as a child, she''d been dunked in a water barrel by Daphne and her gang, leaving her somewhat anxious around water, dreading that suffocating feeling. She was the type to be cautious and a bit timid, content with ying on the shore rather than venturing out to sea. "With me by your side, you''ve got nothing to fear!" Tarquin''s promise was firm. He gently helped her into the life jacket, fitted the goggles on her, and affectionately ruffled her hair. "Trust me, I''ve got you covered!" Quickly gearing up, he guided Elysia onto the speedboat, adding, "If you get scared, just hold on to me." Elysia didn''t move at first, but as soon as the speedboat took off, she immediately clung to Tarquin''s waist. And she held on tight! Tarquin chuckled,forting her, "Rx, I''m the king of this part of the sea. Nothing''s going to happen." Elysia wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, but still couldn''t help saying, "Can you, maybe, slow down a bit?" "Sure thing." Tarquin slowed the boat to a crawl, giving her a sense of security to help her adjust. Whether it was the warmth of the day or Elysia''s own heat, the cool sea spray didn''t make her feel cold at all. Seagulls circled and called out above them, following along as they moved forward. Tarquin whistled at them, and as if they understood, their calls became even more joyful. A few of the birds, either overly excited or just show-offs, soared high into the sky before diving straight down into the water. Secondster, they emerged, shaking off their drenched feathers, before flying up again, circling and calling out. Elysia''s attention was diverted, her fear momentarily forgotten, as she asked Tarquin curiously, "Do they know you?" "Yeah, I feed them every time Ie here. They love me. They get all excited when I show up." After saying that, Tarquin whistled at them again, boasting loudly, "Silly birds, meet my wife, Elysia!" Elysia rolled her eyes, yfully smacking his back, "Are you serious right now?!" Suddenly feeling her grip loosen, Tarquin sped up. Elysia quickly tightened her hold, "Hey!" Tarquin teased her, "Hold on tight, don''t let go, or you''ll fall into the sea." His tone was more childish than when he''d cajole Emmett, treating her like she was a three-year-old. Elysia gritted her teeth and bit his shoulder gently, not really wanting to hurt him. Tarquin turned his head to the seagulls, boasting, "My wife just bit me, did you see that?" Elysia was at a loss for words. Was this really something to brag about? After a while, as the sun began to set, Tarquin called out to her, "Elysia, look ahead." Elysia, still wrapped around his waist, tilted her head to see a dark silhouette in the distance. Chapter 794 "What''s that? An ind?" "Yeah, your husband''s." "...You''re taking me there?" "That''s the n!" The closer they got, the clearer they could see. Though the ind was lush with vegetation, it had a deste look to it, almost like it was uninhabited. Elysia, intrigued, asked, "Is this your secret hideout?" "Yep." Tarquin parked the jet ski at the edge of the ind, helped Elysia off, then secured the jet ski before taking her hand and leading her onto the ind. As they walked, suddenly, a wolf burst out from the underbrush, baring its teeth menacingly at them. Elysia gasped, instinctively gripping Tarquin''s arm tighter. Tarquin chuckled and said, "Don''t worry, that''s Snow-Rage." Before Elysia could react, Snow-Rage wagged its tail and ran towards them, howling softly. Tarquin called its name, and Snow-Rage stopped, sitting obediently on the ground, tilting its head curiously as it looked from him to Elysia, its gaze darting back and forth. Tarquin proudly introduced his wife to Snow-Rage, who then led the way. Snow-Rage obeyed him, tail wagging as it ran ahead. Elysia asked, "You raised it?" "Not exactly. They''re the ind''s natives. We had a few scuffles when I first arrived, but after I showed them who''s boss, we became friends." Elysia pursed her lips, finally understanding where Evan got his fighting spirit from! It all made sense now! Just like his dad! "Why call him Snow-Rage?" Tarquinughed, "Because he hates snow. Ever since he was a pup, he couldn''t stand it. Whenever it snows, he goes berserk. So, I named him Snow-Rage." Tarquin cleared the branches ahead to make a path for Elysia, "I bought this ind years ago. The animals here are familiar with me. You don''t need to be afraid; they won''t hurt you." Elysia moved cautiously, looking down at her feet and then up at the canopy. The trees swayed, with monkeys jumping from branch to branch. Having lived in the wilderness for five years with her children, she wasn''t afraid of the environment, but the sight of unfamiliar animals still made her nervous. Seeing the monkeys, she couldn''t help but think of the phrase "wild monkeys" and wished she had a stick for protection! "Why buy such a deste ce?" Tarquin held her hand gently, making sure she didn''t trip over roots or get scratched by the branches, "When I was seven, I was thrown into the sea in a plot against me. By a stroke of luck, I survived and washed up on this ind. I lived here alone for a few days. Despite the harsh living conditions, I was incredibly happy. It was far better than living in the hellish cage of the Bradford family. Ever since then, whenever I felt down, I''d find a way toe here." He gave Snow-Rage a nod, indicating for it to keep moving. "Growing up, I was disillusioned. I didn''t like the people around me, nor the world itself. I wanted to escape, but I had unfinished business, too stubborn to just end it all. So, I endured life with the Bradfords, this ce bing my sanctuary. Whenever life got unbearable, I''d sneak away here to breathe, to cope. Eventually, when I had the means, I bought the ind outright. Now, it''s my private retreat." Elysia frowned at his words, spoken so lightly, yet she felt a deep pang of sympathy. What kind of harsh living conditions could make a seven-year-old boy find sce in a deserted ind? What kind of torment must one endure to feel disillusioned with life? Chapter 795 "Here we are," Tarquin announced suddenly. Elysia snapped back to reality, her focus instantly captured. Before them stood a strikingly modern beach house, its design a testament to architectural beauty. The front yard boasted a well-manicuredwn,plete with sun umbres and wicker chairs. Had she been dropped here with no context, she''d never have guessed this ce was on a secluded ind! A pack of wolves stood guard in front of the house, watching them. A few wolf pups, barely old enough to walk, stumbled towards Tarquin. Bending down, Tarquin picked one up and squinted his eyes, "Haven''t seen you in a while, and now you''re out and about?" Elysia quickly nced at the mother wolf, who watched them with a gentle gaze, showing no sign of hostility. The trust it took for the mother wolf to let Tarquin hold her pup was undeniable! Elysia wasn''t quite as brave, cautiously petting the little one on the head, thinking to herself how much Evan would love this ce. "Let''s go inside," Tarquin said, setting the pup down and taking Elysia''s hand as they walked into the vi. The interior matched Tarquin''s personality perfectly: modern, minimalist, and sophisticated, adorned in shades of ck, white, and gray. After shedding their coats and changing shoes, Tarquin led her by the hand straight to the study. They passed through a hidden door behind a bookshelf, descending into the basement. It was vast, filled with all manner of things, resembling a miniature museum with its array of ss cases. But these cases didn''t hold treasures or rarities; instead, they contained items that seemed mundane at first nce. There were stones with scratch marks, worn-out books, old paintings, and children''s clothing... Tarquin was excited, showing off his collection, "This stone has marks from when I first ended up on the ind at seven. Each mark represents a day, five in total." "This is a tooth from Snow-Rage, the beast that attacked me when I first arrived. We fought, and it nearly bit off my leg. I knocked out one of its teeth." "Over here are things belonging to my parents. I''ve gathered everything I could find." "This was my father''s pen and notebook, and these are unpublished designs from my mother." "This is the only family photo with my parents and me. Don''t I look just like Elliot, Evan, and Elijah did at that age?" Elysia peered at the photo but was quickly pulled away, "Elysia,e look. This is all about Elijah." "This contains Elijah''s baby hair and a y imprint of his tiny foot." "This is what Elijah wore for his first birthday, and this is the keyboard he picked out during a traditional ceremony." "These are clothes and shoes Elijah wore as a child." "And this contains videos of Elijah growing up." There was so much to see, each item touching Elysia''s heart, deserving of careful attention. She was overwhelmed, unsure where to focus first. Tarquin continued his enthusiastic tour until suddenly, he fell silent. He stood before a disy case, lost in thought as he gazed at a little pink dress. Elysia saw the sadness in his eyes and instinctively wrapped her arm around his. It was clearly a dress for a baby girl. But Elysia didn''t pry; this was his secret to share. Tarquin''s voice broke the silence, "This was for my sister." Elysia was taken aback, "You have a sister?" "Yeah, my mother was three months pregnant when she passed away. The scans showed it was a girl. I picked out this dress during a shopping trip, envisioning it for her. Our whole family was excited; my mother always dreamed of having a daughter. But my sister never got the chance to see this world." Elysia frowned, looking at this handsome, strong man, moved and empathetic. Being versed in psychology, she could read between the lines of Tarquin''s actions and words, understanding the depth of his feelings. Chapter 796 He was head over heels in love with her, so much so that words failed him whenever he tried to express his feelings. Unsure of how to make her understand the depth of his affection, he decided to share his most guarded secrets with her. It was like he wasying his heart bare for her to see, a gesture to show her that his love was without reservations, that he was willing to share even the deepest, darkest corners of his soul with her. His excitement was palpable, a clear sign of his nervousness. He was desperate for her to know the extent of his love, driven by the fear that he had hurt her deeply in the past. He was scared that she might still be angry, that she might leave him. Elysia was touched, her heart aching for him. "Tarquin," she said, using his real name for the first time. At her words, Tarquin turned to face her, their eyes locking. The sadness in his eyes quickly turned to panic. He thought she was about to confront him, to hold him ountable for his past actions. But then, Elysia reached for him, standing on her tiptoes and kissed him. It wasn''t a light, fleeting kiss but a clumsy attempt to deepen their connection. Tarquin was taken aback, his body trembling at the unexpected intimacy. Elysia, with her eyes closed andshes fluttering, struggled to deepen the kiss, eventually biting his lip in frustration, looking up at him with a mix of annoyance and sorrow. "Do you not want to kiss me?" she challenged. In response, Tarquin pulled her closer, his kiss enveloping her with a passion that left no room for doubt. He kissed her with fervor, and she didn''t pull away. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck, matching his intensity. With that kiss, she was telling him that she loved him just as deeply, that he had nothing to fear, that the past was behind them, and that she was his,pletely. Their kiss was passionate and prolonged, a testament to the depth of their feelings for each other. Between breaths, Tarquin choked out, "Elysia, I love you so much! And I''m so scared of losing you!" "I know," Elysia whispered back, her arms still around his neck. "I''m not going anywhere." Tears streamed down his face as he apologized, the weight of his past misdeeds heavy on his heart. Elysia silenced him with another kiss, forgiving him for everything - for the pain he had caused, for the lies about his identity, for the turmoil he had put her through. She could have been angry, but his love for her and hers for him made forgiveness the only option. Holding her tightly, Tarquin sobbed like a child, his emotions overwhelming him. After a moment, Elysia led him away from the basement to a diving tform she had noticed earlier. It extended over the ocean from the terrace of the swimming pool, a terrifying height for Elysia who had nearly drowned as a child and had since been terrified of water. Standing on the edge, she turned to Tarquin, "I almost drowned when I was little, so I''m scared of water, and I can''t swim. If I fell into the ocean alone, I''d surely die. But with you by my side, I''m not afraid, because I trust you to save me." With those words, she let go of his hand, leaned back, and fell into the sea with her arms outstretched. Tarquin''s heart stopped, "Elysia!" He didn''t hesitate, leaping after her... As Elysia hit the water, calling out his name, she said, "Tarquin, I trust you with my life. Do you believe now that I''ve truly forgiven you? That I truly love you?" Chapter 797 Tarquin was aplete mess of emotions! His heart, once knotted with anxiety and guilt, now unraveled in a wave of pure love. Tears blurred his vision; he could no longer see her clearly, but his heart''s voice rang louder and clearer than ever. Love her! So deeply in love with her! To love her for all eternity... "Ssh-" Elysia tumbled into the crystal-clear ocean waters. Her entire body was instantly enveloped by the sea, the air around her consumed by water, bringing an overwhelming sense of suffocation. She couldn''t swim, and losing control over her body, she started to sink helplessly like a rootless leaf unable tomand its own destiny, left at the mercy of the vast ocean. Her eyes tightly shut, she couldn''t see her surroundings, only feeling the currents swirling around her, her body continuing its descent. In the past, she would have been terrified, frantically struggling for survival. But today, she didn''t struggle, didn''t resist, closing her eyes and letting her body sink towards the ocean floor, towards the unknown, potentially dangerous depths... Because she knew, there was a man who would dive in to save her. Without a second thought, ready to brave the depths to rescue her. Tarquin plunged into the water, spotting her instantly. Her dark hair floated like silk, her white dress billowing around her, she was like a pure, unnamed flower blooming beneath the waves. Tarquin, worried yet enthralled, swam faster towards her. Drawing close, he reached out to encircle her slender waist, lifting her into his arms, holding her close. In that moment, even the ocean currents seemed to soften. Elysia opened her eyes to find Tarquin''s gaze, filled with deep affection and passion. Their eyes locked, time seemed to stand still, the world around them fading away, leaving only each other. In the water, their gazes intertwined, igniting the me of love in their hearts without a single word spoken. The fireworks of love burst forth in both their hearts. The kiss, unexpected yet entirely unsurprising, enveloped them as they embraced each other, exchanging passionate kisses beneath the waves... A love, profound and unforgettable! Theirmitment made under the sea, their affection entwining above it. They kissed their way to the surface, gasping for air, their gazes burning with intensity. Tarquin, moved beyond words, felt a primal urge surge within him, bing the alpha wolf of the wilderness... He kissed Elysia again, fiercely, passionately! While kissing, he lifted her in his arms, making his way to the shore! Elysia wrapped her arms around his neck, responding with equal fervor. From outside the vi to inside, they kissed their way to the bedroom. Ignoring their drenched bodies, they tumbled onto the soft,rge bed. Tarquin, pinning her beneath him, his voice husky and low, "Elysia, I want... can we...?" Elysia, her cheeks flushed, wrapped her arms around his neck, silencing him with her lips. In that manner, she answered him: Yes, I agree! A room filled with ripples, a tide of passion. As the sun set, the sky was painted with hues of color, the fiery orange glow standing out, as passionate and unrestrained as a zing fire. The sea, under the glow of the sunset, shimmered, dazzlingly beautiful. The rhythmic crashing of the waves against the shore, the ''p p'' sound mingling with the calls of seabirds, stirred the imagination... ... Elysia woke the next afternoon,zily opening her eyes to find Tarquin lying beside her, propped up on one arm, gazing at her. His eyes soft with affection. Seeing her wake, his lips curved into a smile, "Wife." Chapter 798 Elysia was still getting used to being called by such an endearing nickname by him, and even more so, his disy of a chiseled chest and abs that were usually hidden under his clothes. She wondered if he was too hot or just showing off, as his thin nket was only covering his waist down, leaving his upper body bare for the world - or rather, for her eyes. Despite having shared the most intimate moments together, waking up to such a sight was still a shock to Elysia''s system, sending her heart racing and her cheeks flushing a deep red. Embarrassed, she tried to cover her face with the nket, only to realize she was as naked as the day she was born, with love bites scattered across her skin like a constetion of passion. And he was just as exposed as she was! So, she had inadvertently seen everything there was to see. Elysia''s eyes widened in panic, and she quickly scrambled out from under the covers, gasping for air, and grabbed the nket to cover herself up tightly. That left Tarquinpletely exposed to the cool morning air. Elysia''s eyes got even wider, and in a moment of flustered defense, she kicked out from under the covers, sending Tarquin tumbling off the bed. The thud of Tarquin hitting the floor was followed by a sharp intake of breath from Elysia. Moving brought a sudden awareness of soreness throughout her body, especially her legs and lower back! Mr. Bradford, having been unceremoniously kicked out of bed by his wife, quickly scrambled back up to check on her, concerncing his voice, "Does it hurt?" Elysia wanted to tell him to leave, but remembering his current state of undress, she hesitated. Instead, she turned to re at him, her face red with anger and embarrassment, and snapped, "You jerk!" She couldn''t remember how she ended up falling asleep, only that he had been as insistent as a hungry wolf, leaving her breathless! Her clothes had been torn to shreds in the heat of the moment! She faintly remembered passing out on the bed, but somehow she woke up in the bathtub, with no memory of what happened in between. But even the faintest attempt at piecing together the night''s events was enough to make her cheeks burn with embarrassment. "I tried to be gentle, I swear..." "Gentle my foot! Jerk!" Elysia couldn''t hold back, grabbing a pillow to whack him with it. Tarquin let hernd a few hits, worried she might tire herself out, before taking the pillow from her to ask, "Do you need a doctor?" "There''s a doctor on this ind?" "I can make a call and arrange for one." "No need! Where are my clothes?" "How about you wear one of mine for now?" His own clothes were the only option since hers were beyond saving. Elysia red at him through gritted teeth, "Just go get it! And put some clothes on yourself before youe back." She pulled the nket over her head again, refusing to look at him. Tarquin, with an indulgent smile, got out of bed to fetch clothes. He put on some casual home wear and picked out one of his shirts for Elysia. Heading to the bathroom, he also grabbed the lingerie she had worn the night before, now clean and dry. Approaching the bed, he hadn''t even spoken when Elysiamanded, "Just leave the clothes on the bed and leave!" Understanding her embarrassment, Tarquinpliantly hummed in agreement. "I''ll go make us some breakfast. You can get up and wash up. Oh, and I gave you a bathst night, so if you''re feelingzy, you don''t have to shower." He bathed her too??? Elysia hurled a pillow at him in response Tarquin caught the pillow, chuckling at his wife''s fiery spirit. He ced the pillow back on the bed without another word, and headed out to prepare breakfast, leaving Elysia to her thoughts. It was a while after the door closed that Elysia finally emerged from under the covers, wrapping herself in his shirt and heading to the bathroom. There were no tears, no injuries, just a body aching from a night of unbridled passion. Elysia couldn''t help but feel miffed. After all, it was him who had been the active onest night; why was she the one feeling exhausted? Chapter 799 After freshening up, Elysia nced at the clock and realized it was almost 4 PM. Her stomach was grumbling loudly with hunger. She walked downstairs in Tarquin''s shirt, and as soon as she reached the staircase, a delightful aroma hit her nose. Her taste buds tingled with anticipation, and she quickened her pace toward the kitchen. But upon entering, there was no sign of Tarquin, and the stove was off. Puzzled, she then heard the innocent yelps from outside. It sounded like puppies calling out. Driven by curiosity, Elysia stepped outside and found someone busy grilling. The weather was pleasant, with a BBQ grill under a patio umbre, sizzling with various skewers. Tarquin, wearing board shorts and a white tee, expertly flipped the skewers, surrounded by a group of eager puppies drooling at the mouth. Elysia''s hunger intensified, feeling like she could devour a whole pig! The quarrel fromst night forgotten, she raced over to him, eximing, "That smells amazing." Tarquin turned with a smile, his gaze unintentionally dropping to her legs. Her legs were long, straight, and fair. Under the guise of his shirt, they were even more striking. His eyes narrowed with an intrigued expression. Noticing his gaze, Elysia was about to snap at him when Tarquin suddenly shifted his attention and said to the puppies: "Looks like the little scavenger is here, dinner time!" He tossed some raw meat to the puppies to munch on aside and then picked up a few perfectly grilled skewers, blowing on them before handing one to Elysia, "Take it slow, careful, it''s hot." As Elysia reached for the skewer, Tarquin yfully pulled it away, leaning in for a quick peck. Elysia was about to scold him when he stuffed the skewer in her mouth, effectively silencing her. She epted the skewer and didn''t forget to kick him lightly. Tarquin''s face was full of adoration, "Tastes good?" "Mhm! Delicious!" Tarquin''s handsome face broke into a smile. He had heard that to win a woman''s heart, you must first win over her stomach! Taking good care of her appetite meant she couldn''t stay away from him. And since he had been a bit harsh on herst night, he knew he had some making up to do. The weather was just right, not too cold or too warm. After the barbecue, they strolled along the beach, video calling the kids and capturing beautiful scenes. In the evening, Elysia expressed a desire to watch videos of Elijah as a toddler. So, they curled up on the couch in the home theater, watching together. Tarquin was a dedicated father, evident from the videos he had taken of Elijah. He was patient and attentive, truly embodying the role of both mother and father. He had captured Elijah''s milestones, from birthdays to everyday moments. Videos of Elijah''s first attempts at eating, sitting up, calling out "Daddy," and taking his first steps... Elysia curled up on the couch, leaning on his shoulder, alternatelyughing and being moved to tears. They watched all night but still hadn''t seen everything. She insisted on more, but Tarquin, concerned for her well-being, turned off the projector, suggesting they continue another time, "Let''s sleep now and watch moreter. We have all the time in the world." With her eyes teary, Elysia climbed onto him, "Thank you for capturing these beautiful moments, allowing me to see Elijah''s childhood." Tarquin, leaning back on the couch with her in his arms, tenderly stroked her back, "I''m his father. It''s my duty. No need for thanks." Elysia rested her head on his shoulder, silent for a moment before yfully biting his shoulder and neck... Tarquin, tilting his head back against the couch, pulled her closer... After making love twice in the home theater and once more in their bedroom, they woke up in the afternoon again. This time, Elysia wasn''t as hungry. Tarquin mentioned he had steamed some seafood for her and went downstairs to serve it, but she clung to him, not wanting to let go. For some reason, she felt incredibly attached to him and didn''t want to be apart. Tarquin, indulgently patting her head, offered, "Shall I carry you down to eat?" Chapter 800 Elysia buried her face into his chest, shaking her head, "I''m not hungry." "What do you feel like eating, then? You''ve got to eat something." "Just wait a bit longer, let me stay like this for a while," Elysia murmured. Hearing this, Tarquin felt his heart melt, "Alright!" As Elysia nestled into him, she whispered, "Imagine if we had never parted ways, I could have been there for every moment of Elijah''s childhood, and you could have been there for Elliot, Evan, Emmett as they grew up." After watching videos of Elijah''s milestones the night before, her sense of regret deepened. Shemented over all the moments of Elijah''s life that she had missed... Tarquin held her close, trying to offerfort, "Gideon tried to control me with marriage back then, setting me up with Daphne, who was supposedly ipatible with me ording to some old superstition. I didn''t care much about it, so I never paid attention. I always thought I was married to Daphne. Aftering back home, my first intention was to get a divorce. If it weren''t for that incident at the airport, our paths might never have crossed, and we wouldn''t have our children. It''s been a series of fortunate missteps, but at least the oue is good." Elysia, her eyes teary, said, "Let''s never part ways again!" Tarquin tightened his embrace, "Yes, never again!" After a while, Elysia couldn''t help but ask, "About that marriage certificate, I didn''t know it was you because I had never seen it, never saw our picture together on it. Why didn''t you recognize me either?" Tarquin sighed, feeling like fate had yed a strange trick on them. "I remember catching a glimpse of it once, and it had Daphne''s name. Looking back, it might have been a dream. I truly forgot about being married, it wasn''t intentional to hide it from you. And about concealing my identity, I..." "You don''t have to exin, I understand," Elysia interrupted. Tarquin swallowed hard, reflecting, "Elysia, I''m so lucky it was you! Any other name on that certificate would have been a tragedy for me! Only with you, I could be genuinely happy!" "Me too, so fortunate, it''s you!" "" During their first three days on the ind, they alternated between moments of intimacy, sleep, and eating. It was only on the fourth day that Elysia started to take a real interest in the vi. The vi had a strong sense of design and was filled with artistic vibes. Something about it felt familiar to her, yet she couldn''t quite ce where she had seen it before. That feeling of d¨¦j¨¤ vu... She asked Tarquin, "Who''s the mastermind behind this design?" Tarquin replied, "My mom." Elysia was taken aback, "Mrs. Bradford?" Tarquin affectionately pinched her cheek, "You''re her rightful daughter-inw; you should call her mom." Elysia blushed and corrected herself, "Wasn''t mom gone long before? How could she have designed a vi for you?" "This was herst project, only two-thirdsplete when she passed. I finished thest third, and that''s how we got the blueprints for this vi. Do you have any thoughts on the design?" Elysia spoke truthfully, "It feels familiar." Tarquin chuckled, "Mom was a renowned figure in the design world. If you search for Elizabeth''s name online, you''ll find many of her designs." Elizabeth... Elysia frowned slightly; every time she heard that name, it felt familiar, yet she couldn''t recall when or where she hade across it before. But she was sure it wasn''t online or through Tarquin. It felt like something from many years ago! Meanwhile, in a corner of Jindale City, someone was scrutinizing photos of the vi''s exterior. On the phone, a voice reported, "We''ve confirmed Ms. Thorne and Tarquin are on the ind, but the security is tight. It''s challenging to approach, whether by sea or air. If we want to take it down, we need a better n." The man paused for a moment before saying indifferently, "Then let it be." Hanging up, he took off his headset and stared at the phone screen, mumbling to himself, "It''s her design, a shame to destroy it." Chapter 801 Elysia Thorne and Tarquin Bradford were leaving the ind in three days, rounding off a week-long escape from the hustle and bustle of their lives. Just as they stepped into the hospital, Tarquin''s phone buzzed with a call from Axel. Whatever Axel said, it cast a shadow over Tarquin''s face, his expression darkening in an instant. "...I got it. We''ll talk face to face in a bit," Tarquin muttered before hanging up. He paused, furrowing his brows in thought beforeposing himself and returning to the hospital room. Elysia was surrounded by their children, cherishing the reunion after a week apart. Ellioty on the hospital bed, a gentle smile on his face. Elijah sat beside him, stoic yet with eyes sparkling as he looked at Elysia. Emmett was nestled in Elysia''s arms, being his charming self. Evan stood beside her, animatedly sharing the week''s adventures, his hands flying as he spoke. Tarquin approached, feigning nonchnce, "Kids, stick with mom; I''ve got to swing by the office." Elysia looked up, concerned, "Something wrong at work?" "Just need to sort out some work stuff; it''s nothing to worry about. I''ll be back soon." Elysia didn''t press further, "Alright, just call if you''re not back for dinner." "Will do." With a quick peck on Elysia''s forehead and a ruffle of Emmett''s hair, Tarquin was out the door, his demeanor shifting the moment he stepped out of the room. Axel was waiting downstairs. As soon as Tarquin got into the car, he asked, "When did it happen?" "Yesterday afternoon," Axel started the car, steering it out of the hospital parking lot. "Why didn''t you call me?" Tarquin''s brow was furrowed with concern. "You know it wouldn''t have made a difference. The guy was already dead," Axel stated tly, knowing too well how Tarquin had finally found a slice of happiness he didn''t want to disrupt. Tarquin leaned back, lighting a cigarette and taking a deep drag. Axel nced at him through the rearview mirror, understanding the turmoil his friend must be feeling but choosing to focus on the facts. "I did some digging around. While you were at the police station, Jindale City witnessed a brutal murder. A young heir was found dismembered in the woods, his limbs neatly ced beside his torso, just like Den." Den, the bodyguard who had once betrayed Tarquin under duress, was found dead in a simr manner. "The forensic team says the killer is both cruel and meticulous, likely someone ustomed to a refined lifestyle," Axel continued. "Any leads on who it might be?" Tarquin pressed, his voice tight. "Keith." Tarquin''s expression darkened at the mention of the name. Axel exined, "Den left a voice message before he died, mentioning Keith." He yed the message. Den''s voice filled the car, urgent and breathless, "Boss, tell Tarquin I stumbled upon Keith''s secret. Keith, he''s got a girl-" The message cut off abruptly. Axel sighed, "Den wanted to make amends, went after Keith alone to uncover his secrets. It''s unclear if he meant a girlfriend or a daughter, but if it''s thetter, Keith could very well be our prime suspect." Chapter 802 The mysterious man had confided in Tarquin himself that he had a daughter out there somewhere! Gideon Bradford had also confirmed it; the mysterious man indeed had a daughter! How could it be such a coincidence that this mysterious man had a daughter, and so did Keith? There was a high chance they were talking about the same person! And that daughter, she must be Tarquin and Elysia''s! Tarquin furrowed his brows, took a deep drag of his cigarette, and asked, "... Is there any proof that Keith is the killer?" "No, ever since you torched his cabin, he''s been holed up at home. I''ve had people watch him around the clock, and there''s no sign of him stepping out. But that doesn''t rule out the possibility of him being the mastermind. If he is the mysterious man, he''s bound to have a few tricks up his sleeve." "... How did Den stumble upon his secret?" "That''s still unclear. We don''t know how Den found out, but I believe his information is credible." Tarquin''s face darkened, and he resumed his silent brooding over a cigarette. Axel nced at him through the rearview mirror, wondering what was on his mind but chose not to press further. Upon arriving at the funeral home, Tarquin personally went to the morgue to see Den. Axel had already taken care of Den''s body, making it look presentable. Tarquin looked at Den for a long while, bowed deeply three times, covered him with a white sheet, and walked out. Standing at the entrance of the funeral home, he lit another cigarette, "Does Den''s girlfriend and kid know yet?" "I haven''t told them yet." "Make arrangements. See what they n to do next. If they want to go abroad, arrange it. If they prefer to stay, let them stay. Give them an initial sum of one million dors, and then a monthly payment triple Den''s sry. And tell them, if they ever run into trouble, we''re here to help. Also, consult them about Den''s funeral arrangements. I''ll cover the expenses." "...Got it. What about Keith? Should we investigate further?¡± Tarquin''s scowl deepened at the mention of that name, and after a heavy drag of his cigarette, he said, "Hold off for now. Don''t spook him. I''ll decide our next move." When Tarquin returned to the hospital, it was already past ten at night. The kids were all asleep, and Elysia was by Elliot''s bedside. Seeing him return, she quickly got up, "You''re back sote? Have you been busy all this time?" Tarquin set down the box he was carrying and embraced her, "Just need a hug." Elysia, sensing his low spirits, asked with concern, "Feeling down?" He sighed, ¡°A friend passed away. It''s a tough loss." "Oh? How did it happen?" "...An idental death." Elysia frowned, gently patting his back tofort him, "Everyone has their time, try to takefort." After hugging Elysia for a while, Tarquin didn''t want to dampen her spirits and changed the subject, "I''m fine. What did you guys have for dinner?" "Soup and a sd. I can whip up some pasta for you; there''s some in the fridge." Tarquin shook his head, lying, "I''ve already eaten." He hadn''t had the appetite to eat all day. Elysia sighed softly to herself and gently patted his back, "Then you should get washed up." "Alright." After hugging her once more and checking on the kids, Tarquin finally went to freshen up. Elysia turned towards the kitchen. Tying her apron and washing her hands, she decided to prepare somete-nightfort food for him. Lowell once said, despite his cool exterior, Tarquin was all about loyalty and deep feelings. His friend''s death had hit him hard; how could he possibly feel like eating? He definitely skipped dinner, and must be hungry by now. After all, you can''t fight on an empty stomach! If he won''t eat, she''d worry. Chapter 803 Tarquin, freshly showered, immediately noticed the bustling figure in the kitchen. Hair tied in a casual, low ponytail, an apron wrapped around her waist, and slippers on her feet, she gently stirred a pot with a wooden spoon, embodying the essence of a tender-hearted spouse. A wave of warmth flooded Tarquin''s heart. Drying his hair, he draped the towel around his neck and strode into the kitchen with his long legs. Wrapping his arms around Elysia from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder, he asked, "What''s got you cooking at this hour?" Elysia turned to peck his cheek, yfully teasing, "Whipping up something special for my hubby. Hope he''s willing to give it a taste?" Overjoyed, Tarquin hugged her tighter and returned the kiss, "If it''s made by my wife, of course, I''ll have it." With a giggle, Elysia served up the dish. Concerned she might burn herself, Tarquin took the te and headed to the dining room. Sitting opposite each other, one savored the meal while the other watched. Leaning on one hand, Elysia initiated conversation, ¡°What''s in that box you brought back?" Tarquin had returned with arge box earlier. ncing at it, a fleeting shadow crossed his eyes. Without mentioning Keith''s name, he said, "Just some personal collectibles. You know psychology; I thought maybe you could help figure out the collector''s interests and habits." "I''ll take a look." Elysia stood and opened the box. Picking up a painting, she nced at it and said, "This person is hopeful about the future." Tarquin frowned, "Hopeful about the future?" Could Keith, with his dark psyche, really harbor hope for the future? Elysia confidently nodded, "Look at this painting, endless fields of wheat, symbolizing hope. Whoever owns this painting must be filled with hope for the future." Tarquin, deep in thought with a stern face, remained silent. Unaware these items belonged to Keith, Elysia didn''t dwell on it and set the painting aside, picking up an hourss next, "An hourss, a device to measure the passage of time, symbolizing its fleeting nature. It''s typically cherished by those nostalgic for the past. I guess its owner is someone with a story." Tarquin just listened. After cing the hourss aside, Elysia picked up a sketch, "A work in progress, capturing only the figure and long hair, with iplete facial features... The subject must be a beautiful woman, yet the eyes are left undrawn, indicating he misses her yet can''t face her." Tarquin, having finished his meal, wiped his mouth with a napkin and approached, "What do you mean?" Elysia pondered, "There''s definitely a woman on his mind, but for some reason, he''s avoiding her. Perhaps he feels guilty for something, or maybe she wronged him, causing anger or sorrow. Either way, he longs for her but also deliberately avoids facing her." Tarquin questioned, "A woman, not a daughter?" Elysia paused, ¡°Hard to say without knowing the artist''s age." "If he''s about our age?" "Then it''s definitely a woman, not his daughter. Look at the figure; it''s not a child''s. Someone our age couldn''t have a daughter that grown." Tarquin pondered, "So, what''s her rtion to him?" Elysia countered, "Do we know if these items belong to a man or a woman?" Chapter 804 "Male." "Well, that opens up a whole can of worms. Thisdy could be his girlfriend or wife, maybe his secret crush, or even what his mom looked like when she was younger." Tarquin: "..." "Hey, now that you mention it, he might actually have a daughter." Tarquin''s heart skipped a beat, "How can you tell?" "Look at this watercolor painting. It''s a countryside scene, there''s a pink bunny over here, a pink backpack there, and over here, pink flowers and pink balloons. Pink is a color most little girls adore. Pink bunnies, pink backpacks, pink flowers, and pink balloons, they all hint at a little girl. So, the person who painted this must have a daughter. And he must really love her. Look at how tenderly he painted these pink objects, every stroke is precise, careful, and beautiful. It shows he''s thinking of his little girl with love, joy, and fondness." Tarquin''s frown deepened! He hadn''t studied these details closely due to time constraints. Then, after one thing led to another, he hadn''t gotten around to it. But now, hearing Elysia''s analysis and piecing it together with the voice message Den sent before he died, Tarquin was more convinced than ever that Keith had a daughter! And it couldn''t be his, or else there''d be no need for secrecy! Was Keith the mysterious figure? Was Keith raising his and Elysia''s daughter? Did he and Elysia truly have a daughter out there somewhere? What did Keith want with his daughter? Was Keith trying to use the girl to threaten him? But if he wanted to threaten him, why would Keith grow fond of her? And why hadn''t Keith yed this trump card to crush him? What was Keith''s endgame?! As these heavy questions flooded his mind, Tarquin''s breathing grew heavier. "What''s wrong?" Elysia, noticing something was off, asked with concern. Tarquin looked at her with aplex expression. She was oblivious, her face filled only with curiosity, no sign of anxiety. If she knew now, she''d probably go insane! After the initial shock, she''d desperately want to find their daughter. If they couldn''t, she''d be anxious, worried, nervous. She''d lose her appetite and suffer from insomnia. So, telling her now would do more harm than good. Tarquin calmed himself, deciding to keep it from her for the time being, "I''m fine. Can you tell where his daughter might be?" Elysia shook her head, "It looks like a beautiful countryside, but I can''t pinpoint which one. Why? What''s your connection to them?" "...Just look at something else." Elysia didn''t press further and continued examining the other items. After more than an hour, she concluded: "This collector is burdened with heavy thoughts, probably has a dark past, but he''s hopeful about the future! And he''s holding two people in his heart, a beautiful woman, and a little girl!" Right now, Tarquin didn''t care who the beautiful woman was; he was focused on the little girl! He still didn''t fully understand his feud with Keith, but he knew they were heading for a showdown! Before the battle, he had to figure out the situation with his daughter! Now, with Den and Elysia''s discoveries, it was almost certain that Keith had a daughter! Later that night, after tucking Elysia into bed, Tarquin immediately grabbed his phone and called Axel, "Start a wide search around Keith for a little girl Elijah''s age! Focus on beautiful countryside areas, and start tonight..." Chapter 805 Tarquin had just given an order and was about to light up a cigarette when Elliot and Elijah suddenly appeared behind him. The brothers furrowed their brows in unison, their expressions grave as they stared at him, blurting out together, "We have a sister?!" Tarquin paused, putting away his lighter and cigarette, "Why are you two still up?" The boys tilted their heads up to him, waiting for an answer. Elliot and Elijah, always attentive to details, knew something was up. Tarquin and Elysia had just returned from their ind getaway, and ideally, it was a time for the family of six to finallye together. Especially since at the party, Tarquin and Elysia had left abruptly, essentially confirming their marital status without a proper family reunion afterward. And then, Tarquin hurried off, iming business matters. If it had truly been about work, he would have postponed it or at least waited until after the family dinner. This had the brothers worried and restless, unable to sleep. When Tarquin returned around ten past midnight, the boys were still awake, pretending to be asleep. They overheard Tarquin''s conversation with Elysia and themand he gave to Axel. After a few seconds of silence on the balcony, Tarquin finally spoke, "It''s not certain yet, but there''s a strong possibility." The brothers'' eyes widened in shock, their expressions visibly changing. "Let''s go inside and talk." The night was chilly, and Tarquin was concerned about Elliot''s recovery since he hadn''t fully healed yet. He ushered the stunned boys inside, making sure Elliot wasfortable in bed and Elijah seated properly. After checking on Elysia in the guest room and seeing she was fast asleep, Tarquin pulled up a chair next to Elliot''s bed and began to exin. "Last year, you guys used N ter as bait to lure out this mysterious figure at the Marriott Hotel. After Elliot and Evan had left, I confronted him. He tried to use his daughter as leverage, telling me I had a daughter out there somewhere! I had people looking into it extensively, but we found nothing. Then, at the New Year''s dinner, when Elijah was poisoned, Gideon mentioned this mysterious figure having a daughter again. I''ve been having people on it, but with so little to go on about this mysterious figure, we hit a dead end. Uncle Axel even thought it might be a false lead. But recently, one of your uncles risked everything to uncover a secret from Keith, and I had your mom look through some things Keith had collected. It all points to Keith valuing two people: a beautiful woman and a young girl. Putting all the pieces together, it seems very likely that Keith is the mysterious figure, and the young girl he''s been looking after could very well be your sister!" Elliot and Elijah gasped, their breathing quickening. A sister... They had a sister? Their minds conjured up images of a cute, cartoon hair-clipped, pink dress-wearing, big-eyed, longshed little girl resembling their mother... The brothers'' hearts nearly melted! They fantasized about her tugging at their clothes, calling them ''brother'' in the sweetest voice, their hearts trembling with excitement! Though they weren''t as outspoken as Evan about wanting a sister, they cherished the thought deeply. A sister, after all, is a brother''s treasure. Just the thought filled them with immense affection! Even the usuallyposed brothers couldn''t hide their excitement, "Where is she?" "Where''s our sister?" Tarquin replied, "I''ve set people on it, following Keith''s trail." Before, not even knowing who the mysterious figure was, let alone his daughter, was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Chapter 806 But now, with a lead on Keith, there''s finally a direction to investigate. Elliot, furrowing his brow impatiently, said, "Let''s use that thing I have! It''ll be faster!" Tarquin, catching on immediately, frowned and asked, "The one you got from Gideon?" "Yeah!" Back when they first returned to Jindale City, because of Elysia, Elliot and Tarquin had a ''battle'', hacking into the Bradford Group''s security system. Gideon had no clue about Elliot''s true identity, but recognizing his skills, he wanted to use him to find Alpha Thorne to counter Tarquin. Eventually, Gideon traded that item with Elliot for three favors. One of those was to help find a way to contact Alpha. Just how rare and sought after was this item? Money couldn''t buy it, power couldn''t trade for it; luck was the only way to get it! Even Tarquin didn''t have it! Previously, Tarquin had tried to make a deal with Elliot to exchange it, hoping to use it to find Elysia''s whereabouts. How Gideon got his hands on it remains a mystery to this day. The item, in as it looked, was backed by a powerful entity, the identity of which remained unknown. But owning it meant its master could help you achieve anything you desired! Elliot had initially thought of using it to retrieve Elizabeth Gonzalez''s ashes as a birthday gift for Tarquin. But then he found another way to get the ashes and didn''t use it. Now, it could be used to find his sister''s location! He was so eager to find his sister, wishing he could see her right now! Understanding Elliot''s feelings, Tarquin, with a thoughtful frown, shook his head, "We don''t yet know if Keith is the mysterious person, nor if the girl he''s caring for is your sister. Using it now would be premature. Let''s wait until we''re sure." Using it to find someone was efficient, fast, convenient, and foolproof. But what if Keith wasn''t the mysterious figure, and the girl wasn''t who they were looking for? It would be a waste of something so precious and rare! Elijah nodded in agreement, "Dad''s right. It''s not the right time yet. We should first confirm whether we really have a sister out there. Is Keith the mysterious person? Is the girl he''s caring for actually our sister?" These questions were urgent! Seeing both kids with their brows furrowed, Tarquinforted them, "Don''t worry, with Dad here, I promise, if you really have a sister out there, I''ll do everything in my power to find her and bring her back to our family circle as soon as possible!" The room fell silent for a moment before Elliot asked, "Did you tell Mom about our sister?" Tarquin shook his head, "Things are still uncertain. I''m worried she''ll start worrying unnecessarily." "Let''s not tell Mom yet!" Elliot and Elijah said in unison. The father and sons were on the same page! Elysia was a worrier, especially when it came to children. Telling her about a daughter lost out there would drive her crazy with worry! And they couldn''t tell Evan either. Evan was impulsive and obsessed with the idea of having a sister. He''d been dreaming of having a sister. Knowing he might have one under Keith''s care would make him turn the house upside down! Not to mention, rming Keith was one thing; Evan himself would be like an ant on a hot pan, frantically anxious. And Emmett was out of the question. He was a little crybaby. Not knowing his sister''s whereabouts would break his heart, possibly even leading to real tears. So, the trio decided to keep it a secret for as long as possible, discussing any progress among themselves. If push came to shove, they''d use that item! Nothing in the world was more important than finding their sister, no matter how precious the item was! Chapter 807 The next morning, as Elysia stirred awake, the kids were still deep in their dreams, while Tarquin, adorned with an apron, was bustling in the kitchen making breakfast. Elliot and Elijah had only managed to fall asleep in the wee hours and were yet to wake up. Having been gued by insomnia all night, Tarquin had found sce in the kitchen as dawn broke, preparing a loving meal for his wife and children. This gesture deeply moved Elysia, who snuck up behind him in the kitchen, wrapping her arms around him. "Why are you up so early?" Tarquin chuckled, "I wanted my wife to wake up to a breakfast made with love by her husband." They had decided to keep their daughter''s situation from Elysia, not wanting her to sense anything amiss. After exining, Tarquin turned around to wrap his arms around Elysia, nting a kiss before asking, "And you? Why are you up with the birds?" "I went to bed earlyst night. What''s on your agenda today?" "Do you have ns?" Elysia replied, "I was thinking of visiting Blossom. If you''re not busy, you could stay at the hospital with the kids. If you are, we could have a nursee over." "Blossom Blythe? What happened?" "She got frightened by you." "Really?" Elysiaughed, "She didn''t know who you were before, nor that you''re my husband. Now that she does, she''s terrified. She thinks you''re going to tear her apart for scolding you. She''s even scared toe to the hospital. I need to have a chat with her." Tarquin was at a loss for words, "Doesn''t she realize she should be thrilled? Knowing my identity should be a boost for her. Her best friend snagged me. That elevates her status. She could practically strut through Jindale City now." Elysia yfully hit him, "Blossom''s not a crab, why would she strut? Listen here, I have only two best friends in this lifetime - Blossom and Winona. They''re not just friends; they''re like sisters to me. They''ve supported me through thick and thin. If you truly love me, you can''t act all high and mighty around them." With his wifeying down thew, Tarquin quickly agreed, "I wouldn''t dare. They have my wife as their backbone. I can''t afford to mess with them." Elysia beamed, nting a kiss on his cheek, "Then I''m off to freshen up before I see her." Tarquin pulled her close, not letting go, "Don''t go to her ce. Why don''t you girls hit the mall instead? Use my card. It''s stuffy staying at home." He was wary of Elysia visiting Blossom''s home since Keith lived right across from her. "Alright! Then I''ll make it my mission to max out your card!" "It would be my honor. Spend away." Elysia was delighted, rewarding him with another kiss. Tarquin returned her kiss passionately, then remembered, "Oh, mention to Blossom about the kids changing schools and her job offer. If she''s interested, she can move to the new school with the kids. I''ll arrange it." It was only polite to inform Blossom, who had arranged their current school. As a token of appreciation, he could also transfer her job. The top private kindergarten in Jindale City, with the best sry and conditions for teachers, would be a dreame true for her. Moreover, with Blossom looking after them at the kindergarten, Tarquin would have peace of mind. Elysia nodded, "I''ll let her know." This was a n they had devised while on their ind getaway, intending to transfer the kids upon their return. Though Elysia and Tarquin''s rtionship hadn''t been made public, the elite circles were aware. For safety, Tarquin wanted to move them to a private kindergarten. And once Elliot was discharged, they would no longer reside in Future Community but move in with Tarquin. After breakfast, lovingly served by Tarquin, Elysia was ready to leave. She refused his offer to apany her, "Stay with the kids. They''ll feel lost waking up to find neither of us here." "Alright, I''ll arrange for the driver," Tarquin conceded, also secretly ensuring several undercover bodyguards followed for her safety. Chapter 808 Gone were the days of anonymity, Elysia had be the bona fide Mrs. Bradford, a title that came with its own set of perks and perils in the elite social circles they navigated. With her new status, Elysia wasn''t just draped in luxury; she was also wrapped up in potential danger. From then on, stepping outside meant being nked by a team of six bodyguards to protect her and the kids. In the days that followed, Tarquin was a man on a mission. While he kept a vignt eye on his daughter''s well-being, he was also busy nning a wedding. He knew Elysia didn''t care much for the pomp, but it mattered to him. Every woman harbors a dream of a fairytale wedding, with a stunning dress and a memorable ceremony. Tarquin was determined to spare no expense or effort to make sure Elysia had the wedding of her dreams. He refused to let her feel even a hint of regret. What other women had, Elysia must have and what they didn''t, she''d have too. So, he set about organizing the wedding of the century, nning to surprise Elysia with the details once everything was set in stone. In his quest for perfection, he even enlisted the world''s most renowned bridal gown designer, sparing no cost to have a custom dress made just for her. During this period, Tarquin also made sure their family was officially recognized, changing their family records from a duo to a full house of six, with himself at the helm. Moreover, he took steps to ensure Elliot, Evan, and Emmett were enrolled in a prestigious school, while Elijah, battling his own demons, also signed up to join his brothers in kindergarten. Tarquin''s next move was nothing short of dramatic. He gutted the Bradford Group''s finances, watching as thepany''s fortunes plummeted from the pinnacle of sess to the depths of despair. The Bradford family was in turmoil, fully aware that Tarquin''s actions were retribution for their schemes against Elysia and the children. Now, with thepany on the brink, the only way out was to sell their shares back to Tarquin, fulfilling his grim prophecy from a previous gathering: henceforth, they''d be left with nothing. On the other hand, holding onto their shares meant facing insurmountable debts and possible legal repercussions. The Bradford family was in disarray, with usations and grievances flying. "Is Tarquin trying to ruin us? Does he have no family loyalty left?" theymented. The me wasid at many doors, from the Thorne family''s machinations to the patriarch''s misjudgments. The family''s unity was shattered, and Gideon, caught in the crossfire, was left so stressed that he ended up in the hospital. Having dealt with the Bradfords, Tarquin turned his attention to rewarding those who had stood by them, especially the families of Blossom and Winona Newsom, Elysia''s closest friends. He generously funded Blossom''s parents'' research projects and provided the Newsoms with lucrative business opportunities, expressing his gratitude for their unwavering support of Elysia. By mid-May, life was looking up. Elysia''s spirits were higher than ever, and the family was basking in happiness. On May 15th, with Elliot discharged from the hospital, they moved into Tarquin''svish estate, the Number One Mansion, marking the start of a new chapter. However, amidst these celebrations, an unforeseen event threatened to disrupt their newfound peace. Chapter 809 On May 15th in the afternoon,w enforcement officials cracked down on a significant child trafficking operation that shocked the nation as soon as the news broke. The case involved several criminals and numerous innocent children victimized by this heinous crime. The youngest was only a month old, and the oldest around twelve or thirteen, with the majority being around four or five years old. Some of these little angels were tragically lost forever, others left with disabilities, and some even with missing organs... Each child represented a devastated family. The heart-wrenching scenes of parents clutching their children, tears streaming down their faces, broke everyone''s heart. Just moments before, onlinemunities were abuzz withints about retirement age; but as soon as the police bulletin was released, the public''s attention swiftly shifted. The traffickers were vilified online, with many expressing a fervent wish to take justice into their own hands. Some extreme voices even called into question the effectiveness of thew, believing such criminals deserved death, prompting a broader call for legal reforms to ensure the harshest penalties for child traffickers. Elysia, scrolling through the news, felt a heavy weight upon her. Her brows furrowed, her breathing shallow, her body trembling with emotion. As a mother, she found these stories unbearable, feeling a deep empathy for the parents and an overwhelming sorrow for the children. "They''re so young, they should be growing up happy, not facing these demons!" shemented. Tarquin, sitting next to her on the couch, tried to offer some sce, "Thew doesn''t hand out the death penalty to traffickers not to give them a chance but to save the children. If traffickers knew they''d face the death penalty regardless, it might lead to more harm than good." Elysia replied, "I know, and I respect thew, but it''s just so infuriating! These children... they''ve lost the light in their eyes. Who knows what horrors they''ve faced to end up like this? And who knows how much love and time it will take to heal their wounds?" "Those who prey on women and children won''t have an easy time in prison either. There''s a sort of code among inmates, and traffickers are at the bottom of the pecking order. As for the children, all we can do is hope they recover slowly," Tarquin consoled. Elysia, fighting back tears, leaned into him, "We have to make sure nothing like this ever happens to Elliot and our kids. We have to protect them at all costs." Tarquin wasn''t worried about their children''s safety, given the measures he''d taken, but he understood Elysia''s fear. Yet, he couldn''t help but worry about how she would react if she knew they had a daughter out there somewhere. Elysia''s sensitivity, especially when it came to children, was something he deeply cherished, yet it also made him anxious. Holding her close, he dared not bring up any topic that could upset her further. Meanwhile, in Future Community, Keith sat on his couch, scrolling through the news with a hollow look in his eyes, the life seemingly drained from him. These past days, he had been cooped up at home, nursing not just physical wounds but emotional ones too. His cherished cabin, a symbol of so many precious memories, had been reduced to ashes by Tarquin, a cruel reminder of how well Tarquin knew where to strike to hurt him the most. Chapter 810 For months, it had been a cat-and-mouse game, with Keith always lurking in the shadows, provoking Tarquin from the safety of anonymity. But when Tarquin finally struck back, he hit Keith where it hurt, almost costing him everything. Keith had been in a dark ce for days on end. It wasn''t until thetest news broke that he felt a surge of energy - not excitement, but pure rage. His disdain for those who harm children had grown exponentially. The case in question involved a five-year-old girl, snatched from her grandmother at a bustling farmer''s market. Taken in perfect health, she was found with her corneas removed. So young, and now condemned to a world without light. Videos of the girl, pre and post-tragedy, surfaced online. In the before clips, she''s seenughing, yfully grabbing at her father''s sses, sweetly calling him "daddy". Now, with her father right in front of her, she doesn''t recognize him. Not because she doesn''t remember, but because she can''t see... Tentatively, she reaches out with her chubby little hands, touching her father''s face, and whispers, "Is that you, Daddy?" Choking back tears, her father responds, "Yes, baby, it''s Daddy." Head tilted in confusion, she asks in innocent curiosity, "Did Daddy be invisible? I can''t see Daddy anymore. When will I be able to see you again?" Her father breaks down, unable to respond. The inte''s heart shattered for the father-daughter duo. Permanently blind, with no hope for recovery, as confirmed by doctors. Outrage and sympathy poured in fromizens, cursing the traffickers, wishing them the most painful of fates. Keith, eyes aze with fury, clenched his jaw and licked his lips in a strange mix of anger and determination, making a cryptic phone call. Shutting off hisputer, he changed into a set of ck athletic wear. Twenty minutester, a ''delivery guy'' rang the doorbell, handing over a package before Keith donned the delivery uniform and left the house. With a mask and baseball cap concealing his identity, even his own bodyguards weren''t sure if it was Keith or just another delivery guy leaving the premises. Split between following the suspect and staying back to keep watch, they were unaware of Keith''s awareness of their surveince, courtesy of Tarquin. After a day spent delivering food in a mundane disguise, Keith shed his delivery attire by evening, evading his tail and heading straight to the detention center... The next day, the inte erupted once more. The traffickers, just recently the target of public outrage, were found dead overnight. Insider ims surfaced online, detailing how a vignte infiltrated the detention center, overpowered the guards, and executed the traffickers. The message was clear: harm children, face death. While the police remained silent, theck of denial fueled public excitement and spection. The consensus was clear: no sympathy for the traffickers, with many openly thanking the mysterious avenger. When Tarquin caught wind of the news, his initial shock quickly turned to concern. He too despised the traffickers and had even made calls to ensure they''d receive a ''warm wee'' in custody. Yet, he hadn''t expected them to be dead by morning. And the vignte? It was Keith. Chapter 811 Axel''s call came through like this, "You''ve seen the news? Yeah, it''s pretty much the same deal. Last night, someone broke into the precinct, took down the night shift officers, grabbed the keys, and went straight for those traffickers. Took them out right there. The guy''s bold, skilled, and his way of killing? Professional and brutal. Some of the victims were gutted, others had their eyes gouged out, and some were even drained of blood... The coroner said the murder weapon is almost identical to what was used on Den. And I''ve seen the surveince footage; the perp''s build and the way he moves are spitting images of Keith. I''m sure it''s him! But he covered his tracks well, no evidence to pin it on him directly." Axel also raised a question, "I checked, those traffickers had no known ties to Keith. No clue why he''d target them. But with that bloody message he left behind, the inte''s buzzing, calling the killer a ''vignte,'' saying he''s taking out the trash for the public good." Tarquin, wrapped in his bathrobe, stood on his private deck, his expression unreadable. Keithmitting murder wasn''t about public service; he wasn''t one to y the hero! But that message he left in blood, ''Those who harm children will pay,'' was clearly a warning to child abusers. Taking out those traffickers was about vengeance, and a form of punishment! Keith, what are you really about? After a moment of reflection, Tarquin asked Axel, "Any progress on the little girl''s case?" "...It''s tough, not much to go on. We''re still searching." "Speed it up!" After hanging up, Tarquin thought about lighting up a cigarette but then remembered Elysia. She hated the smell of smoke, and he didn''t want to upset her. Back in the bedroom, Elysia had just ended a call with Blossom. Seeing him return from the deck, she immediately asked, "Did you hear about those traffickers being killed?" "Yeah, saw the news online." Tarquin climbed into bed, pulling her close, "Was it Blossom''s call that woke you, or was it me?" "I woke up on my own, right when Blossom called. And, um, I overheard you talking about the traffickersst night..." Elysia looked at him with wide eyes, hesitating. Tarquin could read her like a book; she was terrible at hiding her thoughts. He yfully pinched her cheek, "Getting all worked up over nothing, huh? Murder''s against thew, I don''t do that kind of work." Elysia let out a sigh of relief, "Blossom thinks you''re the only one capable of such a bold act." Tarquin couldn''t help but feel a bit speechless, "So in Blossom''s eyes, you married a murderer?" Elysia rified, "She thinks you''repetent!" "Competent in murder?" "That''s not what she meant. Blossom believes anyone who could pull off a hit in a precinct isn''t ordinary." Tarquin had to agree, Keith was no ordinary man. Mysterious, unpredictable, dangerous, and unhinged! Elysia, unaware it was Keith''s doing, added, "Though killing is wrong, it''s somewhat satisfying in this case. It''s like karma for those who do evil. Hopefully, this serves as a warning to others to do good instead of evil." Tarquin simply hummed in response, "Considering there''s no known connection between the killer and the traffickers, what do you think his motive was?" Elysia spected, "Either he saw the public outcry online and appointed himself a vignte or he''s just someone who loves children to an extreme, couldn''t stand the crimes of the traffickers, and feltpelled to act." It had to be thetter; couldn''t stand not acting. After a moment, Tarquin exhaled deeply, trying to steer Elysia away from the grim subject, "Let''s move on from this, no need to dwell on it any longer." Elysia had been down since the news broke, and Tarquin felt for her. "Yeah, you go on with your day. I''ll stay home with the kids." Chapter 812 "Alright, I''ll head to the office in a bit." At this moment, Keith had just finished freshening up, changing into a set of clean clothes. He did kill the man, no reason, just couldn''t stand those traffickers, annoyed by them. What kind of strength does it show, picking on kids?! "Ding ding..." His phone suddenly rang. Keith walked over to the bedside table, a smile forming as he saw the caller ID, draping the towel around his neck, he answered, "Hey, princess." His voice was sweet, tender like a loving father. From the other end came a young girl''s voice, soft and milky, "Daddy, when are youing back? I miss you so much, so very much." Keith''s smile reached his eyes, "Daddy misses you too, princess. But I have to wait for mommy, once she''s done with her work here, we''ll bothe back to you." "So, when youe back, you''re not leaving again?" "Nope, not leaving. Staying with my princess forever." "Okay, daddy, no fooling around, okay? Liars are puppy dogs." Keith''s smile was radiant, "Daddy''s no liar, sweetheart. Once mommy and I are back, we''re never leaving your side again." "How long till mommy''s done?" "Not long, princess. Just be good, eat your meals, maybe put on a couple more pounds, and we''ll be right back." "Okay! I can eat two whole bowls now." The little girl boasted proudly. Keithughed, "That''s my girl!" "I''m gonna go eat now, daddy. You and mommy eat well too. Bye, daddy." As the call ended, the little girl moved closer to the screen, blowing a kiss that made a sound. Keith''s heart nearly melted, holding onto his phone long after the call, as if savoring his daughter''s love. It wasn''t until the phone rang again that he snapped back to reality, his smile fading as he answered, "Speak." "Tarquin has intensified his search, specifically targeting picturesque viges this time. He must have a lead. I''m worried about our princess''s safety beingpromised." Keith''s brows furrowed, a sh of anger in his eyes. The caller continued, "I think it''s time we stop hiding. Before Tarquin gets to her, we should use our princess for our next move. We''ve raised her all these years, it''d be a pity not to use her now." Keith''s voice turned icy, "The princess is off-limits! Without my say-so, nobody touches her!" "...No one dares, we''re only thinking of revenge, not to harm her a bit! She''s our trump card, it''d be a shame not to y it. And you know Tarquin''s capabilities, without using her, our chance of sess shrinks." Keith, firm and fierce, "Hold your positions, wait for mymand!" Hearing the anger in his voice, the caller didn''t dare to say more, "...Yes!" After hanging up, Keith stared at his daughter''s photo, lost in thought. When he took her from Elysia, it was indeed for vengeance. But times have changed, and so has he... His princess isn''t a pawn in his game, nor is she Tarquin''s daughter! She has no rtion to Tarquin; she''s Keith''s! His princess, innocent and dreamy, lively and adorable, shouldn''t be dragged into adult conflicts! As for his deep-seated vengeance, he could avenge without involving her! "Sigh..." Keith took a deep breath, looking out the window. The sun had risen, bright and shining! It was time to end this, years of plotting and nning, his and Tarquin''s feud, it was time for a final settlement! He couldn''t bear the thought of being apart from his princess any longer! Once the revenge was done, he''d return to his princess, watch her grow, guard her upbringing! For eternity, being her one and only knight! Chapter 813 Elysia was deep into researching the plight of abducted children, her mind heavy with the gravity of their trauma, when her phone buzzed with a message from her daughter. Just the day before, the police had issued a nationwide call for volunteers, particrly those skilled in psychology, to help these children recover from their deep-seated emotional wounds. As someone who had delved into child psychology, albeit without any formal qualifications, Elysia didn''t hesitate to sign up. But herck of credentials raised questions. No sooner had her husband Tarquin left for work that morning than she received a call from the charity. They appreciated her willingness but had to tread carefully-unqualified enthusiasm, however well-intentioned, could backfire. Elysia proposed apromise; she''d start as an assistant to the counselors. Touched by her sincerity, the charity agreed and sent her the files on three children in need of support in Jindale City. One story, in particr, struck a nerve: an eight-year-old boy, abducted two years back, now wheelchair-bound and barely able tomunicate, his spirit crushed by the ordeal of having to beg for survival. The injustice of it all fueled Elysia''s determination to protect her own children from such a fate. It was in this mindset that she received the startling news about her daughter. ncing at her phone, she expected nothing unusual, but the image that greeted her made her heart skip a beat-a sonogram of a woman deep into her pregnancy. Confusion turned to shock as she focused on the details: Elysia, 23, 38 weeks pregnant, with quadruplets. Quadruplets? How could that be? Her mind raced back to the time she had her three sons, Elliot, Evan, and Elijah, and Emmett, the child she''d found and taken under her wing. Could it be that she was originally pregnant with quadruplets? The revtion shook her to her core, especially as a follow-up video showed her in the hospital, the doctor marveling at the rarity of a quadruplet pregnancy-three boys and a girl. A girl? The thought left her breathless. The video, a window to a day five years past when she''d fainted at work and been rushed to the hospital, revealed a truth she''d been unaware of: She''d been pregnant with quadruplets. The discovery, as astonishing as it was, filled her with a mix of emotions. She pondered over the fate of the daughter she never knew she had, her resolve to keep her family safe now mixed with a longing to uncover the truth about her lost child. Chapter 814 Elysia''s hands trembled with excitement, a rush of tion swiftly followed by a wave of panic. Where was her daughter?! "Ding¡ª" Another message arrived, this time a video. Elysia hurriedly opened it to find footage from an operating room. A team of doctors and nurses, d in scrubs, were performing a C-section on her. One after another, cries filled the room as four babies were safely delivered! Four nurses, each cradling a baby, were busy with the routine post-birth procedures: clocking the time, weighing, and bathing... Soon, the four little ones were snugly wrapped and ced side by side in a warming unit. A nursemented, "Three boys and a girl, all in good health, though the little girl''s a bit on the small side..." As the video ended, Elysia was left in shock, taking a long time to snap back to reality. When she finally did, tears were streaming down her face. Overwhelmed with joy yet fraught with fear, she realized: She had a daughter! She and Tarquin had a daughter! But someone had taken her away! Through her tears, Elysia tried to reach out to the sender, her vision blurred. Wiping her eyes roughly, her hands shaking, she attempted to call back. No answer. Then, another message came through, ["Want to know where your daughter is? Divorce Tarquin first."] Unable to reach them by phone, Elysia replied, ["Who are you? Who exactly are you? Why did you take my daughter? Where is she now?"] The reply was chilling, ["I was the one who took your daughter from you. Divorce Tarquin, and I''ll take you to her. She misses you."] Elysia was frantic, ["I want to see her now!"] The sender replied, ["Then divorce Tarquin now. As soon as you do, I''ll take you to her."] Elysia couldn''t understand why a divorce was necessary to see her daughter. She just wanted to be reunited immediately! Two more messages followed, ["Choose. Your daughter or your marriage."] ["Elysia, I''ve been watching you. You have one day to decide."] Elysia felt her heart pounding, but her next message wouldn''t send. After a final warning not to tell Tarquin, the sender disappeared. Elysia was at her wit''s end, unable to make contact again. She felt like a trapped animal, clutching her phone in desperation. She didn''t know who the sender was, but she was certain the information was real. Her daughter had indeed been taken! Who was this person? Friend or foe? Was her daughter safe or in harm''s way? Haunted by recent child abduction cases, Elysia''s mind raced with dreadful scenarios. Terrified for her daughter''s safety, she considered calling Tarquin to reveal everything. But before she could dial, she hung up, remembering the warning. The threat was clear: the sender was watching, and any disobedience could mean harm to her daughter. Silence was her only option, yet silence offered no sce. How could she find her daughter? Should she really consider divorce? Would the sender truly return her daughter after a divorce? Distrustful of the sender''s intentions but fearful of endangering her daughter, Elysia felt isted. Tarquin, their children, along with Blossom and Winona, were her only confidantes. What to do? How to proceed? Struggling with indecision and panic, Elysia felt utterly lost. Finally, an idea struck her a potential solution to her agonizing dilemma. Chapter 815 Elysia, tears streaming down her face, made her way to the kids'' room. Her four boys had just finished their morning rituals, eager to head downstairs for pancakes and bacon. Seeing their mom in such distress stopped them in their tracks. "What''s wrong, Mom?" they chorused, gathering around her. Elliot guided her to sit down while Elijah quickly grabbed a tissue, passing it to Emmett, who gently wiped their mom''s tears away. Evan, the youngest but with a spirit as fierce as any, his breathing erratic with worry, blurted out, "Mom, don''t cry. Just tell me, who''s upset you?!" Elysia, struggling to speak through her sobs, didn''t want to rm the boys. Yet, she couldn''t contain her emotions. This was monumental news. She had another daughter, and she was nowhere to be found! "Call... call your dad. Get him toe home now!" she managed to say. Elliot was on it: "Right, calling Dad!" Elijah insisted, "I''ll call him, right now!" Evan, ever the protector, asked, "Did Dad upset you?!" Emmett, the sensitive soul, seeing his mom in tears, started crying too. Under normal circumstances, Elysia would reassure Emmett, but today her emotions overwhelmed her. She could only hug him, both of them crying together, her mind consumed with thoughts of her missing daughter. Elijah, with a furrowed brow, stepped aside to call Tarquin. "Dad, you need toe home. Mom''s crying!" Tarquin, in the midst of a critical meeting with the Bradford family investors, felt his heart tighten. "What happened?" he asked, urgency in his voice. "Mom didn''t say. She just told us to call you!" Without a word more, Tarquin rose, his steps quick and determined out of the boardroom. "I have to go home," he announced to his colleague Lowell, who followed him out. "Tell the Bradfords if they''re not willing to sell their shares, they can prepare for jail!" Tarquin rushed to the elevator, his family''s world seemingly on the brink of copse. Back home, the revtion shook the boys. Elijah, trying tofort his mom, assured, "Mom, don''t cry. Dad''s on his way." Evan, fists clenched, demanded, "Mom, just tell me, did Dad upset you? Or was it the Bradfords or the Thornes?" Elysia shook her head, finally managing to say, "You... you all have a sister!" Elliot and Elijah were stunned, Evan and Emmett confused. Elysia continued, "I just found out. You have a younger sister, your biological sister!" Evan, usually quick to react, was speechless before eximing, "Our real sister? Mom, did you...?" "Yes," she confirmed, a mix of sadness and awe in her voice. Evan, his mind racing with excitement, turned to Elliot, "Did you hear that? We have a sister!" Emmett, no longer crying, joined in the excitement, "A sister! Like, from the sky!" The brothers, momentarily forgetting their mom''s tears, echoed in unison, "Mom, where''s our sister?" Chapter 816 Elysia''s eyes brimmed with tears that fell inrge, sorrowful drops. "My baby girl..." Elliot and Elijah had been aware of their sister''s existence for some time, so the revtion itself wasn''t shocking. What truly puzzled them was how their mom found out. With serious expressions and furrowed brows, Elliot and Elijah questioned, "Mom, how did you find out?" Wiping away her tears, Elysia handed her phone to Elliot and then pulled Emmett into aforting embrace, shielding him from the screen. The fact that Emmett wasn''t biologically theirs was still a secret from the little guy, though his brothers were in on the truth. "Stay with Mommy, Emmett." "Okay, Mommy, don''t cry. Emmett''s here with you." Elliot, Evan, and Elijah took the phone and stepped aside. Their faces transformed with emotion as they scrolled through the messages - especially Evan. One moment he was ecstatic about finally having a sister, and the next, he was plunged into a nightmare learning she had been taken. "Those bastards, they took my sister!" Just as Evan was about to explode, Elliot whispered something in his ear, calming him down albeit reluctantly. "Fine!" ... By the time Tarquin hurried home from the office, Elysia had already fallen asleep. Elliot and Elijah pulled Tarquin into the study for a private discussion, leaving Evan and Emmett to keep Elysiapany and out of the loop. The idea was to protect Emmett from the harsh truth about his origins for a few more years, fearing the revtion might make him feel lost and disconnected. Evan, known for his impulsive nature and deep affection for the idea of having a sister, was kept at a distance from the nning to prevent him from rash actions. Inside the study, Tarquin was anxious, "I heard Elysia was crying. Why is she asleep now?" Elliot exined, "Mom was too upset, and I was worried about her. I convinced her to take a sedative to rest for a bit." He handed Tarquin Elysia''s phone. "We''re now certain we have a sister out there!" Tarquin''s expression turned grave as he browsed through the photos and videos on the phone. Elliot continued, "Elijah and I tracked the number that sent the messages to Mom. As expected, we hit a dead end. But, I believe Keith is behind this. Your recent focus on Keith must have tipped him off, prompting him to take action." Elijah chimed in, "He''s using our sister to ckmail Mom into divorcing Dad. What''s his endgame? How does splitting them up benefit him?" Elliot pondered, "The real motive is still unclear, but it''s evident he wants to lead Mom to our sister." Elijah, furrowing his brow in thought, added, "Kidnapping Mom to find our sister aligns with the mysterious figure''s goals. Is Keith the mysterious figure?" Elliot didn''t confirm or deny but shared his thoughts, "I''ve been mulling this over. Many clues suggest Keith is our guy. But one thing doesn''t add up. Last night, he left a message: ''Those who harm children shall perish.'' It seems he''s fond of kids, evident from his affection towards the daycare children. So, why would someone who loves kids harm one for his own agenda?" Elijah considered the contradiction. "You think he might not be the mysterious figure?" Elliot shook his head, "Aside from that inconsistency, everything else points to Keith. Dad, what''s your take?" Both brothers turned to Tarquin, who had been silently fixating on the phone''s screen, lost in thought. Chapter 817 Tarquin''s mind was adrift, caught between thoughts of his daughter and Elysia. Realizing he had a daughter, as opposed to merely suspecting it, brought a whirlwind of emotions, a chasm between doubt and certainty. Doubt was governed by logic, a maze of suspicion and theories. But certainty? It shook him to his core, a mix of joy and anxiety. He, Tarquin, had a daughter. Yet, she was in the hands of another... His thoughts then wandered back to Elysia, filled with regret and empathy. He regretted missing her entire pregnancy, not once seeing her with a baby bump except for those two video clips-the first glimpses of Elysia pregnant. And empathy, because childbirth is a daunting journey, more so for someone bearing twins. High-risk pregnancies demand extra care and love, yet she was all alone through hers. The video of her ultrasound showed it all-her pale, undernourished face, the swelling in her legs, and the washed- out clothes she wore. At 38 weeks, she was still scraping by, working hard for the future of her children... What was he doing at that time? Five years ago, he was at the pinnacle of his career. After years of perseverance, he stormed back home to take over the Bradford Group, bing its youngest ever CEO and the undisputed head of the Bradford family. His business empire expanded swiftly, making him a formidable figure in the corporate world. He stood atop the pyramid, looking down on all. Yet, while he reveled in his sess, Elysia was struggling in a poverty-stricken area, enduring a harsh life with his child... Tarquin had always prided himself on being fair and honorable, never owing anyone anything. Yet, he owed Elysia more than he could ever repay. "Daddy, what''s wrong?" Elijah''s concerned voice snapped Tarquin out of his reverie. Taking a deep breath, Tarquin reassured him, "Don''t worry about your sister; she''s safe for now. I need to spend some time with your mommy." With that, he stood up, taking Elysia''s phone with him as he left the study. Elliot and Elijah exchanged a look. Outside, as Evan and Emmett saw Tarquin enter, Elliot motioned for them to step out, sensing the heavy atmosphere. They knew of their mom''s past hardships, but for Tarquin, witnessing it firsthand was overwhelming. The bedroom became a sanctuary, with Elysia still lost in fitful sleep. Tarquin shed his business attire, slipping into bed beside her. Holding her close, he allowed the tears he''d been holding back to fall freely. Apologies and words offort seemed too flimsy to convey the depth of his remorse and tenderness for her. "No, no, please, ah, ah, ah-" Elysia''s troubled sleep continued, her voice breaking the silence of the room. Chapter 818 Elysia suddenly burst into tears, screaming at the top of her lungs! She clenched onto his shirt so tightly, her whole body shaking uncontrobly, overwhelmed with emotion. Her eyes were shut tight, as if trapped in a nightmare. Tarquin quickly called out to her, "Elysia!" It took several shouts before Elysia finally snapped her eyes open, gasping for air, her breaths short and rapid. ¡°Having a nightmare?¡± Tarquin asked. Elysia''s eyes were glossy, staring nkly at him. For a few seconds, she was in a daze before finally recognizing him and burst into tears, her words tumbling out incoherently, "Tarquin, we have a daughter, and she''s been taken by a bad man, a man who wants to hurt her. She''s terrified, and I want to save her! But I can''t beat him, what do I do? I can''t protect our daughter, I can''t protect her, I''m such a failure of a mother, I''m so useless, oh why am I so useless..." Elysia was heartbroken, ming herself, while Tarquin''s brow furrowed deeply, his heart aching for her. He knew she would break down the moment she found out about their daughter! "Elysia, don''t be scared, it was just a nightmare." But Elysia, as if not hearing him, cried even harder, "Tarquin, please, you have to save her. I can''t, but you can, you''re so capable, you can surely bring our daughter back! Please, save her, hurry..." Tarquin held her tight, "Elysia, our daughter is not in danger, don''t scare yourself." Elysia, her voice rising uncontrobly, ¡°She''s been kidnapped! She''s in danger! She''s so much younger than Elliot, Evan, and Elijah, how can she survive without us, you have to save her... oh..." Tarquin gently pressed his lips against hers, silencing her cries in an attempt to calm her down. Her emotions were so intense, as if she''d lost her mind; he needed to soothe her before things got worse. After the kiss, Tarquin tenderly kissed away her tears and her forehead, pulling her head close to his chest. Holding her tightly, he whispered soothingly, ¡°Elysia, our girl is already five, she''s doing just fine, believe me, she''s not in any immediate danger." Elysia finally calmed down. Clinging to his shirt, she sobbed softly, "Tarquin, someone took our daughter, our baby girl has been kidnapped! I''m so worried about her, I''m really so worried..." Tarquin''s heart shattered, "I know! But don''t worry, I promise we''ll find our daughter! Stop scaring yourself, and don''t scare me." Elysia buried her face into his chest, her tears unstoppable. The joy of discovering they had a daughter was immense! But the thought of her being in the hands of viins terrified her. Especially with the recent surge in online discussions about child trafficking, her fears were amplified... Falling into a restless sleep, she dreamt a horrifying dream. She dreamt of giving birth to quadruplets, the nurse handed them to her,menting on her fortune, three boys and a girl, all healthy - a perfect family. But in the next moment, as she reached to see her children, a menacing figure barged in and snatched away two of her babies. She screamed, tumbling out of bed, chasing after her children in desperation. Suddenly, the sky opened up, pouring rain apanied by thunder and lightning, her children''s cries breaking her heart. She followed their cries through the storm, searching frantically. Finally finding them, she discovered only one child remained in the viin''s grasp. The kidnapper, knife in hand, poised to harm her child. She screamed ''No!'' throwing herself forward to save her child. The viin turned to her with a sneer, chuckling menacingly. Chapter 819 d in a ck trench coat, his hat casting shadows over his sinister grin, he looked like a viin straight out of a horror movie. He approached her, and with several swift thrusts of his knife, she copsed to the ground. As shey there, her eyes wide with terror, she watched him, bloodied knife in hand, advancing towards her child. One step, then another... getting closer and closer. The fear was overwhelming; the thought of her childing to harm was unbearable. She tried to stand, to rush at him, but her legs wouldn''t hold her. She attempted to drag her bloodied form forward, fingernails scraping against the ground, but she couldn''t move. All she could do was watch helplessly as the perpetrator neared her child, feeling a despair so intense it choked her... Now awake, the memory of the dream still shook her to the core, her body trembling uncontrobly. Tarquin held her tightly, trying tofort her, "Elysia, I''ve actually known about our daughter for a while now, but I wasn''t sure if the information was reliable, so I didn''t mention it. I know you get scared easily, and I didn''t want you to worry unnecessarily. Our daughter is indeed out there, and I''m 100% certain she''s safe. Remember those antiques I showed you the other day? Our daughter is with him. You''ve seen his paintings. He loves her and wouldn''t harm her. And the messages you received today were just to scare you, with no mention of harming our daughter. So, for now, you don''t need to worry about her safety." Elysia looked at him, surprised that he had known about their daughter all along. But then she slowly calmed down. He was right; the man wouldn''t harm someone he loved. With the reassurance that their daughter was likely not in danger, a significant weight lifted from Elysia''s heart. She sniffled and asked, "You have his artworks, so you must know who he is, right?" Tarquin''s lips moved slightly. It was Keith. If Keith hadn''t gone to the police stationst night, Tarquin might not have been so sure. Now, he wasn''t positive if Keith was the mysterious man, but he was certain that their daughter was with him! But he feared that telling Elysia would drive her to recklessly confront Keith. Just as Elliot had kept certain information from Evan. Just as Tarquin was about to speak, Elysia suddenly stood up, "I know now! Elizabeth!" Tarquin was puzzled. Elysia seemed to have an epiphany, wiping away her tears and looking at him excitedly, "I finally understand why your mother''s name felt so familiar to me! Tarquin, I remembered something from five years ago! When I woke up in those woods, all I had were Elliot and Evan, wrapped in these clean but worn small nkets. The corner of the nkets had some faded lettering, but whether it was from being washed too many times or something else, I couldn''t make out what it said. I spent so long trying to decipher it because I wanted to know who had taken us to the woods. Those two nkets were the only clue. But the writing was too blurred, and ultimately, I couldn''t figure it out. Later, when I saw your mother''s name in your study for the first time, it felt familiar, but I couldn''t ce where I''d seen it before. Because I gave up trying to understand after a while and hadn''t looked at them for years, my memory had faded. Chapter 820 After encountering the name ''Elizabeth'' a few times, it always struck a familiar chord, but hearing it didn''t elicit the same feeling. Now, I was certain that the name on those nkets was indeed ''Elizabeth''. Both of the small nkets had ''Elizabeth'' embroidered on their corners!" Initially, Tarquin was shocked, then his expression turned grave. The person who left Elysia and her son in the mountains had to be the same one who took Elijah and his daughter! Keith! So, it must''ve been Keith who wrapped up those nkets! But why would the nkets bear their mother''s name? As Tarquin pondered, a tightness seized his heart. Keith, connected to their mother! The portrait Keith drew of the beautiful woman with no eyes, was that his mother?! It took Tarquin several moments to snap back to reality, "Elysia, you''ve provided a monumental clue. Rest up and listen to me, I''ll handle our daughter''s situation. Trust me, I''ll find her!" After saying this, he kissed Elysia''s forehead firmly, urging her to lie down, and summoned Evan and Emmett to stay by her side. He and the brothers, Elliot and Elijah, retreated back to the study. While booting up theputer, Tarquin ryed this new lead to Elliot and Elijah. "Today''s focus isn''t Keith, but your grandmother. Keith has ties to your grandma!" Keith had obscured his identity, but Elizabeth''s was not a secret. Following the trail of Elizabeth, they could unravel Keith''s identity and the whole saga between them! No sooner had theputer turned on than Elijah eximed, "Dad, move over, let me do this!" Elijah took the helm, his small fingers tapping away at the keyboard with a speed that distracted Tarquin for a moment! He knew Elliot was aputer whiz, but Elijah too... It seemed the Bradford familycked this gene! Where did these kids get it from? Tarquin briefly entertained the thought but quickly refocused on Keith and Elizabeth. He dialed Axel, "Our daughter with Elysia is indeed in Keith''s hands. Rally everyone, we need to find her! And keep a close eye on Keith! Any movement, I want to know immediately!" Soon, the brothers hadpiled aprehensive dossier on Elizabeth. The information was extensive, covering her life from childhood to adulthood. However, among those who had interacted with her, there was no one named Keith! Tarquin wasn''t surprised, "He must''ve used a pseudonym. Keith''s probably not his real name. Look for any suspects." Tarquin and Elliot started to meticulouslyb through Elizabeth''s biography. Elijah continued to gather information on people rted to Elizabeth. They left no stone unturned in their search, determined to uncover Keith''s history. To know your enemy as yourself is to be victorious in a hundred battles. Understanding Keith''s identity would make it easier to confront him. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, they came up empty-handed. "Could we be barking up the wrong tree? Maybe the nket mom mentioned was just a coincidence?" Elliot spected. With furrowed brows, Tarquin shook his head. Though Keith''s motives were unclear, the fact that he used the ''Elizabeth'' nkets was proof enough of a significant connection to their mother. And it was a deep connection at that! This was also corroborated by Keith''s sketch, which underscored the importance of their mother in his heart. After a moment of contemtion, Tarquin stepped out onto the balcony and made a call to a military bigwig, "Soren, do you have a moment? I''d like to discuss something about my mother with you." Chapter 821 Soren, the boy next door who grew up with Elizabeth, was always there for her. From sharing ice cream cones on hot summer days to cycling down the leaf-strewn paths of their neighborhood, they did everything together. Soren knew Elizabeth inside out - her every joy, her every sorrow. He had secretly been in love with Elizabeth since they were kids, promising himself that she was the only one he''d ever want to marry. But then, out of the blue, Kendrick arrived on the scene. And what''s worse, Elizabeth fell for Kendrick. They started dating, got married, and even had a child together. Soren was like a character out of a tragic love story, the childhood friend who couldn''tpete with the charming neer. Despite the heartbreak, Soren''s love for Elizabeth never wavered. He loved her from the start, and he loved her till the end, never marrying anyone else. Soren was always busy, but mention Elizabeth, and he''d make time, plenty of it, ready to chat about anything rted to her. "You missing your mom again?" Soren would say, lounging back in his chair. "Well, shoot, I''m all ears." Tarquin, with a clear agenda, said, "I want to talk about my mom''s so-called ''bastard child''." The story of Elizabeth''s "bastard child" was something Tarquin had heard whispers about from the Bradfords, a tale that followed him from childhood. The Bradfords loved to tarnish Elizabeth''s reputation with the story, using her of being promiscuous before she met Kendrick and even suggesting that she had a child out of wedlock - all reasons, ording to them, why she wasn''t good enough for Kendrick. From a young age, the Bradfords tried to instill in Tarquin a disdain for Elizabeth, hoping he''d join in their verbal attacks against her. But Tarquin knew the Bradfords'' dislike for Elizabeth wasn''t truly about any illegitimate child. The Bradfords had always wanted Kendrick to marry into another powerful family to bolster their own influence and benefits, not because of any moral indignation. Elizabeth was well-read, fiercely independent, and led by her own moralpass, qualities that made her difficult for the Bradfords to control or manipte. Moreover, Elizabeth lived her life with a freedom and ease that the women entangled in their high-society web could only dream of. Their lives were dictated by countless rules and the absence of true love, unlike Elizabeth and Kendrick''s genuine, deep affection for each other. Jealousy and envy fueled the Bradfords'' efforts to drive a wedge between Kendrick and Elizabeth. When those efforts failed, and Kendrick severed ties with the Bradfords to start a life abroad with Elizabeth, they resorted to nder and defamation. Tarquin never believed the rumors of a secret child; his mother had only ever loved his father. But recent clues had led him to question the validity of the Bradfords'' usations regarding Keith and his mother''s rtionship. He knew better than to expect the truth from the Bradfords. Soren, who knew his mother well, was the best person to ask. Surprised by the question, Soren responded, "A bastard child? Your mom doesn''t have any other child but you! Oh, you mean Aiden?" "Aiden? Who''s Aiden?" Tarquin''s curiosity peaked. Soren exined, "Aiden was a kid your mom met while teaching in the Sky City mountains. She''d write about him in her letters, how smart and kind he was, but also how he suffered at home, oftening to school bruised and battered. Eventually, she wrote that she wanted to adopt him. The poor kid was growing bitter and angry from his ordeal. Your mom believed that hate could warp a person''s soul, and she couldn''t stand by and watch Aiden''s life be destroyed by hatred. She wanted to save him." Chapter 822 "You know, your mom was always the rational type-kind and good-hearted, but no saint. Deciding to adopt, she must''ve thought it through, thoroughly. If that kid had just regr problems, or if your mom simply took pity or liked him, she wouldn''t have considered adoption. She wasn''t even married back then, didn''t have you. Suddenly adopting a child, that''d change her lifepletely! She definitely weighed the consequences but still chose to adopt. That just shows how much she really, really loved that kid named Aiden! It also means the kid''s situation was pretty dire! Just then, the Bradford family was vehemently against her and your dad being together. Oh, do you know why she decided to teach in the rural areas? First, to fulfill a promise she made to herself, to be there for those kids in the mountains. Second, to give your dad time to think. She and your dad were truly in love, but the Bradford family was strongly opposed. Before she left, she told your dad, if he chose to break up because of the Bradford''s interference, she wouldn''t hold it against him. If your dad refused the arranged marriage and still chose her, she''d be loyal to him for life. Later, she also discussed adopting Aiden with your dad. If your dad wanted to be with her, besides considering the Bradford family''s stance, he had to think about Aiden." Soren paused, then continued, "What touched me most about your dad was this very thing. He not only supported your mom in adopting Aiden but even personally talked to Aiden''s parents. Adopting a child is a big deal, and he had no rtion or emotional bond with Aiden. Agreeing to adopt was all for your mom. He loved your mom, deeply, to the point of loving what she loved. He not only respected your mom for being her own person but also supported her in doing what she wanted! From that moment, I waspletely at ease entrusting your mom to him. He was the best man for your mom in the world! During that time, your mom was so happy. In her letters, she mentioned that your dad and she had decided to settle abroad and take Aiden with them. But then, for a long time, I received no letters from your mom. Worried, I managed to contact your dad. He told me they had moved abroad without Aiden, and your mom hadn''t yet recovered from the heartbreak. I was surprised and asked why they didn''t take Aiden. He sighed, saying it was a matter of fate but didn''t wish to borate. Later, due to avoiding misunderstandings, tense border situations, and the challenges of living abroad, mymunication with your mom dwindled... When I saw her again, she was no longer with us." Soren paused again, taking a while before continuing, "The Bradford family imed your mom had an illegitimate child, which was pure nder! Their thoughts were filthy! They assumed a normal student volunteering in the mountains must have an ulterior motive, thinking your mom was there for Aiden. And when your mom wanted to adopt Aidenter, they immediately concluded Aiden was her illegitimate child! They criticized your mom for being improper, and your dad for being weak. But I can assure you, Aiden was not your mom''s child. She didn''t have an illegitimate child. Your mom''s life was clean and honest, loving only your dad and having just you." Tarquin listened quietly, taking his time before asking, "Did you hear anything about Aiden afterward?" "No, after learning from your dad that the adoption didn''t go through and how it saddened her, I didn''t dare ask anymore, afraid to reopen her wounds, to upset her. After that, mymunication with your mom became even less frequent, and when we did talk, it was only about significant events¡ªlike her marrying your dad, her pregnancy, your birth, and ensuring you both were safe and healthy." "...Do you know Aiden''s full name?" "I don''t." Tarquin asked again, "Do you have a photo of Aiden?" Chapter 823 "No, when your mom was teaching in Green Valley, I was stationed at the southern border. I didn''t know much about her situation there; everything I heard was through her letters. I never met Aiden, nor his parents. Why are you asking about him? Did the Bradfords get to you again? Don''t listen to them, your mother was a wonderful woman!" "I know." Tarquin didn''t bring up Keith''s situation, knowing that Soren was swamped with military duties and he didn''t want to add to his worries. "Do you have the exact location where my mom was teaching? I need to check something." "Yes, we kept in touch through letters all that time. I''ll send it to youter." "Thanks, Soren." "Don''t mention it. If you need anything, just let me know." "Will do." After hanging up, Elliot and Elijah eagerly approached, "Did you find out anything?" Tarquin looked serious, "Keith''s original name might have been Aiden." "Aiden? We''ve gone through all the people close to Grandma, but there was no Aiden." Tarquin didn''t reply but started to re-examine the information about Elizabeth teaching in Green Valley with the boys. They still couldn''t find any mention of Aiden. Nor could they find anything about Elizabeth adopting a child. It was as if the passage of time had erased the records, or someone had deliberately wiped this chapter from history. Tarquin had heard his father mention Elizabeth''s teaching stint in Green Valley when he was a child. He talked about a time they were apart, though not broken up, which was the most torturous, painful, and anxious period for him. While missing his mother, he was also wary of the Bradfords plotting against her. But he never mentioned Aiden. asionally, when he talked about the teaching period, it was about his and his mother''splicated feelings. His mother never mentioned it either, not Aiden''s name, nor the teaching stint. And his father never brought it up in front of her. Without a doubt, Aiden was a scar in his mother''s heart. Who exactly was Aiden? Since his father had also rushed to Green Valley, why wasn''t the adoption sessful? Was it because Aiden''s parents were totally against it, or was there another reason? But since his father had made the trip, it indicated that Aiden''s parents might not have been entirely opposed, or else his mother wouldn''t have let his father go for nothing. If the adoption of Aiden wasn''t sessful, the problem likely didn''t lie with Aiden''s parents. So, what exactly happened? After leaving Green Valley, where did Aiden end up? Another thing, if going by age, Aiden would be several years older than himself since his mother met Aiden before he was born. That means Aiden should be much older, but Keith appeared to be around his age, his public birthdate even a few months younger than Tarquin''s. Could Aiden be Keith as a child? Soon after, Soren sent the information. Besides the exact teaching location, there were some other documents. Tarquin immediately made a call to arrange for someone to head to Green Valley for a thorough investigation. There were many mysteries surrounding Aiden, and although it wasn''t certain he was Keith as a child, the suspicion was strong. Thus, it was crucial to rify Aiden''s story! If online searches turned up nothing, then they would have to investigate locally. He was eager to find his daughter, with Keith being the only lead. Only by uncovering Keith''s background could they possibly trace his daughter''s whereabouts! Elysia found herself unable to sleep that night. She still didn''t know that Keith was the one who had messaged her. Given just one day to arrange a divorce, she was anxious about what the next day might bring. Even knowing her daughter was safe for now didn''t ease her fears. Afraid they might not find him, afraid he might vanish without a trace, afraid she might never see her daughter again. "What if we staged a divorce to trick him into revealing our daughter''s location?" Tarquin looked down at her, "You don''t want me anymore?" Elysia was startled and quickly shook her head, "No, I meant a fake divorce. After we get our daughter back, we can remarry." Chapter 824 Tarquin pulled his beloved closer into his embrace, whispering a promise of steadfastness, "Never apart." He was convinced that Keith''s demand for a divorce from Elysia was a ploy to whisk her away and then force her into marriage with him. The very thought wasughable. Divorce? Over his dead body. As long as Elysia needed him, he would never let her go, not in a million years. And the idea of staging a fake divorce as bait to catch Keith? Out of the question. The inherent risk was too high, and Tarquin would never gamble with Elysia''s safety. "Divorce is just a trap. Whether we get our daughter back has nothing to do with our marital status. Don''t worry about his threats. I''ll find our girl. Just focus on taking care of yourself. Listen to me." Elysia, nestled in his arms, felt a pang of helplessness. She wanted to contribute, but felt utterly useless beyond her worry. The following day, she spent anxiously waiting for a call that never came, trying her best to appear normal so as not to worry Tarquin or the kids. She locked herself in the study, pouring over the cases of three kidnapped children. Her mind wandered, and tears often fell for the plight of these children and the fear for her own daughter''s fate. Meanwhile, Tarquin hadn''t left the house in days. The search in Sky City was hitting dead ends. Even with addresses provided by Soren, no traces of Aiden were found, as if he had vanished into thin air. Tarquin divided his time between digging up useful information with Elliot and keeping an eye on Elysia, understanding her fears and the maternal instinct driving her anxiety. Unlike with Elijah, Elysia had no contact with her daughter, no clue of her whereabouts or condition, making the uncertainty unbearable. Worried for her mental well-being, Tarquin stayed home, dedicating his time to support her. Dayster, a call from a charity organization offered a distraction. They asked if Elysia could apany a therapist to visit a child''s home where there had been an incident of self-harm. Concerned for the child and seeking to help, Elysia agreed immediately. Before she left, Tarquin made a call to ensure Keith was still at his residence, a precaution to keep Elysia safe. Despite his agreement to let her go, he arranged for a team of undercover bodyguards to follow her and personally drove her to the location. He stayed behind, respecting the sensitivity required for the visit. Just as Elysia entered the building, Tarquin received a pivotal call, "Tarquin, we''ve finally found a lead on Aiden!" This twist in their ongoing struggle against time and uncertainty added anotheryer of tension to their quest. With Tarquin''s unwavering protection and determination, they navigated through theplexities of their predicament, fighting for their family''s reunion against all odds. Chapter 825 Tarquin furrowed his brows, a hint of urgency in his voice. "What''s the scoop?" The person on the other end of the line was nearly bursting with excitement, "We''ve tracked down Aiden''s neighbor''s details. He''s currently in Jindale City. If anyone knows what happened to Aiden, it''s him!" After days of dead ends, they finally had a lead. The past few days had been a grueling marathon of frustration. Upon arriving at Sky City, they learned that the school where Elizabeth had once taught was long gone. The vige Soren had mentioned had vanished off the map. Locals recounted a devastating fire from over two decades ago that had consumed the elementary school and nearly half the vige. The survivors had gradually abandoned the ce, leaving it to ruin. Years of heavy rains,ndslides, and other natural cmities had erased any remnant of the vige. Now, not even a brick remained. Their extensive inquiries around the area initially turned up nothing. Mention of Aiden drew nk stares. It felt like they were chasing ghosts until an elderly local finally shed some light. "Aiden? Oh, I remember him. Poor yet fortunate kid from the next vige over. His parents were no good, always beating him ck and blue. Such a tiny thing, always covered in bruises. He wasn''t born Aiden; we all used to call him ''the mute'' because he never spoke. We all thought he was actually mute. That changed when a beautiful teacher arrived. Someone heard her talking to him, and that''s when we realized ''the mute'' could speak after all. It was she who named him Aiden. But old habits die hard, and he remained ''the mute'' to most of us. If you''d asked about ''the mute,'' you''d have had your answers sooner." That exined why their queries about Aiden had led nowhere. Before, he was known simply as ''the mute.'' "Was the teacher''sst name Gonzalez?" they asked. "I can''t recall herst name, but she was as pretty as a picture and just as kind-hearted. She taught the kids to read, write, and draw, all for free. Told them stories of the world beyond these hills. Even made them backpacks and toys with her own two hands. She was especially kind to Aiden, probably took pity on him. Heard she even had a falling-out with his folks over him. Imagine, such a gentle soul pushed to her limits by those people. Tells you all you need to know about Aiden''s parents. Later, word was she adopted Aiden. Her boyfriend showed up, paid the parents a heap of cash, and took Aiden away." "Are you sure they took Aiden with them?" Tarquin''s associate pressed. "Well, I can''t say for sure; I''m from a different vige. But after the teacher left, Aiden vanished too. Where else would a little boy go, if not with her? As for his parents, rumor has it they sold him and moved to the city with the money. Heartless, the lot of them. They''ll get theirs in the end." "Do you know Aiden''s full name?" "Never knew it. His dad''sst name was Miller. Everyone called the boy ''the mute,'' only the teacher called him Aiden." They showed the elderly man a photo of Elizabeth and Keith, asking, "Are these the teacher and Aiden?" Squinting, the old man took his time, his vision not what it used to be. Chapter 826 "Mmm, that''s the schoolteacher, a real looker, isn''t she? But this one, can''t quite make him out. All I know is Aiden, that boy''s got looks that could kill. If he grows up keeping those looks, he''s gonna be a heartbreaker. If you''re looking to find him, you''ll need to ask around his hometown folks; only they would know the ins and outs." Eventually, they stopped asking about Aiden and started inquiring about a kid known as ''the mute''. Sure enough, a significant clue popped up soon after! They couldn''t find the mute''s parents, but they did find his neighbors. Coincidentally, the neighbors lived in Jindale City! The localmunity leader said: "Their family''s done quite well for themselves, struck it rich in the big city. They''ve been donating money back home every year. This tarred road, the inte cables, and the newly built Hope Elementary are all thanks to their generosity. The whole family''s got good hearts, never forgetting where they came from." Themunity leader even provided the neighbor''s full address. After gathering all the necessary information, Tarquin decided to check it out himself. This clue was crucial, the only lead they had in their investigation into Keith''s identity. Being neighbors, they were bound to know a lot. Elysia was still upstairs, providing counseling to the abducted children, and knowing her phone was on silent, Tarquin didn''t call her. After briefing his bodyguard and driver, he left. Twenty-something minutester, he and Lowell showed up at Joy Residence. It was an old apartmentplex,cking even an elevator, forcing them to take the stairs. Lowell grumbled as they ascended, "They said they made a fortune, right? Then why live here? This ce has seen better days." It was a natural assumption; striking it rich usually meant moving to a more upscale area, not staying here. Tarquin didn''t bite, pocketing his hands and continuing upward with a stern look on his face, lost in thought. Aiden''s neighbor, Tyler, lived on the sixth floor. At first, Tyler was reluctant to talk, but then Lowell fibbed, iming they were reporters from a TV station. The government was nning to feature a documentary on acts of kindness, and they came after speaking with themunity leader. Hearing it was an official visit and for a good cause, Tyler opened up. "We can''t take credit for such deeds. Imagine if the truth came out; the whole country would be up in arms against us! To be honest, it wasn''t us who donated the money! Look at our living conditions; how could we afford to donate so much? That money, all of it was from Aiden!" Lowell was shocked, casting a nce at Tarquin. Tarquin just frowned, seemingly unsurprised, as if he had expected this all along. With a chuckle, Lowell prodded for more, "Who''s Aiden, exactly?" Tyler''s wife quickly fetched a photo album, proud as can be, "This is Aiden, handsome and kind-hearted, a real good Samaritan!" Upon seeing the photo, Lowell couldn''t help but freeze! The man in the album was Keith! Lowell turned to Tarquin, who had a dark look on his face, remaining silent. Steadying himself, Lowell asked Tyler''s wife, "Donating is noble, but why didn''t he donate directly? Why go through you?" Tyler''s wife exined, "Aiden just wanted to do something good for his hometown without attracting attention. I guess he didn''t want to bring up the past. If he became famous, people would start digging into his history." Lowell pressed on, "What about the past?" Tyler''s wife nced at Tyler, hesitating. With a heavy sigh, Tyler finally said, "Aiden, that kid, had a rough childhood..." Chapter 827 In the countryside where the Tylers lived, not having kids after marriage was a topic of ridicule. Back in the day, three years into their marriage, Aiden''s folks hadn''t had a child. This became fodder for gossip among some spiteful neighbors who whispered that the couple must havemitted sins in their past lives, hence their barrenness. Aiden''s father, known for his temper, med his wife for their childlessness, leading to domestic disputes that were far from rare in their household. Eventually, the couple vanished, rumored to have gone to the city in search of medical help. Yearster, they returned, their pride and joy Aiden in tow. They paraded him around like a trophy, not just because they''d finally had a child, but a boy at that¡ªand a strikingly handsome one, no less. In their poverty-strickenmunity where sons were prized over daughters, Aiden was a p in the face to their detractors. But then, it became apparent that Aiden couldn''t speak. The same folks who''d been silenced by his birth now jeered, calling him defective despite his good looks. Gossip swirled that Aiden''s parents must have been cursed for some past wrongdoing, hence their child''s muteness. In their frustration, they even resorted to violence in desperate attempts to make him speak, mistaking abuse for discipline. The Tylers, living just next door, could hear everything through the thin walls. Mrs. Tyler recounted, tears in her eyes, how they once found Aiden bound and suspended from the ceiling, being whipped by his father who hurled insults at the boy, calling him a bastard and a waste. His mother joined in, beating him with a broken shoe. Even as outsiders, the Tylers were heartbroken by the sight. Lacking awareness of their legal rights and fearing retaliation, the Tylers could only offer ndestine support, sneaking food and medicine to the boy. Then, Ms. Gonzalez, a new teacher, arrived in town. Aiden, not yet of school age but eager to learn, would listen to her lessons from outside the ssroom. Ms. Gonzalez invited him in, and it was she who named him Aiden, insisting it was improper to call him "the mute boy." The Tylers, seeing her kindness, confided Aiden''s plight to her, hoping her education could make a difference. Ms. Gonzalez even shed with Aiden''s parents, offering to take him in herself. Everyone thought Aiden''s parents would refuse, clinging to their only child to avoid the shame of having no heirs. Chapter 828 Can you believe they actually agreed? Our guess? Ms. Gonzalez''s boyfriend must''ve greased their palms pretty well for them to sell Aiden off like that! On one hand, we couldn''t stand Aiden''s folks for what they did, but on the other, we were kinda happy for Aiden. Ms. Gonzalez is a gem, after all. With her, Aiden was sure to dodge the beatings and live the good life. But then, just when Ms. Gonzalez was about to whisk Aiden away, disaster struck! For reasons unknown, Aiden was like a ticking time bomb that day. He went berserk and even bit Ms. Gonzalez''s boyfriend''s hand. His folks had been rough on him, but he nevershed out, never even cried out loud. Yet, that day, hepletely lost it." Lowell couldn''t help but interject, "Did something trigger him that day?" Tyler was just as puzzled, "Nothing out of the ordinary, as far as I can remember. Ms. Gonzalez and her boyfriend came over to pick him up, and Aiden seemed pretty stoked when he stepped out of the house. But then, out of nowhere, he just snapped, bit the guy, and with eyes aze, he ran back inside, refusing to leave." Tarquin chimed in, "Who all were there at the scene?" "Just Ms. Gonzalez and her boyfriend, Aiden''s folks, and us." "He only bit Ms. Gonzalez''s boyfriend?" "Yeah, Aiden was like possessed, grabbed Ms. Gonzalez''s hand to pull her aside. Her boyfriend probably tried to hold him, and wham, got a nasty bite. Drew blood and everything. We couldn''t pry him off for the life of us, until Ms. Gonzalez sternly called out his name. That''s when he let go. After releasing his grip, he just stared at Ms. Gonzalez with those teary, pitiful eyes, then turned and ran back home." Tarquin frowned, asking, "Was that his first time meeting Ms. Gonzalez''s boyfriend?" "Yep, first time. Ms. Gonzalez''s boyfriend only showed up in thest few days, talked adoption details with Aiden''s folks in private. They only introduced him to Aiden on the day they were supposed to leave." Hearing this, Tarquin''s expression grew even more somber, "..." Tyler continued, "After Aiden ran back inside, Ms. Gonzalez followed him. It was quite a while before she came back out, saying Aiden wanted to think it over and that they''de back for him the next day. And so, they left the next day." Lowell was surprised, "They left the next day? Did Aiden go with Ms. Gonzalez then?" "Yeah, we were up early for the farm work, didn''t get back till the afternoon. When we returned, we heard Aiden''s folks ranting about how ungrateful he was, leaving without saying goodbye after all they''ve done for him, calling him an ingrate." "He left without saying goodbye?" "That''s what his folks said." "So, you''re not sure if Aiden actually left with Ms. Gonzalez?" "We''re certain. We didn''t see it ourselves that day, but Aiden came back to visit a few years ago. We asked him, and he said he did leave with Ms. Gonzalez. He mentioned being upset with his birth parents, which is why he left quietly. He also said that ever since he went with Ms. Gonzalez, he''s never been hit again. Ms. Gonzalez treated him well, loved him a lot." Lowell: "..." Clearly, that was a lie. Soren had already confirmed that Elizabeth never sessfully adopted Aiden. He never left with them at all. Chapter 829 Lowell asked, "After Aiden left, what happened to his parents?" "Who knows, they must be living the good life, enjoying the money they got from selling their son, huh!" "Have you heard from them?" "Nope, no idea if they''re dead or alive. We lost touch long ago, and Aiden never reached out to them either." Lowell continued, "When did Aidene back to look for you?" Tyler replied, "It''s been several years. We were working in the fields when he suddenly showed up out of nowhere. We didn''t recognize him at first, but when he said he was Aiden, you could''ve knocked us over with a feather! My wife even hugged him and cried for a long time." Tyler''s wife gave an embarrassed smile, "I was just so overwhelmed. Never thought I''d see him again in my lifetime." Lowell asked, "What did he want?" "Aiden said we were kind to him back in the day, and he remembered it. He wanted to repay the favor. He asked if we wanted to leave the countryside. If we were willing, he''d help us get out, find us jobs. We didn''t think we did anything special for him, but of course, we wanted to leave the countryside. Especially since my son was struggling to find work at the time. Considering our family''s future, we followed him to Jindale City. The flower business my son is running now was all Aiden''s doing. He taught us to buy flowers at a low price from Sky City, then sell them to florists in Jindale City for a profit. After bringing us to Jindale City, Aiden had everything set up, even provided the initial capital. My son''s been able to make a life for himself here, buying a house, a car, getting married, all thanks to Aiden''s help. If it weren''t for our attachment to the old neighborhood, Aiden would''ve moved us into a mansion! He''s really treated us well! Later, Aiden said he wanted to contribute to his hometown anonymously, so he made donations in my son''s name." Lowell asked, "Do you know where his money came from?" "Ms. Gonzalez and her boyfriend were wealthy, after they passed away, they definitely left Aiden quite a fortune." "...Did he ever mention Ms. Gonzalez after he came back?" "Yeah, he said Ms. Gonzalez and her husband died in a car ident, ah, good people die young." Lowell: "..."Keith even knew about this. Tarquin suddenly spoke up, "Why did he bite Ms. Gonzalez''s boyfriend back then?" Tyler''s wife quickly answered, "I know this one, I asked him. Aiden said he was young and foolish back then. He just wanted to live with Ms. Gonzalez, didn''t want to go with anyone else. Seeing a big guy around Ms. Gonzalez, he was worried that man wouldn''t love him. And he was afraid that man would take Ms. Gonzalez''s love away, so he bit him in a moment of anger." "" Leaving Tyler''s ce, Tarquin immediately lit up a cigarette as they got into the car. Lowell, sitting in the driver''s seat, turned and said, "Now we know for sure, Keith is Aiden! His hostility towards you must be rted to Elizabeth! But I can''t figure it out. From his story with Elizabeth, he should have really liked her. And you being Elizabeth''s biological son, he must know that. Shouldn''t he see you as a brother out of love for her? Why would he still want to harm you? Where does the problem lie? Plus, Soren said that Elizabeth never sessfully adopted Keith, so why did he lie? What exactly happened the day Elizabeth left Sky City? And another thing, back then, everyone called him ''the mute'' and bullied him, treated him poorly. Why would he still want to contribute to his hometown?" Lowell''s head was filled with question marks, utterly confused. Tarquin, legs crossed, sat in the back, his brow furrowed, his expression dark. He took a hard drag on his cigarette and said, "Start with my father, investigate the entire Bradford family''s enemies!" Chapter 830 The next second, Tarquin''s phone rang out, "Tarquin, it''s a disaster! Keith has taken your sister-inw!" Tarquin''s heart tightened, "What did you say?!" "Just now, she wasing down from the upstairs, and Keith was controlling her,ing down together. He had a shotgun in his hand. We were worried about her safety and didn''t dare to act rashly. He drove off with her, and we are chasing them now!" Tarquin''s heart raced, his expression changing rapidly, he snapped, "Send the location to Lowell!" After hanging up, he quickly called Elysia. Elysia''s phone was still reachable, but no one answered. Tarquin was frantic, arranging for Lowell to chase after them in the car, while continuing to try and contact Elysia. Axel''s call came through, he quickly answered, "What the hell is going on? Wasn''t Keith supposed to be at home all this time? How did he end up with Elysia?" Axel exined, "Keith yed us. I just had someone kick down Keith''s door and take a look inside. There was just a man who looked like Keith, who said Keith paid him a few days ago to stay at the house for a few days, free to do whatever as long as he didn''t leave! After Keith went to the jail that day, he never returned home. The one who went back was his look-alike, all to fool us. In fact, he was outside all this time!" Axel had indeed arranged for people to monitor Keith''s every move, but to avoid alerting him, they kept their distance. They saw a figure in the house that looked like Keith through the windows and naturally assumed it was him! Axel added, "Before your sister-inw went to that kid''s house today, Keith was already there waiting." Hearing this, Tarquin tugged at his tie in frustration and swore, "Block all the exits out of Jindale City, trap him inside Jindale City!" Jindale City was his territory, making it easier to find someone. Once out of Jindale City, it would be troublesome. After hanging up with Axel, Tarquin continued to call Elysia. After a dozen attempts, the call finally went through. Tarquin, sweating with urgency, asked, "Elysia, are you okay? Where are you?!" "I''m in my car." Keith''s tone was rxed, in stark contrast to his. Tarquin''s heart tightened, his voice turning ice cold, "Keith, if you dare to touch her, I guarantee you''ll regret it!" Keith chuckled, "No need for threats, I won''t hurt her." "What do you really want?" "You should have guessed by now." Tarquin: "You want to take her to see my daughter?" Keith rified, "I want to take her back to see my daughter, not yours. The babe is mine." Babe? Tarquin pressed, "Are you that mysterious person?" Keith neither confirmed nor denied, simply stating, "My babe likes Elysia, has been waiting at home for her, so no matter what, I''ll take her away. If you don''t want her to suffer, then call off your men, and don''t block my way. After all, she''s with me now. The easier my path, the less she suffers. If you keep on dogging my steps and block all routes, I can only take her on a risky path!" Tarquin blurted out, "Do you have a vendetta against the Bradford family?!" Keith was silent for a moment, sidestepping the question, "And stop bothering Tyler and his family. They''re decent, honest folks. Whatever they knew, you''ve probably wrung out of them by now. Whatever you want to know, they don''t know it, and threats or bribes won''t change that." Tarquin stuck to his previous question, "If you have a beef with the Bradford family,e at me directly. Whatever revenge you want, I''ll take it on! Let Elysia and my daughter go. Men should fight their own battles without dragging women and children into it." Chapter 831 Keith couldn''t help but chuckle, "Listen, darling, it''s not about you. I took Elysia for something precious, and it''s none of your business. Don''t tter yourself thinking I''d use Elysia and that treasure to ckmail you. As for our little feud, cool your jets. Once I''ve reunited Elysia with what she cherishes most, I''lle back for you, Tarquin. Then, you won''t have to ask; I''ll spill the beans. Just wait for me." With those words, Keith ended the call and turned off his phone. He rolled down the window and casually tossed the phone outside. Elysia''s phone was instantly crushed to pieces by a passing car. Keith rolled up the window and drove off. Something crossed his mind, his brows furrowed, and a fiery anger rose in his eyes, fierce enough to obliterate everything in its path. But the ze was fleeting, quickly suppressed. He sighed deeply, turning to look at Elysia with a softened gaze. She had struggled fiercely just moments ago, and to ease the escape, he had knocked her out. She was still unconscious. Imagining the joy on his "treasure''s" face upon seeing him and Elysia together, Keith couldn''t help but smile again, eager to return. ncing through the rearview mirror at the car tailing him, a hint of scorn flickered in his eyes. He picked up his own phone and made a call, "Let''s get this show on the road, stick to the n." ... When Elysia woke up, she felt like her stomach was in a twist, on the verge of throwing up. Before she could even recall what had happened, she saw Keith. Instinctively, she sat up with a jolt! The sudden movement made the small boat sway. Only then did Elysia realize she was on a fishing boat. The boat was small, upied only by a boatman, herself, and Keith. Looking around, there wasn''t a soul or another boat in sight, just the endless sea. The sun had already set, it waste. Elysia''s heart raced, her memory still stuck in the morning! Today, as soon as she arrived at the child''s home, she saw Keith! Keith was trying to soothe the child, attempting tomunicate. Elysia was surprised, "Keith, what are you doing here?" Before Keith could exin, the child started acting up. Keith said, "We''ll talkter, let''s focus on the kid now." Elysia had no choice but to shift her attention to the child. The parents thought Keith was a psychologist sent by a charity organization and never suspected anything. The charity had told her they would send two people tomunicate with the child at home. A psychologist and an assistant. But the real psychologist had been dyed by a traffic ident arranged by Keith. After Elysia managed to calm the child down and had a chat with the parents, she finally turned her attention back to Keith. Keith suggested, "Let''s talk downstairs." Thinking Tarquin might be downstairs, she agreed. But as soon as they reached the ground floor and she stepped out of the elevator, Keith suddenly took control of her! He pressed a gun against her waist, whispering in her ear, "I wanted to take you to see your daughter, so don''t struggle. The gun is just for show, to keep Tarquin''s men at bay and avoid any rough stuff." Elysia''s breathing went haywire, especially when she realized Tarquin wasn''t downstairs. She panicked! She wanted to see her daughter, but she didn''t trust Keith and didn''t want to go with him! She struggled fiercely, eventually cking out. The more Elysia recalled, the more panicked she became, eyeing Keith warily, she demanded, "Is my daughter with you? Where have you hidden her?" Chapter 832 Keith''s voice was calm and reassuring as he spoke, "Don''t worry, she''s safe. I''ll take you to her right now." He then bowed his head, pouring some tea. In the middle of the small boat, there was a tiny stove, on top of which tea was being brewed, apanied by some snacks. Keith handed Elysia a warm cup of tea and then offered her a tablet, saying, "If you''re feeling seasick, take one of these. It should help. Looks like we''ll be on this boat for several hours." Elysia didn''t take it. It was only when she looked down at the tablet that she realized her clothes had been changed! Her eyes widened in shock, on the verge of questioning, when she heard Keith say, "Don''t overthink it. I didn''t touch you. Ady helped you change before we boarded." Elysia''s brows furrowed in confusion, "Why change my clothes?" Keith replied with an even tone, "It''s to better evade Tarquin''s pursuit. Plus, with your medical skills, I was worried you might have needles or poison on you." After a brief pause, he continued, "Don''t worry, I''ve taken good care of the needles you had with you. I know they''re valuable to you, so I didn''t dare dispose of them." Elysia was speechless. Keith then took a warmed orange from the stove, peeled it, and handed her the segments, "If you don''t want the tablet, eat some orange instead. It can help with seasickness and warm you up." It waste May, a time when spring usually filled the air with warmth, but the temperature over the sea was lower, especially after sunset. The sea breeze felt cool against the skin. Elysia neither took the tablet nor the orange. She looked around, only to see the vast sea surrounding them. For someone who couldn''t swim, there wasn''t the slightest chance of escape! Her phone wasn''t on her either, undoubtedly taken by Keith. Asking for it back was futile. She had no choice but to force herself to calm down and wait for Tarquin to rescue her. After a moment of silence, Elysia asked Keith, "Was it you who took me to the hospital when I fainted after work five years ago?" "Yep." "And was it you who took Elijah and my daughter away from me?" "Yep." " Elysia''s emotions surged, "Why? Why did you take away my children?" Keith remained calm, "Because they are Tarquin''s flesh and blood." Elysia red at him. "So, you have a vendetta against Tarquin? You took my children to threaten him? Then why raise Elijah under Tarquin''s care instead of using him directly for leverage?" Keith sighed deeply, poured himself some tea, and after a few sips, he slowly began to speak, "Because the slowest cuts cause the most pain. I wanted the Bradford family to be in constant turmoil, and for Tarquin to be in perpetual agony. The Bradfords have always had a tradition of passing down their legacy to a single heir, and with Elijah''s arrival, he became the little prince of the Bradford family, their future patriarch. This meant that no other member of the Bradford family would have a chance to rise to power, affecting their interests directly. This would cause unrest and heartache among them, leading to plots against Elijah and endless conflicts with Tarquin, ensuring the Bradford family would never know peace. As for Tarquin... raising Elijah himself means facing his pain head-on, living in a state of constant torment." The Bradfords poisoned Elijah, and coupled with his obsession for his mother, he developed severe psychological disorders. Tarquin spent his days by his side, caring for him, which of course, brought him pain and daily suffering. Elysia was astonished, never having imagined Keith to be capable of such deep scheming. In front of her, Keith still maintained his genteel and gentlemanly demeanor, but she had not expected to find a devil lurking within him. Chapter 833 Keith shed a wry smile, "Surprised I could be so cruel, eh?" He nced down, flipping the burgers on the grill with a self-mocking tone, "Who wants to be the viin? It''s all about being pushed to the edge." Elysia frowned, "No matter what beef you have with Tarquin and the Bradford family, involving kids is out of line. They''re innocent!" Keith let out a long sigh, his response candid, "Hatred blinded me once. Just when you were unexpectedly pregnant with Tarquin''s child, I took advantage, using Elijah as a pawn. If it were now, I wouldn''t use a child in my schemes." After saying this, he looked at Elysia with a smile, "You might not believe me, but I''ve actually grown fond of kids now." Elysia''s eyebrows knitted together tightly, "Keeping my daughter from us isn''t using her in your schemes?" Keith shook his head openly, "Not at all. If I wanted to use the little one for leverage, I would''ve done so long ago! I''m taking you to her now, simply because I want you two to be together. It has nothing to do with Tarquin. And as for Elliot, Evan, Emmett, and Elijah, don''t worry. Once I''ve settled you and the little one down, I''ll bring them back for a reunion. I''ll try my best to treat them right." Elysia looked straight at him for several seconds before asking, "Keith, what are you really up to?" Keith''s expression softened, "Me? I just want to give the little one a real family." "...Tarquin is her father. If you want to give her aplete family, you shouldn''t be keeping us apart. She should be returned to us." Keith said, "She calls me ''Daddy'' now. She''s my daughter, and she''s got nothing to do with Tarquin anymore. Once I''ve settled my old scores, we''ll get married and raise the kids together." Seeing Elysia hesitant to leave Tarquin, he thought, ''Might as well be a widower.'' With Tarquin gone, he could still marry Elysia, as thew would allow. Elysia''s expression wasplex as she looked at Keith. His affection for their daughter reassured her, yet it also frightened her! It wasforting because his love for the little one meant he''d never harm her, proving her daughter had been well-cared for all these years, unlike those tragic stories of abducted children. But the more he loved the little one, the less likely he would be to let go. Taking their daughter back from him seemed nearly impossible! And to hear him talk about marriage, raising the kids together... Elysia thought he must be mad! A chill breeze blew over, and unbeknownst to them, the sun had nearly set. Elysia sneezed, and Keith tenderly offered her a nket, "Careful, you might catch a cold. Our daughter would be worried." This time, Elysia didn''t resist, wrapping the nket around herself. She took a few sips of her warm tea to soothe herself before looking at Keith, "What exactly happened between you, the Bradford family, and Tarquin that you''ve spent so many years seeking revenge?" Keith looked up at her, then out at the vast sea. His brows furrowed slowly, his gaze shifting from sorrow to suppression, and then gradually to fierceness. It took him a while before he spoke, "Life hasn''t been kind to you either. You must''ve felt the bone-deep pain of hardship. But... Do you know what it''s like to be healed and reborn from a heart-wrenching pain, only to be thrown back into the abyss once again?" Chapter 834 Before Elysia could even get a word out, Keith turned his head, his eyes locking with hers as he said, "It''s like being pulled from a pile of corpses only to be thrown into the deepest circle of hell, where the pain seeps into both body and soul!" Elysia: "..." Keith continued, "You wouldn''t believe it, but I''ve known happiness, real happiness, just like your cats Elliot, Evan, Emmett, surrounded by love and care. If it weren''t for the Bradfords, I''d still be basking in that happiness! The Bradfords ruined my entire life! They''ve hurt me over and over again, snatching away the people I loved, destroying everything! They threw me into hell, pushed me into an abyss, snuffed out all the light in my heart, making life worse than death! Tell me, how can they live so happily aftermitting such atrocities? They''ve harmed the ones I loved most, wrecked my whole life, shouldn''t I seek revenge?" Elysia frowned, asking, "What exactly did the Bradford family do to you?" Keith turned his gaze toward the endless ocean, his expression a mixture of pain and anger as if recalling some sorrowful past. His eyes gradually reddened, tears welling up. Elysia watched as a single tear rolled down his cheek, surprised and shocked! They say men seldom cry, but just the memory was enough to break him, a testament to the severity of his past! She believed Keith; the Bradfords must have done something unforgivable for him to hate them this much. After all, the Bradfords were known scoundrels, capable of any misdeed! But not Tarquin! The Tarquin she knew was just a bit hot-tempered, not a viin, not someone who wouldmit unspeakable acts. "What did Tarquin do to you?" Elysia pressed, eager for answers. Setting aside the Bradfords for a moment, she was desperate to know how Tarquin had wronged him. Keith spoke with a detached tone, "He did nothing." Elysia: "?!?" Keith''s voice grew colder, "But who asked him to be Kendrick''s son? Who asked Kendrick to die so early? A son bears his father''s debts; it''s only natural. Whatever Kendrick owed me, his son should pay!" Elysia was taken aback, "Kendrick? What did he do to you?" Keith''s tone became heavier, "He personally extinguished the light in my heart, turned my hope into despair, and pushed me, who had just found rebirth, back into the abyss!" Elysia was puzzled, "?" Keith stared at the horizon, slowly beginning, "The year my family fell apart, I was just a kid, unable to do anything but cry in secret. After the incident, I became seriously ill, was passed around several times in a daze, until I was taken in by the Millers. They asked me to call them mom and dad, saying from then on, I would live with them. They took me back to Hill Vige, iming me as their own son everywhere. By day they showed me off, by night they couldn''t stand the sight of me. They could deceive others but not themselves; they wanted their own child but couldn''t have one, so they took out all their frustrations on me. They beat me, every single day, mercilessly. I dared not cry, make a fuss, or even speak, until one day, I met a beautiful woman..." Keith''s tone softened, a glimmer of light returning to his eyes, "She was a volunteer teacher in Hill Vige. The moment I saw her, I was reminded of my mother. In my memories, my mother was just as beautiful, just as kind. Both loved wearing simple clothes, letting their long hair down, reading books, cherishing freedom, chasing after the sun, and they both loved tough. She was like a beam of light piercing through the darkness of my life. She never scorned me for being dirty, nor for my silence. Chapter 835 She would always clean my grubby little hands, and hold me close in her arms to tell me stories. She encouraged me to speak up and would affectionately pinch my cheeks while praising me. When she was happy, she would even kiss my forehead. If she saw other kids picking on me, she''d be the first one to step in and defend me, and then she''d do everything in her power to cheer me up afterward. She wouldn''t let anyone call me "mute." Instead, she gave me a new name, Aiden. She was attentive and knew when something was bothering me. She would tell me, "Life has its way of bncing things out. If you''re facing hardships now, happiness is sure toe your way eventually." She said, "You can''t live in the shadows of your past forever. You have to look forward." She told me, "You''re a blessed child, Aiden. I named you hoping your life would be filled with good fortune and smooth sailing." When she found out the Maxwell couple was mistreating me, she was devastated. She held me tight and wept bitterly. After crying, she stormed over to my house, almost getting into a physical altercation with the Maxwells! She was so gentle, yet she would raise her voice against the Maxwells and cry for me. Then one day, she suddenly told me she was leaving. She asked if I wanted to go with her. She said if I agreed, she would talk to the Maxwells about adopting me. She wanted to be my mother. Of course, I wanted to! I absolutely did! She kept her word and truly spoke with the Maxwells. I remember, after their talk, she took me to a field, running around in joy, spinning me in circles, and kissing my forehead fiercely, saying: "Aiden, it''s settled! Once the adoption is finalized, we''re leaving. We''ll be mother and son!" "I''m going to be Aiden''s mother. It''s my first time being a mom. Aiden, you''ll have to teach me a lot!" She shared her ns with me. She wanted to take me on a trip first, to see all the beautiful sights our country had to offer, before moving abroad. She said there werepelling reasons she needed to settle overseas, but she hoped I would remember what our country looked like. She told me, "Your roots are here, no matter where you are, you should never forget your homnd!" "Our country is so beautiful, we must see it before we leave!" We were both so happy during those days. She was happy, and I was even happier! The scars in my heart were finally healing. I had light in my eyes again, filled with hope for the future! But all that happiness shattered with Kendrick''s arrival..." As Keith spoke, a frost seemed to form in his eyes, his fists clenched involuntarily, and his breathing quickened. Elysia, unable to contain her curiosity, asked, "What happened with Kendrick?" Keith paused for a moment before coldly saying, "Kendrick took her away. He took her away from me." Elysia was shocked, "?!" Keith gritted his teeth, "I hate him. He stole the happiness that was meant for me!" Suddenly, Elysia recalled the unfinished sketch Keith had, "The ''her'' you''re speaking of, is she named Elizabeth?" Hearing the name Elizabeth, Keith''s emotions seemed to calm down a bit. His eyes softened, mixed with a touch of sorrow, "Yes, she was as beautiful as her name." Elysia finally understood why Keith neverpleted his drawings. He must be filled with memories of Elizabeth, yet also ridden with guilt. After all, Tarquin was Elizabeth''s biological son! How could he treat Tarquin the way he did and still honor Elizabeth''s memory? When he missed Elizabeth, his heart must be heavy with guilt. Elysia pressed on, "What exactly happened after Kendrick appeared? Did he prevent Elizabeth from adopting you?" Chapter 836 Keith clenched his fists, taking a moment before he spoke, his voiceced with a mix of fury and fear. "The day she came to pick me up, I was over the moon, stepping out of the house only to see Kendrick standing by her side. I couldn''t believe that the man she had mentioned was part of the Bradfords! Seeing Kendrick brought back all my nightmares. I was scared of him, and I hated him! I hated the entire Bradford n! But at that moment, fear overtook my hatred. I was terrified he''d hurt me or, worse, hurt her. I wanted to protect her! I rushed over, crazily trying to pull her away, to get her as far from Kendrick as possible! I even bit Kendrick, hoping somehow I could take him down! But she scolded me sternly, telling me, ''Aiden, it''s wrong to hurt people, let go!'' That was the first time she ever spoke to me like that. I was so hurt. I bit him trying to protect her, and she was angry with me? I let go of Kendrick and ran back inside, curling up in a corner to cry. She followed me in and told me she knew I was a good kid, that there must''ve been a reason for my biting Kendrick. She asked me what was wrong. I was hurting and scared, and I couldn''t speak. Sensing my turmoil, she didn''t press further. She said she''d wait for me at school, that whenever I was ready to open up, I shoulde to her. She said keeping too many things bottled up inside was exhausting, and she was there to listen and keep my secrets. Later, she and Kendrick left together, but not before warning Maxwell not toy a finger on me, promising she''de back for me tomorrow! After she left, I spent a long time thinking and decided I needed to talk to her, to tell her all about my nightmares, to warn her about how terrible the Bradfords were! But before I could see her, Kendrick came looking for me. It wasn''t her; Kendrick came alone. That night, as heavy rain poured down, Kendrick showed up in a ck raincoat, looking more terrifying than any demon! Knowing he came behind her back meant nothing good. I ran as fast as I could, but he caught up in no time! He overpowered me, dragging me towards the backwoods! I was petrified, biting him again in panic. But he lost all restraint, hitting me so hard I thought my bones would shatter! I fell to the ground, dazed. He dragged me by one foot, uncaring if I lived or died, as rain and mud invaded my nostrils and mouth. The path up the mountain was treacherous, branches and rocks battering me until I couldn''t go on and passed out. Before I lost consciousness, I heard him say he and Elizabeth would have their own kids, they didn''t need a bastard like me! Two dayster, I woke up to find Elizabeth had left with him, abandoning me..." Keith''s face was a mix of self-mockery and sorrow, while Elysia looked utterly shocked. She''d never met Kendrick, but Tarquin had told her about him. Tarquin had described Kendrick as a gentleman, reasonable and kind-hearted, different from the rest of the Bradfords. He was benevolent, pursuing freedom and love, having broken ties with the Bradfords over Elizabeth and his disdain for Gideon''s questionable morals and actions. Such a man, she thought, shouldn''t be capable of cruelty towards a child. "A child left in the rain, dragged up a mountain by one foot... the very thought is horrifying! "Are you sure it was Kendrick who dragged you to the backwoods?" Elysia''s skepticism was palpable, struggling to reconcile Tarquin''s portrayal of Kendrick with Keith''s harrowing ount. Even if Kendrick wanted his own biological child over adopting Keith, surely, she thought, he would have discussed it openly with Elizabeth rather than resorting to harming Keith in secret. Chapter 837 Keith scoffed, "Of course I''m sure. I''d recognize him even if he turned to ashes. That night, it was him!" Elysia was speechless for a moment before asking again, "So, what happened after? Did you try to reach out to Elizabeth after you woke up?" Keith''s face was a picture of sorrow. "When I woke up, she had already left with Kendrick. By the time I heard from her again, she had her own family. She and Kendrick were living happily abroad,pletely forgetting I ever existed." Elysia frowned. If what Keith was saying was true, it indeed was a sad story. Keith deserved sympathy, Kendrick was definitely to me! But... That didn''t prove Kendrick was the one who pushed him into despair. It only showed Kendrick robbed him of a future happiness! "After Kendrick took you to the back hills, did he do anything to you? How did he affect your life afterwards?" Keith''s expression hardened, as if a raw nerve had been touched! Elysia knew instantly there was more to the story! But she waited, and Keith remained silent, clearly unwilling to share. With no way to press further, Elysia quickly reviewed Keith''s story in her mind. In essence, the Bradford family had once deeply hurt him, leading him to endure much suffering. Then, he met Elizabeth, who became his sce. But fate yed a cruel joke. Elizabeth''s boyfriend turned out to be Kendrick, a member of the Bradford n! Kendrick hurt him again and took Elizabeth away. In essence, the Bradford n had wounded him twice, ruining his life! But these were Keith''s words. Without knowing the full truth, Elysia couldn''t fully believe him, nor advise him. She certainly wouldn''t urge Keith to forgive the Bradfords. She always believed advising forgiveness without knowing the full story was inviting divine retribution! If Keith''s story was true, he had every right to feel resentment and hatred! But... Elysia looked at Keith and said seriously, "I sympathize with what you''ve been through and understand your anger, but that doesn''t give you the right to take my child away! Do you I have any idea what a child means to a mother? Taking them away, separating us, is a cruel act! You may be a victim in regards to the Bradfords, but to me, you''re the aggressor! Keith, grievances have their culprits, and debts their debtors. If you have grievances and hatred, target those who hurt you. Tarquin, our child, and I are innocent. You shouldn''t direct your vengeance at us." Keith frowned, "Tarquin is Kendrick''s son; he''s not innocent!" Elysia responded, "But he''s also Elizabeth''s son! Hurting him is like hurting Elizabeth. I don''t know Kendrick well, so I can''t judge his actions. But Elizabeth, you know her! You know she''s a good woman. You''ve never even spoken to her after the incident. How can you conclude she abandoned you? You were unconscious for two whole days. Do you have any idea what happened during that time? Yes, she left with Kendrick, but have you considered she might have had her reasons, something she couldn''t share? Just because you see her happy yearster, you assume she forgot about you? Keith, these are all assumptions without any basis." Keith remained silent, his brow furrowed, before finally saying, "I''ve never hated her, nor resented her. It''s the Bradfords I hate!" The problem stilly with the Bradfords! Elysia couldn''t help asking, "What exactly did the Bradfords do to you?" Chapter 838 Keith gazed out at the horizon, murmuring to himself, "What on earth did the Bradfords do to me..." His eyes were rimmed red, his face etched with a sense of profound loss. It was as if his heart was crammed full of sorrow, fragile enough to shatter at the slightest touch. Elysia wasn''t one to pry into others'' secrets, but this was something she feltpelled to understand. Only by unraveling the whole story could they find a way to address the issue at hand. After a moment of silence, Keith shared his story with her. A story not too long, but certainly heart-wrenching! Elysia was stunned, struggling to grasp the full impact of his words. Keith asked her, "So, do you think I should hate the Bradfords?" Elysia didn''t respond, but her mind was made up: Yes, hate them! Those Bradfords, worthless as dirt, how could they... Indeed, they deserved nothing less than death! Keith, as if he could read her thoughts, cracked a smile. He turned away, lost in thought for a while. When he looked back at her, the sorrow and brokenness in his eyes were gone, reced by the calm and collected Keith once more. He poured her a cup of hot tea, offering it with a gentle hand. Elysia, with furrowed brows and aplex expression, wanted to offer somefort but found herself at a loss for words. She had hoped to find a breakthrough to persuade him, yet now she found herself unable to speak. Such an atrocious act, unbearable for anyone to endure! She wasn''t a saint; she was a flesh-and-blood human being, full of emotions and desires. While she could refrain from encouraging Keith to seek revenge, she couldn''t bring herself to urge him to let go of his hatred. If she had been in his shoes, she probably would have been blinded by vengeance as well! Even if it meant destruction for herself, revenge would have been her only sce. Elysia felt a surge of indignation, yet it was Keith who ended upforting her. "I''m not telling you this for your pity or to ask for your help. I just hope you can understand me, and don''t be afraid of me. I''m not inherently evil. I do harbor dark thoughts, but they are not directed at someone innocent, especially not you. I know you don''t like me right now; you have feelings for Tarquin..." At this point, Keith was deeply moved. He had never expected Elysia to fall for Tarquin! The harm Tarquin had caused her should have been enough for her to despise him, yet she bore no grudge and even developed feelings for him! Had he known this would happen, he would never have allowed her to interact with Tarquin. For years, he had believed Elysia was dead. He was the one who had sent her into the wilderness, fully aware of the harsh conditions she would face. Remote and teeming with dangerous wildlife, survival for a woman who had just given birth was nearly impossible. Driven by Tarquin''s obsession with Elysia and his child''s longing for their mother, Keith had regretted his actions more than once. He should have let Elysia live. So, when he discovered that Elysia was miraculously alive, he was both shocked and overjoyed. The joy came from knowing that as their child grew, the desire for a mother would grow too. With Elysia alive, he wouldn''t have to worry about making up excuses tofort his child. And since Elysia shared a troubled fate, filled with resentment, he could use her to torment Tarquin! His n was to gradually get closer to Elysia, to make her fall for him. Once she had feelings for him, he could use her to torture Tarquin. After dealing with Tarquin, he''d take her to their child, who would undoubtedly be thrilled. But ns are one thing, and reality is another. Elysia, this woman, was an enigma! Even after all the suffering Tarquin had caused her, she harbored no resentment! Far from seeking revenge, the thought had never even crossed her mind! Chapter 839 They tried to guide her so many times, but never seeded. She didn''t seek revenge; she just wanted to live a simple life with her kids. Was she big-hearted or just carelessly optimistic? What''s more puzzling, Elysia didn''t fall for him but instead developed feelings for Tarquin... With things having reached this point, he had no choice but to disrupt his own ns and forcefully take Elysia away. First, he would take Elysia to see her treasures, hide them well, then return to settle scores with Tarquin! "Phew..." Keith sighed deeply. After a moment, he said to Elysia, "Elysia, feelings can develop over time. It''s okay if you don''t like me right now. We have our whole lives ahead of us. After I''ve sent the entire Bradford family to hell, I''ll take you and the kids to a beautiful, secluded ce where no one knows us. We can redeem each other and live out our days." Elysia furrowed her brows at him, her lips moved, but no sound came out. She felt sorry for him, but she didn''t need his redemption. Her life was happy and fulfilled without it! Nor would she ever fall for him! She couldn''t envisage a future with him! She understood his pain, resentment, and hatred, but she couldn''t reciprocate his feelings. She had fallen for Tarquin, deeply and utterly. Her heart and eyes had room for no one else but him! Her future belonged to Tarquin. But Elysia kept these thoughts to herself. At this point, she was practically kidnapped by Keith, and she didn''t want to provoke him unnecessarily. Speaking of being kidnapped, it wasn''t an exaggeration. Keith imed he was taking her to her daughter, but in reality, he just wanted to trap her and her daughter with him. This was abduction, imprisonment! In Elysia''s eyes, Keith was a victim but also a kidnapper, a criminal! His pitiful state and his gentle treatment of her couldn''t mask his wrongdoing! After a brief silence, Elysia asked him, "You''re fully aware of Tarquin''s rtion to the Bradford family, right? If what you say is true, and the Bradfords indeed deserve to die, Tarquin is innocent! He''s nothing like them, never has he stooped to their level or harmed you!" The sins of the Bradford family had nothing to do with Tarquin! She couldn''t persuade Keith to let go of his hatred, but she wanted him to redirect his vengeance away from Tarquin. The Bradfords might deserve death, but Tarquin was innocent! Keith frowned, repeating what he had said before, "Being Kendrick''s son is his crime!" Elysia countered, "By that logic, are Elliot, Evan, Elijah, and your beloved treasures guilty too? They''re Kendrick''s descendants as well." Keith denied, "The sins Kendrickmitted, his son can pay for them. That''s enough; I won''t harm your kids, and I''d never harm the treasure. She''s my life; no one can hurt her, not even me." "Keith..." Keith cut her off, "Don''t try to convince me. I can''t let Tarquin go. It''s only fair, a father''s debts paid by his son." Elysia''s brow furrowed even more, "Did you consider that Tarquin is the biological father of your treasure? Hurting him would upset her, maybe even make her hate you." "Would you tell her? Would you make her sad?" Elysia: "..." "And what about Elizabeth? Tarquin is Kendrick''s son, but he''s also Elizabeth''s son! Can you bear to hurt Elizabeth''s only child? Don''t you feel any guilt?" Keith frowned deeply, silent for several seconds before saying, "In another life, I''ll make it up to her." Chapter 840 Elysia was pacing the room, her nerves frayed to breaking point. "Reincarnation? That''s just self-deception, Keith! You shouldn''t have gone after Tarquin. You knew he was innocent, knew how much Elizabeth adored him. Hurting him won''t bring you joy, only more misery." "Why would I feel miserable? Sure, Tarquin didn''t partake in the Bradford family''s misdeeds, but I''ve sworn to bring down the entire Bradford n. I can''t just let him off the hook! And he''s Kendrick''s only blood. If I spare him, who will spare me? Only with his death can I find release!" Keith''s expression turned dark and menacing, "Do you have any idea how terrified and hopeless I felt when Kendrick dragged me into those woods? It''s a nightmare I can''t escape from! The Bradford family destroyed me, but Kendrick''s betrayal hurt no less! If, and I say if, after hurting me, he could''ve given her a bright future, I might have epted it. But she was anything but happy, dying tragically young! Because of him! All his fault! He forced her to flee her homnd, to settle in a foreignnd! He let her die at her most beautiful age! He couldn''t protect her, couldn''t give her the future she deserved, so why did he snatch her from me?! Without him, she could''ve had a happy, beautiful life! I despise the Bradford family, Kendrick most of all. But with him gone, I''ll settle the score with his son. I want Tarquin to taste every misery, endure every torment before I''m satisfied!" Elysia held her breath, staring at him in horror. This was the first time she''d seen Keith lose his temper. His rage was frightening; his eyes bloodshot, hisplexion ashen, every muscle in his face tensed like a beast unleashed. A stark contrast to the sunny, handsome, and refined man she knew on any other day. Keith, realizing he''d lost control, took a moment topose himself before speaking again, "Sorry for scaring you. You don''t need to worry about my vendetta against the Bradford family. Stop trying to convince me. Just look forward to reuniting with our baby. As for Tarquin, forget him. He''ll be dead soon." Elysia panicked, "What are you nning to do?" "It''s none of your business." "How can it not be? He''s my husband!" "Not anymore. From now on, you only have two roles: the mother of my child and my wife, Keith." With those words, Keith stood up and walked out of the cabin. Elysia, emotional, called out, "Keith!" Keith didn''t look back, "Even if I don''ty a hand on him, someone else will. He can''t escape his fate! And I won''t spare him either. Some things you can''t stop, better not to think about them. Better think about our baby." Elysia, gasping for air, wanted to threaten him but had no leverage. She tried to calm herself, "Why not seek justice through thew?" "Thew? That''d be letting them off too easy." Keith left her with those words and stepped out of the cabin. Silence engulfed the small space once more. Elysia felt a whirlwind of panic. Keith was beyond reason, hell-bent on revenge against Tarquin, and she couldn''t sway him. What to do? Did Tarquin know about Keith''s plot? Was he aware of the looming danger? Could hee out of this unscathed? Was he alright now? Her mind was a tumult of questions and dreadful scenarios. She was terrified, utterly terrified. Unbeknownst to her, night had fallen. The sea waves crashed against the small boat, churning in the darkness, as if signaling the myriad dangers lurking beneath. Keith, having asked the sailor for a cigarette, now stood at the bow, smoking. Elysia couldn''t see his face. There, shrouded in the night, he seemed as mysterious and eerie as the sea itself, radiating danger from every angle. Chapter 841 The boat rocked precariously, like a dandelion puff caught in a gust of wind, offering no semnce of stability or safety. Elysia was terrified of the dark, and even more so of water. Every time she stood by the shore, an irrational fear gripped her, making her believe that something sinister was about to leap out from the depths below. She nced outward twice before quickly retracting her gaze, shrinking into herself, shivering uncontrobly. She was scared. Scared of the engulfing darkness of the night, scared of the vast, all-consuming ocean! Scared of Keith, whose eyes were blinded by hatred, harboring demons in his heart! But what scared her most was the thought of something happening to Tarquin... She couldn''t bear the thought of spending her life with Keith; she just wanted to be with Tarquin. She dreamt of raising their kids together with Tarquin... Images of Tarquin and their children, their faces, theirughter, flooded her mind, causing a sharp pang in her heart, blurring her vision with tears. She missed them, missed them terribly. She wished for Tarquin to appear before her the next second, to throw herself into his arms and tell him how frightened she was... Meanwhile, by the seaside, Tarquin stood gazing into the pitch-ck ocean, his brow furrowed, an aura of anger surrounding him. Axel stood beside him, "They left from here, by boat, still out there on the sea. No information on the vessel; it''s likely a local fisherman''s private boat. Our guys are still searching the area, but no news yet." Looking for someone in the vast night sea was like searching for a needle in a haystack! After Elysia was abducted, they had traced the clues to this point. Axel continued, "The local fishermen say the weather''s been rough these past few days, big winds, big waves. The small private boats they have can easily capsize. They won''t stay out past dawn; they''ll have toe in to avoid the storm. ording to the fishermen''s estimates on their location, they have quite a few ces they could dock. It''s uncertain which one Keith might choose, but I''ve got people on lookout at each." Tarquin remained silent, pulling out his phone to check the map. After what seemed like an eternity, a sudden thought struck him, tightening the lines around his eyes as he zoomed in on the map for a closer look. He stared at it for a long while in silence, then turned on his heel and strode towards the car, his steps quick and determined. Reaching the vehicle, he climbed into the driver''s seat without a word. Axel, puzzled, hurriedly got into the passenger seat. The car hadn''t even fully started before it was already speeding off! Axel turned to Tarquin, who was driving with a steely gaze fixed on the road ahead, his expression dark and intense. Axel was deeply concerned about his current state. From the moment Elysia was taken, Tarquin had been on edge, not a moment of rest, not a bite of food, nor a sip of water had passed his lips! He barely spoke, uttering less than ten sentences the whole day, most of them brief exchanges with Elliot, Evan, Emmett, and Elijah. He hadn''t told the kids about Elysia''s plight. He lied, saying Elysia had to stay a couple of days with a student who was facing severe issues. He wouldn''t go back; he''d stay with Elysia. The kids believed him, none the wiser, with Lowell staying with them at home. Axel was worried but knew better than to voice his concerns. Tarquin was like a brother to him; he knew him too well. At this moment, Tarquin was a mix of raging anger and crippling fear. Part of him wanted to exact revenge on Keith, while another part was terrified for Elysia''s safety, all his emotions bottling up inside. Keith had crossed a line this time, taking Elysia, the person Tarquin cherished above all else! Abducting Elysia was an affront worse than ripping out Tarquin''s heart! Chapter 842 In the wee hours, the sea turned treacherous as a fierce wind picked up. The small boat struggled against the increasingly violent waves,ing dangerously close to capsizing several times. The skipper''s face was etched with concentration as he gestured frantically to Keith. It was then that Elysia realized the skipper was mute; he was using signnguage tomunicate with Keith, indicating that the wind was getting stronger and a heavy rain was imminent. Continuing their journey on the small boat would be perilous. Keith, unfazed as if he had anticipated the change in weather, nced at his watch and simply said to the skipper, "Stick to the n." Nodding, the skipper resumed his efforts to steer the boat through the turbulent waters. Keith moved to the other side of the boat, bringing over two sets of diving gear. "Do you know how to put these on?" he asked Elysia. Frowning, she replied, "We''re going in the water?" "Yeah, it''s too risky to stay on the boat with the storm picking up. We''ll be safer in the water." Elysia instinctively retorted, "Safer in the water?" Keith patiently exined, "I''ll take you to a safe ce. It''s too difficult for the boat to get there, but we can swim." Elysia was hesitant to enter the water; she was afraid even in broad daylight, let alone at night. Keith, sensing her fear, gently reassured her, "I''ll be with you. There''s nothing to be afraid of. I''ve got you." Just then, a bolt of lightning tore across the sky, followed by the deep rumble of thunder directly overhead, causing Elysia to shiver in fear. The worsening weather indeed made staying on the boat a dangerous proposition, prompting her to quickly don the diving gear as Keith had instructed. Ever since bing a mother, she had be extremely cautious about her own safety. Before she could mentally prepare herself, a wave crashed over them, plunging her into the water. Panic-stricken, Elysia thrashed about in the water, her eyes tightly shut. Despite wearing a diving suit and being immediately caught by Keith as she fell, she was terrified, feeling as though her soul was about to leave her body. In her panic, she repeatedly called out for Tarquin in her mind, her source offort and security. Meanwhile, on a seldom-traveled road, Tarquin pushed his car to nearly 200 mph. The road was rough, and the high speed made the car nearly overturn several times. With a furrowed brow, Tarquin''s gaze never wavered from the road ahead, his heart aching with worry. He was unaware of Elysia''s current situation, but he knew her well enough to understand her fear of water. Being taken by Keith via a water route must have terrified her. With his lips pressed tightly together and his face tense, Tarquin floored the gas pedal, wishing he could make the car fly. When the road ended, he sharply turned the steering wheel and mmed on the brakes, executing a perfect drift to stop the car. Tarquin stepped out into the pouring rain and strode forward. Axel quickly followed suit. The area was overgrown with weeds, clearly untouched, with no path forward or sight of the sea. Yet, the sound of waves crashing against the shore was unmistakable. Thunder boomed overhead as the rain intensified. Axel, puzzled by Tarquin''s intentions but knowing he never acted without reason, silently followed him through the rain. After about ten minutes, they finally caught sight of the tumultuous sea. A sh of lightning briefly illuminated the churning waves, highlighting the danger lurking within. Axel''s phone suddenly rang. After a brief conversation, he turned to Tarquin, "There''s been a sighting along Route 5. A small boat seems to be trying to approach the shore but hesitates, continuously drifting. It''s too far to see how many people are on board, but it looks suspicious. Should we head over? It''s a half-hour drive." Chapter 843 Tarquin frowned, a moment of silence before he said, "Tell them to stay on high alert, no need to dive in after him. We''ll question him once he''s ashore." A flicker of surprise passed through Axel''s eyes. It was somewhat unexpected. Why not approach now, especially with that boat showing up near pier five at this hour? Highly suspicious. Axel didn''t press Tarquin for his thoughts, simply ryed the message and hung up. The rain was pouring down, and Tarquin stood there, letting it drench him, not moving to take shelter or return to the car. Axel stood beside him, quietly keeping himpany. Time seemed to stretch on until suddenly, there was movement not far from them. Two figures emerged from the sea! Keith: "How are you doing? Are you okay?" Elysia didn''t respond, instead she started to cough violently as she shed the heavy gear, having swallowed water. Axel was taken aback, clearly not expecting Keith and Elysia to surface here! Before he could recover, Tarquin had already bolted towards them! Without giving Keith a chance to react, he kicked him away from Elysia and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, "Elysia!" Keith was taken aback! This spot, only he knew about it! How did Tarquin find it??? Keith''s brows furrowed, a cold look in his eyes, as he got up to retaliate. Axel rushed over, grabbed his wrist, and flipped him over his shoulder! Keith grunted as he hit the ground, and before he could catch his breath, Axel''s fist wasing at him again. Keith quickly dodged, realizing the situation was dire. He gave Elysia onest look before diving back into the sea with a ssh. Without a second thought, Axel dove in after him! The sea swallowed them both in an instant! The rain continued to pour, but Tarquin paid no mind to Keith, holding Elysia tight as if he wanted to merge her into his very bones. "Elysia, it''s me, it''s okay now, it''s me!" It took a moment for Elysia to stop struggling and recognize him, "Tarquin?" "Yeah, it''s me!" Elysia paused, and then the next second, she burst into tears, like a child who had finally found her family after feeling lost and scared. She stopped fighting him, instead clinging to Tarquin''s waist as if afraid he would vanish again. "I was so scared, Tarquin, I thought I was going to die, sob sob sob..." She was terrified something had happened to Tarquin! Terrified she''d never see him again! Terrified of the stormy night and the pitch-ck depths of the sea. She was scared, terrified! Hearing her tremble as she called his name, telling him all her fears, Tarquin''s heart was breaking. He held her tighter, his voice choked with emotion, "It''s okay, I''m here..." He tightened his grip, his tone gentle. The day and night Elysia had been taken by Keith, Tarquin''s emotions were indescribable. He was scared, scared for her fear! Elysia cried out in her vulnerability, "Tarquin!" Tarquin quickly responded, "Yeah." Elysia called again, "Tarquin!" Tarquin assured, "Yeah, I''m here." Elysia''s cries grew louder, her voice filled with a child-like vulnerability as she repeatedly called his name, seeking reassurance that he was truly by her side. Tarquin patiently responded, again and again. With one arm wrapped around her waist and the other cradling her head, he enveloped her with his broad frame, offering her the sanctuary of his embrace. Chapter 844 Elysia''s voice broke mid-shout, suddenly going silent. Exhausted and overwhelmed by her emotions, she fainted. Tarquin, panicked, quickly scooped her up in his arms and hurried to his car. Once they were in the car, he fired up the engine, cranking the heater up to full st before wrapping her tightly in a nket he grabbed from the trunk. Then he rushed back to the driver''s seat and drove her straight to the hospital. He wasn''t worried about Axel. Axel knew how to handle himself without getting into trouble. As for settling scores with Keith, that could wait until Elysia was safe and sound. Right now, he''d love nothing more than to get his hands on Keith, but Elysia came first, always. He arrived at the nearest hospital with Elysia, and it took nearly an hour to get her settled. By the time Axel showed up, Elysia was already receiving IV fluids. She was dressed in a clean hospital gown, her eyes closed, a frown creasing her forehead, her breathing uneven - clearly shaken up by the recent events. Tarquin sat beside her, cradling one of her hands in both of his, pressing it to his lips, eyes red as he watched over her. His clothes were still drenched, dripping water onto the floor. The nurse, noticing Axel''s gaze lingering on Tarquin, chimed in, "You''re his friend, right? Please convince him to change. He could catch a cold. We''ve tried, but he won''t listen. He won''t leave his wife''s side for even a second. Talk about true love." Axel nodded politely without saying a word and entered the room. "Go take a shower and change. I''ll stay with her," he offered. Tarquin turned to him and asked, "What about Keith?" "He got away." The downpour was heavy, the night pitch ck, and the terrain unfamiliar to him, allowing Keith to slip away. Tarquin''s frown deepened, but he said no more. He carefully tucked in the nkets around Elysia, stood up, and took the clean clothes his bodyguard had brought over to the bathroom. He had refused to change earlier because he couldn''t bear to leave Elysia''s side, even for a moment. But with Axel there, he could finally rx a bit, daring to let her out of his sight. After a quick shower and change into dry clothes, Tarquin immediately returned to Elysia''s bedside, steadfast in his vigil. Axel broke the silence, "Just got a call from the guys near Route 5. They caught someone on a small boat, a mute, who admitted Keith had taken his boat out to sea before donning diving gear and disappearing underwater. Beyond that, he''s not saying much, ying dumb." Tarquin wasn''t surprised, his voice cold, "He was just a decoy, meant to distract us." Axel couldn''t help asking, "How did you know Keith wouldnd there?" "Only from there could he make the quickest getaway back to Spirit Vige!" "Spirit Vige?" Tarquin exhaled heavily, "It was my mom''s dream to create a paradise where she could retire. If things had gone differently, Keith might have helped her realize that dream. I suspect he''s keeping the treasure there, in Spirit Vige!" Spirit Vige was a ce Tarquin had only pieced together today. He remembered Elizabeth''s dream vividly; she had spoken of it often. A tranquil haven for her retirement years. But until now, he had no idea she had already picked out the spot. Had he known sooner, he would have brought Spirit Vige to life for her. In the recent days, while searching for the treasure, he had been scouring maps for beautiful, secluded viges. It was only today, as Keith attempted to flee by water with Elysia, that he stumbled upon the name Spirit Vige on the map. Chapter 845 Seeing the ce, something about it struck a chord of familiarity within him. It wasn''t until a moment of deep reflection that he recalled the name "Spirit Vige" from amongst Elizabeth''s belongings. Putting together Elizabeth''s dreams and his own obsession with her, it wasn''t hard to guess where the treasure was located! "You head to Spirit Vige first, take someone with you. Once you''ve settled Elysia, I''ll follow immediately!" "..." Axel wasted no time, turning on his heel and leaving. Meanwhile, Keith had regrouped with his own crew. Seeing him in a state, they were surprised, "What happened?" Keith''s lips were pressed tightly together, he was panting heavily, gritting his teeth, "Back to town, quick!" "Back to the vige?" "Yes!" "What about Miss Thorne? She''s been looking forward to meeting her." Keith frowned, "Next time!" Sensing his mood was off, his men didn''t dare to probe further and quickly started the car. Keith leaned back in the rear seat, ignoring the wound on his thigh, closing his eyes to quell his rage. He hadn''t expected Tarquin to ambush him there! And if Tarquin had discovered that ce, he must have also found out about Spirit Vige! Without a doubt, Tarquin had already sent men there! The treasure was in Spirit Vige! He couldn''t worry about Elysia now; he had to get back to the treasure first, figuring out how to move it somewhere safe. He couldn''t let Tarquin find the treasure first! It was his; Tarquin couldn''t take her away! After a while, Keith opened his eyes, tearing his pants to reveal the wound on his thigh. Annoyed, he looked at it; it was a nasty cut, long and deep, almost to the bone, still bleeding profusely. Keith grabbed a towel, biting down on it as he opened the car''s first aid kit, taking out alcohol and a suture kit to treat himself! His men nced at him through the rearview mirror, shuddering at the sight. Such a big cut, and only someone as tough as Keith would dare to stitch it up himself! "Should we... make a stop at the hospital?" A cold re from Keith was enough to silence the driver, who didn''t dare to make another sound. Those who followed Keith didn''t know exactly what he had been through. But they all knew two things about Keith. One, he was ruthlessly cold-blooded, harsh to others, and even harsher to himself! Two, he loved his daughter more than anything; nothing was more important than his little girl! Keith gave all his love and tenderness to his treasure, leaving none for outsiders, not even for himself! ... No sooner had Axel left, Tarquin received a call from Lowell, "Tarquin, finally got a lead on Keith''s identity. He''s from Border City, part of the Inkster family!" Tarquin frowned, "Border City? The Inkster family?" Never heard of it! "Right, his father''s name is Phineas Inkster. Keith is the youngest Inkster, originally named Quin Inkster. He has two older brothers and a sister, but now they''re all missing." "Missing?" "Yeah, as in their fate is unknown. No one''s seen them alive, nor found their bodies." "...Is it rted to the Bradford family?" "Don''t know, but from what we''ve dug up, the Inskters had no prior connections or dealings with the Bradfords. However, the year the Inksters went missing, Gideon had visited Border City." Meaning, the Inksters and the Bradfords had no rtionship, no interactions, no acquaintances. But, the mysterious disappearance of the Inkster family might have something to do with the Bradfords. Chapter 846 Tarquin furrowed his brows, his intuition about Gideon being a ssic wrong ''un was too sharp to ignore. The mess with the Inkster family? It reeked of Gideon''s handiwork. Gideon, that scumbag, wouldn''t think twice about throwing his own flesh and blood under the bus, so why spare a thought for strangers? Keith had been plotting for years, all to settle a score with the Bradford n! Tarquin caught himself nervously biting the inside of his cheek. Born into the Bradford family and entangled with Gideon-it felt like a curse from a past life! "What was Gideon doing in Border City back then?" Lowell replied, "He wasunching new housing developments. Bought several plots in Border City and took a keen interest in the projects there, even overseeing them in person for a while." "Did he have any dealings with the Inkster family during that time?" "Nothing turned up. The Inkster''s neighbors said they never heard them mention the Bradford family, nor seen anyone from the Bradfords visiting. Even the Inkster''s rtives and friends im there was no connection between the two families. The Inksters were true-blue Border City folks. Phineas and his wife were both educators, one an art teacher and the other a preschool teacher. They lived a modest butfortable life, far from the Bradford''s league of wealth. Plus, thend Gideon bought was miles away from the Inkster''s ce, not even remotely linked to any demolition concerns. But ever since Gideon left Border City, the Inkster family just vanished into thin air! At first, neighbors thought they''d gone on a trip, but when they didn''t return, everyone assumed they''d moved." Tarquin''s frown deepened. "Didn''t their rtives look for them?" "They did, even reported them missing, but the police found zilch. The Inksters'' whereabouts became a mystery, and their rtives feared the worst. Then, out of the blue, over a decadeter, both the Inkster and the ckwood elders received a hefty sum of money and a letter. The letter imed the Inksters were engaged in confidential work for the nation, unable to surface or fulfill familial duties, hoping for understanding and peace of mind." "And who was the letter supposedly from?" "Phineas and his wife. We never saw the letter, but the Inkster elders were convinced it was Phineas''s handwriting." Was Phineas still alive? Tarquin asked, "Any word from Phineas since then?" "Nothing. Even when old Mr. ckwood passed away two years ago, Phineas''s family was nowhere to be seen. Now, there''s all sorts of rumors about the Inksters-most believe Phineas had some unique talent that caught the state''s eye, leading them to be ''frozen'' for some top-secret mission." Tarquin knitted his brows tighter, "What about Keith? Has he been in touch with the Inkster or ckwood rtives?" "Nothing we''ve found suggests that. Keith hasn''t even been back to Border City." Tarquin inquired, "He disappeared for a while during the holidays, where did he go?" "No clue. Keith''s movements are a mystery, but it''s clear he hasn''t visited the Inksters or the ckwoods. Probably off hunting down some treasure!" Tarquin clenched his jaw, the thought of his daughter in Keith''s hands driving him to the edge. After a pause, he asked, "Anything odd about Gideon after returning to Jindale City from Border City?" "I snooped around a bit, nothing out of the ordinary. He even attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Border City developments, acting as if nothing was amiss." Was it that he hadn''t done anything, or was he just that indifferent about his actions? With a steely expression, Tarquin instructed Lowell to send over all the details they''d gathered. The call had barely ended when Elysia let out a sharp scream! Chapter 847 Tarquin''s heart raced, "Elysia!" Elysia bolted upright with a gasp, her breathing heavy, her face painted with fear! Clearly, she had been jolted awake by a nightmare! Tarquin quickly grabbed her hand-still attached to the IV drip-and pulled her into aforting embrace. "It''s okay, it''s okay, just a bad dream, Elysia. You''re safe." It took Elysia a moment to realize that the terrifying events were just a dream, not reality. And she had been saved by Tarquin! She quickly pulled away from Tarquin''s embrace, her eyes scanning him in a frantic worry, "Are you alright? Are you hurt? Did Keith hurt you?" Tarquin shook his head, "I''m fine, no injuries." Only after confirming Tarquin was truly unharmed did she rx a bit, but within seconds, her heart was in her throat again. Sitting up in her hospital bed, she clutched Tarquin''s hand tightly, her words tumbling out, "Keith is after you, do you know that? He''s got a vendetta against the Bradford family, against your father. He''s talking about paying back debts, about making you pay for the harm your father and the Bradfords have caused him. He wants revenge! And our daughter, she''s with him! It was him who took Elijah and our daughter from me. He gave Elijah to you, but our daughter has been living with him! He even tried to force me into marrying him, nning to take away Elliot, Evan, Emmett, and Elijah, wanting to keep us trapped by his side! He''s gone mad, Keith has lost it! His vision is clouded by hatred, he''s surely plotting something to harm you! But he didn''t tell me his ns, what do we do? Tarquin, how will you escape this? How do we get our daughter back? I...I..." Her body shook with emotion, her face a mask of desperation, on the verge of tears. Tarquin pulled her back into his arms, soothing her, "He won''t find it easy to hurt me, look at me, I''m still here, Elysia. Don''t underestimate your husband''s strength." "But he, he..." "No buts. My life belongs to you and our kids. No one else has the right to take it! There have been many who wanted to harm me; one more or one less Keith doesn''t make a difference. Don''t worry about him." "..." "Listen, take a deep breath..." Tarquin guided her, hoping to calm her down first. Once Elysia''s emotions had somewhat stabilized, Tarquin continued to reassure her, "You don''t need to worry about me or our daughter. Given Keith''s attitude towards her, she''s not in immediate danger. Plus, we''ve already located where Keith is hiding our daughter, Axel is leading a team there as we speak." Elysia''s eyes widened in surprise, "You know where our daughter is?" "Yes." "Then why aren''t you going to find her yourself?" Tarquin wiped away her tears and tucked her disheveled hair behind her ear, "Once you''ve finished your infusion and I''ve taken you home, I''ll head straight there." He needed to ensure Elysia was safe back at Number One Mansion, his stronghold, a ce Keith couldn''t infiltrate even if he tried. Besides, Elliot, Evan, Emmett, and Elijah were there; they could keep Elysiapany while he was gone. His daughter was important, but so was Elysia. After the ordeal with Keith, Tarquin wouldn''t allow a second mishap. Only once Elysia was settled could he leave with a peace of mind to find their daughter. It was then that Elysia noticed the IV needle in her arm and without a second thought, yanked it out. Tarquin''s eyes widened in shock. Chapter 848 Elysia rubbed her nose and frowned, stating, "I''m a doctor myself, I know my own body. I haven''t eaten in over a day, and the shock was just too much, that''s why I fainted. My body''s fine. We need to go find our daughter, right now!" With that, she threw back the covers, ready to jump out of bed! She was determined to go with Tarquin to find their daughter, not wanting to wait another second! But Tarquin stopped her, "You can''t go!" Spirit Vige was Keith''s stronghold, and for them, venturing in was sure to be dangerous! Besides, Tarquin had only just rescued Elysia from Keith''s clutches; he couldn''t possibly take her into enemy territory and risk it all over again! What if, in the chaos, Keith managed to take Elysia back? However, Elysia insisted, "I have to go! Keith won''t tell her I''m her father; at best, she''ll see you as an uncle and won''t go with you! She''s been raised by Keith; she''s bound to be attached to him. Even if you find her, you won''t be able to bring her back easily. If we force her, it''ll scare her and leave asting, terrible impression! But she''s been waiting for me. Keith told her I''m her mother, so she won''t be afraid when she sees me, and she''ll be willing toe back with me." Tarquin felt a pang in his heart, his own daughter preferring Keith, recognizing him as a father figure. It was a bitter pill to swallow. But sadness aside, Elysia was right. Compared to him, their daughter was likely more attached to Keith, and even if he found her, she might not be willing to leave with him! After some thought, Tarquin agreed to Elysia''s suggestion. He decided she would wait outside the vige, not letting her enter. He wished Elysia would rest a bit longer before setting off, but she couldn''t wait a second longer! Not knowing her daughter''s whereabouts was agonizing for her. Now that she knew, she was desperate to see her daughter immediately! Understanding her, Tarquin made arrangements, and after ensuring Elysia ate some food and snacks in the car, they set off to Spirit Vige to find their daughter! Before leaving, he made sure she had a hearty meal of sandwiches and cookies in the car, watching over her as she ate. After all, a person needs their strength, and he wouldn''t be at ease until she had some food in her. Once Elysia had eaten and seemed more spirited, Tarquin finally asked her, "Keith mentioned a feud with my father?" He was almost certain Keith held a grudge against the Bradford family. But what did this hatred have to do with his own father? Elysia furrowed her brows and recounted the events at Hill Vige to Tarquin. Without hesitation, Tarquin eximed, "Impossible!" Elysia looked puzzled. Tarquin exined, "I know what kind of man my dad was. He had strong principles, was kind-hearted, and gentle. He would never do something as cruel as neglecting a child." The idea of Kendrick dragging a child by the leg into the dangerous mountains on a stormy night was something Tarquin couldn''t ept. In the entire Bradford family, except for Kendrick, he might believe it of anyone else. But Kendrick? He refused to believe it! Tarquin continued, "My mom was intelligent and kind-hearted, not blinded by love. The man she chose had to be virtuous and principled. There were many who pursued her, but she chose my dad, proving his character was sound. Moreover, when you truly love someone, you love everything they love, even to the point of irrationality. Just like how I loved Elliot and Evan before I knew they were mine, or how I still love Emmett even though we''re not rted by blood." Chapter 849 Because I love you, and you love them, I find myself instinctively loving them too. Dad adored Mom, and since Mom loved Aiden, he must have found himself liking Aiden too, subconsciously, sincerely. So I''m certain, the one who hurt Aiden years ago, it couldn''t have been Dad." Elysia, of course, believed Tarquin, her face etched with confusion, "I''ve heard you praise Dad''s character before, so I didn''t believe it either. But when I asked Keith, he was so sure! He said he''d recognize Dad even if he turned to ashes, that it was Dad who dragged him up the hill that night." Tarquin frowned in thought; it couldn''t be Kendrick! But Keith wouldn''t lie to Elysia without reason. Where did the problem lie? If Keith mistook someone for Kendrick, it meant that person must have closely resembled Kendrick, at least in appearance and build. But who could it be? Kendrick didn''t have any brothers. Could someone have intentionally disguised themselves as Kendrick to mislead Keith? But Keith was so young at the time, what was the point in misleading him? "What happened after he was taken to the hill?" Elysia shook her head, "Keith didn''t say, but I guess it must have been something terrible, or he wouldn''t say Dad pushed him into the abyss!" Tarquin''s brows furrowed tighter, "..." Elysia continued, "He hates Dad; he thinks Dad took Mom away from him and then failed to cherish her, leading to her early death. He believes all the misfortunes that befell him and Momter were Dad''s doing. But since Dad passed away early, he''s directed all his hatred towards you, wanting to torment you, to make you suffer every conceivable misery before killing you." At this, Elysia shivered with fear, trembling uncontrobly. Tarquin snapped back from his thoughts, pulling her into his arms tofort her before asking, "Did Keith mention any grudges against the Bradford family?" At this, Elysia''s expression changed, she untangled herself from his embrace, turned to look out the window, and stayed silent for a long while before turning back to him, grinding her teeth, "Gideon is a monster! The Bradfords are all beasts!" Tarquin: "?" Elysia''s emotions surged, her breathing unsteady, "Keith said he was once happy, very happy, like the three little ones I''ve raised, until Gideon suddenly appeared..." Years ago, in Border City. Back then, Keith was just a few years old, and he wasn''t called Keith; his name was Quin. His parents had wished for him a life of ease and peace. The Inkster family wasn''t wealthy, but they lived a content and happy life. Phineas and his wife were wise in raising their children, turning out several sensible kids. Quin, the fourth child, was especially well-behaved from a young age. Being well-behaved was one thing, but he was also incredibly handsome, with big, double-lidded eyes, long and dense eyshes, looking like a pristine porcin doll. Neighbors far and wide adored him! Quin''s good looks came from his parents. Phineas, tall at over six feet, stood erect with well-defined features and sses, his demeanor and conduct reminiscent of a schrly champion from ancient times. Kelsey ckwood, of average height and slender build, was exceptionally beautiful! She was the kind of beauty who would stand out even among celebrities; anyone who saw her would take a second look andpliment her attractiveness. But beauty can be both a blessing and a curse! The nightmare for the Inkster family began because Kelsey was too beautiful... Chapter 850 That day in Border City was exceptionally cold. Gusts of wind howled, and a relentless snowfall nketed the town all day long. Yet, Phineas and Kelsey''s hearts were aze with warmth! It was Phineas''s birthday, a day that also marked a milestone in his career. Phineas had devoted years to his art, working tirelessly, yet he remainedrgely unnoticed, a mere background figure in the art world. But on his birthday, he received an unexpected invitation from his idol. His idol was a renowned master painter, known for his profound skill and unique style, and an unyielding spirit. He earned his living through art but neverpromised his standards for money. Once, a wealthy collector offered a hefty sum for a portrait of his mistress, but the painter tly refused, stating he wouldn''t paint for such a cause. His reasoning was straightforward and blunt: mistresses disgusted him, unworthy of his work. He likened each of his pieces to a child he had nurtured and finding a "home" for them meant entrusting his "children" to a new family. He couldn''t bear the thought of his ''children'' being in the hands of those with dubious morals! Online opinions about this painter were divided; some used him of pretentiousness, arguing his pride came with fame and fortune, curious if he''d still refusemissions without money. Others admired his integrity, asserting his character remained unchanged through times of hardship, calling him a breath of fresh air in the art scene. But regardless of personal views on his character, no one could deny his artistic talent! To Phineas, he was a true artist. Being personally invited to his private exhibition was an honor in itself! The master had even offered to disy one of Phineas''s own pieces alongside his, a gesture that filled Phineas with immense surprise and joy. This recognition was akin to a fan''s dreame true! Moreover, this opportunity could catapult him to fame, securing his ce in the art world! This could mean a significant leap in both reputation and earnings for Phineas. He felt like a hidden gem finally discovered, ecstatic beyond words! Naturally, Kelsey shared in his happiness! Their love had blossomed from school uniforms to wedding dresses, a deep and genuine bond. Kelsey was genuinely thrilled for her husband''s sess. To celebrate, Kelsey spent the day preparing a special birthday cake and several of Phineas''s favorite dishes. She dressed up, donning a beautiful dress and heels she hadn''t worn in ages, and together with their children, headed to Phineas''s studio to surprise him. Phineas, a part-time teacher, had his own studio situated between the city and the suburbs, offering ample space, a serene environment, and affordable rent. The family had nned to celebrate there. As soon as Kelsey and the kids arrived, Phineas rushed over and lifted her in his arms, eximing, "Honey, I''ve made it!" He spun her around in front of their kids, nting kisses on her. Kelsey''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, "Stop it, the kids are watching. Act your age." Phineas''sughter filled the room, reminiscent of his carefree youth, his face beaming like a delighted child. He put Kelsey down, showered the kids with affection, and invited them to y. Together, Phineas and Kelsey set the table for dinner, sharing whispers andughter, their cheeks rosy with joy. The couple''s affection for each other was palpable, their children''sughter echoing through the room, creating a scene of pure happiness despite the snowstorm raging outside. Keith once said, if only this moment couldst forever... Unfortunately, wishes don''t alwayse true. As Phineas closed his eyes to make his birthday wish, the studio door suddenly burst open! Chapter 851 The birthday cake''s candles were snuffed out in an instant by a gust of wind! Gideon Bradford burst into the room, bringing with him the cold fury of a snowstorm, uninvited. He appeared before Kelsey ckwood and Phineas Inkster like a specter, an unwee surprise in the night. Phineas, who had neverid eyes on him before, was polite yet guarded, "Sir, may I help you?" Gideon ignored the question, his gaze fixed on Kelsey with a disturbing lightness. Phineas frowned, about to speak, when Gideon blurted out, "How much for one night?" Both Phineas and Kelsey were taken aback, confused. Without waiting for an invitation, Gideon took a seat, squinting at Kelsey, "I''m interested in you. Would fifty thousand be enough for a night? If not, I can offer more." Phineas and Kelsey were stunned for a moment before Kelsey erupted, "Are you sick?!" Phineas''s anger red uncontrobly. What sane man would tolerate such tant disrespect? He moved to confront Gideon, but Kelsey held him back. To Kelsey, Gideon seemed like a lunatic; after all, in a society governed byw, who would act so brazenly? "Just get him out of here, let''s not ruin the mood." Phineas, holding back his anger, attempted to expel the intruder, "You better leave now, or I''m calling the police!" Gideon didn''t even nce at him, continuing his harassment of Kelsey, "It''s just one night. Why the fuss? Fifty thousand isn''t enough? How about a million? Let''s talk. If you refuse, well, you''re refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit." At this, Phineas couldn''t contain his fury any longer and lunged at Gideon! Suddenly, two bodyguards burst through the door. Phineas, an average man, stood no chance against professional muscle. He took several hits, quickly subdued by the bodyguards. Kelsey, realizing the gravity of the situation, reached for her phone to call for help. Gideon snatched it away, smashing the phone before her eyes. Kelsey was petrified, speechless. Phineas fought back even harder, and as the bodyguards tried to drag him away, Gideon casually ordered, "Let him stay." At a signal from Gideon, the bodyguards drew the curtains, locked the door, and proceeded to beat Phineas to a pulp. His arms and legs were broken, ribs cracked. Disaster struck without warning, a nightmare unfolding! Kelsey, in tears, rushed to Phineas''s side, "Phineas! Phineas..." Phineas, blood frothing from his mouth,y motionless on the ground. He wanted tofort his wife but couldn''t speak. He wanted to wipe her tears away but couldn''t lift his arms. He wanted to stand and fight but was paralyzed. He wanted to protect her but failed... All he could do was watch helplessly as Kelsey cried, as Gideon forcefully dragged her up, as she was assaulted... Meanwhile, Quin Inkster was ying hide-and-seek with his siblings. He and his sister hid in a closet. Terrified, he wanted to run to his parents, but his sister covered his mouth, holding him back, silencing him. Seeing the chaos, one brother tried to save their father, the other their mother. The eldest brother had his arm broken by a bodyguard on the spot. The second, after biting Gideon, was grabbed by the throat and smashed against the wall, the violence reminiscent of a predator toying with its prey... The second brother''s head was bloodied, consciousness slipping away as blood streamed down his forehead. Kelsey screamed, rushing to her son''s side, only for Gideon to grab her, tearing her dress in front of Phineas. Before Phineas''s very eyes, she was pinned to a table, her clothes torn off, assaulted from behind. Kelsey''s screams echoed through the studio... Chapter 852 Phineas was sprawled on the ground, shaking uncontrobly. His eyes, bloodshot, were locked onto the horrifying scene unfolding before him. His heart was aze with a furious desire for vengeance, yet he was utterly powerless. All he could do was lie there, forced to witness his child getting hurt, to see the love of his life being trampled and vited. He groaned in helpless anger, tears mingling with blood streaming down his face. This nightmare dragged on from dusk till the wee hours of the night. Gideon was a monster. He deliberately tormented Phineas by assaulting Kelsey in every conceivable manner, over and over, right in front of Phineas''s eyes. Kelsey''s screams of hysteria gradually faded into silence. Her fierce resistance dwindled until she no longer had the strength to fight back. Phineas''s eyes went from wide with rage to tightly shut, tears of despair streaming down his face. What was once a blissful, loving rtionship between Phineas and Kelsey had been brutally shattered by Gideon, casting them into a living hell. From joy to utter despair, their lives were destroyed, leaving them with unresolved anguish. Kelsey was tortured to death by Gideon, her body left in disarray, her eyes void of tears. Phineas died of a broken heart. As a man, he could not bear the sight of his beloved being humiliated right before his eyes, powerless to intervene. It would have been a mercy to have killed him instead. With his dying breath, he was still looking towards Kelsey, the pain in his heart unimaginable. The Inkster family''s two sons were murdered by bodyguards, their necks snapped on Gideon''s orders. "Gideon said, ""Root and branch, let''s reunite them in hell."" With that, he tidied his clothes, not a speck of blood on him, and left as if nothing had happened, even having the audacity to grab a slice of Kelsey''s homemade pie on his way out. To him, the lives of Kelsey and Phineas were inconsequential, no more significant than insects. Gideon had no prior connection or grudge against the Inkster family. His vile act was spurred simply because he happened upon Kelsey by chance and was captivated by her beauty. Because Phineas wasn''t willing to trade his wife for wealth. Because Kelsey refused to submit. Because their young children tried to protect their parents. Four vibrant lives were extinguished. Quin, hidden in a closet, witnessed the fury of his father, the despair of his mother, the terror of his brothers, and the silent grief of his sister through the slits of the door. His loving parents and brothers were gone, and the warmth of his home had vanished. What remained in Quin''s heart was the despair, helplessness, and sorrow of his family, along with Gideon''s brazen arrogance. Too young to bear such psychological torment, Quin fainted on the spot. When he awoke, several days had passed, and he found himself surrounded by strangers, his sister nowhere to be found. He was locked in a dark, damp room with other dirty, scared children. Any attempt to find his family was met with violence. Mentioning his family led to beatings. Crying led to beatings. Some of the children around him were maimed and sent to beg, others had their organs harvested, and some ended up as corpses used for smuggling drugs. The faces of the children around him changed, but their numbers remained constant. As some died, new ones were brought in. In a twisted sense, Quin was "lucky" for his looks spared him from worse fates. The traffickers merely beat him, avoiding serious injury, before eventually selling him. He was traded like merchandise multiple times until he ended up with Maxwell and his wife, who took him to Hill Vige. By then, he was a shell of his former self, having survived the brutality at the art studio and the cruelty of the traffickers. At such a young age, his heart was filled with pain and fear. So, he remained silent, too scared to speak, unsure of what could be said. That is until he met Elizabeth Gonzalez. Chapter 853 The moment heid eyes on Elizabeth, he was reminded of Kelsey-her beauty, her gentleness, and the way herughter was as warm and inviting as a freshly brewed cup of coffee on a frosty morning. Elizabeth was kind to him, much like Kelsey had been. His heart, previously shrouded in clouds, finally saw a glimmer of sunlight. The wounds on his soul began to heal, bit by bit. He found the courage to speak again, to hope for a future. He resolved to live well, to find his sister, to studyw, and to be an attorney¡ªto seek justice for his parents and brother! Elizabeth said, if ever wronged, to wield thew as his sword! Elizabeth also said, thew could protect the innocent and punish the wicked! He believed her, wholeheartedly. Everything seemed to be moving in the right direction... But fate turned its wheel once more, and happiness slipped through his fingers again. Kendrick appeared out of nowhere! Seeing Kendrick brought back memories of Gideon, of those moments in the studio... Afterward, Kendrick took him up into the mountains, and his barely healed heart shattered all over again. This time, it wasn''t just his heart, but his spirit too! Before Elizabeth, he was a walking corpse. After Elizabeth, he felt alive again. But Kendrick turned him into something monstrous! Elysia Thorne finished her story, and the car fell silent... Neither she nor Tarquin Bradford spoke for a long while until Elysia, with tears in her eyes, finally choked out, "Keith Garcia told me he only found outter what had happened after he passed out. He said Gideon, to cover up his crimes, had his family''s bodies disposed of. They were taken to a pet crematorium, thrown into the furnace with animal remains, and burned to ashes. The studio was cleaned out, as if that horrific event had never urred. He said, sometimes, ordinary people mean nothing in the face of wealth, especially back in those days. Death was just that-death, causing barely a ripple. Like a speck of dust, silent in itsing and going, unnoticed. He also said it''s a tragic world where victims die in silence while the perpetrators live in splendor." Elysia sniffed hard, her eyes burning with rage, "How can there be people like Gideon in this world? Just because he set his sights on someone, and they didn''t reciprocate, he took their life, their spouse''s life, their children''s life! How could he be so vile?!" There was no deep-seated hatred, no misunderstanding, no conflict! Just because Kelsey was beautiful! Just because he desired her, he resorted to such twisted and cruel means, viting Kelsey and destroying a happy family! It wasn''t just Keith, the victim, who harbored hatred. Even as an outsider, she felt it! She wished a lightning bolt would strike from the heavens and obliterate Gideon! She had her share of hardships, but she had never wished death upon anyone-Gideon was the first! Tarquin listened quietly, his brow furrowed, his expression grave. He spoke candidly, "Demons walk among us. Gideon is not human; he''s a demon!" He detested Keith for hurting Elijah, for taking away his daughter and kidnapping Elysia, for the fact that their family of six remained separated! But Keith had been driven to darkness. Not Gideon. Gideon was born malicious, and his sins extended far beyond this. If it weren''t for his mother''s ashes and the need to uncover the truth about his parents'' demise, he would have already sent Gideon to prison ''to enjoy'' his remaining years! Tarquinforted Elysia for a while before finally asking, "Knowing Gideon, aftermitting such evil, he would leave no stone unturned to eliminate any loose ends. He would have investigated the ckwood family, sought to kill Keith. Keith was just a child then, powerless. How did he survive?" Chapter 854 Elysia took a deep breath, her voice heavy with emotion, "Keith himself didn''t even know. He said after he cked out, the next thing he knew, he was in the hands of some traffickers." Tarquin frowned, puzzled. "How?" Gideon''s security was sharp and cautious; it was impossible they didn''t sweep the area while cleaning up the mess. And Keith was so young, how did he manage to escape from under the noses of professional bodyguards? "What about his sister?" "No clue," Elysia replied. "Keith said when he woke up, his sister was nowhere to be found. He hasn''t mentioned anything about her whereabouts since." Tarquin was silent for a few seconds before asking another question, "Then why does he hate the entire Bradford family? This was Gideon''s doing. What do the others have to do with it?" Elysia grew agitated again, "Gideon is a monster, and so are the rest of the Bradfords..." Keith''s hatred for the rest of the Bradford family was not only because of Gideon but also due to Phineas'' art studio. Aftermitting his atrocious acts, Gideon, in an attempt to destroy evidence, bought the surrounding property to build a luxury housing development. This development was a project of the Bradford family, involving eviction processes, which meant the Bradfords had to negotiate with the property owners. The owner was an upstanding middle-aged woman, who had rented out the property. The lease wasn''t up, and the studio was filled with Phineas'' artwork; she couldn''t just dispose of them. Now faced with eviction, she needed to consult with either Phineas or Kelsey. Since they couldn''t reach them, the Bradfords were unable to strike a deal with thendy. She insisted on waiting until she could get in touch with Phineas and his wife before negotiating with the Bradfords. The Bradfords lost their temper, and so did thendy. The property was a cherished family home; thendy had moved to the city for her daughter''s education and was reluctant to agree to its demolition. She told the Bradfords she wouldn''t negotiate any further; her property was not for sale. Upon hearing this, the Bradfords resorted to foul y, ultimately causing thendy''s daughter''s demise! Thendy''s daughter, a medical student on the verge of starting her Ph.D., led a disciplined life focused on her studies, barely having time for a boyfriend. Yet, the Bradfords drugged her and left her in a bar to be assaulted by multiple people... They even recorded a video, using it to force thendy to sign the eviction papers. The Bradfords seeded, but thendy''s daughter took her own life. Thendy, having lost her husband early, had raised her daughter single-handedly. She was her world! Barely alive, thendy sought justice for her daughter but faced obstruction at every turn. The Bradfords even leaked the video they had recorded, paying for media coverage to nder her daughter''s reputation, iming she was a regr at nightclubs despite her wholesome appearance... The public bacsh was immediate, with all manner of vilements directed at thendy''s daughter. Overwhelmed with grief, thendy couldn''t bear it and died suddenly at home. Elysia''s eyes were red with anger as she said, "Keith mentioned they used to rent the studio from thendy, and their families were close. Thendy and her daughter looked after them. Just because Gideon needed to cover up his crime scene, they insisted on building that housing development there! The rest of the Bradford family might not have known about Kelsey''s situation, but for their own gain, they used such despicable methods to destroy thendy and her daughter! So, he hates Gideon and the entire Bradford family. He says not a single one of them is good; they''re all monsters! Keith even said, before the Bradfords drugged thendy''s daughter, they had already vited her! How could people be so wicked? They deserve to die!" Tarquin listened with furrowed brows, his face cold as he said, "The Bradfords are all influenced by Gideon. When the head is crooked, the rest will follow!" Kendrick was different because he had been away studying, with little contact with Gideon, andter came under the influence of the kind-hearted Elizabeth. Touched by Elizabeth''s goodness, Kendrick had light and love in his heart, making him the exception. The rest of the Bradfords, like Gideon, were twisted! Elysia continued, "Eventually, the studio was demolished, the crime scene destroyed, and Kelsey''s family was wiped out, just like that! Thendy and her daughter also died, their deaths marked by injustice and nder. How tragic, how heartbreaking! Two whole families destroyed, six lives lost, just like that!" Chapter 855 Keith hit the nail on the head. Sometimes, in the face of wealth and power, the average Joe is as significant as a speck of dust." Tarquin didn''t argue. Nowadays, it''s almost impossible for themon folk to stand against power, let alone years ago. Back then, Gideon was in his forties, at the peak of his arrogance, believing himself untouchable due to his status and the societal norms of the time. But, as they say, what goes aroundes around, right? Fate has a way of bncing the scales. No matter who you are, if you''ve done wrong, you''ll face youreuppance eventually. Justice may be dyed, but it never fails to show up. Tarquin tried to console Elysia, "Don''t worry, they''ll get what''sing to them." Sniffling, with tears in her eyes, Elysia looked up at him, "Keith is guilty, yes, but the real viins are Gideon and those monsters from the Bradford family. Is there any hope for Keith if he stops now?" Elysia was unaware of the dark dealings and the lives lost, feeling only sorrow for Kelsey. Kelsey and Elizabeth surely wished for Keith to survive. If Keith were to die, it would be the end of the Inkster family ¨C a family that had suffered so much, with their youngest barely escaping death only to face it again. "If Keith dies, there''ll be no Inkster family left in this world!" she eximed. Tarquin frowned, unsure how to answer. He knew what Elysia was thinking... But in a society governed byws, the rules must be followed. Keith might have his reasons, but he''s implicated in a serious crime. No one can save him from that. Even if they personally forgave him, thew won''t. Especially now that Keith is blinded by vengeance, nning for years, he won''t simply stop. He feared what Keith might do next. Wanting to spare Elysia further pain, Tarquin shifted the topic, "Who told Keith about the pet crematorium incident and thendlord''s ordeal? By the time Keith grew up capable of investigating, all evidence would''ve vanished." "These couldn''t have been uncovered by him alone; someone must''ve informed him. But who?" Elysia shook her head, "He never mentioned. Do you think Keith is lying?" "Not necessarily," Tarquin replied. If Keith shared this with Elysia, he likely wasn''t lying. These events had indeed happened. Now, he understood Keith''s hatred towards Gideon and the Bradford family, and why Keith despised him because of Kendrick. But what puzzled him was how Keith survived to fall into the traffickers'' hands when Gideon wouldn''t have allowed him or his sister to live. What became of his sister? Why was Keith alone with the traffickers, who dealt in far more sinister trades than just child trafficking? Why was Keith sold off alone? Just because of his looks? That seemed far-fetched. And the real reason was? Moreover, it couldn''t have been Kendrick who led him up Hill Vige on that stormy night. Who was impersonating Kendrick? What did they do to Keith to drive him to despair? And another thing, Keith''s borate ns for revenge must have cost a fortune. Where did his fundinge from? They suspected Keith was the mysterious benefactor, yet had no solid evidence. The mysteries only deepened. From what they knew, Keith likely had someone behind him. But was it Keith himself, or someone else pulling the strings? Why wait all these years instead of acting the year Elysia had her child? Tarquin pondered deeply, resolving to first find his daughter. Once she was safe, he could focus on unraveling these mysteries. He was determined to clear the air, not just for Gideon''s misdeeds, but to understand the feud between Kendrick and Keith. Regardless of Keith being the mysterious figure or not, Tarquin was set on exposing whoever was behind him. Both were a menace that needed to be dealt with. Chapter 856 The next day, in Spirit Vige. It took Keith a full decade to craft this hidden paradise. Nestled among mountains and rivers, the ce was a sight for sore eyes, embodying the true essence of tranquility and beauty. He achieved a picturesque scene at every turn, where nature and architecture harmonized perfectly. Every brick, every de of grass, and even the vigers residing here were all part of his meticulous design. Spirit Vige was his gift to Elizabeth, a tribute to the dreams she once harbored. Thus, the vige bloomed with Elizabeth''s favorite flowers and nts, spreading their fragrance everywhere. All buildings and their styles were inspired by Elizabeth''s own designs, a testament to Keith''s effort to keep her dream alive. He also established a school and a library, dedicating them to Kelsey, another woman he held dear. In this way, Keith surrounded himself with the essence of the two women he cherished the most. Eventually, this ce became the home for him and his precious little one... Originally, when Keith took the baby from Elysia, he hadn''t nned on raising her here. This sanctuary was his soul''s haven, a ce too sacred and pure for a child borne of his enemy, carrying the Bradford bloodline. She was meant to be a pawn in his long game against Tarquin, not to live here. But life oftenughs at our ns, bringing forth the unexpected! The little one, much like her mother Elysia, proved to be a formidable challenge. Somehow, she took a liking to him. And not just a passing fancy - she was devoted to him and him alone! No matter who else tried to take care of her, she would wail and refuse to eat or sleep, iling her tiny arms and legs in despair until it seemed she might cry herself to death. Her tears were a flood, and her cries could shatter the calm of any heart. Exhausted and voiceless from crying, her tears would still flow freely, only finding sce in Keith''s arms. She would only calm down and sleep soundly when held by him. Only he could feed her, and only with him did herughter ring with genuine joy. Reluctantly, he had to admit there was something extraordinary about their bond. At first, he didn''t care for her. She was, after all, Tarquin''s daughter, and Keith, a self-proimed bachelor with no parenting experience, had never been fond of children. Her cries were nothing but a source of irritation. But she was a crucial part of his vengeance against the Bradford family. He couldn''t let her die. If she died, how would he control Tarquin, the most elusive of his foes? So, he took it upon himself to raise her, and before he knew it, she hadpletely wrapped him around her little finger. He became a super dad out of necessity, taking care of her single-handedly because she refused anyone else. Just like Tarquin had to juggle being both a father and a mother to Elijah, Keith found himself in simr shoes with the little one. From the chaotic beginnings of not knowing how to do anything to mastering the arts of feeding, changing, bathing, preparing baby food, and even medicating her during sickness he learned it all. Emotions are unpredictable... The more he cared for her, the deeper their bond grew. His love for her began the moment he decided she needed a name. When he first took her from Elysia, she was nameless, a mere pawn in his game. Why bother with a name? But as time passed, he found himself wanting to give her a name, and not just any name, but something beautiful. Chapter 857 Keith racked his brain for over two weeks,ing up with hundreds of names before he finally settled on one: Baby. It was a name as simple and precious as it sounds, perfectly fitting for his treasure. Baby was, indeed, Keith''s treasure. As time went by, Keith heard an old saying that most kids can roll over by three months and sit by six. However, Baby, his little darling, was nearing seven months and still hadn''t mastered sitting up on her own. This sent Keith into a frenzy of worry. He took her to several pediatricians, all of whom assured him that Baby was developing just fine. But Keith couldn''t shake off his concern, leading to many sleepless nights spent scouring the inte for reassurance, even going as far as infiltrating mommy groups online under the guise of a concerned mother. Finally, just shy of eight months, Baby sat up on her own. Keith''s heart, which had been up in his throat for so long, finally settled back into its rightful ce. He was so proud that he invited the neighbors over for a little viewing party, showing off Baby''s new skill like she had won a gold medal. But soon, Keith found himself caught in the trap ofparison, especially within those mommy groups. Anything another child had, Baby needed to have too, and more. He spoiled her rotten, decking her out in designer baby gear, even though she was far too young to even walk. Keith had be a boastful parent, always sharing but never revealing Baby''s face to protect her identity. The other moms in the group would often say Baby was born under a lucky star, to which Keith would beam with pride. He loved hearing people praise his daughter. Then came the day Baby spoke her first word. "Daddy," she called him, as he was feeding her porridge. Keith was so stunned he almost dropped the spoon. "What did you call me?" he asked. "Daddy," she repeated. Keith''s heart swelled with joy; it was a moment as thrilling as watching his favorite team win the Super Bowl. From then on, his affection for Baby only deepened. It was as if she had officially epted him into her heart with that single word. However, reality struck hard when Keith was reminded that Baby wasn''t actually his biological daughter but Tarquin''s. How could he continue to use Baby as leverage against Tarquin if his feelings for her were so genuine? It pained him, but Keith knew what he had to do. When Baby turned three, he made the difficult decision to leave her behind and move to Jindale City, thinking distance would dampen his feelings. Keith was confident that out of sight would mean out of mind. But life has a way of proving us wrong in the most unexpected ways. Despite his determination, Keith found himself rushing back to Baby faster than a speeding bullet. The story goes... Chapter 858 Keith had just arrived in Jindale City when his little treasure burst into tears, wailing for her daddy and where he had gone. His three-year-old girl, just as inconsble as she was at three months, refused to eat, drink, or sleep, simply crying with her little mouth agape. The nanny sent him a video, and the sight of his daughter''s clear tears rolling down her tender cheeks like pearls off a string broke himpletely! He was in public when he found himself tearing up over her cries! Without a second thought, he purchased a return ticket, determined to rush back the way he came! From that moment, Keith knew he was utterly tethered to her; his little girl had him wrapped around her finger! He loved his treasure, with all his heart and soul, despite her not being the sharpest tool in the shed. She might have taken after Elysia in that regard, a bit slow on the uptake! While other kids were making rapid progress, she was always a few steps behind! When other toddlers were walking by eleven months, she took her first steps at thirteen! Learning to write was a challenge for most kids, but with a bit of patience, they''d get it in a few days. But his little girl? Teaching her the number 2 took an entire month, and still, she didn''t grasp it! The frustration was beyond words. It was just the number 2, and yet, she couldn''t learn it! Teaching her anything moreplicated, like spelling or foreignnguages that made her snooze instantly, seemed like an impossible task! He was on the brink of a meltdown, repeatedly trying to teach her, only for her to not get it and look at him with those big, teary eyes filled with iprehension. Her pitiful look made it impossible to even think about scolding her. It felt like it would be a crime tosh out at such a darling face! So, what could he do but bear with it? When the frustration became too much, he''d rather hurt himself thany a finger on her. Sure, she might not be the quickest learner, but she had a heart of gold, always thinking of him first whether it was with treats or toys. She''d asionally nt a kiss on his face, cooing, "Daddy, you''re my favorite," which absolutely melted his heart. His once weary heart was revived because of her, his love for her growing stronger each day. Eventually, after years of biding their time, they finally had the means to confront the Bradfords. It was time to act. ording to the n, he had to leave Spirit Vige for Jindale City for a while, meaning he had to part ways with his precious girl. It was a tough decision, but vengeance was a must. Moreover, it was critical that Tarquin remained unaware of his daughter''s existence, necessitating their separation. To spare her feelings, he lied, telling her he was leaving to find her mommy. Once found, he promised to reunite them and never part again. His little girl, longing for her mom and despite her reluctance to part from him, agreed. Thus began their period of separation. Those initial days were tough on Keith, with every waking moment filled with thoughts of his daughter. He longed for the day when his quest for revenge would be over, and he could return to her side. But as time passed, he began to resist the idea of using his daughter as leverage against Tarquin. His daughter wasn''t a tool for his vendetta; she was his to cherish, not exploit. He decided to alter his ns, removing his daughter from the equation of revenge. However, he knew this decision wouldn''t sit well with his allies; his daughter was a key part of their strategy, and excluding her would surely meet resistance. Chapter 859 So, he racked his brain for a solution... And then it hit him: Elysia! He knew Tarquin had been tirelessly searching for Elysia. If Elysia was still alive, she could be his leverage against Tarquin. Elysia could easily be the ace up his sleeve, the perfect piece to topple Tarquin! He truly regretted, now more than ever, leaving Elysia to fend for herself in the wilderness all those years ago! He hadn''t expected Tarquin to be so hopelessly in love. Just one night together, and he was smitten! Had he known, he would have kept Elysia close, ready to use her as a bargaining chip against Tarquin when the time was right! So, upon arriving in Jindale City, he immediately took a job at the daycare where Blossom Blythe worked. At that point, he wasn''t sure whether Elysia was dead or alive, but he was certain that if she were alive, she''d reach out to Blossom. Working alongside Blossom, he kept his ears open for any news of Elysia while also keeping a close eye on the Bradford family, preparing for his revenge! During this time, his daughter was living in Spirit Vige. The father and daughter stayed in touch, and with every call, his daughter would ask if he had found Mommy yet. As his daughter grew, her longing for her mother only intensified. Not wanting to disappoint her, he never gave her a straight answer. Then, Elysia made an unexpected appearance! While he was surprised, he was also relieved. Elysia''s return solved two of his biggest problems! With Elysia back, he could finally remove his daughter from the chessboard of his ns! And he wouldn''t have to worry about finding a mother for his daughter anymore. After getting his revenge, he could just bring Elysia back to meet his daughter. It was a win-win situation! So, he shared his ns with his confidant, who raised no objections. Everything was moving in the direction he wanted. Unfortunately, Elysia ended up falling for Tarquin, throwing a wrench in his ns. He had no choice but to forcefully take her, intending to bring her back to his daughter, but then Tarquin snatched her away! "Phew..." Keith sat in his car, gazing in the direction of Spirit Vige, letting out a long sigh. The two things he regretted the most were, first, getting outmaneuvered by Elliot Evan using N ter, which led to Tarquin cornering him that night. In a panic, he revealed the existence of his daughter to Tarquin! He should have never mentioned it! He should''ve kept his daughter hidden, forever out of Tarquin''s reach! Second, he regretted his arrogance, believing that Elysia could never fall for Tarquin. From the moment he found Elysia, he should have used her to threaten Tarquin immediately, not slowly twist the knife! Unfortunately, there''s no cure for regret in this world... Now, he had to move his daughter to safety first. She was his life, and he couldn''t let Tarquin find her! Spirit Vige was no longer safe. He urgently needed to relocate his daughter somewhere else. Once his daughter was safe, he could focus on his revenge! As the car sped towards the entrance of Spirit Vige, the look of regret in Keith''s eyes faded, reced by the joy of soon reuniting with his daughter. "When you see Daddy, don''t mention anything about me getting hurt!" He knew his daughter would be heartbroken and cry. He had never pondered the significance of a woman''s tears, but he knew his daughter''s tears were like pearls, precious and not to be shed lightly. He loved her smile too much to bear her tears. Keith pushed open the car door, limping out with his injured leg, quickening his pace towards the vige. The vige guard spotted him from afar and scrambled over, stammering, "Keith, there''s trouble. Your daughter''s gone missing!" Chapter 860 Keith''s breath caught in his throat, panic clear in his eyes! He shoved the person in front of him aside and stumbled toward home! Their home, the one that belonged only to him and his darling! Soon, Axel got wind of the situation and hurriedly contacted Tarquin, "We''ve just hit Spirit Vige, but got word that the kid''s gone missing. Keith just entered the vige." Tarquin''s expression hardened, "Missing?" "Yeah!" "Let''s storm in. Search!" Panic was evident in Keith. Tarquin was no less anxious! The usually quiet vige was suddenly abuzz! The feud between Keith and Tarquin''s folks was momentarily forgotten. No grievance was bigger than finding their darling! Both groups scoured the vige, united in their mission to find the child! ... Meanwhile, in Jindale City. Evan Thorne had just sneaked out of the secure perimeter of Number One Mansion when he was forcibly shoved into a van. ke Thorne sat inside, surprised, "That easy?" The thug who had grabbed Evan said, "He came out on his own, just ran into us. Check if we got the right kid." ke scrutinized Evan''s face, "No mistake, this is Tarquin''s boy! Let''s get moving before Tarquin''s bodyguards spot us, step on it!" With that, the driver floored the gas pedal, and the van sped away down the alley. Evan recognized ke and was first surprised, then frowned, "What do you want?" He had just been missing his mom, sneaking out to see her. He heard she was over at Fuyah Gardens, counseling a traumatized child, unsure when she would return. It had been two days since hest saw her, and he missed her terribly. But Mr. Lowell kept finding excuses to keep him away. So today, he drugged Mr. Lowell to ensure a good night''s sleep and slipped out. He hadn''t expected to be caught by two burly men just outside! Without a word, they covered his mouth and bundled him into the van. He thought they were bodyguards arranged by his estranged dad, so he didn''t resist. He knew Number One Mansion was surrounded by bodyguards. He was puzzling over how he had managed to evade those bodyguards, only to be caught once out of the safe zone, and then he saw ke! The man who had tormented his mom for twenty years, who should have been in prison, the big bad wolf! ke ignored Evan, clearly not considering him a threat. He took out his phone and made a call, "It''s a wrap! We''re on our way back... Just grabbed one, but one''s enough! Sit tight until we get there, then we''ll make our next move." Evan frowned, unhappy, "Hey! I''m talking to you!" ke scowled, ending the call and ring at Evan, "You''d better behave, or I''ll show you how I used to deal with your mom! And yes, she''d still have to call me ''Dad'', you little brat..." Harm his mom? That struck a nerve with Evan! With a scowl, he swung a punch! Solid, harsh, and precise, hended a punch right on ke''s nose! ke howled in pain, shocked, "You little devil, you dare hit me, I..." "Thump, thump, thump!" Evannded several more punches. He didn''t stop until ke was bruised and bleeding, even knocking out a tooth! ke and the thugs were stunned, staring at Evan, "!" Who would have thought a five-year-old could pack such a punch? So fast? And was this the reaction of a kidnapped child? Normally, a kidnapped kid would either cry or be easily bribed with candy. What were Tarquin and Elysia feeding their son? What had they actually kidnapped?! A thug couldn''t help but ask, "Kid, do you realize you''re being kidnapped?" Evan pursed his lips, "Kidnapped? You''re trying to kidnap me?" Chapter 861 ke was livid, his voice booming with fury, "It''s not about what you think, you''re already mine! You''re ying right into my hands, and yet you dare to strike me! Do you have a death wish?!" Evan: "..." White, who had been cozily napping on Evan''s wrist, perked up at the mention of ''kidnapping'' and opened his eyes with a hint of curiosity. Squinting, he scanned the upants of the car and stuck out his tiny tongue in what seemed like a silent mockery: "What a bunch of idiots!" Of all the people to mess with, they had to go for him! Now, they''ve stirred up a ho''s nest! Seeing the mismatch in strength between the two parties, White found it uninteresting and closed his eyes to resume his nap. Evan locked eyes with ke for a few seconds before slowly speaking up, "Seeing you reminds me of that guy who loves to do his business in public with an inexplicable confidence." ke, initially confused, asked, "What?" Evan borated, "Like that millennium-old maggot that, once awakened, is bound to disgust the entire world. Unaware of its own repulsiveness and ipetence." Thinking of kidnapping him, huh! Believing he had sessfully kidnapped him, huh! It was then ke understood what Evan was implying. Recently, Yandoria made another bid for the Olympics, sending shivers down the spine of the world. Netizens harshlymented: "Triad Kingdoms is like a millennium-old maggot, once awakened, it''s bound to disgust the entire world!" That kid, he was insinuating that ke was both ipetent and repulsive! Enraged, ke couldn''t hold back and raised his hand to strike Evan. Evan swiftly grabbed his wrist, showing no mercy, and with a ''snap'', broke it! ke screamed in pain, "Ah-" The henchmen in the car were momentarily stunned before springing into action! Evan gave them a good beating and with a strong kick, sent ke tumbling out of the car. Forced to stop, the car door mmed open! Evan emerged unscathed, walked over to ke, and began to unleash a barrage of punches and kicks! The grudge against the Thorne family had always weighed heavily on his heart. After enduring twenty years of torment for his beloved mother, this vendetta was personal! When the Thorne family suddenly reappeared, he was on the brink of seeking vengeance, but his brother insisted on prioritizing the bigger picture, denying him the chance for retribution. Who would have thought ke would deliver himself right into his hands! Before considering how he escaped from prison or his intentions behind the kidnapping, Evan decided to deal with him first! ke had no choice but to endure the beating, covering his head and yelling for help, "Someone! Pull him off me! Help!" The battered henchmen staggered out of the car and bravely charged towards Evan! Just as they neared him, a sweet, childish voice suddenly called out from behind, "What are you doing?" The henchmen turned around in unison, "?!" Evan, hearing themotion, also turned and was taken aback, "?!" Out of nowhere, in this deste ce, appeared an adorable little girl with sparkling eyes! With her hair in pigtails, adorned with pink clips, and wearing overalls while clutching a bunny plushie, she looked incredibly cute. Her wide, curious eyes fixed on them, radiating innocence. And strikingly, she bore a remarkable resemnce to Evan''s mother! Her facial features reminded him so much of his mom! Before Evan could recover from his shock, the little girl tilted her head and asked in a sweet, milky voice, "Are they bullying you? Are they the bad guys?" Evan instinctively nodded. The little girl dered confidently, "Don''t worry, I''ll save you, duck." Turning to the men beside her, she pointed andmanded, "Beat the bad guys!" In the next moment, several figures in matching ck athletic wear, clearly well-trained bodyguards, swiftly appeared from all around. They rushed to Evan''s side, lifted him up, and without a word, surrounded ke and his henchmen, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks! They were unfailingly obedient to the little girl''smand! Evan felt as if he was in a dream, dazedly being brought before the little girl. She reached into her pocket, pulled out a candy, and offered it to him with a voice as sweet as spring, "Don''t be afraid, have some candy." Chapter 862 Evan was starstruck, his eyes twinkling like the night sky! He quickly wiped his hands on his clothes, trying to get rid of the dirt from the scuffle earlier. He didn''t want to dirty the little girl''s hands. Once his hands were clean, he eagerly reached for the candy, his excitement tying his tongue in knots. "Th-thank you." "You''re wee." The little girl shed him a smile that nearly melted his heart. Oh Lord, whose little angel is this? How can someone be so adorable? Her face was soft and squishy, just begging to be pinched! This was the dream sister he had always wanted! He was so tempted to take her home! The bodyguard, probably picking up on Evan''s intentions, frowned warily and told the little girl, "Miss, we''ll leave those bad guys to the police. It''s time for us to go." "Oh." In a voice sweet as honey, Blossom asked Evan, "Did youe out all by yourself? Where are your mommy and daddy?" Evan hurriedly replied, "They''re out there doing good deeds, helping other kids with counseling. I came out by myself." Blossom''s eyes went wide, as round and shiny as grapes, "My daddy says kids shouldn''t go out alone, or the bad people might snatch you away, and then you''d never see your mommy and daddy again. So, you shouldn''t go out by yourself anymore, it''s too dangerous." Evan''s heart swelled with joy, touched by her concern. He momentarily forgot his own stature, whether or not he could be snatched away, and without thinking, he nodded, "Yeah, you''re right." You''re so cute; anything you say is right! "I have to go now, bye." Blossom''s sweet voice lingered as she hugged her bunny plushie and started to walk away. Evan quickly stopped her, "You just saved me, and I can''t thank you enough. How about I be your big brother?" The bodyguard pursed his lips, rolling his eyes but staying silent. Evan ignored him, continuing his pitch to Blossom, "My name''s Evan, I''m five and a half years old, and Ie from a good family. I''ve always wanted a little sister. How about it? I''ll protect you." The bodyguard deadpanned, "No need!" Evan red at him but decided to let it slide for Blossom''s sake. "Can adults please not interrupt when kids are talking? It''s rude!" Evan, a bit miffed, quickly softened his tone for Blossom, "I promise you won''t lose out by having me as a big brother. Buy one, get three free-ept me, and you''ll instantly gain four brothers! How''s that for a deal?" Blossom tilted her head, a bit confused. Evan, with a thick face, dered, "If you don''t say no, I''ll take it as a yes. Let''s exchange contact info. I know lots of fun and tasty ces. When you''re free, your big brother will take you out! What''s your phone number?" He genuinely liked this little sister before him, truly wanting a sister and especially fond of Blossom. He had never seen anyone so cute and charming! Everything about her matched his ideal aesthetic! She even resembled his mom, which had to be fate! Blossom blinked, not fully getting it, "My daddy said not to give my contact info to strangers. If you want to reach me, you have to go through my daddy first." Evan immediately responded, "No problem! I''ll start with your daddy." Chapter 863 "So, do you wanna swap digits first? Just in case we lose touch," Evan suggested, eyes sparkling with the thrill of a new bond forming. The girl, with a bounce in her step, recited Keith''s number, and Evan, bubbling with excitement, promptly saved it in his phone. With the contact info exchanged, Evan couldn''t help but ask, "What''s your name?" "Baby Garcia." "Baby?" Evan paused, feeling a vague sense of familiarity with the name but couldn''t ce where he''d heard it before. His mind was too caught up in the excitement of the moment, all his attention fixed on the little girl in front of him. "And where do you live?" Evan''s curiosity got the best of him. "I came from far away to see my daddy. He lives in a ce called Future Community," the little girl answered sweetly, her innocence shining through. "Future Community? No way, I live there too! What building does your dad live in?" Evan''s surprise was genuine. It felt like fate was ying its hand, bringing them together. "I''m not sure. I need to find it. Gotta go now, my daddy misses me a lot. I wanna surprise him. If you need me, call my daddy first, okay?" "Sure, sure, go ahead!" While Evan was reluctant to see her leave, he knew better than to hold her back. As the little girl disappeared from his sight, Evan still found himself staring in the direction she had gone. Such an adorable little girl, she had quickly found a ce in his heart. Suddenly, the sound of police sirens snapped Evan out of his daze. Not wanting to waste any more time, especially with the police arriving and ke having nowhere to run, Evan decided to leave. On his way to Fuyah Gardens, Evan couldn''t resist sharing the news with his buddies in their group chat. "Guys, you won''t believe this! Just met a new sis, looks as stunning as Mom, cute as a button!" Emmett responded first, "Where? Show us!" Elijah chimed in, confused, "Weren''t you supposed to be looking for Mom? How''d you end up with a sister?" "I met her while I was on my way to find Mom. I''ll fill you in when I get back," Evan replied, unable to contain his excitement. But upon arriving at Fuyah Gardens, his joy turned to confusion and worry. He discovered his parents had lied about his mom being there; she had left the day they arrived! "Why would they lie?" Evan rushed home to share the troubling news with his brother Elliot. Elliot frowned, "Are you sure Mom left the same day?" Evan nodded, "Absolutely. I asked around." Elijah''s face turned serious, "Something''s wrong then. I''ve noticed Mr. Lowell acting strange too. He seems to be forcing a smile whenever he''s with us, but looks worried when he thinks we''re not looking." The realization that their parents'' unusual behavior might be linked to a more significant issue dawned on them. With two top-tier hackers in the family, it didn''t take long for them to find out their parents were in Spirit Vige. Elliot immediately called Tarquin, "What''s going on? You and Mom are in Spirit Vige, but why lie about it? What happened?" After Tarquin reluctantly revealed the truth about the kidnapping, the kids were left in shock, quickly ending the call to video chat with Elysia. The moment they saw Elysia safe on the screen, all four kids couldn''t hold back their emotions any longer. Chapter 864 These past days have been a whirlwind of chaos for Elysia, leaving her utterly exhausted. The disappearance of her little treasure had only added fuel to her anxiety, painting her face with the strokes of worry and sleepless nights. Her kids'' eyes brimmed with tears as they choked out, "Mommy." Unable to hold back his emotions, Emmett burst into tears, "Mommy, waaaah..." Seeing this, Elysia''s eyes welled up with tears too. She tried to keep herposure tofort her children, "Don''t cry, don''t cry. Mommy''s alright, okay? I''ll be back as soon as I find your sister. No tears now..." But as she spoke, she couldn''t help but let her own tears fall. Her baby''s sudden disappearance had truly frightened her! She wasn''t as scared when Keith had her baby because she knew Keith loved their child and wouldn''t harm her. But now, with her baby missing, Elysia was terrified of the thought that her child might fall into the wrong hands. Tarquin sat by Elysia, wiping away her tears and pulling her into his arms to console her. On one end of the phone call, Elysia cried, and on the other, her children wept. Tarquin, after soothing his wife, turned his attention toforting the kids. Finally, he aimed the camera at himself, "Although Keith took your mommy, he indeed didn''t harm her. Your mommy is upset because of your sister. Keith has been hiding your sister in Spirit Vige, and we came here to find her. But now she''s gone, and your mommy is very worried." Elliot, ever the rational one, quickly wiped his tears and asked, "How can she just disappear? Did Keith move her?" "No, Keith is also frantically searching. We just got news that your sister went to Jindale City. Keith is heading to Jindale City, and we''re on our way back there too." Elliot was surprised, "Sister went to Jindale City?" "Yeah, I''ve already arranged for people to look for her. You take care of your brothers at home, and we''ll be home tomorrow." After hanging up the call, Elliot quicklyposed himself, "Let''s stop crying for now. Finding our sister is what''s important!" Just as Elliot finished speaking, Evan eximed in shock, "Oh my gosh!" The other siblings were puzzled. Evan quickly wiped away his tears and looked at Elliot with wide eyes, "Our sister, the one in Keith''s care, is named Baby Garcia?" "Yeah, I know you''ve always wanted a sister. I didn''t tell you much because I was afraid you''d rashly go to Keith." Evan''s breath hitched, his eyes blinking rapidly with excitement, "The sister I told you about today, her name is Baby Garcia. She said she came from far away to find her daddy, and that her daddy lives in Future Community!" The name matched! The surname Garcia matched Keith''s! Coming from far away matched too! And Keith lived in Future Community! Evan grew more excited, "And she looks just like our mommy! Round eyes, double eyelids... Just, just really beautiful!" Elliot frowned and quickly asked, "Did you get her contact information?" "I got her daddy''s!" Evan dialed the number on his smartwatch, and soon Keith''s voice came through, "Hello." The siblings were stunned. Their baby sister''s daddy was Keith, which meant she was the sister they had been searching for all along! It had to be her! Without saying a word, Evan hung up Keith''s phone, stomping his feet in excitement, "I knew I liked her so much for a reason! I said she looked just like Mommy! Not only does she look like her, but she''s also kind-hearted just like Mommy! If I had known she was our real sister, I would have never let her go today! I should have brought her back with me!" Elliot said, "It''s not toote to bring her back now. She must have gone to Future Community to find Keith. Let''s go find her now, Evan you¡ª" Before Elliot could finish, Evan was already gone. Like he was riding on wheels of wind and fire, he disappeared in an instant! Ever since he found out he had a sister, his excitement knew no bounds! Chapter 865 Today, when Evan unexpectedly bumped into this precious little girl, he was over the moon! And now, finding out that this little girl, whom he adored, was actually his own little sister, blew his mind! Evan was ecstatic! Elliot knew Evan would definitely be off to find his little treasure. Not wanting to waste any time, he quickly called his driver and headed out. He didn''t forget to call Tarquin on the way, "Tell mom to stop worrying, we''ve found sis! If everything goes as nned, she''s now at Future Community. We''re on our way to pick her up. If your guys are nearby, send them over first." Tarquin was surprised but didn''t linger on the details. He hung up and immediately sent people to Future Community. ... Evan, in a flurry of excitement, was the first to arrive at Future Community. But as soon as he stepped out of the elevator, he heard noises of a fighting from the Keith''s ce. Realizing something was wrong, he rushed over! The door to Keith''s apartment was locked from the inside, but the sounds of the fight were loud and clear. Worried about his sister, Evan kicked the door open with a loud bang! The two groups inside, momentarily stunned, turned to look at him in unison, "?!?" Evan stood at the door, his brow furrowed in worry. He quickly scanned the room but didn''t see his little treasure. His voice was urgent, "Where''s my sister?!" No one answered. Both groups, surprised and curious, stared at him. They were surprised at how such a young kid could kick open the door and curious about whose side he was on. After all, they knew each other and the reason for their fight over the treasure, but who was this kid? Without seeing his treasure, Evan was anxious. Just as he was about to grab someone for questioning, the elevator doors opened again, and four men in suits rushed out. They ran to Keith''s apartment, pushing Evan aside as they entered, their voices urgent, "Tarquin and Keith''s guys are on their way; let''s wrap this up quickly. The boss wants the kid taken today!" As their words ended, the fight resumed with renewed vigor. Despite Evan kicking open the door, neither group took him seriously, seeing him as just a young kid. Both groups were professional fighters, striking with precision and fierceness. The battle was fierce. One group dressed in suits, the other in casual wear, easily distinguishable. Evan recognized the ones in casual wear; they were his sister''s bodyguards whom he had seen earlier today! The men in suits were strangers, obviously here to take his treasure! Since the suit-wearers were better prepared and outnumbered the others, they quickly gained the upper hand. Though the bodyguards were loyal and ready to protect their charge at all costs, they were soon overwhelmed. One of the men in suits said, "The kid''s in the bedroom, break in and grab her!" Evan was puzzled, "My sister''s in the bedroom?" One of the bodyguards, defending the bedroom door, shouted back, "They''re breaking in! Protect the miss at all costs, ugh..." He couldn''t finish his sentence before taking a heavy punch, falling to the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood. The suit-wearing man, with a fierce look, kicked him aside and moved to open the door and grab the child! Suddenly, a powerful kick hit him, sending him flying! "Bang! Thump-" He hit the wall hard, then crashed to the floor, knocked out cold! The injured bodyguards, "?!" The group of suit-wearing men now on the back foot, "?!" Evan stood in front of the bedroom door, fists clenched, teeth gritted, "I don''t care what any of you want, from now on, nobody touches my sister. Anyone thinking of getting their arms or legs broken,e at me!" Suddenly, cries echoed from the room, "I want daddy, waa, I''m scared, I want daddy..." Evan''s expression softened instantly, his voice tender, "Don''t be scared, treasure, I''vee to take you home!" Chapter 866 "Who let this little rascal in here?!" "Definitely not one of ours. Don''t waste time, let''s rush in and grab the kid, dead or alive we need to bring them back!" The suited men didn''t take Evan seriously at all, charging at him, trying to burst into the bedroom to snatch the prize. Evan furrowed his brow, fuming! Haven''t they heard that it''s wise to take advice to avoid trouble? After being warned, they still dare to target his sister, insisting on taking her away, no matter what. It''s like they''re asking for trouble! So, they want a taste of broken bones? Fine, I''ll oblige! With a swift punch thrown his way, Evan sidestepped, dodging with agility. He grabbed the wrist of Suit #1, performing a textbook shoulder throw, mming the guy hard onto the ground, followed by a crisp "snap snap" as he broke both of the man''s arms right then and there! Before the guy could even scream, Evan''s foot shot out, stepping hard on the man''s leg! "Argh-" Suit #1 screamed in agony, passing out from the pain. Instant knockout! The others were in shock: "???!!!" This time, Evan didn''t bother with warnings. He dove into their midst, and with a flurry of moves-bam, bam, bam-knocked them all down in minutes! The suited meny on the ground, writhing in pain, their limbs useless! The child''s bodyguards were all staring, their eyes nearly popping out of their sockets, "!!!" At first nce, they thought he was just a little punk! Seeing him kick the door in, they realized he was no ordinary kid, but a tough little bro! Now, they finally understood; this wasn''t just some tough kid, this was a tiny terror! Seeing the tiny terror''s gaze turn towards them, they collectively shivered, quickly rifying, "We''re on your side, we''re here to ensure the kid''s safety, we''re not with them." Facing a force not to be reckoned with, they sought to align themselves! Evan figured they were Keith''s people. He didn''t show them any warmth, but he didn''ty a hand on them either. As long as they didn''t harm his sister, as long as they treated her well, he was willing to let things be. Evan then turned his fierce gaze back to the suited men on the floor, ensuring they were thoroughly incapacitated before he finally turned to look at the bedroom. Thinking of his sister inside, Evan was filled with excitement, "Sweetie, I''ming in, okay? Don''t be scared, it''s me, not a bad guy." After saying that, Evan wiped his hands on his clothes, making sure they were clean before he pushed open the bedroom door and stepped inside. To spare his sister the grisly scene in the living room, he quickly closed the door behind him. "Sweetie!" He was excited, but seeing his sister''s tear-stained, pitiful face, Evan''s brow furrowed instantly! His heart ached! "Don''t worry, sweetie! I''ve taken care of the bad guys!" His sister was being held by her personal bodyguard, her eyes red as she looked up at Evan. She was still clutching her little bunny plushie, her thick, long eyshes wet with tears, droplets still clinging to her cheeks. Her small shoulders shook, an image of vulnerability. Evan felt his heart tightening, "Sweetie, I''ll take you home!" He reached out to take his sister, but the bodyguard instinctively stepped back! His sister also tightened her grip around the bodyguard''s neck, warily looking at Evan. Because she didn''t know her rtion to Evan, and truly frightened, she only trusted her personal bodyguard at that moment. She nestled in the bodyguard''s arms, unwilling toe out. Evan looked at his sister, both surprised and pained, "Sweetie, I''m your big brother, don''t you like me?" She shook her head, murmuring softly, "Daddy said not to go with strangers, and to stay with Mr. Bodyguard when there''s danger." Evan hurriedly exined, "Sweetie, I''m not a stranger. I''m your big brother, your real big brother, here to take you home." Chapter 867 Little Missy blinked her big eyes, first at him and then towards her bodyguard, as if asking for approval. Daddy had said, when he wasn''t around, she had to listen to her bodyguard. The bodyguard held Little Missy tight, eyeing Evan warily, "And who might you be?" "I''m her big brother! Her real big brother!" The moment Evan finished speaking, amotion erupted from outside the door. The bodyguard''s grip on Little Missy tightened, and Evan furrowed his brows, "You stay with Little Missy. I''ll check it out." As Evan pushed the bedroom door open, he was met by Elliot, Emmett, and Elijah. And Tarquin''s bodyguard was with them too! Evan hurriedly greeted them, "Bro!" Elliot nced at the injured thugs on the floor, frowning, "What happened here?" Evan exined, "These guys work for Keith. As for those in suits, I have no idea whose side they''re on. They were brawling when I got here, trying to snatch Little Missy!" Elliot''s brow furrowed deeper, "Is Little Missy alright?" "Yeah, she''s safe in the bedroom! But she seems reluctant toe home with me. I told her I''m her big brother, but she didn''t react. Right now, she only trusts her bodyguard." Elliot wasn''t surprised. "Little Missy was raised by Keith. It''s him she loves and trusts the most. Her bodyguards are all appointed by Keith, so naturally, she trusts them." "So, what do we do? How do we get Little Missy toe home with us without scaring her?" "I''ll talk to her." Elliot swiftly made his way to the bedroom, with Evan, Emmett, and Elijah closely behind. Inside, when Elliot, Emmett, and Elijahid eyes on Little Missy cradled by the bodyguard, they were speechless! This was their first time meeting their little sister! She looked so much like their mom, adorably chubby and as pristine and cute as a porcin doll! Even the usuallyposed Elliot and Elijah couldn''t hide their astonishment, their faces lighting up with joy! Elliot couldn''t help himself, "Little Missy, I''m your oldest brother." Elijah, with sweaty palms from excitement, chimed in, "Little Missy, I''m Elijah, your brother." Emmett was so flustered he stumbled over his words, "Little Missy, I...........I''m your third brother." Little Missy: "???" This was also the first time Little Missy had seen these three brothers. She pursed her lips and gazed at them with her bright, curious eyes, but didn''t respond. Elliot, not wanting to rush her, tried to calm his emotions, steadied his mind, and pulled out a photo on his smartwatch to show Little Missy. Her bodyguard instinctively stepped back, protective and wary of Elliot. Elliot, slightly annoyed at theck of understanding, said, "If we could walk in and talk to Little Missy without any trouble, don''t you think the situation outside is under control? But we''re not here to harm Little Missy; we''re here to save her. That you''re still safe is because we don''t see you as an enemy, got it?" The bodyguard remained silent. Elliot didn''t bother with him anymore and walked straight up to them. This time, the bodyguard didn''t move away. Elliot showed Little Missy the photo, "Look, Little Missy, do you recognize her?" Little Missy, surprised, eximed, "Mommy?!" "That''s right, that''s Mommy!" Elliot then pulled up another photo, "Look, this is a picture of us with Mommy. We''re just like you, born to Mommy. We''re your brothers, and you''re our little sister. We''re a family." Little Missy''s eyes sparkled, though her expression was still one of confusion, "A family?" Chapter 868 The four little ones chimed in unison, "Yeah, we''re siblings!" The little one, puzzled, said, "But, Daddy never told me I had brothers." Evan, upon hearing this, got riled up, "He didn''t tell you because..." Elliot gently pulled Evan back, calming him down, and smiled at the little one, exining, "That''s because he wanted to surprise you." The little one adored Keith, even calling him Daddy. To speak ill of Keith would only push the little one further away from them. Upon hearing the word "surprise," the little one''s eyes blinked in wonder, "A surprise?" "Yep! If you don''t believe me, I can call him right now and let him tell you himself." Elliot, in front of the little one, indeed made a call to Keith. "Keith, it''s Elliot. I''m at your ce, with the little one." Keith, rushing back home, was shocked, "You''ve met the little one?!" Elliot hummed in response, a stark contrast to Keith''s frantic tone, much calmer, "Not just us. There were also a bunch of thugs trying to snatch the little one. It''s not safe here. I want to take the little one home, but she doesn''t recognize us. Maybe you should talk to her." Elliot handed the smartwatch to the little one, who eagerly reached out with her chubby hands. Holding the smartwatch, she spoke in a tender voice, "Daddy?" Keith''s voice was urgent, "Yes, Daddy! Little one, are you okay?" Hearing Keith''s voice, the little one''s lip quivered, and she burst into tears, "Daddy, where did you go? I came looking for you, but you weren''t home, and there were bad people here. I''m scared..." Her crying was intense, like a child pouring out her grievances to her parents. The four siblings frowned, their hearts twisting in concern! More than feeling awkward about the little one calling Keith "Daddy," they were heartbroken for their sister. Keith, on the other end of the call, was visibly shaken, "Sweetie, it''s okay, don''t be afraid. Daddy is on his way back now! You''ll see Daddy very soon, no more tears..." Even without seeing him, one could sense his urgency and eagerness to return. The little one''s bodyguard took her to the balcony. Evan attempted to follow but was stopped by Elliot, "In the current situation, only the little one''s bodyguard reporting to Keith will make him believe us. Once he trusts us, we can smoothly take the little one with us. And right now, she needs Keith''sfort. Let her cry; it''ll ease her pain." Evan didn''t understand, "Bro, why did you tell Keith we want to take the little one home?" Elliot sighed, helplessly exining, "The little one hasn''t had much contact with us, so she''s mostly curious about us and not necessarily fond or willing to go with us. She trusts Keith the most. If Keith approves, she''ll feel secure enough toe with us." "But will Keith agree? He must have had his reasons for taking the little one from her mom. He surely won''t willingly hand her back to us." "Don''t worry, given the circumstances, Keith will agree. He loves the little one and wouldn''t want her in danger. With us, she''s safest. If he doesn''t let her go with us, she could be snatched by others. Keith has no other choice." Sure enough, after a while, the bodyguard returned with the little one. "You can take the miss home now." Elliot wasn''t surprised; he nodded towards the little one, "Sweetie, how about going home with your brothers?" The little one, no longer crying, looked up at Elliot with sparkling eyes and said in her sweet voice, "Daddy said, you are my brothers." "Yes, we are your brothers, and we love you very much. We''ll protect you. Let''s go home with your brothers and wait for mommy toe back, okay?" Chapter 869 "Okay!" The little girl nodded obediently. Evan Emmett and Elijah let out a silent sigh of relief. Their hearts, which had been suspended in worry, finally settled. They were genuinely concerned that their precious little sister wouldn''t want toe with them. The thought of forcibly taking her was unbearable; they didn''t want to scare her. So, if she had refused, they would have been at aplete loss. Both Evan Emmett and Elijah turned their admiring gazes towards Elliot. Indeed, Elliot, the eldest, managed things far more smoothly than they ever could! When they were taking their little sister away, they even covered her eyes until they were well away from the Keith residence, only then did they let go. The living room had been the scene of a violent struggle, with blood spilled - they didn''t want to frighten her. Before leaving, Evan thought of something and asked Elliot to take their sister downstairs first while he went back inside the Keith house. Tarquin''s bodyguards had already subdued both parties involved in the altercation. Seeing Evan return, everyone grew anxious. What was this little tyrant up to now?! Evan nced at them and instructed his own people, "Just detain Keith''s group for now, and treat them fairly. Get a doctor to look at their injuries." The little sister''s bodyguards were stunned yet touched by this generous act. Evan''s instructions weren''t born out of overflowing kindness but respect for their attitude towards his sister. Regardless of their reasons, their vow to protect her at all costs was genuine. For Evan, that alone merited a degree of leniency. After all, they were protecting Evan''s sister! By the time Evan made it downstairs, his sister and Elliot were waiting for him in the car. He hurried over, but suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. A momentter, he dashed off towards something that caught his eye. The bodyguards escorting them quickly followed. Realizing something was amiss, Elliot stepped out of the car. After disappearing around the corner for a few minutes, Evan returned to Elliot''s side, frowning. "What happened?" Elliot asked. "There was a hostile gaze on us, but when I went to check, I found no one. However, I did find a dead cat, and its death seemed... peculiar," Evan mused, his brow furrowed in thought. Elliot nced towards the location Evan had indicated, his expression grim. "This ce isn''t safe. Let''s get our sister home." Their sister had barely arrived in Jindale City before attracting professional bodyguards'' attention, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. They had only just found their sister and couldn''t afford any mishaps. "Number One Mansion is the safest ce!" Evan agreed with a nod. Both brothers returned to the car, and Elijah looked puzzled but chose not to ask questions in front of their sister and Elliot. The car started and left Future Community behind. On the rooftop, a pair of eyes watched them intently, glittering ominously in the darkness. The sense of danger they had felt in Future Community was quickly reced by the joy of finding their sister! On the way home, all four couldn''t help but gaze lovingly at their newly found little sister. Although many issues still needed addressing, at that moment, nothing could distract them from their joy. No matter how significant other concerns might be, none seemed as important as having their sister back. The four were utterly fascinated by every aspect of their little sister. Her cute ponytail, her chubby cheeks, her big round eyes, and even her overalls and cartoon hair clips-all were objects of their affection. Even the little rabbit plushie she clutched was endearing to them. They were so tempted to touch her ponytail and pinch her chubby cheeks... Chapter 870 Little sis was all cuddly and soft, just begging to be squeezed. But they didn''t darey a hand on her, afraid of scaring her off! Mom had given them just this one little sister, and they treasured her like gold! After being separated for so many years, finally seeing her today, they even enlisted the help of their arch-nemesis to coax her home. No way were they letting her slip away! Unable to make a move, the four little ones just stared with wide eyes. Their gaze was fixed on their precious sister, unwilling to look away. Usually so tough, these little guys became extra cautious around their sister. Because they loved her so much, they were careful, afraid that any careless move might frighten her. Their treasure sat among them, holding a bunny plushie, looking all obedient. Her big round eyes blinked, the bright ck pupils rolling around, curious. She looked so adorable and a bit clueless, in a cute, dazed way. Suddenly having four brothers, she was fascinated. Fascinated and fond, but since she hadn''t seen them before, she was a bit nervous on the first day. With the brothers silent, she didn''t dare to speak either. Just staring with big eyes at her four brothers. Finally, Elliot broke the silence, searching for a topic, "Sweetie, missing mom?" She nodded eagerly, her voice soft, "Yes." Elliot smiled, "Mom misses you too. How about we video call her?" A video call to let mom see her daughter would reassure her and ease the little one''s nerves. She nodded vigorously, "Yes!" Emmett said, "Your hair''s a bit messy, sweetie. Shall I fix it for you? So you look pretty for mom." "Okay, thank you, Emmett." At the mention of ''Emmett'', his cheeks flushed with excitement, "No need to thank me, sweetie." Emmett carefully removed the hair tie and clips, redoing her hair. Evan was green with envy; he wanted to be called brother too. After Emmett fixed her hair, Evan seized the moment to interact, "Whoa, whose cute little sister is this? Oh wait, she''s ours!" Elijah couldn''t help but show off in front of their sister, "You''re as beautiful as mom, sweetie." With her hair in cute pigtails, her big, sparkling eyes moved from Evan to Elijah, "Evan, Elijah." Her voice was so sweet, and her expression so adorable! Evan and Elijah were ecstatic, almost jumping with joy if not for being in the car. Elliot chuckled and dialed Elysia''s video call. As soon as it connected, Elysia immediately asked, "Elliot, did you find your sister?" "Yeah, she''s with us, we''re on our way home. I''ll let her talk." Elliot handed the phone to their sister, "Sweetie, it''s mom." Her eyes widened in surprise, "It''s really mom!" Keith had shown her pictures of Elysia and often mentioned her, so she wasn''t a stranger to her face. But amidst the happiness, a tint of sadness crept in, her eyes reddening, "Mom, when will you be done with work? When can youe back to me? I miss you." Daddy said mom was busy and woulde home to her when she could, but she had been waiting for so long. Elysia, looking at her daughter she had missed so deeply, couldn''t hold back her tears, "Sweetie..." Her voice broke, overwhelmed with emotion, unable to contain herself. Chapter 871 Trying to hold back her tears proved futile as they cascaded uncontrobly down her cheeks, no matter how hard she tried to stop them! Her little one was anxious, "Mommy, why are you crying?" Elysia choked up, "Mommy... Mommy''s just so happy! Baby, seeing you... makes me so happy!" These were tears of excitement! Tears of guilt! And also, tears of being deeply moved! Her daughter was safe and sound, and Elliot and the rest had sessfully found her, filling her heart with tumultuous emotion. But no matter the reason they had been apart all these years, the result was that she hadn''t given her baby a single drop of motherly love! She had failed to fulfill any of her responsibilities and duties as a mother towards her baby! She felt a profound sense of guilt towards her daughter! And so, hearing her baby say she missed her, she was moved! Her baby didn''t hate her, nor did she me her, she even missed her! Elysia was sobbing hard, her whole body trembling, "Mommy misses you too... so much..." "Mommy, don''t cry, baby will give you a kiss." Her baby leaned towards the screen and nted a kiss on Elysia, disying a level of understanding that could bring tears to anyone''s eyes. The four little ones furrowed their brows, their eyes reddening. Their sister''s sensible and understanding nature moved them. Their mommy''s tears made their hearts ache. Mother and daughter cried across the screen, while the four little ones worked together tofort them. "Mommy, no more tears. Sister''s been found by us, and once mommy returns home, you''ll get to see her. Don''t worry, mommy, we promise to take good care of sister." "Baby, stop crying too. Mommy loves you and misses you a lot. That''s why seeing you made her lose control. Mommy''s crying because she''s happy. Let''s all stop crying, okay?" Elliot wiped away the baby''s tears, affectionately ruffling the top of her head to soothe her. The baby''s little shoulders hitched, "I love mommy too. Seeing mommy makes me happy too." Elysia was overwhelmed with emotion! The baby asked, "Mommy, are you and daddy together?" The baby was asking about Keith, but Elysia instinctively thought of Tarquin. "Yes, we''re together. He''s just not here right now because of some urgent work. Be a good girl and go home with your brothers. Stay there safely, and mommy and daddy will be home first thing in the morning. If you want anything, just tell your brothers." The baby nodded, "I''ll be good and listen to my brothers." Elysia''s heart warmed again at how sensible and understanding her daughter was! The four little ones grew even fonder of their sister. How could anyone not love such a sensible and understanding little sister? "..." Mother and daughter chatted for a while longer before ending the video call. The baby handed the smartwatch back to Elliot, blinking up at her brothers, a bit shy, "Brother, I... I''d like..." The four little ones looked at her eagerly, asking, "What do you want, baby?" Her eyes blinked, "..." The four little ones dered boldly, "Whatever you want, just say it. Don''t be shy with your brothers. We''ve got money, and as long as it can be bought, no matter the cost, we''ll get it for you!" Spoiling their sister was their prerogative, a matter of pride! The baby''s stomach growled aloud! The four little ones: "?" Rubbing her tiny belly, she said softly, "I''m hungry, I want some meat." The four little ones were stunned, "?!" The baby blinked again, asking quietly, "Brothers, can''t we afford meat?" The four little ones: "..." The baby, ever so sweet, added, "Then, I won''t eat meat. Let my tummy have some bread instead.¡± The four little ones realized, hurriedly replying, "No, no, no, you''ll have meat! Brother will get you some meat to eat!" Of course! If the baby wanted the stars in the sky, they''d seriously consider how to pluck them. So, getting some meat was hardly an issue! They quickly called Heath,peting to be heard, "Heath, get some meat ready! My sister''s hungry, she wants to eat meat!" Chapter 873 Let''s make sure our little darling stays clear of Keith and finds sce in Tarquin''s arms. But the thing is, Keith truly loves our little darling! Every inch of her, every healthyugh, her neat appearance, her polite and understanding nature, her carefree life, screams of Keith''s nurturing love. It''s all an embodiment of his affection for her. So, yeah, this is a tough nut to crack! It''s destined that on the path to recognizing his daughter, Tarquin''s heart will be the one to bear the scars. Sigh- The gang of four couldn''te up with a solid n either, leaving Tarquin to figure it out on his own. After hanging up the video call, the four lingered in our darling''s room a bit longer before dispersing to their own spaces for some rest. Evan had just returned to his room when he suddenly remembered ke. He dashed back to Elliot''s room, "Almost forgot to tell you, bro, I ran into ke today while I was out..." Evan recounted how ke had attempted to kidnap him, leaving Elliot shocked, "ke got out of prison? And he plotted to kidnap you?" "Yeah! Luckily, our darling and her bodyguard stumbled upon us, and she had her bodyguard save me." Elliot frowned, "..." At that fancy dinner party where the family acknowledged their rtionship, Elijah had handed the Thorne family over to the police. ke had extorted a hefty sum from the Bradford family, a serious offense that could lead to severe punishment! And with the elite circles all aware that the Thorne family had crossed Tarquin, who would dare to bail them out? To do so would be to cross Tarquin too. Elliot asked, "How did they get out?" "I have no idea." "Where are they now?" "In police custody, but after I gave him a beating and our darling''s bodyguard did too, he''s probably in the hospital with serious injuries, not recovering anytime soon." Elliot had never taken the Thorne family seriously before since theycked any real influence to threaten them. But now, he sensed something off about the Thorne family. Elliot decided to be cautious, making a call to have someone look into the matter. Just as he finished, Elijah came by, "I just called the Future Community, about those men in suits who tried to snatch our darling today. We still haven''t figured out who they are. They won''t spill, and Keith''s bodyguard is keeping mum too." Elliot wasn''t worried, "Whoever they are, our darling is safely back with us now. As long as she''s safe, we don''t have to worry. As for their identities, Keith surely knows. Even if we don''t intervene, for our darling''s safety, Keith won''t let this slide. If he can handle it, he will. If not, he''ll surely reach out for our help! Even though Keith has a vendetta against dad, when ites to protecting our darling, Keith''s goals align with ours." Elijah nodded, his expression grave as he asked, "Do you guys think Keith could be the mystery man?" Elliot''s instincts told him no, but... "We better hear Keith''s side. But getting Keith to open up means we first need to understand the feud between him and grandpa." They might only get to the bottom of the mystery man issue if they could resolve Keith''s grudges. They needed to figure out what exactly happened that stormy night years ago on the mountain that made Keith hate Kendrick so much. So much so that even after Kendrick''s death, Keith sought revenge on Tarquin! And yet, Tarquin insists Kendrick was not the viin he''s made out to be. Could there have been a misunderstanding, or did Tarquin misjudge Kendrick''s character? Elliot pondered over their next move to uncover the truth about that night''s events. With our darling now safely in the Number One Mansion, Keith is bound to show up tomorrow! Tomorrow... Chapter 874 Elliot mulled over the situation for a while before turning to Evan, "Where''s White?" Evan nced at his wristwatch, then patted his pockets, his eyes widening, "Not with me!" "Where could he be?" Evan''s eyes rolled around in thought, frustration coloring his tone, "I''ve got it!" He spun on his heel and marched out, with Elliot and Elijah trailing behind. Together, they headed to the nursery, finding Whitefortably snoozing on the baby''s pillow. White was curled up on the baby''s favorite dinosaur pillow! Evan pursed his lips, rolled his eyes, and scurried over to pick White up by the tail, whispering sternly, "You trying to give your sister a heart attack?" He wasn''t sure if the baby would be scared of a small snake, so he hadn''t introduced White to her yet. And there White went, sneaking off to cuddle with the baby on her own! If the baby woke up to a snake staring her down, it would be tears for days! White opened its eyes, flicking its red tongue in annoyance at Evan, wriggling to break free. The more White struggled, the angrier Evan got! Frustrated, he grabbed White firmly, bringing him face to face for a scolding! For every word of reprimand, White responded with a defiant flick of its tongue. Clearly, White wasn''t taking this lying down. Elliot and Elijah could only shake their heads at the scene. Pets often take after their owners, and with Evan being so protective of his sister, it was no surprise White felt the same. So when White saw the baby, he was instantly smitten! But since Evan hadn''t formally introduced them, White took it upon himself to sneak into her room and snuggle up on her pillow. White had no idea it could potentially scare the baby! Thinking it was quite charming, White was sure the baby would love it. Wanting to avoid waking the baby, Elliot ushered them out and suggested to Evan, "Let''s treat White to a feast tonight." Evan was puzzled, "Reward him after he misbehaved?!" White shot him a look, then coiled around Elliot''s wrist. Evan turned away, irritated, and White matched his cold demeanor. Pet and owner, their friendship momentarily capsized! Elliot chuckled, "White has a task to perform tomorrow. I need his help, so let''s pamper him a bit today." Evan''s interest piqued, "What task?" White lifted its head towards Elliot, tongue flicking, as if to say: "Bro,y it on me!" After Elliot outlined the n, Evan puffed out his chest, "Don''t worry, White''s a champ. We''ll nail it, right, White?" White flicked its tongue, brimming with confidence. Pet and owner, reconciled. Elliot sent Evan to treat White to his feast, then called Elijah to the study. "Elijah, you''ve got a mission too. I want you to dig deeper into the residents of Hill Vige, based on what dad has already found. List everyone who''s still alive." Elijah understood Elliot was probing into Kendrick and Keith''s history, his brow furrowing, "That night, the storm was fierce. No vigers were out and about, and nobody saw Grandpa dragging Keith up the hill. It''s unlikely any vigers know exactly what happened up there." This was something Tarquin had already looked into. Digging further into the Hill Vige residents wouldn''t unearth any new clues. Elliot proposed a new angle, "I know. Let''s not focus on what happened on the hill. Let''s find out what Grandpa was doing that night." Elijah was puzzled. Elliot borated, "Keith resents dad because of something Grandpa did. It implies Grandpa must''ve wronged Keith in some way. But dad insists Grandpa wouldn''t do anything atrocious! So, the person who took Keith up the hill that night might not have been Grandpa after all. If we can rify Grandpa''s actions during the incident, we can determine whether he was the one who took Keith up the hill. If someone impersonated Grandpa, then whatever happened on that hill has nothing to do with him! Keith''s grudge against dad would naturally dissolve, redirecting his vengeance towards Gideon and the Bradford family instead!" Chapter 875 Elijah''s eyes sparkled with realization. Yes, they had been so wrapped up in figuring out the beef between Gideon, the Bradfords, and Keith, they''dpletely overlooked the obvious! Their focus had been, "What on earth went down on that mountain all those years ago?" But they''d totally missed a simpler angle! All they needed to know was whether it was Keith''s granddad who had dragged him up that mountain. That was it! Regardless of what happened on the mountain, if it was indeed granddad who had dragged Keith up there, indifferent to his well-being, then it would prove that there was something seriously off with granddad. It would validate the grudge Keith held against him! And if it wasn''t granddad? Well, that would mean Keith got it all wrong! "I''m on it now!" With this new direction, Elijah immediately fired up hisputer to start digging. "Let me know as soon as you find something." Elliot patted Elijah on the shoulder and left to find Lowell. Lowell had just woken up, shocked to learn that the precious one had been brought back, his eyes wide as saucers. After allowing Lowell a moment to freak out, Elliot waited for him to calm down before getting down to business, "Mr. Lowell, I need you to make another trip to Joy Residence, have a chat with the Tylers." The Tylers were Keith''s neighbors back in Hill Vige. Elliot and Lowell had visited them a while back during their investigation into Aiden. Lowell was puzzled, "We''ve already asked everything we could, what''s left to talk about?" Elliot rified, "This time, it''s not about Aiden. Ask about what went down in the vige around the time granddad arrived at Hill Vige. If nothing out of the ordinary happened, just get them to reminisce about everyday life back then. Whatever they can remember, you record it. I want to hear everything." Lowell was bewildered, still in the dark about Elliot''s motives. But he knew well that Elliot''s brain worked in mysterious ways, much like Tarquin''s: brilliant,posed, and utterly inscrutable. After setting everything up, Elliot returned to his room. He jotted down all the questions swirling in his mind, his pen dancing across the page in thought. Eventually, his gaze settled on a chilling thought: Someone''s behind Keith! Elliot frowned, eyes narrowing in contemtion. --- The next day, just as dawn was breaking, Number One Mansion came alive withmotion. The darling little princess had a nightmare and was in tears! Her sobs were loud and relentless, desperately seeking her daddy. The four little ones took turns trying to soothe her to no avail. The housemaids also tried their best to calm her, sweating bullets, but the darling''s cries didn''t stop. Her voice was hoarse from crying, yet she persisted... "They''re back, they''re back! Mr. and Mrs. are back!" Heath rushed in to announce. Hearing this, the kids quickly reassured her, "Don''t cry, darling, daddy and mommy are here." The darling scrambled out of bed, not even bothering with shoes, and ran towards the door. A troop followed behind, cautioning, "Careful, darling, don''t trip." As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Tarquin and Elysia had just walked in, Keith in tow, looking weary from the journey. Upon seeing the darling, all three eximed in unison, "Darling!" "Daddy!" The darling, in her cartoon pajamas and messy hair, ran towards them with open arms. Tarquin, watching his little girl run to him, felt his heart skip a beat. This was his daughter, his little sunshine, his past life''s sweetheart! But as she neared, Tarquin hastily wiped his sweaty palms on his sides and stepped forward to greet her. However¡ª The darling bypassed him, leaping straight into Keith''s arms! His little sunshine, it seemed, had found a new favorite. Chapter 876 Sweetie hadn''t even spotted Tarquin; she was clinging to Keith''s neck, whining, "Daddy, daddy, I had a nightmare, I''m scared, so scared, waaah..." Keith held her tight, his voice trembling with concern, "Don''t worry, sweetheart, Daddy''s here! Daddy will protect you, there''s nothing to be afraid of." A touching moment of father-daughter bonding... Tarquin stood frozen in ce, watching, his heart sinking to rock bottom! The kids had somewhat anticipated this, but they hadn''t expected Tarquin to enter with Keith. They thought he''de back with Mommy first, and then Keith would be allowed to see the little one. But here they were... Tarquin arriving with Keith, wasn''t that just asking for trouble? Sweetie would obviously prefer Keith! To him, this was a disaster movie in the making! The kids could only sigh in resignation. Emmett, feeling sorry for him, walked over and tugged at Tarquin''s hand, trying to ease his awkwardness and heartache, "Daddy, hug?" Only then did Tarquin tear his gaze away, trying to steady his emotions, and bent down to pick Emmett up. Emmett kissed him, wrapping his arms around his neck, "We all missed you, Daddy." Tarquin felt a lump in his throat, touched by Emmett''s empathy andfort. But at that moment, he was too overwhelmed to speak. Holding Emmett, he couldn''t help but nce over at Keith and Sweetie... Sweetie was still crying, Keith was patiently soothing her. He could only stand quietly to the side, not even daring to make clear who he was, fearing it would upset Sweetie. Elysia, too, stood silently by, quietly shedding tears. It was her first official meeting with Sweetie, and she was emotionally stirred, wanting to hold her. But at that moment, Sweetie''s eyes and heart were only for Keith. In the living room, only Sweetie and Keith''s voices could be heard. Keith''s voice was hoarse, "What did you dream about that scared you so much?" Sweetie sobbed, "I dreamt... dreamt Daddy was bleeding, bleeding so much! Daddy was... was lying on the ground, and I was beside him, calling him, but Daddy wouldn''t answer me. I tried to blow on the wound to make it better, but it didn''t heal, I kissed Daddy, but he still wouldn''t respond... waaah..." Sweetie cried bitterly, tears falling like pearls off a string! Her shoulders shook, "I heard someone say... say Daddy died, Daddy didn''t want me anymore, waaah... I don''t want Daddy to die, I don''t want Daddy to die..." Her childlike wailing filled the entire living room, moving everyone to tears. Even though Keith was the adversary, seeing him and Sweetie so lovingly together still touched everyone. Keith''s eyes were bloodshot, swollen with emotion. He struggled to control himself, wiping Sweetie''s tears as he spoke, "Daddy''s not going anywhere, what would I do without my Sweetie? I want to watch you grow up, see you start your own life. I promised to always be there for you, so Daddy''s not going anywhere." Sweetie sniffled, "Daddy, you''re not leaving?" "Mhm, Daddy''s not leaving." "Daddy, you still want me?" Keith''s lips quivered, tears streaming down his face, "Daddy wants you, as long as you want Daddy, I''ll never leave! No, even if you don''t want Daddy, I''ll never leave. Daddy loves you! Loves you more than life itself!" "Daddy, don''t cry, Sweetie kisses." The little girl wiped Keith''s tears, then kissed him, once on the left, once on the right. Keith looked at her lovingly, "Sweetie, don''t cry either, Daddy kisses." Keith kissed Sweetie twice, wiped her tears and her nose, and gently said, "Remember, don''t be scared of nightmares anymore, they''re all fake. See, you dreamt Daddy died, but here I am, alive and well, right? Only sweet dreams are real." Chapter 877 "Okay, got it." Keith gave his little one''s cheek an affectionate pinch, eyes brimming with fatherly love, "Daddy''s gonna take you home." "Huh?! Isn''t this our home? Mom and my brothers all live here, oh, where''s Mommy?" Keith was momentarily at a loss for words. Elysia quickly wiped away her tears, "Sweetie, Mommy''s here." Only then did the little one notice Elysia, her eyes lighting up, "Mommy!" Elysia reached out and took her daughter from Keith''s arms, holding her tight for the first time in what felt like forever. It was only then that she felt truly at peace. Her heart, which had been hanging by a thread, could finally rest. The little one''s curiosity was piqued by Tarquin, tilting her head adorably. Tarquin''s heart tightened as he cautiously called out, "Sweetie." "Do I know you?" she asked. Tarquin was speechless. Turning to Keith, she inquired, "Daddy, why does Mr. Handsome look so much like my brothers?" Tarquin''s heart shattered. His daughter called him Mr. Handsome, but Keith was Daddy... The atmosphere in the living room shifted dramatically. From touching to mncholic. After a brief pause, Elliot, seemingly ignoring the awkward question, suggested to Elysia and the little one, "Mom, why don''t you and sweetie go upstairs for a chat? Maybe wash her face and do her hair." "Sweetie, head up with Mom for now. We''lle find youter." It wasn''t the right time to address certain issues with the little one present. The emotional moment was over; it was time to tackle the real issues at hand. Without further questioning, the little one obediently nodded, "Okay." Elysia gave Tarquin a sympathetic nce before leading her daughter and Emmett upstairs. Keith instinctively wanted to intervene, but before anyone else could speak up, the little one said: "Daddy, Mommy and I will wait for you upstairs. After you finish talking with Mr. Handsome,e find us." Everyone in the room was left speechless. Elysia, with the little one and Emmett, headed upstairs, and the servants discreetly made themselves scarce. Only Tarquin, Keith, and the trio of Elliot, Evan, and Elijah remained in the living room. Tarquin, still reeling from his daughter''s unintentional jab, slumped onto the couch and lit a cigarette in silence. Keith red at him furiously, matched by Evan''s equally intense stare. Elijah, feeling sorry for his father, frowned deeply, his expression somber. Elliot was the only one who remained rtively calm. Before Elliot could say anything, Keith dered, "I''m taking my little girl with me!" Tarquin looked up with a deadly re. Keith remained resolute, his eyes shing with determination, "No one''s stopping me!" In the next instant, Tarquin snuffed out his cigarette and lunged at Keith,nding a punch. Keith was no pushover, and the two quickly came to blows. Evan made a move to intervene, but Elliot held him back, "Let them have it out. Cool off a bit." Both men were burning with rage, needing to vent before any real discussion could happen. Keith was livid that his carefully hidden treasure had been returned to their custody so easily. To Tarquin, the fact that his own daughter called someone else Daddy was infuriating. Despite Keith''s genuine affection, Tarquin couldn''t help but resent him. In his eyes, Keith was a kidnapper since his daughter had been taken, not found. And now that his daughter didn''t recognize her real father, Keith was to me! Both men were seething, so Elliot let them fight. They were bound toe to blows over their daughter eventually. If not today, then someday. Better to let them hash it out now. Fighting can be cathartic, and once the dust settles, they might be ready to talk. With grievances aired and anger vented... Chapter 878 Time seemed to stand still before Elliot finally broke the silence: "Stop it, guys. You''re gonna scare the little one into tears if she sees you fighting." The two men, previously locked in a fierce battle, paused at his words. Elliot had a way with words, hitting right where it hurt. A scuffle between them was one thing, but upsetting the little one? Now that was a serious matter. Both Tarquin and Keith were fond of the little one and ceased their fighting. They sat down on the couch, a coffee table between them, panting and ring at each other, sweat dripping down their faces. Elliot looked from his own father to Keith, biting his lip. No bias here, but both men were schemers! They fought ferociously yet neither had a scratch on their face. Clearly, they were avoiding facial hits, probably fearing the little one would feel sorry for the injured party and resent the attacker. So they aimed for ces out of sight! Neither wanted to be med by the little one! Elliot brought them some iced tea, "Here, drink some tea and cool off." After a long journey and then jumping straight into a fight, they indeed were thirsty. Grabbing their cups, they took a sip. The iced tea did its job, calming them down. Tarquin was the first to break the silence, "My little girl belongs with me, Tarquin. I won''t let you take her away again!" Keith snapped back instantly, "She''s been under my care since she was born. What right do you have to im her?" Tarquin clenched his teeth, "Do you think if it weren''t for your proper care, you''d be standing here arguing with me? That''s called stealing!" Keith couldn''t deny his affection for the little one. But that wouldn''t make him hand over his daughter, not even to Keith! Firstly, a person blinded by hatred would eventually be consumed by it. With Keith, the little one''s future would be fraught with danger. Secondly, even if Keith was a decent man, Tarquin wouldn''t hand over his daughter. She was his flesh and blood, his precious little girl. How could he possibly give her away? Keith, furious, retorted, "I''m taking her with me, whether you like it or not!" Tarquin''s face darkened, "Just try!" The conversation was far from peaceful, tension rising once again. Elliot intervened, "Keith, the safest ce for the little one is with us right now. It''s not suitable for you to take her away, at least not until those people are dealt with. You shouldn''t even think about taking her." Keith frowned, and Elliot continued, "The people who tried to snatch her from your ce today were professionals, outnumbering and overpowering her bodyguards. If we hadn''t arrived in time, they would have taken her. Do you really believe she would be safer with them or here with us?" Keith remained silent. Elliot added, "If they attempted once, they''ll do it again. But they wouldn''t dare confront me directly. For now, this is the safest ce for her. Plus, with her not by your side, you can focus on dealing with those people. Once the threat is eliminated, then you can reconsider her situation." Keith''s brows were furrowed, his reluctance evident, but Elliot''s logic was sound. Whether he liked it or not, the little one was indeed safest with Tarquin at the moment. Here, she was not only safe but happy. She had her mom and brothers, whom she adored. And with Elysia and Elliot doting on her, Keith had no worries about her well-being. The only thorn in his side was Tarquin''s presence! He didn''t want the little one having any contact with Tarquin! Seeing Keith''s silence, Elliot knew his words had made an impact and asked, "Do you know who was behind today''s attempt to take her?" Keith''s expression tightened, a clear sign he knew something. But all he said was, "I''ll deal with them." Chapter 879 Elliot probed, "Were they... arranged by that person behind you?" Keith froze, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. Elliot pressed on, "You''re so fond of treasures, and you adore kids. You''d never hurt me. That injury I got during the spring pic, it was orchestrated by that person behind you, wasn''t it?" Keith''s brow furrowed, a shadow passing over his face. He had indeed prepared a n B that day, but it wasn''t meant to harm Elliot. Elliot''s near- death experience was not part of his n. He hadn''t expected Elliot to notice the discrepancy, much less confront him about it directly! Keith realized he couldn''t measure Elliot''s intelligence against that of an ordinary child. Elliot was far too sharp for his age! Without directly answering Elliot''s question, Keith simply said, "Please take care of the treasure for a few days. Once I''ve settled my affairs, I''lle to pick her up." As Keith turned to leave, Elliot stopped him, "Keith, I can understand your hatred towards the Bradford family. The sins Gideon and the Bradfordsmitted are unforgivable." Keith was taken aback. Tarquin was equally stunned. Neither had expected Elliot to bring this up so openly. Elliot didn''t pause at their surprise and continued, "If my grandfather truly did something unforgivable, then he, like Gideon, doesn''t deserve pity. But can you be absolutely certain it was my grandfather who led you up that mountain?" Keith''s agitation resurfaced, "Of course, I''m certain!" Tarquin''s face darkened, "How can you be so sure? You were just a kid, and it was pouring that night. How could you see clearly? You hardly knew my father. How can you be so sure it was indeed him, and not someone impersonating him?" Keith red at Tarquin, his anger palpable, "What right do you have to question me? Why should I have to prove anything to you? Gideon was a scoundrel, and your father, Kendrick, was no better than a beast! No matter how you try to cleanse his name, it''s futile!" Hearing his father insulted, Tarquin''s temper red, but before he could retaliate, Elliot interjected, turning to Keith, "Have you considered my grandmother? She was not only kind but also wise and independent. She wouldn''t blindly fall for my grandfather if he were a bad person. If my grandfather was such a viin, my grandmother wouldn''t have loved him." Keith was visibly angry, "She was deceived! Kendrick was a wolf in sheep''s clothing!" Elliot reasoned, "Whether my grandmother was mistaken or deceived by my grandfather can be discerned from their life together. My grandfather took good care of her, showering her with all his love. Also, my grandfather''s character in his youth is something you could look into. These things are traceable." Elliot had his doubts about Kendrick but decided to do some digging. After researching tillte into the night, he too concluded Kendrick wasn''t a malevolent man. Of course, this didn''t absolve Kendrick of the past, but it did suggest something unusual. Why would a man of integrity and kindness suddenly harm a child? Elliot shared this with Keith hoping to prompt him to reevaluate the past events. Only if Keith harbored doubts would he consider investigating the truth and be more inclined to discuss the past. This would enable them to extract more useful information from Keith and unravel the full story. Their ultimate goal was to expose the person manipting Keith from the shadows as quickly as possible. Chapter 880 Keith remained silent, leaving Elliot to continue pressing, "Besides, after Mr. Inkster and Ms. ckwood''s incident, how did you even survive to end up in the hands of those traffickers? Given Gideon''s ruthlessness, it''s a miracle you''re still breathing. And the traffickers you encountered weren''t just into child selling; they were involved in much more heinous activities! In such circumstances, why would they think to sell you off, allowing you to live? And there''s my granddad. If he didn''t want grandma to adopt you, he wouldn''t have made the trip down to Hill Vige to talk to your foster parents personally. If his kindness was just an act, merely to show off in front of grandma, then why didn''t he just kill you on that stormy night on the mountain?" Keith''s eyebrows knotted in tension, "...!" Elliot looked him straight in the eye, "Wouldn''t it have been easier to just silence you forever? Keeping you alive, wasn''t granddad afraid you''d eventually tell grandma everything? If granddad could do such monstrous things, it''s unlikely he''d spare you out of mercy. So, why didn''t he silence you?" Keith remained speechless. Elliot added, "We''re all in the dark about what truly happened on the mountain that night, but you must have some idea. Think hard about the biggest impact that night had on you. And all these questions I''ve raised, give them a good thought, piece them together. Why have you managed to escape death so many times? Is it purely luck, or is there a conspiracy? Could someone be orchestrating all this from behind the scenes?" With Elliot''s words, the living room fell silent. Keith and Tarquin shared a look, both deep in thought. It''s often said that it''s easier to see clearly from the outside, and while both Keith and Tarquin were too close to see, Elliot was the outsider with a clearer view. The insiders, blinded by their proximity. Tarquin and Keith had considered these questions separately, never piecing them together for aprehensive review. Individually pondering these questions, they focused on isted answers. But whenpiled together, the focal point shifted, just as Elliot concluded, why did Keith keep surviving against all odds? Was it sheer luck, or was there a deeper plot? Elijah looked at Elliot with admiration brimming in his eyes. Following Elliot''s instructions, he had been investigating the surviving vigers of Hill Vige sincest night. He had been brainstorming ways to get Keith to open up, to coax information out of him, but to no avail. Then, this morning, Elliotid out the n perfectly! A series of questions, topped with that guiding one, was bound to make Keith doubt the events of that night. Keith''s doubt was their breakthrough! Elliot truly was the leader! Evan remained silent, not thinking as deeply, but he watched Keith like a hawk, ready to protect Elliot and Elijah from any sudden moves. After what felt like an eternity, the piercing sound of a phone ringing shattered the silence. Tarquin and Keith''s phones buzzed almost simultaneously. Snapped back to reality, they both answered their calls. "Tarquin, Keith''s guys... they''ve been silenced." Tarquin was taken aback, "Keith''s men, or someone else?" "Keith''s men. The bodyguards he had for the kid." Tarquin was genuinely surprised. Keith''s people being targeted was unexpected. If someone was out for blood, why target Keith''s circle? "How did it happen?" "Somebody posing as a doctor poisoned them. Today, Evan instructed us not to mistreat them, to get them medical attention for their injuries. So, we sent them straight to the hospital, never imagining this oue." Chapter 881 Tarquin shot Evan a quick nce, instinctively understanding the y at hand. He knew Evan had arranged this, seeing their unwavering loyalty to their "precious charge" as a virtue worth protecting. Yet, had they not been brought to the hospital, it was clear they''d have been silenced for good. "What about the other group?" "They''re alive and kicking, no rescue squad for them." Tarquin remained silent, his eyes then shifting towards Keith. Keith was visibly shaken, his breaths short and rapid, his chest heaving with every breath, his entire being seemed engulfed in a ze of anger! "Listen up, without my say-so, no one moves a muscle. Stay put!" Keith ended the call and turned to Tarquin, "Those guys have been guarding our precious one for years, their loyalty never wavered. They brought our charge to Jindale City behind my back, all because they couldn''t bear to see them upset, yet couldn''t defy their wishes either..." Keith''s eyes reddened, he paused, struggling to find the right words. Tarquin frowned, "It wasn''t my people." "I know! And don''t tell our precious one! Also, make sure they get a proper send-off." With that, Keith nced upstairs and left without another word. Tarquin didn''t stop him... Evan, anxious, inquired, "A proper send-off for whom? Did something happen to our precious one''s bodyguards?" Tarquin''s frown deepened, "They were silenced." Evan gasped, staring incredulously at Tarquin, "?!" Elijah, with a furrowed brow, mused, "If Keith trusted them with our precious charge, it means they were his inner circle. Now that they''ve been taken out on our watch, could the killer be trying to frame us, to widen the rift between Keith and us?" Elliot''s face was a mask of solemnity as he coldly spected, "Or it could be a warning to Keith! Likely, the attackers were sent by the shadowy figure backing Keith!" Evan, eyes reddening with anger, demanded, "Bro, who is this guy?! I want revenge!" He didn''t care whose side they were on; if they were good to their precious charge, they had Evan''s gratitude. Elliot''s expression was grave, "If I''m right, he''s the elusive figure we''ve been hunting!" Evan fumed, "Always him! Bro, who is he? When can we finally bring him to light?" Elliot countered, "Where''s White?" "He left with Keith, following your orders." Elliot nodded, "Good! Keep tabs on White''s movements, and report back the moment there''s anything new!" Elliot had tasked White with shadowing Keith, knowing that upon Keith''s return to Jindale City, a meeting with his mysterious backer was inevitable. Others might spook their quarry, but White''s surveince was sure to go unnoticed. Tarquin suddenly inquired, "You had White tail Keith?" "Yes." Tarquin''s expression tensed, and he immediately called Axel, "Get a team ready, we might need to move at any moment!" Elliot, Evan, Elijah: "???" After hanging up, Tarquin, with a furrowed brow, stated, "Trying to kidnap the one I care about most and taking out my loyalists as a warning... If it were me, I''d be on the warpath, demanding answers!" What he implied was clear: Keith''s hasty departure was to confront that very man! And with White on Keith''s trail, they were on the verge of pinpointing the mysterious figure''s location atst! After all this time in the shadows, he was about to be exposed! Chapter 882 At the edge of Jindale City, there''s this ce called Crescent District. It''s quite a hike from downtown, all hilly and scenic, making it a paradise for those looking to escape the concrete jungle for a bit of adventure. After leaving the luxurious Number One Mansion, Keith found himself in a ck SUV, zooming towards Crescent District with a determination that could cut through steel. They pulled up at a crossroads surrounded by mountains, leading up to what was known as a "rural retreat" - a fancy term for a farmhouse turned bed and breakfast. The driver, visibly concerned, nced at Keith. "Keith..." Keith''s expression was stone-cold. "Stay in the car and keep quiet!" He stepped out, mming the car door behind him. Two burly men, who clearly weren''t there to exchange pleasantries, squinted at him from a distance and warned, "The retreat''s closed today. Find somewhere else to y." Keith ignored them and kept moving. Sensing trouble, the men got on guard. "Who you looking for?" Keith didn''t bother replying. The men exchanged a look and decided to take matters into their own hands, but Keith was ready. He effortlessly disarmed one, sending him sprawling, and then took down the other with a series of brutal punches that left his opponent a bloody mess on the ground. With a chilling calmness, Keith licked the blood from his lip, sending shivers down the spine of the onlookers. One of the men, terror-stricken, scrambled to his feet and bolted, dialing frantically. "Call Ken, we''ve got trouble!" Soon, a mob armed with machetes emerged, their intentions clear as they faced Keith. "Think you can mess with us and live?" Keith didn''t say a word. In a blink, he was among them, a machete in his hand, fighting like a man possessed. He was there to protect what was his, and heaven help anyone who crossed him. The fight raged until a man in a suit and sses stepped in. "Keith, the boss sent me to fetch you." He nodded at a woman in a sophisticated evening dress, who approached Keith, her heels clicking authoritatively on the ground, unfazed by the chaos. "You need to change before meeting the boss," she said, motioning towards the retreat. Keith, ignoring both the suited man and the woman, headed towards the farmhouse, his resolve clear. The woman nced at the man in sses, unsure of what to do next. The man adjusted his sses, trying to impose some sense of order. "Keith, we have our ways here.....¡± Before he could finish, Keith had him in a chokehold, his grip tightening by the second. The man''s face turned beet red, gasping for air. The onlookers were in shock. This man was no ordinary assistant; he was the right hand of someone very powerful. Attacking him was like dering war. Severalser dots danced in front of Keith, a silent but deadly warning from snipers ready to act. Keith, unfazed, growled at the man in sses, his message clear without saying a word. Chapter 883 "If you spout one more word of nonsense, I swear I''ll end you right here and now. And after I''m done with you, he won''t even dare toy a finger on me! To you, he might be the boss, but to me, he''s less than nothing! Take me to him!" The bespectacled man was shaking in his boots, too scared to even think of fighting back. Keith grabbed him by the neck and pushed forward, the rest trailing behind, wary and unsure of what to do. Only the toughest of the tough could survive around here, but even they found themselves fearing Keith. In that moment, Keith didn''t seem human - he was more like a demon! One of the men''s phones rang, and he quickly answered, "Yeah?" "He came by himself?" "Uh-huh, parked his car by the crossroads and walked up." "Anyone following him?" "No." "What about a tracker?" "None. We checked as soon as he showed up, he didn''t bring anything." Hiding in the bushes, like a snake in the grass, thought White, "..." I''m right here. But nobody noticed. "Just have sses bring him over, the boss said Keith''s in a bad mood today. Don''t provoke him. He doesn''t need to change his clothes." " Soon, Tarquin got wind of the situation at Farmjoy Estate. Elliot and Elijah immediately started digging for information and within minutes had everything on Farmjoy Estate turned inside out. Unfortunately, they didn''t find much. They learned that Farmjoy Estate was established years ago by an investment from a man named Ragnar Wright. It included dining and entertainment services. There were farm-to-table restaurants, fishing spots, sports fields, horseback riding, guest lodgings, and children''s entertainment options. Farmjoy Estate was fully licensed, with no records of illegal activities or anything out of the ordinary. Ragnar was a bona fide local, expanding his family''s ancestral home into the estate. Furthermore, there was no bad blood between Ragnar and the Bradford or Inkster families. In fact, the Wright family had no known disputes with the Bradfords at all. In short, on paper, Farmjoy Estate was squeaky clean. But the fact that Keith headed straight there after leaving the Number One Mansion was proof enough that something was amiss! Even more frustrating, Elijah had hacked their surveince systems only to find nothing of use. The estate had embarrassingly few cameras, all avoiding key areas. Instead of focusing on entrances or sensitive spots, cameras were pointed at the kitchen, children''s y areas, or simply trees and grass. What kind of farm had such peculiar security measures? Knowing something was wrong but unable to find any evidence was infuriating. Unable to pin down the estate''s secrets, let alone uncover if Ragnar was the mysterious figure they were after, left Elliot and Elijah at their wits'' end. Both brothers were stuck, unsure of their next move, looking to Tarquin for guidance. Evan, impatient, said, "This estate is fishy, a hundred percent. Let''s just storm the ce, round everyone up, and sort them out." Elliot and Elijah: "..." Tarquin, eyes glued to theputer screen, looked tense. He read through the information on Farmjoy Estate again and again, then pulled out his phone to call Keaton Huber. "About what you mentionedst time, was it Crescent District''s Farmjoy Estate?" Whatever Keaton said made Tarquin''s brow furrow even deeper, his expression growing grimmer. After hanging up, he stared at the screen a moment longer, then clenched his teeth and said, "We''re not making a move today!" Evan, in disbelief, eximed, "Why not?" Elliot and Elijah were equally puzzled. Chapter 884 Tarquin''s expression was grave as he spoke, the weight of the situation pressing down on the room. "We can''t be sure the person we''re after is even in there. Storming in might just be a wild goose chase. Plus, this country inn is suspected of drug trafficking. We can''t just barge in and risk alerting them or messing up the police''s operation." Investigating the mysterious figure was their personal vendetta. But when it entangled with the police and drugs, it became a matter of public concern! The severity of drug trafficking was obvious. They couldn''t let their personal matters disrupt the police''s ns. The trio was shocked, speaking in unison, "They''re dealing drugs?" "Yes." The name of the country inn had sounded familiar to him, and after a moment of thought, he remembered why. Keaton had mentioned it! He had called Keaton earlier, who confirmed it was indeed the ce. Last month, there had been an incident at Keaton''s bar, where someone was caught selling illegal substances. Keaton wanted to find out if it was a rival trying to sabotage him, so he started his own investigation. That investigation led him to the country inn. Keaton discovered the inn was backed by some heavy hitters and handed the information over to the police to deal with. The police had started their operationst month! They hadn''t shut down the inn immediately, which meant they were likely aiming to catch bigger fish. If they barged in today, they would surely disrupt the police''s operation and risk alerting their targets. And with the current information, they could only tie the mysterious figure to the inn. But whether that person was actually there right now was uncertain. So, for safety, they decided against taking any action today! The trio understood the gravity of the situation and didn''t argue with Tarquin''s decision. In such a case, it indeed wasn''t wise to rush in headfirst. The study was silent. Tarquin frowned, his face dark with thought. He hadn''t expected the mysterious figure to be involved with drugs! He had wondered how the mysterious figure had funded their operations over the years. Now, he had his answer. But... Why would a drug dealer specifically target the Bradford family? Was it like Keith, holding a deep grudge against the Bradford family? Or was there another reason?! He kept messaging Elysia, always calling her "little Elysia"... Something felt off to Tarquin, but he couldn''t quite put his finger on it. He snapped back to the present and looked at the trio, his expression serious, "From now on, regarding anything to do with the mysterious person or Keith, you must not act on your own. Discuss your ideas with me first." Elliot turned to Evan, "Evan, you need to listen and not act impulsively on this matter." Evan was obedient this time, "I got it, bro." He might not listen to Tarquin, but he would listen to Elliot. Elliot continued, his brow furrowed, "We need to focus on Keith to draw out the mysterious person. Keith must know a lot. If we can get him to talk, finding the mysterious person will be much easier." Elijah added, "Considering what happened with the heirloom, Keith is already at odds with them. If we can resolve the feud between Grandpa and Keith, Keith will surely open up." Elliot nodded in agreement, "We need to figure out what happened in Hill Vige as soon as possible." Tarquin said, "You can look up information on Hill Vige online. If you need to visit in person, let me know, and I''ll arrange for someone to go. I''ll also continue to investigate the inn. You stay out of it." With drugs involved, Tarquin was extra cautious and didn''t want the kids getting tangled in it. The trio didn''t object, and Tarquin continued: Chapter 885 "I''ll take care of the situation with Keith and the mysterious stranger. Just focus on your sister; she''s just returned and could really use yourpany," he spoke, his tone veiling a request more than an order. At this, the triplets exchanged a nce, their eyes softened with sympathy for him. They had all been excited to reunite with the family gem, who recognized everyone - her mom, her brothers - but mistook him for Mr. Handsome. To have her see Keith as ''Dad'' instead of him was a blow, cutting deep. Father and sons had spent a long morning in the study, emerging only as noon approached. Immediately, the triplets scampered off to find their baby sister. The tension surrounding Keith and the mysterious issues paled inparison to their sister''s return. She needed their attention most. Elysia and Emmett were already with her in the bedroom, surrounding her with toys andughter. Her face lit up at the sight of her brothers, her voice sugary sweet as she called out, "Elliot, Evan, Elijah." Their smiles were instantaneous, "What''s our little princess up to?" "Building blocks, castles," she responded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Emmett was in the midst of constructing a castle for her. Not seeing Keith around, she asked curiously, "Where''s Daddy?" The question hung heavily in the air, the brothers exchanging uneasy nces, uncertain how to respond. Elysia''s lips moved slightly before she said, "Let''s y a bit more, sweetheart. Mommy will go check." Tarquin stood by the doorway, his gaze fixed on his daughter, dressed in her princess gown, her hair tied in cute little buns, looking even more adorable than she did downstairs. He longed to sweep her into his arms, lift her high, but struggled with how to introduce himself. Telling her outright that he was her real dad seemed risky; it could scare her away. Yet, to be known only as Mr. Handsome was equally disheartening. Elysia, sensing his turmoil, wrapped an arm around him, offeringfort, "She''s been with Keith all this while; it''s natural she mistook him. But she doesn''t dislike you. I asked her if she liked you, and she said you looked just like her brothers. That''s a good sign." Tarquin felt a mix of bitterness and sweetness at her words. Being called Mr. Handsome stung, yet knowing his daughter liked him brought a sense of joy. Sighing, he realized, "She''s already so grown, and I''ve missed out on being there for her. If she doesn''t dislike me, that''s already more than I could hope for. Mr. Handsome or not, as long as she''s happy, that''s all that matters." With a reassuring hug from Elysia, he felt a bit better. Then, ncing downstairs, Elysia asked, "Where''s Keith?" "He''s gone." She was surprised, "Just like that? He''s not going to fight for her?" Tarquin frowned slightly, "Seems like he won''t be causing trouble for now. We might have some peace for a few days." Keith had taken Elliot''s words to heart, prioritizing their daughter''s safety over everything else. What Tarquin hadn''t anticipated was Keith''s return that very afternoon, determined to take their daughter with him! Tarquin was both annoyed and shocked, "What?!" Had Keith already neutralized all potential threats around her? How had he managed that in such a short span? Chapter 886 Keith, in a crisp white suit, arrived to pick up his little angel from home! Compared to his rough morning, he was the epitome of finesse by the afternoon, having taken a shower, shaved, and even meticulously styled his hair. He was like a devoted knight, all dressed up to wee his princess! Despite the bruises on his face and the prominent dark circles under his eyes, he was the picture of vitality and handsomeness. His little angel was over the moon to see him, gleefully running towards him, "Daddy, Daddy!" Her jubnt voice filled the entire mansion. Keith, with a beaming smile, stepped forward and opened his arms to embrace his princess. She happily leaped into his embrace, and he lifted her up tightly! A blissful smile spread across Keith''s face, holding his little one as if he was holding the whole world. In her sweet, milky voice, she asked, "Daddy, where were you this morning? You left without saying goodbye to me." Keith pinched her chubby little cheek, "Daddy had to rush out for some urgent work, did you miss me?" "Mhm, missed Daddy." Seeing his little one happy, Keith yfully ignored the stares of others, "Where did you miss me?" She tilted her head and said, "My mouth missed you." Keith couldn''t help butugh at her response, "Only your mouth missed me, not your heart?" "Missed, missed, missed! Every part of me missed Daddy, even my stinky little feet.'' She wriggled her legs, seemingly tempting Keith to smell her "stinky" feet. Keith chuckled, "My angel''s feet aren''t stinky, they are sweet-smelling." She giggled, and as she did, her eyes suddenly widened, "Daddy, you''re hurt?" Keith replied, "Just a small cut on my face, don''t worry, it''s minor, it will heal quickly." Her eyes teared up instantly, "Does it hurt, Daddy?" Keith quickly shook his head, "No pain, Daddy is not in pain at all, just like when you get a vine." "It hurts! Vines hurt! But if I blow on it, Daddy won''t hurt anymore." She leaned close to Keith''s wound and gently blew on it. Keith''s heart melted, "Sweetheart, how about we go home, okay?" She nodded vigorously, "Yes!" "....." Tarquin''s face darkened, he was nearly having a heart attack! This disy of father-daughter affection was almost blinding him with jealousy! Jealousy was making him unrecognizable! He wished he could send Keith to the moon right then and there to fend for himself! If calling Keith "Daddy" was like a knife to him, then this loving interaction between them was like a forty-centimeter long sword! It pierced straight through his heart! Tarquin, trying to contain his anger, turned to Elysia, "Elysia, why don''t you take our darling to the yard to y for a bit?" Elysia was visibly panicked, fearing Keith was here to take their daughter away! Although their daughter was legally theirs, and they would undoubtedly win custody in court, their daughter''s preference for Keith was undeniable. Forcing Keith away and keeping their daughter by their side would only lead to her being upset and crying. "Don''t worry, I''ll handle this," Tarquin reassured her. Elysia, with a worried nce, calmed herself down and coaxed their daughter from Keith''s arms, taking her outside. Keith didn''t stop them. Once their daughter was out of sight, Keith''s demeanor shifted from sunny to stormy. He made himselffortable without an invitation and stared down Tarquin, "She can''t be without me. If you don''t let me take her, I''ll have to get tough. And if ites to a fight, she''ll side with me." Tarquin frowned, "You''ve dealt with those men?" "Mhm, they won''te for her again. She''s safe with me." Tarquin was skeptical, "..." How could he have managed that in such a short time? Had he taken them all out? Impossible! Chapter 887 Keith knew he was in a tough spot. Even with his own skills, there was no way he and his crew could take down the mysterious gang in such a short timeframe. It seemed like the only option was that he had struck some sort of deal with them. "What did you promise them to get them off our backs?" he was asked, his tone icy, "It''s none of your business." Elliot, frowning slightly, couldn''t help but interject, "Keith, you know as well as I do that those people are bad news. Making deals with them is ying with fire." Keith''s gaze softened as he looked at Elliot, "Who said anything about making deals?" Elliot paused, then countered, "How did you manage to negotiate without offering them something in return? They wouldn''t just agree to your terms for no reason." Clearly, they had been after something valuable from Keith, something he was unwilling to give up. Not because of any sentimental value it held for Tarquin, but because Keith saw this ''treasure'' as his own, not a pawn in their games. "But now, suddenly, they agree with you and no longer want to use the ''treasure'' for their schemes. You must have offered them something," Elliot reasoned. Keith didn''t directly answer but simply stated, "My love for this ''treasure'' is genuine. I wouldn''t let anyone harm it. If I hadn''t eliminated all potential threats, I wouldn''t havee to take it back. And I won''t let anyone take it from me. Whether you agree or not, I''m leaving with it today." He then turned to Tarquin, "You can''t stop me, unless you want it to resent you." Tarquin was visibly frustrated and couldn''t think of a way to counter Keith''s argument. It was a harsh truth; if he hurt Keith, the ''treasure'' would indeed hate him, something he feared and cared about deeply. Elliot, Evan, and Elijah all looked worriedly at Tarquin, understanding the delicate situation. Keith had Tarquin in a tight spot. Seeing no other way out, Tarquin finally said, "You can take the ''treasure''." The room fell silent, the brothers surprised yet somehow expecting this concession. "But," Tarquin continued, "I have conditions. First, I want to send someone with the ''treasure'' to ensure its safety and well-being. Second, we should be able to visit anytime, no objections. Third, this is your only chance to take the ''treasure'' from under my watch. If it gets hurt or mistreated in any way, I''ll take it back immediately." Keith hesitated, considering the conditions. The first and second were tricky; having someone from Tarquin''s side meant constant surveince, like having a spy in his midst. And while he didn''t mind Elysia or the kids visiting, Tarquin was a different story. The ''treasure'', though fond of calling him daddy and Tarquin Mr. Handsome, made Keith feel threatened. He feared that prolonged contact would make the ''treasure'' prefer Tarquin over him, especially considering their biological connection. Chapter 888 Keith hesitated, and Tarquin, with a stern face, said, "None of these conditions can be dropped. If you don''t agree, then we have nothing to talk about! I might forcibly keep my little girl here, and she might resent me for it. But do you think, if you force her away from her mother, she won''t resent you? She likes you, sure, but she loves her mom too!" The only way to spare our little girl any heartache is for both parties to reconcile. If we can''te to an agreement, then we''ll just have to let our little girl see the discord between us, which will only upset her. Keith frowned deeply, silent for a moment before finally agreeing, "Fine, I agree!" With that, he stood up and headed for the yard, eager to take his little girl away, not wanting to spend another second in this ce. The three little ones were displeased but found themselves at a loss. Elliot and Elijah quickly followed Keith out, to prevent him from doing anything to their mom. Evan clenched his small fists, his face dark with determination as he told Tarquin, "Let me go! I''ll protect my little sister!" Tarquin immediately refused, "You''re better off staying here to protect your mother. I have someone else in mind for the job." The thought of Keith taking his little girl was infuriating enough, let alone letting him take both of his kids. Evan was skilled, sure, but impulsive and too quick to resolve things with his fists, unlike Elliot and Elijah who were more level-headed. Sending him could only lead to trouble. So, he couldn''t let him go. After sending Evan away, Tarquin made a call to Axel, "Get Tamsin back here now." Tamsin was a bodyguard personally trained by Axel, highly skilled in her craft. Not only was she proficient in self-defense, but she was also sharp-witted and could even handle cooking andundry, making her the perfect candidate to look after their little girl. Just as Tarquin finished the call, Elysia returned, her eyes red with tears, "You''re letting our little girl go with Keith?" Tarquinforted her, "It''s only temporary. Once she gets to know us better, we''ll tell her the truth and bring her back from Keith''s side! Right now, she''s unfamiliar with us. If we forcibly stop her from going with Keith, it''ll lead to a confrontation that could scare her. She''d be heartbroken, and she might even resent us." "But..." Elysia''s heart ached, "Our little girl just came back to us, and I''ve only just reunited with my daughter..." Tarquin hugged her, gently stroking her hair to soothe her, "Trust me, we''re only temporarily separating from our little girl. It won''t be long before I bring her back! Keith''s involved with some shady characters, and it''s only a matter of time before he gets caught. Once we have the evidence, Keith will have no choice but to bring our little girl back to us. He knows that besides himself, we love her the most. When he''s backed into a corner, he''ll have to return her to us!" He continued, "I''ve made terms with Keith. We can see our little girl anytime. I''ve also arranged for someone to look after her daily needs, so you can stay updated on her every move. And even though we don''t like Keith, one thing''s for sure: he loves our little girl. He won''t let her suffer or harm her in any way. She''s safe with him, and she might even be happy." Elysia sniffled, "I want to go with her. I can take care of her daily needs." Tarquin immediately refused. If Elysia went, Keith would be overjoyed! He would never send his wife into Keith''s clutches! "You don''t know self-defense. You can''t protect our little girl. It''s not suitable for you to go. I''ve arranged for a female bodyguard to go instead." Chapter 889 Keith had just taken the little one away, and in an effort to spare her feelings, Elysia and the kids tried their best to hold back their tears until the car was out of sight of the Grand Estate. But as soon as Keith''s car turned the corner, tears broke free like a dam unleashed. Elysia and Emmett were inconsble, their cries louder than the rest. Elysia''s tears flowed like a torrential downpour, unstoppable. Emmett, on the other hand, was a mix of snot and tears, a sight so messy it was hard to tell one from the other. Inside Keith''s car, the little girl sat in hisp, her intuition telling her that her mom and brothers were also in distress. Her little face frowned, her head hanging low, clearly troubled. Keith noticed her mood and asked, "What''s wrong, sweetheart? Not feeling happy?" Lifting her head, her eyes brimming with tears, she said, "I miss Mommy and my brothers. I know they must be missing me too." Keith tenderly stroked her hair andforted her, "They love you just as much as you love them, and I''m sure they''re thinking of you too. But don''t worry, they cane over to our ce anytime, and you can always video call them whenever you miss them." The little girl then asked, "Daddy, why can''t Mommy and my brotherse with us? Why do they have to stay at Mr. Handsome''s ce? And why do my brothers look like Mr. Handsome instead of you?" Keith paused for a few seconds before exining, "Sweetheart, due to some reasons, your mommy, your brothers, and I had to live apart after you were born. We''ve been living in Maplewood, while they''ve been somewhere else. Right now, things between your mom and me aren''t stable enough for us to live together. But don''t worry, once your mom and I sort things out, I''ll bring them over so we can all live together, forever and never apart." The little girl, easilyforted, nodded, "Okay! Then Daddy, you have to work hard, okay? Make things right with Mommy soon." Keith chuckled, "I will." "Can Mommy and my brotherse to visit me tomorrow, then?" she asked with hope. "Yes, of course, they can," Keith reassured her. The little girl beamed, "And can Mr. Handsomee too?" Keith hesitated, "...Sweetheart, do you like Mr. Handsome?" "Yes, I do." "...Why?" "Because he looks like my brothers, and I like that. Plus, Mr. Handsome is really nice to me. He always makes sure I have enough to eat, ys games with me, and tells me stories. Mr. Handsome said he likes me a lot, and since he likes me, I like him too." Keith felt a twinge of jealousy, "If you had to choose between him and me, who would you choose?" "Of course, I''d choose you, Daddy. I love you the most." The little girl leaned in and nted a loud kiss on Keith''s cheek. Keith''s heart melted instantly, hisughter genuine and youthful, a happiness only seen in his daughter''s presence. "Daddy loves you the most too." Suddenly, a sinister chuckle broke the heartwarming scene, startling Keith. He looked around and saw a ck SUV with its window rolling up next to them. Keith couldn''t see who was inside, but that eerieugh unmistakably belonged to that man! Chapter 890 Keith''s brow was furrowed, his nerves on edge. He bit down on his back teeth, about to swing the car door open and check things out, when the other vehicle suddenly shot off. As the red light turned green, Keith''s car started moving forward. Rolling down the window, he leaned out to look. The SUV had already zoomed past the intersection, speeding off into the distance, leaving them far behind. He wanted to tell the driver to speed up, but he was worried about scaring his precious one. And with his precious one in the car, he didn''t dare let the driver race. Left with no choice, he had to give up the pursuit. Raising the window, he darkened his face in thought for a moment, then pulled out his phone and made a call, "Any progress on the matter I asked you to investigate?" "We''ve got a bit of news. Heard that person is also in Jindale City, but we haven''t pinpointed their exact location yet." "Speed it up, and let me know immediately if there''s any news!" Hanging up, Keith let out a sigh. He had taken Elliot''s words to heart and had people looking into it. How he had managed to escape from Gideon''s clutches only to fall into the hands of traffickers was hard to trace. But the affair in Hill Vige was still investigable. If the one who took him up the mountain that night wasn''t Kendrick... Keith''s brow was locked, he bit down hard on his back teeth, a fierce glint shing in the corner of his eye! ... At Number One Mansion. After Tarquin had tucked Elysia and Emmett into bed, he went out. He wanted to have a detailed discussion with the police about the Bed and Breakfast incident. Without a doubt, the mysterious person had something to do with the Farmjoy Estate; it might even be one of his hideouts. He wanted to hear the police''s ns, and also to see if they had any information on the mysterious person. Elijah and Elliot were busy in the small study. Having Keith take their sister away again, the three brothers were both upset and angry! They were eager to clear up the matter with Keith and the mysterious person, then lock them all up and bring their sister back! Elliot, with a clear train of thought, realized that to investigate the mysterious person, they had to start with Keith. They had to start with Keith! After Keith took their sister today, he finally understood something. The promise from those people not to harm their sister again might not be because Keith had struck some deal with them. It could also be that Keith had something on them! Meaning, they had vulnerabilities that Keith was exploiting. Keith used these vulnerabilities to warn and threaten them not to harm their sister again. If that was the case, then they needed to pry Keith''s mouth open even more urgently. Perhaps by doing so, they could directly obtain the mysterious person''s vulnerabilities from Keith and take him down in one fell swoop! Therefore, Elliot was now eagerly investigating the Hill Vige affair, that is, the matter between Kendrick and Keith. To get Keith to talk, they had to start with the Hill Vige affair! At the very least, they had to make Keith drop his hatred for Tarquin first! Yesterday, Lowell paid another visit to the Tyler couple, and the recording was already brought back. Today at noon, Elijah had already cleared up all the surviving vigers of Hill Vige and had arranged for people to visit them. Looking at the information on the Hill Vige vigers, Evan asked, "Why are there question marks after Keith''s foster parents? Can''t find their information?" Elijah nodded, "A cross means they have passed away, a tick means they are still alive, and a question mark means we couldn''t find any info, whether they are dead or alive is unclear." Evan said, "Back then, they abused Keith so badly, maybe they''ve been silenced." Elijah shook his head, "Not necessarily. Keith was just a kid when he was in Hill Vige, he didn''t have the means to kill anyone." "But he did when he grew up. After the Hill Vige incident, maybe it was rted to him." Elijah said, "But, his foster parents disappeared when he was a child. The vigers all said they took the money and went to live the high life in the city, never to be heard from again. At that time, Keith definitely didn''t have the ability to harm them." Elliot stared at the information on Keith''s foster parents for a while, thoughtful. In the afternoon, the person responsible for the visits sent all the recordings over. Elliot quickly arranged for Elijah and Evan to listen carefully, instructing them to jot down any useful information they heard. The three brothers did not disturb each other, each listening to their own. After finishing the visit recordings, Elliotpared the notes of the three brothers. And what they found... They unearthed a crucial piece of information! Chapter 891 In the quaint Hill Vige, everyone buzzed about three major events. First was the adoption. Ms. Gonzalez decided to adopt Aiden, and her boyfriend, who hade to town, was in on the decision too. Second was movie night. Ms. Gonzalez''s boyfriend had brought a projector to the vige and screened a film for everyone. This was a big deal since it was the first time many in the vige had seen a movie. Their homes didn''t have TVs, and the experience was both novel and exciting. Third was the thunderstorm. On the day Ms. Gonzalez nned to take Aiden away, a torrential downpour nearly washed away the vige. It was terrifying. The vigers were already familiar with the adoption and the storm, but the movie night stood out in their memories. They mentioned that Kendrick''s friend was the one who brought the film. He was about Kendrick''s age, obviously a city boy with his clean, stylish look. He spent his nights enthralling the vigers with movies and his days capturing their smiles in photographs, weaving through them with his camera, preserving memories. Back then, Elizabeth and Kendrick were boarding at the local school, and so did the city boy. The vigers liked him; he had a good vibe, always joking around with Kendrick. They seemed close, like true friends. While discussing the adoption with Aiden''s prospective parents, Kendrick often included him, even asking him to record the conversations as a precautionary measure. This was crucial information! The city boy, with his camera and close ties to Kendrick, was staying at the school. This was a lead they couldn''t ignore! The trio quickly dug up everything about him. His name was Lucian, a friend Kendrick made while studying abroad, intow and passionate about photography. He lived in Jindale City, just a half-hour drive from the Number One Mansion! Evan was thrilled, "Let''s go find him! Right now!" Elliot nodded. Lucian was a breakthrough, guaranteed to reveal new insights. But before setting off, Elliot made a call to Tarquin. No answer, so he left a voicemail detailing their ns. With the stakes raised by a recent discovery at a local farm, Elliot was even more cautious. Though Evan''s presence meant safety wasn''t a concern, it was still important to keep Tarquin in the loop to prevent unnecessary worry. ... Half an hourter, the Bradford family chauffeur dropped the trio at Lucian''splex. Before they could even get out, Elliot noticed something off. Two police cars and an ambnce were parked outside Lucian''s building, surrounded by a crowd whispering and specting - clearly, something major had happened. A sinking feeling gripped Elliot... Just as he was about to step out for a closer look, two police officers hurried out of the building, followed by medics carrying a stretcher. On it was Lucian, gravely injured, covered in blood, unconscious. Elliot and Elijah exchanged worried nces. Had someone else found Lucian first, attempting to silence him? "Keith!" Evan suddenly shouted. Before Elliot and Elijah could react, Evan had already flung open the car door and dashed towards the crowd. Keith, disguised with a mask and a cap, frowned upon spotting Evan. He quickly ducked into the adjacent building. Evan followed without hesitation. Catching up, Elliot and Elijah jumped out of the car and chased after them. Chapter 892 Tarquin had arranged undercover bodyguards around the trio, and seeing the situation unfold, they quickly followed suit. Evan chased Keith all the way to the rooftop, his face dark with anger, shouting, "Keith, I''ve recognized you, stop running! Wherever you go, I''ll follow, even into your own house! Do you really want me to confront you in front of our darling?" Keith remained silent. Elliot and Elijah caught up and were surprised to see Keith frowning, not expecting him at this ce. Today, Keith had just brought their darling back home. Given Keith''s affection for their darling, they had expected him to stay indoors, devotedly keeping their darlingpany. "Did you hurt Lucian?¡± Evan demanded. Keith didn''t respond but nced at the bodyguards behind the trio and said, "I don''t want to get into a fight with you guys, so don''t push me." Evan grew angrier. "What are you thinking? Lucian was also at Hill Vige back in the day; he must know a lot. You..." "Lucian was saved by you, right?" Elliot suddenly interrupted Evan. Evan red. "What?!" Keith remained silent. Elliot continued, "Lucian is just an ordinary guy. If Keith wanted to harm him, he''d be dead by now, not barely hanging on." It must have been someone trying to silence Lucian for good, and Keith happened to stumble upon it, saving Lucian in the process. Before Keith could speak, Elliot added, "Since Keith managed to find Lucian, he must be after the same thing as us, trying to uncover the truth about Hill Vige, right? Did you find anything, Keith?" Keith frowned, "This is adult business; kids shouldn''t get involved. It''s not good for you. Our darling cares a lot about you guys; I hope you stay safe." Elliot said, ¡°Our darling cares a lot about Keith too, hoping Keith stays safe. Keith should protect himself from the bad guys." Keith remained silent. Elliot went on, "Regardless of whether you found out anything from Lucian, the fact that someone tried to assassinate him proves there''s something fishy about that night. If it was really Kendrick who took you up the mountain that night, there''d be no need to target Lucian. Killing Lucian is just to prevent you from learning the truth about that night. Why? The answer is obvious; someone wants you to keep misunderstanding Kendrick, to keep hating my dad." Keith''s brows were tightly knit, and he stayed silent, contemting. Elliot concluded, "Keith, seeing is not always believing. What you saw that night might not have been Kendrick at all. The incident with Lucian says it all." If it was indeed Kendrick''s doing, there''d be no need to silence Lucian. The attempt on Lucian''s life was clearly because he could prove Kendrick wasn''t on the mountain that night. Keith stared at Elliot for a long while, his lips moving slightly, but no sound came out. Without a word, he turned and walked towards the safety door. Evan wanted to stop him, but Elliot held him back, ¡°Let Keith go. It couldn''t have been him. Keith''s smart; he''ll figure something out from this." Though it seemed he was speaking to Evan, his words were meant for Keith. Keith, fully aware, nced at Elliot but continued walking without a word. Evan was frustrated. Although Elliot was guiding Keith towards a conclusion, they stillcked hard evidence. With Lucian''s incident, their leads had hit a dead end. So frustrating! Suddenly, the rooftop safety door swung open. Tarquin, dressed in a sharp dark suit, appeared before them, blocking Keith''s way. Chapter 893 Keith furrowed his brows, his voice tinged with a cold indifference, "Move!" Tarquin gave him aplex look, ignoring his demand and walked straight towards the trio, "Are you all okay? Any injuries?" Elliot and Elijah shook their heads in unison. Evan, unable to hide his anxiety, blurted out, "We were toote. Lucian got knocked out by someone else. I don''t know if he can wake up! If he doesn''t, we lose this lead!" Tarquin, with a face full ofpassion, gently patted Evan''s head, "It''s okay." He then turned to Keith, his brows knitting together, his expression turning frosty, "Before you go, listen to this recording. It''s about your foster parents." Keith stopped in his tracks, surprised, and turned to Tarquin, "What?" Tarquin pulled out a recorder, pressing y in front of Keith. On the rooftop, the voices of Keith''s foster parents filled the air, charged with emotion, " We had no clue what got into him that day. He had been so eager to go with Ms. Gonzalez. When Ms. Gonzalez said she wanted to adopt him, he was over the moon, practically bouncing off the walls with joy! Because he was so happy, his old man gave him a beating, calling him an ungrateful wretch! Usually, he''d just clench his teeth and bear it, not even letting a whimper escape him when he cried. But that day, even after the beating, he was still grinning like an idiot! Can you imagine how happy he must have been? He really wanted to go with Ms. Gonzalez. But when Ms. Gonzalez and her boyfriend came to pick him up, he suddenlyshed out, even bit Ms. Gonzalez''s boyfriend. We had no idea what got into him! It rained cats and dogs that night. We noticed he had run out and went looking for him. In that downpour, if something happened to him, and we had already taken the money, Ms. Gonzalez would surely want it back. So we had to find him, to ensure nothing happened to him on our watch! We braved the storm searching through the vige, and then we saw Ms. Gonzalez''s boyfriend, dragging him by the leg towards the old mill. Honestly, the scene was quite terrifying! We wanted to rush over and ask what was going on, but we had already taken the money. Aiden wasn''t our kid anymore, and we didn''t have the right to intervene, did we? We guessed Ms. Gonzalez''s boyfriend probably didn''t want to adopt Aiden after all. He was just pretending in front of Ms. Gonzalez during the day. Taking Aiden to the millte at night, he must have been up to no good, even murder was a possibility! We didn''t care for the kid, nor his well-being, but we were worried about having to face Ms. Gonzalez the next day. So, we went to the school to inform Ms. Gonzalez! But when we got to the school, it was bizarre! Ms. Gonzalez''s boyfriend was there! He was there,forting Ms. Gonzalez about the Aiden situation. We were utterly shocked. We had clearly seen him in a ck raincoat taking Aiden to the old mill, how could he be at the school? And his hair was dry, his clothes and shoes too, didn''t look like he had been out at all! The person who had been showing us the film at school was also there, saying that depending on the situation, if Ms. Gonzalez''s boyfriend couldn''t handle it, he would talk to Aiden, see what he really wanted. Although curious about how Ms. Gonzalez''s boyfriend managed to be at the mill and then at the school in such a short span, we didn''t dare to ask more. After eavesdropping for a bit, we just headed home, baffled. The next day, Aiden was gone! When Ms. Gonzalez and her boyfriend came looking, we didn''t dare tell the truth. Aiden must have been harmed by Ms. Gonzalez''s boyfriend, and if we spoke up, what if he came after us? So, we pretended to know nothing, lying that Aiden had gone to see Ms. Gonzalez the previous night and hadn''t returned. Chapter 894 After searching the vige for two days, there was still no sign of Aiden. The locals all spected that Aiden was deliberately hiding because he didn''t want to leave with them. During those two days, Ms. Gonzalez was beside herself with worry, not eating or drinking, searching everywhere for Aiden. They even ventured to the wooded hills behind the vige, but found not a trace of him, dead or alive! At one point, while searching for Aiden, Ms. Gonzalez suddenly fainted. Her boyfriend, panicked, scooped her up and ran to the clinic. When the clinic couldn''t help, he rushed Ms. Gonzalez to the city hospital and they never returned to Hill Vige after that. Back then, we had the money and didn''t think to keep searching for Aiden, so we just left Hill Vige..." Today, when Elliot called, Tarquin was discussing the Farmjoy Estate case with the police. Their conversation turned to Keith and then to Hill Vige. The police mentioned they had just arrested a couple from Hill Vige for child trafficking. Tarquin dug a bit deeper and was shocked to discover that this couple was Aiden''s adoptive parents. Years ago, when Elizabeth and Kendrick wanted to adopt Aiden, they had given the couple a substantial amount of money. After spending all that money, the couple resorted back to their criminal ways. The police had finally caught up with them! After reading Elliot''s message, Tarquin immediately questioned him about that night and even recorded the conversation. Anyone with a sharp ear could tell there was something off. Kendrick couldn''t be in two ces at once. The person who took Aiden to the hills wasn''t Kendrick himself! After ying the recording, Tarquin turned to Keith and said, "That night, Lucian was with my parents, he''s a witness too. If he wakes up, you could ask him for more details. Even if he doesn''t, you surely understand the truth by now. Your anger is misced. You should be furious at Gideon and the Bradford family, at the person who pretended to be Kendrick and took you to the hills, not Kendrick himself! He might not love you like my mother does, but he did what he could to help you. He never intended to hurt you; he always hoped for your well- being!" With that, Tarquin left with his entourage, leaving Keith standing alone on the quiet rooftop. Tears welled in Keith''s eyes, his chest tight with emotion he couldn''t express, overwhelmed by the revtions. He remembered the first day he met Kendrick, the day they were supposed to leave Hill Vige together. Kendrick, dressed in an expensive tailored suit, stood beside Elizabeth, looking dashing and gentlemanly. Keith remembered Kendrick''s weing smile and hearty greeting, "Aiden!" He also remembered biting Kendrick''s arm hard in defiance, causing Kendrick to wince in pain, yet Kendrick was still trying to calm his adoptive parents and the neighbors, "Take it easy, don''t shout, don''t scare the kid!" Keith recalled the letters Kendrick wrote to Elizabeth before going to Hill Vige, filled with blessings for him and eagerness to meet him... Over the years, whenever he thought of Elizabeth, images of Kendrick would also surface. But despite these memories, Keith had never felt anything but disdain for Kendrick, seeing him as nothing but a hypocrite and a monster. He had once eagerly anticipated bing a family with Kendrick, fueled by the stories Elizabeth told him. But all those hopes shattered on a stormy night on the hills. Chapter 895 What happened on that mountain that night? They were nearly as close as father and son, so why did he grow to hate Kendrick with such intensity? There''s always a reason for hatred; nobody despises another without cause. Fragments of memories shed through Keith''s mind... He began to shiver, anxiety creeping in, breaths bing short as if an invisible hand gripped his throat tightly, just like that fateful night. Suddenly, the scenery before his eyes shifted, and he was back to that horrifying night. The night was pitch ck, the rain pouring down heavily. Because Kendrick bore a striking resemnce to Gideon, seeing Kendrick during the day brought back all those memories of the scenes in the studio. He was scared and filled with hatred, spending the day in fear until he finally decided to muster the courage to seek out Elizabeth. He was young, powerless to seek revenge, but he couldn''t just ignore Elizabeth. He needed to share his own experiences with her, to warn her away from the demon. However, on his way, he ran into Kendrick. Kendrick, wearing a ck raincoat with a wide-brimmed hat, appeared suddenly in front of him, blocking his path. His eyes were cast down, silent, but his gaze was intensely sinister. As the rain thundered down, Kendrick grabbed Keith by the leg and dragged him towards the back of the mountain. Keith was terrified. He resisted but to no avail, his cries for help drowned out by the pouring rain. The back mountain wasn''t just one mountain; it was a whole range backing onto Hill Vige. Mountains connected to mountains, all undeveloped wilderness, the terrain steep and difficult, with wild animals roaming. By the time Kendrick stopped, Keith was already battered and bruised. Then, three unforgettable events happened. First, Kendrick left him there alone and walked away. Soon after, a stranger appeared by his side. The stranger didn''t recognize him and was shocked to find him on the mountainte at night. Before Keith could respond, the stranger hurriedly urged him to get up, warning of dangerous animals nearby and that they needed to run or be eaten. Hearing the howls of wolves mixed with other wild animals, Keith was petrified. Without a moment''s hesitation, he mustered all his strength to get up and started running with the stranger. They ran ahead with wolves and wild animals chasing behind them. It felt like a scene from a horror movie, a deadly game, but this was no game; it was a real hunt. How scared was he? Imagine someone who''s terrified of snakes being thrown into a dark pit full of them. But the worst was yet toe. As they ran, a wild wolf suddenly leaped out, biting the stranger''s neck, blood sttering everywhere, blinding Keith. When he managed to open his eyes again, the stranger was being devoured by the pack. The dim moonlight revealed a sight so gruesome, he would never forget it. The second event was after the stranger''s death, Keith found himself in a cer. To his shock, he saw his sister, his own sister! But there was no joy in their reunion, only panic. His sister was being assaulted by a man, echoing the scene of his mother being abused by Gideon. Seeing him, his sister''s initial surprise turned into frantic desperation. She shook her head wildly, crying, looking outside, begging him to leave! He was so shocked he momentarily forgot the bloody scene before, desperate to save his sister! However, another man held him down by the neck, pinning him to the ground. He couldn''t scream or move; he could only watch helplessly as his sister was assaulted to death! The anger and despair were indescribable, much like when Phineas had to watch Kelsey being bullied to death. As he stared at his sister''s lifeless body, not even allowing him to go mad, the third event unfolded. Chapter 896 The devil''s grip tightened around him... In that moment of being torn apart, he suddenly found himself engulfed in darkness, his body plummeting rapidly. Below him was a bottomless abyss, a veritable inferno of the mortal realm! At the bottom of the abyss, it seemed as though countless demons were fixating their gaze on him, their red eyes gleaming, their sinisterughter echoing as they brandished their ws in wee, as if to say: Wee to hell, my friend! At that moment, he was overwhelmed with sorrow and fear, yet he still struggled, resisted, fought back with all his might! Because Elizabeth had once told him: "In this life, no matter how you live, it''s all the same life. A life under the sun is a life, and a life in the gutter is a life too. But if you want to live freely andfortably, you must not be a viin. You have to be good. Only good people can live with their hearts at ease and be truly free. Viins live with constant fear, burdened for a lifetime, leading a life full of exhaustion. So, for your own happiness, don''t choose to be a viin!" So, he didn''t want to be a demon; he wanted to be a good, upright person! He wanted to cry out for help, but no sound would escape his lips. In his heart, he called out over and over again to those he cared about, longing for salvation. He called out to his mother, his father, his brother and sister, he called out to Elizabeth! But the result of his calls was: He saw his mother being tortured to death by Gideon, and his father died with a heart full of resentment. He witnessed the tragic deaths of his two brothers and sister, their eyes wide open in death. He saw Elizabeth, arm in arm with Kendrick, appearing before him, telling him that Kendrick was a good man... His parents and siblings were gone, unable to save him anymore. Elizabeth had also fallen for the demon and could no longer save him. He was utterly defeated... There''s no greater sorrow than a dead heart; he stopped resisting, stopped struggling. He closed his eyes, letting himself fall into the abyss, into the ''embrace'' of the demons. In that moment, he felt his mother''s pain, understanding why she had stopped resisting; her heart was dead. If the tragedy in the painting studio was a fatal blow, Then everything that happened on the mountain was a double blow! The pain in the studio was seen with the eyes. The pain on the mountain was experienced firsthand! Seeing with the eyes is naturally not as direct or as painful as experiencing it firsthand! Everything was over, there was no more Quin, no more Aiden, only the demon Keith! So, how could he not hate Kendrick? He was filled with hatred! Kendrick had killed his sister! He made him experience firsthand his brothers'' fear, his father''s despair, and his mother''s grief! Kendrick also stole the only light that could have saved him (Elizabeth). Kendrick hurt him in such a brutal way, yet didn''t kill him directly, like a cat ying with a mouse. He trampled on him from a position of power! If Gideon destroyed his happiness, then Kendrick directly pushed him into the abyss, turning him into aplete demon! So he hated, hated Kendrick, hated Gideon, hated the entire Bradford family! If it weren''t for the hatred sustaining him, he would have died long ago! Over the years, in his quest for vengeance, he did many bad things, but among Gideon and the Bradford family, he hated Kendrick the most! First, because Gideon and the Bradford family were inconsequential. Though ruthless, they were fools, easily dealt with, posing no challenge. He let them live, not wishing their deaths toe too quickly. Like a cat with a mouse, he wanted to crush thempletely for satisfaction! Second, because Kendrick was dead! He had actually died, leaving no chance for him to be tormented by him! To him, this was an immense regret! With nowhere to vent his fury, he transferred his hatred to Tarquin! Chapter 897 But Keith didn''t want to just kill Tarquin. Not because he doubted his capability to do so, but because the thought of directly ending his life never crossed his mind. He wanted to torment Tarquin slowly, just like Kendrick had tormented him, ying a cruel game of cat and mouse until Tarquin was broken! He stole Tarquin''s child, manipted Gideon to drive Elijah into severe mental illness, all to make Tarquin suffer! He wanted to use Elysia to inflict pain on Tarquin! To use everything precious to Tarquin as a weapon against him! As long as it made Tarquin suffer, Keith was willing to do anything! And then, the cruel twist of fate - he had been hating the wrong person all along. He was told that the person who had led him astray, who had turned him into a monster, wasn''t Kendrick but an imposter! He was told he had been seeking revenge on the wrong person, repaying kindness with enmity! He was told his real enemy was still out there, probably watching andughing at him from the shadows. Keith let out a bitterugh, which soon turned into sobs. Standing alone on the rooftop, his vision blurred by tears, his body shaking violently. He cried like a helpless child, his cries loud and heart-wrenching! Crying until he was gasping for air, crying until he felt like he was suffocating! Why? Why did he have to suffer like this? What had he done in his past life to deserve such punishment in this one? He couldn''t understand, he truly couldn''t make sense of it! He had had a happy family, only for it to be destroyed overnight! He had found redemption, had started to hope again for the future, only for it to be crushed once more! He was naturally kind-hearted, without a trace of malice, yet he was being turned into a monster! Who could tell him why? Suddenly, Phineas''s voice echoed in his ears, "Dad hoped Quin would grow up to be a soldier, standing tall for his country, bringing peace and stability to his home!" Kelsey made a face, "So why did you be an artist instead of a soldier? It''s each person''s life, their own choice. Whether Quin bes a soldier isn''t the point; having a patriotic heart is what matters. What''s important is that our Quin lives a peaceful, happy life." The eldest brother said, "I''m going to join the army, to protect our country and provide the safest, happiest life possible for Quin!" The second brother added, "Me too, the responsibility to protect our country is on us brothers, let Quin grow up however he wishes. He can be an artist like dad or a teacher like mom, whatever he wants." Their sister said, "Quin, as your eldest sister, I''ll always love you. Don''t worry, whatever happens, you''ll always have my love. Surrounded by love, Quin is sure to grow up into a kind-hearted person." Then Elizabeth''s voice filled his ears, "He''s tall, handsome, and morally upright, my favorite man, the only one I''d entrust my life to! I love him!" "I''m confident that Aiden will like him too, because he''s outstanding, and because Aiden loves me. Loving me, Aiden will inevitably love him too!" "When we leave Hill Vige, we''ll settle abroad together, get married, and have a little brother or sister for Aiden, so Aiden can be a big brother." "Aiden, do you want a little brother or a sister? Either way, you''ll surely love them, right?" "Aiden, see that brightest star in the sky? Beautiful, isn''t it? I hope your life will also shine brightly, unparalleled." " " Suddenly, the sky opened up, pouring down heavy rain. Chapter 898 Keithy sprawled on the rooftop, arms wide open as he gazed up at the sky, letting the rain wash over him. His tears had long since blurred his vision, mixing with the rain that slid down his cheeks. He wasn''t sure if it was exhaustion from crying or the weariness of his heart, but suddenly, he yearned for rest. Slowly, he closed his eyes, and in that moment of darkness, he questioned the heavens, "God, are you satisfied seeing me in so much pain?!" "God, what did I do in my past life to deserve this agony?!" Time passed indistinctly until Keith''s phone began to ring. It rang incessantly, but Keith ignored it. Only when the unique ringtone of his darling child echoed did he slowly open his eyes and took a deep breath before sitting up. Brushing the rain from his face, he pulled out his phone and answered, "Hello?" His voice was hoarse, trembling, like a child who had been wronged receiving a call from their parents. In a sweet, childlike voice, his baby asked, "Daddy, it''s raining, isn''t it? A big, big rain. Did you remember to bring an umbre?" A glimmer of warmth seeped into Keith''s chilled heart, perhaps the only person in this world who still cared and loved him. Those who had cared for him, who had loved him, had all left him behind! Keith didn''t know whether to feel sad or fortunate that there was still someone in this world who loved him. He sniffled, responding tenderly to this love, his voice almost a whisper, "Daddy isn''t afraid of getting wet." "But baby is scared, getting wet can make you sick, and the doctor will have to give Daddy a shot and make him take very, very bitter medicine. So Daddy, don''t get wet, you have to be good!" Keith chuckled, tears welling up again, "Okay, Daddy won''t get wet." He got up and obediently walked inside the building. Baby said not to get wet. Baby said to be good. Yes, he had to be good, to listen to his child, to cherish thisst bit of love. Again, in that sweet, childlike voice, his baby asked, "Daddy, when will youe back? I want to have dinner with you. Tamsin made lots of yummy food, and even your favorite dish." "...Daddy will be home soon." "Mhm, baby will wait at home for Daddy, kiss kiss." The little girl blew Keith a kiss through the screen, a gesture he cherished deeply. He pocketed his phone, wiped away his tears, and sat alone in the building''s corridor. Reflecting on the years, his expression shifted from pain to guilt, and then to fierce determination! He had thought that the time Kendrick had left him to be chased by wild beasts, witnessing a stranger being devoured by wolves, seeing his sister humiliated to death, and feeling torn apart himself... Experiencing his brothers'' fear, his father''s despair, his mother''s pain, was just a twisted way to torment him. But now, it seemed he had misunderstood. The culprit, perhaps seeing him redeemed by Elizabeth, feared he might forget his hatred and needed to remind him. To ensure he remembered his hatred, and even deepen it! Someone had targeted him, deliberately pushing him into the abyss, turning him into aplete monster. "Heh-" Keith let out a coldugh, mocking either himself or those responsible. He truly was... pitifully miserable and foolishly so! Completely exploited by others! The next moment, Keith''s brow furrowed, his gaze turning viciously sharp! After a while, he managed topose himself, nced at the pouring rain outside, and muttered, "Every debt has its debtor." With that, he stood up and left. Chapter 899 In May, the skies over Jindale City darkened with an unseasonal storm, as if the heavens themselves were ready to devour the city whole. The windshield wipers battled furiously against the deluge, but visibility remained a challenge. The driver, cautious, slowed to a crawl, which meant Tarquin and his three sons were yet to reach home. Within the car, the atmosphere was thick with tension as the family of four, brows furrowed, stared out at the rain-soaked world beyond the ss, each lost in a sea of heavy thoughts. The air inside the car felt oppressively heavy. Evan, the youngest, twisting his face in difort, finally broke the silence, turning to his brother Elliot with a troubled expression, "Bro, I''m upset." Elliot, who had been ruminating over Keith''s situation, nced at him, concern evident in his tone, "What''s up? Is it about Keith?" "Yeah. After hearing what Keith''s foster parents said, I''m furious. They''re despicable, aren''t they? If Mom found out someone was dragging us up a hill, she''d go ballistic! Keith''s foster parents only care about cash. They''re scum; better off dead!" Elliot frowned, adding, "Evil lurks in the shadows, but justice always prevails. They''re caught now, doomed to spend their lives behind bars. They don''t deserve any less." Whether it was one''s own parents or foster ones, such vile individuals didn''t merit a peaceful end. "Do you think Keith will see the truth this time?" "Keith''s no fool. He''ll see right through it." The whole debacle with Lucian at this crucial juncture just screamed that something was amiss in Hill Vige. Coupled with the recordings of Keith''s foster parents, anyone with half a brain could piece together the truth. Evan, still perplexed, questioned, "Bro, what do you think was going through the mind of the person pulling the strings? Keith was just a kid back then, hardly of any use. Why spend so much effort on him? To target Grandpa using Keith, they''d have to wait till he was grown. Seems like a high time cost!" As Evan finished, silence once again enveloped the car. Tarquin and Elliot, too, pondered this enigma. Targeting Kendrick to harm Keith was clearly a move to breed animosity. But Keith was so young back then; leveraging him against the Bradford family and Kendrick indeed seemed a long-winded strategy! The effort and energy spent on Keith could have been directly used against the Bradford family! Something just didn''t add up. "We''re in the dark because we know nothing about this mystery man''s identity. Once we drag him into the light, everything will be clear," Elliot broke the silence with a reasoned tone. At the mention, Evan''s frustration red, "Just when we thought we had a lead, it turned out to be a decoy! Now, all our hopes are pinned on Keith, who''s merely a pawn in this game! Damn it! It''s like dealing with a cockroach that just won''t die, utterly infuriating and elusive!" Evan vented, "He''s always lurking in the shadows. How do we drag him out without a single clue?" "We do have a clue. Keith is our direction," Elliot analyzed confidently. "We''re clueless about this mystery man, but Keith must know something. Now that the feud between Keith and Grandpa is clear, Keith''s focus should shift to this mystery man. We can use Keith to draw him out." With a sudden thought, Elliot turned to Tarquin, "Dad, could Keith be in danger?" Elliot voiced his concern that once Keith''s focus shifted, the mystery man might attempt to silence Keith permanently. Tarquin''s brow furrowed slightly, his expression turning grave. The children weren''t wrong, but they viewed the situation from a limited perspective. Indeed, the animosity between Keith and Kendrick had been dissolved, and Keith would naturally harbor resentment towards the mystery man, redirecting his grievances. Chapter 900 But this didn''t mean Keith was suddenly on their side, ready to join the ranks and fight the good fight together. Because of Baby. Baby was Tarquin''s flesh and blood, his only daughter. There was no way he''d let Keith have her! And Keith wasn''t about to step aside either. After more than five years of daily interactions, he had formed a deep bond with Baby. That was the irreconcble difference between him and Keith! As long as there was friction between Keith and him, there was a chance Keith would continue to coborate with the shadowy figure to take him down. Because if something happened to him, no one wouldpete with Keith for Baby. The shadowy figure surely realized this too, so for now, he wouldn''t touch Keith, just wait and see. It all depended on Keith''s next move. Tarquin didn''t delve into the details with the kids, simply saying, "Don''t worry about Keith''s safety. The shadowy figure has invested too many years in him to simply eliminate him now." After a pause, he added, "I''ll keep an eye on Keith and the shadowy figure. Don''t rush things. Keith is bound to make a big move soon. Trust me, it won''t be long before we uncover the shadowy figure. Focus on your mom for now. Baby was just taken away by Keith again, and she must be upset. Spend time with her, try to cheer her up." The three little ones nodded obediently. After all, their mom was more important than any shadowy figure! When Tarquin and his sons got home, Elysia and Emmett were video chatting with Baby. Emmett was talking about Baby''s favorite dish, steak, and the siblings were having a lively chat. Elysia sat quietly by, her gaze fixed on the screen, filled with love and longing for Baby. Though she was smiling, there was an unmistakable sadness in her eyes. She had just gotten her daughter back, yet they couldn''t be together all the time, and it pained her. Seeing her like this, Tarquin and his sons felt deeply sympathetic. Elysia''s mood wouldn''t improve until Baby was fully back with them. The three boys tried to lighten the mood, greeting Elysia and Baby with a cheerful, "Hey, Mom, hey, Baby!" Tarquin also tried to put on a happy face and joined in. He affectionately ruffled Elysia''s hair before greeting Baby on the screen. Baby was thrilled to see them, her face lighting up with joy. Elysia stepped aside to give the kids space to talk to Baby. She asked Tarquin, "With the rain pouring like this, where did you take them?" Seeing her tired look, Tarquin tenderly tucked a stray hair behind her ear, "Just out for a bit. When did you wake up?" "Just before I called you." Elysia had woken to find heavy rain outside and noticed that Tarquin and the kids weren''t home, which worried her, prompting her to call Tarquin. By that time, Tarquin and the boys were almost home. Looking out at the rain, Elysia''s face was filled with sorrow, "I wonder if it''ll rain all night?" Tarquin knew she was worried about Baby and reassured her, "Don''t worry, Tamsin''s with her. Tamsin will stay with Baby tonight." Elysia''s eyes brimmed with tears, as if she might start crying at any moment. Holding her tight, Tarquinforted her with a gentle embrace, his voice soothing, "Elysia, just a little longer. Trust me, Baby will be back with us very soon!" Elysia quickly asked, "Have you thought of a n?" "Yeah, don''t worry. I''ve got it covered." Chapter 901 The next day, before dawn even cracked the sky, Elysia Thorne was already out of bed. She had ns to see Baby today and wanted to bring some breakfast along for the visit. The moment she stirred, Tarquin Bradford was up as well, keeping herpany as they both got ready for the day, joining her in the kitchen to help prepare the meal. He even went as far as making pancakes from scratch, saying, "Baby has to try these. If she likes them, I''ll make them whenever she wants. Just say the word." Elysia mentioned, "We probably won''t be back untilte. Are you going toe by today?" "It depends on how work goes. If I can wrap up early, I''lle over. If it gets toote, I won''t make it. I''ll have the driver pick you guys up." Today, the whole family was nning to visit Baby, but Tarquin couldn''t make it because of an urgent business matter. At seven in the morning, Elysia, along with their four kids, set off to Keith Garcia''s ce. Elliot, though unsure of Tarquin''s exact ns, was certain it wasn''t just work keeping him away today. Tarquin didn''t borate, and Elliot didn''t pry too much. However, before leaving, he reassured Tarquin, "You focus on what you need to, we''ll take good care of Mom. Don''t worry about us." Tarquin, touched, ruffled Elliot''s hair, "Off you go, have fun." After the family of five embarked on their day, Tarquin too headed out to the office. Lowell, driving, reassured him, "With Evan there, you don''t have to worry about their safety. Plus, you''ve arranged for plenty of security to watch over them discreetly." Tarquin, frowning slightly, lit a cigarette but didn''t find it as satisfying as he used to. Lately, his urge to smoke had diminished. He couldn''t smoke around Elysia or the kids, and it seemed he was nearly quitting. Seeing him silent, Lowell nced at him through the rearview mirror and couldn''t help asking, "Tarquin, you don''t need to personally handle thosepany issues. Why didn''t you go with your wife to see Baby? She''s just gotten back, and given your strained rtionship with Keith, you should seize every opportunity to bond with Baby." Tarquin''s brow furrowed deeper, and after a moment, he said, "Temporary separations are for the sake of a longer future together." "Huh?" Lowell didn''t quite catch his meaning. Tarquin didn''t exin further. By eight in the morning, Tarquin received news that Elysia and the kids had arrived at Keith''s new ce, where Keith, holding Baby, greeted them at the door of his private vi, a ce with heightened security. By eight fifty, Tarquin was informed that Elysia, the kids, Baby, and Keith had left the vi together. Half an hourter, Tarquin learned they went to an amusement park. He also received a video of Elysia and the others enjoying themselves at the park. In the video, Keith was dressed in a casual navy outfit with white sneakers, smiling warmly, his usual graceful and sunny demeanor showing no signs of anything amiss. Tarquin sat at his desk, his brow furrowed in concern. Lowell, misinterpreting his mood, suggested, "Why don''t we join them?" Tarquin replied coldly, "No." Lowell was puzzled. What was Tarquin nning? Given his jealous nature, it was unlike him to allow Elysia and the kids to spend time with Keith without him. Especially considering the past, when Elysia and Elijah stayed at Future Community, Tarquin would get jealous over the smallest things, like Elysia giving Keith an extra nce! Chapter 902 Elysia and Keith were taking a leisurely stroll downstairs, and man, was he about to explode! Just the mere thought of Elysia and Keith sharing the same air was enough to drive him up the wall! Yep, he was the jealous type, a fact he hade to terms with long ago! But why was he suddenly acting all cool about it? No way, he couldn''t have suddenly be generous. Just one look at his ashen face, and you could tell the green-eyed monster had taken over! Still the same old jealous guy! He didn''t tag along, which meant he was definitely brewing some grand scheme. Lowell racked his brain but couldn''t for the life of him figure out what Tarquin was up to. Lowell didn''t want to admit that he might be a bit slow on the uptake, so he just internally grumbled: Understanding a man''s heart is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Tarquin had spent the entire day at the office, not getting a single piece of work done. Clearly, iming to be busy with work was just a facade. His mind was entirely upied with Elysia and Keith. He knew every move Elysia and Keith made! At noon, Keith took Elysia and the gang to a diner in the amusement park for lunch. In the afternoon, Keith spent the whole time with them enjoying the rides in the amusement park. At five, Keith treated them to tea and cakes. It wasn''t until six that they finally headed home. Tarquin didn''t even bother to pick them up, opting to send the driver instead. The next day, Elysia and the four little ones went to see Baby again. As usual, Tarquin didn''t go. Keith was there throughout, taking them to the aquarium and the zoo. For the next few days, Elysia and the four little ones visited Baby every day. Tarquin spent each day at the office. Keith spent each day ying with them. It wasn''t until thest day of May that Tarquin made his move. In the evening, he personally went to pick up Elysia and the four little ones, parking his car right outside Keith''s mansion. Baby and Keith were at the door seeing Elysia off, and upon seeing Tarquin, Baby beamed, "Mr. Handsome!" Tarquin lifted the little girl, spinning her around in circles with glee! He had wanted to visit his daughter every single day, but for the sake of spending a long andsting future together, he endured! And boy, was it a tough endurance! "Tomorrow is Children''s Day, Baby. How about going out to have fun with us?" Tarquin asked Baby. At his words, a flicker of unease crossed Keith''s face. Before Baby could answer, Elysia chimed in, "You''re free tomorrow?" Tarquin nodded, "Taking the day off for Children''s Day with the kids." The four little ones were thrilled, and Evan immediately grabbed Baby''s hand, saying, "Baby, wanna spend Children''s Day with us?" Emmett added, "It''s gonna be so much fun. Come with us, okay?" Baby, feeling tempted, turned to look at Keith, "Daddy, can we spend Children''s Day with them tomorrow, please?" "..." Keith, wary of Tarquin, hesitated. "Daddy, please?" Baby climbed down from Tarquin''s arms, tugging at Keith''s shirt and pleading. Keith snapped out of his reverie, fondly ruffling Baby''s hair, "Okay." Tarquin''s eyes narrowed slightly, "I''lle to pick up Baby at eight tomorrow." Keith met his gaze, pausing for a few seconds before nodding, "...Alright." After Tarquin and Elysia left, Keith was left with a heavy heart. He just couldn''t figure Tarquin out! What on earth was he nning? But one thing was for certain, Tarquin had to have a n. His absence these past few days was anything but normal. Was he nning to take Baby away tomorrow, then hide her so Keith could never see her again? That didn''t seem likely or realistic! So, what exactly had he been plotting recently? Chapter 903 Keith tossed and turned all night, a storm of unease brewing inside him as he stayed by Baby''s side, sleep far from his reach. Simrly, Tarquin was up all night. After tucking Elysia into bed, he retreated to his study, immersing himself in work until dawn. As the first light of daybreak filtered through the curtains, Elysia''s eyes fluttered open to a surprising sight¡ªa massive bouquet of flowers. Wait, not flowers-money! Blinking in disbelief, she rubbed her eyes and looked again. Yes, it was money. A whole lot of it. Her eyes widened in shock, "What?!" There, in his casual deep blue sweater, stood Tarquin, a yful smile on his face, one hand in his pocket, the other holding the unusual bouquet. "This is for you," he said, presenting the bouquet made entirely of hundred-dor bills, "Happy Children''s Day." Elysia blinked, "For me? But... I''m not a child. Why would I celebrate Children''s Day?" "Why not?" Tarquin teased, pushing the bouquet closer. "Do you like it? I made it myself." Despite its tackiness, Elysia''s heart raced with excitement. This was far better than 999 real roses. She took the bouquet, the unique scent of money enveloping her senses. "Did you really make this all by yourself?" she whispered. "Of course, am I not impressive?" boasted Tarquin, sitting beside her. Unable to resist, Elysia nted a firm kiss on his lips, "You''re amazing, thank you." The kiss took Tarquin by surprise, his heart racing at the unexpected affection. As his phone rang, he reluctantly pulled away, breathless. Tarquin handed Elysia an envelope from the bouquet before answering the call. It was Lowell on the line, making arrangements to pick up Babyter that morning. Elysia, meanwhile, was stunned by the contents of the envelope. "What does this mean?" Tarquin exined, "These stores are all next to each other. I thought you could visit them when you have time, so I bought them all. The flower shop has been yours for a while, the dessert and bubble tea shops were acquired two months ago, the coffee shop and pet storest month, and the bookstore just got renovated." "All for me?" Elysia was overwhelmed. "Yes, I''ve been keeping my identity a secret, managing them on your behalf. But now, they''re officially yours. Manage them yourself if you''d like, or let others do it. Either way, the profits are yours." Their conversation was a mixture of astonishment and affection, a testament to the unusual yet heartfelt gestures that defined their rtionship. Chapter 904 Elysia''s heart was racing. "What if... what if we lose money?" Tarquin just chuckled, "Rx, with me here, we won''t lose a penny." Elysia pouted, looking at Tarquin with eyes that slowly filled with tears before she threw herself into his arms. "How can you be so good to me?" "Sweetheart, you''re my wife. Isn''t it normal for me to treat you well? If not you, who else should I treat this way?" "But I... I''m just broke. I can''t give you anything." Tarquin affectionately stroked her hair, "You''ve given me so much more than you realize. You''ve given me beautiful, healthy kids, your love, a sense of family, happiness, and a warm home." He kissed the top of her head, "You have no idea how important you are to me, Elysia. You deserve all my love and everything I can offer." Elysia hugged Tarquin tightly, her face buried in his chest as she cried. Moved beyond words. Tarquin softlyforted her, "Don''t cry. We have to pick up the baby soon. It''s the kids'' first Halloween together. We should make it fun and memorable, let them have a st." Elysia quickly wiped her tears, flustered, "Do you have any ns? I''ve been so preupied with the babytely, I haven''t even thought about how to make today special for the kids." Lately, she had been out of sorts. It was only after Tarquin mentioned it that she realized today was Halloween. Aftering back from seeing the baby, she had wanted to discuss ns with Tarquin, but she fell asleep before they could talk. She had gone to bed early because Tarquin had lit somevender-scented candles to help her sleep. Since finding out about the baby, she had been struggling with insomnia. Tarquin, feeling sorry for her, had used the scent to help her sleep. Tarquin said, "You don''t need to worry about that, it''s my job. Today, you''re also celebrating. You and the kids are on the same team, just focus on having fun." Elysia was speechless. Tarquin added, "I''ve already got everything arranged. After we pick up the baby, we''ll head out. I promise you and the kids will have a great time." Elysia threw herself into his arms again, touched, "It''s so good to have you." Tarquin hugged her, feeling warmth in his heart, "It''s only good because you''re here." After a moment of sentimentality, Tarquin let go of Elysia, ced his hands on her shoulders, and looked at her seriously, "Promise me, no more sadness over the baby. It hurts me to see you hurt, and the kids feel it too. We can all be happy if you''re happy. You''re the heart of this family, and our moods revolve around you. So for us, try to be happy too. As for the baby, leave it to me. She''s our daughter, and I won''t let her be lost to us. Trust me, it won''t be long before she''s back with us, happily and willingly." Elysia frowned slightly, "Do you have a n?" "Yes, but don''t worry about the details. Just look forward to having the baby back. Trust me, okay? I''ll make sure it happens!" Elysia and Tarquin locked eyes for a moment before she nodded vigorously, "Yes!" Tarquin smiled and affectionately ruffled her hair, "Let''s get ready to pick up the baby." "Okay!" Together, Elysia and Tarquin got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. While they were brushing their teeth, Evan suddenly burst in without knocking! Seeing the bed empty, he rushed into the bathroom, stood at the doorway, panting, and stared straight at Tarquin. Elysia quickly rinsed her mouth, "What''s up, Evan? Is something wrong?" Chapter 905 Evan paused before asking Tarquin, "The gift by my bedside, was that from you?" Tarquin squinted his eyes slightly and nodded. Evan rushed into the bathroom, grabbed Tarquin''s hand, and pulled him outside! Tarquin quickly rinsed his mouth, put down his toothbrush, and followed Evan out. Elysia, unaware of the situation, saw Evan storming out and was a bit worried about Tarquin. After all, Evan had always been quite critical of Tarquin, often rolling his eyes at him. Seeing Evan''s clenched fist, Elysia was really concerned. Was he nning to take a swing at his dad? "Evan, that''s your dad, let''s talk this out," she said. Elysia tried to follow, but Tarquin stopped her, "Don''t worry, let the two of us have a chat." Elysia: "..." Evan didn''t say a word but dragged Tarquin to his room and pointed at the gift on the bedside table. "This, this right here, did you give me this?" "Yeah, it''s your Children''s Day gift from daddy. Do you like it?" Evan stared at Tarquin for a long time before saying, "From now on, you''re my real dad!" Tarquin was puzzled. Wasn''t he already? Evan was ecstatic, "This is so cool! How did you manage this?" Back when Evan lived in the countryside, he learned martial arts from his masters and loved tinkering with all sorts of weapons. He had heard about a secret facility called ''AZ'' with the most advanced and powerful weapons. He had always wanted to visit, but even after asking his brothers Elliot and Elijah to investigate, he found out it was a closed facility, essible only to a few designated military officers and with aplicated application process. Even Elliot and Elijah couldn''t find a way in. But Tarquin had managed to get him an all-ess pass! Not just for a visit, but for unlimited visits whenever he wanted! Cool, right? "Do you like the gift daddy gave you?" Tarquin asked. "Yeah, yeah, I love it! How did you do it, when even Elliot and Elijah couldn''t help?" Tarquin spoke calmly and slowly, "The facility is fully funded by your daddy." Evan was shocked, "You''re that awesome?!" Tarquin sighed, "Watch yournguage, or your mom will scold you again." Evan was the only one among the kids who spoke without filters, full of inte ng and swear words, much to Elysia''s dismay. Evan pursed his lips, "Man to man, we can be a bit rough around the edges, don''t go snitching!" Tarquin replied, "If you don''t want a lecture from your mom, watch yournguage." "Alright, alright, got it. You''re not old yet, no need to nag. Now, tell me, howe you invested in this facility?" Tarquin sat on the edge of the bed, getting straight to the point, "Mainly because daddy has a lot of money! The founder of the facility was an old friend of your Uncle Soren. When he wanted to start it, many were skeptical and government funding was limited. So, your Uncle Soren came to me. I believed in the project and invested!" Evan was all ears, "So, you''re the boss of AZ?" Tarquin shook his head, "I''m more of a sponsor. The facility is still state-owned, has nothing to do with me, and I don''t take a share of the profits." Evan was confused, "So, you''re saying you invested all that money for nothing?" Tarquin exined, "Of course not. A strong country ensures the well-being of its people. Investing in the nation''s military endeavors is never a loss." Chapter 906 Evan pondered deeply, savoring Tarquin''s words for a moment before asking, "So, if the base still belongs to the country, how did you manage to get this pass? What kind of backdoor did you open?" Tarquin looked at the youngster, saying earnestly, "I just filed an application for you, getting this pass was all your own doing." "What? My own doing?!" "Yeah, I sent some sketches you did in your free time to the founder of AZ, the old man was so thrilled he called me the same day, saying he wanted to meet you. I told him those were drawn by my 5-year-old son, he couldn''t believe it! He wanted to recruit you into AZ for personal mentorship, but I t-out refused. I was afraid your mom would have my head." Getting into AZ meant not being able to leave, and Evan was only five. Elysia, despite her patriotic heart, wouldn''t agree! Even if she did, for the greater good, she''d be crying every day missing Evan. So Tarquin decisively refused. "The old man, cherishing talent, personally petitioned the state, offering his life and a lifetime of honors in exchange for your pass. If you ever leak secrets or defect, the old man will bear the full responsibility." Evan, feeling a surge of enthusiasm, dered, "I would never spill secrets, nor be a traitor! Mom said, a true man should love his country and family! I''m definitely a true man!" Tarquin chuckled, yet couldn''t help but inwardly admire: Elysia really did a great job raising them. Though Evan was mischievous, his values were solid; he would never fail when it mattered most. The reason he wanted to give Evan this gift was partly because he wanted to give something Evan would truly love. He had sought Elliot and Elijah''s advice, and both said Evan was obsessed with AZ. Secondly, he wanted to pave a way for Evan. Evan liked to tussle, was physically gifted, and had a natural talent for weaponry research. Nurturing this from a young age could guide him onto the right path! Growing up to shine and excel in what he loved and had talent for. "Does Mom know about this?" Evan asked. Tarquin shook his head, "Your mom is a bit timid, she doesn''t yet know your capabilities, so I haven''t told her. Keep the pass safe, once your sister''s affair is sorted, I''ll sneak you over for a visit." "Yeah! Tarquin, you show me kindness, and I''ll show you loyalty. From now on, we''re as close as father and son!" His words said father and son, but his tone was that of brothers. Even using each other''s full names. Tarquin, touched as a father, sighed inwardly: his own, his very own. After leaving Evan''s room, Elysia quickly came over to inquire, "What''s going on with Evan?" Tarquin replied, "He was moved by the Children''s Day gift I gave him, said he wants to be as close as father and son with me from now on." "That kid, as if he had a choice to not be close! He doesn''t get to choose that. What did you give him?" "A secret, Evan asked me to keep it." Elysia, speechless, "What''s there to keep secret, all sneaky? Did you prepare gifts for Elliot, Elijah, and Emmett too?" "Yeah, those are secrets too." Elysia, utterly bewildered, "Even the baby''s gift is a secret?" Tarquin smiled, "No need for secrecy with the baby''s gift, you''ll see it soon enough." At 7:30 AM, the family of six set off to pick up the baby. Elysia noticed, today each of her sons was more excited than thest! Looking at Tarquin, their eyes shone bright, almost writing their adoration and admiration on their faces. Elysia was curious, had Tarquin cast some kind of spell on the kids? Would the baby also be utterly enchanted by his ''magic'', bing inseparable from him starting today? Chapter 907 At 8:20 in the morning, a family of six arrived at Keith''s suburban home. Keith, having received a heads-up call, was already at the door holding his daughter, Baby, in anticipation. Upon spotting Tarquin stepping out of the car, Keith''s brows furrowed, his grip tightening around Baby instinctively. He was reluctant to let Baby interact with Tarquin! However, Baby was visibly thrilled to see Tarquin, greeting him with a sweet, "Mr. Handsome!" Tarquin responded with a smile, "Hey there, Baby." As he approached Baby and Keith, intending to hold Baby, Keith didn''t loosen his grip. Instead, he handed Baby over to Elysia, who was a step behind, instructing Baby, "Be good, listen to Mommy, okay?" "Okay, Daddy!" Keith affectionately caressed Baby''s cheek, "If Mommy''s too busy to pick you up tonight, just call Daddy, I''lle get you." "Okay!" Then he turned to Elysia, "Thanks for taking care of Baby today." Elysia, looking tenderly at Baby, said, "Baby''s mine to look after, it''s no trouble at all." The four siblings were pressing their faces against the car window, shouting, "Sis,e on, we''ve got presents for you." Baby, excited, started kicking her legs and calling out, "Brother, brother!" Elysia, with polite formality, said to Keith, "We should get going." Keith nodded, his gaze lingering on Baby, "Goodbye, Baby, have fun." "Bye, Daddy." Baby waved at Keith with a small hand. As Elysia carried Baby to the car, Tarquin turned to follow but was abruptly stopped by Keith''s grip. Tarquin paused, looking down at Keith''s hand before meeting his eyes, "What''s this about?" Keith, eyes dark with suspicion, lowered his voice, "What are you really up to?" Tarquin, brushing off Keith''s hand and smoothing down his shirt, replied indifferently, "Just trying to make Baby happy, hoping she cane home soon." "Cut the cryptic talk. What are you nningtely?" Tarquin''s response wasced with scorn, "Though I sympathize with your plight, you''re hardly one to talk of transparency." Keith, through gritted teeth, threatened, "Baby means everything to me. If you dare take her away, it''ll be over for all of us!" Tarquin''s voice was cold, "Baby is my daughter, Tarquin''s daughter. At most, I''m reiming her, not stealing. You, on the other hand, are the thief!" Keith''s face darkened as Tarquin continued, "If you truly love her, you should let her go. You know what you''ve done. I can give her a happy home and a future. Can you? You can''t even promise her or yourself a clear future." Keith loved Baby dearly, but his heart was filled with resentment, his hands stained with guilt. What future could he provide for Baby? He had no future of his own. Feeling as though a dagger had been thrust into his heart, Keith was about to retort when Baby suddenly called out, "Daddy, Daddy, the brothers gave me lots of presents, and Mr. Handsome gave me a bouquet with little animals, including my favorite bunny, look, Daddy." Tarquin had stayed upte the night before crafting two bouquets, one for Elysia and one for Baby. Elysia''s was made of folded bills, while Baby''s was crafted from animal-shaped choctes and candies. Baby, holding the bouquet excitedly at the car window, pointed at the bunny candy, sharing her joy with Keith. The shadow in Keith''s eyes dissipated the moment he looked at Baby. Seeing how much Baby cherished the bouquet from Tarquin pained him, yet he managed a smile, "Daddy sees it, sweetheart. Don''t forget to thank Mr. Handsome." Chapter 908 Baby immediately piped up, "Thanks, Mr. Handsome." Tarquin shot Keith a nce, fully aware that he was poking fun by emphasizing ''Mr. Handsome.'' With a cool tone, he retorted, "Sooner orter, she''ll be calling me ''Daddy."" Turning on his heel toward the car, he smiled at Baby, saying, ¡°You''re wee, darling. As long as you''re happy." Keith''s expression darkened even further! He watched the ck SUV drive away until even the taillights vanished from sight, yet his gaze lingered. With Baby growing further and further away, his heartbeat elerated, eventually turning into a whirlwind of anxiety and unease. He had this nagging feeling that something bad was about to happen! Inside the ck SUV, the atmosphere was lively and cheerful. "So, your favorite animal is bunnies, right?" Tarquin asked Baby. Baby nodded vigorously, "Yeah, yeah, bunnies are the cutest!" Tarquin chuckled, "You''re as cute as a bunny, Baby." At nine in the morning, the SUV pulled up in front of a dessert shop adorned with bunny-themed decorations. At the entrance, several bunny mascots were interacting with kids, spreading joy andughter. From behind the car window, Baby''s excitement was palpable, "Bunny, bunny!" Tarquin was the first to hop out and open the door to lift Baby out. Seeing this, the bunny mascots approached to greet Baby, "Hello there, little one." In her sweet, milky voice, Baby responded, "Hi, bunny." "You''re so cute! What''s your name?" "I''m Baby." "Baby, that''s a lovely name. Would you like to be friends with the bunnies?" "Yeah, yeah, I''d love to." "Then let''s go y together!" Baby turned to Tarquin with hopeful eyes, "Mr. Handsome, can I go y?" "Of course, you can." As Tarquin set Baby down, the ''bunny mascots'' immediately took her by the hand, leading her off to join the other children in games. The four little ones hopped down from the car, following closely to protect their sister. Elysia, standing next to Tarquin, was visibly surprised. "This is the present you got for Baby?" "It''s not exactly a present, just throwing a little party here to cheer the kids up. And I wanted to introduce you to the ce. Baby''s real Children''s Day gift is at home." Elysia was intrigued, "Why at home?" Tarquin, with a hint of mystery, countered, "How about we keep Baby over tonight and not let her go back? Wouldn''t that make you happy?" Elysia blinked, "But Keith wouldn''t like that idea." "He doesn''t get a say; Baby does." Elysia''s heart raced, "Do you have a n?" "You''ll see soon enough. I promise to maximize your happiness today." As Elysia''s heart thumped with anticipation, she thought about how her days began with joy at seeing her daughter and ended in sorrow at their separation. She dreamt of holding her daughter at night! Tarquin pinched her cheek, "Today''s all about happiness. I guarantee Baby will stay with you tonight. Stop daydreaming and check out this dessert shop. Do you like it?" Elysia, still focused on her daughter, asked, "Are you serious?" "...If I can''t keep Baby here tonight, then I''m sleeping on the couch, deal?" Tarquin''s confidence peaked, and Elysia, filled with anticipation, blurted out, "If you really manage to keep Baby here, I¡ªI''ll reward you tonight!" Tarquin''s eyes narrowed momentarily before Elysia, blushing, quickly changed the subject, "So, this is the dessert shop you got me?" After a moment, Tarquin nced back at Baby, who was happily hopping around: My dear, your dad''s happiness tonight is all in your hands! Chapter 909 "Let''s save the evening''s tales for the evening!" Tarquin''s gaze returned to the present, nodding in agreement, "Do you like it?" Elysia''s eyes were as wide as saucers. How could anyone not? She had expected a quaint little storefront, but whaty before her was a two-story marvel, easily spanning over four to five thousand square feet. Even from behind the ss storefront, the interior''s charm and romantic ir were undeniable. "I love it! But, must be a fortune in rent here, right?" Tarquin chuckled, "You don''t have to worry about rent. This entire street belongs to your husband." Elysia: "?!?". Tarquin added, "Yep, the deeds to this street are in your husband''s name." Elysia: "..." Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, Tarquin guided her forward, "This is your flower shop, this is your bookstore, this one''s your coffee shop, and this is your pet store, and this, and this... all yours." With each shop Tarquin named, Elysia''s heart skipped a beat. The only thought racing through her mind: Oh my Lord, I''ve made it big time, I''m truly a wealthy woman now! All these shops, they''re literal gold mines! "Why all of a sudden gift me all these shops?" Tarquin exined: "The flower shop, because once Keaton Huber gifted you a bouquet, and you were over the moon. I got jealous and, in a fit of pique, bought you a flower shop. The other shops, well, Elliot mentioned you had dreams of owning a bookstore, a coffee shop, a pet store... Chapter 910 Elysia was at a loss for words. "It was just small talk," she exined, her voice tinged with disbelief. "They asked me what I wanted to do in the future, and I jokingly said I wanted to run a business, be a wealthy entrepreneur. I never imagined you''d take those offhandments seriously!" Tarquin cut through the conversation with a definitive statement, "If you''re not into these shops, we can always try something else. After all, your husband is loaded." The truth was, he had already begun the process of transferring his assets into Elysia''s name. He knew that although Elysia had an eye for wealth, her love for him ran deeper. Yet, he was determined to proceed with the asset transfer. He wasn''t sure how best to show his love for her, so he decided to give her everything he had! His money, his time, his body, his heart, and even his soul - he wanted her to have it all! "Look here," he pointed out, trying to draw her attention to a new topic. "I''ve left a few spaces empty for you, for whatever you want to do with them. If you don''t have any other ideas, you could turn one into a studio. You''ve studied child psychology, right? The location and the setting are perfect for a studio." At his words, Elysia''s eyes lit up. During her five years in the countryside, she had not only learned traditional medicine from her grandparents but had also delved deep into child psychology. Her dream was to earn a series of certifications and then open a studio to help children with psychological disorders. On one hand, as a mother herself, she wanted to help every child in need, believing that every child with a psychological disorder deserved redemption. On the other hand, she saw great potential in this line of work. Perhaps influenced by the times, children''s mental health seemed to be bing more fragile, and the number of children with psychological disorders was on the rise. Yet, there were few truly skilled child psychologists! If she could excel in this field, she knew that many parents would seek her out, and her financial situation would certainly improve. But she had never shared these thoughts with Tarquin or the kids. How did he know? Elysia was both surprised and deeply moved. Chapter 911 Elysia asked Tarquin, "How did you know I wanted to pursue a career in child psychology?" "It was just a guess." Elysia narrowed her eyes, "Did the kids tell you about our time in the wilderness?" Tarquin''s eyes sparkled with curiosity every time the wilderness was mentioned. Although Elliot, Evan, and Emmett were naturally gifted, without a mentor, it was unlikely they''d be so skilled at such a young age! And then there was Elysia, not the sharpest tool in the shed, and even a bit... clueless! Yet, her knowledge of holistic medicine surpassed that of Benjamin Lawson, a specialist. The only logical exnation was that her teacher was no ordinary individual! Great teachers produce great students! Moreover, the situation Elysia and the kids were in back then, if not for encountering a big shot, they wouldn''t have survived! And Evan''s pet, White, clearly wasn''t a breed you''d find in a regr pet store, both formidable and sentient, a rare find indeed! But each time the wilderness was brought up, Elysia and the kids would deliberately steer the conversation elsewhere. Leaving him still in the dark about what kind of ce they referred to as the deep woods and what kind of people lived there? Silent, Elysia began to panic, "Did the kids really tell you?" Tarquin didn''t want to scare her, "No." Elysia sighed in relief, "Good." Tarquin felt slightly wronged, "Am I not worthy to know?" Elysia shook her head, "When we left the wilderness, I promised them I wouldn''t just talk about our experiences and those we met there. Keeping one''s word is important, right?" Tarquin sighed softly to himself and pinched her cheek, "Right, if you can''t talk about it, then don''t. It''s okay, hubby''s not mad." Touched, Elysia quickly nced around, seeing no one was watching, she tiptoed and gave him a quick kiss. Then she whispered something in his ear, a voice so soft only they could hear. Tarquin''s eyes narrowed, immediately pulling her close, pressing her against him, "Seriously?" Elysia''s face was flushed, avoiding his gaze, "Mhm." A fire lit in Tarquin''s eyes! His curiosity about the wilderness faded as he sealed Elysia''s lips with a kiss. Elysia tried to escape, embarrassed, but he was relentless, giving her a deep kiss right there on the street. It wasn''t until Elysia pinched his waist hard that he finally let her go. Releasing her lips but not her body, he held her close, his chin resting in her shoulder nook, panting, "Elysia, how about we head home now?" Elysia was startled and pinched him again, "We promised the kids a Children''s Day celebration, quit it!" Tarquin murmured, "I''m only thinking about our world right now." Elysia knew what he was implying, her face turning even redder. Noticing people on the street ncing over, she quickly pushed Tarquin away, straightening her clothes, "We''ll talk tonight." Seeing her bashful look, Tarquin couldn''t help but tease her, "Talk about what tonight?" Elysia red at him, kicking him yfully before pointing at a storefront to change the subject, "How did you really know I wanted to start a studio?" Tarquinughed, "I honestly guessed. You''re always buried in child psychology books whenever you have a moment. It wasn''t hard to guess, not everyone is as oblivious as you!" He said while affectionately pinching Elysia''s cheek, "Silly." Elysia: "..." Tarquin wrapped his arm around her shoulder, gazing at the storefront together, "Happy?" "Yeah!" Very happy, incredibly so. He didn''t expect her to just stay at home, instead supporting her pursuit of a career and dreams. She was happy and moved. Chapter 912 "This was the happiest Children''s Day I''ve ever had in my life." Tarquin turned to look at her, "From now on, I''ll make every year happier than thest for you." The two shared a smile, surrounded by pink bubbles of joy. After making sure the grown-up was happy, Tarquin returned to the candy store to delight the younger one. Baby was ying with four little stuffed animals and a bunny doll, giggling with joy. Elysia couldn''t help but ask Tarquin, "Are you sure Baby can stay with us tonight?" "Absolutely! Don''t worry!" Reassured, Elysia joined the children in their fun, ying along with them. They yed untilte afternoon when Tarquin finally said, "Baby, shall we go home and see your Children''s Day present?" Baby was surprised, "There''s another present?" "Of course, the flowers this morning were just the start. The real present is at home, and I promise, Baby, you''re going to love it!" The little girl''s face was flushed with excitement, her big eyes wide with surprise. Tarquin asked, "Shall we go home now?" "Yes, yes!" So, the group set off for Number One Mansion. Keith had been keeping an eye on the situation! Hearing that Tarquin was taking Baby back to Number One Mansion, he immediately became alert and quickly called Elysia, "It''s gettingte, when will Baby being back? If you''re too busy, I cane to pick her up right now." "You... wait, talk to Baby." Elysia handed the phone to Baby, who obediently called out, "Daddy?" Keith, suppressing his anxiousness, spoke softly, "Yes, it''s Daddy. It''s time toe home, Baby." "Can I wait a bit longer, please? Mr. Handsome has prepared a present for me, and I haven''t seen it yet." Keith was puzzled, "Didn''t he give you a present this morning?" "That was just the beginning. The real present is at Mr. Handsome''s house. I want to open the present before I leave, is that okay, Daddy?" After a few seconds of silence, Keith relented, "Alright, but call me as soon as you''ve seen the present." "Okay, okay." After hanging up, Baby handed the phone back to Elysia. Elysia frowned slightly, her gaze shifting uneasily to Tarquin. She knew Keith wouldn''t agree to let Baby stay the night. But Tarquin seemed unfazed, offering her a reassuring look. Still, Elysia couldn''t shake her unease, curious about how Tarquin nned to convince Keith to let Baby stay. Meanwhile, Keith had already grabbed his car keys and left the house. He felt uneasy, suspecting Tarquin was up to something! He decided to go to Number One Mansion and wait. As soon as Baby saw her present, he''d take her home! Upon reaching Number One Mansion, Tarquin carried Baby to her room, with Elysia and the stuffed animals following. At Baby''s room door, Tarquin said, "Close your eyes, Baby. I''ll count to three, and then you can open them." "Okay." Baby obediently closed her eyes, full of anticipation. Elysia was curious, "What on earth did you prepare for Baby?" Tarquin winked at her, "It''s a secret!" Elysia rolled her eyes. Entering Baby''s room and seeing Tarquin''s present made everyone gasp in amazement. "Wow!" eximed the stuffed animals in unison. Elysia''s eyes widened in surprise. Baby was getting impatient, "What is it? Did you see it?" Tarquin asked, "Are you ready, Baby?" "Yes, I''m ready!" Tarquin counted, "One, two, three... open your eyes!" Chapter 913 Baby could barely contain her excitement, her eyes popping open at the first chance! When sheid eyes on the adorable little bunny in front of her, her face lit up in surprise, "A bunny?!" Tarquin, holding Baby gently, squatted down, "I knew how much Baby loves bunnies, so I went out of my way to find the prettiest and most gentle one just for her. Do you like it, Baby?" "I love it, love it! Can I keep him forever?" "Of course! He''s going to be your new friend. You can give him a name." Baby was thrilled, "Can I... can I hold him?" "Absolutely." Baby reached out her tiny hand tentatively, and the bunny sniffed her fingers before giving them a gentle lick. She carefully picked him up. He didn''t bite or struggle, just let Baby hold him, as sweet as could be. Emmett, curious, asked, "This bunny is so well-behaved. What breed is it?" Tarquin answered, "An Angora rabbit. They''re known for being clingy and very gentle." Baby, tilting her head, said, "Angora rabbit? Then can I call him Lan, is that okay?" Tarquin and Elysia were suddenly reminded of Keith''s full name, Quin Inkster. Seeing them silent, Baby asked, "Can''t I call him Lan?" Tarquin paused, then said, "Of course! You can call him whatever you like, as long as Baby is happy." "Alright, his name is Lan then. Hello, Lan, I''m Baby." Evan and Emmett also hurried to introduce themselves, "Hello, Lan, I''m Evan." "Hello, Lan, I''m Emmett." The five kids were all enamored with this fluffy little bundle, constantly hovering around him. Especially Baby, who was over the moon with her new friend. To the little girl, this living, breathing bunny was far more precious than any treasure. Tarquin''s gift for Children''s Day had truly won Baby''s heart. The kids bombarded Elysia with questions about how to take care of the bunny. Since Elysia had never cared for a bunny before, she looked up information online and shared her findings on how to properly feed and care for it with the kids. As the mother and children gathered around the bunny, Tarquin pulled Evan aside and whispered, "Where''s White?" "On me, what''s up?" "Need White''s help with something. Once it''s done, I''ll cover its food for a year." Evan asked, "What''s the task?" Tarquin lowered his voice further and shared the details. Evan was initially taken aback but then nodded, "Don''t worry, leave it to me and White! We''ll make sure it''s done perfectly!" Tarquin smiled, affectionately ruffling his second son''s hair. Evan looked a bit ufortable but just pursed his lips withoutining. After all, the AZ pass he got today had made his day! Half an hourter, Elysia''s phone rang again. Seeing it was Keith calling, her face fell, and she turned to look at Tarquin. Tarquin remained calm, "Answer it." Elysia nervously picked up, "Hello?" Keith said, "I''vee to pick up Baby. Can you bring her out? I''m waiting at the crossroads." He couldn''t go further without Tarquin''s permission, as it was the protected area of the Number One Mansion. Elysia reluctantly suggested, "Can Baby stay for dinner before she goes?" "No, I need to take her home for Children''s Day." Elysia felt deted. Tarquin took her phone and told Keith, "I''ve informed the guards. Just drive in." Then he hung up. Elysia quickly grabbed Tarquin as they left the room, "Why did you let him in? I thought Baby could stay the night." Tarquin pinched her cheek, "Don''t panic. Just wait and see." Soon, Keith arrived, and upon seeing Baby, he immediately scooped her into his arms as if afraid Tarquin wouldn''t let him take her. While the adults had theirplexities, the kids were blissfully unaware of such tensions. Baby, ecstatic, eximed, "Daddy, look at Lan! Mr. Handsome gave him to me as a gift!" Keith finally noticed the bunny in Baby''s arms, "You named him what?" "Lan." Keith frowned, "Who decided on that name?" Seeing Keith''s displeasure, Baby said softly, "I did. Mr. Handsome told me he''s an Angora rabbit, so I called him Lan. Don''t you like the name, Daddy?" Chapter 914 Keith: "No, Daddy already loves it." "Yeah, and if Daddy has to go away for work or something, Lan can keep mepany." Hearing this, Keith felt an unexpected pang of difort in his chest, for reasons he couldn''t quite pinpoint. He frowned at the stuffed bunny, his dislike evident. He didn''t care for this bunny, nor the name it was given, all because it was a gift from Tarquin. But he didn''t want to upset Baby, so he just nodded along. Baby was petting the bunny''s head, saying, "Lan, remember this, okay? This is Daddy, just like Mommy, my brothers, and Mr. Handsome, you''re part of our family too." Keith felt a twinge in his heart. Baby already considered Tarquin family? Keith was irked, his sense of rivalry at its peak! Trying to keep his cool, he told Baby, "Say goodbye to Mommy and your brothers, we need to head home." Baby seemed reluctant, but obediently waved goodbye, "Mommy, brothers, Mr. Handsome, see youter." Elysia''s heart felt heavy, her eyes welling up with tears! Tarquin remained calm, wrapping an arm around Elysia, waving at Baby, "See you, Baby." Keith shot Tarquin a re before quickly picking up Baby to leave. But just as they reached the door, something unexpected happened! The bunny in Baby''s arms started to squirm and fuss! It burrowed into Baby''s embrace, even making little squeaking noises. "What''s wrong, Lan?" Baby was worried. Keith noticed the bunny''s distress, worried it might jump out and scare Baby, he quickly crouched down. Lan leaped from Baby''s arms, hopping back into the house. Baby hurried after it, picking up the little fellow, and took a while to calm it down. But as Keith and Baby tried to leave again, the bunny showed signs of distress once more. Just reaching the doorway, it started to panic! After a few repeats, Keith realized the problem. This bunny seemed to not want to leave the house, showing fear at the doorstep but calming down once back inside. Evan suggested to Baby, "Seems like Lan is homesick, doesn''t want to leave. Baby, why don''t you stay here to keep Lanpany?" Baby turned to Keith, "Daddy, can I stay over at Mommy''s tonight? I want to stay with Lan." Elysia was thrilled, "!" Tarquin kept his cool, "......" Keith panicked, "?!" He suspected there was a trick to this, but after examining the bunny closely, he found nothing unusual! It was just an ordinarily cute bunny. He even checked outside the door carefully, finding nothing amiss. Keith, with a grim face, wondered, "What''s scaring this bunny?" Was it haunted?! Lurking in the shadows, White thought: You''ve stumbled upon me! "Daddy, how about you and I go home tonight, and let Lan stay? You cane visit tomorrow, okay?" Baby''s voice quivered, tears the size of peas began to fall, a picture of utter dejection. The sight of the little one crying tugged at everyone''s heartstrings! Elysia quickly took Baby into her arms, facing Keith, "What''s the harm in letting her stay for the night? Why upset the child? She''s so young, with no other concerns, she just cares for the bunny." Keith''s lips moved, but harsh words wouldn''te. Finally, with resolve, he said, "Baby, don''t cry. Daddy agrees, I''lle to pick you up tomorrow." Keith waited until Baby stopped crying before leaving, casting Tarquin a fierce re on his way out. He couldn''t understand how Tarquin managed this situation tonight?! Clearly, things were moving beyond his control! Baby loved him, true, but she was also fond of Tarquin! If things kept going this way, would Baby eventually choose Tarquin over him? Keith was fraught with anxiety, his foot pressing hard on the elerator, not heading home but towards Crescent District! Soon, Tarquin received the news, "Tarquin, Keith''s headed to Crescent District. The bait''s panicking, making moves.'' A dim light flickered in Tarquin''s eyes, "Good, let them move. It''ll be easier to close the!" His target wasn''t Keith! He was eager to see who this mystery person really was! Chapter 915 After plotting for over two decades, perhaps even longer, what was the ultimate goal? Was it simply to see the Bradford family in ruins? What kind of grudge, deep-seated hatred, orpelling connection could drive someone to orchestrate such an borate n? If the aim was to ruin the Bradford family, why wait so long to act? Was it ack of capability back then, or were there other reasons? Moreover... It had been confirmed that the strange messages Elysia had been receiving, some from Keith and others from a mysterious sender, were indeed part of this plot. Keith''s interest in Elysia was understandable; he was motivated by Baby, wanting to bring Elysia back home. But what about the mysterious sender? He seemed intent on using Elysia to harm him, leading her to kill him, yet he didn''t use the child to forcibly threaten Elysia intopliance. He appeared rather lenient towards Elysia. He even affectionately called her "Little Elysia," as an elder might address a younger family member. But if he had a connection to Elysia, why did he watch her suffer through pregnancy and hardship without intervening? Even when Keith sent them off to a secluded cabin in the woods, he did nothing. This was not how an elder shows love! His intentions towards Elysia were perplexing. Tarquin furrowed his brows, regardless of the spection, the mysterious figure was a definite threat! They needed to uncover him soon for the family to get back on track. "Notify our informants to keep an eye on Farmjoy Estate, pull back before reaching the foothills to avoid alerting them! Contact me with any developments!" After hanging up, Tarquin ced his phone on the desk, reaching for a packet of cigarettes and a lighter. But then he thought of Elysia and the kids, and obediently put them down. Elysia and the children were keeping him in check about quitting smoking, and he had to listen to his wife and kids. Rubbing his temples, he stood up and left the study. Outside, the backyard was a picture of tranquility. Elysia was ying with the kids and a rabbit, thrilled because Baby was staying over for the night. Tarquin''s heart fluttered, recalling what Elysia whispered to him in front of the store today. He coughed lightly to steady himself, hands in pockets as he descended the stairs. After spending some time with the kids in the yard, Tarquin headed to the kitchen to cook dinner himself. Elysia, curious, followed him in and asked, "Didn''t Heath already arrange for dinner? Why are you cooking?" Tarquin replied, "It''s Children''s Day, and as a husband and father, I''ve got to show off a bit in front of my wife and kids." Elysia''s face lit up with a blissful smile, "You don''t need to show off; you''re already doing more than enough." "Far from it, I''ll show you tonight." He said, eyes narrowing yfully, "Remember what you said today?" "Um? Which part?" Tarquin leaned in, whispering in her ear. Elysia''s cheeks flushed instantly, turning to flee in embarrassment, but Tarquin caught her waist, pulling her into his embrace, "Trying to back out?" Elysia quickly looked towards the door, fearing they might be seen. But as if on cue, Heath walked in with freshly picked mushrooms, "I just..." He paused, spotting the couple in an embrace, and quickly backed out, "Oh dear, must be my old age, didn''t see a thing." Elysia''s embarrassment spread to her neck, "Tar..." Tarquin kissed her once! "You..." He kissed her again! "I..." And a third time! Every time Elysia tried to speak, he''d kiss her. Elysia mped her mouth shut, daring not to speak, ring at him. ring hard! She red, and heughed, augh both infuriatingly handsome and teasing. Chapter 916 The standoff between themsted for a moment before Elysia, catching Tarquin off guard, stomped hard on his foot with all her might! Tarquin hissed in pain, "My toe''s broken." Elysia seized the opportunity to break away from his embrace, snorting coldly, "Serves you right! Shameless!" With that, she stormed out of the kitchen. Tarquin, donning an apron and standing in front of the kitchen counter, watched her leave with a handsome smile, "Not gonna help me out here?" "No way! Humph!" Elysia left the kitchen to join the kids ying in the yard. Tarquin looked towards the kitchen door, still grinning foolishly. When Heath walked in, he found Tarquin still smiling. Heath couldn''t help but chuckle along, "These are some fresh mushrooms I just picked, perfect for a soup. Tarquin turned his gaze away, "Heath, I''m really happy right now." Heath was taken aback for a second; then his eyes welled up as he nodded vigorously, "I know, I know." Heath knew everything; he had witnessed Tarquin''s growth - from his toddler years to childhood, and then adolescence to young adulthood. He had seen all the hardships Tarquin had endured and all the wounds he had suffered. When Tarquin was taken in by the Bradfords, he was just a few years old. For the following decade and more, every single day and night, he lived on the edge of life and death. During those countless nights, at least half were spent curled up in a corner, sleeping with his knees hugged to his chest! Growing up, he was always on high alert, never daring to let his guard down! After all, living in a den of wolves, one careless move could mean death. Eventually, when he gained the ability to protect himself, he then endured the agony of Elijah''s mental illness! Everyone said Keith had a tragic life, pitiable. But in Heath''s eyes, Tarquin was the most tragic, the most pitiable! After Keith''s rtives died tragically, he suffered mentally, but at least his path was secured by a mysterious benefactor. But Tarquin, after his parents were tragically killed, had to endure not just mental torment but also the constant threat of financial predators and maliciouspetitors! Tarquin had grown up step by step, walking on the edge of a knife. Heath felt sorry for him, even oftenmenting the unfairness of fate. If he was brought into this world, why not let him live a good life? Why torment him so? Fortunately, Tarquin finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel. He deserved happiness, and if there was any justice in the world, he should continue to be happy! At eight in the evening, Elysia nned to take the kids out for a walk. But before they could leave, Baby had already dozed off on Tarquin''s shoulder. The other four little ones were also yawning non-stop. They had yed so hard today and skipped their nap at noon, so they were all tired by this time. "Mommy, you guys go ahead, I''m not going," Evan turned back to his room. Elliot, Emmett, and Elijah also bid goodnight and returned to their rooms. Not wanting to wake the little girl, Elysia let Tarquin carry her back to the bedroom. "I want to cuddle with Baby tonight, let her sleep in our room." Tarquin, as if he didn''t hear her, quickly carried Baby back to her own room. He walked so fast, Elysia couldn''t even catch up! Elysia could only follow him into the children''s room, whispering, "Can''t you hear me?" Tarquin gestured for her to be quiet, "Shh." He carefully ced his daughter on her princess bed, tucked her in, and kissed her forehead. Taking Elysia''s hand, they quietly left the children''s room. Once outside, he quickened his pace. As soon as they returned to their bedroom, he pinned Elysia against the door, raising her wrists above her head, and kissed her passionately. Chapter 917 It had been a while since Tarquin and Elysia shared an intimate moment. Ever since they found out about Baby''s existence, Elysia was out of sorts, and Tarquin wasn''t in the best of moods either. But today, with Elysia in high spirits, Tarquin felt his desire burning through him, threatening to consume him if not quenched soon. Elysia had an inkling that tonight would be the night, but she hadn''t anticipated his urgency. She wasn''t fully prepared! "Hey, wait a minute, uh..." Tarquin lowered his head and nipped at her neck, a punishment for herck of focus in their kiss. Elysia let out a muffled moan, and in the next second, her lips were sealed with his once more. He intensified his efforts, more passionate than before, as if he wanted to devour her whole! He was the predator, and Elysia, his prey. One dominant and assertive, the other vulnerable and yielding! His approach was fierce, leaving Elysia with flushed cheeks, her body weakening, legs trembling. If not for him holding her close, she would have slid down the door. This kiss from Tarquin was more dominant, more ferocious than any before! Perhaps it was the long hiatus that made him so pent-up, now releasing like a dam broken, unstoppable. Just when Elysia felt she might faint from the intensity, he suddenly let go of her hands, grabbed her by the hips, and with a swift pull, lifted her up! Instinctively, Elysia wrapped her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist, clinging to him! Tarquin carried her, kissing all the way, quickening his steps toward the bathroom door. Elysia knew what he intended, her heart racing with nerves. She suddenly regretted her promise made earlier in the day, wanting to back out, "I... Can we talk this over?" Tarquin bit her lip hard, "No, discussion!" With that, he kicked open the bathroom door and rushed in. He swiftly turned on the water, adjusting the temperature, and continued their embrace amidst the steam. The bathroom filled with a misty haze. The pinnacle of intimacy. The pinnacle of heart-racing moments. The pinnacle of entanglement. Tarquin in the throes of passion was a stark contrast to the Tarquin who stood in the kitchen, apron tied, cooking with tender care. In the kitchen, he was the epitome of a domesticated man. In moments of passion, he was anything but! Elysia was carried out of the bathroom by him, unsure how much time had passed. He was refreshed, visibly satisfied. Elysia, on the other hand, was utterly spent, barely able to keep her eyes open. Heid her on the bed, checked the time, and saw it was already the wee hours. "Honey, are you hungry? Want somete-night snack?" Elysia, curling up like a kitten in his arms, was too tired to speak. Yet, Tarquin was relentless, "If you want, I can cook something for you right now, don''t worry about bothering me." "How about I get you some water? Are you thirsty?" "Don''t stay quiet, love. Are you alright? Does it hurt anywhere?" "Did I hurt you?" "Let me check." Finally opening her eyes, Elysia red as if she wanted to devour him, "I''m not hungry, not thirsty, not in pain! I just want to sleep, and if you disturb me again, I''ll kill you!" Her fierceness was palpable, and Tarquin wore a bitter smile, "I was just trying to be caring..." Before he could finish, Elysia''s re made him backtrack, ¡°Okay, okay, I''ll stop, let''s sleep." He held Elysia, soothing her to sleep while not stopping with his serenades. "...Looking into your eyes, saying ''I do,'' handing you my heart, hoping you''ll cherish it... because happiness brings tears, promise me from this day forward to be my wife, never to part..." Elysia was beyond exhausted. He had been insatiable today, demanding her again and again, to the point where she feared for his well-being! Chapter 918 He really went the extra mile, didn''t he? Still had the energy to whip up a midnight snack and serenade her with love songs! Sing away, sing all you want, as long as you''re not tired, keep going. It''s pleasant to the ear anyway, and she''s about to hit the sack. Elysia drifted off to the tunes of Tarquin''s love songs. Once she was deep in sleep, Tarquin adoringly gazed at her for a while, then tenderly kissed her forehead before carefully sliding his arm from underneath her head and got up. He was too wired to sleep tonight. He wandered into their baby''s room, gently touched his daughter''s face, checked her temperature, then adjusted the room''s thermostat and humidity, sitting beside her crib to watch her sleep. The baby was the spitting image of Elysia, still so young but undoubtedly going to grow up looking just like her mother. "Why don''t you look like daddy, huh?" "It''s alright, your mommy is beautiful. You''re going to be just as beautiful when you grow up." "Looking like mommy, having a personality like mommy, everything about mommy is wonderful, so you''re wonderful too, baby." Tarquin stroked his daughter''s cheek, mumbling softly, his adoration growing by the second. This is my daughter, he thought, I wouldn''t hand her over to Keith even if it meant the end of the world! "Just give daddy a bit more time. Once daddy takes care of the bad guys, our family of seven will never be apart again." After spending a good while in the baby''s room, he checked on the other four little ones. After ensuring everyone was fine, he returned to the master bedroom. Elysia was still sound asleep, oblivious to his absence. Looking at his sleeping beauty, Tarquin couldn''t help but smile. Wife, children, a cozy home - this indescribable sense of happiness was beyond words. He was about to crawl into bed and cuddle with Elysia when his phone suddenly rang. He quickly silenced it. The call was from Axel, and Tarquin frowned slightly; a call at this ungodly hour surely meant trouble. He carefully left the bedroom and took the phone call in his study. "What''s going on?" "Keith''s in trouble." Tarquin''s brow furrowed, "What happened?" "Farmjoy Estate caught fire out of the blue, and the owner is dead. Someone tipped off the police, pointing fingers at Keith. He''s been arrested." "Keith, involved in arson and murder?" ording to our source, he''s been framed." "Framed?" "Yeah." Tarquin''s expression turned grim, "Then who''s the real culprit?" "That''s still unclear, but it''s definitely not Keith." "So, the entire Farmjoy Estate was burned down?" "Yeah, the police took advantage of the situation to search the ce, but came up empty. No drugs were found. It seems more like someone wanted to destroy evidence. Farmjoy Estate must''ve known the cops were onto them and set the fire on purpose. It''s just baffling why they would pin it on Keith." Tarquin''s brow was knitted tightly as he lit up a cigarette. Keith wouldn''t give up on the baby, he''d surely set aside their feud temporarily to join forces with the mysterious enemy against me. Keith''s visit to Farmjoy Estate must have been to meet this mysterious person. But now, he''s been framed! What was this mysterious person trying to do? "Is the mysterious person giving up on Keith?" Axel asked. "Impossible!" Tarquin flicked ash from his cigarette, "He''s invested too much time in Keith to discard him now. Besides, with the ongoing tension between Keith and me, Keith is still of use. He wouldn''t just destroy Keith like that." Axel was puzzled, "Then why frame Keith? What''s his motive?" Tarquin didn''t answer, his face darkened as he took a deep drag of his cigarette. Chapter 919 "Every action has its consequence!" It''s highly unlikely that the mysterious figure was just trying to spook Keith, let alone y games with him. Tarquin inquired, "What''s the word from the police?" "The coroner preliminarily concluded that the owner of Farmjoy Estate was beaten to death. There''s both eyewitness and physical evidence suggesting Keith had a violent physical altercation with the owner. Things aren''t looking good for Keith." "And how''s Keith handling it?" "Cool as a cucumber. He''s not angry, not annoyed, and he''s not making any effort to defend himself. Just keeps to himself, silent as the grave." Tarquin was puzzled. Not angry or defending himself after being used? Was he in cahoots with the mysterious figure? Something clicked, and Tarquin furrowed his brows, ending the call with Axel to directly contact the lead investigator of the Farmjoy Estate case. He suggested they keep their eyes peeled and continue their surveince on Farmjoy Estate. Farmjoy Estate was a ho''s nest! Most of the drugs in Jindale City and the surrounding areas were traced back there. Recently, the police had tightened their grip, and not a single drug shipment had slipped through. Tarquin suspected the mysterious figure knew Farmjoy Estate was under watch and wanted to divert police attention, making it look like Keith and he were ying games. They must have set everything up in advance, then deliberately started a fire to draw in the police. Once the search turned up nothing, the police would likely let their guard down around Farmjoy Estate. Then, by diverting his and the police''s attention away from Keith, Farmjoy Estate would slip under the radar! It was a well-thought-out n, indicating the mysterious figure had a vested interest in Farmjoy Estate! Either the ce was loaded with drugs, or it contained something or someone very important to the mysterious figure! After contemting all possibilities and discussing with the police, Tarquin called Axel back, "Get some people to assist the police in keeping a tight watch on Farmjoy Estate. I want a report on everyone going in and out!" The more the mysterious figure cared, the closer Tarquin wanted to keep an eye on him! He was determined to block any chance of smuggling, turning the tables after being manipted in the shadows for so long! Regardless of what was hidden inside Farmjoy Estate, it was better to shut it down first and ask questionster. However... Thinking of Keith, Tarquin felt a tightness in his chest. Keith''s involvement suggested he couldn''t shake off his ties with the drug trade. Both his mother and the ckwood family had high hopes for Keith, yet he seemed to be heading down a path of no return. ... The next morning, as Tarquin was preparing a hearty breakfast for his wife and kids, he received the news of Keith''s release. Not entirely surprised, he had guessed the duo was ying a game, and it was only a matter of time before Keith would be released. But he hadn''t expected it to happen so quickly! As he flipped a pancake, Tarquin asked, "How''d he get out?" Axel exined, "Someone anonymously provided the police with a video recorded on a smartphone. It showed Keith did have a confrontation with the owner, but it was the estate''s chef who killed him, over unpaid wages." cing the cooked pancake on a te, Tarquin mused, "Track down the source of that video. If there''s a lead, pursue it. If not, no big deal. He won''t be able to stay calm for long, and soon he''ll expose himself." With both him and the police keeping a close eye on Farmjoy Estate, nothing could be smuggled out, which would surely make the mysterious figure desperate. Plus, with Keith''s urging, their years of nning would likely be expedited. It was only a matter of days before they made their move. He wasn''t afraid of their actions; inactivity was the real concern. Once they made their move, it would propel the situation forward, allowing for a quicker resolution. Tarquin was ready for them to act, aiming to catch them all in one fell swoop! At 7:30 AM, as the kids gathered at the breakfast table, there was still no sign of Elysia. Curiously, the youngest piped up, "Where''s mommy?" Chapter 920 Emmett said, "Mom usually wakes up pretty early. What''s up today? She''s not sick, is she?" Evan, worried, immediately got up, "I''ll go check on her." Tarquin stopped him, "No need to worry, guys. I already checked on her. She''s fine, just went to bedtest night and is catching some extra z''s this morning. Let her sleep in; no need to disturb her." That''s all he could say to the kids. He was too embarrassed to admit that he had been a little too rough with herst night! The kids didn''t think too much into it andfortably continued their breakfast. Tarquin joined them for the meal. Baby was being good, not picky at all, happily eating whatever was put in front of her, her face getting all messy. Tarquin pulled out a wet wipe to clean the little girl''s face and couldn''t help asking, "Do you like the breakfast Daddy made?" He expected some praise from his daughter, but Baby said, "Daddy isn''t the best at cooking, not as good as Mr. Handsome, but Daddy is really good at cutting fruits. He can make them look like flowers and even cut them into little bunny shapes." Tarquin was taken aback, "?" Realizing what she meant, his face turned bittersweet. He forgot that in Baby''s heart, Keith was her daddy. Baby asked him, "Did daddy call you?" "No, why?" "Daddy said he woulde to pick me up, I wonder when he wille? I miss Daddy. Daddy also loves Mr. Handsome''s pancakes. If he knew there were so many, he''d be so happy." Tarquin: "...If hees to get Baby, would you go with him?" "Yes." "...But what about Mommy then?" "Don''t worry. Mommy cane over during the day, and at night, my brothers will keep herpany. But Daddy only has me, so I need to go home and be with Daddy." Tarquin felt a pang of sadness. Elysia had her four boys, Keith had Baby, and it felt like he was all alone! Elijah and Elliot, seeing their dad''s mncholic expression, sighed internally. Baby grew up under Keith''s care and love; it was well known that she adored Keith the most. And here he was, asking for it, wasn''t he? Silly Dad! Elijah and Elliot quietly offered their dad some food, showing their silent support. Emmett, seeing this, handed Tarquin a slice of apple, "Dad, have this." Evan hesitated a moment then pushed his ss of milk towards Tarquin, saying generously, ¡°A real man doesn''t sweat the small stuff. Don''t mind that I''ve already had a sip, go ahead." Baby, puzzled by why her brothers were feeding Mr. Handsome, pulled out a candy from her pocket, "This is my favorite candy, I''ll give it to Mr. Handsome." Tarquin felt a whirlwind of emotions; just a second ago, he was feeling sorry for himself, and now, he was overwhelmed by their love. In front of his wife and kids, he always felt so valued. A little love was all it took! Right after breakfast, Keith arrived to pick up Baby. The cheerful atmosphere in the house instantly turned tense! Evan thought about using yesterday''s tactic to keep Baby, but Tarquin stopped him. Though Tarquin was reluctant to let her go, he bravely said to Baby, "In a few days, Mom and I wille to get you again." ¡°Okay, okay. When Mom wakes up, remind her to video call me." "Will do." Tarquin tenderly stroked Baby''s chubby cheek, handing her over to Keith with reluctance. If only he knew what was about to unfold, he would never have let Keith take Baby away that day. Looking back on it in the years toe, he couldn''t help but feel a deep sense of guilt. Chapter 921 Keith took Baby away, leaving Evan in a sour mood! "Why did you let him take Baby? We could''ve used yesterday''s trick to keep her here," Evanined, twisting a strand of his hair in frustration. Tarquin exined, "Baby''s heart is set on Keith now. She missed him after just one night apart. Keeping her here with a little bunny trick might work for a night, but any longer, and she''d be unhappy." Going with Keith, she''d worry about her beloved pet, Lan. Staying, she''d fret over Keith. "So, it''s better to let her go happily, snuggling Lan and leaving with Keith." Besides, he and Elysia couldn''t devote themselves entirely to Baby Garcia these days. With the mysterious figure and Keith nning something big, likely targeting him, he needed to strategize. And Elysia, after being yfully tormented by himst night, might need a few days in bed to recover. With Baby around, Elysia certainly wouldn''t just rest up. Tarquin ruffled Evan''s hair, "Don''t be sad. It won''t be long before Baby is back with us. Just focus on keeping Mompany these days. Leave Baby''s situation to me; I''ll handle it." ... That afternoon, a major incident rocked Jindale City! Gideon Bradford and the rest of the Bradford n were kidnapped! It was clear who was behind it; the adversaries had made their move. However, Tarquin was surprised that they targeted Gideon and his group first. Shouldn''t they have aimed directly at him, delivering an unexpected blow? Gideon and his people were easy targets, disposable at any moment. Daring to strike Gideon first, were they not worried about alerting him, making him defensive? Before Tarquin could puzzle it out, the police called. Being a Bradford, it was natural for the police to reach out to him following the family incident. After hanging up with the police, Tarquin instructed the little ones to take good care of Elysia, as he needed to visit the police station. Elliot frowned, "Elijah and I will track down the Bradford n''s whereabouts. If we find anything, we''ll call you." "Alright, stay home and keep Mompany. She''ll be upset finding out Baby''s gone. Cheer her up, and remember, no matter what, don''t leave the house," Tarquin advised, turning to Elliot, "Elliot, take good care of your brothers and Mom." Elliot, sensing the gravity, nodded solemnly, "Be careful." Tarquin felt reassured, "Don''t worry about me. Let''s keep the Bradford situation from your mom for now." "Got it," Elliot responded. After leaving a few more instructions, Tarquin grabbed his coat and left. ... Meanwhile, Keith also caught wind of the Bradford family incident. Frowning in thought, he didn''t even have to make the call; the other side beat him to it. The call came from a masked number and the voice was altered, "The prey isid out on the cutting board for you. Go vent out, avenge your family thoroughly, and let them rest in peace." Keith, eyebrows furrowed, asked, "Didn''t we agree on the day after tomorrow?" They had arranged a private meeting for tomorrow, with the action set for the day after. Yet, the move was made today without informing him. The person on the line sighed, "Didn''t want to wait. You''re in a hurry too, right? Once the Bradfords are dealt with, you can take Baby abroad and start your new life." Keith''s expression hardened, "Are we still going to meet?" The caller retorted, "Eager to see me, huh? nning to kill me to avenge your sister?" Chapter 922 Keith''s brow knitted tighter, a grim resolve setting in. He truly wanted that man dead. He wanted him to suffer the same fate as Tarquin! But the man had said, ¡°After all, when I rescued you and your sister from Gideon''s clutches, it wasn''t with the intention to harm youter. I''ve helped raise you, could do the same for your sister. Why nurture two of my own only to turn against one?" "Because you wanted to fuel the rage inside me!" Keith shot back. The man let out a derisive chuckle. Frustration etched deeper into Keith''s face. "If not you, then who was the one masquerading as Kendrick?!" After a few seconds of silence, the man exhaled deeply, "Once we deal with the Bradfords, I''ll reach out. We should meet in person after all these years, have a proper chat. For now, go settle your score with Gideon." Keith''s tension didn''t fade. His n had always been to use this man to get rid of Tarquin and then seek vengeance for his sister! Since a meeting was promised, his sister''s vengeance could wait. "And how do you n to deal with Tarquin?" he asked. "You''ll find out soon enough. Focus on avenging your parents and brothers for now. Be quick about it; the cops and Tarquin are on the move. I''ve sent you Gideon''s location." With that, the call ended. Keith''s expression darkened. Before he could ponder further, he received a location and a video clip. The video starred Gideon, bound to a chair, desperately screaming for help. Standing before his floor-to-ceiling window, the sight of Gideon ignited a fierce ze in Keith''s heart. As the video yed, someone approached Gideon, asking if he remembered Kelsey ckwood. Keith''s rationality shattered with Gideon''s response. Breathing heavily, his emotions spiraled out of control, culminating in a roar as he threw and stomped on his phone, as if it were Gideon underfoot. Baby, hearing themotion, ran to him, worried. "Daddy, what''s wrong?" Keith, eyes brimming red, looked at Baby, his expression that of a wounded child. Baby approached, taking his trembling hand, her small face lifted to his, "Daddy?" Keith knelt, pulling Baby into an embrace, his voice choked, "Did Daddy scare you, Baby?" "Yeah, I was scared." Keith held Baby tighter,forting, "It''s okay, Baby, don''t be scared. Daddy loves Baby, Daddy would never hurt Baby." Baby, in her sweet, childish voice, reassured him, "I''m not scared of Daddy hurting me. I''m scared of Daddy being sad. I love Daddy, I don''t want Daddy to be sad. Are you missing grandma and grandpa, and your uncles and aunts?" Keith broke down, tears streaming as he buried his face in Baby''s small shoulder, sobbing. Baby, not fully grasping the situation but seeing Keith cry, began to cry herself. While crying, she kissed Keith''s hair, "Don''t cry, Daddy. Baby loves you. You''re not alone, you have Baby. I love Daddy. Shall I sing for you? Twinkle, twinkle, little Shay..." Baby''s tender voice filled the room, her sobs intermingling with the song. Keith hugged Baby even tighter, overwhelmed by fury and sorrow. His heart ached unbearably- Chapter 923 In the video, someone asked Gideon if he still remembered Kelsey. Gideon shot back, incredulously, "Kelsey? Who''s Kelsey? I don''t know her, never had anything to do with her. You sure you''ve got the right guy?!" "You raped her, forgotten that?" Gideon was visibly agitated, and it wasn''t an act, "I neverid a hand on a woman named Kelsey, you''ve got it all wrong! If you don''t believe me, bring this Kelsey woman here, let her confront me face to face! Bring her here! Now!" Ah, the irony- He personally led Kelsey to her demise, and now he imed ignorance of her very existence! One would rather believe Gideon was denying his crime, tantly lying! But tragically, Gideon was not! He genuinely did not recognize Kelsey''s name! Unaware of who Kelsey was, let alone feeling any remorse or guilt. For years, the only one tormented by psychological agony was me! My mother was taken from me, my father, my two brothers-all gone. I''ve been living a nightmare, barely surviving, enduring excruciating mental torture day and night! And yet, Gideon, the root cause of all this misery, had long forgotten about it. Forgotten, or never bothered to remember. The lives of my family, in Gideon''s eyes, seemed less significant than that of an ant! Dead, just dead. That''s all. Worthless, not even worth mentioning. Ah! How tragic, how heart-wrenching! How could I not feel pain? How could I not harbor hatred? The pain was so intense it felt as though my heart was being violently ripped apart, making it hard to breathe! The depth of my pain was equal only to the depth of my hatred! I wished I could tear open Gideon''s chest right now, rip out his heart and see for myself just how dark it truly was?! Forget? Forgotten? Don''t recognize? What a im of ignorance! Ah! Overwhelmed by pain and anger, Keith suddenlyughed, a dark, almost maniacalughter, "Gideon, oh, very well, haha..." Baby, cautiously, asked, "Daddy, are you okay?" Keith''s sanity flickered back for a moment. He stared at the little girl before him, his heart of stone softening slightly. His throat ached as he struggled to speak, "Baby, would... would you ever leave Daddy?" Baby shook her head, vigorously, "No, Baby loves Daddy the most, Baby will always stay by Daddy''s side." "...And if one day, you found out Daddy lied to you, would you forgive Daddy?" "Daddy said, a lie told for a good reason is okay. If Daddy lies, Baby won''t be mad, Baby loves Daddy." "...What if, one day, you discovered Daddy was actually a bad person, would you hate Daddy?" "Hmm? Daddy knows bad people aren''t happy, Daddy won''t be a bad person. Daddy said, bad people live with heavy hearts, good people are happy. Daddy told Baby to always be a good person, Daddy won''t be a bad person." Keith felt a lump in his throat, at a loss for words, and pulled the little girl into his embrace, "Baby, Daddy loves you, will always love you. No matter what Daddy''s been through, what Daddy''s done, my love for you will never change, I''ll love you more with each passing day." Baby responded, "Baby loves Daddy too, forever and ever, to Baby, you''re the best Daddy in the whole wide world!" Keith''s eyes welled up, nearly overwhelmed by emotion. All the sweet nothings in the world couldn''tpare to Baby''s simple deration of love! Keith sniffled, wiping away Baby''s tears once more, "I''m sorry, I scared you. Daddy was just thinking about family members who''ve passed away, that''s why I was upset. You don''t have to worry, Baby." Baby, mimicking theforting gestures she''d seen Keith use, gently patted his head, offering sce in her own tender way. Chapter 924 "Daddy, don''t be sad, you still have me. I won''t ever go away, I''ll always be here with you." Keith smiled, "...Okay." With plump little fingers extended, his daughter proimed, "Daddy and I will always be together." "Yes!" Keith extended his finger, linking it with his daughter''s in a solemn pact. Together, they chanted, a chorus of two, "Pinky swear, hang it high, no take-backs for a hundred years! Whoever backs out is a puppy! Seal it with a kiss!" After their brief yet innocent ceremony, Keith gently kissed his daughter''s forehead. She reciprocated with a kiss on Keith''s forehead. Keith pinched her chubby cheeks, "My little munchkin." She giggled and pinched Keith''s cheek in return, "Daddy." Keith couldn''t help butugh. Herughter, infectious and pure, filled the room. These moments of happiness, though fleeting, were profoundly beautiful. After a short while, Keith told his daughter, "Daddy has to step out for a bit, you y with Tamsin at home, okay?" The little girl pouted, "Why does Daddy always have to go? When will Daddy stay and y with me? You promised we''d go see the pandas." Keith, utterly smitten, reassured her, "Soon, my love. Once I wrap up this task, there''ll be no more separations. I''ll take you to see all the pandas you want, and we''ll go wherever your heart desires." "Promise? No fibbing, fibbers are puppies!" Keith chuckled, "No fibbing, I promise." After soothing his little girl, Keith carried her downstairs to Tamsin. "I''ve got to head out, could you please look after her?" Though Keith was not fond of the bodyguard Tarquin had assigned, he maintained a polite demeanor. After all, Tamsin was excellent with his daughter. Tamsin took the girl into her arms, responding with a courteous, "Of course." "Daddy will be back for dinner. If Daddy''s not back, I won''t eat!" The little girl had Keith wrapped around her finger. Smiling, Keith assured, "Alright! You''ll call me before dinner, won''t you?" "Yep, bye Daddy." "Goodbye." Keith gave his daughter''s cheek onest pinch before turning to leave, ncing back one more time at the doorway. Their gazes met, both smiling-a moment of pure joy and connection. Keith left, keys in hand, confident in his daughter''s safety with the guards in ce, including the one Tarquin had insisted on. No sooner had Keith left than Tarquin received the news. "Keith''s left." "He''s likely heading to see Gideon. Keep a close eye on him and ensure Tamsin takes good care of the girl." Tarquin was deep in discussion with the police, investigating a kidnapping within the Bradford family. Like Keith, he hadn''t anticipated any danger to the little girl, considering the extensive security measures in ce. Yet, disaster struck unexpectedly. Around four in the afternoon, both Keith and Tarquin''s phones lit up with the rming message, "There''s been an incident with the girl!" Keith mmed the brakes in the middle of the road, "What?!" Tarquin, breath caught in his throat, dropped his phone, "No..." Chapter 925 Baby was kidnapped, and it was no ident. Keith had barely been gone an hour when the quiet suburban home nearby suddenly exploded. Following closely, the vi where Baby was staying caught fire! The ze was fierce, devouring the three-story building almost instantly, leaving no time for anyone to react. Tarquin''s crew, Keith''s people, and Tamsin, who was tasked with Baby''s close protection, all fought tooth and nail to ensure her safety. When Baby was pulled from the inferno, she was miraculously unscathed, save for a dusting of soot on her cherubic face. However, disaster struck again on the ambnce. Someone infiltrated the medical team, took out Tamsin, shook off the other bodyguards, and kidnapped Baby. On his way to the scene, Tarquin received a call from the mysterious culprit, "Panicking yet? Heh, I''ve sent you the location. Come alone if you want to see your darling Baby girl again. Remember,e alone. For every extra person you bring, I''ll chop off a limb. Once I''m done with her hands and feet, I''ll start on her flesh. Bring an extra person, and I''ll slice off an extra piece. Your little girl''s quite tender, seems fragile too. If you don''t want her to suffer, you better behave. Don''t make me angry, heh." Tarquin''s breathing became rapid, his face turned ashen, his voice trembling, "If you dare touch her... You bastard, if you darey a finger on my daughter... Beep... Beep... Beep..." Before Tarquin could finish, the line went dead. Gasping for air, shaking, he tried calling back, only to be met with a disconnected tone. He tried several times, all in vain. Furious, Tarquin mmed his fist on the steering wheel, "Damn it..." The bodyguard sitting in the passenger seat looked at him worriedly, "Tarquin, you need to calm down, you..." "Get out!" Tarquin shouted, hitting the brakes hard. The bodyguard, concerned for him, hesitated, "Tarquin..." Tarquin''s roar was deafening, "GET OUT-" Startled, the bodyguard quickly opened the door and stepped out. "Tell them, no one is to follow me!" With that, Tarquin floored the gas pedal, and the car, like a ck dragon, vanished into the bustling traffic. Frustrated, the bodyguard stomped his foot and immediately called Axel, "It''s a mess, a big mess! That guy is using Baby to ckmail Tarquin, demanding hees alone! Tarquin kicked me out and ordered no one else to follow! He''s too worked up, I''m afraid he''s going to do something rash because of how much he cares for Baby. This could end badly! What do we do?" Axel, who had been keeping an eye on Farmjoy Estate, was caught off guard by Baby''s predicament. Who would have thought that despite Keith''s collusion with the mysterious figure, they would still target Baby?! Annoyed and frustrated, Axel''s voice was icy, "If Tarquin said not to follow, then don''t. First, get in touch with Elliot and Elijah, have them track Tarquin''s phone remotely and locate Baby. Then call me back and we''ll go from there." Meanwhile, Keith''s car was still parked in the middle of the road, causing a traffic jam and continuous honking from the cars behind him. Ignoring the chaos, he grabbed a spare phone and called the mastermind. As soon as the call connected, he burst out, "What the hell did you tell me? Are you ying me? You dare touch my Baby? Do you have a death wish?! You think I''m just a pawn in your game, at your mercy? Touch Baby, and I swear I''ll make you regret it. I''ll destroy everything you''ve worked for. Try me if you don''t believe it!" The mysterious person sighed lightly, his voice calm, "Deception is part of the game. How else could I ensure you and Tarquin wouldn''t take this lightly? You know as well as I do, using Baby is the most effective way to bring Tarquin down!" Chapter 926 Keith was a bundle of raw nerves, "I''d rather not end him, but I''m not gonna let you use Baby like this!" "Not kill him? What do you mean, ''not kill him''? You want to snatch Baby away? Baby might like you, but she''s also fond of him. Don''t forget, he''s Baby''s real dad, and you? You''re just the viin in her story! The more time she spends with Tarquin, the more she''s gonna choose him over you. And let''s not overlook the fact that Tarquin has Elysia by his side, along with Baby''s four brothers. And what do you have? Nothing but your lonesome self. How do you n topete with Tarquin? If you want Baby, Tarquin has to be out of the picture!" Keith clenched his teeth in anger, "I don''t need your twisted logic, just let Baby go! Now, immediately!" The other person sighed again, "Rx, I''m not going to harm Baby. You know I''m only using her to get a grip on Tarquin. You don''t need to worry about Baby''s safety. I''ll drop her off at your ce tonight. And that thing you wrecked? I''llpensate you for it. Listen to me, go settle your score with Gideon. If you miss this chance, getting your sweet revenge will be much harder. Good opportunities don''te around often. You need to seize it. Think about Kelsey, think about Phineas Inkster, think about your two brothers who met their tragic ends." After saying that, the person hung up. Keith sat in his car, so overwhelmed with emotion that veins throbbed visibly on his neck. He trembled all over, his face contorted with rage, and his teeth clenched audibly! It wasn''t until a traffic cop came knocking on his window that he managed to calm himself down, didn''t exin himself, and restarted the car. With a fierce turn of the steering wheel, he made an illegal U-turn! ... Forty minutester. In an abandoned factory in the suburbs. A person dressed in a dark cloak and wearing a mask looked down at Baby with scrutiny. Baby was tied to a chair, her eyes red and swollen with fear, trying her best not to cry aloud, her tiny mouth quivering and tears hanging at the corners of her eyes. The masked person stared at Baby for a while, then gave her a chilling smile, "Heh heh." Terrified, Baby couldn''t hold it in any longer and burst into tears, "Daddy, I want my daddy, wah, I want my daddy..." The masked person pursed their lips, "You know why I''m not fond of you? Because you''re such a nuisance! Keith could''ve been something great, but he was ruined because of you. Such a pity. Once a demon gets a taste of human emotions, they''re not fit to be a demon anymore." Baby cried harder, sobbing uncontrobly, her voice hoarse, "I want my daddy, I want my mommy, I want my brothers, I want Mr. Handsome, wah wah wah... daddy, mommy, brothers, Mr. Handsome, wah wah wah..." "Enough crying. Today, you''ll all be reunited, heh heh, in the underworld." After saying that, the masked person turned to another masked figure nearby, "Tarquin came by himself?" "Yeah, our guys have been watching him. He told his bodyguards to leave and came here alone." "Quite brave, heh heh." He seemed to think of something else and added, "Little Elysia and those kids are pretty interesting. If we get a chance today, grab them, and make sure they''re alive." "Understood!" The masked person gave Baby onest look, chuckled sinisterly, then slowly walked towards the staircase. Baby cried with reddened eyes, "I want my daddy, I want my daddy, wah..." Suddenly! A car came speeding in, crashing through the factory''s old gates! Chapter 927 Keith hurriedly got out of the car, catching the masked man by surprise. They had been expecting Tarquin, not Keith! When Baby saw Keith, she was overwhelmed with emotion, crying even louder, "Daddy, daddy! I want a hug, daddy, please hug me..." Keith followed the sound of her voice and saw Baby tied up on the second floor. His heart sank, and he felt a shiver run through his entire body, "Don''t worry, Baby, Daddy''s here." Keith started to rush upstairs but was blocked by a group of thugs. The man at the top of the stairs looked down at Keith with disappointment in his voice, "You''re not going after Gideon for revenge?" Keith clenched his fists, ring back with a murderous look, silent. The man sneered, "I really feel sorry for Kelsey and the entire Inkster family. For the descendant of an enemy, you''re even willing to give up on your vendetta! Keith, she has the Bradford family blood in her!" Keith replied coldly, "She''s just my daughter, Keith''s daughter, and that''s all that matters!" The man scoffed, "Lying to yourself, is that fun?" Keith ignored him, his gaze threatening, "I''m taking Baby with me! Now!" The man then asked, "I didn''t tell you about this ce. How did you find it? Who told you? Tarquin? Or did you... have someone on the inside?" Keith repeated his demand, "I''m here to take Baby away. Now!" "You can take her, but not just yet. Wait until I''ve dealt with Tarquin. If you don''t want revenge, you can wait here. Once I''m done with Tarquin, I''ll hand Baby over to you." Keith didn''t engage further. He looked up at Baby, his eyes filled with tenderness, "Baby, Daddy''s right here. Don''t be scared. You''re not alone; Daddy''s here. Now, do as Daddy says, close your eyes, and count silently. Only open them when Daddy says so." Through her tears, Baby nodded, her sobs breaking, "Okay." She obeyed Keith immediately, closing her eyes tight. The next moment, Keith shot the man a fierce re. He gritted his teeth and moved forward, as the sound of intense fighting broke out. The man watched from above, his voice chilling, "I didn''t want to hurt you. My quarrel isn''t with you. Are you really seeking death?" Keith''s gaze turned fierce, and his every move was lethal. Without hesitation, he drew his gun and aimed at the man, pulling the trigger, "Bang¡ª" Not wanting to hurt him? That''s a lie if Keith ever heard one. After more than two decades of dealing with each other, Keith might not know his true identity, but he had a good idea of his character. He was ruthlessly cunning, a master of psychological warfare. His words were always a mix of truth and lies, making it impossible to discern what was real. But one thing was clear: you could only believe a tenth of what he said. Another thing was certain: Keith was just a pawn to him. Useful for now, disposableter. Once he was done with Tarquin, Keith knew he''d be next on the list. From the moment Keith learned the truth about that night in Hill Vige, he knew a target was on his back. No matter who had posed as Kendrick, he was involved. His sister''s tragic death, he was part of it. His own downfall, he couldn''t escape me. Keith knew, deep down, it woulde down to him or the man. A fight to the death. Chapter 928 The past few days had been a tense truce, simply because there was still mutual benefit in not turning on each other. The reason he was still open to dialogue rather than having a hit put on him was because Tarquin hadn''t arrived yet. His goal for today was Tarquin! He didn''t want to burn bridges just yet, much like how he had purposely lured him in by taking Gideon and the Bradford family hostage, pushing him towards revenge. He was worried about his own ns being jeopardized! But with his ns against Tarquin now threatening Baby, how could he possibly stand by and do nothing? With Baby in danger, how could he focus on settling scores with Gideon? To him, Baby was the love of his life, more precious than his own being. He hadn''t forgotten the blood feud with his family, he remembered! But he couldn''t ignore Baby; he had to save her first, then seek revengeter! Revenge could wait. Saving Baby was urgent! When the man dodged Keith''s direct assault, he became ruthless. He didn''t use Baby as leverage; instead, he gave the order on the spot, "If he doesn''t want to live, then let''s not keep him alive!" A group, upon receiving themand, drew their guns and opened fire on Keith. The fight intensified within the derelict factory! What was supposed to be a negotiation scene between Tarquin and the mysterious figure had turned into a battleground between Keith and the mysterious figure. When Tarquin burst in, Keith was still locked in a bloody confrontation. Seeing Keith there took Tarquin by surprise. He hadn''t expected Keith to be there, especially not before him! Without a moment to spare on further thought, Tarquin joined the fray! Together with Keith, they faced off against the masked assants! Tarquin knew very well Keith''s love for Baby; he would never harm her. The plot to kidnap Baby was surely the mysterious figure''s own doing! As someone attempted to strike Keith from behind, Tarquin''s gaze turned icy, he grabbed the assant, and with a snap, rendered him incapacitated! Keith nced over his shoulder at Tarquin with a frown. With a quick and urate shot, he took down another masked man behind Tarquin. Back to back, they quickly formed an alliance. Keith was straight to the point, "Baby''s on the second floor, temporarily safe but terrified. We need to figure out how to get her out fast! My informant says there are dozens of gunmen in the factory, all skilled and armed. There are also snipers around, and the ce is rigged with explosives. He doesn''t n on letting you or Baby make it out alive!" Tarquin looked up to the second floor. Baby was tied to a chair, her eyes tightly shut, her small shoulders trembling, clearly still in tears. Tarquin''s heart ached with a murderous rage! Seeing the masked man beside Baby, he suppressed his anger to ask, "The one watching the fight, is that him?" "Not sure, but I think so! He''s very interested in you. He''d probably want to have a word before you die." A fierce gleam passed through Tarquin''s eyes-good, if it was him! "He''s here for me. I''ll draw their fire. You find a way to get to Baby on the second floor!" Without waiting for Keith to respond, Tarquin moved away. Tarquin made himself a target, diverting the enemy''s focus from Keith. Understanding his intention, Keith grimaced, wiping the blood from his lips as he retreated to the edge. Any old grudges or vendettas paled inparison to Baby''s safety! Uniting for amon cause, rescuing Baby, was the only priority! Chapter 929 Keith and Tarquin had their roles down to a science. Keith kept his eyes glued to Baby, ready to swoop in when the moment was right. Tarquin, on the other hand, was the decoy, duking it out with the thugs! Tarquin fought with a ferocity and precision that could only be likened to a raging bull! The man stood hands behind his back on the second floor, his focus never wavering from Tarquin. Today, his main interest was indeed Tarquin. He watched, unbothered, as Tarquin brawled with a bunch of goons, as if he were watching a theater production. A redser dot danced around Tarquin, the sniper poised and ready, yet he never gave the order to shoot. Even more so- When he sensed Tarquin was in danger, he''d even shout out a warning, urging Tarquin to watch his back. And when Tarquinnded a solid hit, he''d p and cheer, clearly entertained! Tarquin noticed his odd behavior and, after taking down a few more of the thugs, nced up at him before the next wave descended. His gaze was deep, his expression unreadable. The man met his gaze and chuckled, ''Heh, heh.'' He waved his hand, signaling the thugs to hold off, and said to Tarquin, "Tarquin, long time no see." At that, a flicker of surprise crossed Tarquin''s face. "You know me?!" From the shadows, Baby''s voice rang out, her eyes still shut, "Mr. Handsome, Mr. Handsome!" Tarquin''s heart clenched, and he reassured her quickly, "It''s me! Don''t be scared, Baby." "Baby''s scared, waaa..." "Don''t worry, don''t worry. Mr. Handsome is here, you don''t have to be afraid!" "Daddy?" "...He''s here too. He''s with me. We''ll get you out of here soon, Baby. Just keep your eyes closed, don''t open them." "Okay." Baby''s voice, small and tearful, tugged at the heartstrings. "Heh, heh." The man''sugh was sinister. "Interesting, your own daughter calls another man daddy. Doesn''t that upset you?" Tarquin ignored him, shifting the conversation away from Baby, not wanting the man to focus on her. He repeated his earlier question, "You know me? You''ve seen me before?" The man countered, "Don''t you remember me?" "...Take off the mask and voice changer. Let me see." "It''s not about the mask or voice changer. You''ve just forgotten me. Look at me, I''ve always remembered you, no matter what you turn into, I can recognize you." Tarquin was suspicious. No matter what he became, this man could always recognize him? Someone close to him? "...If you''re so familiar with me, what are we to each other?" The man pondered for a moment. "Enemies now, I guess? Why else would I want you dead?" "And before?" "Before... Heh, heh, it''s confusing for you, and it''s confusing for me. But one thing''s for sure, you''re going down today." Tarquin frowned. The man''s speech was erratic and nonsensical, like a madman''s. But how could a madman orchestrate such borate schemes for years! Just as Tarquin was about to speak, the man continued, "Before you die, though, I want to y a game with you, to mark our acquaintance. What should we y? How about self-harm? The game you loved as a kid, sound good?" Self-harm! Tarquin''s brow furrowed in concern, "!" The man chuckled, "Curious how I know? I understand you better than anyone, Tarquin." Tarquin''s breathing becamebored! After his parents died, he was taken in by the Bradford family. The pain of missing his parents, coupled with external torment, made his life a living hell. But he couldn''t die. He had to live, to avenge his parents! Whenever he couldn''t bear the immense psychological pressure, he''d hurt himself for relief! But this was a deeply personal secret. How did he know? "Who are you?!" "Heh, heh, who am I, indeed? You''ll have to guess. If you can''t figure it out, oh well. Let''s just y our game." Chapter 930 He took out a switchde, twirling it beside Baby with a malicious grin. "You used to scratch yourself up as a kid, but that''s boring. Let''s go for something heavier, shall we? I''ll decide the weight - either from you or from her. So, who''s it gonna be...?" He couldn''t finish his sentence as a rock suddenly struck his wrist! The switchde ttered to the ground. Tarquin''s voice was like ice. "Back off from her!" The masked man looked at him, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "You got the nerve to hit me, not realizing the mess you''re in? She''s mine. I could end her in a heartbeat!" Tarquin''s gaze didn''t waver. "Think again why I''d dare to do such a thing!" "Why?" the masked man asked, puzzled. "Don''t you know? I never enter a fight unprepared." The masked man''s suspicion deepened. "What are you implying? You think you''re walking out of here alive?" "Better question is, can you?" There was a brief silence until the masked man''s phone rang. He answered, clearly annoyed. "Talk!" "There''s been a mishap, get out now! The explosives are set to go off in less than ten minutes. Anyter and it''s toote!" "What happened?" "I''ll exin face-to-face." "Are you sure?" "Positive. We need to evacuate now!" "Damn it!" After hanging up, the masked man regained hisposure and turned back to Tarquin. "Such a pity. I was looking forward to making you suffer a bit longer. But it seems fate has other ns. In another life, Tarquin. Don''t forget to seek me out. We''ll have our rematch." With that, he signaled to his men and they quickly made their way to the roof where a helicopter awaited. Seeing this, the henchmen downstairs caught on and started to evacuate. Seizing the moment, Tarquin dashed to the second floor to rescue Baby. But he was met with sniper fire. While the henchmen retreated, the sniper did not. Forced into a corner, Tarquin ducked behind a piece of machinery, scouting for the sniper''s position. Keith had just received a text from an informant, warning him of the impending explosion at the factory! Frowning deeply, he took a deep breath, pocketed his phone, and focused on locating the sniper. He and Tarquin worked together, quickly neutralizing several threats. But one was too well-hidden, their location unknown. This sniper was deliberately leaving Baby alive as bait, ensuring Tarquin and Keith couldn''t escape the factory before the explosion. Time ticked away in the silent, abandoned factory. Now it was just Tarquin, Keith, Baby, and the unseen sniper. Keith, hidden behind machinery, nced at Baby on the second floor, his eyes filled with tenderness and love. Baby was still sobbing, eyes shut tight, following his instructions. Keith felt a pang in his heart, warming his eyes. He gritted his teeth, looked at Tarquin, who was busy on his phone. Feeling Keith''s gaze, Tarquin looked up. Unable to speak directly, Tarquin gestured to his phone, signaling Keith to check his. Keith didn''t look at his phone, instead, he signaled a n to Tarquin. This time, he''d be the decoy! Once he ran out, the sniper would shoot at him, revealing their position, allowing Tarquin to take the shot. Tarquin got the message, his eyes widened in protest, but Keith was already sprinting out! Aser immediately targeted Keith, followed by the sharp sound of a gunshot. Chapter 931 Keith took a bullet to the gut and hit the ground hard! Tarquin''s heart skipped a beat, his pupils narrowed in focus as he swiftly aimed at the sniper''s position, firing three shots in rapid session! The sniper tumbled down from his perch, lifeless on impact. Tarquin rushed to Keith''s side, blood had already soaked through Keith''s shirt and was still seeping out. In a frantic move, Tarquin stripped off his own shirt, trying to temporarily plug the wound to slow the bleeding. Keith sped his wrist, raising his other hand, weakly pointing in Baby''s direction, his voice barely a whisper, "Forget about me! Take... take Baby and run, it''s gonna blow! Go... take her... hurry..." Tarquin''s throat bobbed, emotions swirling in turmoil. "It''s not blowing up yet, Baby''s already safe." Keith looked puzzled. Tarquin assured, "Baby is 100% safe, try not to talk, the medics are on their way, they''ll be here any minute." Tarquin pressed his shirt against Keith''s wound and stood up to save Baby. Keith let out a relieved sigh, his frail voice trailing after Tarquin, "Don''t let Baby open her eyes, don''t let her see me bleeding, don''t let her know I''m hurt. She''ll be scared, it''ll frighten her." Tarquin''s throat moved again, he nodded, "Yeah." Upstairs, Baby was still tied up. Her chubby little face smeared with dirt, her hair a mess, tears clinging to her eyshes, invoking pity. But her eyes remained tightly shut. She was obedient to Keith''s words, not opening them if he said not to. Tarquin dashed over, "Baby!" Baby recognized Tarquin''s voice, "Mr. Knight?" "Yes! It''s me!" Baby was ecstatic, "Mr. Knight, Mr. Knight, sob, Mr. Knight..." Tarquin''s heart ached for her, "I''m here, I''m here." He quickly untied her, scooping his daughter into his arms. Baby clung to his neck, her voice hoarse from crying, "I''m scared, Baby''s scared, there were bad guys, bad guys, sob sob sob..." Tarquin''s voice was tender, "It''s alright, the bad guys have been chased away, Baby''s safe now." "The bad guys... were chased away?" "Yes." "And daddy? Can I open my eyes now?" Tarquin looked downstairs, the first floor was in chaos, traces of a fight everywhere, bodies, bloodstains. Keithy in a pool of blood, weakly gazing their way. Tarquin felt a lump in his throat, "Keep them closed for a bit longer, I''ll take you out first." The bloody scene downstairs wasn''t something a child should see, it would give her nightmares. And the weakened Keith, he couldn''t let Baby see him like this, it would terrify her, deeply sadden her. Baby, unaware of everything, obediently nodded, her eyes still closed, hugging Tarquin''s neck tight. She was worried about her daddy, asking, "Mr. Knight, where''s my daddy?" Tarquin, holding Baby, nced at Keith with a heavy heart, he hesitated, then lied, "He''s not here right now." "Oh, my daddy came too, did you see him?" "Yes, I saw him." "Then, Mr. Knight, could you call daddy for me? Tell him Baby''s safe now, so he won''t worry." The little girl murmured, "My daddy gets scared easily, he might cry if he''s too worried." They were now on the first floor, a few meters away from Keith. Keith''s face was pale, devoid of any color, but he was smiling, gazing at Baby with love. Tarquin felt a bitter taste in his mouth, telling Baby, "He already knows Baby''s safe, he''s the one who chased the bad guys away." Baby beamed with pride, "My daddy''s so strong." As Tarquin carried Baby past Keith, he couldn''t help but stop, "Baby, you love him a lot, don''t you?" "Yes, yes, daddy is my favorite person, I love him so much, and he loves me, so much!" Tears streamed down, rolling over Keith''s cheeks. Chapter 932 "Yeah, daddy loves you so much, Baby. So, so much. But... I''m sorry, Baby. Daddy has to break his promise. I won''t be able to have dinner with you at home tonight, and I won''t be able to anymore. Daddy won''t be there to take you to see the pandas, or take you on vacations. I promised to teach you swimming, diving, and boxing. I wanted to watch you grow up, be there for your SATS, walk you down the aisle... I even thought about, once you got married and had kids, I''d be a full-time grandpa, just looking after your little ones, heh... I promised you so much, but I won''t be able to keep any of them. I regret it so much. If I knew I''d have to leave you so soon, I would''ve never left Spirit Vige. We only had a little over five years together, and I was away for two of those. I regret it so much. Baby, daddy has to go, to say goodbye forever. When I''m not around, you have to eat well, grow up healthy, and stay safe." Outside the abandoned factory, sirens wailed, and ambnces roared. Tarquin nced at Keith, asking with his eyes if he wanted to say a few words to Baby. Keith shook his head, gesturing for him to take Baby outside. Hearing his voice would surely make her open her eyes, and seeing him like this would scare her. With a sniff, Tarquin carried Baby outside. More than a dozen cars were parked outside, and many people had gathered. Besides the police and paramedics, Lowell was there with bodyguards, and so were Elysia, Elliot and Evan. Seeing Tarquin with Baby, the crowd rushed over. Tarquin first directed the police and paramedics inside, then told Baby, "Baby, you can open your eyes now." The first person Baby saw was Elysia. "Mommy!" Breathless, Elysia ran over, her eyes swollen and tears still hanging from hershes. She had woken up to overhear a conversation about Baby''s ident. Nearly scared out of her wits. Tarquinforted her, "It was a close call, but Baby''s not hurt." Elysia''s lips quivered, her voice raspy, "As long as she''s not hurt. What about you?" "I''m fine too, don''t worry." Elysia sniffled, visibly relieved. Elliot and Evan, hearing this, also felt relieved and rushed to check the bomb situation in the factory. Evan was more skilled in this area. After discovering the bomb in the factory today, Evan had started working on it remotely. Lowell also brought in a few bomb disposal experts to consult. When the bomb malfunctioned and threatened to explode sooner, they coborated to alter the detonation sequence. The bomb was no longer a threat. After sorting it out, Elliot immediately shared the news with Tarquin and Keith. Unfortunately, only Tarquin saw the message, not Keith. That''s why Tarquin had tried so hard to stop him, constantly urging him to check his phone. Paramedics wanted to check on Baby, so Elysia apanied her onto the ambnce. Tarquin turned to head back into the factory. He needed to see Keith. Lowell walked with him, saying, "It''s going to be tough for the mystery person to escape this time. The police have been on alert. As soon as the nends, they''ll be ready to arrest." Tarquin didn''t respond but instead asked, "What about Gideon and the Bradford family?" Lowell was caught off guard by the sudden mention of Gideon, pausing before responding, "They''ve been found, all safe and unharmed. But they haven''t mentioned the mystery person. For some reason, they''re adamant Keith was the one who kidnapped them." Tarquin frowned, biting down hard on his jaw in frustration. Chapter 933 Inside the factory, paramedics had just hastily patched up Keith''s wounds, preparing to rush him to the hospital for emergency care. But he refused. "Stop, it''s pointless. I''m done for." After saying this, Keith''s gaze found Tarquin and he muttered, "In this little time I have left, I''d rather spend it quietly talking with him." The medical team fell silent, while a nearby police officer looked like he wanted to say something but then thought better of it. Tarquin stepped closer and asked the doctor, "Is there any hope?" The doctor shook his head firmly. With injuries this severe, it was a miracle he was still breathing. Tarquin frowned, "Then let''s not put him through more. I''ll talk to him alone." The medical team nodded and left. The two police officers hesitated for a moment but didn''t say anything and walked away. Lowell, sensing the mood, decided to look for Elliot instead. In the cluttered, abandoned factory, chaos reigned. Several people had died, and the authorities were busy taking photographs for evidence and dealing with the bodies. No one was idle. But around Keith, there was no one else. Tarquin had made it clear he wanted some time alone with him, and no one dared interrupt and risk his ire. Perhaps it was a final burst of energy, but Keith looked better than before. Hisplexion had returned to normal, flushing with color, making him look almost healthy. His spirit also seemed improved. Keith, with a touch of self-mockery, said, "Do you know what the police wanted to tell me?" Tarquin knew, and it irked him. He didn''t like Keith, that was true, but he also felt sympathy and gratitude towards him. In short, he didn''t want Keith to die. But reality was something no one could change. Tarquin, feeling restless, wanted a cigarette but found none in his pockets, leaving him with a dark expression and silent. Keith answered his own question, "The police said that Gideon and the Bradford family are adamant that I was the kidnapper. Ha, I wonder if I got yed by someone, or if Gideon remembered the past and wanted to finish me off for good. I''d prefer thetter! Because if Gideon did that, it means he remembered. That''s better than him not even knowing who my parents were! It''s just a shame I won''t get to avenge my family myself. Ah, if I had known, I wouldn''t have slowly cut them. I should have finished them off directly! I regret it!" Keith''s brow furrowed, his eyes filled with regret and anger. After a pause, he continued, "But I don''t regret choosing to save Baby first. My family would understand. After the incident in Hill Vige, my world went dark, day and night, all dark. But Baby, she was the only light in that darkness! She was the only source of happiness in my battered journey of life. So, how could I stand by and watch her in danger and do nothing? I couldn''t, I couldn''t control myself. Just like I couldn''t control falling for that girl. I know she''s the enemy''s descendant, I know she carries the Bradford blood, but I can''t help it, I like her. I like her clear, watery big eyes! I like her long eyshes and her small nose, and her round little face. I like the way her eyes squint when sheughs! And I like her pouty little mouth when she''s upset, looking so aggrieved. Everything about Baby, I like! To be honest, I''ve been a fallen man for a long time. I''m not a good person. I''ve killed, dealt drugs, run gambling rings, smuggled arms... except for not touching women and children, I''ve done all the bad things. Sometimes, I''ve been so ruthless, I don''t even recognize myself. But towards Baby, my love is real." Tarquin''s lips moved slightly, "I know." Chapter 934 Keith sighed deeply, a heavy sense of loss weighing him down. "It''s just... I regret that I can''t be there for her anymore. I can''t stand the thought of never seeing her again. It... it hurts so much." His eyes began to moisten. Maybe it was the weight of his words, or perhaps the depth of his sorrow, but his breathing became ragged. Panting, as if fearing he might die at any moment, he hurriedly spoke to Tarquin. "That teddy bear you gave Baby, she loved it, but it got destroyed in a fire today. Don''t tell her it was destroyed. I... I bought her an identical one. I was going to secretly rece yours, but now there''s no need. Someone will deliver the new bear tonight. Just tell Baby that''s her... her Lan..." Tarquin nodded, "Okay." "And, Baby has always lived in Spirit Vige, never venturing elsewhere. She loves little bunnies, and she''s also fond of pandas. You and Elysia... find time to take her... take her to see them..." Tarquin''s eyes swelled with difort, but he nodded again, "Yeah." It took Keith a while to continue, "I''ve bought a lot of insurance policies, all with Baby as the beneficiary. After I''m gone, help her sort those out. I''ve also prepared over a hundred birthday gifts for her. She''ll receive one every year until she grows old. You must... make sure she gets them! Each gift is a blessing from me to Baby... I''ve... also set aside a dowry for her in a Swiss bank ount, I..." Keith''s breathing became morebored. Tarquin moved to call a doctor, but Keith stopped him, shaking his head, "I know you''re wealthy, but what''s yours is yours, and what''s mine is mine, I..." Tarquin assured him, "Everything you''ve prepared for her, she''ll receive. I''ll make sure she knows it''s all from you, and I''ll tell her you always loved her." Keith rxed, letting out a sigh of relief. After sharing the safe''s password, he added, "If Baby asks, just tell her I''ve gone abroad for work. We can tell her the truth when she''s older." "Okay." "And, I know you''ve been investigating that mysterious figure, trying to use me to get to him. But I don''t know who he really is, nor do I understand his feud with the Bradford family. However, I''ve collected some information about him that might help you. Next to the burned-down cabin, there''s arge tree with a safe hidden underneath. The contents are inside, and the code is... is..." Keith struggled to articte the six-digit code, taking his time before finally getting it out. After he finished, Tarquin urged him to rest and stop talking. But suddenly, Keith grabbed Tarquin''s wrist, "I... I... sent Elysia a voice message, for... for Baby to hear! I told Baby, you... you''re her new daddy, Baby can... can be your daughter, Tarquin! But she mustn''t... mustn''t call Gideon ''grandpa''! She mustn''t..." "I promise you!" Keith exhaled deeply, releasing his grip. Tarquin couldn''t help but add, "I''ll avenge the Inkster family feud for you." Keith looked at him, surprised, then smiled, "...Okay." Suddenly remembering something important, he quickly added, "By the way, Elysia''s biological parents are... are..." Chapter 935 Tarquin was visibly shaken, his face a mask of disbelief. "What?!" Keith was panting heavily, struggling to get his words out. "It''s... it''s... it''s..." He couldn''t finish his sentence before he suddenly went silent. Tarquin''s pupils dted in shock, and he urgently called out, "We need a doctor here, now!" A doctor and a police officer, who were not too far away, rushed over immediately. After a quick examination, the doctor shook his head grimly. "He''s not breathing anymore." Tarquin''s heart sank. Deep down, he knew Keith''s chances were slim, but Keith''s death still wasn''t something he could easily digest. What puzzled him more was Keith''s sudden mention of Elysia''s biological parents. What did he mean by that? Was it just a dying man''s wish to reveal all his secrets, or did the mysterious figure have some connection to Elysia''s real parents? Lost in thought, Tarquin was snapped back to reality when Elysia burst into the room. Her breath caught at the sight of Keith lying motionless on the ground, her eyes widening in shock. Tarquin quickly put aside his thoughts to wrap an arm around Elysia, offering silentfort. Elysia was trembling, her lips quivering. "Keith... he..." Tarquin spoke softly, "He''s gone, Elysia. He died trying to save Baby." Tears welled up in Elysia''s eyes, making them glisten. She didn''t know Keith very well, nor was she fully aware of all the wrongs he might havemitted. However, she understood his hardships and how much he loved Baby. She feared Keith might fight her for custody, but she never wished him dead. Whether it was out of sympathy for the Inkster family or Keith''s love for Baby, she wished he could have lived. Even if Keith had broken thew, life imprisonment seemed a better option than death. With Keith gone, the Inkster lineage ended. Without him, Baby would never see her father again. Just earlier, Baby was bragging to her and the doctor. "My daddy is so cool, you know. Mr. Handsome said it was my daddy who scared away the bad guy. My daddy is a real-life superhero!" The doctor had praised her during the check-up, calling her a good girl. Baby had proudly responded, "Daddy also says Baby is a good girl." The doctormented on how well she was raised, plump and with a sweet temperament. "My cheeks are even chubbier than daddy''s!" Baby had giggled. When it was time for her blood test, Baby became scared and cried for Keith''s embrace. After the test, with her lips quivering, she repeatedly called out for ''daddy'', seeking Keith''sfort. Baby''s every word was about Keith, and she was inseparable from him. Baby loved him, relied on him, and cared about him deeply. How would she cope with his death? What would Baby do when she missed him? The thought of Baby learning about Keith''s death and realizing she would never see him again filled Elysia with dread. Elysia was unaware of Keith''s fate until Baby kept asking to call him, prompting Elysia to check her phone and find Keith''s message. Keith had written that he returned Baby to them, hoping they would cherish her, treat her well, and provide a bright future for her. He also left a long voice message for Baby. "Baby, I''m sorry, daddy has to break his promise again. I can''t join you for dinner tonight, and we won''t be able to visit the zoo soon. Daddy''s got an urgent mission and had to leave without saying goodbye. You love daddy so much, and I know you''ll understand why I had to leave suddenly, right? Don''t worry, Baby. Even though daddy''s gone, my heart will always be with you. I''ll always think of you. You''re the love of my life, Baby. Daddy will love you forever and ever, always and forever! No matter where I am, my love for you will never change. If you miss me, just look up at the sky. Find the prettiest cloud by day or the brightest star at night. Those are daddy''s ways of being with you. Daddy has superpowers, and I can always feel how you''re feeling. Chapter 936 Baby always brought a smile to Daddy''s face. Whenever Babyughed, Daddy''s world lit up. And if Baby ever felt sad, Daddy''s heart would weigh heavy with sorrow. For Daddy''s sake, Baby promised to always find reasons to smile. "My dear Baby, there wille days when I can''t be by your side. You''ll have to stick with Mommy and your brothers, and... Baby''s new Daddy." Daddy had already checked him out. He was a good man, a wonderful father! He loved Baby just as much as Daddy did. Baby could treat him just like she would Daddy. There was no need to hold back or feel ufortable around him. Baby could be yful, share tears, show a little temper, and even share her little secrets with him. Anything on Baby''s mind, any wishes or wants, she could go to him. From today onwards, he wasn''t just Mr. Handsome to Baby; he was her new Daddy. And just like she called me, she should call him Daddy. "My Baby, Daddy loves you, so very much! Remember to live happily, grow up healthy, and be a good, joyful person. May you be free from illness and harm, and lead a life filled with happiness and peace." Hearing such a lengthy message, she knew something was wrong immediately. She dared not bring Baby in, choosing instead to check things out herself. As feared, Keith had met with tragedy! Thinking about Keith''s fate, the pitiful state of the ckwood family, and Baby''s dependency on Keith... Elysia''s heart ached, tears streaming down uncontrobly. She couldn''tprehend why, when scoundrels like Gideon still roamed free, Keith had to be the one to depart early. Was fate only cruel to the kind-hearted? Tarquin enveloped her in his arms, trying to offerfort, his eyes swollen from grief. After Elliot and Evan had secured the area from any danger, they too joined, equally startled and saddened upon discovering Keith''s remains. "We''ll keep Keith''s passing from Baby for now," Tarquin whispered. Elysia, her voice hoarse, nodded in agreement. Elliot and Evan understood, solemnly nodding in unison. Tarquin gently wiped away Elysia''s tears, suggesting, "You should take Baby home first. She might not know about Keith, but the fire and the kidnapping have surely left her scared. She needsfort." Elysia nodded again, her mind racing about what to do next. The Inkster family had all passed, leaving no one to im Keith. Unless they informed other rtives of Phineas and Kelsey, but that felt like disturbing their peace. Seeing the dilemma, Tarquin frowned, "Phineas and Kelsey have already suffered enough, as have those who loved them. Best not to trouble them further." "After the police have concluded their investigation, I''ll take care of the arrangements for Keith," he dered. Elysia and Elliot looked puzzled, but Tarquin''s expression remained stern. "I''ll do it on behalf of Baby. Keith took care of her for years; she''s practically family to him. By calling him ''Daddy,'' she has every right and duty to see to his final affairs." In Tarquin''s eyes, Keith was aplex figure. Certainly not one of their own, but not entirely an enemy either. Keith had caused trouble, taking Baby away, harming Elijah, and driving wedges between him and Elysia. Had it not been for Keith''s meddling, he and Elysia would have recognized their bond sooner, and the truth would have been clear from their first DNA test. Keith had been an adversary, no doubt about it. Yet, he had shown genuine care for Baby, even to the point of sacrificing himself... Life''s unpredictable nature, blurring the lines between right and wrong. With Keith gone, what point was there in dwelling on past grievances? They would let bygones be bygones. But the kindness Keith showed to Baby, that, Tarquin hoped, would be something she''d always remember. To remember his goodness, to remember him, ensuring that he wouldn''t be forgotten by the world. Chapter 937 Elysia was visibly moved by Tarquin''s actions. Tears welled up in her eyes as she choked out, "Keith''s time on earth was just too hard. Alive, he had to witness his whole family being taken from him. And in death, he couldn''t even avenge them and needed strangers to handle hisst rites... Let''s find him a nice spot in the cemetery,y him to rest, so he can finally find peace." "Agreed." Tarquinforted her, "Death might be a release for Keith. No more mental torment, he can finally rest, reunite with his family in the beyond. The only thing he worried about was Baby, knowing she''s with us will let him rest easy. His only regret was not avenging his family, and I told him, I''d take care of his vengeance for him." Elysia looked at him with worry in her eyes. Tarquin understood her concern, "Don''t worry, I won''t resort to violence. The Bradfords aren''t worth dirtying my hands over; I''ll make them suffer in other ways." With that, Tarquin turned to Elliot and Evan, "Take your mom and sister home, look after them. I''ve got some things to take care of, but I''ll be home soon." The boys nodded in unison, "Okay!" Elliot, Evan, and Elysia left the abandoned factory, taking Baby back to their sprawling estate. Tarquin made arrangements with the authorities, asking them to contact him once the investigation was concluded, taking it upon himself to arrange Keith''s funeral. The wind picked up, swirling the leaves on the ground into the air, towards the heavens, much like a soul leaving the earth for the unknown. Keith had truly departed from this cold and cruel world, leaving behind his beloved Baby! From now on, Keith would be no more in this world, and Baby would forever miss the man who loved her dearly. The dead move on to distant ces, but the living must continue their lives. After leaving the factory, Tarquin immediately followed up on the trail of the mysterious figure. If Keith had both a debt and a grudge with him, this mysterious person only harbored ill will towards Tarquin. Keith was just a pawn; the mastermind was his next target. The mysterious person had fled by ne, still unded, with Elijah and the police still on his trail. After giving his instructions, Tarquin made a call to arrange for someone to retrieve Keith''s left-behind documents from beneath the old oak tree. Then he drove to the hospital to confront Gideon! The evidence regarding the Inkster family incident had vanished, making a direct usation against Gideon impossible. But that didn''t mean Tarquin would let him off easy! Gideon, having been shaken by a kidnapping, although unharmed, rushed to the hospital post-rescue. He summoned a team of medical experts for a thorough check-up. As Tarquin arrived, Gideon wasshing out at the doctors. The doctors believed there was nothing seriously wrong, but Gideon, convinced of his grave condition, berated them as ipetents and quacks. Due to his status, the medical team dared not retaliate. Tarquin barged past the bodyguards and entered, "From now on, without my permission, no one is to treat him." Gideon''s face darkened, furrowing his brow in confusion, "What?!" The medical experts, equally puzzled, quickly nodded and made their exit. Gideon, cunning as ever, sensed the underlying threat, his anger ring, "You''re interfering with my medical care?!" Chapter 938 Without Tarquin''s permission, treating him was off the table. What would happen if he truly fell ill one day? Would he just die at home? Tarquin didn''t respond, his gaze icy as he stared him down, a chill in his eyes that could freeze the room. Seeing him like this, he couldn''t help but think of Kelsey, Phineas, and Keith himself. He also thought of Elizabeth Gonzalez and Kendrick. Good people, gone too soon. And yet the devil walks among us! Sometimes, this world truly leaves one at a loss for words. Gideon saw a murderous intent in Tarquin''s eyes and furrowed his brow, wondering what he had done to provoke him today. After racking his brain anding up empty, he finally said coldly, "You have no right to interfere with my medical care. Seeking treatment is my right." Tarquin took a deep breath, suppressing his urge to end it all right there and then. After calming down a bit, he said, "Whether I have the right or not is for me to decide. Just wait and see which doctor dares to treat you without my permission." Gideon scowled, "I haven''t provoked you recently, have I? What do you really want?" "Why did you say it was Keith who kidnapped you?" Tarquin asked in return. Gideon looked at him suspiciously, "You care about that?" Tarquin didn''t reply, just stared at him, waiting for an answer. After a few seconds of silence, Gideon said, "The kidnapper boasted about it himself in front of me, iming his name was Keith and that he had a vendetta against me." "And what did he say exactly?" "He imed that years ago, I assaulted a woman named Kelsey and that they were seeking revenge." Hearing Kelsey''s name made Tarquin''s expression darken even more, "How did Keith and his sister manage to escape from you? Who rescued them?" Gideon gave him a meaningful look and lied, "I have no idea what you''re talking about. I don''t know any Kelsey. Either they''re framing me or they''ve mistaken me for someone else. Either way, I have no connection to this Kelsey person. Probably just some troublemaker trying to ckmail me." Kelsey, a troublemaker?! Tarquin grabbed a steak knife from the fruit tter, and in one swift motion, drove it through Gideon''s hand and thigh, pinning his hand to his own body. Tarquin knew Gideon too well; he might not have known who Kelsey was before, but he definitely did now! He would have had someone look into Kelsey the moment he was rescued. And yet, there was no sign of remorse, only insults towards Kelsey. Despicable! Gideon was stunned for a moment, and then the pain hit him, causing him to scream out in agony, "Ah¡ª" Gideon''s close associates and bodyguards rushed towards the room, only to be stopped by Tarquin''s icy stare. They stood at the doorway, not daring to step forward. Even the doctors and nurses didn''t dare to enter. Gideon, in severe pain and unable to move, broke out in cold sweat and roared, "You disgraceful grandson, hurting your own grandfather, you''ll be cursed for this, you''ll be cursed! You''ll get youreuppance!" Tarquin''s face was emotionless as he casually wiped the blood off his hands with a tissue, muttering, "Being rted to you is curse enough." He tossed the bloodied tissue into the trash bin and looked up, his gaze bing even colder, "I''ll ask you onest time, in the studio that year, how did Keith and his sister manage to escape right under your nose? Who was it that rescued them?" Just as Gideon was about to continue lying, Tarquin''s hand reached for the knife handle. He slightly twisted the knife embedded in Gideon''s flesh. Gideon''s screams filled the room once more, agony written all over his face. Tarquin, utterly indifferent, warned, "I''m not in a good mood today. You better not test my patience. Think carefully before you speak." Chapter 939 Gideon was panting heavily, his clothes soaked through with cold sweat! He was furious, but seeing Tarquin in such a state today, he didn''t dare go against him. Trying to contain his anger, he turned to his confidant, "Repeat to him what you just told me, and don''t you dare lie!" The confidant, scared of Tarquin, took a few shaky steps forward and began, "...After the boss left the studio, a few bodyguards were cleaning up and found the siblings hiding in a closet. The brother was unconscious, but the sister was awake. She looked at the bodyguards terrified, holding her brother, and started bawling. The bodyguards, not wanting to attract attention, were about to silence them for good when a man walked in. He imed to be acting on behalf of the boss''s son, offered a hefty check, used both threats and persuasion, and eventually took the Keith siblings away." Tarquin was taken aback, "Under my father''s name?!" The boss''s son was none other than Tarquin''s father, Kendrick. The confidant nodded vigorously, "Yes! I''ve just finished interrogating those bodyguards. They wouldn''t dare lie again." Why would someone use his father''s name to take the Keith siblings away? As long as the money was right, those bodyguards would''ve let them go without mentioning his father''s name. Tarquin couldn''t figure it out and asked, "What happened next?" "Then... Then those bodyguards, blinded by the money, unanimously lied to the boss. They said they found the siblings in the studio and silenced them. So, the boss, knowing the Inkster family was six people strong, never pursued it further, thinking all the Inksters had perished." Tarquin frowned deeply, "Who took them away?" "The bodyguards didn''t recognize him, said they''d never seen him before, and haven''t since. That man said he was acting on the boss''s son''s orders." "...He didn''t say why he took the Keith siblings?" "No, just that it was an order from the boss''s son." Tarquin looked at his confidant suspiciously, causing him to panic and kneel immediately, "I''m telling the truth, I swear I''m not lying." Tarquin: "..." The incident at Hill Vige had somehow involved his father. Saving the Keith siblings also linked back to his father. Whether it was harming or helping, his father''s name was used either way. But why? "Hand those bodyguards over to me! I have questions." The confidant''s mouth twitched violently, "They... they justmitted suicide out of fear." Tarquin scowled, "..." Whether it was suicide out of fear or murder, the result was the same: they were dead. He had wanted to ask what the man who saved the Keith siblings looked like. No chance now! Tarquin, feeling frustrated, turned to Gideon, "Did my dad ever mention this to you?" Gideon replied irritably, "No!" "Has anyone else contacted you about the Inkster family matter?" "No! Otherwise, I wouldn''t have been in the dark until now, not knowing that the Inkster family still had survivors!" "...It seems the mysterious person who took the Keith siblings wasn''t intending to use Kelsey''s situation to ckmail Gideon. He just wanted to cultivate a pawn. But why involve his own father? Was this about a grudge with Gideon, or with his father? But his father had always been upright in his dealings and had distanced himself from the Bradford family mess, not likely to have offended anyone! Tarquin fell silent for a while, then frowned at Gideon, "How did you end up finding Kelsey back then?" "...Ran into her on the street." Gideon wasn''t worried about Tarquin recording the conversation; in this situation, he could easily im he was just ying along with Tarquin for self- preservation. Tarquin clenched his jaw, "So you followed her to the studio?" Gideon remained silent, which Tarquin took as confirmation. Tarquin''s breathing was heavy, his face tense with barely contained rage. Chapter 940 Because someone looked good, because he caught a glimpse of that beauty by chance, an entire family was ughtered! "You better pray you keep breathing, don''t you dare die-the Inkster n is waiting for you down below!" With those final words, Tarquin stood up, bit down on his back mr, and with a swift motion pulled the steak knife embedded in Gideon''s hand. Blood sprayed out instantly! "Ah-" Gideon screamed in agony, fainting from the pain right there and then. Tarquin left without a trace of emotion, as the bodyguards blocking the doorway hastily stepped aside to let him pass. Once he was gone, everyone swarmed towards Gideon. The knife had gone straight through Gideon''s hand and even pierced the thigh, burying itself several inches deep. Just looking at it was painful! After bandaging him up, Gideon woke up, roaring in anger, "That monster! That absolute monster! Had I known he was this heartless, I should''ve ended him when I had the chance! An ungrateful snake, worse than his own father!" Kendrick had only disowned him, never harmed him. But Tarquin? He dared to assault him publicly! Gideon was furious, "Does he really think I have no means to deal with him?! He seems to have forgotten, I still have his mother''s ashes in my possession!" His confidant trembled: If not for those ashes, it might have been more than just a knife wound. "Sir, please calm down, there''s good news. Keith is dead." Gideon narrowed his eyes, "Dead?" "Yes, confirmed dead." "Hah!" Gideon scoffed, "Thought he could seek revenge against me? He should''ve checked his own worth! If he was so capable, he should''ve stayed alive toe after me! If it weren''t for his parents'' disobedience, would I have killed them? They brought it upon themselves, yet dare to hold a grudge against me! Hmph!" "You''re absolutely right, sir! But, what got into Master Tarquin today? Wasn''t he enemies with Keith? It almost seemed like he was avenging Keith." Mentioning Tarquin got Gideon even more enraged, and he bellowed, "No matter what''s gotten into him, we must bring him down quickly! Contact Alpha Thorne, tell him I agree to his terms!" His confidant was shocked, "?!?" Previously unaware of the secret marriage within the Thorne family, they mistakenly thought Elysia was a mistress. So, they organized a grand banquet intending to expose Elysia''s status as a mistress, aiming to embarrass Tarquin and Elysia. However, their n backfired spectacrly, turning into divine assistance for the couple! Not only did it reveal their marital status to each other, but they also unted their love publicly, making the entire Bradford family aughingstock. After enjoying his moment, Tarquin started his revenge! He trapped the Bradford Group into massive debt, pushing them towards bankruptcy, forcing them to hand over their shares. If they didn''t surrender their shares, they would be responsible for the debt. If they did, those shares would belong to Tarquin, severing all their ties with the Bradford Group. From then on, even if the Bradford Group recovered, they wouldn''t see a dime. Tarquin was after their shares, aiming to leave them with nothing! Gideon saw it clear as day but felt powerless. In desperation, he thought of Alpha. Alpha was the second richest, right below Tarquin. Gideon figured, no one likes being second best, and Alpha would surely want to dethrone Tarquin to take the top spot. To win Alpha over, he revealed he had leverage over Tarquin. If Alpha was willing to cooperate, they could definitely take Tarquin down. Alpha was indeed interested, but had his conditions. Alpha wanted to personally see Elizabeth''s ashes, to verify he wasn''t lying. His confidant whispered, "Sir, if everyone turns to ash, how can Alpha tell whether they''re really Elizabeth''s or not?" Chapter 941 Gideon was fuming, his brow furrowed as he grumbled, "How he differentiates that is his problem, not ours!" "I... I''m just worried there might be a trick up his sleeve. What if he just snatches Elizabeth''s ashes and goes straight to Tarquin to cut a deal?" Gideon was brimming with confidence, "No way! Absolutely not!" After all, it never crossed his mind that this Alpha was his own blood, his great-grandson, Elliot! Gideonid out his analysis clearly, "Coborating with us, the Alpha could rake in a fortune and secure the top spot in wealth, gaining both fame and fortune! But if he deals with Tarquin, at best, he''d get a fraction of the wealth and still be under Tarquin''s thumb, forever ying second fiddle. He''s not a fool. He knows which option benefits him more." His confidant nodded in agreement, "Makes sense." Gideon added, "Set up a meeting time and ce, bring Elizabeth''s ashes for him to identify. Once he''s on board, we can surely topple Tarquin! I''m so fed up with that ungrateful kin!" "Alright! I''ll get in touch with the Alpha right away." At that moment, Elliot and Elysia had just returned to Number One Mansion. Upon receiving a message from Gideon''s side, Elliot furrowed his brows. Keith''s death had left him feeling suffocated, a heavy weight pressing on his chest. After all, the Inkster family''s major grudge remained unsettled, a hard pill to swallow! If this hadn''t happened right before his eyes, he''d never believe such despicable people existed in this world! Elliot, with a tight frown, replied, "You pick the time and ce, just let me know." Gideon''s man replied instantly, "Sure thing, looking forward to a fruitful coboration." Elliot scoffed, fruitful coboration indeed! But this ''fruitfulness'' had nothing to do with the Bradford family! Gideon, just you wait and see! The Inkster family might be down, but this feud is far from over! ... When Tarquin got home, Evan Emmett was in the living room ying with Baby. Elysia was in the kitchen preparing dinner. Elliot and Elijah were upstairs in the small study. Seeing him return, Emmett called out excitedly, "Daddy!" Among the four little ones, Emmett was particrly clingy to Tarquin, even more so than Elliot, Evan, and Elijah. Tarquin held a special fondness for this third son with no blood rtion. Adjusting his demeanor, he smiled warmly at Emmett, "What are you ying?" "We''re drawing with Baby." Baby, with her big, sparkling eyes, hesitantly called out, "Daddy?" Hearing this, Tarquin stopped in his tracks, his heart skipping a beat. Elysia,ing out of the kitchen, also froze in ce. Even though they had heard Keith''s message, they hadn''t expected Baby to switch so quickly. Tarquin quickly approached, lifting his daughter into his arms as his emotions surged, "Hey!" In her sweet, milky voice, Baby exined, "My daddy said, from now on, Mr. Handsome is my new daddy, and Baby should start calling Handsome Daddy." Tarquin nodded in agreement, "Yeah!" Though Baby''s change of address was prompted by Keith''s instructions, Tarquin was still deeply moved, his eyes reddening. "I''ll love Baby just like he did! Forever and ever!" "I''ll love new daddy too! My daddy went on a mission again, does new daddy know where he went? Is it far from Baby?" "...It''s a bit far, but his heart is always with Baby. Whenever you miss him, he''s surely missing Baby too." "I''ll miss him every day." "Yeah, and he''ll miss Baby every day too." "So, when can hee back?" Chapter 942 Tarquin''s Adam''s apple bobbed, "I''m not quite sure either. He''ll be back once he''s done with everything. Just be a good girl and wait, okay, Baby?" "Mhm." Heath came in with a kitten, saying he''d got it from Keith''s ce. Tarquin knew it wasn''t the one he had gotten for Baby; this one was a gift from Keith. He didn''t expose the truth, instead, he put Baby down to y with the kitten. With Keith gone, let his gift, this little kitten, keep Babypany. From now on, this kitten was part of the family too. The three kids were ying with the kitten in the living room while Tarquin headed to the kitchen. Elysia was standing at the kitchen doorway, her eyes red with emotion. There was a touch of being moved, but also a hint of helplessness. Baby had finally started calling Tarquin "Daddy," which was touching. But every time Baby mentioned Keith, Elysia felt helpless. Keith''s passing was a wound that wouldn''t easily heal. Tarquin approached, gently stroking her hair, trying to start a conversation, "Baby seems to be doing well." "Yeah, she''s easy tofort. A few words and she''s all smiles." Tarquin chuckled, "That''s all you, clumsy and silly, easy to cheer up. Elysia: "...Is everything taken care of?" "Not yet, came back to check on you guys first." He had gone to see Gideon earlier, partly to seek answers, partly to vent! After leaving the hospital, he had intended to go to the cabin but thinking of Elysia and Baby made him return home first. Seeing Baby and Elysia''s current state eased his mind a bit. "Why are you cooking? Where''s the chef?" Elysia said, "I was idle, and I wanted to cook something for the kids myself. Are you going back out? Dinner will be ready soon." "Not sure if I need to head out again, but I''ll stay for dinner." "Okay, then I''ll make a bit more." Tarquin smiled indulgently, "Sounds good." Elysia went back to the kitchen to continue her work, and Tarquin, looking at her back and then at Baby ying in the living room, felt a warmth in his heart. As long as his family was safe, everything was okay. If they could catch the mysterious person today, it would be perfect. Tarquin turned to go upstairs to find Elliot and Elijah. The two brothers were in the small study, furiously typing away on their keyboards. Elijah was tracking the mysterious person''s ne remotely, and Elliot was up to something else. Every time Tarquin saw the two kids at theirputers, he couldn''t help but wonder: Which of them got this talent from? It''s true that good students oftene from good teachers, but if the student is too dull, they can''t learn. So, Elliot and Elijah definitely had a knack for this, but he and Elysia were not particrly skilled in this area. Who did they get it from? "Daddy," Elliot greeted him. Tarquin nodded, seeing Elijah was still tracking the mysterious person, he didn''t disturb him. He went to Elliot and asked, "Busy?" "Not too much, what''s up?" Elliot was in the middle of setting a trap for Gideon! He wouldn''t rest until he''d gotten back at that old viin! Tarquin said, "If you''ve got a moment, look into Grandpa''s social connections." They had investigated Elizabeth before but hadn''t seriously looked into Kendrick. After learning about the circumstances under which the Keith siblings had been rescued years ago, he had a hunch that the mysterious person might be connected to Kendrick. Elliot was surprised, "The mysterious person has something to do with Grandpa?" "Not sure yet, just check." "Alright!" As soon as Elliot finished speaking, Elijah suddenly looked up, his face dark, "There''s trouble!" The next second, Tarquin''s phone rang with news, both good and bad,ing through. Chapter 943 The good news was that the safe Keith had left behind was dug up, unscathed. The documents inside were already on their way to the Number One Mansion. The bad news? The viin had escaped! His ne crashed in the dense forests, exploded, and no remains were found at the site. Clearly, he had parachuted out in time. Hanging up the phone, Tarquin frowned and leaned closer to Elijah''sputer screen. "His ne crashed here?" "Yep." Elijah zoomed in on the map. "The police were cautious about not causing unnecessary harm, so they waited for him tond before attempting to arrest him. Unfortunately, he still got away! The signal is spotty deep in the forest, so we''ve no idea where he parachuted from. It''s impossible to track him now." Elliot stood aside, his brow furrowed. "There''s a river through the jungle. Crossing that river leads out of the country. It must have been his escape n all along. Chances are, he''s crossed the river and fled abroad." The three men''s faces grew darker. "Knock, knock, knock." The rhythmic knocking came, and Elysia, with Baby in tow, called them down for dinner. Tarquin gathered his thoughts and reassured his sons, "Don''t worry, we missed him this time, but there will be other opportunities to catch him! The documents Keith left will arrive soon, and we can go over them after dinner. Let''s keep spirits high and not worry your mother." The boys sighed in relief and nodded in agreement. Baby was delighted to see them, "Daddy, big bro, Elijah bro, it''s dinner time!" The three responded warmly, "Yes, dinner time!" Elliot and Elijah each took one of Baby''s hands, leading her downstairs, followed by Elysia and Tarquin. "What were you three doing in the study?" Elysia inquired. "Discussing state secrets," Tarquin joked, then smiled, "Just kidding. We were just chatting about the future and dreams." Hearing ''future,'' Elysia grew concerned. While kids their age were attending preschool, Elliot and the others were not, which made her anxious. "Blossom called me today, asking if the kids would be going to preschool before summer. If they are, she''lle back in a few days. If not, she''ll stay longer with her parents." Blossom Blythe was not in Jindale City but unting at her parents'' ce. When Tarquin arranged for the kids to change schools, he also transferred her from a regr preschool to a top-tier one! Blossom was thrilled, showing off to two academic prodigies how sessful her supposedly underachieving daughter had be! Understanding Elysia''s concerns, Tarquin thought: To them, preschool was just a formality, an excuse to mingle. The only one who really needed preschool was Baby, as she had the same intelligence level as her peers. He reassured Elysia, "If you want them to go, they can go anytime. I''ll call the preschool and enroll Baby as well, so she can attend with her brotherster." "Is it safe outside now?" Elysia asked cautiously. Seeing her worry, Tarquin felt a pang of sympathy and guilt. He always said he loved her, but if he couldn''t even provide basic security, what of happiness? Tarquin, feeling guilty, nodded, "It''s safe now." "What about the man who kidnapped Baby?" "...He crashed." "Huh?" "He tried to escape by ne, but it crashed." "Is he dead?" Not wanting Elysia to worry, Tarquin lied, "Yes, he''s dead." Elysia frowned, "Karma!" Tarquin''s lips twitched as heforted her, "We don''t have to be on edge anymore. Don''t dwell on Keith''s death. Gideon and the Bradford family won''t meet good ends!" Elysia nodded vigorously, "Justice always prevails. Anyone who does wrong will face consequences." "Let''s put these worries behind and return to our happy life. You are the heart of our family. When you''re happy, we all are." Elysia smiled, "Yes!" Tarquin said whatever she believed, thinking the bad guy was truly gone, which eased her worries and lifted her spirits. "So, should we send the kids to school before summer?" "Whatever you decide." "I''ll talk to the kids when I get a chance." "Alright." With Elysia''s spirits lifted, Tarquin felt better too. For him, the happiness and safety of his wife and kids were paramount. Everything else was secondary! The family of seven enjoyed a lively dinner. Right after they finished, Keith''s documents arrived. Tarquin, Elliot, and Elijah quickly took the documents to the study on the second floor. There was a lot to go through, and the three dove in together. Soon enough, they discovered a major issue! The viin''s power base was not domestic, but abroad! Coincidentally, it was in the same country where Tarquin had spent his childhood with Kendrick and Elizabeth. Elliot, recalling Tarquin''s instructions to investigate Kendrick''s information before dinner, was shocked, "Could Grandpa really be involved with this viin?" The viin had repeatedly mentioned Kendrick before. And now, discovering the viin''s power base was in the very country Kendrick once resided in seemed too coincidental. Chapter 944 Tarquin harbored his doubts, pausing for a moment before saying, "Let''s dig up everything on Grandpa''s background, and track down everyone connected to him. We''ll check them one by one." Elliot and Elijah nodded in unison, "Right!" The trio continued to scour through the documents, their expressions growing increasingly grim. This mysterious figure was the epitome of evil incarnate! Dealing in drugs, smuggling weapons, trafficking human organs, engaging in illicit trades... he was a devil who had done it all! It was chilling to the bone and infuriating! Moreover, hiswork was astoundingly powerful! He was entangled with numerous dangerous entities abroad and had connections with many high-ranking officials domestically. If Gideon was scum, thenpared to this mysterious figure, he was nothing! He couldn''t hold a candle to the mysterious man''s ruthlessness or his overwhelming power! Elliot, with a furrowed brow, dered, "This is a cancer on humanity, he must be eliminated. We can''t let him continue his vile deeds!" Every day he remains free is another day humanity suffers! Elijah nodded, puzzled and curious at the same time, "Who is he really? How can he possibly be in cahoots with so many foreign powers? And how on earth did Grandpa end up involved with such a wicked person?" These foreign powers were not only evil but cunning. Someone who could catch their eye was no ordinary individual. Even more astonishing was how this mysterious person managed to navigate between several hostile entities with ease. What abilities did he possess to be so indulged by these evil forces?! And, birds of a feather flock together - clearly, Kendrick and this mysterious figure were not of the same ilk! Where did their paths cross? Or, was there some secret about Kendrick they were unaware of? Tarquin''s brow was deeply furrowed as he stared at the documents left by Keith. After a long silence, he nced at the clock. He sent the brothers back to their rooms to sleep, then left with Keith''spiled information in hand. At 2 AM, a storm erupted within the country! Across the nation, numerous high-profile individuals were arrested overnight! Countless criminal dens were raided by the police, all in one fell swoop! The mysterious man''s influence within the country was almost entirely obliterated overnight! The losses were staggering, a major blow! ... Though the news wasn''t officially released, it couldn''t bepletely concealed given the scale of operations! By the next morning, word had spread among the elite circles. Everyone was unclear about the specifics but there was much private spection. The news eventually reached Gideon''s ears. One of Gideon''s confidants reported, "Sir, reliable sources say that this was all Tarquin''s doing. He left the Number One Mansion after 10 PMst night and didn''t return until the deed was done." Gideon mused, "It seems the person who attempted to harm Elijah and kidnap Baby is no small fry." "Yes, sir. Since we didn''t catch him yesterday, it seems Tarquin, out of anger, decided to cripple his operations." The confidant expressed concern, "This also shows that Tarquin''s power is growing stronger. To cause such a stir on his own is quite frightening." Gideon scoffed, "No matter how powerful, as long as I have Elizabeth''s ashes, he wouldn''t dare push me into a corner! At most, he''ll just mess with my assets a bit, make me feel the pinch." Chapter 945 Right away, his confidant nodded, affirming, "Yeah, boss, you''ve got him by the balls. No matter how powerful he is, he wouldn''t dare cross you." Gideon, feeling quite pleased, squinted and asked, "So, the cops came by asking about the Inkster family affair?" "Yep, just like you said, we yed dumb. It''s been years; they won''t find squat." Gideon snorted, "Scum deserves their fate. Dead and still trying to mess with me!" Then, something crossed his mind, and he added, "Tarquin''s not watching the Bradford Group closely right now. We should strike while the iron''s hot and set up a meeting with Alpha today!" "Right away!" At Number One Mansion, Elysia and the four little ones were trying to soothe Baby. For some reason, Baby woke up bawling, desperately calling for Keith. Her cries were fierce, heartbreaking, a mess of snot and tears that tugged at your heartstrings. Keith''s death had left a void in everyone''s hearts! Hearing Baby cry for ''daddy'' just made it all the more painful. Keith was nevering back. Baby would never see him again, never hear his voice again. No matter how many times Baby called out, Keith wouldn''t answer. No matter how hard Baby cried, Keith couldn''te tofort her. In this world, Baby no longer had Keith to adore and cherish her! Elliot was wallowing in his grief when suddenly, he got a message from Gideon! Gideon wanted to meet at ten in the morning, even sent a location. Elliot''s brow furrowed, a fierce look in his eyes. He signaled to Evan and Elijah, and they left Baby''s room for the study. Evan, wiping away tears, asked, "What''s up, bro? Something happen?" Evan was totally a sister''s boy, seeing Baby cry nearly broke him. He was deeply pained for his sister, truly hurt. "Gideon wants to meet!" Hearing Gideon''s name, Evan and Elijah were first shocked, then clenched their teeth in anger. Keith''s life had been ruined by Gideon and some shadowy figure! Gideon was a monster! The brothers transformed their sorrow for their sister, their unresolved feelings over Keith, and their sympathy for the Inkster family into hatred towards Gideon! They were annoyed by him before, now they loathed him beyond words! Evan, clenching his fists, spat out, "What does that old viin want with you?!" "He wants to team up against dad." Evan and Elijah: "??" "I made a deal with Gideon... in the name of ''Alpha''." Elliot outlined the deal in detail, then said coldly, "This is our chance to get back at Gideon, to avenge Keith and the Inkster family, and to retrieve grandma''s ashes." Evan was pumped, rubbing his nose hard, "Finally, time for some payback! Let''s get moving, bro, I can''t wait another second. Just thinking about that old viin makes my hands itch and my stomach turn!" Elijah was equally fired up, but... "The n''s solid, but there''s one thing, how do we make sure the ashes Gideon shows you are actually grandma''s? What if he tries to trick you with someone else''s?" Elliot was full of confidence, "Don''t worry, I''ve got it all figured out. There won''t be any mistakes." Chapter 946 Elijah was puzzled about how Elliot would verify the authenticity of the remains, but he felt a sense of relief anyway. He knew Elliot''s capabilities well -Elliot was alwaysposed and insightful, never one to boast or engage in battles unprepared. "What do you need us to do?" Elijah inquired. Elliot delegated tasks, "Elijah, you''ve had quite a bit of interaction with Gideon, so I''m sure you can find a way to discreetly install a few hidden cameras in his house. Focus on the living room and make sure it''s done before 10 PM." "Evan, you and White just stay home today, rest up, and don''t go wandering around. You two have an important task tonight!" As the morning neared 10 o''clock, Elliot had Emmett entertain Baby while he called Elysia into the study. With a puzzled look, Elysia asked, "What''s all the secrecy about, Elliot?" "I need your expertise in psychology to see if Gideon is lying," Elliot exined. Elysia was taken aback, "What does this have to do with Gideon, that scoundrel?" Elliot rified, "Elijah knows a guy who''s been dealing with Gideon, involving Grandma''s remains. This guy has agreed to help us reim Grandma''s ashes from Gideon." This man, orchestrated by Elliot and posing as ''Alpha'', was directly engaging with Gideon. Upon hearing about Elizabeth''s remains, Elysia''s expression turned serious, "Gideon has Grandma''s ashes?" "Yes, he''s hidden them to ckmail Dad," Elliot confirmed. Elysia''s brows furrowed in concern. ckmail her husband? That wouldn''t do at all! "What''s the n? How can I help?" Elysia quickly asked. Elliot guided Elysia to hisputer, "Our man will handle it. You just need to watch Gideon and look for any signs of deceit during their interaction." On theputer screen, a sleek ck luxury car pulled up at Gideon''s private vi. Gideon''s right-hand man, eager to please, rushed to open the car door, "Wee, Mr. Thorne, right?" The man from the car, without nodding or shaking his head, stepped out with an air of aloofness, "Are Elizabeth''s remains here?" The aide quickly replied, "They''re usually not kept here, but Mr. Gideon had them brought over especially for your visit." Without another word, the man walked into the vi. "Is this the guy you mentioned?" Elysia asked. "Yes, he''s our inside man," Elliot confirmed. The family continued to watch the screen intently. Gideon, aiming to show his respect for ''Alpha'', had returned from the hospital specifically to meet this financial angel. Seeing his aide bring in a man of distinguished presence, Gideon naturally assumed him to be Alpha. He extended his hand enthusiastically, "Mr. Thorne, it''s an honor to finally meet you. I''ve heard so much about you!" ''Alpha'' ignored the gesture, coolly took a seat, removed his sunsses, and directly addressed Gideon, "Where are Elizabeth''s remains?" Gideon''s ego took a hit, but he managed to suppress his irritation. He awkwardly withdrew his hand, took a sip of tea to ease the tension, and then said, "Mr. Thorne, you understand the importance of these remains to me. I''m showing them to you as a gesture of my sincerity towards our cooperation. For years, I''ve never shown them to anyone else. I hope Mr. Thorne can also show genuine intent in our partnership, without any ulterior motives, otherwise..." Chapter 947 Gideon held his tongue, his eyes shing a silent warning. Alpha, however, didn''t seem perturbed. With a frosty demeanor, he said, "The fact that I''m here in person should speak volumes about my sincerity. You should know, I rarely meet with business partners face to face. My dealings are usually online. My presence today signifies my genuine interest in coborating with you. I just want to see Elizabeth''s ashes to confirm you actually have something on Tarquin!¡± Gideon felt a surge of relief, "Yeah, I trust you!" Alpha continued, "Since we''reying it all out, let me be blunt. I want to see Elizabeth''s ashes. If you try to fool me with a fake, not only will our deal be off, but I''ll also be very upset. And you wouldn''t like me when I''m upset." Gideon quickly reassured, "Don''t worry, I''m well aware of your clout. If I didn''t have something solid on Tarquin, I wouldn''t dare propose this to you." Alpha nodded, "If you''re not lying, then our partnership will be very fruitful. I can help you navigate through this crisis and even reim the Bradford Group. We can sign the contract tonight, and the funds will be transferred immediately." Gideon was ecstatic, "Great! I''ll keep my word. I only want the Bradford Group. As for Tarquin''s other assets, they''re all yours." Alpha simply nodded in acknowledgment. Gideon then turned to his confidant, "Bring Elizabeth''s ashes here." The confidant nodded and left the room. Elysia, sitting in front of theputer screen, eyes wide, eximed, ¡°Gideon wants to take over your dad''spany?" Elijah frowned, "It''s not just about taking over thepany. He wants to ruin Dad, leave him with nothing." Elysia clenched her teeth, "Scum! Your dad is his own grandson! And he''s so old, he might not even see tomorrow''s sun. Why is he after thepany?" "He''s been power-hungry all his life. Family means nothingpared to power. As long as he''s alive, he''ll keep fighting, till the day he dies." Elysia was baffled. How could he not be tired of living like that?! On theputer screen, Gideon''s confidant returned, carrying a cardboard box into the living room. Opening the box, he revealed an antique-looking dark brown wooden box. The confidant took out the wooden box and ced it on the coffee table in front of Alpha. Then, in front of Alpha, he opened the wooden box, revealing a white porcin urn. The urn was tightly sealed, its surface gleaming, indicating its high value. Gideon said with a scowl, "This contains Elizabeth''s ashes. This urn was chosen by Tarquin himself, one of a kind in the whole world." Elysia and her siblings tensed up, "!" On the screen, Alpha carefully picked up the white porcin urn, examining it closely. Gideon added irritably, "If I wasn''t worried about Tarquin not being able to recognize the ashes after changing the urn, I would have reced it long ago! What right does that woman have to such a fine urn?!" That woman? Elysia and the triplets clenched their teeth in unison! Evan, though separated by the screen, couldn''t help but curse, "You disrespectful old man, you''re the disgrace!" Realizing Elysia was next to him, he sheepishly nced at her. Elysia said, "Well said! Mommy told you not to curse at people, but she didn''t say anything about beasts." In Elysia''s eyes, Gideon was no longer human! Chapter 948 On theputer screen, ''Alpha'' nced up, catching Gideon''s gaze, "Seems like you''ve got quite the beef with Elizabeth." Gideon''s brows furrowed, his expression darkening, "It''s not that I dislike her, I loathe her! If it wasn''t for her seducing my son, why would he cut ties with me?! And if it weren''t for her toxic genes, why would my grandson be so disobedient? Tarquin''s been led astray by that woman, showing no respect for his elders, no sense of unity, no sense of family loyalty, always at odds with his own grandfather! The discord between me, my son, and my grandson, it''s all because of Elizabeth, that wretched woman! She alone has ruined the entire Bradford family!" Elysia and the kids were furious, thinking there''s nothing more shameless than ming others for your own failures! Who really brought down the Bradford family? Elizabeth wasn''t a curse; she was the Bradford family''s savior. It''s a pity Gideon was too blind to see her value and let her into the family! Thus, the Bradford family was doomed to fall apart! Although Tarquin still carried the Bradford name, he had already separated from the current Bradford family with Kendrick. Technically, he had no connection with Gideon''s side of the family anymore. Therefore, Tarquin''s happiness had nothing to do with Gideon! What awaited Gideon was nothing but ruin! After ranting about Elizabeth for a while, Gideon turned to ''Alpha'', "What are you looking at there?" ''Alpha'' countered, "Are you sure this urn contains Elizabeth''s ashes?" Gideon nodded without hesitation, "Of course, I am! I wouldn''t deceive you with a fake!" ''Alpha'', holding the porcin urn, squinted at Gideon. Tarquin stared nkly at him, "...I swear, if what''s inside isn''t Elizabeth''s ashes, may I be cursed, doomed to the deepest pits of hell after death!" ''Alpha'' watched him for a few seconds before looking away. Then, staring at the urn for a long time, he carefully ced it back into the wooden box, "Put it away." Gideon asked, "Done looking?" "Yeah." "Did you figure out if it''s authentic?" "I''ll need to think it over." Gideon was confused, "Think about what?" ''Alpha'' didn''t reply, only saying, "We''ll be in touchter." Rising to leave, ''Alpha'' bid his farewell. After escorting him out, Gideon''s confidant, utterly baffled, asked, "Sir, wasn''t he supposed to verify the ashes? He didn''t even open the urn, how could he tell?" Gideon, equally perplexed, "Check the urn, see if he tampered with it." The confidant inspected the urn thoroughly, "It''s untouched." Gideon, with a thoughtful frown, mused, "Well, if we''re in the clear, we''ve got nothing to fear. If he insists it''s a fake, it means he''s not interested in cooperating. For now, let''s secure it back where it belongs and be cautious not to be tracked." "Understood!" The confidant secured the box and left. Elliot turned to Elysia, "Mommy, did you catch that?" Elysia, frowning, said, "From his micro-expressions, he didn''t seem to be lying." Elijah rushed to ask, "So, does that mean the urn really contains grandma''s ashes?" "Most likely." The kids were shocked. Elysia pressed on, "But he didn''t take the ashes with him, how does he n to deceive Gideon?" Elliot, bluffing, "We''re not sure of the specifics, Mr. Handsome said he has a n, we just have to wait." Elysia, concerned, "Gideon is so wicked, could Mr. Handsome be in danger?" "No way, Mr. Handsome is way too smart for that, Mommy, don''t worry about him." "If he really can retrieve grandma''s ashes for us, he''ll be our family''s hero! Does daddy know about this?" Chapter 949 "I haven''t told Dad yet." "Let''s keep it under wraps for now. If things don''t pan out, he''ll be crushed. We can fill him in once we''ve nailed it." With the brothers banding together, failure was hardly an option. Nevertheless, the trio nodded in agreement, "Okay, we won''t tell Dad just yet." Baby''s voice echoed from downstairs, calling for "Mommy". Elysia left a few instructions before making her way out of the small study to find Baby. Elliot sat in front of hisputer, switching screens. On the disy, a small red dot was on the move. ''Alpha'', following Elliot''s instructions, had tinkered with the urn, and that red dot represented the urn''s location. The tracker was just too advanced; Gideon''s right-hand man hadn''t noticed it. Evan couldn''t help but voice his thoughts as he stared at the red dot, "Bro, we already know where the urn is. Why don''t we just take action now? Can''t we just go and get it back?!" Elliot shook his head, "Before we make our move, we need to confirm that the urn indeed contains Grandma''s ashes." "Mom already said it''s highly likely." "But Mom isn''t a hundred percent sure. I asked her to observe just to be extra cautious, to avoid a wasted effort tonight." If Elysia could tell Gideon was lying, then tonight''s operation could be called off outright. "We need to be meticulous. Until we''re absolutely certain those are Grandma''s ashes, we can''t tip our hand." Evan was puzzled, "How can we be absolutely certain?" "You''ll see tonight," Elliot replied. Evan''s lips twitched, but he didn''t press further. He trusted his brother''s judgment implicitly and knew to follow his lead. His gaze returned to the red dot on the screen, curiosity piqued, "Where are they taking Grandma''s ashes?" Elliot answered, "Seems like they''re heading to the mountains." Elijah opened the map for a closer look, "There is a mountain up ahead, with a chapel on top." Evan appeared skeptical, "Gideon ns to ce Grandma''s ashes in the chapel?" Elijah''s expression was grave, "Dad has been searching for Grandma''s ashes for years. He''sbed through every ce associated with Gideon but found nothing." Evan questioned, "So, does this chapel have ties to Gideon?" Elijah shook his head, "Definitely not, or Dad would''ve found out. At least on the surface, this chapel has no ties to Gideon." The room fell silent for a moment before Elliot spoke, "No need to keep a constant watch. The tracker is on Grandma''s urn, so it''s not going anywhere. Elijah, go ahead and destroy the hidden cameras we installed in Gideon''s house to avoid any suspicion." Gideon was notoriously paranoid, always scrutinizing his home''s security system. If he found those hidden cameras, he''d suspect something was amiss with their current arrangement. To avoid spooking him, they needed to act quickly. After all, the cameras had served their purpose. Elijah nodded, making a call to arrange it. Elliot edited the video of the white urn and sent it out, [Find an identical one, or make a fake if you have to. I need it tonight.] After a while, the red dot on theputer screen suddenly came to a halt. Elliot zoomed in on the location, and sure enough, it was right in that chapel! Named Sage Hall, situated on Thundara Mountain in the outskirts. It was a sanctuary for all sorts of Enlightened Sages and saints. Whether it was truly miraculous or simply due to its proximity to the city, the chapel always drew a crowd of faithful devotees. Regardless of the weather, there would always be believers offering their prayers. Elliot was puzzled. Why would Gideon ce Elizabeth''s ashes in a chapel? A chapel was a ce of blessings. Considering Gideon''s disdain for Elizabeth, why would he seek blessings for her? Chapter 950 "There''s definitely something fishy going on here!" Elliot furrowed his brow, turning his head to look at Elijah, "Elijah, Gideon hiding the ashes in a church is weird. We need to dig into the details of Sage Hall." Elijah sensed the problem too, his face serious, "I''m on it right now!" Elliot said, "From the pastor to the regr clergy, including those in charge of cleaning and cooking, we need to check them all. And get the scoop on Thundara Mountain too!" "Got it!" Elijah fired up hisptop and started his investigation. Elliot made a call, arranging for someone to disguise themselves as a visitor and scout out the church firsthand. Byte afternoon, they had a pretty clear picture of the situation at the church. The investigation revealed it was a legitimate church, with a history spanning over a century. The pastor and other clergy seemed above board, except for the pastor''s main aide, who raised some eyebrows. Elijah found out he had secretly purchased property abroad. It was odd, considering his significant role in the church, that he would n to settle overseas. This unusual move caught Elijah''s attention. He made sure to share this tidbit with Elliot. Elijah also discovered a legend surrounding Thundara Mountain. Rumor had it that a century ago, Thundara Mountain was haunted, and not just a little. Anyone, regardless of age or gender, who came close would be troubled by malevolent spirits. The mild cases suffered from illnesses or madness for life. The severe cases died mysteriously on the spot. Back in the day, the area around Thundara Mountain was troubled, causing the locals much distress. To seek peace, the vigers pooled their money to hire many masters to conduct rituals. However, after several masters met with idents, no one dared to challenge Thundara Mountain again. Later, a phnthropist funded the construction of Sage Hall, specifically to suppress these malicious spirits. Legend has it, after thepletion of Sage Hall, peace returned to the mountain and no incidents have been reported since. Thus, many believe in the divine presence of an Enlightened Sage in Sage Hall, attributing miraculous powers to it. This has made Sage Hall''s poprity grow year by year. Evan and White were keen on these ghostly legends, listening intently. After hearing the story, Evan asked curiously, "How did the Enlightened Sage manage to suppress those spirits?" Elijah exined, "Legend has it, due to their wicked deeds, the Enlightened Sage confined them, casting a spell to make them endure the sufferings of the mortal world, doomed to never leave that ce, unable to be reborn, and forever bearing their torment." "Where did he confine them?" "Not sure, but I guess it might be here." Elijah pointed towards a specific part of the church for Evan to see, "This is a restricted area of the church, only the pastor and a few clergy can enter. Many clergy aren''t allowed in, iming it''s eerily chilling and terrifying, so ordinary folks dare not venture." After sharing, Elijah suddenly realized something, his expression abruptly changing! He quicklypared the location of the ashes. The little red dot on the screen matched the restricted area! Meaning, the ashes were inside the restricted area! Elijah''s breath hitched, falling silent. Elliot had already spotted the issue, his lips pressed tightly together, his face darkening. The scout they sent confirmed, Sage Hall indeed had a restricted area. A sign clearly stated on the gate: "Dangerous area, no entry allowed." He knew it, Gideon absolutely despised Elizabeth. How could he possibly wish her well?! Gideon had essentially thrown Elizabeth into a den of malevolent spirits! He wanted Elizabeth to suffer at the hands of these spirits! And for her to endure the sufferings of the mortal world alongside them, doomed never to be reborn! Gideon was... utterly heartless and wicked to the core! Putting aside whether malevolent spirits truly exist, Gideon''s intentions were unmistakably cruel! Thinking of the tragic demise of the Inkster family, and then of Elizabeth... Gideon not only tormented the living, but he couldn''t even let the dead rest! Even after death, he refused to leave Elizabeth in peace, cing her ashes in the church''s restricted area, devising ways to persecute her further! Chapter 951 If those ashes really belonged to Grandma Elizabeth... Elliot''s anger surged within him, burning hotter and fiercer! He furrowed his brow, taking a moment to simmer down before turning to ask Evan, "Evan, are you afraid of the off-limits area? If you are, I can find someone else to go." Evan, catching onte, said, "What do you mean, Grandma''s ashes are there?" "Not sure if they''re Grandma''s, but today, those ashes were indeed taken to the off-limits area." Evan''s eyes widened in shock, "Gideon Bradford, that old coot, how dare he... how dare he... alright, alright, alright, he''s done it now!" Evan gasped for air in his fury, while Elliot said, "Let''s stay calm and deal with this. We''ll settle the scoreter!" Retrieving Elizabeth Gonzalez''s ashes would be when they confront Gideon! Evan gritted his teeth, "I''m not scared of that ce, I''ll go with White tonight!" Elliot nodded, "Alright! Let''s keep the ashes a secret from Dad for now, until we''ve brought them back." They knew how furious this would make them, let alone Tarquin Bradford? Tarquin had been searching for Elizabeth''s ashes for years, putting in so much effort, searching countless ces. He even endured Gideon''s nonsense for years because of Elizabeth''s ashes! He loved Elizabeth, just as they all deeply loved Elysia Thorne! Who could stand to see their departed mother treated this way? The uproar on the inte about that nanny arson case in some city, and those well pictures posted online caused a hugemotion! Especially with terms like "suppressing spirits" and "soul-locking" popping up, the whole intemunity couldn''t hold back, rising up in attack! Keyboards were almost smashed, and yet, it didn''t fully vent their anger! If theizens were that angry over a stranger''s death, imagine how Tarquin and Elizabeth must feel as mother and son? If Tarquin found out, how furious, how heartbroken would he be?! That was his Dad Elliot didn''t want to see him hurt! Now, all he wanted was to avenge them! Evan and Elijah understood, nodding with furrowed brows, "Mm!" That evening, Tarquin hadn''t returned for dinner. Elysia, unaware of what he was doing and worried about him, called him to check in. Tarquin said he was workingte at the office and would be backter, telling her not to worry. Elysia didn''t think much of it, asking Elliot about the ashes. Elliot lied, saying, "That man is working on it. We don''t need to worry; he''ll let us know if there''s any update. We just wait." Elysia believed Elliot''s words, but still felt uneasy. ... After dinner, Elliot, Evan, and Elijah immediately went to the small study. Elliot ced a carefully prepared porcin urn into Evan''s backpack, instructing, "Just like before, safety first, mission second. If something doesn''t feel right, pull out immediately." Evan nodded firmly, "Don''t worry, bro. White and I haven''t seen a ghost yet, so we''re going in to take a look. If there really is one, we''ll catch them all and dump them at Gideon''s ce! Let the vengeful spirits tear him apart!" White, coiled on Evan''s shoulder, lifted its head, flicking its red tongue as if to say: Right! Catch and tear him apart! "Bring back the ashes as soon as you find them, and be careful." "Got it, understood." Evan bid farewell to Elliot and Elijah, taking White out of the vi. The bodyguard, seeing him leave, didn''t think much of it; anyone allowed near the vi was considered friendly. They all knew well of the young master''s capabilities, so they weren''t worried. However, noticing Evan straying from the vi''s safe zone, they immediately tried to stop him and have him return home. But they couldn''t stop him! Evan dropped a line: "Don''t stop me from catching ghosts!" And then, he ran off. The bodyguard was confused, wondering where in the world he would find ghosts to catch. Worried about Evan, they contacted Tarquin. Chapter 952 At this moment, Tarquin was with the police chief, feeling a mix of exhaustion and victory. He hadn''t slept all night, following leads left by Keith Garcia, and with the help of the police, they had managed to dismantle over twenty hideouts of a mysterious syndicate. They also arrested a dozen high- ranking officials involved in the scandal. It was a significant blow to the syndicate''s operations domestically, severing their limbs, so to speak. The mysterious group would no longer have an easy time conducting their nefarious activities on home soil. For Tarquin, it felt like a personal vindication, and his mood was considerably lighter. He was puzzled to hear that Evan had gone outte at night on a ghost-hunting expedition. "He said that?" Tarquin asked, incredulous. "Yeah, straight from Evan''s mouth." "...Where''s he going ghost hunting?" "He didn''t say. You know Evan, always the athlete; we couldn''t stop him or keep up. We''ve lost track of him now." Tarquin fell silent for a few seconds, then said, "I understand." After hanging up, he tried calling Evan, but got no response. So, he called Elliot instead. Elliot didn''t mention anything about ashes; he just told Tarquin to focus on his tasks and not to worry about Evan, suggesting that Evan just needed to blow off some steam. But Tarquin couldn''t shake off the feeling that something was amiss. Evan was overly protective of his sister, Baby. Would he really leave her at home just because he was bored? And what ghosts could he possibly be after at this hour? Ghosts don''t exist, after all. Concerned for Evan''s safety, Tarquin had Axel trace Evan''s whereabouts, which led them to Thundara Mountain. Further digging unveiled the Sage Hall on the mountain''s summit and its forbidden areas. They even stumbled upon legends surrounding Thundara Mountain and Sage Hall. Although Tarquin was unclear about Evan''s intentions, it was obvious that the kids were up to something secretive. Determined to ensure his son''s safety, Tarquin excused himself from the police chief and drove toward Thundara Mountain. Sage Hall was perched at the peak of Thundara Mountain. During the day, a cable car made the ascent and descent easy, but at night, when the mountain was closed off and the cable car service halted, the only way up was on foot. Evan, having grown up in the wilderness, felt an affinity for such environments. Climbing the trees and leaping from one to another with White, his trustedpanion, he moved with the ease and agility of a squirrel through the dense forest until they reached a tree overlooking Sage Hall''s courtyard. From his perch, Evan could see the entire courtyard. The clock had long struck nine, and the monks had retired for the night, leaving only the on-duty monks to kneel in front of the various temples, silently chanting their prayers. The only sources of light were the scattered streetmps and the candles inside the temples, leaving theplex mostly in darkness. "Do you think there are really gods in this world?" Evan asked White, who flicked his red tongue out, unsure how to respond. Evan murmured, "Mommy used to say, whether you believe or not, you should always keep a respectful fear of the gods. We should listen to Mommy. If there really are gods, they won''t get mad at us foring in uninvited. We''re here to find Grandma, not to cause trouble. If anyone should be angry, it should be at Gideon! For daring to do such vile things right under their noses, he''s the one who should be thrown into hell." Thinking of Tarquin, Evan furrowed his brow, "If it''s really Grandma''s ashes in the forbidden area, Dad would be devastated, wouldn''t he? Just thinking about Mommy getting older makes me miserable, let alone... I used to be quite critical of him. No matter the reason, he ended up hurting Mommy! But now, the thought of him being in pain makes me feel sorry for him. I don''t want him to be upset." Chapter 953 White nudged him with its little head, sensing his gloom, trying to offerfort. Evan said, "White, you don''t want him to be sad, do you?" White flicked its forked tongue out at him in response. Evan chuckled, "Good boy, White! Let''s head back, and I''ll treat you to a feast! We''ve got to nail this mission to keep him from being down in the dumps. Let''s go, off to find Grandma!" Finding Grandma''s ashes without him knowing was the n. If he didn''t know where they were, it wouldn''t break his heart. Evan leaped gracefully to the top of the garden wall and then jumped down into the yard. Following the route he had scoped out earlier, he quietly moved several hundred meters forward until he reached the forbidden area''s gate. The red-brown wooden gate was securely locked. No getting through that. Evan decided to scale the wall to get inside. The forbidden area was pitch-ck, not a single light, and unguarded. The night breeze rustled through the leaves, creating a spine-chilling atmosphere. But Evan wasn''t scared. Turning on his shlight, he ventured deeper. White jumped off his shoulder, leading the way. They passed through an archway into a courtyard. At each of the courtyard''s four corners stood a temple, each housing a fierce, wide-eyed statue brandishing weapons, as if guarding the interior. In the middle of the courtyard was a well, its mouth wide, covered with arge stone b secured by a chain. The well cover and the stone were engraved with cryptic runes that were indecipherable. White circled the well, returning to Evan''s side, flicking his red tongue. Evan squinted, "A dried-up well? This has got to be the ce!" Just then, Elliot''s voice came through the earpiece, "The ashes are right beneath your feet!" Evan responded, "We''ve found a dried-up well in the forbidden area. It''s definitely in there, but the well cover is chained. Can I just break the lock?" "No, we can''t be 100% sure the ashes are Grandma''s. We''ve got to be sneaky; we can''t alert Gideon." The n was for Evan to stealthily retrieve the ashes for Tarquin to identify. When they first learned that Gideon had Grandma''s ashes, Tarquin assured them he could identify his mother''s remains. He had his ways. Elliot thought, if Tarquin could confirm it, then it was all the reason needed to give Gideon a hard time. But if they weren''t Grandma''s ashes, then he''d continue to deceive Gideon as ''Alpha Thorne'' until they found the real ashes. Therefore, the retrieval had to be done quietly, without Gideon finding out. They also didn''t tell Tarquin because... If it was a mistake, he''d be disappointed. If it wasn''t, he''d be heartbroken. After all, knowing your mother''s ashes were kept in such a ce would enrage and sadden anyone. Evan stared at the heavy chain, lost in thought, "Can''t break the lock, gotta think..." Elliot suggested, "If you can''t find a better way, try the abbot''s assistant. He''s got authority, likely has the key to the well. It''d be best to steal the key, but if you can''t, just confront him. And after you''ve threatened him, knock him out to ensure he can''t alert Gideon." "Alright! I''ll think of something." Just as Evan finished speaking, a sudden noise from behind made him whip around, only to face a looming shadow! Chapter 954 The figure looming over Evan was massive, towering above him like a giant oakpared to a sapling. Evan had to tilt his head back just to meet the guy''s gaze, a testament to the stranger''s impressive stealth skills. Clearly, this wasn''t someone who had skipped his share of workouts. The beam from Evan''s heamp, an adventurer''s faithfulpanion for nocturnal escapades, illuminated the stranger''s face, revealing a patchwork of scars that crisscrossed his skin like awork of sinister, writhing snakes. Evan''s heart skipped a beat. The man seemed to despise the light, his brow furrowing deeply as he swatted at Evan, though it was unclear whether he aimed to strike Evan or simply knock themp from his head. His strike cut through the air with the precision of a razor, catching Evan off guard. This was no amateur; his skills were top-notch. Evan instinctively stepped back, dodging the blow with a frown. White, sensing Evan''s peril, sprang into action with a whoosh, ready to strike. But Evan was quicker, snagging White by the tail and stuffing him back into his pocket. The identity of the stranger was still a mystery, and White''s involvement could only escte the situation. White had a knack for turning a tense moment into a lethal one. "Before we go throwing punches, let''s get some answers," Evan thought to himself. Elliot''s voice crackled through the earpiece,ced with concern. "Evan, what''s going on?!" "It''s nothing, bro, don''t sweat it," Evan reassured him, keeping his eyes on the mysterious figure who now stood a few meters away, his expression unreadable. White peeked out from Evan''s pocket, hissing softly, its eyes wide and cautious. The stranger spelled trouble, and White was on high alert. The man stood by an old well, eyeing Evan. "What do you want?" His voice was rough, like gravel being ground underfoot, jarring to the ears. "I was hoping to check out this well," Evan admitted. "Heard some ghost stories about it and thought I''d see if there''s any truth to them. Maybe catch myself a ghost." "Aren''t you scared?" "Not a bit." A brief silence fell before the man continued, "Was that you making all that noise in the woods earlier?" "Yeah, startled some birds and a few critters on my way up the mountain." "You''re pretty skilled for your age. Who taught you?" "That''s a secret." The man scrutinized Evan for a few seconds before suddenlyshing out, closing the distance between them with rming speed. White tensed, ready to leap into action, but Evan gave nomand, holding White back to avoid derailing his ns. The exchange was brief but telling. Evan noticed the man''s punches, though powerful and precise, were not intended to kill. It was more like he was probing, testing Evan. And their techniques were nearly identical. Realization dawned on the stranger as well, and he ceased his attack, panting with a mix of excitement and agitation. "You''re his disciple?!" Evan''s brow furrowed, neither confirming nor denying. The strangerughed maniacally, as if the heavens had delivered Evan into his hands. "Where is he?" Evan knew instantly he was referring to his master, and it was clear there was bad blood between them. Before Evan could respond, the man tilted his head menacingly. "If you don''t tell me, I''ll make you wish you had. I''ll find him, one way or another." Evan, undeterred, pressed, "What''s your beef with my master, anyway?" "Kid, some feuds are too deep for you to understand." Evan was about to reply when... Chapter 955 Evan was mid-sentence when the shadow lunged at him again, attacking and demanding in the same breath, "Where is he? Where is he? Where the hell is he?!" Evan struggled against his opponent, constantly being forced to retreat. White, his loyal snake, hissed anxiously, its forked tongue flickering in and out, eyes locked on Evan, waiting for amand to strike. But Evan remained silent, refusing to let White join the fray despite being at a disadvantage. The shadow pressed on, and Evan shot back questions of his own, "What''s your deal with my master? What do you want with him? Why are your moves so simr to his? Did you train under the same mentor? Are you...?" Suddenly, the shadow''s grasp tightened around Evan''s throat, lifting him off the ground as effortlessly as an eagle snatches a chick. White tensed, ready to strike, but Evan gently pushed its head back into his pocket. Perhaps it was the knowledge that he had White as his ace, or maybe it was the connection to his master that made him believe this assant wouldn''t truly harm him. So, Evan wasn''t scared. Even with hands around his neck, he didn''t panic; instead, he furrowed his brows and red defiantly at the shadow towering over him. The shadow peered down at Evan with an inscrutable expression, leaving Evan guessing his thoughts. After a moment, the grip on Evan''s throat was released. "Tell me where he is, and I''ll let you take a look down the well, deal?" Evan coughed, rubbing his neck, "I was gonna check it out regardless! If you wanna know about my master, answer my questions first. Who are you? What''s your connection to my master? Got beef with him? Why were you at Sage Hall? And what do you want with my master?" "Talkative! Just like him when he was young. Enough! I''ll just tie you up and send out a message. He won''t be able to hide then!" Just as the shadow moved to act, a familiar figure suddenly stood in front of Evan, catching the shadow''s fist! Evan gasped, "Dad?!" Tarquin said coldly, "Step aside!" After hismand, he engaged the shadow inbat. However, upon seeing Tarquin, the shadow hesitated for a moment, and then vanished into the night. Tarquin attempted to follow but lost him. Tarquin was puzzled, "?" Evan was equally baffled. Why did he leave suddenly? Did he not want to confront my dad? Did he know him? "Dad, do you know him?" Tarquin hadn''t seen his face clearly, "I don''t recognize him. Who is he?" Evan frowned, "I''m not sure, but he knows my master. It seemed like he was always searching for him! He wanted to capture me, use me to force my master to show. But the moment you arrived, he left... It''s like he knows you and didn''t want to fight." Tarquin realized that too, his brow furrowing slightly. Indeed, the stranger had left not out of fear but because he chose not to confront him. "Did youe here because of him?" Evan shook his head, "No, I hadn''t seen him before, nor did I know of his existence. It was a chance encounter." "Not because of him, then why are you here at this hour?" "I was..." Evan started, then suddenly mped his mouth shut, struck by a thought. Blinking at Tarquin, he was at a loss for words. Exining he was here to search for his grandmother''s ashes, which might be under the control of a dried-up well, seemed far too upsetting. He didn''t want to distress his father... Evan countered, "What about you? Why are you here?" "I came looking for you. But you, what are you doing here?" "I... I..." Just then, a new noise came from beyond the courtyard wall. Chapter 956 Tarquin''s quick reflexes saved the day as he grabbed Evan and ducked into hiding. With a creak, the gate to the restricted area swung open. A group of monks strode through the archway, entering the courtyard. Carryingnterns, they approached the dry well to inspect it. One of them remarked, "It''s just as I left it when I locked up, untouched." The leader nodded, "Alright, let''s get ready and start." Another, driven by curiosity, asked, "What kind of grudge must someone hold to want to scatter ashes down there? That well is cursed with countless restless spirits, trapped in eternal torment! Even the strongest of ghosts would be torn to shreds." The head monk scolded, "Don''t pry into matters that don''t concern you. Mind your own business or you''ll bring trouble upon yourself!" The monk hastily nodded in agreement, "Yes!" They sat in a circle around the well, beginning their chants. They weren''t blessing the site; they were sealing it. Today, the ashes had been removed and now were to be returned. Gideon, fearing disturbances, had specifically instructed them to perform the ritual tonight. Tarquin and Evan, hidden behind a statue, tensed up at the mention of ''ashes.'' Tarquin looked down at Evan beside him. Evan''s brows were furrowed, his teeth clenched in anger as he watched the group in the courtyard. The talk of restless spirits and their rage stoked the fires of Evan''s fury. Feeling Tarquin''s gaze, Evan looked up, their eyes meeting. His lips moved, but no sound came out. Tarquin''s eyes asked: Are you here for the ashes? Evan remained silent. Tarquin pressed on: Your grandma''s ashes? Evan swallowed hard, his expression uneasy. Tarquin''s breathing quickened: Your grandma''s ashes are in the well? Among those cursed spirits? Evan was anxious and worried. Before he could speak, Tarquin had already charged out! "Who''s there?! Who-Ah!" Screams echoed from the courtyard! Evan quickly tapped his earpiece, "Bro! Bro! Did you hear that? Dad''s here, and he knows about the ashes!" Elliot responded, "I''m listening. ns change, but it''s out now. Hurry and find the ashes for dad to identify!" "Okay!" Evan rushed out just as Tarquin had subdued the monks. He was about to break the chain when Evan stopped him, "Dad, wait!" To prevent anyone from alerting Gideon, Evan collected theirmunication devices first. "Where''s the key to the well?" he demanded. The leader, bold enough to question them, "Who are you? How did you get in? What do you want? This is sacred ground, before the Enlightened Sage, how dare you..." "Wham!" Evannded a punch, knocking out two of the man''s teeth, silencing him. Daring to mention the Enlightened Sage! If the Enlightened Sage could see, he''d be the first they''d strike down! Evan scrutinized the man, recognizing him as the assistant abbot, and without another word,nded a few more punches until the man was subdued, then demanded, "The key?!" The man, now battered and bruised, sobbingly produced the key, "Here... take it..." Violence might not solve the problem, but it sure deals with those who create them! Simple and efficient! Evan took the key, unlocked the chain, and with Tarquin, they moved the stone aside and lifted the well cover. "White, go down and check." White shot down in a sh. Two minutester, White resurfaced, flicking its tongue at Evan. "The well is safe." Evan was about to descend when Tarquin stopped him, "I''ll go!" Evan couldn''t quite make out his expression in the dim light, but he could feel Tarquin''s hands trembling. The possibility that his mother''s ashes were down there had his heart aching. Evan didn''t want him to go down, fearing the sight of whatever curse had beenid to trap his grandmother would be too much for him. "I should go, I..." Chapter 957 Tarquin had already let go of his wrist, descending the stone steps with the aid of the railings. "Dad..." "Don''t worry about me, stay up here. If anything happens, just call out for me." Evan''s lips quivered slightly, realizing he couldn''t persuade his father otherwise. Reluctantly, he handed over the backpack. "My brother said, once you find the ashes, put this inside with them. He has other ns." Tarquin took the backpack and descended into the well. Evan was forced to stay above, to prevent any mishap that might trap both him and his father down there. Chilled by the cool breeze at the edge of the well, Evan felt an uneasy depth below him. His brow furrowed in worry, torn between hope and dread. He hoped that what they were looking for his grandmother''s ashes-was down there, yet part of him wished it wasn''t. He felt a deep pang of sympathy for Tarquin... Suddenly, a gust of eerie wind stirred the courtyard, whipping the leaves into a swirling dance. Evan frowned, his thoughts drifting back to the scarred man he had seen earlier. He looked around but saw no sign of movement. Turning to a few monks nearby, he asked, "Have you seen a man with scars all over his face around here?" The monks shook their heads in unison, all but the abbot''s assistant, whose expression flickered with unease. Evan crouched in front of him, his tone firm, "Spill the beans, or it''s gonna get ugly. We found this ce, which means Gideon''s days are numbered. He can''t even save himself, how''s he gonna protect you?" The assistant''s eyes widened in shock. "A word to the wise is sufficient." Evan barely raised his hand when the assistant hurriedly covered his head, "I''ll talk! I know of the man, but I don''t know who he is. All I know is he''s one of Gideon''s. He lives in the restricted area, just to guard the ashes in the well." Evan was surprised. How could someone so skilled be under Gideon''s thumb? Impossible! "I''m not lying, I swear!" The assistant pleaded, fearing Evan wouldn''t believe him. Evan''s frown deepened. If the scarred man was indeed one of Gideon''s, then his sudden departure had to be connected. Would he inform Gideon about their presence? Evan quickly tapped his earpiece, "Bro, about earlier..." "I heard everything. Don''t worry about Gideon''s side. And that scarred man, he''s definitely rted to our great-grandfather. We''ll talk more when you get back. For now, stay alert and keep you and Dad safe." "Got it!" "Once Dad confirms the ashes, let me know." "Will do. White, go check things out." After instructing White, Evan set aside the matter of the scarred man and asked the assistant, "Do you know whose ashes are in the well?" The assistant shook his head frantically, "I don''t know! I swear I didn''t know they were connected to Gideon when they arrived over twenty years ago. Gideon never visited! I found outter he was behind my appointment to secure my position here, all to keep an eye on those ashes. That skilled scarred man came to live in the restricted area because of them too. As for whose ashes they are, I have no clue! But I guess they must''ve been a huge enemy of Gideon''s. Otherwise, why would he go to such lengths, not even sparing their ashes? Over the years, whenever Gideon got angry, he would take it out on those ashes! He sought out every possible curse to torment a soul, regardless of its effectiveness, and applied it all to those ashes! If there are souls in this world, then the one in the well must be tormented beyond belief, driven mad from the cruelty! The methods Gideon employed are more brutal than being torn apart by horses, than death by a thousand cuts, than being turned into a human swine!" Evan clenched his teeth in anger. Gideon was using his grandmother''s ashes to stab at his father''s heart! If the ashes in the well really belonged to his grandmother... Gideon, you just wait, I''ming for you! White returned, hissing something to Evan. Evan''s heart tightened, his brow furrowing in concern, "What?!" Chapter 958 White''s report was in, and it was grim: the ashes at the bottom of the well were indeed Elizabeth''s! But the situation was far from simple, Tarquin''s condition was dire. Evan was in a state of panic, torn between descending into the well to check and guarding the entrance against anyone looking to cause trouble. All he could do was stay above, reaching out to Elliot first. "Bro, the ashes in the well... they''re Grandma''s!" Elliot and Elijah were in the family''s cozy home office when they heard the news, their brows furrowing in concern. "Are you sure?" "Yeah." "How''s Dad? Is he okay?" "Dad''s still down there, hasn''te up. White said he''s in bad shape. He must be furious, devastated." The three brothers fell into a heavy silence. They felt for Tarquin, their hearts aching for him. After a moment, Elliot spoke up, "Finding Grandma''s ashes is a relief, at least. As for Dad... we need to get him out of there first. That ce is just full of sorrow; he shouldn''t stay there any longer." "Yeah! And what about Gideon? Now that we''ve found Grandma''s ashes, we don''t have to hold back anymore, right?" Elliot''s frown deepened, his expression darkening. "No, we don''t. I''ll take the first step." "Good! But leave him breathing for me; I have to pay him a visit myself!" "Will do!" After finishing their conversation, Elliot turned to Elijah, who was visibly struggling with his emotions, his fists clenched tight and eyes red. Elliot understood his pain and tried tofort him, "Dad''s been through worse; he''s heartbroken, but he''ll pull through." Elijah clenched his teeth, "We can''t let Gideon off easy. We just can''t!" "No, we can''t!" Afterforting Elijah, Elliot, with a steely face, logged into his ''Alpha'' ount and sent Gideon a pre-prepared email. Meanwhile, Gideon was anxiously awaiting news from Alpha. Since their meeting that morning, there had been no contact, leaving Gideon fretting over the possibility of their cooperation falling through. He was unaware of the situation at Sage Hall, his mind solely focused on the partnership with Alpha. Upon receiving the message, Gideon hurried to read it. "A supplementary agreement? Does Mr. Thorne not understand whether the ashes are real or fake?" His confidant nodded, "Yeah, it says here, to be cautious, if the ashes turn out to be fake, all contracts will be voided, and we''ll owe him ten times thepensation. Clearly, he''s unsure about the authenticity of the ashes." Gideon frowned, lost in thought before asking, "Is everything okay at Sage Hall?" "All good. If nothing unexpected happens, they should be performing the ritual to trap Elizabeth at the bottom of the well, ensuring she can never escape." Gideon''s eyes gleamed with malice. Tarquin had shown him disrespect, so he''d target Elizabeth. Tarquin loved Elizabeth, didn''t he? Then he''d find a way to torment her, making sure even in death, she wouldn''t find peace. He wanted her spirit tormented by malevolent ghosts, ensuring she and her descendants could never leave that ursed ce. Once Tarquin was out of the picture, he nned to take him to Sage Hall to witness firsthand how Elizabeth suffered even after death. He would make an example out of them, showing those who disrespected him the consequences. The thought of Tarquin''s anguish and his enemies'' fear excited him. By then, who would dare to oppose him? He would stand at the pinnacle of power, worshipped by all. Family, friendship, all those were inconsequentialpared to power, the most beautiful thing in the world to him. Everything else was trivial in his eyes. Seeing Gideon silent, his confidant added, "Don''t worry, sir. No one knows about that ce. If there''s any disturbance, our people there will inform us immediately. Besides, with that madman guarding the site, even if Tarquin knew, he couldn''t descend into the well or discover the ashes." Chapter 959 Mention of the old madman softened Gideon''s expression. He knew all too well the capabilities of that lunatic. If Tarquin were to seek him out, forget about snatching any ashes, he''d be signing his own death warrant! "Sir, are you worried that Alpha''s addendum might be a trap?" his confidant inquired further. Gideon sighed, "It''s a bit surprising, but understandable. The addendum looks intimidating, but as long as the ashes are fine, it poses no threat to us." "So, we sign it?" "Sign it! Call him up!" "Right, once the contract is signed, our crisis will be averted. When Master Tarquin finds out, his jaw will drop, hahaha." Gideon also let out a sinisterugh, his face gleaming with schadenfreude. Elliot didn''t hesitate for a second after getting the call, and immediately signed the electronic contract with them. Once the contract was signed, a cold glint shed in Elliot''s eyes. The prey was cleaned andid bare on the table, ready for the skinning and deboning! Now, it was time for the ughter! "Knock, knock, knock." The sound of knocking came. Elysia stood outside the door, asking, "Elliot, Evan, Elijah, are you guys in the study?" She had been feeling uneasy all day, and by nightfall, her anxiety had doubled. She didn''t know what was going on. After putting Baby and Emmett to sleep, she went looking for Elliot. Finding Elliot and Elijah absent from their rooms, she headed to the study. Elliot and Elijah exchanged a nce, an unspoken understanding between them. Elliot closed hisptop, "I''ll get the door." Elijah nodded solemnly, "Hmm." The study door swung open, and Elysia asked, "Why are you still not in your rooms at this hour? What are you doing in the study?" Elysia stepped into the study, "Hmm? Where''s Evan?" "...Evan went out, he''s with Dad right now." Elysia''s eyes widened, "When did he go out? Howe he''s with you guys'' Dad?" "He left a while ago, Mom, don''t worry, they''re safe, it''s just..." Elliot hesitated, and Elysia frowned, "Just what?" Seeing the boys looking troubled, Elysia panicked, "Elliot, Elijah, tell Mom the truth, is something wrong? I''ve been feeling uneasy all day, like something big has happened. The more you hide, the more anxious I get!" The brothers, taking turns, revealed, "Dad found Grandma''s ashes." "Dad''s really upset." They didn''t keep it from Elysia because they knew, at a time like this, only Mom couldfort him! He needed Mom! Elysia was shocked, "Grandma''s ashes were found? But that doesn''t sound right, finding the ashes should have made your Dad happy, right?" Elijah clenched his teeth, "Gideon ced Grandma''s ashes in a haunted nest to suppress her spirit. All these years, he''s been scheming to torment her soul." Elliot ground his teeth, "He''s taking his anger out on Grandma''s ashes, tormenting her to provoke Dad!" Elysia was dumbfounded, incredulous! Not even sparing the ashes, did Gideon have no heart? Indeed, if he had any heart, how could hemit such atrocities against Kelsey ckwood and Phineas Inkster? If he had any heart, how could he harm his own descendants? He was heartless! He insulted the Inkster family, harmed his descendants, and tormented Elizabeth''s ashes! All these deeds, one after another, proved he was not human! Hell is empty, and all the devils are here! Elysia''s breathing became erratic, angry at Gideon, yet heartbroken for Tarquin. "Where''s your Dad now?" "He''ll be back soon." Elysia''s brows furrowed tightly, anxiously awaiting his return. Chapter 960 After a long time, Tarquin returned. His car had barely rolled into the driveway of the mansion when Elysia came running out of the main house, her feet barely touching the ground. As Tarquin pushed open the car door and stepped out, his eyes immediately met Elysia''s. For a moment, his expression softened, and his eyes reddened. He took a deep breath before beginning, choosing to share joy over sorrow, "Elysia, I''ve got some good news," he started, his voice cracking with emotion. "I''ve found my mother''s ashes. After so many years... I finally found them. I... Elysia... I...¡± His words trailed off as his eyes welled up even more. Seeing him like this, Elysia''s heart broke. She rushed to him, wrapping her arms around him tightly, "I know, I know everything," she whispered, her own voice trembling. "Finding your mother''s ashes... it''s a blessing. Let''s not be sad. We... we..." But she couldn''t finish her sentence before tears started streaming down her face. She knew how much Tarquin loved Elizabeth! Ever since they got together, Tarquin had shared countless stories about Elizabeth. Whenever he spoke of her, his face lit up with a smile, radiating happiness. Every expression, every word, was drenched in his love for Elizabeth. He loved her so much; the pain he must be feeling now was unimaginable! Elysia felt his pain, profoundly and acutely. "Tarquin, it''s okay to cry," she said through sobs, tiptoeing to be a bit taller, trying to offer her shoulder for him to lean on. "Crying in front of your wife isn''t shameful. I won''tugh at you. I... I..." That was when Tarquin''s defensespletely shattered... He held Elysia tighter, bending down to bury his face in the crook of her shoulder, letting his silent tears fall. He hadn''t cried when he learned his mother''s ashes were buried deep in a well. He hadn''t cried when he discovered those ashes, ced on an altar underground, were indeed his mother''s. He hadn''t cried in front of Evan either. But seeing Elysia, he couldn''t hold it in any longer. He didn''t understand why, but in front of Elysia, all his sorrows became unbearable... The pain was too much to bear! For the past thirty years, more than twenty of those years were filled with suffering. Only the few years with his parents were filled with happiness. Elizabeth''s love for him was like Elysia''s deep love for their children. And his love for Elizabeth mirrored the children''s adoration for Elysia. They held Elysia in the palms of their hands, close to their hearts. He felt the same about Elizabeth. He had searched for Elizabeth tirelessly, enduring so much pain. He had investigated every ce associated with Gideon, causing a stir at the slightest hint of a lead, sparing no expense, and leaving no stone unturned. Elizabeth had once said that only in burial does one find peace. He wanted to find her, to give her that peace, so desperately... But despite years of searching, he never found her! He thought of all the ces: the Bradford family estate, Gideon''s private vis, in the mountains, at sea, underground... He had considered every conceivable ce, except he never imagined it would be in a church! Nor could he have anticipated the cruelty Gideon would show to her ashes! Do ghosts exist? Does one enter another world after death? He didn''t know. But he couldn''t bear the thought of his deceased mother being treated so harshly! He was furious! Furious at Gideon, and furious at himself! How had he failed to protect her? In life, he couldn''t protect her. In death, he couldn''t protect her ashes! Beyond anger, he felt pain! She was someone who feared pain deeply. Gideon''s actions must have hurt her terribly... Chapter 961 Evan couldn''t bear to think further, the pain was just too much... Stepping out from the opposite side of the car, he hurried towards Elliot with a sense of urgency. They stood at the main entrance, their gaze fixed on the scene before them, feeling nothing but a deep sense of sorrow. Tarquin, usually so strong and indomitable, was now a shadow of himself, hunched over and weeping into Elysia''s shoulder. He resembled an eagle with its wings clipped, radiating vulnerability that tugged at the heartstrings. Even the strongest among us came into this world from our mothers, starting as helpless infants and growing bit by bit. No matter the age, the mention of a mother always brings out the child within, revealing a fragile side. The trio felt a profound empathy for both Tarquin and Elysia. Tarquin''s pain was palpable, and it was clear Elysia shared in his suffering. While their hearts ached, they also felt a burning anger towards Gideon, an anger that ran deep. Elliot sniffled hard, leading his brothers upstairs to the den, leaving Tarquin and Elysia in the privacy they needed. Only Elysia could soothe Tarquin''s wounded soul, for it was only with her that he allowed himself to be truly vulnerable. Once inside, Elliot immediately asked Evan, "What''s the situation at Sage Hall now?" Wiping away a tear, Evan replied, "Dad knew you had ns, so he didn''t tip Gideon off. He switched the ashes, leaving the fake ones at the bottom of the well and brought grandma''s ashes back." "And the monks?" "To avoid any mishaps, I knocked them out. They won''t be waking up for a few days." Evan quickly added, "Brother, have you settled things with Gideon? Can I go after him now?!" "Yes! The contracts are all signed, his shares are now in my possession! And he owes me a fortune, even selling all his assets won''t cover his debt to me! If we go to the police, he''d be locked away for life!" Gideon''s pursuit of fame and power was now a distant dream, utterly shattered by Elliot in a devastating blow that was worse than death. But it wasn''t enough, not for the depth of his sins. So, Elliot didn''t call the police, choosing instead to keep Gideon as a target for their wrath. "We can''t call the police! Handing him over would be letting him off too easily! You guys stay with dad and mom, I''m going after him!" He was at his breaking point, desperate to confront Gideon before he exploded with rage. Elijah intervened, handing him a small bottle of pills. Evan looked puzzled, "What''s this?" "Heart Saver Pills." "I don''t need these! I''m angry, sure, but not in need of medication." "They''re for Gideon." Evan frowned, "For him? I wish he''d just drop dead!" Elijah exined, "He can''t die that easily. Death would be too kind." Understanding dawned on Evan, "Right, you''re correct. We can''t let him off that easily!" Pocketing the bottle of pills, Evan left with White in tow. No sooner had he left than a shadowy figure followed him, keeping a discreet distance. Evan was aware but unconcerned. His only focus was on confronting Gideon. However, this shadow followed him all the way to the mid-slope, where Gideon''s private vi was located. Evan, suspecting sabotage, confronted the figure in a sudden turnaround. The figure was imposing, his face marred with long scars - the very man hidden within the restricted zones of Sage Hall. Chapter 962 Evan was already in a foul mood, and seeing him only made things worse! He had a bone to pick with his mentor, and now he was guarding Gideon''s grandmother''s ashes - definitely an enemy in Evan''s book! "Why sneak around? If you want a fight, let''s get on with it!" Evan snapped. The man with the scar seemed amused. "Aren''t you afraid of me?" Evan gritted his teeth. "Fight or shut it!" Without another word, Evanunched himself at the man, his fists zing with a fury that was both fast and ferocious. He was burning with anger and wanted a swift victory. He still needed to settle scores with Gideon! The scarred man dodged easily, his tone almost approving, "Brave and impulsive, much better than that cowardly old fool." "Don''t you dare talk about my great-grandpa like that!" Evan was fiercely protective, his punches growing more vicious. But the scarred man knew his moves well, dodging with ease and fighting back just as leisurely, "I came to find you because I want to know where your mentor is. Either tell me willingly, or let me take you with me - make him show himself. You can''t beat me!" "I won''t tell you where my mentor is, and I won''t go with you! And whether I can beat you isn''t for you to decide!" With that, Evan signaled to White, who lunged at the scarred man. Sensing danger, the man quickly stepped back, eyeing White warily, "What the hell is that?!" White charged again, but the man caught its tail, only to release it quickly when White snapped at him. Whitended back on Evan, ready to charge again but was held back. "You dare y dirty?" the scarred man sneered. "All fair in love and war!" Evan retorted with righteous indignation. The scarred man was momentarily lost for words. "So, are we fighting or not? I''m telling you, there''s no way I''m going with you. And if you''re thinking of kidnapping me to ckmail my mentor, forget it! And, I''m after Gideon. If you''re on his side, you''d better be ready to fight meter!" The scarred man frowned, "What beef do you have with Gideon that involves me?" "Aren''t you one of his men?" "He''s nothing to me. I wouldn''t even let him shine my shoes!" Evan looked surprised, "You''re not with Gideon? Then why guard his grandmother''s ashes?" "I needed a quiet ce to lie low and someone to gather information for me. Guarding the ashes was just to ensure his loyalty." Evan nodded, understanding the situation better. It made sense; such a formidable person couldn''t possibly be Gideon''sckey. Suddenly, the scarred man made an offer, "You''ve got a score to settle with Gideon, let me handle him. In exchange, you tell me where your mentor is. Deal?" "No deal! My revenge, my business! And don''t think you can trick me. I''m not a kid; I won''t fall for it! No matter what, I''m not betraying my mentor." Evan had promised his mentor not to disclose any information about him and he intended to keep that promise. Taking a few steps forward, Evan didn''t notice the man didn''t follow until he looked back. The scarred man just stood there, watching him. Evan frowned. Was he just going to let him go? No fight? No kidnapping attempt? This guy was odd, Evan thought, but he had bigger fish to fry - Gideon. If he didn''t get back at Gideon, he felt like he would explode with anger! Chapter 963 No sooner had Evan taken a few steps away from hisst meeting, his phone buzzed in his pocket. It was Elijah. Whatever Elijah said caused Evan to furrow his brows, nodding slightly, "Alright, I''ll follow your lead. I won''t make a move until you''re done!" ... At the halfway point up the hill, nestled among lush greenery, sat Gideon''s luxurious vi. Gideon was still basking in a sense of triumph. With the contract signed, the crisis looming over him seemed to have beenpletely averted. Now, with Alpha''s backing, taking down Tarquin would be a piece of cake. His n was simple: use Alpha''s power to crush Tarquin, then, once he''d regained his strength, find a way to topple Alpha himself. He dreamed of devouring the assets of both Tarquin and Alpha, bing the wealthiest person in the world. Who would dare challenge him then? He envisioned owning a lion''s share of the economy, standing at the pinnacle, looking down on everyone with disdain. People would only speak of Gideon with envy and admiration. Lost in his dreams of grandeur, an eerie chill swept through the room, followed by a shadow flitting past the window. "Who''s there?!" The wind was the only response, leaving Gideon puzzled and staring outside. Just as he was about to dismiss it as a trick of the light, a sinister voice broke the silence, "Gideon, for the suffering you''ve caused and the souls you''ve oppressed, your end is near..." His heart skipped a beat, his expression turning to one of horror. That was Elizabeth''s voice! "Who''s ying these tricks?!" Summoning his courage, he wheeled himself closer to the window. As he approached, Elizabeth suddenly materialized outside! Her hair was disheveled, her face as pale as death, her eyes piercing him like knives. Her voice was a cold whisper, "Gideon, your many sins have sealed your fate. Your end is near." Gideon''s eyes widened in sheer terror, instinctively backing away several meters. Rubbing his eyes and looking again, Elizabeth was still there, repeating, "Gideon, your time hase... your time hase..." As Elizabeth seemed about to climb through the window, Gideon screamed at the top of his lungs for help. The study door burst open, and Gideon yelled, "There''s a ghost at the window... there''s..." Before he could finish, the person who entered made his eyes nearly pop out of their sockets. It wasn''t a person; it was Kelsey, long since dead! She was dressed as she had been on the day of her demise, her eyes bleeding, blood flowing from her nose and mouth, her clothes stained with blood. Her voice seemed toe from the depths of the underworld, "Gideon, give me back my life, the lives of my family..." Gideon was so terrified that he fell out of his wheelchair, "Ghosts! Ghosts, somebody help!" Several people rushed in, not living souls, but specters! Phineas was there! Keith''s two brothers were there! Keith himself was there! And a throng of strangers entered! Some were crying, but instead of tears, blood trickled down their faces! They approached with bizarre expressions, hands outstretched, blood streaming,menting, condemning, "Gideon, for your wicked deeds, you will not rest in peace. We''vee for vengeance!" "Gideon, your end is upon you. You will suffer beyond measure, doomed to the deepest pits of hell, worse than any of us, hahaha..." Gideony on the floor, his legs useless, unable to run, watching in terror, "Back off! Get away! Leave me alone! Ahhh!" The household staff were utterly baffled, "Master?!" As they tried to help Gideon up, he pushed them away, "Get out! Don''t touch me! Don''t touch me!" The staff exchanged confused looks. Had he gone mad? Was he possessed? Chapter 964 Evan hid in a secret spot, his brows furrowed as he observed the scene unfolding in the room. Indeed, those who do evil find no peace within their hearts. With just a little coercion, Gideon was nearly scared to death by the fears lurking in the depths of his own mind! Following Elijah''s advice, Evan didn''t resort to physical violence against Gideon. Instead, he sneaked a high dose of hallucinogens into Gideon''s room, a little gift Elijah had slipped into his pocket before he left. Elijah also used a voice changer to mimic the voices of Kelsey and Elizabeth, guiding Gideon through his induced nightmare. Guilty and paranoid, Gideon''s deepest fears were triggered under the influence of the drugs. What he dreaded most now yed out before his very eyes! Though it was just his household staff around him, he saw Elizabeth, Kelsey, Phineas, and all those he had wronged... "Ahhh, ahhhhhh!" Gideon began to scream, as if he were living through the most terrifying ordeal! The household staff grew frightened, their faces etched with horror as they questioned Gideon''s right-hand man, "What in the world is wrong with the boss?" Clueless himself, the confidant furrowed his brows and yelled, "Where''s the doctor? Get the doctor, now!" In the next moment, Gideon, in a fit of panic, crawled to his feet and ''bam!'' he banged his head against him! His right-hand man shivered with shock, "Boss?!" Bang, bang, bang-Gideon''s forehead was bloodied, but he kept going, driven by some invisible terror, apologizing as he went, "Phineas, I was wrong! I shouldn''t have vited your wife, shouldn''t have humiliated you, shouldn''t have killed your son! I''m bowing down to you in apology! I confess, it was me who brought disaster upon the Inkster family, it was me who killed your family of four, it was me who raped Kelsey to death! I''m sorry, I''m apologizing, would sending money as a token of my apology do? I''ll arrange for a hefty sum to be sent your way, a lot of money to make amends! And Elizabeth, I''ll stop tormenting you, I''ll retrieve your ashes from that cursed ce, no longer suppressing your spirit. Go, please go! And to you all, stop biting me, I''ll tell you where your daughter is buried, right behind your house..." Gideon''s mad rant terrified his confidant, "Boss!" He hurried over to cover Gideon''s mouth; such admissions couldn''t be made! But he was pushed away fiercely by Gideon. Stumbling, he fell to the ground, his head hitting the corner of a table, knocking him out cold! Gideon kept ranting in madness, dragging his injured legs around the room, "I''ve confessed, why still torment me? I''m bowing, I''m bowing..." The household staff, terrified, scattered in screams! After a while, Gideon fainted... Seeing this, Evan nudged his earpiece and asked Elijah, "Elijah, is it over?" Elijah, stationed in Number One Mansion, was busy at hisputer, pushing the freshly recorded video to every corner of the nation! However, he cleverly altered the names involved. People didn''t know whom Gideon was referring to, only that he had killed andmitted heinous acts! The video instantly went viral across the inte! "OMG, OMG, OMG, who is this vile creature?" "That''s Gideon! The former CEO of the Bradford Group! Damn, he''s monstrous!" "Case closed, folks, case closed! No wonder the only son of the Bradford family cut ties and moved abroad! No wonder Mr. Bradford showed no affection for his grandfather!" "So it wasn''t Mr. Bradford and his son being heartless, but this old monster being too wicked!" Elijah watched with a cold expression as Gideon screamed in terror and cried in the video, banging his head on the floor in a desperate plea for mercy. Chapter 965 Watching the slew of curses aimed at Gideon and the understanding sympathy for Tarquin and Kendrick in the videoments, Elijah felt his anger subside significantly. He valued family ties deeply, but in his eyes, Gideon was no longer kin! Gideon wasn''t his great-grandfather; he was the enemy! "Evan, you can turn off the camera now. I''m done here." "Alright, shutting it down!" Evan flipped off the camera and climbed through the window into the room. First, he locked the study door from the inside, then walked over to Gideon and forcibly fed him a Heart Saver Pill, waking him up with a few well- aimed punches... As Gideon''s eyes fluttered open, a cold ssh of water hit his face. Coughing, Gideon gasped, "Who? Who dares?!" Evan squatted in front of him, "Awake now?" Wiping his face, Gideon''s expression darkened upon seeing Evan, "What the hell are you doing in my house, you little punk? What do you want?!" The effects of the hallucinogen had worn off, and he was back to his senses. Evan nodded calmly, "Good, you''re awake." Gideon was still clueless, frowning, "Who brought you here, where''s Tarquin? He¡ª" Before he could finish, Evan flipped him over, straddled him, and began to rain punches down on him, knocking out Gideon''s real and false teeth! Shocked, Gideon eximed, "You dare hit me, you¡ª" Punch after punch followed, "This one''s for my dad!" "This one''s for Elijah!" "This one''s for my grandma!" "This one''s for Keith and his family!" For the Inksters, one punch wasn''t enough. Evan let loose a flurry of blows! Knocking him out cold wasn''t an issue; Evan simply fed him another Heart Saver Pill provided by Elijah before waking him to continue the beating! Forget about familial ties or blood rtions! Forget about age or vulnerability! In his eyes, good was good, and evil was evil! Right and wrong had nothing to do with family or age! He wouldn''t go easy on Gideon just because he was his great-grandfather! Nor would he show mercy just because Gideon was old! Respecting the elderly and caring for the young is a virtue, but only if they are good. A vile creature like Gideon didn''t deserve any respect! Thinking of Kelsey and the Inkster family, his grandmother''s ashes, and those harmed by Gideon, not to mention his grieving father... Killing this old viin wouldn''t even begin to appease his anger! Taking him down would be a service to society! Evan Thorne wouldn''t go easy on him! Being merciful to an enemy was cruelty to oneself! He wasn''t about to suffer in silence; he intended to beat him, and beat him hard! He wanted Gideon to feel every bruise, every pain as if he''d been crushed! He was going to make him hurt! Elliot and Elijah made Gideon suffer emotionally; Evan would make him suffer physically! He''d give him a taste of a fate worse than death! To see if he would change, to ensure he''d never daremit atrocities in another life! By the time the rest of the Bradford family arrived, alerted by the online video, Evan had already left. Gideony on the ground, barely alive! Teeth gone, bones broken... no, shattered! His body was limp, but his mind was alert, eyes moving, mouth able to speak, "Call... call that monster Tarquin! It was... it was his second son! Call the cops! I won''t let them get away with this! I''II... I''ll have them locked away for life!" Chapter 966 The Bradford n was in utter disbelief. Tarquin''s second son? That would be Evan, right? But he''s only five years old! How could he have possibly roughed up the old man like that? "Dad, are you sure you got this right? Evan''s only five, how could he possibly..." Gideon''s face turned a shade of purple with anger as he roared with all his might, "I said it was him! Call! Call Tarquin...now!" Seeing Gideon nearly apoplectic, no one dared to question further, nor did they bother to bring up the matter of the video, hastily dialing Tarquin to come over. With the video evidence out, Gideon was toast! If they could drag Evan into this mess, all the better. Evan was only five, too young for any legal repercussions. His misdeeds would fall on his guardian to deal with. And since Evan had given Gideon a beating, Tarquin would have to answer for it! Coincidentally, Tarquin had been pressuring them about shares recently. Perhaps they could use this incident to settle the matter of the shares once and for all! So, after the group had called Tarquin and decided against calling the police for the time being, they had their n. They sent Gideon to the hospital, swearing up and down, "Dad, rest assured, if Evan really did this to you, we won''t let Tarquin off the hook!" "Right, as Evan''s guardian, Tarquin has to take legal responsibility for his son!" --- At Number One Mansion. Elysia and Tarquin were together when they heard about Evan''s altercation with Gideon, and they were shocked! While Tarquin was on the phone, she went to find Evan, who had juste back from outside. Elysia hurriedly asked him, "Evan, tell Mommy the truth, did you hit Gideon? Did you really hurt him?" Evan panicked! Oh no, he had only thought about getting back at Gideon and forgot how to exin it to Mommy! Evan blinked rapidly, "Who told Mommy?" "The Bradford family called!" Evan was furious, that old rascal dared to snitch! Had he known it woulde to this, he would''ve left Gideon in no state to talk! "I..." Evan, thinking quickly on his feet, "I went with our bodyguard, and I just couldn''t hold back, so I threw a few punches." "Are you hurt?" "No, I''m fine. The bodyguard was there, I was safe. But Gideon, that old viin, he''s badly hurt! I just lost it when I thought about Keith''s family and Grandma''s ashes, I''m so sorry, Mommy, I couldn''t hold back." Elysia frowned, speaking seriously to Evan, "You don''t need to apologize. When family is wronged or bullied, you should stand up for them! Mommy doesn''t want you fighting because she''s worried you might get hurt. But standing up for your family and fighting for justice, when you can ensure your own safety, ismendable. Mommy thinks you did the right thing this time!" Evan''s eyes lit up, "Mommy isn''t mad?" Elysia gently stroked Evan''s cheek, "Mommy isn''t mad. Mommy is proud that my Evan loves his family so much and is filled with such a sense of justice!" She was just an ordinary woman with no special talents, but she had her principles! She didn''t believe standing up for wronged family was a mistake! Nor did she believe fighting for justice was wrong! Gideon''s betrayal of his brother, his harm to his father, and his cruel desecration of his grandmother''s ashes, justified Evan''s rage. His anger showed how much he loved his family, and that was something to be praised. As for the Bradford family, Evan had no direct ties to them, but his anger showed his heart was in the right ce, which was alsomendable. Chapter 967 So, Elysia was adamant that Evan did nothing wrong by joining his bodyguard in giving Gideon a good thrashing! No one could guilt-trip her into thinking otherwise just because Gideon was older. Not on her watch! "Mommy, what''s with the Bradford family calling? Are they looking to cause trouble for you?" Evan asked. Elysia frowned in concern, "You don''t worry about this, darling. Daddy and I will handle it. You need to head up, brush your teeth, and get some sleep. No more sneaking out, okay?" "...Okay." Evan obediently went upstairs, and Elysia turned to find Tarquin in the backyard. Tarquin had just finished a phone call, his voice hoarse, "I need to make a trip to the hospital. Don''t worry about Evan; I''ve got it covered." "I''ming with you!" The Bradfords might be a force to reckon with, but even knowing he wouldn''t get hurt, she couldn''t bear the thought of him facing those heartless devils alone! He may have been alone before, but now he had her, and she wasn''t about to let him face them by himself! She might not have superpowers, but even a cornered mouse will bite a cat! Tarquin was reluctant to have here along, knowing dealing with those people would only lead to frustration. Elysia insisted, "I''ll feel better being by your side. Please, let mee." Unable to resist her, Tarquin agreed to take her along. As they got into the car, Tarquin received messages from Elliot, Evan, and Elijah. Elliot: [I''ve got Gideon''s shares now, and he owes me a fortune. He''s broke and in debt up to his eyeballs!] Elijah: [The top ten trending topics are all expos¨¦s on Gideon. His reputation is in tatters; he''s finished!] Evan: [I gave him a good beating, kept a backup n to make sure he wouldn''t die, just hurt a lot! Hey, don''t worry about it anymore.] Tarquin felt a lump in his throat as he nced back towards the house. The three kids were standing at the window, watching them leave. Turning to Elysia, he found her eyes filled withpassion and love. In that moment, happiness seemed tangible. Tarquin sent a reassuring message back to the kids and pulled Elysia into his embrace. Kissing the top of her head, he murmured, "Elysia, I''m so happy." Elysia hugged him tightly, "I know today was tough for you, and I''m not sure how to make it better. But I want you to know, the kids and I love you dearly. No matter what happens, we''re always here for you, always supporting you, always loving you.¡± Tarquin''s eyes welled up, but he smiled, "If ghosts do exist in this world, my mom would be so content seeing the life I have now. A wife who loves me, children who adore me I''m truly happy." "Your happiness would make her happy, just like our children''s happiness brings us joy. When we get a chance, let''s go pay our respects, and theny mom and dad to rest together. They loved each other so much in life, and now they''re finally reunited. They must be overjoyed. After a long strugglees joy, a reunion of spouses, a house full of children and grandchildren. It''s a celebration for our parents, and we should be happy for them too." "You''re right, we should celebrate for them!" Tarquin sniffed hard, his voice firm but his gaze sharpened with resolve. The one who truly deserved to be miserable was Gideon! His days offort were thoroughly over! Chapter 968 When Tarquin and Elysia arrived at the hospital, the Bradford family was putting on quite the performance of crocodile tears! After a thorough examination by the doctor, it was clear Gideon wasn''t going to die, but he was pretty much done for. The man couldn''t even sit in a wheelchair anymore, doomed to lie in bed like the living dead. Allegra Bradford was visibly rattled to see the two of them, seizing the opportunity tosh out, "Like father, like son, huh? Just as vile at such a young age, must run in the family! So what if you share the Bradford blood? A phoenix raised by chickens will only grow to be a chicken!" Elysia''s brows knitted in frustration, retorting without missing a beat, "You''re absolutely right. If your son, Lionel Bradford, hadn''t been raised in the Bradford nest, maybe he wouldn''t have turned out the way he did. Maybe he''d still be living a decent life!" Oh, it was on. If she dared insult Evan in front of her, Elysia was more than ready to hit where it hurts. And hit she did, her words cutting deep into Allegra, who, with tears welling up in her eyes, lost it, "You bitch! How dare you speak of my Lionel! I''ll make you pay!" Allegra, blind with rage, lunged forward, intent on a physical altercation. Verity Bradford, the second Bradford sibling, tried to intervene, "Sis, don''t do this. Cool down, please." "Get out of my way!" Allegra shoved Verity aside. Verity fell to the ground, twisting her ankle and contorting her face in pain. Elysia, puzzled, shot Verity a perplexed look, wondering what she was ying at. It was unusual for Verity to try to break up a fight; she usually stayed out of it. Meanwhile, Allegra hadn''t reached Elysia before Tarquin grabbed her wrist, snapping it with a crisp sound. Allegra screamed in agony. The Bradford family was stunned. Tarquin had always been cold towards the Bradford women, never resorting to physical measures, which is why Allegra felt bold enough to confront him directly. No one expected him to react with such severity. The room fell silent, save for Allegra''s cries. Tarquin''s icy gaze swept over the crowd, "Anyone else wants their wrist broken? I can do that. Want your tongue cut out? I can do that too. Or maybe you don''t want to live? I can arrange that as well." The room was filled with fear, nobody daring to make a sound. Verity, once again, attempted to steer the situation, ¡°Tarquin, you should go see your granddad. He''s asking for you." Tarquin, with a cold look, took Elysia by the hand and headed for the hospital room. Verity added, "Tarquin, go in alone. Let Elysia wait outside; your granddad probably wants a private word. Don''t worry, I''ll take good care of Elysia. In fact, I have a few things to discuss with her." Tarquin frowned, but before he could respond, Elysia reassured him, "Go ahead, I''ll be fine out here. Verity and I will just have a quick chat." Elysia sensed something was off with Verity today and was curious to hear what she had to say. Besides, with Tarquin''s bodyguards around, she knew she was in safe hands. Tarquin, still uneasy, was eventually persuaded after Elysia whispered something in his ear, "Call if you need me." "Will do!" As Tarquin entered the room and the door closed behind him, the Bradford family collectively exhaled, relieved. Turning to Elysia with a cold demeanor, they began, ¡°Some parenting, huh? No sense of danger at all. A childmits a crime at five, and it''s on the parents! This gets out, and Evan''s done for. Who''d want to associate with him after this? He''ll be ostracized by the whole world!" "Exactly! At five, he''s put his great-grandfather in a living grave. What''s he going to be like when he grows up? Not even a superhero is as fearsome as he is!" Chapter 969 With Tarquin out of the picture, the crowd grew bold and brash. They traded barbs like kids trading baseball cards, eachment sharper and less polite than thest. Elysia, frowning deeply, watched them with a quiet disdain, choosing to rise above the noise. Her heart ached for Tarquin! The Bradford n was notorious for their sharp tongues and sharper ws. She couldn''t even begin to imagine the kind of torment Tarquin must have endured as a child at their hands! Once the hubbub died down, Elysia finally spoke up, her voice cutting through the silence. She pointedly asked each of them, "And what''s your name? You, you, and you..... and you over there. Let''s have it. I''ll be remembering.¡± The instigators of the harsh words frowned, suspicious and wary, "And why exactly do you want to know our names?" "To make sure I don''t mix up the names when it''s time to cut out some tongues," Elysia replied, her tone icy. The group gasped collectively, their lips sealed shut in fear and anger. They remembered all too well Tarquin''s warning about losing their tongues if they stepped out of line... Elysia''s gaze was icy as she continued, "When ites to my son, I don''t need your judgments or your gossip. Mind your own business and keep my son''s name out of your mouths!" Allegra, unable to contain her rage, snapped back, "Oh, Elysia, acting all high and mighty just because you snagged a powerful man! Without him, you''re nothing!" Quick as a whip, Elysia retorted, "Why don''t you go ahead and try marrying someone powerful yourself? No? Then I suggest you keep quiet." "You..." Before Allegra could muster aeback, she suddenly felt an unbearable itching sensation. She scratched at her face, her neck, her arms, her legs... It was as if her entire body was under siege by an invisible army of itch. Not just Allegra, but the entire group started scratching furiously, a chorus of difort filling the air. ¡°Elysia, what have you done to us?!" one of them managed to gasp out amidst the scratching. Elysia didn''t bother to hide it, "Just a little lesson to remind you that I don''t need a man to stand tall. I can make you itch, I can make you cry, and I can make you bedridden. So, I''d watch my mouth if I were you. No badmouthing my son, myself, or my husband. Understood?" The Bradford women, overwhelmed by the itching, forgot all about their quarrel with Elysia and scrambled to find a doctor. Verity, who''d been watching the entire spectacle unfold, looked from the retreating figures of the Bradford women back to Elysia, her eyebrows knitted in surprise and something akin to respect. "What did you want to say?" Elysia turned to her, noticing her silent contemtion. "Why am I not itching?" Verity inquired, genuinely puzzled. "You''ve been standing by my side; you weren''t exposed to the irritant, so you''re fine.¡± "And when did you...?" Verity started to ask, but then shook her head, letting the question hang. She sighed, "I always knew you were skilled in medicine, but I had no idea you were capable of this." Elysia''s voice softened, "I learned medicine to heal, not to harm. That is, unless someone harms me first." Verity''s eyes welled up with tears as she confided, "I wish I were as strong as you. To have a powerful husband and to be powerful in my own right, capable of protecting my kids... You''ve seen it, the Bradford household is no ce for the faint-hearted. I''ve been living a nightmare." Elysia eyed her, sensing the shift in the conversation. Verity, teary-eyed, leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper, ¡°Elysia, you''ve been with Tarquin for a while now. He must have told you about his parents'' death. You know they weren''t just idents, but murder, right?" Elysia was taken aback, not expecting Verity to broach such a dark topic. Verity sniffled, ncing around to make sure they were alone, then whispered, "If I tell you who killed his parents, would you grant me a favor?" Chapter 970 Elysia eyed Verity with a mix of suspicion and concern etched across her face. How on earth did shee across such vital information? All these years, Tarquin had been on a relentless hunt for the murderer, without a single clue in sight. How could Verity possibly know anything? "Who''s the killer?" she finally asked. Verity replied, "I''ll only tell you if you agree to my request first." Elysia frowned, "Alright, let''s hear your request then." Tears instantly welled up in Verity''s eyes. She stared at Elysia for a few seconds before suddenly dropping to her knees with a thud! Elysia jumped, startled. "What are you doing? Get up, right now!" But Verity remained on the floor, her voice breaking as she pleaded, "Elysia, please, you have to save my son! I wouldn''t havee to you if I had any other choice... Please..." Elysia was shocked. Verity had a son? Wasn''t itmon knowledge that she only had a daughter studying abroad?! "You... Get up first," Elysia insisted. But Verity shook her head, refusing to rise. "Elysia, you''re the only one who can save him now. Tarquin has a soft spot for you; he listens to you. If you could just plead on my son''s behalf, I''m sure he would spare him. Elysia, as a mother, you must understand the love a mother holds for her son. I''d do anything for his well-being! Please, I''m begging you... Help save my son, please..." Elysia, utterly confused by the sudden involvement of Tarquin, forcibly helped Verity up from the ground and seated her on a bench in the hallway. She rummaged through her bag for some tissues and handed them to Verity, then fetched her a cup of lukewarm water. "Calm down and take your time to exin," Elysia urged. Verity wiped her tears, took the cup but didn''t drink. After a few sniffles, she began, "The Bradfords have always been a tight-knit n, with a tradition that the direct daughters of the family don''t marry out. Their husbands join our family instead, and any children bear the Bradford name. By the age-old rules passed down through generations, our children are only entitled to a small portion of the Bradford estate, with no rights to the family''s inheritance. My father had Kendrick and us sisters, but only Kendrick and his descendants were eligible for the inheritance. However, should anything happen to Kendrick''s line, our sons could then vie for the inheritance. That''s why everyone''s been secretly hoping for something to happen to Tarquin and Elijah; it would open up an opportunity for the rest to im the Bradford Group. But I never shared that sentiment. The Bradford family is like a den of wolves; what good is inheriting the Bradford Group if it doesn''t bring happiness? I never wanted my son to inherit the family''s troubles. I hid him away out of love, hoping he could grow up healthy and happy. But I never imagined that his foster parents, upon learning of his heritage, would encourage him toe back and fight Tarquin for the inheritance! I know what Tarquin is capable of. It would be as easy for him to eliminate my son as it is to crush an ant! I''ve tried reasoning with my son, but he wouldn''t listen. He didn''t grow up with me, so we''re not close. He''s determined toe back and fight for the inheritance, leaving me no choice but to find another way to protect him. Elysia, could you promise me that if he ever returns and causes trouble, you''ll convince Tarquin to spare his life?" Elysia was silent. Family drama in wealthy families was indeedplicated. "Though Tarquin can be hot-tempered, he wouldn''tmit a grave injustice. If you want to secure a future for your son, he needs to avoid digging his own grave. There''s only so much anyone can do if he insists on courting disaster." Verity''s eyes were red-rimmed with emotion. "I''ll keep an eye on him, making sure he doesn''t take a fatal path. As long as Tarquin is willing to show mercy, I''m certain he can survive." Chapter 971 Elysia reassured with a steady voice, "As long as he doesn''t shoot himself in the foot, you can count on me to handle Tarquin." Verity nodded eagerly, her face washed with gratitude, "Thank you, Elysia, thank you! I knew I could count on you to understand and help me out!" Elysia then pressed, "So, can you tell me now? Who is the real culprit behind the murder of Tarquin''s parents?" Verity furrowed her brows, wiped away her tears, and after a moment ofposed silence, she revealed a name, Elysia''s eyes widened in shock,pletely taken aback, "!" In the hospital room. The moment Gideonid eyes on Tarquin, his blood pressure skyrocketed, and it took him a moment to bellow, "Your son did this to me, and you''re going to pay! There will be no reconciliation, none at all! I''m going to make sure you rot in jail!" Tarquin just stared at him coldly, silent. Gideon suddenly sneered, "You think you can squeeze me with that shares business, huh? Well, guess what, you''ve got another thinging! Not only will you not get your hands on my shares, but the Bradford Group will be mine! All of it, including all the assets under your name, and you''ll watch from prison as I rise to the top!" Without waiting for Gideon to reply, Tarquin coldly questioned, "Why even bother getting married and having kids?" He continued, his voice icy, "You''re so obsessed with power, why drag marriage and children into it? You married my grandmother and had my father, ruining both their lives! My grandmother would have been happier with anyone but you, and my father would have been better off as anyone''s son but yours!" Gideon''s face darkened, "Do you think your grandmother would have experienced any luxury or happiness if she hadn''t married me? Or your father would have had a happy upbringing without the wealth I provided?" "Happiness? If my grandmother was so happy, why did she sumb to depression shortly after having my father? And if my father felt even a shred of happiness, why did he do everything in his power to escape you?" Gideon was livid, "Your grandmother''s depression was her own ungratefulness! Your father''s escape was all because he was seduced by your mother''s trickery! It''s all Elizabeth''s fault, that woman is a curse, a disaster!" As he finished, Gideon''s broken bones suffered a second blow, making him howl in pain, "Tarquin, you dare... even on your deathbed... you dare... Ahhh!" The hospital room door burst open, and Gideon''s right-hand man rushed in. Gideon immediately yelled, "Where are the police? Get them in here to arrest him! His son assaulted me, and now he has too. He must be sentenced to life!" As Tarquin withdrew his hand, standing aside, he watched Gideon coldly, "The real disaster for the Bradford family is you. It''s you who have ruined the Bradford family. Think about how you''re going to face the ancestors of the Bradford family after you''re gone!" Gideony gasping on the bed, sweating profusely from pain and rage, "Your father didn''t listen to me, you don''t listen, Elijah doesn''t listen. Despite carrying my blood and enjoying my benefits, you all choose to defy me! You ungrateful wretches, all of you! The Bradford family won''t be ruined by me; under my lead, it will reach its peak. Tarquin, you''re finished,pletely finished!" "Sir, it''s us who are finished!" Gideon''s close associate, his head wrapped in bandages, came running over, sobbing. Chapter 972 Gideon''s face turned a stormy shade of dark as he bellowed, "Nonsense! It''s Tarquin who''s done for!" "Boss..." his right-hand man stammered, hands trembling as he pulled out his smartphone to show Gideon a video. It was a video of Gideon, under the influence of hallucinogens, confessing to a murder in a rambling apology. Gideon''s brows knitted together tightly. "What the..." His confidantmented, "Someone uploaded this video online, and now it''s everywhere. It even made its way to international sites, and the bacsh is just as fierce there." Gideon''s breathing becamebored, and after a moment, he managed to spit out, "Get it off the trending topics, now!" "We can''t. The video''s too popr, and there''s someone behind the scenes fueling its spread." As if fearing Gideon hadn''t grasped the gravity of the situation, his confidant cried, "Boss, your reputation''s in tatters, even internationally." Gideon was livid, itching to p some sense into him! "Shut it! Where''s the Bradford Group''s PR team? Tell them to fix this mess, or they can all pack their bags!" His confidant sighed in defeat, "I tried, but they won''t listen to me." "Why the hell not? Are they looking to rebel?!" Avoiding Tarquin''s gaze, he blurted out, "Our shares are now in Mr. Thorne''s hands. We''ve got no ties to the Bradford Group anymore, so they''re washing their hands of us!" Gideon roared, "Then get Alpha on the line! Is pulling a video from the trending list really that hard?!" "I... I tried, but Mr. Thorne''s not only refusing to help, he''s demanding repayment." Gideon''s eyes bulged, "Repayment? For what?" "Mr. Thorne ims the ashes were fake, triggering the penalty use. He''s asking for apensation that would bankrupt you even if you sold everything." Gideon felt the ground shake beneath him, "Fake? How could they be fake? Is he extorting me?!" His confidant shivered, "Boss, it''s a trap! People from Sage Hall said..." Hesitating, then with a determined bite, "They said Tarquin visited the restricted area tonight, even descended into the well. Now with Mr. Thorne insisting those ashes are fake, it''s clearly a setup. Tarquin''s in cahoots with him." Gideon''s jaw dropped in shock! He turned to face Tarquin, "You... you went to Sage Hall?!" Tarquin, with a gloomy expression, replied, "When you''re gone, I''ll drop your ashes into that well, where they''ll never be retrieved. Ever." "You..." Only now did Gideon fully grasp his dire situation, his earlier bravado reced by sheer terror as he stared at Tarquin. Tarquin, looming by the bed, red down coldly, "You''ve spent your life chasing fame, fortune, and power. Now, you''ve lost everything. Your shares, your assets, all gone. Buried under a mountain of debt, your reputation in ruins! Everything you ever wanted is out of reach! You''re finished, for good!" Gideon, gasping for air, stammered, "You... you..." Tarquin''s expression darkened further, "You''ve sown evil your entire life, unworthy of even the slightestpassion! Death would be too kind. You don''t deserve hell; you belong in a demon''s nest, tormented for eternity! Sage Hall will remain, your eternal resting ce! But don''t think death wille easy. I won''t let you off that lightly!" Chapter 973 "When you''ve repaid the sins you carry, only then will I let you meet your maker! The pain you''ve caused my mother, the harm you''ve done to Elijah, and the wounds you''ve inflicted on Kelsey and Phineas''s family... I''ll make sure you suffer tenfold for each one! Gideon, your days of living the high life are over. Wee to your nightmare!" Tarquin''s voice was as cold as an Arctic st, his expression as unforgiving as a winter storm. Gideon gasped for air, his breathsing in ragged heaves before he suddenly coughed up blood and passed out. "Sir, sir..." Tarquin red at his right-hand man, "I don''t want him dead. Not yet. If he dies now, you''ll be the one to pay!" His aide, terrified, dropped to his knees with a thud, not daring to meet Tarquin''s icy stare, "Yes, yes, of course!" Tarquin looked over at Gideon, lying on the hospital bed battered and bruised, then turned his gaze to the night sky. A few bright stars twinkled above, as if dancing in joy. Could it be Elizabeth and Kelsey cheering from above...? When Tarquin left the hospital room, he only saw Elysia and Verity. The rest had apparently dashed off to the dermatologist! Seeing him, Elysia quickly stood and walked over, with Verity cautiously following. Tarquin gave Verity a cryptic look but didn''t engage, instead taking Elysia''s hand. "Let''s go home." Elysia studied his face, "Are you alright?" "Yeah, I feel better now." Elysia sighed in relief, "Is everything settled with Evan?" "Don''t worry. Gideon won''t be causing any more trouble." Elysia nced back towards the hospital room and nodded, "Then let''s head home." "Alright." As the couple prepared to leave, Verity called out, "Elysia..." Her expression wasplicated, pleading. Elysia knew what she wanted, "I haven''t forgotten what you said." Verity nodded quickly, "Thank you. Call me anytime." "Will do." In the elevator, before Tarquin could ask, Elysia spoke up, "Did you know she has a son?" Tarquin''s eyes narrowed, "Verity has a son?" "Yes. She told me herself." "...I wasn''t aware. What exactly did she tell you?" "She''s asking for help, hoping you''d spare her son." Tarquin was puzzled, "Her son has dealings with me?" "Not yet, but it seems he will. She mentioned he''s been misled by his foster parents, intent oning back to fight you for the inheritance." Tarquin: "..." " "She says she kept her son away for his safety, wanting no ties with the Bradfords. She knows he stands no chance against you but can''t persuade him otherwise. She''s worried about his safety, which is why she came to me, hoping I could intercede on her behalf." "...How old is her son?" "Younger than you." Tarquin pursed his lips, "Her husband died thirty years ago. Whose child is this twenty-something-year-old?" Elysia froze, "Her husband died thirty years ago?" "Yes, he''s been gone for thirty years." Elysia was shocked, "She didn''t mention that to me." "...Did she say anything else?" "She... she mentioned the killer of my parents." Tarquin''s expression visibly darkened. He looked down at Elysia, his brows furrowed, "She knows who the killer is?" Chapter 974 Elysia nodded, her face etched with solemnity. "She said it was Gideon!" Tarquin went silent. In the entire Bradford family, anyone could be suspected, but Gideon? That seemed impossible! The Bradfords had a long-standing tradition: only the direct male descendants could inherit the family fortune. Unless something happened to the direct line, nobody else would stand a chance to im the inheritance. Even though Kendrick had cut ties with Gideon years ago, he was still the root of the Bradford family. As long as he was alive, no one else could even dream of taking over. And for Gideon, that was a good thing! Gideon was the epitome of self-interest, always in pursuit of power. With Kendrick disinterested in the family business, Gideon could easily maintain control. So, why on earth would he kill Kendrick? "How did Verity find out?" "She said she overheard Gideon himself saying it. That it was all Kendrick''s fault ¨C if he hadn''t run off with Elizabeth, if he hadn''t severed ties, Gideon wouldn''t have been driven to murder!" Tarquin pursed his lips, silent. Elysia pressed on, "You think there''s something off about Verity''s story, don''t you?" Tarquin didn''t hide his skepticism. "Yeah, I don''t believe Gideon killed our parents." Elysia frowned, "I felt something was odd too. She came to me before her son even returned. Why rush? She could have waited. But when she spoke, her expression seemed genuine. If she was acting, she''s hiding her game well." Tarquin remained cool, the Bradfords were known for their ruthlessness. Verity managing to keep a son hidden from everyone proved she was no simpleton, far smarter than her sister Allegra! iming she wanted to keep her son away from the Bradford drama by raising him outside the family wasughable. She was clearly biding her time, waiting for the right moment to strike! Verity approaching Elysia with her story today definitely had an ulterior motive. With Gideon out of the picture, she was quick to point fingers, perhaps trying to cozy up to them? But what was her real goal? A shadow of suspicion crossed Tarquin''s eyes. Whatever her aim, the apple didn''t fall far from the tree. Those raised by Gideon were not to be underestimated. "I''ll have someone look into Verity''s ims. Don''t worry about it," he said. Elysia sighed, "Being born into the Bradfords is less appealing than being an ordinary person. It''s one problem after another, a never-ending mess." "That Verity is up to no good; be careful." "I know. Don''t worry about me." ... When they got home, the kids were still awake, anxiously waiting for Tarquin. Elysia felt a mix of relief and sorrow, "Still up? Aren''t you tired?" The kids nced at Tarquin, shaking their heads in unison, "Not tired. Is everything settled?" "Yes, everything''s dealt with. It''ste; you should head to bed." The kids looked at Tarquin again, silently pleading. "Elysia, you go up first. I want to talk to Elliot, Evan, and Elijah for a bit," Tarquin said. "Alright, but don''t stay up toote. It''s alreadyte." "Okay." Once Elysia was upstairs, Tarquin crouched down to be at eye level with Elliot, Evan, and Elijah. "Thank you, guys, for everything you''ve done for daddy. I''m really touched. Without you, I wouldn''t even know where grandma''s ashes were. I''m so lucky to be your dad and to have your love!" Indeed, it was his greatest fortune to be their father. Chapter 975 How lucky I am to be cherished like this! The trio of little ones moved their lips, and Elliot said, "My mommy always says, ''All love in the world is mutual. You love us, and naturally, we love you too."" Evan added, "Anyone my mommy likes, I like too! And anyone she protects, I will protect as well! Plus, you''re my daddy, Evan''s daddy. If anyone dares to bully you, I''ve got to stand up for you!" Elijah chimed in, "Mommy told us, a real family shares joy and sorrows together. If one person in the family is unhappy, it''s like a cloud over our whole household. Everything we do for daddy, it''s for him, but it''s also for the sake of our family." Tarquin''s throat tightened with emotion. He wrapped his arms around the three kids, a wounded heart warming under their care. It took a while before he could let go, saying, "Your grandma''s ashes being disrespected like that surely made daddy both angry and upset. But now, daddy is okay. As an adult, I won''t dwell on the sadness forever. We''ve retrieved grandma''s ashes, and Gideon has been punished. That''s a cause for celebration. So, you don''t have to worry about daddy anymore. It''s over, and you all should get some good sleep." Evan''s deep eyes rolled skeptically, "Are you really not sad anymore?" Tarquin ruffled Evan''s hair, "Do I look like I''m still sad?" Evan muttered, "It''s best if you''re not sad. But if you are, it''s okay to cry. We won''t make fun of you. My mommy says crying in front of your loved ones is nothing to be ashamed of." Tarquin smiled, "Next time I''m sad, I''lle to you." "Pfft, don''t jinx it! Can''t you just hope for happiness every day?" Tarquin''s smile grew wider, "I can see it now, Evan really adores daddy. Have I scored a perfect hundred?" Evan''s lips twitched, "Don''t get too proud. Scores can go up and down. And remember, I like you because my mommy likes you. If she ever stops liking you, then I will too!" Tarquin affectionately pinched Evan''s cheek, "You little pessimist. How could your mommy ever stop liking me? If she dares, I''ll just..." Evan frowned, "Do what?" Tarquin replied without missing a beat, "I''ll cry. I''lly on the floor, clutching her legs and crying until she gives in." Evan gave him a thumbs up, "...That''s the spirit, I see big potential in you." Tarquinughed, thinking to himself that this kid would grow up to be a real charmer. After chatting for a bit and seeing that the kids were more rxed, Tarquin sent them upstairs to bed. He stayed downstairs to make a call, arranging for someone to investigate Verity and her illegitimate child. After the call, he headed upstairs. Elysia wasn''t in their bedroom; after freshening up, she had checked on Baby and was now in Emmett''s room. Tarquin pushed the door open, finding Elysia just as she finished tucking Emmett in, sitting by his bed, staring at him. Approaching, Tarquin bent down to pinch Emmett''s cheek. Elysia swatted his hand away, whispering, "Don''t wake him up." Tarquin''s face broke into a handsome smile, "Emmett''s getting more and more handsome." Elysia sighed, "Today, Blossom called me. She said she ran into someone who looks incredibly like Emmett, almost made her doubt if that woman could be Emmett''s biological mother. But that woman looked so... well, Blossom said it''splicated." Chapter 976 Tarquin could read Elysia like an open book, and with a soft voice, he said, "If Emmett''s biological parents evere looking for him, we''ll respect Emmett''s wishes. If Emmett wants to go with them, we''ll let him. If he doesn''t, he stays with us. Don''t worry about the kind of home his biological parents might have. Whether Emmett stays with us or not, we''ll make sure he''s set up for a happy future. So, just breathe." Elysia exhaled deeply, her mind somewhat at ease after her conversation with Blossom. Deep down, she knew she''d find it hard to let go after all these years of raising Emmett. But if Emmett''s biological parents came for him and he chose to leave with them, she couldn''t stand in his way. She hoped for Emmett''s sake that his biological family was well-off. But Tarquin was right; with them by his side, they wouldn''t let Emmett suffer. "Let''s cross that bridge when wee to it. Don''t eat yourself up over this," Tarquin consoled her. Nodding, Elysia kissed Emmett''s forehead before standing up to leave his room. Once outside, she asked, "You seem in a good mood, what were you and the kids talking about?" "The kids were just expressing their love for me, saying they love me more than anything." Elysia raised an eyebrow, "They said they love you more than anything?" "Yes!" "Really?" "Of course, it''s true." "I don''t believe it!" "Why not? Can''t the kids express their love for me?" Elysia pursed her lips, "It''s not that they don''t love you, but it''s hard to imagine them saying something so cheesy." Tarquin chuckled, "As long as they love me, it doesn''t matter if they say it out loud or not." Elysia smiled along with him. His happiness was her happiness. The kids weren''t always fond of him, especially Evan. To go from dislike to this level of affection was both touching and reassuring. "Elysia." "Hmm?" As they entered the bedroom, Tarquin wrapped her in his arms, "Marrying you has been the greatest blessing of my life! You''ve not only raised our children well, but you''ve also taught them well. Having you in our family, happiness is inevitable!" Raising kids is known to be hard, but nurturing them is the real challenge a fact known to those who''ve experienced it. Tarquin''s praise for Elysia wasn''t just about the children''s achievements but about their values. Elysia was an ordinary woman without any special skills, but she had instilled in the children something far more important! The kids had love in their hearts, brightness in their eyes, and could distinguish right from wrong. They knew what was good, what was bad, what to do, and what not to do. They valued family and understood kindness. The children''s kindness andpassion were a reflection of their mother''s guidance. Elysia wrapped her arms around Tarquin''s waist, "The kids are young, but they can clearly feel both love and malice because you''ve shown them love first. It''s a two-way street. And remember, a happy home isn''t just the wife''s responsibility; it takes an equally hard-working husband. Our family''s happiness is also your doing." Even the most exceptional wife, when paired with a husband who''s irresponsible and heartless, couldn''t make a happy home. A happy household requires efforts from both spouses. "If you''re free one of these days, let''s take the kids to pray for blessings at the church downtown. I''ve heard it''s a very spiritual ce." "...Alright." Do ghosts really exist? No one knows for sure. But praying, at the very least, provides sce to the living. In the deep, quiet of the night, after Elysia and the kids had fallen asleep, Tarquin found sce on the rooftop terrace. He sat in the wicker chair, silently gazing at the stars, with a cigarette between his fingers, lighting one after another... Chapter 977 Elysia woke with a start to find the bed beside her empty. Flicking on the bedsidemp, she sat up and called out, "Tarquin?" No response. He wasn''t in the room. Frowning slightly, Elysia felt a twinge of concern. She knew he must have gone out to clear his head. The matter of Elizabeth''s ashes weighed heavily on them all. Even though she and the kids did bring warmth andfort to him, it wasn''t possible for the grief to havepletely dissipated. After all, Elizabeth was his beloved mother... He didn''t show it because he didn''t want to worry her or the kids. Sighing softly to herself, Elysia turned off themp andy back down. Everyone needs their space, and respecting that need without intrusion was paramount. Some burdens had to be shouldered alone... The next day. Dawn was barely breaking when Tarquin received a call from Lowell. "Tarquin, you won''t believe this, but Verity''s illegitimate son has been living in Karl Town!" Tarquin''s brow furrowed. "Are you sure?" "Yes, absolutely. I''ve sent you the files. Take a look." Karl Town was a well-known cultural hub abroad, a ce filled with art and history. It was where Tarquin and his mother, Elizabeth, had once lived! It also turned out to be the base of operations for the mysterious figure Keith had been investigating! And now, to hear that Verity''s illegitimate son was also residing there was too much of a coincidence! Initially, Tarquin hadn''t taken the news of Verity''s son too seriously. But this revtion made him sit up and take notice. Stubbing out his cigarette, he opened the files to see. The son, now twenty-seven, had grown up in Karl Town. After graduating from a top university here, he had returned to work at a local publishing house in Karl Town. Interestingly, this was the same publishing house where Elizabeth had worked after moving abroad. She had juggled her job with her literary pursuits. Tarquin still had vague memories of apanying Elizabeth to her workce as a child. After reviewing the avable information, no other anomalies stood out, except for the startling fact that this illegitimate son was living in Karl Town and working where Elizabeth had once been employed. Tarquin felt there was a deeper issue at y, but couldn''t quite grasp it. The sudden ring of his phone broke his concentration. It was Gideon calling. Frowning, Tarquin answered, "Speak." "Sir... Tarquin, sir, the old man wants you to visit him at the hospital. He has something to tell you." "I''m busy!" Just as Tarquin was about to hang up, Gideon''s urgent voice came through. "He says if you don''te, you''ll never find out who killed your parents. Please, sir, he''s very agitated." "Tell him I''ll be there," Tarquin cut in, ending the call abruptly. The mention of his parents'' murderer was a call to action. Over the years, he hadn''t uncovered any substantial leads. He was too young when the tragedy urred, and by the time he was old enough and had the means to investigate, evidence had vanished. But Gideon, wielding significant power back then, must have discovered something. After a moment of contemtion and checking that the kids were still asleep, Tarquin forwarded the information to Elliot and Elijah with instructions to investigate thoroughly. They were to delve into the adoptive parents of the illegitimate son, any connection between the son and Elizabeth, whether the son had ties to the mysterious figure, and to scrutinize both the publishing house and the son''s biological father. With arrangements made, Tarquin returned to the bedroom. Elysia was still deep in sleep. After changing his clothes and nting a kiss on Elysia''s forehead, he set out for the hospital. Chapter 978 In the sterile, white expanse of the hospital room, Gideony listlessly on the bed, a stark contrast to the bustling life outside. Tubes and wires snaked around him, making him look more machine than man, hisplexion ghostly pale without a hint of color. Gone was the imposing figure he once was. Now, he seemed to have aged decades overnight, resembling a man on the brink of death rather than the power broker he used to be. Tarquin sat across from him, his face a mask of indifference. "Misery often follows the detestable," he thought, devoid of sympathy. At Gideon''s age, one would expect him to be surrounded by family, basking in the warmth of his twilight years. Instead, his own hubris had led him to this grim juncture. "What''s your price?" Tarquin asked curtly, cutting to the chase. He knew Gideon wouldn''t divulge any information about his parents'' murderer without demanding something in return. Gideon''s eyes, full of anger and frustration, met Tarquin''s. His breaths were shallow andbored as he struggled to speak, "Pay me a fortune... get me safely out of the country, and I''ll tell you... who killed your parents." It was clear Gideon was beaten. With the Bradford Group now under Tarquin and Alpha''s influence, he knew he stood no chance. Broke and indebted, he saw no future for himself here. His demand was simple: a hefty sum to live out his remaining days abroad infort. "If you refuse... you''ll never find the killer," Gideon threatened, his voice barely above a whisper. A smirk briefly crossed Tarquin''s face at the thought of Gideon fleeing the country. "How much? When do you want to leave?" Relieved at Tarquin''s apparent agreement, Gideon signaled his associate, who quickly spoke up, "Mr. Tarquin, here''s the amount he''s asking for. If it''s alright with you, please transfer the funds to this ount and arrange a private jet for his departure. He wishes to leave today, the sooner, the better." They were clearly in a hurry, fearing that the police or Alpha would catch up to them before they could escape. Tarquin nced at the figure, his expression unchanging, and made a quick call to arrange everything. Soon after, Gideon''s associate excitedly confirmed, "Sir, the money''se through!" Gideon checked the transfer himself, a ghost of a smile ying on his pale lips. "And the jet?" he asked, eager. "It''s being arranged," Tarquin replied coolly. Unable to contain his excitement, Gideon confessed, "The person behind your parents'' death... it''s tied to Verity." Tarquin frowned, "Verity?" "Yes. Initially, I suspected the eldest for her overt ambition... But it turned out, the real threat was Verity. She always kept a low profile, making her the perfect adversary. I''ve gathered enough evidence linking Kendrick''s death to her. Once I''m safely airborne, I''ll send you everything." Tarquin''s face darkened, "So, she''s involved but not the murderer?" "The evidence... it implicates her as a participant in the car ident that killed your parents. I can''t confirm if she''s the killer, but she''s definitely connected." "And Verity aside, who else in the Bradford family was part of this plot?" "That''s it. They''ve always been scheming, each too wary of the other to truly unite against your father." In the dim light of the hospital room, Tarquin''s resolve hardened. The pieces of a decades-old puzzle were finally beginning to fall into ce. Chapter 979 "So you''re saying, if Verity has an aplice, it''s definitely not someone from the Bradford family?" "Absolutely not! No way!" "Did you find any suspicious characters?" "None. But if you''re looking for leads, start with Verity. You''re sure to find something!" Tarquin was silent. He had just learned today that Verity''s illegitimate son was living in Karl Town, and he might be connected to the mysterious figure. Now he found out that Verity was also linked to his parents'' death. Could she be involved with this mysterious person? "Did you know Verity has an illegitimate son living out there?" Gideon scoffed. "Yeah, I knew. She''s been keeping him on the side... No intention ofing back to im inheritance. And that brat... Mediocre at best. He''s never caught my eye. Totally beneath my notice!" "And his father?" "Clueless. I did look into it but got nowhere. The kid was born abroad through a surrogate, father unknown." Gideon finished speaking and gasped for air, struggling to breathe. "Hurry up and arrange a private jet for me... I want to leave now! If you don''t get me out of here, you won''t get the information I''ve found!" Tarquin frowned, "Someone will take you to the airportter." With that, he got up and left. Gideon''s confidant waited until Tarquin was downstairs, then excitedly approached Gideon, saying, "Didn''t expect it to go so smoothly. Master Tarquin didn''t even haggle, just agreed straight away!" Gideon snorted and panted, "All these years, he''s been investigating the murder, but... he''s got nothing! As long as I can provide a lead, he wouldn''t reject my offer! He''s always been haunted by his parents'' death! You think, after pinning it on the second child, why didn''t I confront her? I was saving this for today... I was keeping an ace up my sleeve!" "With this money, you can live out your days infort abroad." Gideon was in high spirits, looking disdainful, "So what if they tricked me, or knew I ced Elizabeth''s ashes... in a haunted spot? They still obediently pay me, escort me out of the country! Thinking of avenging the Inkster family, huh, the Inkster family deserved what they got! They were meant to be trampled on by me! They''re the ones humiliated, they''re the ones who died a miserable death, and I, Gideon... am still living well! I can still... still enjoy my golden years... ha ha ha..." He gasped for breath,ughing maniacally! Downstairs, Lowell saw Tarquin and promptly opened the car door for him, asking, "Tarquin, are we really letting Gideon flee the country?" Tarquin got into the car, "Yeah." Lowell quickly took the driver''s seat, but before starting the car, he turned to Tarquin, frowning, "Isn''t sending him abroad letting him off too easy? After all the atrocities he''smitted, just letting him enjoy his retirement overseas?" He''s disgraced! He''s lost everything! He''s been severely beaten by Evan, left disabled for life! Butpared to his crimes, it''s nowhere near enough! He should be tormented every day, hurt every day, wishing for death but unable to die, that would be true justice! Tarquin leaned back in his seat, his brow furrowed, coldly replying, "The police are already on to him. Here, his end would be jail. But abroad, it''ll be hell!" Chapter 980 Lowell froze for a moment before it clicked, and his mood instantly improved. "You''re right, absolutely right! Sending him to jail would be too easy on him; he deserves to go straight to hell!" The freedom abroad couldn''tpare to back home! At home, thew restricts you, making you think twice before acting. But abroad, it''s far easier to make someone''s life a living nightmare without much effort! Soon after, Gideon left the country with a reckless joy in his heart, thanks to Tarquin''s arrangements. He thought he was escaping domestic legal repercussions to enjoy a life of luxury abroad. In reality, he was flying straight into his own personal hell! From the moment he crossed the border, his torture was set to begin! Gideon, this earthly demon, was done for! Lowell, looking up at the sky, mused, "What goes around,es around. Who can escape their fate? Do wrong, and you''ll pay eventually!" Tarquin, quietly smoking, had his mind free from thoughts of Verity and the mysterious figure, focusing instead on Kelsey, the Inkster family, and Elizabeth... Suddenly, his phone rang. It was the police, informing him that Keith''s matter had been settled, and it was time to im the body. Tarquin flicked his cigarette ash, looking up at the sky, wondering if Keith knew Gideon was done for, and if that meant he could rest in peace now. After a moment of silence, Tarquin said to Lowell, "Let''s head to the police station." ... After visiting the police station and then the cemetery, Tarquin finally went home. It was past ten in the morning when he arrived. Evan, Emmett and Baby were in the living room, ying with Lan, who was full of energy, hopping around the three little ones. Seeing them, Tarquin immediately thought of Keith, his eyes darkening. Border City had its share of tough men, their hearts gone too soon. Some people are just born to suffer! Keith''s life was short and filled with hardship, wrongdoings, and eventually, death because of Baby. It''s hard to judge him entirely; his life was tragic, and death was perhaps a release. "Daddy!" Baby''s voice was soft and sweet. Tarquin snapped out of his thoughts, stepped forward, and scooped Baby into his arms, speaking gently, "ying with Lan, huh?" "Yeah, Lan is so good, Daddy. What were you thinking about?" "Daddy was thinking... how Baby can be so lovable." "Cos Baby is like Daddy. Everyone in preschool loves him too!" Baby was proudly talking about Keith. Keith''s life was indeed tragic, but his love for Baby wasn''t wasted. Baby always thought of him, loved him. Elysia, hearing themotion, came out from the kitchen. Seeing Tarquin back, she quickly asked, "What time did you leave this morning? Have you eaten anything?" "Not yet, I rushed out this morning before you woke up, didn''t get a chance to tell you." "Well, it''s perfect timing. I''ve kept your breakfast warm; let me get it for you so you can eat something." "...Okay." Turning back to the kitchen, Elysia left Tarquin in the living room with the kids. After a while, she called him over, "Breakfast is ready." Tarquin got up and walked to the dining room, where a warm meal awaited him, warming his heart. He held Elysia''s face and kissed her forehead, "Thanks, honey." Elysia blushed, "Why so formal!" With a smile, Tarquin sat down to eat. The simple meal tasted exceptionally good to him. Sitting across from him, Elysia brought up Keith, "Today, Baby was nagging me to call Keith again. She misses him a lot." Tarquin paused before responding, "She was pretty much raised by Keith; it''s normal for her to miss him. I''ll think of something, maybe find a way to simte Keith''s voice for a call with her." Chapter 981 "Man, it would be a relief if we could! Did you talk to the cops? When are we going to pick up Keith''s body?" "It''s taken care of already." "Taken care of?!" Elysia was startled. "Yeah, the police called me this morning. I went down to the station, identified the body, and then came back." "So, where is he now?" "He''s already beenid to rest at the cemetery." Elysia''s eyes widened further, "Why didn''t you call me?! I wanted to be there for his final journey. No matter what beef we had with him before, he died saving Baby. I''m grateful for that." "I know, but it wasn''t the right time to go. We''ll visit togetherter." Elysia sighed softly, a hint of regret in her voice but didn''t pry further. Tarquin must have had his reasons for arranging things this way. "Is it that cemetery we looked at before?" "Yeah." "Well, let bygones be bygones. That cemetery is a beautiful ce. I hope he finds peace there." Tarquin said, "He will find peace." With enemies getting their due and loved ones treated kindly, he surely will find peace. Elysia took a deep breath and then asked, "Has Verity''s sone back yet?" At the mention of Verity, a sh of fierceness crossed Tarquin''s eyes. She was linked to his parents'' deaths, a sinner, an enemy of his! Tarquin hid his fierce look and calmly replied, "Not yet. You don''t need to worry about him. And, if Verity tries to contact you again, it''s best to stay away. That woman is trouble." Apart from his parents'' death, he had a feeling that Verity was somehow connected to the mystery man! She was a dangerous woman, and interacting with her would do no good. Elysia nodded obediently, "Yeah! I''ve always felt there was something off about her." After they finished eating, Tarquin spent a little while chatting with Elysia before heading upstairs. He made straight for the study. No need to ask; Elliot and Elijah would definitely be there. Seeing Tarquin enter, the brothers frowned, their expressions serious. Tarquin guessed something was up and asked, "What''s going on?" Elliot said, "Verity''s illegitimate son is a piece of work. His biological father is unknown, his rtionship with his grandmother is unclear, and the publishing house he''s involved with has murky connections." Tarquin frowned, "And none of this can be traced?" "Yep, Elijah and I both hit dead ends." Tarquin''s frown deepened, "So, what have we found?" "We found his adoptive parents. His adoptive father is the town''s sheriff, and his adoptive mother is a high-ranking official. Both have shady backgrounds and deep ties to local arms dealers." Arms dealers? Keith''s files had mentioned that the mystery man was also involved in arms smuggling. "Are his adoptive parents linked to the mystery man?" Elliot didn''t nod or shake his head, looking helpless, "We can''t confirm anything yet." "And the illegitimate son? Does he have connections to the mystery man?" Elliot sighed, "Even less clear." Elijah added, "But what''s clear is that this illegitimate son is no simpleton! With his adoptive parents mixed up with arms dealers, he''s not clean. With that kind of power backing him, if hees looking for trouble, it won''t be easy to handle." Tarquin wasn''t too worried about that. What he was most concerned about was finding the mystery man, eager to bring him to light! If Verity''s illegitimate son wasplicated, Verity was even more so! He had a hunch that Verity was tied to the mystery man, but what exactly was the connection? Chapter 982 Tarquin quizzed, "So, that publishing house is a tough nut to crack, huh?" The two kids shook their heads in unison. "You wouldn''t believe it, but their security system is even more sophisticated than the Bradford Group''s. We tried several times and failed miserably. Couldn''t breach it!" "A publishing house, for crying out loud, not some kind of top-secret government facility, and they''ve got this high-end security? That''s fishy!" "And get this ¨C their annual profits don''t evene close to what the Bradford Group makes in a month. Where on earth are they getting the money to afford such a top-notch security system? Something''s off with that publisher!" The brothers were clearly agitated, their frustration evident. After all, when two top hackers team up and still can''t break in, you know the publishing house''s security is no joke! Tarquin frowned, "Did you check out the owner listed on their website?" "Yep, just a figurehead, a regr Joe. Nothing juicy about him." Elijah chimed in, "Dad, could the publishing house be the mystery man''s hideout?" Tarquin neither confirmed nor denied, "Can''t say for sure yet." But it was clear as day - there was something big brewing with that publishing house! Karl Town was also under suspicion! Given that Verity''s son lived in Karl Town and worked at that very publishing house, it was no mere coincidence! There had to be a connection between her, her son, and the mystery man! "Anything suspicious about Verity''s rtionship with her son''s adoptive parents?" The kids looked downcast, "All above board. No links between them that we could find, nor any clue about the kid''s biological father. Came up empty." The duo was clearly disheartened today! Tarquin let out a sigh, trying to reassure them, "If my hunch is right, Karl Town is the mystery man''s headquarters. It''s normal you couldn''t dig up anything on them. If he''s been masterminding illegal deals for years without getting caught, he''s no ordinary criminal. He won''t be easily found. Don''t be discouraged. We''ll catch him eventually! Look, even if we can''t find anything, clues wille to us. After all, he''s the one after us, not the other way around. He''ll keep making moves. And Verity and her son have already made themselves known." The kids eagerly asked, "So, Verity and her son are really connected to the mystery man?" Tarquin''s phone buzzed with a new message before he could respond. Then, Lowell''s call came through. "Tarquin, I''ve sent the evidence Gideon provided to your phone. Got it?" Tarquin nced at the message, "Yeah, keep a close eye on Verity." "Will do." After hanging up, Tarquin told the kids, "Don''t just hang around in the study all day. Go y with your siblings, take a break." They nodded, but once Tarquin left, they didn''t head downstairs. Still feeling defiant, they tried once more to crack the publishing house''s security system - and failed again. Elijah slumped, frustrated! Elliot was equally peeved, trying to console himself, "There''s always a bigger fish. No worries, we''re still young. When we grow up, we''ll outsmart them!" Elijah''s face darkened, "I''ll ask the teacher!" Logging into his ount, he messaged his mentor, "You around, teacher? Got an urgent problem." The reply came swiftly, "Yes! What''s up, Elijah?" "I''m trying to breach a publishing house''s security system but can''t get through. Got a minute to help me out?" Chapter 983 Elijah had just finished typing when Elliot blocked his path, "Can we really trust this professor? What if he spills the beans?" Elijah was brimming with confidence, "He''s like the wise old mentor from your hometown, hidden away in the mountains. Do you think your mentor would do anything to harm you?" "Absolutely not!" "Then trust me, my professor wouldn''t either," Elijah assured. With that, Elliot rxed his grip, and Elijah hit ''send''. The reply came swiftly, "Which publishing house?" Elijah quickly sent over the publishing house''s details, only to receive an immediate response, "I can''t help you with this one." Elijah''s brow furrowed, "Why not?" The answer was straightforward, "I designed their entire security system myself, sold it to them for a pretty penny. Breaking through it now would go against my professional ethics." Elijah and Elliot were speechless, their silence filled with revtion. So that''s why they hadn''t been able to breach the security - it was their professor''s handiwork! Elliot, with a puzzled expression, asked Elijah, "Your professor is involved with them?" Elijah replied, "He''s somewhat of a frencer, makes his living off projects like these." "Why suddenly take an interest in breaching their security system? Are you investigating them?" the professor inquired. "Yeah, I''m digging into some of their internal affairs for my dad," Elijah confessed. The professor paused before responding, "I can''t help you break into their system. But I''ll tell you this - they''re wolves in sheep''s clothing. Officially a publishing house, but they''ve been conducting research, the nature of which I''m not entirely sure. But it''s backed by some serious power. I''d advise you to steer clear." The boys exchanged worried nces, Elijah typing back, "Understood, professor." Concerned, Elijah asked, "How have you been, anyway?" "Good, except I''m still searching for someone I haven''t been able to find," the professor replied. Elijah''s brow creased in empathy, "Still no word from her?" A sigh emoji was all he got in return, "She''s been missing too long. Finding her is bing increasingly difficult." Elijah struggled to findforting words, knowing all too well the pain of searching for a lost person. After all, it was their shared experiences of loss that had deepened their bond. Elijah had been tirelessly searching for his mom, while his professor had been on a long quest to find a woman dear to him. But now, while Elijah had been reunited with his mom, his professor''s search remained fruitless. "I''ve got to go offline for a bit, Elijah. Leave a message if you need anything, and I''ll get back to you," the professor wrote. Elijah quickly replied, "I managed to find my mom in this vast world, professor. I believe you''ll find her too." "Thanks for the kind words, Elijah! And a friendly word of advice - tell your dad to keep away from that publishing house." Elijah and Elliot exchanged a look. So, the publishing house might be even more deeply entangled with the mysterious figure than they thought! Not only could they not afford to stay away, but they also had to dig deeper. After all, as long as this mysterious person remained a threat to their family, they could never rest easy. Meanwhile, Tarquin returned to his study, booted up hisputer, and began reviewing the evidence Gideon had provided. The more he read, the darker his expression became. After finishing, he took a deep breath, clenched his jaw, and adjusted his tie in frustration. Staring at theputer screen, he made a decision, grabbed his phone, and left the study with a determined stride. Chapter 984 When Tarquin showed up unannounced, Verity was in the middle of making chicken soup in her cozy kitchen. The sight of him nearly made her drop thedle! It took her a moment topose herself, before she managed a smile and asked, "Tarquin, what brings you here?" Before Tarquin could even respond, she turned to her nanny with a frown, "You didn''t think to inform me Tarquin wasing? What kind of manners is that? You''re responsible for this oversight!" The nanny, clearly flustered, replied, "Master Tarquin... I didn''t have the chance to tell you." Tarquin had barged in, and the nanny couldn''t stop him or alert Verity in time. Verity shot the nanny a dark look, prompting her to find an excuse to tidy up the yard, leaving them alone. Quickly, Verity invited Tarquin to sit down and offered to make him some tea. "No need, let''s just talk," Tarquin said with a cold tone, settling himself on the living room couch. Verity, her heart racing, poured two cups of chamomile tea. She handed one to Tarquin and took a seat opposite him. "I was just about to go see Elysia this afternoon. I even made her and the kids some soup, I..." Tarquin cut her off with a grimace, "Stop acting, Verity. It''s a waste of time for both of us. You''re responsible for the death of my parents, and I will never let that go. As for your son... is there even anything to discuss?" Verity''s breath hitched, and her eyes widened in shock. Tarquin''s blunt usation took her by surprise! It took her a few seconds to gather her wits, and she quickly retorted, "Tarquin, you can''t just say things like that. You probably don''t know, but I was the closest to your parents out of the entire Bradford family. I was the only one who supported their rtionship." Tarquin clenched his teeth, "That just means you were the only one close enough to them to do it, the only one who could have orchestrated their deaths!" Some people are openly malicious, while others are sneakily treacherous! Verity belonged to thetter category! Friendly to your face but ready to stab you in the back, the most despicable kind! Verity tried to defend herself, but Tarquin wasn''t interested in listening to her excuses. Heid out the evidence before her! After seeing the evidence, Verity''s breathing became rapid. The evidence was irrefutable; she couldn''t deny it! She copsed onto the couch, gasping, "How... how did you find all this? Impossible! You were so young... No, no, it couldn''t have been you. It must have been... your grandfather gave this to you?" Talking to herself, she concluded, "It had to be your grandfather! He''s the only one who would investigate what happened back then. Nobody else cared. And only he had the resources to uncover the truth! Yes, that''s it. Your grandfather had an identst night, and then suddenly flew out of the country on a private jet this morning. You arranged for him to leave! You made a deal with him; you get him out of the country, and he gives you the evidence?" Tarquin looked at her with a cold expression, silently confirming her spection. Verity, trembling with anger, eximed, "They say even a tiger wouldn''t eat its cubs, but he''s heartless! He threw me under the bus just to save himself,pletely disregarding our father-daughter rtionship!" "Don''tpare him to me. You''re cut from the same cloth!" Tarquin shot back. Gideon acted out of self-interest, regardless of his daughter''s life or death. And Verity? Wasn''t she doing the same? For her own gain, she cruelly murdered her own kin! With tears brimming in her eyes, Verity suddenly exploded, "How dare youpare me to him?! Everything I''ve done was for my son! No matter what, I would never harm him. I''d even die for my son! Do you think I wanted to kill Kendrick? When he was a kid, he was always clinging to me, always calling out ''Auntie, Auntie'' and following me around! Even when he grew up, he was closest to me, sharing every bit of good news with me first! Even about your mother, I was the first in the Bradford family to know! I did it because of my son. If Kendrick hadn''t died, my son wouldn''t have survived... I couldn''t just abandon my son! He wasn''t with me since he was young; I never fulfilled my duties as a mother. How could I not save him, I..." Chapter 985 Verity''s tears suddenly broke through the dam of herposure as she spoke. Tarquin looked at her with icy disdain, "Don''t paint yourself as some innocent victim. You hid him away, only you know the true extent of your own selfish desires. You orchestrated that car ident that killed my parents. How much of that was for your son, and how much was for your own gain? You know the truth. So, spare me the act of ying the saint. I have no sympathy for you!" Verity red back at him with eyes red from crying, "You have a much nastier tongue than your father ever did!" "Because he never saw through you, but I have." Verity forcefully sniffed, suddenly stopping her tears. She faced him squarely and said, "You''re right, I was selfish! I kept my son hidden to ensure he''d grow up safely, in case you didn''t die first and the Bradfords decided toe after him. I wanted him to inherit the Bradford empire! And yes, I had a hand in your father''s death because of the Bradford Group. As long as he lived, your grandfather would hold all the power. Only with him gone could there be chaos within the Bradfords, and my chances would be better!" After finishing, Verity frowned and added, "You hold all the evidence against me, denying it won''t help. I admit it, I did it, and it was all me, no one else is involved. Do with me what you will." Tarquin''s lips were a thin line, hisplexion turning stormy from rage, veins on his neck standing out prominently. He had lost his grandmother early on, Allegra was arrogant and distant, and his father saw Verity as a sister, a mother figure! He had been close to Verity since childhood, maintaining contact even after moving abroad. And to think he met his end because of her! He would have never suspected Verity, considering every possible Bradford but never her. The Bradfords, each more venomous and ruthless than thest! Tarquin struggled to contain his towering fury, grinding out, "You''re definitely going to pay, but your son''s fate is still undecided." Verity panicked, "What does my son have to do with any of this? Are you nning on harming him too? He was just a child when your parents died!" "His fate depends on your cooperation." "You... what do you want?" Tarquin''s gaze hardened, seeing her concern for her son proved there was still love. Love made negotiations easier. "What exactly is your rtionship with that man?" "Who are you talking about?" "You know." Verity frowned, "..." Tarquin''s threat was clear, "I came here today because I''m tired of ying games. I know you''re involved with him. If you won''t speak up, I''ll start with your son. Don''t think he''s safe just because he''s abroad. If I want him dead, there''s nowhere he can hide!" Verity''s breathing quickened, her eyebrows furrowed tighter, "..." Tarquin continued, "You suddenly showing up around Elysia, risking exposure of your son to get close to her, must have been a desperate move. He''s panicking, and you''re forced to panic with him." "You... what do you know?!" Tarquin''s gaze sharpened, "I''ve taken down all his operations domestically. He must be desperate now, especially with Keith gone. He needs a new pawn close to me, which is why he pushed you to show yourself." Verity''s eyes widened in shock, "You..." "How did I know, right? I might not know who he is, but that doesn''t mean I''m clueless about his moves! If I''m not mistaken, he''s been threatening you with your son, hasn''t he?" Hearing this, Verity''s eyes welled up even more, her lips trembling violently, "..." "1 Tarquin, seeing his guess was urate, felt his mood darken further, "I need to know, what exactly he''s been trying to do by getting close to me, and who he really is. Answer me truthfully, and I''ll ensure your son''s safety." Chapter 986 Verity''s eyes were brimming with tears, her voice shaky and filled with panic, "How can you guarantee that? You don''t even know who he is, and my son''s in his clutches! How can you possibly assure me?!" Tarquin replied with an icy tone, "If I say I can keep him alive, then I can. It just depends on whether I want to or not." He had extensive holdings in Alerasia, with a well-connectedwork. Karl Town was under Alerasia''s jurisdiction, and even if it was the mysterious man''s stronghold, ensuring someone''s safety wasn''t a challenge for him. He could easily manipte things through the local authorities! Verity clearly didn''t believe him, and Tarquin couldn''t be bothered to exin further, instead issuing a stark warning, "If you don''t cooperate, I can''t guarantee he''ll make it through the week." Verity''s eyes widened in fear, and after a moment of stunned silence, she ventured, "Can you really ensure his safety?" Tarquin gave her a piercing look and remained silent, which was as good as a confirmation. Swallowing hard, Verity frowned and said, "If you promise to keep my son and me safe, I''ll tell you everything I know." Tarquin''s expression darkened, his gaze sharp, "You don''t deserve to live! You killed my parents, you have to die!" Verity gasped, shocked. Tarquin continued, emphasizing each word, "We don''t even have to discuss terms. My parents'' vengeance must be served! At best, I can promise you a quick death. Otherwise, I''ll make you wish you were dead." Tears streamed down Verity''s face, "Tarquin, do you have to be so heartless? Can''t you just let me go? I admit, I was involved in that ident, but I wasn''t the mastermind!" "Then who was?" he pressed. "It was... it was..." "It was him, wasn''t it?" Verity knew exactly who Tarquin was referring to. She nced at him with tear-filled eyes, neither nodding in agreement nor shaking her head in denial. Tarquin understood, his expression growing even more somber, "Everything he''s done, it all started because of my father, didn''t it?" "What was the feud between him and my parents?" That this person would conspire with Verity, orchestrating an ident to kill his parents! And that he''d been meticulously nning for years, investing so much effort into targeting him! Verity shook her head, "I don''t know. All I know is he''s been searching for... for..." She hesitated, stopping mid-sentence. "What has he been searching for?" Tarquin pressed. Just then, Verity''s phone rang. Wiping her tears, she tried topose herself before answering. Whatever the caller said made her burst into tears, her body shaking violently. Realizing something was amiss, Tarquin snatched the phone from her. But the caller had already hung up. "Who was that?" Tarquin demanded, his face darkening. Verity, stubborn and distressed, pushed him away, "Just go! You''ll never forgive me for your parents'' death anyway. Just leave, we''re done here... Go!" Suddenly, a swarm of police officers burst in! They had a warrant for Verity''s arrest. Leading them was Josiah, who knew Tarquin and was surprised to see him there. Tarquin pulled Josiah aside to ask, "What''s going on?" Josiah looked puzzled, "Weren''t you the one who tipped us off?" "Tipped you off about what?" "Somebody anonymously called the police, using Verity of murder and provided solid evidence." Tarquin frowned, puzzled. It wasn''t his doing, nor Gideon''s. Who else knew Verity was the culprit? Could it be him? Did he know Tarquin wasing for Verity and, fearing she''d reveal secrets, decided to act first? Had he decided to sacrifice Verity, a pawn in his game? Chapter 987 Tarquin''s brow furrowed deeply as he nced towards Verity. Had that phone call been from him? What had he said to Verity? Had he threatened her? Noticing his gaze, Verity looked at him through tear-soaked eyes before lowering her head again, softly sobbing. With too many prying eyes around, Tarquin couldn''t afford a private conversation with Verity just yet. He had no choice but to let the police take her away for now. "Keep someone on her. Let me know immediately if anythinges up." Josiah nodded, "Understood!" Just as Verity was taken away, Tarquin''s phone rang. It was Elliot. "Dad, when are youing home?" The little guy sounded serious. "What''s up?" "Elijah and I stumbled upon something big!" "What is it?" "...Let''s talk when you get back." Tarquin was suspicious. What kind of secret had they uncovered? "Alright, I''ll be home in forty minutes." After hanging up, Tarquin started his car and headed home, his mind not really on Elliot''s words but filled with thoughts about Verity. He couldn''t shake off the feeling that there was something off about Verity''s expression when she was taken away by the cops. What was she afraid of? Before Tarquin could reach home, he got his answer! The police car transporting Verity had collided with a van on the road, resulting in a severe ident. Verity and a police officer were dered dead at the scene, along with the van driver. Three dead, one injured! What was Verity afraid of? Death! The call before the police arrived must have let her know she was going to die. That''s why she was scared. Josiah sent over a video of the ident scene. Tarquin grimaced, turned on his indicator, and pulled over to watch it. The crash was gruesome. Verityy in a pool of blood, her organs crushed out, head grotesquely misshapen. Just minutes ago, she had been talking to him, and now she was nothing more than a horrific corpse... The chaos around was palpable - screams, screeching brakes, mixed with roars and cries... It instantly took Tarquin back to the day Elizabeth and Kendrick died, surrounded by a simr pandemonium. His mother, lying in a pool of blood, resembled a snow lotus stained red... Lighting a cigarette, Tarquin leaned back in his seat and took a drag in silence. His eyes reddened, not for Verity, but for his parents. The thought of their death always left him with a lump in his throat, a bitter taste in his mouth. Afterposing himself in the car for a while, Tarquin finally adjusted his state of mind and called Josiah. He instructed him to follow up on the ident and report any irregrities. Restarting the car, he hurried home. Elliot and Elijah were waiting for him! To put it harshly, Tarquin wasn''t satisfied with Verity''s death! Firstly, he felt Verity got off too lightly. Secondly, Verity was only one of the culprits; the mastermind was still out there! If he wanted to avenge his parents, he needed to expose this mysterious figure! The mysterious person acted against Verity so swiftly, which was unexpected for Tarquin. Had he known, he would never have let the police take Verity away. Though Verity was a murderer and deserved no sympathy, the innocent police officer''s death was a tragic loss! Moreover, Tarquin hadn''t even had the chance to ask his questions, and now the lead was gone! The mysterious person gave up on Verity, probably because they knew she had been exposed and were afraid she''d spill secrets, hence the silencing. Perhaps even the mysterious person hadn''t expected Gideon to have evidence of Verity killing Tarquin''s parents! But still... This person was still trying to hide their identity. Why wouldn''t they face him directly? What were they considering, or fearing? What did they want from him, and why not juste forward and ask? Chapter 988 It was clear as day now; he had a bone to pick with his own folks! After all these years plotting against him, what was he really after? And there was more: a heart-shaped birthmark on his chest, his stronghold in Karl Town, those times he''d seen him before, even calling Elysia "little Elysia"... He knew him! And he knew Elysia too? With a head full of question marks, Tarquin made his way home, only to find Elysia missing. Evan, Emmett, and Baby were nowhere to be seen either. Pushing his doubts aside for the moment, Tarquin headed to the small study to ask Elliot Elijah, "Where''s mom and the little ones?" "Jessamine called, invited mom over to her ce for a bit." "Jessamine Huber?" "Yeah, they just opened this huge amusement park, today''s the soft opening. They invited us over, but Elijah and I weren''t feeling it, so mom took Evan, Emmett, and Baby along." Jessamine was the one person Keaton Huber feared the most, his very own sister! Family ties could be overwhelmingly strong; Keaton, who feared nothing on heaven or earth, only feared her! Her son, Corbin Denton, had been grappling with severe psychological issues, and it was thanks to Elysia''s intervention that he didn''t spiral further. After Corbin started getting better, Elysia suggested Jessamine take some time off to travel with him, hoping it would do him good. Thus, Jessamine nned a family trip, and they had only recently returned. Knowing Jessamine, Tarquin felt at ease about Elysia being in herpany. Tarquin then asked the boys, "What did you call me back for?" Elliot hurriedly handed over a missing person flyer, "Dad, look! We stumbled upon this while digging into that publishing house in Karl Town!" Elijah chimed in excitedly, "It''s a missing person flyer published over twenty years ago by the publishing house. Dad, doesn''t the photo look exactly like Baby? We suspect they were looking for mom!" "And there''s more, this flyer was first published by a newspaper in Karl Town. If they were indeed looking for mom, does that mean she has some connection to that mysterious guy?" " Meanwhile, at the Denton family''s amusement park in the elite business district. The moment Elysia showed up with the kids, she turned heads left and right. Ever since the Bradford family''s g, where her marriage certificate with Tarquin was publicly unveiled, everyone knew about her and Tarquin''s union. The looks Elysia received were mixed. Some were envious, some jealous, and some disdainful. The disdain wasn''t aimed at Mrs. Bradford''s title but at Elysia''s background. The amusement park wasn''t officially open yet; today was just a soft opening, attended mostly by friends and acquaintances of the Denton family, as well as business connections. Given the Denton family''s status, it was no surprise that their guests were also from the upper crust, all too aware of Elysia and Tarquin''s situation. Jessamine, caught up in greeting a few influentialdies with kids, immediately brightened upon seeing Elysia and approached her with a smile, "Elysia!" Elysia returned the smile. "I''m so d you could make it. I was actually nning to have you over tomorrow for a chat, but then I thought about all the fun stuff here! The kids will absolutely love it, so I gave you a call on a whim. I hope it wasn''t too inconvenient?" "Not at all, we were just kicking a ball around in the yard when you called, and the kids were thrilled at the mention of the amusement park. They couldn''t be happier." She''d been reluctant to go out at first, but the kids were eager, and she hadn''t seen Corbin in a while, so it seemed like a good opportunity to catch up. Jessamine nced towards Evan, Emmett, and Baby, "Missing a couple, I see?" Chapter 989 Elysia grinned, "Those two are probably cooking up some mischief at home, didn''t want toe out and y." "Then we''ll make ns next time. Let''s see, this one''s Emmett, and this is... Evan!" Evan blinked his big, curious eyes. "How did you know it was me?" Jessamineughed, "Elliot and Elijah are always dressed in little suits, but you''re the one who loves wearing sporty gear." Evan puffed out his chest, "I''m the coolest in our family!" Jessamine''sugh brightened, and she affectionately pinched Evan''s cheek, "Evan is cool and handsome, the coolest kid on the block." She didn''t forget to praise Emmett, "I know Emmett is quite the little fashion guru, incredibly impressive." Emmett immediately pulled out a small bottle of perfume from his backpack, "For you." "Aw, thanks, Emmett." Jessamine quickly epted it, then looked towards Baby, a glint of affection in her eyes, before cheerfully greeting, "This must be Baby, so adorable and cuddly." Baby politely greeted, "Hello." "Hello, Baby. Today''s my treat, all you can eat, y, and happiness, sound good?" "Yep, thank you." Baby followed Evan and Emmett to the w machine, trying to grab some toys. Jessamine whispered to Elysia, "I''ve heard quite a bit about Baby and Keith from Keaton, it''s been a roller coaster... But thankfully, it''s a happy ending now." Elysia sighed with relief as she watched Baby, "Yes, thankfully, it ended well." "Congrattions, Elysia, aplete family now." Elysia smiled, "Now that Corbin is stable, you might consider having another one." Jessamine smiled and leaned in, whispering to Elysia, "Just between us, I already am." Elysia''s eyes lit up, instinctively ncing at Jessamine''s stomach, whispering, "How many months?" "Just two months. This little one''s a survivor, been through so much with Corbin traveling, even almost got stuck abroad, but we made it." "It''s fate!" Jessamine beamed with happiness, "Yes, all about fate, we''re meant to be a family. Let''s take the kids inside, there''s a yroom, full of stuff kids love, Corbin''s in there." Elysia nodded, calling Evan, Emmett, and Baby to follow Jessamine inside. The two chatted andughed, as close as sisters. A few high-societydies pursed their lips, dripping with envy, "Jessamine reallycks foresight, mingling with anyone, not considering how long Mrs. Bradford, Elysia Thorne, willst in her position!" "She''llst, I heard Mr. Bradford is quite smitten with her." "Ha, what''s love got to do with it? Every couple''s in love at the start. Love fades, and love alone won''t secure a spot in high society!" "Traditionally, a woman needs her family''s backing to hold her ce in high society, without that, let''s see how long shests!" Mention of her family energized the group, "I heard Ms. Thorne''s family is from some backwater, utterly destitute, barely making ends meet, but who knows for sure." "Being poor is still better than having no family. I heard her parents died early, the Thornes took her in." "So, she''s an orphan? That''s even worse, orphans struggle to find their footing in high society. Today she''s Mrs. Bradford, tomorrow she might be discarded." "One should be careful with their words as they are with their diet!" a cold voice cut through their gossip. Chapter 990 Thedies of high society furrowed their brows, searching for the source of the voice. A young woman, dressed simply with ck-rimmed sses, looked at them coldly. "Jealousy breeds malice. Uplifting oneself by demeaning others is no virtue. Perhaps you should ponder how to improve yourselves and find your own happiness," she said coldly, adjusting her sses before turning to leave. The socialites red at her, biting their lips in silent fury. Elysia and Jessamine had been eavesdropping from behind a pir, catching every word of mockery from the women and the youngdy''s sharp retort. Corbin was away from their small private room, and as they came out looking for him, they happened upon the gossiping group. Jessamine had been ready to confront them but was held back by Elysia. After all, it was their first day of business trial, and it wouldn''t look good to start a conflict, especially since she was the owner. They hadn''t expected someone to stand up for them, especially not a youngdy. Elysia, watching the girl leave, asked Jessamine, "Who was that girl? Do you know her?" "Yeah, she''s my brother''s fianc¨¦e, chosen by my parents, Beatrix Sutton from the affluent Sutton family." Elysia now understood why the socialites held their tongues. The Huber family was well-respected, and with Corbin being close friends with Tarquin, no one dared to cross him or his future wife. "Elysia, about thosedies gossiping earlier, I''ll cklist themter! Don''t take their nonsense to heart. They''ll end up as divorced socialites, and you won''t. Tarquin is devoted; once he''s made his choice, it''s for life. And if you''re willing, the Huber family would be honored to stand in as your family. My parents adore you, praising your strength, independence, and optimism. They''ve wanted to formally acknowledge you as family for a while now." Elysia felt grateful, "Don''t worry about me. Business is business, and I appreciate your parents'' affection. I''ll visit them when they have the time." "They''d make time any day for you," Jessamine chuckled. They moved on, not dwelling on the incident, and went to find Corbin. Before leaving, Elysia gave Beatrix another look, appreciative of her support, even without knowing her well. That evening, returning home around nine after dinner with Jessamine, Elysia ushered her kids to bed. Once in her bedroom, she couldn''t resist asking Tarquin, "Is there something you want to tell me?" Tarquin had been looking at her strangely since she walked in. "I heard from Corbin that some women were gossiping about you today?" Elysia was surprised, "How did he know? Oh right, Beatrix must''ve told him! Some women were bad-mouthing me today, and Beatrix stood up for me." "I''ve heard. Jessamine has warned those women already. Don''t let them affect your mood." Tarquin wasn''t concerned about Beatrix. Little did anyone know, she wouldter cause quite a stir. Elysia smiled in response, "I won''t let their words bother me. I''ve been through worse and can handle much more than petty gossip." Chapter 991 Tarquin shed a doting smile and ventured, "Have you ever thought about finding your biological parents?" Elysia sighed deeply. "When I was a kid, sure, every time I felt slighted by the Thorne family, I''d think about them. I even considered running away to find them! But I didn''t know if I was abandoned or just lost. Too scared to seek them out. If they had abandoned me, even if I found them, they wouldn''t love me. As I grew up, I stopped thinking about it, especially after having my kids. My life was filled with joy and contentment, my focus shifted to them entirely." "And if... just if, you got news about them someday, would you consider looking for them?" Elysia paused for a moment. "It would depend, really. If they abandoned me, then there''s no point in reuniting. I wouldn''t bother holding any grudge; just live my life without crossing paths. But if I was kidnapped, or lost by ident, and they wanted to find me too, then I''d be willing to meet them. After all, I owe my life to them." Who doesn''t want to know their origins? Who doesn''t yearn to find their birth parents? But such matters can''t be forced. Elysia was living a happy and fulfilling life and had a rxed perspective on this issue. A flicker of something crossed Tarquin''s eyes, unnoticed by Elysia, who then excused herself to the bathroom with her phone. She emerged momentster, panic-stricken. "Verity''s dead?" She had been with Jessamine all afternoon without a moment to check her phone, only now catching up on the news online. The inte was awash with news of Verity''s death, trending everywhere. Tarquin nodded. "Car ident on the road, hit and killed unexpectedly." This ident was surely no coincidence, but with the driver also dead, the trail went cold. Josiah called that evening, finding no leads, leaving it ssified as a tragic ident. Tarquin wasn''t surprised. A mastermind wouldn''t find it hard to stage a perfect traffic ident. With the trail gone cold, they would wait. The mastermind behind this would make a move eventually. His focus, for now, was on Elysia''s biological parents. Elysia''s origins were far from ordinary! Unaware of his thoughts, Elysia stillmented Verity''s death, "This is so sudden!" "...It is. But she didn''t die in vain; bad deeds eventually catch up." "What about her son?" "He hasn''te back yet." "With Verity gone, shouldn''t he being back?" "Not necessarily." If he doesn''te back, so be it. But if he dares, Tarquin was ready to detain him on sight! Now, with more information on the mastermind, Tarquin nned to change his strategy. No longer ying the long game, he intended to strike fast at anyone rted to the mastermind, forcing them into the open. Seeing Elysia frown, Tarquin lifted his hand, smoothing out the worry lines on her forehead. "Don''t worry about her son causing trouble. With Verity gone, her son won''t be able to stir up any storms upon his return. It''s gettingte, you should get ready for bed." "...Yeah." Taking advantage of Elysia''s absence, Tarquin made a call, "Dig into the Hawkins family quietly, don''t alert them." Chapter 992 In the dead of night, when the world seemed to pause, Elysia and the kids were deeply asleep, enveloped in theforting embrace of dreams. Tarquin, with the stealth of a cat, carefully slid out from under the covers and made his way to the study. The glow of theputer screen illuminated his solemn face as he scanned through the messages. The audacity of those women to mock Elysia''s origins! What right did they have? To them, a background like theirs was nothingpared to Elysia''s. After all, Elysia was the sole heiress to the Hawkins empire in Oceanopolis, led by the indomitable yton Hawkins! The Hawkins name was synonymous with wealth and power, casting a longer shadow over Oceanopolis than even the Bradfords did over Jindale City. There was a saying that circted online: It wasn''t Oceanopolis that belonged to the Hawkins family, but rather, the Hawkins family that owned Oceanopolis! The reach of the Hawkins empire was vast, with Hawkins Sea-freight standing out as their crown jewel. Renowned globally, it dominated the maritime industry, its ships fortified with formidable defenses that even the most audacious pirates dared not challenge. This invincibility stemmed from four key factors: their unmatched weaponry, yton Hawkins'' fierce loyalty and protectiveness, their untouchable reputation, and awork of powerful alliances. yton, the self-made patriarch, was known for his integrity and an unwavering resolve to defend his family''s name at all costs. His patriotic spirit was legendary; he had openly dered his willingness to donate his entire fleet to the nation in times of need. This mutual respect between the Hawkins family and the nation fortified their standing, earning them significant support and protection, making Hawkins Sea-freight an untouchable titan of the seas. Their reputation for reliability was unmatched; barring natural disasters, they never failed to deliver, earning them the trust and favor of global magnates. yton''s extensivework meant that an attack on him would provoke a formidable response, a deterrent that made him the undisputed king of the seas. And there, in the heart of this maritime empire, was Elysia, yton''s daughter. So, those gossiping women,paring their lineage to Elysia''s? Utter foolishness. Yet, this was just one side of Elysia''s heritage. Elliot and Elijah''s investigations into her mother''s background hit a wall of encryption, hinting at mysteries and power equally formidable. But Tarquin hesitated to discuss the Hawkins family with Elysia, not out of doubt about their status, but uncertainty about their rtionship with her. He knew all too well theplexities and coldness of high society. The possibility of Elysia having been abandoned or estranged from the Hawkins seemed slim, given yton''s character and her being his only child. If her separation from the Hawkins was due to a mishap or malicious intent by others within the empire, her return could either be a blessing or a curse. After all, if the Hawkins household was anything like the Bradford''s, a den of wolves, what good would returning do? Chapter 993 Is it even worth going back? Tarquin had spent the entire night in his study, poring over the information Elliot and Elijah had dug up about the Hawkins family, and then doing some digging of his own. The findings were disheartening, amon ailment of wealthy dynasties - deception, betrayal, and greed above all. yton was genuinely a good man, but the rest of the Hawkins n was a different story altogether. On the surface, the Hawkins family shimmered with mour, but beneath that veneer, everything was rotting away, except for the shipping empire yton personally oversaw. Now, the entire Hawkins n had their eyes set on wresting control of the shipping business from yton! Elysia, yton''s only child, would undoubtedly be a target for these vultures if she returned now! Much like how the Bradford family had their sights set on him! Moreover, yton had never publicly acknowledged his daughter over the years. His official biography listed no children. Aside from a missing person notice years ago, there was no indication he was searching for his daughter. Was he giving up the search, or was there another reason... Early in the morning, Tarquin suddenly received a call from Lowell. Lowell was buzzing with excitement, "It''s like finding a needle in the haystack without even looking, Tarquin. I''ve got in touch with an elder of the Hawkins family, someone who knows almost everything there is to know about them. Should I speak with him first, or do you want to talk to him directly?" "Is he reliable?" "Absolutely, he''s vetted. A hundred percent reliable." "Send me his contact. I''ll get in touch directly." "Alright." After hanging up, Lowell sent over the contact information, and Tarquin didn''t hesitate to call. The person on the other end picked up quickly, and without asking who Tarquin was, said, "Ask whatever you want to know, but I won''t do anything to betray the Hawkins family." By his voice, the man was elderly, probably around Heath''s age. Tarquin was polite, "I''ve got no intention of harming the Hawkins family. I just want to inquire about something. Did yton have a daughter?" "...Yes, but she went missing over twenty years ago, and her whereabouts are still unknown." "How did she go missing?" "She was lost at the docks. It''s unclear whether she wandered off on her own or was taken by child traffickers." "Why did yton stop searching for her? Did he give up on his daughter?" "How could he possibly give up! They never had another child because they were still holding out hope for their lost daughter!" Tarquin was puzzled, "But aside from the missing person notice two decades ago, there''s been no indication that yton was searching for his daughter. He doesn''t even mention her in his personal biography." "That''s because he feared someone would find out about his daughter''s existence and get to her before he could, possibly extorting him. Given his fortune, if kidnappers got hold of his daughter, the likelihood of them killing her after getting the ransom is quite high. He never stopped looking, always searching! He built docks all over the world, partly for business, butrgely in hopes of finding his daughter. Since she went missing at the docks, he wasn''t sure if she was still in the country or abroad, so he searched everywhere, discreetly, for over twenty years. His wife has gone mad from missing their daughter. A perfectly sane woman has turned into someone others take advantage of at will." Tarquin was surprised, "yton holds a significant position in the Hawkins family, and his wifees from a notable background. How is she subject to mistreatment?" "Sigh, yton is often away, under the guise of business, secretly searching for his daughter across the globe. His wife lives alone in Oceanopolis, somewhat out of her mind. The other women in the Hawkins household take their frustrations out on her whenever they please, physical abuse ismon! Being mentally unstable, she doesn''tin, and when yton or her family notices injuries, the household staff im she did it to herself. She does have a history of self-harm." The elder sighed, "Their branch of the family is on the brink of ruin." Tarquin''s brows knitted together in concern, "1 Chapter 995 Otherwise, yton had almost no chance of winning against those people! If he lost, assassination awaited him. And with his demise, Mrs. Hawkins wouldn''tst long either. Their lineage was doomed to ruin! Tarquin asked with a stoic expression, "When is the Hawkins family holding the board meeting?" "It''s tentatively scheduled for early next month, the exact date is still undecided." "...Got it, thanks." After hanging up, Tarquin lit a cigarette. The situation with the Hawkins family reminded him too much of the Bradfords, and he really didn''t want Elysia going back there. Going back would only add to her troubles. But then... As Tarquin was deep in thought, a knock suddenly came at the study door, "Tarquin, are you in there?" Hearing Elysia''s voice, Tarquin quickly snuffed out his cigarette, adjusted his demeanor, and got up to open the door. Seeing Elysia in her pajamas, her hair tousled, he spoke with a gentle tone, "Why are you up so early?" Elysia tilted her head up, blinking her big eyes at him, and retorted, "Did you stay up all night?" "No, I woke up around four or five and couldn''t fall back asleep, so I decided to sit in the study for a bit." "Are you sure you''re alright?" Tarquin chuckled affectionately, pinching her cheek, pretending everything was fine, "I''m fine, really. What about you? Is something up?" Elysia, not thinking much of it, nodded excitedly, showing him her phone, "Remember I told you I wanted to go and pay respects to mom? Well, I talked to Jess about it yesterday. She''s quite knowledgeable about these things since she''s dealt with many spiritual leaders due to Corbin. She mentioned that Master Cloud at Compassion Abbey is very powerful, and it just so happens he''s holding a service today. She managed to get me an appointment. I want to meet with Master Cloud to have him bless mom''s ashes. After the forty-nine days of prayers, we can bring her back to beid to rest next to dad. What do you think?" Tarquin looked down into her clear, dark eyes, feeling both grateful and pained. Such a kind-hearted girl, why did life have to be so rough on her? He wished Elysia had been born into a warm, loving, ordinary family! The coldness and indifference of wealthy families were no ce for someone like Elysia. Tarquin didn''t mention the Hawkins family situation for the moment, nodding in agreement, "You''ve put a lot of thought into this." "Why are you being so formal? We''re family. Are you free today? If you''re busy, I can go by myself." "I''m free." "Great, I''ll get ready and make breakfast. After we eat, we''ll head out." "Sounds good." Elysia turned to head back to her room, then stopped and came back! She leaned in close and sniffed him, "You''ve been smoking again!" "...Just a couple of puffs." "A couple of puffs, huh? Two months without touching me!" she dered, then huffed and left. It wasn''t that she was heartless; it was because Tarquin''s smoking habit was too severe. Thanks to his fitness regime and a stroke of luck, his health hadn''t deteriorated, but she had been trying to get him to quit. She discovered that threatening him was the most effective method! She hadn''t anticipated, however, thew of unintended consequences. Two months was a cruel duration for someone like him! The topic veered off, and the atmosphere suddenly changed. Tarquin immediately followed her, "Isn''t that punishment a bit harsh? How about two days?" "No way! You promised you''d quit. Breaking your word is not what gentlemen do. Two months is lenient!" "How about one week, then? Any more and you''ll really be a widow." "A widow? Please, I''m a wealthy widow with a brood of children. I''m not worried about finding a new husband. Out with the old, in with the new!" Tarquin''s expression darkened. He swept her into his arms and strode towards the bedroom, "Getting bold, are we? Thinking of finding a new husband! Out with the old, in with the new, huh? Fine!" He carried her into the bedroom, kicking the door shut behind them and tossing her onto the bed before descending upon her. Chapter 996 Elysia''s eyes widened in panic. "Hey! I was just kidding! I didn''t mean it, really, let''s not make a big deal out of it! We still have to run errands today!" Every time they went at it, she couldn''t get out of bed for a whole day and night. "You can''t even joke about that!" Tarquin silenced her protests with amanding kiss, a deep one as a form of punishment. No matter how much Elysia iled and struggled, she couldn''t escape. After the kiss, Tarquin asked, "Still thinking about finding a new husband?" Elysia, dazed and breathless from his kiss, with her cheeks flushed a deep red, meekly surrendered, "No, not anymore." "Still dare to threaten me with bedroom antics?" "No, I won''t." "Take back what you said!" "Mhm, I take it back." Seeing her sopliant, Tarquin''s mood lifted, a handsome smile ying on his lips as he gazed at her closely, admiring her tremblingshes. All the dark clouds in his heart cleared away! Elysia was his beacon of light; a simple word, a tiny gesture from her was all it took to heal him. Keith''s issues, the mysteries surrounding them, the drama with Gideon and Verity, not to mention the whole Hawkins family saga... Each one was a headache. And then there was his mother... But Elysia had this healing effect on him. She was like a summer breeze, a warm sun in winter, beautiful and radiant. As Tarquin was lost in thought, suddenly, he felt a sharp pain on his shoulder! His little "kitten" had shown her ws, biting him hard on the shoulder in protest. After the bite, she red at him defiantly! Tarquinughed, softening, "Don''t worry, I know we have important things today. Just a kiss, I won''t tease you." "You jerk!" "Yeah, I''m a jerk. Elysia''s husband is a jerk! Elysia married a jerk!" "You..." "Not mad anymore, right? Want to bite me again?" He said, opening a few buttons at the top of his shirt to expose his corbone and shoulder, inviting Elysia to bite. Elysia''s face turned even redder, her teeth clenched, "You scoundrel, put your shirt back on!" Tarquin''s smile turned devilish. The couple yfully struggled in bed for a while before heading to the bathroom to freshen up together, then to the kitchen to make breakfast. After breakfast, they woke up the kids. The little ones, excited to send blessings to Grandma Elizabeth, mored to join, "We''re going to send blessings to Grandma, she''ll be so happy!" "I wanna go too, can Ie along with Lan?" Baby asked. Elysia looked at the soft plush bunny, nodding. It was a gift from Keith to Baby, so it would represent Keith in sending blessings to Elizabeth. Keith''s life had been full of unresolved feelings, his love for Elizabeth as genuine as his affection for Baby. And surely, Elizabeth had her own regrets. After breakfast, the family of seven, carrying Elizabeth''s ashes, headed to the church. None of them knew for sure if there was another world out there, but as the saying goes: better to believe it exists than not. It was a way to honor the memory of the departed and a means for the living to alleviate their grief. Master Cloud at Compassion Abbey, situated atop Spirit Mountain, was their destination. Due to the steep terrain, they could only drive halfway up the hill. The rest of the journey required climbing steps or taking a cable car. Tarquin nned for the kids to take the cable car, but they refused. They believed climbing would demonstrate their sincerity, hoping to move the Saints and the Holy Mother, bringing good fortune to Grandma. They were so young; what did they know? Yet, every action was driven by love. Elizabeth had never met them, yet like Elysia, their love for her stemmed from Tarquin. Their love for Tarquin made them love Elizabeth, embracing his affections. Tarquin understood. Carrying Elizabeth''s ashes, watching Elysia and their vibrant children climb, he felt deeply moved. Silently, he whispered to Elizabeth: "Mom, rest in peace. I''m truly happy." When the family reached the base of the hilltop, everyone except Tarquin and Baby was panting and exhausted. Baby, the little princess, had grown tired a third of the way up, so Tarquin had carried her on his shoulders the rest of the ascent, sparing her the breathlessness. Chapter 997 Elysia took a deep breath at the rest area, gazing at the steps ahead and said, "Legend has it that each of the 108 steps represents one of life''s troubles. Climbing a step signifies entering a new phase and shedding a worry." Emmett, tilting his head, asked, "So, if we climb all 108 steps, does that mean we''ll be free of worries forever?" Elysia chuckled, "Exactly." The kids immediately called out to Baby, "Baby,e on down! We''ll climb it together, and then no more worries." "Okay!" Baby wiggled her little legs, "Daddy, daddy, let me go with Lan." Tarquin, with a loving expression, let his little girl down. Evan took the lead, Elliot watched their back, and Elijah and Emmett stood by Baby''s sides, each holding one of her hands, guiding their sister up the steps. Watching the loving scene of the five kids, Elysia''s eyes brimmed with happiness. She reached for Tarquin''s hand, "Even with Mom gone, I''m here for you. I''ll be by your side through all seasons, for the rest of our lives." Tarquin turned to her, gently tucking a stray hair behind her ear and gripping her hand tightly, "That''s a promise, for a lifetime!" "Yes, a promise!" They smiled at each other, their fingers interlocked, stepping onto the staircase together. Climbing those 108 steps together, they aimed to leave behind all troubles and wee a new chapter of happiness. The ceremony wasn''tplex, but it was time-consuming. It was nearly noon when it ended, and Elysia and Tarquin met with Master Cloud, asking for his help in guiding Elizabeth''s spirit. Leaving Compassion Abbey, it was already afternoon. At the base of the hill, while Elysia was in the restroom, Evan sneakily spoke to Tarquin, "Dad, we''re good brothers, right?" Tarquin: "...I''m your father." "I know, but... just tell me you love me, okay?" Tarquin squinted, "Spit it out, what''s on your mind?" Evan coughed lightly, "I need to take care of some personal business. You guys go ahead, and just cover for me with Mom, okay? Don''t let her worry." "What are you up to?" "Just personal stuff." "Like what?" "Adults shouldn''t pry into kids'' business, can''t say." Tarquin nced towards the woods. He had noticed someone following them since they started the ascent, but the presence was non-threatening. Axel mentioned it was a skilled individual. It was probably the same person they encountered in the restricted area of Sage Hall. Evan''s bodyguard had also mentioned this figure appearing the night Evan visited Gideon, engaging but not with malicious intent. After a brief silence, Tarquin said, "Can you ensure your safety? If anything happens to you, your mom won''t let me off the hook." Meaning: Helping youes with its risks! Evan assured him confidently, "Don''t worry, I''ll be fine. If you don''t help me, our ''ship of friendship'' might just sink." Tarquin: "..." Such a fragile ship. "I''ll help you, but your bodyguard must apany you." "Fine, fine, I''m off." Evan ran off. When Elysia returned, noticing the kids were gone, Tarquin quickly exined, "Lowell took them back first. We''ll take another car; I''ve got something to talk to you about." With the kids out of sight, Elysia didn''t dwell on Evan''s absence. Trusting Lowell with the children, she didn''t think much of it. As they got into the car, Elysia asked, "What did you want to talk about?" Tarquin nced at her, started the car, and pondered how to broach the topic of the Hawkins family. Chapter 998 Today, Master Cloud shared his wisdom, saying: "Honoring one''s parents is the foundation of kindness and the source of all blessings. It''s like nting a field of fortune for oneself, deeply cherished by all saints." After much deliberation, he decided it was time to share the story of the Hawkins family with Elysia. They were her biological parents, and she had every right to know they existed. Whether or not she wanted to reconnect with them was her choice to make. No matter her decision, he was there to support her. If she wished to return, he''d be by her side. If she preferred to stay out of the family drama and not go back, he''d protect her and ensure the Hawkins family couldn''t find her. They would find other ways to honor the kindness yton and his wife had shown in raising her. Ultimately, the choice was Elysia''s, and no one could force her hand. Nestled at the foot of Spirit Mountain, there was a picturesqueke. As the sunset painted theke in hues of gold and amber, the view was breathtaking. Tarquin drove to theke''s edge and parked. Taking Elysia''s hand, they began a leisurely stroll along the shore. Elysia could tell something was weighing heavily on his mind and couldn''t help but ask, "Whatever it is, you can tell me." Looking down at her with a gaze filled with tenderness, Tarquin felt a pang of sorrow. Under different circumstances, this would have been joyous news. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, "I''ve found your birth parents." Elysia froze, "What?" "You''re the daughter of Oceanopolis''s yton," Tarquin said gently. Stopping dead in her tracks, Elysia''s eyes widened in shock, her lips parting several times without a sound. The news was so unexpected that she waspletely stunned. Tarquin tenderly tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, "The good news is, I''ve done some digging. Your parents are good people. It''s still unclear how you ended up separated from them, but one thing is certain¡ªyou weren''t abandoned. They''ve loved you and have been searching for you all these years." Elysia''s breathing quickened, "Are... are they alright?" Her first concern was for their well-being, not their wealth. Despite her love for treasures, health always came first in her eyes. Tarquin didn''t sugarcoat it, "Not really." Elysia''s brows furrowed in concern. Leading her to a gazebo by theke, Tarquin sat her down andid out the situation of the Hawkins family, including the current predicaments of yton and his wife. Tears fell freely from Elysia''s eyes as she listened. Despite the long separation andck of deep emotional ties, the plight of the Hawkins family deeply upset her. Her mother had lost her sanity, and her father was besieged by vultures! She felt a deep empathy for her biological parents and was worried about their situation. At the same time, she was furious! How could those women be so heartless as to bully her mother, especially when she was already unwell? And her father, the true founder of Hawkins Sea-freight, how could others shamelessly im his legacy? Did they have no decency? No conscience? Elysia was distraught, tears streaming down her face, "They... I... I..." Tarquin frowned, his heart aching for her. He wasn''t surprised by her reaction; Elysia was kind-hearted and timid by nature. She''d be emotionally affected by such news even if it concerned strangers, let alone her own parents. Gently wiping her tears, he knelt in front of her, holding her hands firmly, "I''ve already instructed my people to speed up the investigation into the whereabouts of that 15% share. Once we find it, I''ll make sure it supports Mr. Hawkins. As long as Mr. Hawkins retains control of Hawkins Sea-freight, the rest of the family won''t be able to cause any trouble. I''ll also ensure he''s informed about Mrs. Hawkins''s situation in Oceanopolis. Given his feelings for her, he''ll definitely take proper care of her." Chapter 999 Elysia''s voice broke with emotion, "But what if we can''t find that person?" Tarquin had already thought of a backup n. "If we really can''t find them, then we''ll just have to let go of managing Hawkins Navigation. But I''ll still support them from the shadows, keep them safe from harm. I''ll make sure they''re well-off as a way to repay their kindness towards you." As he spoke, Tarquin gently wiped away Elysia''s tears. "If you want to go back to Oceanopolis and reconnect with them, I''ll be with you every step of the way. And if you dread the backstabbing politics of the elite and don''t want to face the Hawkins family, then we won''t go back. Whatever you decide, I''m here for you, to support you. I''ll always be by your side. And don''t feel burdened. We can find other ways to repay their kindness." Tarquin didn''t want her topromise her happiness out of a sense of obligation. If times got tough, they would just help from the shadows. He had thought everything through for her, allowing her to follow her heart. With tears still in her eyes, Elysia threw herself into his arms, "Honey..." Tarquin quickly embraced her, "Hm?" "You''re so good to me." Tarquin chuckled, soothing her like a child, gently patting her back, "You''re my wife. If I''m not good to you, who else would I be good to? Whether we go back or not is up to you. Just follow your heart, do whatever feels right." Drawing in a deep breath, Elysia stepped back, her gaze firm, "I want to go back and find them!" "Alright, if you want to go back, then we''ll go back. We''ll do it your way." "When can we leave, can we go today?" "Give me a moment to arrange everything. I''ll let you know once it''s all set." "Okay! The sooner, the better!" "Got it." Tarquin held her close, kissing her forehead and then the top of her head, cherishing her with tender care. It wasn''t until the sun hadpletely set that he took Elysia''s hand and led her back to the car, driving home. ... Meanwhile, as the day turned to dusk, Evan had had enough. He hopped down from the towering oak, crossed his arms, and faced the scar-faced stranger who had been tailing him. "It''s gettingte, I''m heading home. I''m done ying cat and mouse. Let me be clear, you can''t kidnap me, so drop the idea. And don''t bother trying to worm my master''s whereabouts out of me. I won''t tell you. Anything else? If not, I''m off." "How dare you! Even your master wouldn''t dare speak to me in such a tone!" Evan pursed his lips, "Do you have any other questions? If not, I''m leaving." "Where is your master?" "Can''t answer that. Next question." "Where exactly is your master?" Evan sighed, "Do you not understand what I''m saying? I can''t answer that. Next!" "Take me to him!" Evan paused, "...What''s your beef with my master anyway? What do you want with him?" "Adult matters, kid. Don''t poke your nose where it doesn''t belong." "Fine, grown-ups should handle their own issues. Stop bothering me, a kid. I''m off, bye!" With that, Evan walked away, the mysterious figure following at a distance. It wasn''t until Evan entered the protective shield of the Number One Mansion that the figure stopped, standing just outside the barrier, staring straight at Evan. Evan looked back at him a few times. Despite the stranger''s odd demeanor, Evan had to admit, there was a thrill to their interaction. It reminded him of the good old days with his master in the mountains, a sense of adventure and camaraderie he hadn''t felt in a while. Chapter 1000 Evan returned to the Grandview Estate, and found Elysia resting in her bedroom. She imed she was just wiped out from the day''s hustle, but Evan knew it was the Hawkins family''s drama that had her stressed. Emmett and Baby had crashed as soon as they got home and were still asleep. Tarquin was in the study, discussing a trip to Oceanopolis with Elliot and Elijah. Elliot was eager to go too. "It''s perfect timing since we''re not in school right now. If you don''t let use, we''ll probably end up sneaking there anyway." Elijah immediately nodded in agreement, "Exactly!" With their mom nning to return, they knew she intended to reconnect with their grandparents. They wanted to meet their grandparents too - and stand up for them! Evan burst in, all curiosity, "Where are we going? Where are we going?" Seeing him back, Tarquin gave him a once-over, ensuring he was okay before saying, "We''re nning a trip to Oceanopolis." "Why are we going to Oceanopolis?" Right after Evan asked, Tarquin''s phone rang with a call from Axel. Tarquin didn''t rush to answer, instead telling Evan, "Let Elliot and Elijah fill you in. I need to take this call." Heading back to the study, Tarquin answered the phone. "There''s been a development at Farmjoy Estate," Axel reported. Farmjoy Estate was a known hideout for a mysterious figure in Jindale City. After their estate was targeted earlier, this mystery man and Keith had staged a deception, framing Keith for murder. Tarquin had suspected that Farmjoy Estate was a diversion, hiding something the mystery man wanted to move out. Since the man had fled abroad, Tarquin had Axel keep an eye on the estate. And now, Axel had found something. "There''s a cer beneath the man-madeke, stuffed with a ton of unreleased drugs. And there''s a safe filled with dirt on the Hawkins family members from Oceanopolis." Mention of the Hawkins family made Tarquin frown, "Is there anything on yton?" "There''s personal info on yton, no dirt, but there was a photo of Elysia taken two months ago in his file." Tarquin was silent; Elysia was essentially yton''s vulnerability! yton, who adored his daughter and had been searching for her for years, would surelypromise if Elysia was threatened. It seemed the mystery guy nned to use Elysia to ckmail yton, aiming to exploit Hawkins Sea-freight for profit. Given he referred to Elysia affectionately, it was clear he knew she was yton''s daughter long before. He knew Elysia, knew yton, and had ties to the Hawkins family! Maybe through yton, they could unveil his identity. Tarquin''s expression hardened, "Secure those documents; they''ll be useful in Oceanopolis!" "Got it." Just as Axel was about to hang up, Tarquin, with a gleam in his eye, had an idea, "Spread the word that I''m heading to Oceanopolis soon." Axel paused, "Spread the word? We''re not keeping it under wraps?" "No need for secrecy, just don''t mention when." Though Axel was puzzled by the strategy, he didn''t question it, "Alright." The next day, Axel understood why. Verity''s estranged son suddenly made aeback! He hadn''t shown up even when Verity died, but the moment news broke of Tarquin''s nned visit to Oceanopolis, he returned immediately. And from the Hawkins family side, the originally scheduled July board meeting was abruptly moved up to three dayster! Clearly, if yton had been in Oceanopolis, they might''ve set it for the very next day! Obviously, someone feared Tarquin''s trip to Oceanopolis could disrupt their ns and brought back this estranged son to distract him, all while quickly dealing with yton''s situation. Chapter 1001 Tarquin Bradford had a hunch and decided to test the waters. The storm brewing around the Hawkins family was, without a shadow of a doubt, linked to a mysterious figure lurking in the shadows. "This trip to Oceanopolis might just be our chance to unmask them," he thought. With a stoic expression, Tarquin ordered, "Grab Verity Bradford''s illegitimate child first. Pretend I''ll interrogate him personally. Arrange a private jet in secret; we''re heading to Oceanopolis tonight!" The child, having been raised within the mysterious figure''s stronghold, surely knew much that could aid them. After returning from Oceanopolis, a thorough interrogation was in order. Hanging up the phone, Tarquin immediately sought out Elysia Thorne to inform her of their imminent departure to Oceanopolis. ... Oceanopolis, Dock No. 1. As nightfall approached, a well-dressed, affluent woman lingered by the dock, refusing to leave. Clutching a rag doll, she hummed softly, her demeanor hinting at a troubled mind. Her maids called out to her, "Madam, it''s getting dark. It''s time to head back for dinner." The woman, lost in her own world, paid them no heed. The maids, frustration evident on their faces, muttered among themselves, "Day after day, it''s the same. Her daughter disappeared over twenty years ago. What''s the point in waiting?" "Exactly. If she''s gone, she''s gone. Why not just have another child and move on? She''s asking for unnecessary suffering, bringing this upon herself." Their conversation was cut short by a phone call. Recognizing the caller ID, one maid''s demeanor changed instantly to one of obsequiousness. "Hello, Helen." Whatever was said on the other end prompted a quick response, "Of course, of course, I''ll bring Pam back right away. Just give us a moment." Hanging up, the other maid inquired, "Something up with Helen?" "Yeah, she''s looking for Pam. Seems she''s had a rough time; sounded quite upset." "Poor Pam''s in for it then. Helen alwayses down hard on her." "Why bother with a madwoman? It''s Pam who suffers, not us. It''d be better if Helen kept her indoors. I''m tired ofing to the docks every day." Agreed. Let''s convince her to head back." Approaching the distressed woman, they coaxed, "Madam, it''s time for dinner at home." "I''m not going, waiting for Irene." "No need to wait. Your daughter''s already home." Her eyes lighting up, the woman hurriedly got up, "Home, we must go home. Irene needs her mother. She''s missing me. Let''s hurry." In her haste, the woman tripped, scraping her knees. Wincing in pain, she bit her lip and continued limping forward. The maids, devoid of sympathy, rolled their eyes, secretly wishing she''d injured herself more severely to avoid future trips to the dock. Noticing the woman heading in the wrong direction, they caught up with her, "Madam, the car''s this way." She ignored their disdain, repeating, "Home to Irene. She''s missing her mother. She needs me..." Chapter 1002 At the Hawkins Estate, a woman d in designer fashion was seated in the living room of the main house, her fury palpable enough to terrify the household staff into silence. In a fit of rage, she hurled her tea cup to the floor, shattering it as she shrieked, "Witch! Witch! Witch!" The maids, petrified, knelt in unison, trembling uncontrobly. This woman was Helen Murphy, known among the Hawkins as their own Helen. Nearing her fifties yet with a beauty regimen that made her appear barely over forty, Helen was innately jealous, especially since she didn''t possess the natural beauty of Pam Patel, Elysia''s mother. The object of her long-standing unrequited love, yton Hawkins, had chosen Pam over her. Adding insult to injury, on the very day both women married into the Hawkins family, Old Mrs. Hawkins, Betty, had disregarded Helen''s feelings entirely, passing the family reins to Pam during the wedding celebrations. Hence, from the day she married into the Hawkins family, Helen saw Pam as a thorn in her side. However, Pam, before losing her sanity, had been thedy of the Hawkins Estate. Helen had to mask her hatred with respect, ying the part of a loving sister-inw. Pam''s descent into madness was like springtime for Helen, freeing her from the need to hide her true feelings. She vented her frustrations on Pam whenever she could. If not for the consideration of yton and the Patel family, Helen would have sought Pam''s demise long ago. The source of Helen''s current rage was a humiliating experience at a high-society luncheon earlier that day. A wealthy rival had publicly exposed her, iming her husband, Carl Hawkins, was entangled with a tall, leggy inte star, making her the subject of gossip. Mockingly, the woman had advised Helen to "keep a tighter leash" on her husband. As if! Carl, known for his phndering ways, had countless mistresses. Their marriage, a result of Helen''s scheming,cked any foundation of love, leaving her powerless against his abuses. The insult was clear: Helen was being publicly shamed. Furthermore, the woman imed that the Hawkins family was now solely upheld by yton, insinuating that the rest were mere parasites. Equally infuriating was their praise for Pam, now considered a lunatic, as "Oceanopolis''s most graceful woman," her beauty and intellect unmatched even in madness. Fuming, Helen cursed, "Even in her madness, she dares to overshadow me? What serene grace, what schrly poise, what nonsense! She''s just a crazy dead woman walking! That damned witch, why doesn''t she just die already! Always babbling about her daughter, as if the dead care. She should be searching in hell, for that''s where her daughter must be! She must be doing this to spite me, living out of sheer malice. A heartless, vile witch!" As if on cue, Pam staggered into the living room, her presence a stark contrast to the tension. Her beauty, undiminished by her disheveled state, was a bitter reminder to Helen of her own insecurities. Despite Helen''s reluctance to admit it, Pam was indeed more beautiful. Oblivious to Helen''s rage and the servants cowering on the floor, Pam headed straight upstairs, murmuring, "Irene, Irene, mommy''s home..." Her maids, indifferent to her plight, approached Helen with sycophantic smiles, eager to align with the power within the Hawkins Estate, "Mrs. Murphy, how can we assist you?" In the grand homes of the elite, loyalty was as fickle as the shifting bnce of power. Chapter 1003 After Pam lost her grip on reality, Helen took charge of the household, naturally asserting her dominance over everyone. Whatever Helenmanded, they did without question! Though these two maids were initially hired by yton, they had long been swayed by Helen''s influence. Pam''s once-loyal confidantes were either dead or incapacitated, all discreetly removed from the Hawkins estate by Helen. Seated at the head of the dining table, Helen regarded the maids with a chilling detachment, her gaze fixed upstairs. Momentster, Pam came rushing down, panic written all over her face, "Where''s Irene? Have you seen my Irene? Where could she be? She''s not at home!" The kneeling servants remained silent, as Helen nced at the shattered porcin mug beside her, eyeing Pam coldly, "I know where your daughter is. Come here, and I''ll tell you." Pam''s eyes lit up, falling right into the trap as she hurried over, "You do? Where''s my Irene?" As she spoke, her foot found the broken porcin! The shards pierced through her soft shoes, injuring Pam''s foot. She twisted in pain and fell, her handsnding on the sharp porcin, blood instantly pooling from several cuts. Pam''s reaction was childlike, tears flowing freely as she cried from the pain, "It hurts, it hurts, waaah, it hurts..." The maids watched impassively, offering nofort. After a brief moment of weeping, Pam looked up at Helen again, "Where''s Irene? My Irene?" Helen''s malice was palpable as she cruelly stated, "She''s dead!" Pam''s eyes widened in shock, "Dead? No, no! My Irene can''t be dead, she won''t die, she can''t be..." "She is dead! And her death was tragic! She was taken by beggars, left hungry and cold, and constantly abused! Then, she fell off a cliff, breaking her arms and legs, shattering her bones! She bled out, attracting a pack of wild dogs that tore her apart and devoured her alive!" Pam''s breathing became erratic, her cries intensified, "Liar! You''re lying! My daughter is alive... waaah... my Irene is fine..." The more she cried, the more Helen enjoyed it, "I''m not lying. Ask them if you don''t believe me." The maids quickly nodded, exaggerating the tale, "The poor girl''s death was horrific, the hunting dogs were brutal, ripping her arm off in one bite. It was pitiful to see her like that." "And before she died, she kept crying and calling for you, over and over again: ''Mommy, save me, Mommy, it hurts, Mommy, where are you, Mommy, please save me..."" Pam let out a wail, her heartache palpable. This was a knife twisting in her heart! "Liar! All of you, liars, waaah, liars..." Overwhelmed by grief, Pamshed out in a frenzy, "My Irene isn''t dead, waaah, my Irene isn''t dead!" Caught off guard, the maids were struck before they could react, their hair pulled, their faces scratched. Helen, too, received a vicious bite. Enraged but cautious not to hit Pam''s face, Helen aimed for her wound, "How dare you bite me! You''re asking for it!" Her foot struck Pam''s injured knee, and Pam fell with a thud. Shended among the broken porcin! As she reflexively tried to lift her hand, a high heel pressed down on it, brutally forcing her back onto the sharp fragments! Helen''s face twisted with fury as she ground Pam''s hand under her stiletto heel, forcing the porcin deeper, piercing through flesh and bone! Chapter 1004 "Ouch, oh no, it hurts..." Pam cried as she tried to pull her hand away, but couldn''t break free. The harder she tried to escape, the firmer Helen gripped, "Dare to bite me? You''ve turned the world upside down! The worst is yet toe!" She pulled out a long needle she had prepared earlier, aiming it at Pam... She targeted spots hidden from in sight! She jabbed the needle into Pam''s hand, into her bleeding knees, and into her fingertips, pushing it under her fingernails... Each finger connected to her heart, making Pam scream in agony. Helen ordered the maid to hold Pam''s arms, restraining her from moving! She also had the maid cover Pam''s mouth to keep her from screaming! Helen was like a venomous scorpion, relentlessly stabbing Pam with the needle, venting her anger. When Pam fainted from the pain, she would wake her up just to torment her further. Themotion was not small and even disturbed the other members of the Hawkins family. The other women acted as if nothing was unusual, continuing with their face masks and flower arranging in their own rooms, with not a single one offering to help Pam in the main house. ... Meanwhile, Tarquin and Elysia had already set off. On their private jet, Elysia''s face was scrunched up, her brows knitted tighter and tighter. "What''s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Tarquin, worried, touched her forehead, which wasn''t hot. Elysia looked at him with teary eyes, her tears falling before she could speak. Tarquin, startled, immediately took her into his arms, soothing her gently, "Don''t cry, what''s the matter? Talk to me." Elysia sobbed, "I...I just feel so upset." "Upset? Are you sick? Should I call a doctor?" "It''s not a sickness, just a feeling of difort." Tarquin guessed, "Is it because you''re worried about mom and dad?" He had initially referred to yton and Mrs. Hawkins with formal titles, but as soon as Elysia decided to go back to Oceanopolis to reconnect with her family, he quickly started calling them mom and dad. His attitude towards yton depended entirely on Elysia. Elysia didn''t contradict him, but she didn''t nod either, choking out, "I don''t know why, but I feel terrible. My heart hurts, my hands hurt, my whole body hurts, and I just want to cry." "If you want to cry, cry. There''s no need to hold it in front of your husband." Elysia, somewhat losing control, clung to Tarquin''s shirt, crying even harder. There was no apparent reason, just a sudden, overwhelming pain and urge to cry. Tarquin thought she was just worried about yton and his wife, holding her andforting her softly, "We''ll arrive in Oceanopolis first thing tomorrow morning. You''ll see mom and dad soon, don''t worry. I''m here, and I''ll make sure they''re protected." The kids on the ne, hearing themotion, came running over. Seeing Elysia cry, they were immensely distressed. Elliot and Elijah dered, "Mommy, don''t worry, we''ll protect grandma and grandpa too!" Evan said, "If anyone dares to bully my grandparents, I''ll fight them! I''ll be the bodyguard for grandma and grandpa!" Emmett, emotional, with tears in his eyes, "Mommy, don''t cry. Grandma and grandpa will be so happy to see us, maybe grandma will even get better just from the happiness." Baby also chimed in with a baby voice, "Grandma and grandpa will surely love little bunnies too. I''ll let Lan y with them and make them happy." Elysia, moved, sniffled hard, "Grandma and grandpa will be over the moon seeing you. Mommy won''t cry anymore, you don''t have to worry about me, okay? Now, head back to your seats, safety first." The little ones each gave Elysia a kiss, obediently following Lowell back to their seats. Elysia wiped her tears away, not crying anymore. She leaned into Tarquin''s embrace, looking out the window with a sorrowful expression. Chapter 1005 Tarquin''s brows furrowed deeply, his heart aching for her. No matter where he was or whose territory it was, causing his darling Elysia sorrow was simply uneptable. Though he had no prior connections with the Hawkins family, Elysia was yton''s daughter, which made him yton''s son-inw by default! In his eyes, a son-inw was as good as a son, and the affairs of the Hawkins family were now his business! He couldn''t care less about the saying "even a mighty dragon cannot suppress a local snake" or about being outnumbered. His guiding principle was simple: Whatever makes my wife happy, I''ll do. Those who bring joy to his wife were allies. And those who brought her sorrow were enemies! Over in Oceanopolis, Helen suddenly received the news that yton was on his way home, nearly there. She immediately ceased her actions, ring at Pam who was on the verge of passing out from pain, and ordered the servants, "Carry her to her bedroom! Leave the mess on the floor for now, and get Dr. White here ASAP." After issuing hermands, she began fixing her hair and clothes... Soon, yton arrived in a whirlwind of haste. He had received a call from the maid, informing him that Pam had suffered another episode, which is why he rushed back so urgently. Upon entering the house, the first thing he saw was the bloodstains and shattered ceramics on the floor, causing his brow to furrow deeply as he inquired anxiously, "Where''s Pam?!" The maid waiting at the foot of the stairs, tears in her eyes, said: "Madam is in the bedroom, sir. Helen is up there taking care of her." Not bothering to change his shoes, yton hurried upstairs, asking as he went, "What happened all of a sudden? Wasn''t she fine when she went to the docks today?" "Yes, sir, madam spent the entire day at the docks without issue. She returned and, as usual, went to Miss''s room, but for some reason, she came rushing down not long after, crying and looking for Miss. The more we tried to calm her, the more agitated she became, throwing cups andshing out at us. She didn''t just hit us; she harmed herself too. We struggled to get her up to her bedroom." With his brows knitted tightly together, yton ascended the stairs two at a time, filled with urgency. Pushing open the master bedroom door, the first thing he saw was Helen. She stood by the bed, wiping away tears,menting, "Why does she torment herself so? Can''t the heavens show some mercy to Pam? Losing her daughter was hard enough, and now she''s afflicted with this madness..." yton, with his brow furrowed, stepped forward, "Pam!" Helen quickly looked up at him, a flicker of joy in her gaze. yton, standing over six feet tall, was once known as the most handsome man in Oceanopolis. His years as a Marine, followed by time spent at a military academy, only added to his allure. Back in the day, his military uniform andmanding presence had captivated countless women in Oceanopolis. Helen was among them. She had harbored a secret love for yton, hoping to marry him, but yton had eyes only for Pam, insisting on marrying no one but her! So, Helen ended up marrying Carl, a man who thought with everything but his brain. Now in his fifties, yton''s presence had not diminished. Traveling frequently for work had tanned his skin to a bronze hue, making him look even healthier and more rugged-a true embodiment of masculinity. Helen''s heart still fluttered for him. She tried to squeeze out a few more tears, hoping to gain yton''s sympathy, "yton, you''re back. Pam... she''s had another episode." yton spared her not a single nce, nor did he acknowledge her, his brow furrowed as he approached the bed. Seeing Pam, covered in scars and wounds, his eyes instantly reddened. He knelt by the bed, wanting to grasp Pam''s hand tightly but afraid of causing her pain, so he gently touched her, letting her feel his presence, "Pam, I''m here." Chapter 1006 Pamy weakly in bed, her condition visibly fragile. At the sight of yton, a spark of excitement flickered in her eyes, reminiscent of a lost child finally finding a parent. Yet, when she spoke, it wasn''t toin or to seekfort; it was to call out for her daughter, "Irene, Irene..." It was evident Pam was lost in her own world, her mind fixated on finding her daughter, oblivious to her own plight. She was easy to pacify, like a toddler, believing anything she was told unless it was nder about her daughter or yton. That was the only time she showed anger, ready to defend and contradict. With hands wrapped in bandages, she gently shook yton''s hand, whispering, "yton, find Irene, find Irene..." yton''s heart ached at her words. He too had once had a warm home, a loving wife, and a delightful daughter. But ever since their daughter went missing, their home had shattered. His daughter''s whereabouts remained unknown, his wife had retreated into her own world in Oceanopolis, and he was left to search tirelessly for their daughter. A once happy family was now torn apart. Choking back his emotions, yton assured her, "I know, I''m looking for Irene, I''ve always been." Pam''s face twisted in distress, "Irene''s alive, Irene''s alive!" "...Yes! Our Irene is strong and fortunate. She must be alive and well, maybe even happy, with a loving husband and sweet children....." Helen, overhearing this, could barely hide her skepticism. Alive after more than twenty years? How absurd! If Irene were alive, she''d consider herself gone. Pam, energized by hope, eximed, "Irene''s alive? Irene''s alive!" yton nodded affirmatively, "Yes, Irene''s alive." Breathing a sigh of relief, Pam''s tense nerves rxed as shey there, smiling foolishly at the ceiling and then at everyone in the room, repeating, "My Irene''s alive, alive..." The others present exchanged looks, silently agreeing on the tragedy of her condition. yton, with tears blurring his vision, remembered Pam in better times - radiant, intelligent, and fiercely independent. Now, she was but a shadow of her former self. Wiping away his tears, yton turned to the doctor, "How severe are Pam''s injuries? What happened to her?" yton couldn''t see the wounds beneath the bandages, nor the marks from needle stitches. The senior doctor, after a hesitant nce at Helen, exined, "They''re not life-threatening, though she has many. The main injuries are to her knees and hands, caused by shattered ceramic pieces." yton frowned, "Another self-harm incident?" A younger doctor quickly added, "Ms. Patel is overwhelmed with grief for her daughter. She finds some relief in physical pain, which momentarily eases her emotional suffering." The perpetrators, standing nearby, showed no fear of being discovered. After all, Pam''s mind was consumed with thoughts of her daughter, leaving no room for doubt or dispute. Besides, any evidence that could have been used against them had been destroyed when Pam supposedly damaged the surveince equipment in a fit of madness. Moreover, these two doctors had been personally chosen by yton to care for Pam, one being a long-standing friend and the other a prot¨¦g¨¦ he had supported through medical school. Thus, yton ced his full trust in them, never suspecting betrayal. A maid seized the moment to suggest, "Dr. White, could you please check on Helenter? Pam bit her during an episode, and it looks pretty bad." Helen downyed the injury with a ''it''s nothing,'' yet made sure yton saw the severity of the bite, disying the bruised and broken skin as proof. Chapter 1007 yton''s gaze was icy, "It''s gettingte. You all should head out." Not a single word of concern for her, not to mention he was basically showing them the door. Helen''s heart sank! And then seeing how tenderly he treated Pam, jealousy drove her to the brink of madness! She felt like she was choking on her own frustration, unable to vent it out but also unable to swallow it down. Yet, she dared notsh out at yton, only managing to shoot Pam a venomous re! Once they left the main house, Helen spat out: "I can''t stand the sight of her for another day. Haven''t you figured out a way to get rid of her for good?!" The family doctor frowned, "You''ve been careful with your abuse, but if she actually dies, yton and the Patel family will investigate thoroughly. Given her history of mistreatment and the injuries she''s sustained over the years, if discovered, it''d spell doom for us all!" Helen clenched her teeth, "Then we need toe up with a wless n! She needs to be gone by the end of the year, and it has to look like a tragic ident!" " No sooner had they left than yton''s assistant stepped into the bedroom and whispered, "Boss, they''re here." yton knew immediately who it was, furrowing his brow, "Have them wait in the living room!" "Right away!" "And, fire all the staff, bring in new people!" He was well aware of Helen''s disdain for Pam. But since Pam refused to leave with him, he had no choice but to order that Helen stay away from Pam, especially from the main house! Regardless of the reason, Helen''s presence in the main house today was a clear sign of negligence from the staff. "yton, why don''t you go find Irene? It''s getting dark, and Irene might get scared," Pam suddenly said, looking at him. yton''s eyes softened, and he replied gently, "I''ll go look for her in a bit. You get some sleep, and maybe by the time you wake up, Irene will be back." Pam nodded eagerly, "Okay, okay, I''ll sleep, and when I wake up, Irene will be back." She closed her eyes obediently. yton stayed by her side until she fell into a deep sleep before he went downstairs. The living room had already been tidied up, and a group of men was sitting there, enjoying a casual chat over coffee. These were members of the Hawkins family, stakeholders in Hawkins Sea-freight. Seeing ytone down, they greeted him. yton guessed their purpose and, with a cold demeanor, took the head seat without engaging in pleasantries, "There''s no need to discuss this further. I won''t agree to it." The atmosphere shifted instantly! They wanted to use the Hawkins family''s cargo ships to smuggle contraband, and yton''s refusal was the root of their conflict. An elder spoke up, trying to reason with him, "yton, why be so stubborn? You''re a businessman, and the goal of a businessman is profit. To ignore such a lucrative opportunity seems foolish, doesn''t it?" yton looked at him, "Over the years, Hawkins Sea-freight has flourished with the support of the nation, growing stronger each year through legitimate business. We''ve made enough money that way; why risk it with illegal ventures?" "But the more money, the better. Legitimate business just doesn''t bring in cash fast enough." yton''s response was icy, "Greed leads to downfall. High risk might bring high rewards, but legitimate business, though slower, ensures stability. Currently, the Hawkins family thrives solely in the shipping industry. If we jeopardize that, what will be left for future generations of the Hawkins family?" The elder frowned, "Smuggling a few prohibited items won''t ruin us. Some of the Hawkins family''s ships are exempt from inspection. If we don''t disclose what''s on board, no one will find out. It''s risk-free, perfectly safe." Risk-free? Perfectly safe? yton''s anger surged at the suggestion! Chapter 1008 "You''re ying with fire, gambling with the trust of the nation and the future of the Hawkins family as if you''re striking a deal with the devil itself! Once you make a pact with the underworld, you be nothing more than a pawn in their game, and Hawkins Sea-freight will no longer be under the control of the Hawkins family! You know this, yet you still proceed! For your own gain, you disregard the welfare of your future generations. It''s despicable and utterly reprehensible!" The elder''s words turned the faces of everyone in the room a shade of deep red, one of them getting particrly heated, "Don''t lecture us on morals. We came here to offer you an opportunity, not to beg for your approval! If you y along, not only will we avoid a fallout, but you''ll also save your own face! But if you keep being stubborn, you won''t just lose Hawkins Sea-freight, but your dignity too. Heck, you might even put your own life on the line! You know exactly the tight spot you''re in!" The threat in the speaker''s eyes was palpable. yton furrowed his brows, well aware that his position was precarious. With only a 40% share in his grasp, while they held 45%. Turning the tide seemed impossible unless... Carl spoke up, calm and collected, "Brother, you can''t turn this situation around. I know that 15% is with Irene. If she coulde back, you''d win hands down. But ask yourself, can Irene really return?" yton turned to his brother, fuming, "Did you spill the beans about the 15% to them?!" Originally, he had 70% of Hawkins Sea-freight. He had given his brother 10% to secure his future, out of genuine concern and fulfilling their father''s dying wish. He even gifted 5% to the younger members of the Hawkins family. Later, he secretly bought an additional 15% under his daughter''s name, as a safety for her. With this 15%, his daughter, should she return, would be guaranteed a life offort and prosperity, even after they were gone. This was a secret he had shared only with Carl! And now, his betrayal had emboldened these vultures! Without his daughter to attend the shareholders'' meeting, her share would be considered forfeited. Whoever held the majority of the remaining 85% would win. With only a 40% share, his defeat was certain. "We''re blood, brothers! Even that 10% you hold was given by me, and now you..." yton was visibly shaken, chest heaving with anger, but Carl remained indifferent, "Big brother is like a father. With dad gone, it was your duty to look after me. Giving me 10% was the least you could do. I didn''t even ask for half, which is more than generous." "You..." "Let''s not dwell on the past. Focus on the now. Irene has been missing for over twenty years; she''s probably long gone. Denying it won''t change anything. All these years, running around the globe, building docks in her name, what a waste of resources and energy on someone who''s most likely dead. You''d have been better off lining your own pockets for retirement." yton gasped for air, "Irene is your niece, for heaven''s sake. You''re actually hoping she''s dead?!" Carl just shrugged, "I''m not hoping she''s dead; I''m stating the obvious. She has no chance of being alive. Brother, it''s time to be pragmatic. What''s the harm in a little smuggling? If we keep it quiet, who''s to know? Make a few generous donationster, and the public will still hail you as a phnthropist." Chapter 1009 yton was livid, his anger boiling over. "All those lessons your folks drummed into you, might as well have been told to a brick wall! You good-for-nothing!" Carl''s face darkened with rage. "You had the whole highway to yourself, but no, you chose the tightrope. Go ahead, be that way. I''ve said my piece. I''ve done my duty as a brother. Just don''te crying to me for helpter on! My conscience is clear, and I''m out!" With a scoff, Carl stood up and left. The rest followed suit, their egos inted, eyes filled with resentment and scorn. "Fine, if you''d rather face the music than enjoy the feast, see you at the shareholders'' meeting in three days!" They seemed to forget, who had been footing their bills all these years? And who was it that single-handedly founded Hawkins Sea-freight? They were living off yton''s hard work, yet now they dared to lord over him! Greedy and cold-hearted! Nothing but wolves in sheep''s clothing! yton remained seated, his lips pressed thin, his facial muscles trembling with fury. His assistant wanted to offer some words offort but couldn''t find the right words. yton was a man of courage and integrity, loyal and true-hearted. Yet, look where he found himself now! His daughter missing, his wife lost to her own mind, betrayed by his own kin! He had nurtured the Hawkins family for years, only for them to turn against him! A ssic tale of the farmer and the viper! The only hope to turn things around now was for his daughter to return. But could she? It seemed a forlorn hope... After a while, yton sent his assistant away and went back to his bedroom. He sat down by the bed, next to Pam, his tears falling freely. "Pam, these heartless people... I treated them like family, and they treat me like dirt! They''re nothing but ungrateful wolves! "I''m not upset about the money, but losing Hawkins Sea-freight means it''ll be even harder to find our daughter. If we don''t look for her, who will remember our Irene?" "Where could she be? I''ve searched so many ces, why can''t I find her?" "Pam, I miss Irene too. She''s always been so timid, afraid of the dark! Every time I think of her alone and scared in the dark, my heart aches. "She''s our baby girl, not someone else''s. Will anyone else care for her as we do? What if she encounters someone bad? Without us to protect her, can she grow up safely? "Our Irene, is she still okay? Is she still alive? I... I..." yton''s pain overflowed as he spoke, a grown man of over fifty, sobbing uncontrobly. His heart was shattered. The next day, just as dawn was breaking, Tarquin and Elysia arrived at Oceanopolis airport. "Let''s head to Dock 1 first!" Elysia said as soon as they disembarked. Dock 1 was where she had disappeared as a child. She had heard that her mother went there every day to wait for her. Her mother would arrive before dawn and leave only at sunset,e rain or shine. Eager to see her, Elysia couldn''t wait. Tarquin understood her feelings. "Okay!" He arranged for the bodyguards to take their luggage to the hotel they had booked in advance and then took Elysia and the kids to Dock 1. On the way, the children chattered excitedly, curious about the new city and looking forward to meeting their grandparents. Elysia was silent, her fists clenched tight, clearly nervous. Tarquin took her hand into his, warming it, trying to ease her tension. Chapter 1010 As they neared the pier, Elliot couldn''t help but ask, "Dad, when we see grandma, do we juste out and say who we are?" Tarquin understood Elliot''s concern. They needed to suss out the Hawkins family a bit more before making any moves. It might be better to keep their identities under wraps for now, to avoid blowing their cover and to make things easier. However, Tarquin didn''t voice his opinion immediately but instead looked over at Elysia for her decision. Frowning, Elysia said, "I''ll see how she''s doing first." She was worried about Pam''s health. Her mother had been searching for her for years, and a reunion would surely be overwhelming. For someone with mental health issues, excessive excitement could be dangerous. Tarquin nodded, "Then we''ll y it by ear." Acknowledging each other could wait. It was bound to happen sooner orter. However, upon their arrival at the pier, they discovered Pam wasn''t there at all! Elysia''s mind began to race, "Isn''t she supposed to be here every day,e rain or shine? Why isn''t she here today? Could she be sick?" Trying to calm her, Tarquin suggested, "Let''s not jump to conclusions. We''ll get the kids settled in the hotel first, and then we can figure out when to visit the Hawkins family." Elysia nodded, albeit with a worried expression. Seeing their mom worried, the kids couldn''t help but feel anxious too! Evan, clenching his fists, whispered to Elliot, "Bro, I''ll head to the Hawkins family and find out why grandma didn''t show up at the pier today. If mom asks, just say I''m with the bodyguard in his car." "Alright, just be careful and call if anythinges up. Don''t do anything rash," Elliot responded. Without Elysia noticing, Evan sneaked off with White towards the Hawkins family residence. The Hawkins Mansion, located in Oceanopolis''s most affluent vi district, was a sprawling estateprising several cottages. The main building, the centerpiece of the estate, was surrounded by these cottages. It offered the best views and symbolized the status of residing Hawkins family heads. With Old Mr. Hawkins, Randal Hawkins, having passed away early and Betty having moved to a mountain retreat for peace, yton and Pam lived in the main building. Before her disappearance, Elysia had lived there too. Pam''s refusal to leave the mansion after her breakdown was due to the memories of Elysia that lingered within its walls. Hiding in the shadows, Evan eyed the mansion''s towering walls, pondering his next move. He knew he could scale the wall easily, but he couldn''t afford to make any noise. They had just arrived in Oceanopolis, and with much still to investigate, revealing their presence was not an option. Thus, he needed to bypass the Hawkins family''s security and surveince unnoticed - a task that required some strategic thinking. As Evan was still brainstorming, a scar-faced figure suddenly appeared beside him, "Follow me!" Evan was startled, "Why are you here too? Never mind, I don''t even want to know right now. I''ve got serious business today and can''t afford any distractions." The figure, looking annoyed and strict, countered, "You wanted to sneak in, right? Come on!" Evan, still dubious, questioned, "How did you know I wanted to sneak in?" The scar-faced man, evidently impatient with Evan''s questions, pressed, "Are youing or not?" With a pout, Evan followed. After a few minutes, the man stopped and pointed, "Climb over here, and you won''t be detected." "How do you know?" Evan asked. The man, frowning and clearly irritated, didn''t bother to exin. Despite his reservations, Evan trusted him and scaled the wall. As promised, there was no one around, nor any electronic surveince in sight. Evan couldn''t help but give the man another curious nce. What was his angle? One day he''s after him, and the next, he''s aiding his mission? Confused but focused on the task at hand, Evan let it go for now. Inside, the estate was dotted with tall trees, which offered an excellent vantage point. Choosing arge tree, Evan climbed up for a better view. From his high perch, he could see far and wide, and it was less likely for him to be spotted. The mysterious man followed him up the tree without a word, simply keeping watch. Evan, his attention now divided, nced at the man again but decided to ignore him for the moment. His thoughts were on his grandparents. Yet, instead of spotting his grandparents, he saw Helen. Helen was leisurely strolling through the garden with a maid, both moving slowly and chatting. The maid, clearly excited, shared, "I heard the poor woman woke up before dawn, insisting on going to the pier. Mr. Hawkins wouldn''t allow it, and she justy in bed crying, refusing to eat or drink until her voice was hoarse." Evan perked up, realizing they were talking about his grandmother. Eagerly, he listened closer, with White and the scar-faced man inadvertently joining his makeshift eavesdropping team. The man watched Helen and her maid with a look of impatience, clearly uninterested in their conversation. Chapter 1011 The mistress and her maid were oblivious to the presence in the tree. Helen snorted with disdain, "She''s been poked with hundreds of needles, practically turning into a pin cushion, and yet she dares to escape. Seems like we were too lenient on herst night! We should''ve broken her legs, made her crawl on the ground like a dog with its tail between its legs!" The maid chimed in, "I heard that if you want to make someone''s life a living hell, you could soak the needles in saltwater before using them. Salt in the wounds, the pain would be exquisite!" ¡°Brilliant idea, we''ll try that next time. Let that wench have a taste of real pain, see if she still dares to seduce yton! A sly fox, crazy and yet not tamed!" Helen''s blood boiled at the thought of yton''s attitude towards Pam and herselfst night. Because of that, she had tossed and turned, heartbroken till the wee hours. She med all her misery on Pam! The maid added, "She''s always been trash, even insanity couldn''t change her. But I wonder what Mr. Hawkins sees in her, fussing over a lunatic. I heard Mr. Hawkins reced all the servants and bodyguards in the main house overnight." Jealousy gnawed at Helen. yton had never shown her such attention! Not even a nce! Before, it was one thing, but now, Pam was insane. Was she really losing to a madwoman?! "He thinks changing guards and servants will protect Pam? Hmph, no matter how he tries, they''ll all end up being loyal to me!" "Of course, now that Helen''s running the show in the Hawkins family''s backyard, who''d be foolish enough to side with that nutcase?!" Helen''s smile twisted into a grimace, "Looking for her daughter, looking till she dies, she won''t find her. Not even a bone to mourn over!" "Exactly, that little wench must be long gone!" "..." The mistress and maid exchanged venomous words. Evan clenched his small fists, breathing heavily with rage! They were talking about his grandmother! They had beaten her, pricked her with hundreds of needles! That''s why she didn''t go to the docks today, because they had hurt her! And they dared to curse his mom! Thinking they could push around his grandmother and mom because they seemed easy targets?! Thinking there was nobody to stand up for them?! The nerve! He, Evan Thorne, couldn''t stand it any longer! Evan''s anger boiled over, not caring about revealing his position, he was about to jump down and give them a piece of his mind! But he was stopped by a rugged-looking man. Evan turned, his eyes questioning: What?! The man gestured for him to look in another direction. A young man, wearing a mask and sses, was hurrying their way. His rapid steps and furtive nces screamed trouble. He rushed to Helen''s side, panting, "Helen." Helen, annoyed, "What''s the rush? This ce is off the radar, surrounded by my informants, we won''t be discovered." The man gasped for air, ¡°Better safe than sorry. yton''s back, we have to be cautious." Helen pursed her lips, "Came up with a brilliant n to off her?" "Yeah, thought about it all night. To kill her without drawing attention, we have to tamper with her food. A slow-acting poison can go unnoticed, seems fitting." Helen frowned, "You mean, poison her slowly?" "Yeah!" "And how long will it take for her to die?" "At least three to five months." Helen was dissatisfied, "That long?!" Chapter 1013 Inside the house, Pam was still in tears, insisting on heading to the harbor to search for her daughter. yton was by her side, trying tofort her. She was injured, and it was clear she couldn''t make it to the harbor now. Upon hearing about Evan, he momentarily calmed Pam down, left the bedroom, and went downstairs to inquire about the situation. Seeing Evan, yton''s heart skipped a beat! The boy''s features, at first nce, bore a slight resemnce to his own daughter! Evan resembled Tarquin, but there was also something of Elysia in him, given she was his mother. yton''s thoughts instinctively drifted to a young Elysia, and a sense of familiarity warmly enveloped him. He was about to ask Evan some questions when the boy suddenly burst into tears. Running over, he clung to yton''s legs! "Grandpa, save me, there''s a bad man chasing me, waaah..." Before any formal introductions, Evan hadn''t dared to call him granddad outright. yton froze, "..." The assistant, seeing this, quickly stepped forward, trying to lift Evan away. The little guy had smeared his runny nose all over Mr. Hawkins'' pants! "Little buddy, let me give you a hug." "No, no, I want grandpa to hold me." Evan clung to yton''s legs, refusing to let go. As the assistant was about to say something, yton stopped him. His Irene, when she was a child, also liked to cling to his legs like this. yton felt a lump in his throat, bent down, and picked up Evan, wiping away his tears with a loving expression, he asked, "Stop crying for a bit, and tell grandpa, how did you end up here? Where are your parents?" Evan sobbed, "I''m not sure, I just know a bad man was chasing me, he ran after me, I was so scared, waaah..." The Hawkins family''s bodyguard exined, "We found him crying and running, indeed someone was chasing him, and that person looked no good. We tried to catch him, but he jumped over a wall and escaped. Our people are still out looking." Evan said, "He must be a person who kidnaps kids." The boss, "..." Me, a kidnapper? Thank you, meeting you is my pleasure! yton furrowed his brows, then asked Evan again, "Where are your parents?" "I don''t know, they might be at the hotel, or maybe they''re out looking for me." "Hotel? You''re not from Oceanopolis?" "We''re from out of town, we just arrived in Oceanopolis this morning." The assistant asked, "Boss, should we hand the kid over to the police, let them find his parents?" Before yton could answer, sudden noise came from upstairs. Pam stumbled out of the bedroom, and because of her severely injured knee, she fell as soon as she left the room. "Pam!" yton quickly put down Evan and ran upstairs. Lying on the ground, Pam murmured, "To the harbor, to find Irene, waaah, to find Irene..." Evan''s little brows furrowed, his heart clenched, "!" This was his grandmother! This was the woman who carried his mommy for ten months and gave birth to her with so much effort! She really did look like mommy! But grandma looked so pitiful, the Irene she was talking about, was that mommy? yton had already reached the second floor, he quickly helped Pam up, "Did you hurt yourself? Why didn''t you call me beforeing out? Let''s get you back to your room." "No, no, I have to find Irene." Pam resisted. yton patiently tried to soothe her, "Listen, let''s get your knee better first, and once it''s healed, I''ll take you to the harbor to find Irene, okay?" "Not okay, I want to go now, Irene is waiting for me there." "Pam, Irene isn''t at the harbor." "Huh? Then where is she?" yton''s lips moved, but he didn''t know how to respond. Pam cried, "My Irene is at the harbor, let me go, I have to find Irene, waaah, I need to find Irene..." Chapter 1014 Watching Grandma with those puppy dog eyes, Evan''s heart was breaking. He desperately wanted to tell her the truth, to reveal that mom was alive, and she was right in Oceanopolis! But the bigger picture demanded his silence. He had to bear it for now! All he could do was silently whisper to Pam in his heart: Hang in there, Grandma. Mom''s back, she might even be on her way right now. You''ll see her real soon. Evan sniffled, about to go upstairs tofort Pam, when a maid came in with a bowl of soup, "Sir, your wife''s soup is ready." Evan''s brows furrowed. This must be the infamous poisoned soup, huh? Larry came over too, noticing Pam''s tears and feigned concern, "What''s the matter with Ms. Patel? Did she fall?" He was about to head upstairs when Evan, with a dark look, subtly stuck out his foot, and ''thump''! Larry went tumbling down, face-first into the dirt! He fell, dragging the maid down with him, the soup from her hands sshing right onto his head! Larry groaned, a mix of the shock from the fall and the sting of the hot soup altering his expression! Realizing Evan had tripped him, he turned a fierce re on the boy, but before he could scold him, Evan burst into tears and ran upstairs, "That Mr. Handsome is so scary, waaaah, he wants to hit me, he''s a bad man, waaaah..." Evan cried, ring at Larry, You jerk, consider this a wee gift. The real present is yet toe, just you wait! Larry, looking up at Evan on the stairs, scowled. Such a small kid and already ying the victim first, huh?! Where did this wild childe from?! yton consoled Evan, "Don''t worry, he''s one of mine. Larry, did you get burned?" Larry, swallowing his anger, got up and replied, "I''m fine, just a shame about the soup." Larry eyed the spilled soup, his gaze darkening. They had specially added something to that soup! Such a waste! All because of this darn kid! Fuming inside, Larry looked up at Evan, "Mr. Hawkins, since when did we have an extra kid in the house?" "Just wandered in unexpectedly." yton didn''t borate, his focus shifting back to Pam. He noticed Pam had suddenly stopped crying and was staring intently at the little boy. After a moment, she excitedly pointed at Evan''s eyes, saying, "Irene, yton, Irene..." yton knew what got her excited, responding, "Yeah, the kid''s eyes do look like Irene''s." Pam leaned over, smiling warmly at the little boy, clearly taken with him. yton was pleasantly surprised! Pam had been restless for a long time, insisting on going to the docks before dawn. If not allowed, she''d cry. He was worried about how to calm her down. He hadn''t expected this little boy to divert her attention! Worried Pam''s behavior might frighten the child, he was about to offer an exnation. Before he could, the little boy stepped forward, hugging Pam, "Sweet Grandma, did you hurt yourself when you fell?" Pam, overjoyed, nced at yton, quickly embracing Evan, shaking her head, "No hurt, happy." "I like sweet Grandma too. You can tell she''s a good person just by looking at her." Pam excitedly looked at yton again, "yton, happy, happy." She was telling yton how happy she was! yton, eyes misting, nodded, "Yeah, happy." Evan felt a pang of sadness, realizing how just seeing their grandson made his grandparents so happy. If only they could see mom, they''d be even happier! Hang on, Grandma and Grandpa. Mom''s on her way, your dearly missed daughter ising back to you! Chapter 1015 "Grandpa, can I call my mom toe pick me up? I don''t want to go to the police station. I''m scared I might run into that kidnapper again." Evan peered up with his big, clear eyes, asking yton. yton nodded eagerly, "Of course, of course!" The child''s request was exactly what he wanted! Pam, seeing the little guy not crying and actually quite happy, naturally wanted to keep him around, to give Pam morepany. yton, with a loving look, asked, "Do you have your parents'' contact information?" "Yes, I''ll call her right now." But the next second, Elliot''s call came in first. Evan couldn''t step away, so he had to take the call in front of yton, quickly exining his situation to prevent Elliot from slipping up, "Bro, I was brought to a strange ce by a kidnapper, but don''t worry, I''m safe. There''s a kind grandpa and a beautiful grandma here, they''re good people. Can you tell mom toe get me?" Elliot was just calling to check on him. The brothers had agreed to not worry about the bad guys for now, focusing on getting to their grandparents'' side to ensure their grandmother''s safety. So Evan yed along with the story of being kidnapped to make his way to yton and Pam''s side-secretly guarding his grandma! Hearing Evan was with his grandparents, Elliot felt relieved. With Evan there, no one would dare touch a hair on their grandmother''s head! Elliot said, "Mom was really worried when she found out you were missing. We''ve tracked you down through the GPS on your phone watch and are on our way now. Stay with grandpa and grandma, don''t wander off." "Yeah, tell mom not to worry, I''m safe." Actually, he was reassuring Elysia that their grandmother was safe. "I got it," Elliot said before hanging up. To avoid causing Elysia any distress, they decided not to let her talk to Evan directly. Evan turned his little face up to yton and said, "My mom is on her way here. She tracked me down through the GPS on my phone watch." "Alright," yton asked, "What''s your name?" "Evan." "And your mother?" "Elysia." "Elysia... That''s a warm name." ytonplimented, instructing his assistant, "Let the doorman know, when ady named Elysiaes looking for her child, let her in directly." He simply praised the name, without imagining what kind of person she might be. After all, he could never have guessed that this girl was the daughter he and Pam had been desperately searching for over two decades! "Beautiful grandma, have you had breakfast yet?" Evan looked at Pam and asked. He suddenly remembered the bad woman mentioning ''starving,'' guessing his grandma hadn''t eaten yet. Skipping meals wasn''t good! Mom always said, "People need food like iron needs steel; eating on time keeps you healthy!" Though Pam seemed lost, her eyes were still clear and bright, radiantly gentle, without a hint of malice. She shook her head, "I haven''t, have you?" Evan shook his head too, "I haven''t either, but I''m getting a little hungry. Beautiful grandma, could you share a bit of your breakfast with me?" Pam immediately turned to yton, "yton, breakfast! Breakfast!" yton was overjoyed, his eyes welling up with tears! This was the first time in over twenty years that Pam had actively asked him for food! Ever since their daughter went missing, Pam had lost her appetite. Chapter 1016 If it weren''t for his relentless efforts to coax her into eating, she might have starved herself to death by now! yton''s voice choked with excitement, "Yeah, time to eat, time to eat." Evan, feeling sorry for his grandpa, tugged at yton''s hand, "Grandpa, you haven''t had breakfast either, have you? Let''s eat togetherter." "Alright, alright, we''ll eat together." yton immediately instructed the housekeeper to hurry and prepare breakfast, making a special request, "It''s still early, and Evan''s family probably hasn''t eaten either. Please prepare extra, and treat them with the hospitality we reserve for esteemed guests!" He didn''t care about their status; anyone who could make his wife happy was a benefactor to yton! They were yton''s honored guests! Larry, still in the living room on the ground floor, watched yton and Pam''s joyful expressions, a sinister look shing in his eyes. He had heard it all; they liked the kid because he reminded them of their daughter! Anything remotely rted to their daughter could bring them joy. Talking about treating him like a godson, pah! In their hearts, there was only their daughter, and he was just a stray dog they kept around. When they were happy, he was treated well, but who''s to say they wouldn''t kick him to the curb on a whim? They did sponsor his education and helped him find a job, true. But if they really saw him as a godson, they wouldn''t constantly be on the lookout for their daughter, nor would they be content with letting him stay at home, taking care of a lunatic! Sure, they provided for himvishly, giving him billions for spending money every year to do as he pleased! So why should he be grateful to them? They weren''t good to him! They sponsored his education just to craft an image of benefactors for themselves! He was better off making his own way! After teaming up with Helen, he could make millions more in tips every year, and Helen even set him up with her niece, guaranteeing they could marry. Once he married into a wealthy family, he would truly rise to the top, bing a VIP! These were dreams yton could never fulfill for him! yton wouldn''t n for his future! Even funnier was when yton found out he was dating Helen''s niece, he actually disagreed, sternly telling him to break it off! yton surely didn''t want him to seed; he preferred keeping him as a caged dog! So, his betrayal wasn''t ingratitude; yton never showed him any real kindness! With these thoughts, Larry sneered secretly! Looking at Evan, contempt flickered in his eyes once more. Just because the kid bore a slight resemnce to their daughter, they were fond of him? They were happy? They couldn''t possibly be considering this wild child as their real grandson, could they? Ha! Their daughter had been dead for who knows how many years, and they still hoped for a grandchild? Dream on! Larry didn''t think much of Evan, feeling particrly unlucky today! His first attempt at poisoning had failed, a bad omen. Steadying his nerves, Larry put on a facade of kindness and said, "Mr. Hawkins, Ms. Patel needs to drink more soup to recover. I''ll have another bowl prepared for her, shall I?" yton nodded, "Yes, do that. And while you''re at it, prepare some more, for Evan''s family too." "...Alright, I see Ms. Patel is in better spirits now, so I''ll step out for a moment. Call me if you need anything." "Sure." Larry turned and left, not sparing Evan another nce. After all, he could never have imagined that Evan was indeed yton''s real grandson! After all, Evan was just a little kid; who could have guessed that what followed would turn everything upside down? Chapter 1017 Evan shot Larry a re that could freeze hell over! That backstabber, just you wait, I''lle for youter! Evan turned his attention back to yton, his curiosity piqued. "Grandpa, who was that bespectacled Mr. Handsome just now?" yton replied with a gentle tone, "Oh, him? He''s pretty much family. You see, because of certain reasons, I couldn''t always be there for your grandma over the years, and Mr. Handsome has been looking after her. I consider him like a son; he''s been a great help." yton had already included Larry in his will, appreciating his support for Pam and their emotional bond. Evan frowned, his expression a mix of emotions as he looked at his grandfather. Oh, grandpa, you''re too trusting, letting your heart lead too much! Some people just don''t appreciate kindness, born with a streak of ingratitude! Evan, thinking of the bigger picture, didn''t confront Larry right away, choosing instead to cheer up his grandma. ... After Larry left the main house, Helen immediately met him in secret. "Did she drink the soup?" Larry, annoyed, "A wild child knocked it over!" "Wild child? The one that popped up this morning?" "Yeah, I was just bringing the soup in with a servant when the kid kicked me, and down I went, soup and all." Helen frowned, "On purpose?!" "Absolutely on purpose! If he hadn''t tripped me, I wouldn''t have fallen, and the soup wouldn''t have spilled." "Does this kid have some sort of backing?" Larry scoffed, "He''s just a few years old, barely out of preschool. What kind of scheming could he have? Must be a bad seed, it''s in his genes! Don''t worry, though, we''ll have other chances." Helen''s expression darkened, "I heard from the servants that yton ordered the kitchen to prepare a feast with all the trimmings for some VIP guests, what''s all that about?" "It''s all because of that wild child. He resembles Irene Hawkins a bit, and they took a liking to him. Pam even stopped insisting on going to the pier because of him! yton''s ''VIP guests'' are that kid''s folks, they''re on their way to the Hawkins family to pick him up." Helen''s brows knitted tighter, "..." Larry added, "If there''s nothing else, I''ll head out. With Pam in good spirits, I''ll try to get another bowl of soup to her." "Alright, go ahead." After Larry left, Helen''s face grew even stormier. Her maid asked, "Ma''am, do you think there''s something off with that child?" Helen countered, "A child suddenly shows up, resembling Irene to some extent, don''t you find that odd?" The maid said, "I heard the child was kidnapped by traffickers and ended up at the Hawkins family by ident." "I don''t buy it! Why would traffickers bring him to the Hawkins family? And how did he escape from them at such a young age? Besides, the Hawkins estate is swarming with security, how did the traffickers get him in?" "Good point, it doesn''t add up. Should we look into the child''s background?" "Yes! And the resemnce to Irene is too coincidental for my liking." The maid quickly added, "But it''s not possible he''s Irene''s child, right? If Irene were alive, why wouldn''t she juste forward herself?" "Of course, he''s not Irene''s child. Irene''s been gone for years, but..." Helen paused, choosing her words carefully, "Even if he''s not Irene''s, him looking simr is enough to irk me. Let''s dig into the child''s background quietly, and I want to meet his mother!" "Alright, should we bring them here for you to meet when they arrive?" "No, we can''t risk it with yton around." Chapter 1018 "How do we meet?" "...Simple." Half an hourter, Elysia rushed to the Hawkins family estate, nked by Elliot and Emmett. Tarquin, Elijah and Baby couldn''t make it. Elijah was holed up in a hotel room, hacking into the Hawkins family''s security system. Baby had crashed the moment they arrived at the hotel and was still catching up on sleep. Tarquin had pressing matters to attend to that morning, directly involving the Hawkins family''s interests, making it inconvenient for him to show his face. So, after a family huddle, it was unanimously decided that Elysia, along with Elliot and Emmett, would make the trip. The Hawkins family''s butler greeted Elysia and the brothers, leading them toward the main house. Meanwhile, Helen was strategically positioned on the path they had to take, plotting a "chance" encounter with Elysia! From a distance, as Helen''s confidant spotted the group approaching, she remarked, "Madam, that''s them." Elysia was still a bit far for a clear view, but her simple attire was noticeable. Helen scoffed, "As expected, not a piece of fine jewelry in sight. Clearly of humble origins." "Yes, I''ve heard that Evan kid also dresses quite ordinarily. Definitely not from a wealthy background." "An ordinary family producing a child that resembles the Hawkins heiress is luck on their part! Let''s go see what the mother of a child who looks so much like the Hawkins family''s jewel looks like." Helen and her maid made their way towards Elysia. The butler, spotting them from afar, hurried over with an enthusiastic greeting, fawning, "Madam, good day." Helen, dripping in jewels and opulence, ignored the butler and strutted forward, looking down her nose at Elysia. Hoping to intimidate Elysia, she was instead taken aback- Upon seeing Elysia, Helen''s heart skipped a beat, and she went pale. For a moment, she thought she was looking at Irene, who had disappeared years ago! The butler, with a chill demeanor, introduced, "Ms. Thorne, this is ourdy of the house." He also hinted with his eyes that Elysia should greet Helen. Normally, guests would politely acknowledge the hostess. However, Elysia did nothing of the sort! She clenched her fists, ring death at Helen, wishing she could tear her apart! Before arriving, Elysia had learned of her parents'' plight and had seen photos of the Hawkins family members, including Helen. She recognized Helen! This was the vile woman who, in the absence of Elysia''s father and with her mother out of her mind, had tortured her mother mercilessly! Her cruelty knew no bounds! If not for the bigger picture to expose and deal with all those who had harmed her parents-Elysia would have confronted her right then and there! Seeing Elysia''s defiant stance, Helen''s heartbeat quickened, her breathing shallow, "Take off your mask!" Elysia stared coldly, unresponsive. Helen suddenly flew into a rage, her voice several octaves higher, "Are you deaf? I said take off your mask!" Elysia, fists clenched, retorted, "I''m not deaf. But why should I listen to you?!" "This is my house, I am thedy of this house!" "You''re thedy of this house? Are you Pam?" Elysia challenged with a sneer. The butler hastily tugged at Elysia, his manner brusque, "Ms. Thorne, this is Helen, not Mrs. Pam." Elysia immediately turned on him, "Helen? Then why did you call her ''madam''? Isn''t ''madam'' a title reserved for the Hawkins family''s matriarch? Apart from Pam, aren''t you supposed to use a prefix when introducing any otherdy? Are you ignorant, or was it intentional?" Chapter 1019 The maid''s eyes bulged in shock at Elysia''s boldness, clearly not expecting her toe out swinging like she''d just downed a shot of espresso on an empty stomach! And to think this was happening right in the middle of Hawkins Manor, of all ces. Who gave her the nerve to sass members of the Hawkins family? Even a stray dog knows better than to bite without checking if its owner is around. And here she was, a mere servant of the Hawkins family! The maid wanted to retort, but words failed her. Elysia wasn''t wrong, after all. ording to tradition, only when referring to Pam could one directly use the title ''Mrs.'' Yet, when introducing Helen and the other women of the Hawkins family, they were merely called by their first names or as ''the thirddy'' and so on. But since Pam had been out of her mind for years, and Helen fancied herself thedy of the manor, they had taken to calling her ''Mrs.'' in conversation to curry favor with her. Elysia was well aware of the servants'' attitude towards Pam, which is why she had them in her crosshairs! After her piece, she turned her guns on Helen, "You, Helen, presume to be thedy of the Hawkins Manor? In the old days, that would be considered insubordination, punishable by a stint in the stocks!" "Insolent! You... you..." Helen was so angry she could hardly breathe, her face turning a shade of steel blue. She had never imagined, not in her wildest dreams, that a woman of no significant background would dare speak to her in such a tone. For over twenty years, aside from yton, Carl, and that old coot living up in the mountains, no one had dared speak to her like that! Insolent? Elliot sneered quietly to himself. The audacity to bully granny and not expect mom to fight back was already showing restraint! If it wasn''t for the bigger picture, mom would have already given you a piece of her mind! Elysia went for the direct approach, while Elliot opted for sarcasm, "Scared me there. I heard tales that Grandma Pam was a learned and kindly woman, not some cantankerous shrew! Guess those stories were right!" Helen spun around to re at Elliot, her eyes as wide as saucers. Pam, learned and kindly? Her, a cantankerous shrew? Fuming, Helen raised her hand to strike, "You little brat, you and your mother are asking for it!" A fierce glint shed in Elliot''s eye. Though he was no match for Evan, dealing with a shrew like Helen was well within his wheelhouse. However, before Helen''s hand couldnd, her personal maid intervened, "Madam, please, calm yourself. We''re in front of the main house, and they are Mr. Hawkins'' honored guests. Look, Mr. Hawkins ising over." Hearing this, Elysia and Elliot hurriedly looked up to see yton approaching, their breath hitching as their eyes widened in unison. Elysia felt a warmth in her eyes, her body trembling: Is this man, my father?! Elliot was equally moved: This is grandpa, my grandpa! Seeing yton draw near, Emmett immediately burst into tears, crying as if his heart would break. Helen and her maid were taken aback. yton came closer, his brows furrowing at the sight of Helen''s displeasure. He bent down to pick up Emmett, "What''s wrong, little buddy?" Through his tears, Emmett wailed, "That meandy... sob... she wanted to hit my mommy, and she wanted to hit my brother too. She said she''d kill us, sob... She''s a wicked witch, so scary... sob sob..." Helen red, "Who are you calling a wicked witch?!" "That would be you." "You..." At her shout, Emmett''s crying intensified, "Scared, the wicked witch is so scary, sob sob..." Chapter 1020 yton hadn''t even noticed Elysia, as he was too busy confronting Helen with Emmett in his arms, "What on earth were you thinking?!" Helen, feeling wronged, her eyes reddening, protested, "Why are you being so harsh on me? I''m the victim here! I just bumped into them and, being polite, said hello. But out of nowhere, they started yelling at me and even insulted me!" Trying to suppress the excitement of seeing his grandfather for the first time, Elliot steadied himself and said, "She''s lying. She imed she was thedy of the house. My mom thought she was Grandma Pam because she mistook her identity, and then she started yelling at my mom and even tried to hit us." Of course, Helen wouldn''t admit to it, "I did no such thing; they''re framing me!" yton''s face turned ice-cold, "Framing you? How would such a young child know to make this up? If you''re thedy of the Hawkins family, then what does that make Pam? Pam is just sick; she''s not dead yet!" "I didn''t, I..." "Even if Pam and I were gone, you wouldn''t be fit to be thedy of the Hawkins family. You don''t even grasp the basic courtesy of hosting; you''d only bring shame to the Hawkins name!" Helen burst into tears right there and then, so upset she even forgot to keep her tone respectful, "yton, you..." yton, unforgiving and stern, dered, "From now on, stay in your own ce in Verity and keep out of Pam and my sight!" "yton!" It was bad enough she was barred from the main house; now, she was being told not to even be seen around. And in front of others, no less! Not a shred of dignity left for her! Helen felt her heart shatter into pieces, broken beyond repair. But yton didn''t spare her another nce, turning instead to her personal maid with a cold look, "Take Helen back!" When yton was angry, it was truly frightening. The maid, trembling with fear, quickly supported Helen and made a hasty retreat, "Let''s go, Helen, let''s go..." Elliot watched their pitiful retreat with a sense of satisfaction. He didn''t miss the opportunity to throw in a dig at the servant who had shown them the way, either, "Grandpa, it wasn''t just them. Even this person who showed us in called her ''thedy."" The servant shuddered with fear, stammering, "I''m so sorry, sir, I... I misspoke." yton gave him a cold nce before turning to his assistant, "Contact the butler to have them dismissed, and pass a message to all the servants from me. Anyone who refuses to acknowledge Pam as thedy of this house can leave!" "Understood!" Hearing his lucrative job was on the line, the servant immediately burst into tears, begging for mercy, "I was wrong, sir, please forgive me, just this once..." The assistant signaled a nearby security guard with a nce, and the guard promptly stepped forward, covering the servant''s mouth and dragging him away. Finally, peace returned. Only then did yton turn to Elysia, "I''m terribly sorry, Ms. Thorne, for the difort you''ve experienced at the Hawkins family. On behalf of the Hawkins family, I owe you an apology..." He stopped mid-sentence, his breath catching in his throat! For the first time, yton truly saw Elysia, and he was stunned, breathless! Was he seeing Irene? But how could that be? Was he still dreaming? yton raised a trembling hand, rubbing his eyes vigorously. Very cautiously, he opened his eyes once more to look at Elysia... Chapter 1021 Watching those all-too-familiar eyes, yton''s pupils dted in shock, his mouth agape! He couldn''t believe his own eyes! Frozen in ce, his excitement made him incoherent, "You... you..." He saw his Irene! This was Irene! yton wanted to recognize her immediately but feared the mistake would frighten her! All he could do was tremble, shivering, trying hard to control his emotions to not lose control, his approach was so cautious it bordered on humility, "Miss, are you... are you..." Elysia''s eyes were red, tears streaming down her face! This was her father! The man who had brought her up, who had searched for her tirelessly for over twenty years! Even though she had no memory of him, seeing him now felt incredibly familiar! Seeing how careful and cautious he was in front of her, Elysia felt a pang of heartache and pain! It''s said that extremes meet. How strong must his feelings be, to be so nervous and humble upon seeing her? He must have searched for too many years, faced too many disappointments, the yearning in his heart too intense! That''s why at this moment of reunion, he was so cautious, afraid to trust his eyes, afraid to trust his instincts. His cautiousness hid a father''s love and the bitterness of years spent searching for his daughter! Elysia''s heart was heavy with sorrow, feeling not just for yton but also for herself. In front of Tarquin, she was a mature wife. In front of her children, she was a strong mother. But in front of her parents, she was just a child. Seeing her father, she immediately broke down! The hardships she had endured in her childhood, the suffering she had faced, rushed out from the depths of her heart! Which child doesn''t need the love of their parents? Which child doesn''t cherish the love of their parents? As a child, whenever she was beaten by ke Thorne, insulted by Juliet, bullied by Daphne Thorne, she would cry and call out for her parents in her heart. How she wished her parents would appear by her side, to protect her! They say children with parents are like jewels, those without are like weeds. As a child, she was just a weed, helpless, anyone could bully her. If her parents had been by her side, she surely would have been enveloped in love, and had a carefree childhood... Elysia looked at yton with grievance, her body shaking, her lips trembling. A word ''Dad'' hovered on her lips, but she couldn''t utter it. It wasn''t that she was still trying to keep the bigger picture in mind, she was just too excited, temporarily losing her ability to speak. "Bro! Mommy!" Evan''s voice came from afar. Having waited too long for them toe inside, Evan was a bit worried but didn''t dare leave his grandma, so he brought her out to look for them. He stood in front of the main building, calling out loudly. Elysia snapped back to reality, regaining someposure. She quickly wiped her tears and turned to look at Evan. Pam sat in a wheelchair, wearing a loose linen dress by Evan''s side, curiously looking over here. Elysia''s breath hitched, "!" From a distance, she couldn''t see Pam''s face clearly, but she knew, that was her mother! Longing to the point of illness, madly searching for her for over twenty years! Because of madness, she was mistreated for a whole twenty years! Elysia dared not think about how she had survived these ten thousand days and nights? The agony of longing and physical pain, how had she endured it all? Elysia''s tears broke free again, her heartache reaching its peak! yton stood not far from her, clutching his heart in turmoil. He didn''t know if Elysia''s emotional outburst was because of them or because of Evan? Seeing her cry, he felt heartache, wanting tofort her, yet not knowing how. Chapter 1022 Emmett was a picture of vulnerability, a lost child seekingfort. When Elysia began to cry, Emmett''s own tears flowed freely. Breaking away from yton''s embrace, he rushed to his mother''s side. "Mommy, mommy..." he sobbed. Elysia bent down, pulling Emmett into a tight hug, her body shaking with sobs. Elliot watched, his eyes brimming with tears, feeling nothing but empathy. He understood the turmoil in his mother''s heart. After being estranged for over two decades, finally seeing her parents yet unable to reveal her true identity must have been agonizing. ording to reliable sources, Elysia held 15% of Hawkins Sea-freight''s shares. With her 15% and her father''s 40%, they would have a majority at the uing shareholders'' meeting, ensuring victory. But with the meeting just three days away, revealing her identity now would only tip off the adversaries, allowing them to regroup and plot anew. It was a delicate situation. Keeping her identity hidden for a bit longer meant safety for Elysia and a chance for her to be with her mother without looming threats. Elliot''s gaze then shifted to a few servants lurking suspiciously around. They were Helen''s minions, pretending to tend to the gardens while actually eavesdropping. Helen had tried to force Elysia to remove her mask earlier, likely suspecting the resemnce between her and Pam, eager to unveil Elysia''s true face. But she hadn''t seeded. If Elysia and her parents acknowledged each other now, Helen would know instantly. Elliot''s eyes narrowed. These people, Helen''sckeys, were about to find out who truly ruled the Hawkins household. But silence didn''t mean submission. The hunt was about to begin. Elysia noticed the servants too, and clenched her teeth in determination. Wiping her tears, sheforted Emmett, "Mommy''s okay, I was just worried about your brother." She then stood up, holding Emmett, and faced yton. With a heavy heart, she removed her mask, revealing a face that, apart from her eyes, bore no resemnce to Pam''s. For the sake of their n, Emmett had disguised her earlier. Their resemnce was too striking, too risky. "Sorry, Mr. Hawkins, we arrived in Oceanopolis this morning and my son went missing. I was so worried, I lost myposure upon seeing him," she exined. yton''s heart sank at her words. The resemnce wasn''t there. It was a moment of profound disappointment for him. "Understandable... understandable," he replied, his voice tinged with bitterness. Elysia felt his pain and silently vowed: Just three more days. After the shareholders'' meeting, after the viins are exposed, we can be a family again. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Mr. Hawkins, thank you for saving my son today." yton hurriedly replied, "Don''t mention it. I should be the one thanking you. Evan was a great help today. Without him, my wife would still be in distress... Come, let''s go inside for a talk." "Sure," Elysia replied, following yton to the main house, her eyes casting onest warning nce at Helen''s minions. Your days of scheming are over. From this moment on, the tables have turned. Chapter 1023 Evan and Pam were waiting right at the main entrance of the mansion. The moment Pam caught sight of Elysia, she was all eyes on her! She tilted her head, scrutinizing Elysia from head to toe-one moment in shock, the next furrowing her brows. "Pam, this is Evan''s mother, Ms. Thorne. Ms. Thorne, meet my wife, Pam," yton introduced. It was Elysia''s first time meeting her mother. Her eyes brimming with tears, her voice choked with emotion, she managed a soft, "Hello." Pam didn''t respond immediately, still intently studying her, suddenly, her eyes widened, "Irene! Irene! My Irene!" Elysia and her brothers, Elliot, Evan, Emmett, were stunned. yton, taken aback for a moment, quickly said, "Pam, calm down, you''re going to scare her." "yton, Irene''s back, it''s Irene! Our Irene is back!" Pam was beside herself with excitement, "Irene! Irene! It''s Mommy here! My Irene! My baby Irene! yton... Irene... Oh...my Irene..." Tears started streaming down Pam''s face, her words tumbling out in a frantic mix of joy and disbelief. She reached for yton with her hands, wrapped in bandages, and then clutched Elysia''s arm tightly, "Irene, where did you go, honey? Mommy searched for you for so long, Ibed through the entire pier and still couldn''t find you...you...you scared me to death! Why have you onlye back now? Mommy missed you every day... Oh, you''re finally back..." Elysia, choked up, let her own tears fall. yton, with red-rimmed eyes, apologized, "Sorry, Ms. Thorne, my daughter disappeared over twenty years ago. My wife, her heart aching for her child, is a bit out of her senses now. You and Evan bear a striking resemnce to her, that''s why she got so worked up seeing you." Elysia shook her head, "It''s okay." yton tried tofort Pam, "Pam, please, calm down. This is Ms. Thorne, not our daughter." But Pam, desperate, insisted, "It is! It is! It''s Irene!" yton was about to say more when Elysia stopped him, "Don''t upset her further." Elysia knelt down, tenderly wiping away Pam''s tears, "Don''t cry anymore, you''re right, I am." "Irene!" "Yes, I''m Irene." Pam''s excitement knew no bounds, turning to yton, "yton, it''s Irene!" yton thought Elysia was just ying along to calm Pam down, his heart heavy, he nodded, "Yes, it''s Irene." Laughing through her tears, Pam beamed, "Irene, my Irene..." Elysia, with a lump in her throat, said, "No more tears, okay? Let''s go inside." "Okay." Elysia personally wheeled Pam into the mansion. Once inside, Pam was eager to head upstairs. She led Elysia to the childhood room, pointing out everything from the wall-mounted crayon drawings to the bed sheets and pillowcases. From the smallest hair tie to thergest chair and cupboard, Pam wished for Elysia to see it all. yton exined, "This was my daughter''s room when she was little. The crayon drawings were her own, the bed sheets and pillowcases were chosen by mother and daughter together. Even these hair ties and stickers were my daughter''s belongings." Pam, thrilled, handed Elysia a rag doll, "Irene, your doll, see, it''s still here, your favorite!" yton added, "This was my daughter''s favorite doll, she used to sleep with it every night. After our daughter disappeared, my wife cherished it dearly, not letting anyone else touch it." Elysia, with teary eyes, epted the doll. Everything in the room spoke of Pam and yton''s love for her. Touched, Elysia looked at the joyous Pam and said, "Thank you, I love it now too." Chapter 1024 Pam was over the moon, patting the bed, "Tonight, right here, Mommy will sleep with you." "Okay." yton watched Pam''s joyful expression, deeply moved. Elysia said, "Her condition is psychological, and it just so happens I know a bit about psychology. If Mr. Hawkins doesn''t mind, I could take a look at her." yton was surprised, "Ms. Thorne knows psychology?!" Evan and Emmett immediately chimed in, "Our mommy is amazing, she even knows medicine!" yton looked impressed, "Then I''d be grateful if Ms. Thorne could check on her when she has the time." "Don''t mention it. Would now be a good time for me to have a moment alone with her?" "Of course, I''ll be right outside. Just call if you need anything." "Will do." yton led the children outside, and Elysia quickly started tofort Pam, removing the bandages from her hands. The realization hit her - her mother had been mistreated for so long, and her father was oblivious. The family doctor clearly wasn''t doing his job right! They couldn''t have properly taken care of her mother''s wounds. Even though Elysia was braced for it, she was still shocked when she unwrapped the bandages! She trembled as she examined her mother''s fingers, then removed the bandages from her legs... Elysia''s eyes widened, she gasped for air, and couldn''t help but embrace Pam and cry, "Mom!" She understood traditional medicine; she recognized these injuries! How could they be so cruel! They were utterly wicked! Utterly despicable!!! ... Meanwhile, in the west wing, a servant was reporting to Helen, "She took off her mask, and she looks nothing like Pam. It''s clear she''s not Irene! But that lunatic Pam insists she is. Mr. Hawkins kept denying it, but she was adamant, nearly causing a scene." Helen, who had just been crying, her eyes still red, huffed at the news, "Desperate for a cure, they cling to any semnce of hope. Thinking any lookalike is her daughter!" Then turning to her confidant, "Have you dug up anything on that family?" The confidant nodded, "Just a regr family." "What does her husband do?" "Unemployed." Mr. Bradford: Unemployed... Helen scoffed, "With no background or assets, and they dare oppose me. They really have a death wish! One son spilled the soup medicine Larry prepared, another called me a shrew, and another called me an old witch! Damn them! yton even scolded me in front of everyone and banned me from the main house, all because of them! If we don''t teach them a lesson, they''ll never learn their ce!" Her confidant immediately asked, "What do you have in mind, ma''am?" A malicious glint passed through Helen''s eyes as she whispered a n, "..." The confidant eximed, "Brilliant n! Not only will it let us vent our anger, but it will also turn everyone''s perception of that lunatic upside down. Who knows, even Mr. Hawkins might start to detest her!" Helen felt better, "Go set it up. Wait for the right moment." "Right away." As the maid left, White, who had been lurking, silently slithered away. White quietly returned to Evan''s side, flicking his tongue in solidarity. Evan, hearing his mommy''s cries, was already upset. But now, his brows furrowed in anger. The old witch was at it again, before he could even settle the score! Thinking she could rule over the Hawkins family''s backyard? Wanting to teach them a lesson? Well, she''d get her chance! Evan wiped away his tears, made up an excuse to yton, and took White out with him. Chapter 1025 In the backyard, Evan and White, had been searching around before they made their way to the west wing of the estate. Spotting Helen by thekeside gazebo, Evan gritted his teeth andmanded, "White, go." White immediately leaped forward, swimming through the bushes into theke waters. At that moment, Helen was in the gazebo, attempting to unwind. However, the online news she stumbled upon only served to fan the mes of her anger instead of calming her nerves. She had never paid much attention to the online chatter about her and Pam before. But after Elliot brought it up today, she was curious. How could strangers im Pam was the epitome of grace and kindness? Bored, Helen decided to do a little digging online. And what she found was infuriating! A search for Pam yielded nothing but glowing praises. Peopleuded her for her majestic beauty, calling her a beacon of Eastern charm. They praised her for her literary elegance, dubbing her Oceanopolis''s number one ssy beauty. They reminisced about her youthful radiance and optimism. They admired her for being dignified and gracious post-marriage, always treating others with kindness. Some even spoke of the profound maternal love they saw in her, despite the tragedies she faced. yton hailed her as a wonderful wife, the Patel family praised her as a dutiful daughter, and even the olddy from the hills called her the best daughter-inw in the world! In essence, she was perfect in every way! But when Helen searched for her own name, the contrast was stark. Critics branded her as petty and spiteful. usations of jealousy and an inability to see others seed followed her. Insults about herck of intellect and pretense at being cultured were rampant. Andments about hercking in beauty but not in vanity were the icing on the cake. After much searching, not a singlepliment could be found! Fuming, Helen turned to her confidant, her voice icy, "Why haven''t you told me about thesements?!" Her confidant shared her frustration, "Like you, I hadn''t been following these. Had I known, I would''ve informed you sooner." Helen clenched her teeth, "This must be the Patel family''s doing. They''re deliberately tarnishing my reputation!" Her confidant agreed, brows furrowed, "Absolutely! The Patel family is known for this. They find it too easy to discredit someone online. Haven''t you noticed? Pam''s brothers have always detested us. Every encounter ends with them giving us death stares, seeing us as archenemies!" Helen''s jealousy surged anew. Pam had it all - her parents'' love, her brothers'' affection, and even her sisters-inw treated her well. The Patel family adored her, and yton was unwaveringly loyal! If only Pam hadn''t insisted on staying in her daughter''s room, refusing to return to her parental home, Helen would''ve had no opportunity to torment her! In contrast, Helen''s own family situation was dismal. The Murphy family''s daughters were merely pawns for profit. Without any potential gain, the Murphy family wouldn''t bother with them. Knowing what was on her mind, her maid ttered, "Madam, don''t be upset. What use are online praises and family affection? She lost her daughter and her mind! Her life is nothingpared to yours now. You''re high above, and she? She''s nothing but a bug in the mud!" Helen felt slightly better, her resolve hardening, "If I had known the Patel family would dare to treat me this way, I would''ve made Pam pay even more dearly! Just wait, the Patel family will have their day of tears!" Her confidant quickly added, "Pam has been out of her mind for over twenty years, and the Patel family has been troubled all along. If Pam were to die, the Patel family would be devastated. Perhaps her parents would die of grief." Feeling uplifted, Helen inquired, "Is everything for the n arranged?" "All set. We just need Pam to fall into the trap. Oh, and about the Thorne family''s three sons, which one should we choose?" Chapter 1026 Helen pondered for a moment, then made her choice. "Let''s go with the one named Evan! Of all the kids, only he got nabbed by kidnappers, which means he''s the easiest to handle. Clearly, the slowest sheep in the flock!" "Right!" Her confidant immediately got on the phone to make arrangements. Leaning back in her chair, Helen closed her eyes to rx, feeling a bit peckish. She reached out for a snack, expecting something crisp or perhaps a bit juicy. But what she touched was unexpectedly squishy. What on earth? Opening her eyes, Helen was met with a pair of tiny eyes staring right back at her. For a brief moment, time stood still. Then, Helen screamed in horror, leaping up from her chair, "Ah!" A rat, the size of a dinner te, had somehow made its way onto the fruit tray, scaring the daylights out of her! The moment she jumped, the rat scurried up her body, squeaking madly. Helen, disgusted and terrified, stumbled backward, shrieking, "Where did this rate from? Someone get it!" The maids, equally grossed out, scrambled around, hesitant to approach. But the rat had its sights set on Helen, climbing up to her head as she screamed in pure terror. She pped at herself, trying to dislodge the rat, to no avail. Suddenly, arge ck cat leaped into the fray, swiping at the rat- It missed, leaving a deep scratch across Helen''s face instead! A long, painful mark stretched from her cheek to her neck. Helen was in agony, but before she could react, the cat went at it again, leaving multiple scratch marks. Caught in a chaotic dance between the cat and the rat, Helen was the unfortunate yground. The rat burrowed into her clothes, with the cat enthusiastically wing at it through the fabric. Failing to catch the rat, Helen ended up covered in scratches. Her face was marred, her body scored with wounds. Driven to the brink, Helen stumbled and fell into theke with a ssh, the rat and the cat tumbling in after her. Cats detest water, and this one was no exception. It clung to Helen, its ws sinking deep into her flesh as if she were a lifeline. Helen was in excruciating pain, crying out for help, "Get off me, you beast! Help, someone, please help..." Unable to swim, she iled in the water, screaming. Suddenly, her eyes widened in pure terror, she shrieked hysterically, "Ah-Help! There''s something in the water... Help me!" The maids, unable to see what was in the water, were now panicking, "Madam! Someone help, the madam has fallen into the water!" Before the bodyguards could react, Evan was there first, holding a litter box at the shore. "Oh dear, how did you end up in the water? Don''t worry, I''ve got you." With that, Evan dumped the contents of the litter box-cat litter and cat feces directly onto Helen! The maids on the shore couldn''t bear to watch, all starting to gag. Anyone who''s had a cat knows how foul cat feces can smell. While the maids were busy gagging, Evan quickly snapped a few photos, choosing the one he liked best to share online. He even crafted a caption: "High Society Secrets: A certain wealthydy adores eating cat feces, a peculiar taste shared by her family!" After posting, he made sure to get in touch with Elijah, "Elijah, I just put something up online. Can you help me spread it? Let''s make sure everyone in Oceanopolis gets a peek." Chapter 1027 Elijah''s lips twitched when he saw the photo and the caption. Only Evan coulde up with such a prank. He had noticed that Evan had a peculiar fascination with toilet humor, which he had exploited numerous times while dealing with the Hawkins family in Jindale City! Emmett and Baby seemed equally amused; every time the topic of toilet humor came up, they would burst intoughter, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Elijah wondered if it was normal for kids their age to find such things interesting... "Leave it to me." It only took a flick of Elijah''s fingers to get the job done. Before Helen could dry off from her dip in the pool, the rumor that the Murphy family had a penchant for eating cat poop had spread like wildfire throughout Oceanopolis. Initially bewildered and then furious, the Murphy family was at a loss for words: ¡°..." Unable to reach Helen by phone, they called Larry for an exnation. Rushing to the west wing, Larry was just as confused. He had heard about a giant rat scare that resulted in Helen falling into the water. However, the high-resolution photo circting online showed Helen in the water, eyes closed, seemingly savoring a piece of cat poop. And investigations confirmed that the photo wasn''t doctored-it was real! This was a difficult situation to navigate! "I''m on my way to see Helen. I''ll have her call the Murphy family back once I find her." The person on the other end roared, "She needs to clean up this mess online immediately! The Murphy family is in the culinary business. With this kind of scandal, how are we supposed to continue? Does she want to bankrupt us?!" A renowned culinary family rumored to indulge in cat poop! Good Lord, who would dare dine at their restaurant or buy their products now? Online spection was wild, with some even questioning if cat poop was a secret ingredient in the Murphy''s products! The Murphy family''s rivals seized the moment to heat things up, dering proudly that cat poop was not a food ingredient and assuring that their own products were free from it. The Murphy family was on the verge of a breakdown; their website was practically paralyzed by the scandal. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Larry quickly assured, "Alright, alright, I''ll speak to Helen as soon as I see her." By the time Larry reached the west wing, Helen had just been pulled out of the water, barely alive. Evan was there, directing Helen''s personal maid, "Don''t just stand there, give her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation! She''s drowning!" The maid, noticing the cat poop still on Helen''s lips, instinctively gagged. Just as she was about to delegate the task, Evan chided, "You''re not disgusted by her mouth, are you? I thought dogs loved that stuff. You''re not proving to be a very good dog. Wait till she wakes up; I''ll tell her how you felt." Ah, this maid had not missed an opportunity to torment the grandmother alongside Helen; she couldn''t be let off easily! Fuming, the maid retorted, "You little brat, calling me a dog? You''re asking for it!" With a flick of his wrist, Evan sent a pebble flying urately at the maid''s knee. She screamed and fell to her knees. Evan pointed at Helen, "If you don''t give her mouth-to-mouth now, she''ll die." Considering her future, the maid clenched her teeth and bent down to do it. The other servants and security guards started retching at the sight! Even Larry, not far off, couldn''t help but vomit into the bushes, throwing up his breakfast! After cleaning himself up, he hurried over to assist in Helen''s rescue. Helen vomited a lot of dirty water before regaining consciousness, looking utterly miserable. The west wing was a scene of chaos that day, from Helen to every servant, everyone had their share of vomiting! Themotion was undeniable! Not wanting to dy any further with the Murphy family''s urgent situation, Larry didn''t give Helen any time to recover, blurting out, "Ma''am, there''s trouble. The Murphy family is furious, and they''ve been calling me non-stop." He showed Helen the online news on his phone. The story of the Murphy family''s alleged fondness for cat poop had gone viral, sparking widespread discussion and reaching a fever pitch! Chapter 1028 Helen''s eyes nearly popped out of her skull. She pointed at Evan, stammering in disbelief. "You...you..." That rotten trick, it was this little devil who pulled it off! Evan chuckled, "No need to thank me. If you really wanna show gratitude, thank your litter box. If it hadn''t been for it keeping you afloat, you''d probably have drowned. Once you''re better, you really should treat it like a treasure. I''m just curious, though. How''s the taste of ''kitty surprise"?" Helen trembled with rage, turning to her trusted aide with a murderous look. "Kill...kill..." The aide got the message loud and clear - a death sentence for Evan. She, too, was seething with anger towards Evan, nodding in agreement. "Madam, please, calm down. We''ve caused quite a stir here, and I just got word from the main house. Elysia came looking for her son, and Pam, not wanting to be separated from her, left the main house with her. Our chance has arrived!" Helen, grinding her teeth in fury,manded, "Do it!" "Right!" The aide signaled to the house''s security guards with a meaningful nce, "Kick this brat out!" Understanding their orders, the guards menacingly moved towards Evan, barking, "Scram!" Evan knew this was the beginning of their sinister n. Without resisting, he shoved his hands in his pockets and sauntered off, humming a tune under his breath. Bring it on, all your dirty tricks. I''m ready for you! From now on, dealing with you lot is my only agenda! Nearby, by the riverbank, a rat was still bouncing around in front of White, as if seeking praise. White ignored it, ncing into the water before slithering towards Evan. When Larry attempted to escort Helen back to her room, he noticed her knee was bleeding profusely from several bites. Panicking and unsure how to proceed without worsening the situation, he yelled at the guards, "Call 911, now!" ... Meanwhile, Helen''s goons had taken Evan to a blind spot in the surveince and after a brief scare, left him there. No sooner had they left than two burly men jumped over the wall from outside. Masked and menacing, they charged at Evan with clear intent. Evan, readying himself for a fight, was taken aback when a shadowy figure darted in front of him! In the next instant, the two men were down, without even a chance to scream. Staring in disbelief, Evan recognized the shadowy figure as a scar-faced brute! Confused, Evan wondered, What''s his angle? Helping me? Despite their shared animosity towards his mentor, and by extension, him, here he was, switching sides? That didn''t add up. Was he trying a softer approach after failing to extract my mentor''s whereabouts? Evan hadn''t figured it out when he saw the brute about to deliver a fatal blow and hurried over, "No killing!" The brute, about to snap their necks, paused, considering Evan''s plea, "Mercy to an enemy is cruelty to oneself!" "Just incapacitate them, that''s enough. Killing them is against thew, my mom said so. We live in a society governed byws!" "Such naive views won''t get you far!" Evan furrowed his brow, "I''m warning you, don''t you dare insult my mom! You have no right! My mom is an angel, the best there is!" Disgusted, the brute let go of his grip. The two men, scared witless,y on the ground, checking their necks to make sure they were still intact. They thought they were just dealing with a kid, but out of nowhere, a brute appeared? Despite their confidence in their own skills, they were no match for the brute, not evensting three seconds, without a chance to scream. Had it not been for the kid''s intervention, they''d have been dead by now! The men looked uneasily at Evan and the brute, "Who...who are you guys?" The brute, with his aloof demeanor, wasn''t about to waste words on them. He stood aside, watching them coldly. Evan approached them, crouching down to their level. Chapter 1029 The little guy stared at the two hitmen for a moment, his face contorted in disdain. "Seriously? You two think you can take me down? Might wanna take a long look in the mirror next time, preferably over a toilet bowl. Your skills are mediocre at best, but I''ll give you this: you''ve got guts, taking on any job thates your way. Well, looks like you''ve bitten off more than you can chew this time. You''re way out of your league trying to mess with me." Evan had just finished his rant when his smartwatch buzzed. It was Elliot calling. He quickly got up to answer it, "Bro, was just about to call you. Are Grandma and Mom already out of the main house?" Elliot was following Elysia and Pam, speaking in a hushed tone, "Yeah, Mom heard about Helen''s mishap, and that you were in the west wing. She''s worried sick about you, wants to check on you herself. Grandma insisted oning along, didn''t want to be left behind, so Mom''s pushing her wheelchair out here." "What about Grandpa?" "Grandpa had just left when he got an urgent call. Said he''d be hereter." Evan snorted, typical! Helen must''ve arranged everything ahead of time. As soon as her n was in motion, she''d find a way to distract Grandpa, keeping him away from any blind spots in the surveince. That way, Grandpa would never find out that it wasn''t Grandma behind the whole mess! "Listen, bro, no matter what path you guys are on right now, the maid''s definitely leading Grandma into a surveince blind spot. Helen, that wicked witch, got a tongueshing from Mom and Grandpa today and has cooked up a nasty n for revenge! She''s arranged for someone to try and take me out, then pin the me on Grandma. It''s a two-for-one deal for her: not only to torment Mom but also to tarnish Grandma''s reputation! I''m in the blind spot right now. Took care of Helen''s goons she sent after me. What''s our next move?" Evan was skilled, but not as shrewd as Elliot. When it came to big moves, it was always Elliot calling the shots. Big brother was always big brother, and they all listened to him! Elliot''s brow furrowed upon hearing Evan''s words. People could be truly monstrous, scarier than any ghost! She had actuallye up with something so vile! If Evan hadn''t been so capable, he might''ve been history by now! By luring Grandma into the blind spot, seeing Evan''s supposed corpse would definitely rattle her, maybe even making her try to shake him, hoping for a miracle. Then, the household staff would swarm out, pointing fingers at Grandma, saying she was the one who had done it. Given Grandma''s condition, she wouldn''t be able to defend herself. Whatever they said would be taken as truth. Even with Elliot and Mom as witnesses, the rumor mill would go into overdrive. A lunatic killing might not be punishable byw, but a lunatic brutally murdering a child would still attract universal condemnation. Grandma''s reputation would be in tatters! After this, no one would remember her as the dignified, well-readdy, gentle and kind to all. Instead, they''d only wish for her swift departure from this world, to stop her from harming the innocent! Seeing the maid leading Elysia and Pam towards a certain path, Elliot''s frown deepened. That was the path to the surveince blind spot! "Evan, those two hitmen, are they cooperating?" "They wouldn''t dare not to." "Good, here''s what you do..." After quicklyying out a n, Evan nodded in agreement, "Got it, I''ll do as you say!" After ending the call, Evan approached the two hitmen again, "Want to live?" The hitmen were taken aback, hearing such a question from a kid felt surreal! Under normal circumstances, they''d haveughed it off. But not now. After all, they were keenly aware of the influential figure standing right beside the kid, who could easily end their lives. The two men nodded frantically, "Yes, yes, we want to live!" "Alright then, call Helen now. Tell her you''ve seeded, that I''m dead." The hitmen were dumbfounded, "What?!" "If you want to live, do as I say. Otherwise, I''m washing my hands of this, and you can deal with him." Chapter 1030 Two hitmen gave the boss a simultaneous nce, their bodies shivering in fear. They hurriedly fished out their phones from their pockets. "But... we don''t have Helen''s contact," one stammered. "It''s always her minions who get in touch with us. What now?" Evan furrowed his brow, hardly surprised. That old witch, Helen, had some brains. In the dirty business of murder, she''d never dirty her hands directly. She''d make sure she was squeaky clean. No matter, chopping off one of her hands would still make her scream. She thought she could wash her hands off this mess? Not a chance! "Whoever contacted you, call them back. Make Helen believe I''m already dead. And if you dare slip up, you won''t like what I''ll do!" The hitmen nodded frantically and immediately called Helen''s personal assistant, "The job''s done. When do we get the rest of our money?" "Are you sure the kid''s dead?" Helen''s assistant inquired. "Absolutely sure." "Send a video." "A video? After the deed, we heard some noises nearby and had to climb over the wall to escape. You didn''t say anything about a video." The assistant nced at Helen before asking, "Was it brutal?" "Yeah, just like you wanted... we... we sliced him up a hundred times and even cut off his tongue." Helen, listening in, felt a wave of satisfaction. Cutting off Evan''s tongue was hermand, a revenge for the humiliation she suffered from Elysia and her sons! Helen gave her assistant a look, who then asked, "Did you gouge out his eyes? Did you slice his nose?" The hitmen involuntarily nced at Evan, trembling. Evan, with a cold re, thought: Cutting tongues, gouging out eyes, slicing noses... ''Evil'' was an understatement for this old witch! He gestured for the hitmen to reply. "Yep, gouged the eyes, sliced the nose, and even chopped off his hands and legs¡ªjust as you requested. Now, hurry up with the payment; we need to get out of here. And don''t think of crossing us." The assistant frowned, looking back at Helen. Annoyed, Helen waved her hand, and the assistant quickly assured the hitmen, "The money will be transferred immediately. Just keep your mouths shut!" Soon enough, the hitmen received a notification: $100,000 deposited into their ount. Evan was speechless. "My life is only worth $100,000??" "It''s... it''s $200,000. They paid $100,000 upfront." Evan pursed his lips and rolled his eyes, speechless. Here he was, a genius Evan, valued at just $200,000? He turned his attention away from them, looking towards a scar-faced boss, "Come here, I need a hand!" At the hospital, Helen felt as if she''d released a huge burden. As soon as the call ended, she said, "Quick, lure Pam here!" "Our men have already guided her there, but... madam, if this happened at the old mansion, will Mr. Hawkins lock down the news?" Helen frowned. "He definitely will. That''s why we can''t give him the chance. Are the reporters still at the door?" After the scandal of Helen''s peculiar dietary preferences came to light, numerous reporters had camped at the Hawkins family''s doorstep, eager for a scoop. "They''re still there, not willing to leave without seeing you." A sly look crossed Helen''s eyes, "Get a doctor here to check on me. Once I''m done, I''ll head back to the Hawkins family to stir up some trouble!" The doctor arrived and dered Helen''s leg wound was from a fish bite. Helen was frustrated. The fish in thatke were her own, none known for being aggressive. How could one have bitten her? But she had no time to ponder. After a quick treatment, she rushed back to the Hawkins family, ready to make waves. Chapter 1031 Outside the Hawkins residence, the scene was nothing short of chaotic! A flock of reporters, armed with their cameras and microphones, camped outside, eagerly awaiting Helen. Just as Helen reached her doorstep, her phone buzzed with a call from the Murphy family. Bobby Murphy was fuming on the other end, "The Murphy family''s house is swarmed with reporters, and our stocks are plummeting. When will you clear up the mess online?!" Helen felt unjustly put upon. Wasn''t she also a victim in this debacle? Her father offered no words offort, onlyints and pressure! But she couldn''t rely on Carl. She needed the support of her family to maintain her status among the elite, meaning she couldn''t afford to burn bridges with the Murphy family. With a submissive tone, she replied, "I''m handling it as we speak. Just wait, the news about the Murphy family will soon be overshadowed." What was happening with the Murphy family couldn''t hold a candle to Pam''s situation! Pam was a ma for controversy on her own. Her predicament would pull in yton and, by extension, Hawkins Sea-freight. It would even drag the Patel family into the spotlight, given their secretive nature that always sparked public curiosity. Any minor ripple from the Patel family could trend online. Whether it was yton or the Patel family, either could overshadow the Murphy family''s current news. Especially since it involved child abuse, a topic bound to ignite public outrage. Who would care about the Murphy family''s news then? After hanging up, Helen sat in her car, taking a moment topose herself before putting on an act. She exited the car in a flurry, head bowed, and hurried towards the Hawkins family home. As soon as the reporters spotted her, they swarmed around her. "Helen, is it true that you''re obsessed with eating cat litter?!" one of them shouted. Helen scowled, "That''s ridiculous!" "But how do you exin the photos? You seemed quite satisfied eating cat litter!" Mentioning that photo made Helen furious-Evan really had a knack for capturing the worst moments! "The Hawkins family is dealing with a major issue today. I''m in a rush to get back, please make way and don''t waste my time!" Sensing a bigger story, the reporters pressed on, "What''s the major issue with the Hawkins family? Can you tell us more?" Helen remained silent, escorted by her bodyguard towards the Hawkins Mansion. Her maid gave the gatekeeper a look, and he, understanding the cue, pretended to block the reporters while subtly letting them in. Led by Helen, the reporters swarmed into the Hawkins Mansion. Helen made a beeline for the main building! At that moment, Elysia was pushing Pam in her wheelchair, basking in the sun in the garden. Pam kept calling her Irene, and Elysia responded with tenderness. Witnessing this motherly affection, yton was deeply moved. How he wished Elysia was his Irene! If only, he thought. Suddenly, his assistant rushed over, "Boss, Helen has arrived with a bunch of reporters." yton frowned, "The Murphy family is in trouble, and she brings reporters to our main house? Why?" "Just heard her say that the Hawkins family is facing a major incident today." "What incident?" yton asked. The assistant shook his head, "No idea." yton''s expression darkened. Reporters shouldn''t be able to just waltz into a private estate like this¡ªit had to be Helen''s doing! "She''s up to no good again! Stop her froming here! Don''t let her scare Pam and Ms. Thorne." "It''s toote..." Before the assistant could finish, Helen came running over, "Big sister, woe is me..." yton and Elysia were both puzzled. Elliot was also in the garden, his eyes narrowed, ready for the drama. Helen, limping with a group of reporters in tow, made her way towards Pam. yton and his assistant stopped her a few meters away, "What are you doing?!" Through tears, Helenmented, "As soon as I heard Pam was in trouble, I rushed back. yton, please don''t me her. Pam, she must have been out of her mind to do such a heinous act. It''s cruel, but there''s a reason behind it!" yton, unaware of Helen''s malicious scheme, was taken aback and angered by her words, coldly retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting now?!" Chapter 1032 His ignorance seemed likeplicity in Helen''s eyes! Fuming, Helen just knew he''d take Pam''s side! Here she was, having brought the reporters herself, and he was still covering for Pam, utterly clueless! What on earth did that loony Pam have that made him so fond of her! Helen red at the oblivious Pam before putting on a tearful act, saying, "yton, ourws clearly state that insanity exempts one from murder charges, so you don''t need to worry about Pam getting into trouble once this blows up. But you, covering up something like this, that''s a crime, you know!" yton, utterly confused and dark-faced, demanded, "Who killed someone? What are you even talking about?!" Helen ignored him, turning to Elysia, who was fiercely protective of Pam, "Ms. Thorne, seeing how you''ve just lost a son yet can sunbathe as if nothing''s happened, I truly admire your strength. People should indeed move on like that." Elysia frowned, her teeth clenched, "Your son died! Your whole family is dead! My son is alive and well!" In her heart, Helen scoffed, seeing Elysia as heartless for not grieving her son''s death and still shielding a murderer! What a world, full of unimaginable things! Pretending to be moved, Helen continued, "Ms. Thorne, to peacefully coexist with Pam after she brutally killed your young son, you must truly understand her. That touches me." Everyone was baffled. Elysia: using her of murdering her son? What kind of nonsense is this! yton: Had this malicious woman lost her mind? Daring to spread rumors about Pam in front of him and the reporters! The reporters: Pam murdered a child? God, what a scoop! The reporters got even more excited, snapping photos left and right. Of Pam! Of yton! Of Elysia! Of Helen! Just as Helen wanted, the focus shifted instantly to the ''Pam Child Murder'' scandal. Questions came flying, "Mr. Hawkins, did Mrs. Hawkins really kill someone?" "Mr. Hawkins, Mrs. Hawkins has always had a good reputation. Why would she kill today? Was she provoked?" "Mr. Hawkins, where is the body of the child Mrs. Hawkins allegedly murdered? How did you handle it?" Some even asked Helen, "Helen, you mentioned brutal murder? Can you tell us how it happened?" Wiping away fake tears, Helen said she couldn''t reveal details, yet she spilled everything! She imed Pam had shed Evan''s body with a knife hundreds of times, cut off his tongue and nose, and even gouged out his eyes to y with as balls! She even said Pam chopped off Evan''s legs and feet, a brutality beyond imagination! With some reporters live streaming, the news exploded online, dominating the trending topics. "Ridiculous!" yton exploded, silencing everyone with a shout. Visibly enraged, yton red at Helen, "On what grounds do you use Pam of murder? Where''s your evidence?!" Helen, feigning threat and fear, stammered, "yton..." "Your evidence!" yton roared in anger. Elysia, too, was seething, "Spouting lies with no consequence? using my son of dying and Mrs. Hawkins of murder, we could sue you for this!" Helen internally seethed, all conspiring to protect Pam, huh! Fine, let''s see how you protect her now! "Ms. Thorne has three sons, right? Why do we only see two now? Where''s Evan?" To prove Pam''s innocence, they''d have to produce Evan, alive and kicking. But Evan was dead as a doornail, huh! She was sure of her victory. Smirking internally, Helen was brimming with confidence. Yet, the next moment, a young, innocent voice suddenly rang out from behind the crowd, "Wow, why are there so many people here? I heard my name; is someone looking for me?" Chapter 1033 Huh?! Helen frowned and turned around. But as soon as she did, she whipped back around! Good Lord, what had she just seen? Did she really just see Evan, that little troublemaker? Wasn''t he supposed to be dead and gone? Why was she seeing him?! Impossible! This can''t be happening! She must be seeing things! It had to be the way she turned around! Helen steadied herself and turned once more... And there was Evan, standing right behind her, with a grin that could light up the room, "Were you looking for me?" "Ahh-" Helen screamed, falling back onto the ground! "Are¡ªare you a ghost or something?!" Evan looked genuinely puzzled, "What? Of course, I''m alive. Why would I be a ghost?!" "But, weren''t you dead?!" "Huh?!" Evan''s voice pitched up, "Who told you I was dead? That''s a baseless rumor!" Helen stared, out of breath, "..." Evan gave her a weird look and bounced back to where Elysia and Pam were standing. Elysia wasn''t worried about Evan one bit. She didn''t know about the big shot protecting Evan, but she knew Tarquin had arranged bodyguards for them. Evan was alive, and the rumor was squashed! The reporters buzzed among themselves, "This kid looks fine to me, why would Helen start such a rumor?" "And she described it so vividly, as if it was true!" "That''s not just spreading rumors, she must''ve thought Mrs. Hawkins was actually harming children and tried to expose her, the intentions behind this are questionable." Helen''s heart was racing, her ns crumbling before her eyes! She quicklyposed herself and said, "I''m d he''s alive, I always knew Pam was too kind to harm a child! It was all a misunderstanding, let''s just forget this happened and move on." Helen tried to disperse the crowd and leave. But as she turned to go, yton spoke up, his voice cold and deliberate, "Where did you hear Pam killed Evan?" Helen''s heart pounded as she tried to deflect, "I can''t quite remember, but now that it''s clear it was all a misunderstanding, I''ll just get these reporters out of here." "You''re not going anywhere until you exin yourself!" yton threatened publicly. Helen: "!" Before she could think of an exit strategy, the bodyguards suddenly brought forward two thugs, "Sir, these two were sneaking around the Hawkins estate, our men caught them and they confessed someone paid them toe here to kill someone." Upon seeing them, Helen''s aplice nearly screamed out loud! Helen was so shocked her eyes nearly popped out of her head! Evan, standing next to Elysia and Pam, narrowed his eyes, making the thugs shiver in fear! Following Evan''s earlier instructions, the thugs pointed directly at Helen and her aplice, "It was them! They paid us $200,000 to harm a kid named Evan! They wanted it done brutally, demanded we cut off his tongue and nose, gouge out his eyes, oh, and chop off the kid''s legs and arms!¡± Everyone: "?!!!" Helen had hired killers?! Helen''s aplice fell to the ground with a thud, crying out, "We would never harm that child, we have no grievances with him, how could we possibly order such a thing?!" Helen, pale as a ghost, struggled to stand her ground, retorting, "Who are you to use me? Do you want to face awsuit?!" Chapter 1034 Helen''s gaze was as terrifying as a de, and under normal circumstances, the two hitmen wouldn''t dare to cross her! But now,pared to Helen, they were far more afraid of Evan and the scar-faced boss! Next to them, Helen was nothing! The two hitmen immediately blurted out, "We have evidence! We have transaction records, we..." Helen cut them off, "Transaction records can be faked. They don''t count as evidence!" "We also have a recording!" Without hesitation, the hitmen pulled out their smartphones and yed the recording for everyone to hear. "The job''s done. When''s the final paymenting?" "Are you sure the kid is dead?" "One hundred percent." "Was it torture?" "Yeah... Eyes gouged out, nose cut off, both hands and legs chopped off, all as you requested. Now pay up..." "The money will be sent to you. Make sure to keep your mouths shut!" As the recording ended, the room erupted in shock! This recording was made by Evan, using someone else''s phone, while the hitmen were forced to call Helen''s maid. It was Elliot''s idea, all to gather evidence! Irrefutable evidence, leaving no room for their defense, firmly pinning the crime on them! The hitmen pleaded, "We just wanted to scam some money, we''d never dare to kill someone. Please, Mr. Hawkins, spare us!" The maid, trembling all over with fear, looked at Helen in horror, "Madam, madam..." With gritted teeth, Helen raised her hand and pped the maid! "You''ve got some nerve, doing such things behind my back. How could you be so cruel?!" "I... I... Madam, I..." "Don''t call me madam. You conspired to murder a child and framed Pam. It''s utterlywless and unforgivable! From today, our rtionship as master and servant is over!" With that, Helen, in front of everyone, began to cry, "She''s the one who told me Evan was tortured to death by Pam, that''s why I believed it! She''s been by my side for over a decade, and I never realized she could be so vile. I was blind, so blind..." In just a few words, Helen cleared herself of any involvement. Elliot watched her performance with narrowed eyes, neither surprised nor angry. Helen had stayed out of it all along, and even if her maid had publicly used her of being the mastermind, there was no evidence! Moreover, the maid wouldn''t dare! But the maid couldn''t escape legal punishment now! Taking down her personal maid was like cutting off one of Helen''s arms, losing a loyal minion, and she would surely feel the pain! Evan, however, was somewhat unsatisfied, making such a big fuss but not being able to send the old witch to prison was frustrating! Evan mocked her openly, "Why the tears? She was your maid, which makes you very suspicious! You brought the reporters in here, just trying to get Pam exposed, didn''t you? Wicked woman!" Helen red, "You..." Elysia stepped in front of Evan and threw a few words at her, "Utterly vile!" The reporters once again started buzzing with spection, "The kid''s not wrong. It''s hard to say who the real mastermind is." "The rumors are true, Helen''s jealous, vile, and ruthless..." With such harsh words ringing in her ears, Helen felt as if her brain wascking oxygen, dizzy and lightheaded. ytonmanded, "Call the police! Take everyone in the west wing to the station to assist in thoroughly investigating this matter!" Helen''s mind buzzed, and she fainted on the spot! Elliot coldly watched her, fainting after just an arm was cut off? She fainted too soon; the real drama was just beginning! Chapter 1035 Elliot couldn''t help but notice, amidst the uproar about "the grandma who abused children," there was one person whose gaze was fixed on Mom the entire time! He nced back and forth between Grandma and Mom, his expression frantic. That person was Larry! Elliot knew exactly why he was panicking; he must''ve noticed the bandages on Grandma''s hands! Mom had just rewrapped Grandma''s wounds not too long ago. And she did it with such expertise, anyone with a medical background could tell at a nce. And if you knew anything about medicine, you''d realize Grandma''s injuries were anything but normal! That was precisely what terrified Larry! He must''ve figured out that their mistreatment of Grandma had been discovered by Mom! And that had him scared out of his wits! If Grandpa ever found out, they''d be dead meat! Elliot sneered inwardly, thinking of Larry as nothing but a traitor and one of Helen''s cronies, actively participating in the abuse! Every time Grandma was injured, he would tamper with her medicine during treatment. He never used anything that would help her wounds heal; instead, his choices would only worsen them, leading to infection! Only when Grandma couldn''t take it anymore would he actually treat her properly! Such ungratefulness, such betrayal, was utterly despicable! He was next on Elliot''s list! Over the years, anyone who had hurt Grandma and Grandpa wouldn''t get away with it! The crowd soon dispersed, Helen and her crew were carted off to the police station, and the reporters were sent packing. yton squatted beside Evan, concern etched on his face, "Evan, you alright there? Didn''t get scared, did you?" Evanughed it off, "Grandpa, don''t worry about me. I''m fine. Didn''t even know someone was out to get me." ¡°That''s my boy. Ah, if anything had happened to you, I''d never forgive myself.¡± Seeing Larry attempting to leave, yton called out to him, "Larry, why don''t youe over and check on Evan? I''d feel better." Caught off guard, Larry shuddered at the call-out! He turned around, his eyes instinctively darting towards Elysia. Elysia stood next to Pam, ring at him with loathing in her eyes! He was one of the abusers, having used medicine on his mother that only aggravated her condition! Guilty as charged, Larry avoided Elysia''s gaze, unable to meet her eyes. He approached Evan with feigned bravery, but before he could kneel, Elysia coldly interjected, "Mr. Chen''s help isn''t needed. I''m quite versed in medical arts myself; I can examine my own child." Larry''s back was slick with sweat. "Ms. Thorne is a doctor?" Elliot narrowed his eyes, "My mom''s a miracle worker when ites to medicine. She''s pretty amazing." Larry breathed heavily, "I see... perhaps we could exchange notes sometime.¡± Elysia''s tone was firm, "Indeed!" She had intentionally tied a butterfly knot when rewrapping her mother''s wounds today, just so Larry would notice! Whether he sought her out or not, she was determined to confront him! Not exposing him now had its purpose! But not exposing didn''t mean forgiving! As Larry faced Elysia''s unfriendly gaze, he swallowed hard, pretending nothing was amiss as he turned to yton, "Mr. Hawkins, since Ms. Thorne is also skilled in medicine, I''ll be on my way then." "Right, I forgot Ms. Thorne knew her way around medical treatments. Off you go." Larry, feigning respect, nodded quickly and made his escape. Once out of everyone''s sight, his expression darkened... yton looked at Elysia, his eyes full of apology, ¡°I''m so sorry, you just got to the Hawkins family and had to face this mess. It''s my fault for not providing a warmer wee." Elysia shifted her gaze from Larry, "Helen''s no saint. She came after Mrs. Hawkins today, aiming to tarnish her reputation!" "I''m aware. Helen has always been hostile towards Pam. I''ll have this thoroughly investigated. If we find even the slightest clue, I won''t let her off easy!" Chapter 1036 As yton finished speaking, his phone buzzed with a new message, prompting a frown from him. The phone rang the next second. yton didn''t answer it; instead, he pocketed his phone and turned to Elysia, asking, "Ms. Thorne, I heard from Evan you''re visiting from out of town?" Elysia fibbed, "Yes." yton hastily added, "If you don''t mind, Ms. Thorne, you could cancel your hotel reservation and stay at the Hawkins residence. Bring your husband along, too. You can both stay here. My wife mistook you for our daughter, and seeing you made her happy. I''d like her to enjoy that feeling a bit longer." Before Elysia could reply, yton hurriedly assured, "Don''t worry, I''ll ensure your safety at the Hawkins residence, and it won''t interfere with your ns. You''re free toe and go as you please." Elysia had no intention of leaving anyway. If her father hadn''t brought it up, she would have. But seeing her father''s humble plea, she felt a pang of heartache. "It just so happens my husband is tied up with work these next few days and can''t take us out. I feel a connection with Mrs. Hawkins; I''d like to stay and keep herpany." yton, visibly moved, his eyes brimming with tears, said, "Thank you, thank you." Pam clutched Elysia''s hand tightly, "We won''t leave, Irene won''t go, Irene won''t leave Mom.¡± Elysia, with tears in her eyes, soothed her, "Yes, I won''t leave. I''ll stay by your side." Pam, childlike once again, burst into a radiant smile, innocence written all over her face. Elysia felt a deep sympathy: Despite being falsely used of such heinous acts, she remained oblivious to the nder and abuse. Thankfully, they had returned. The hard days for her mother were over; happiness was all that awaited. yton, with a heavy heart, thought, "If only Elysia really were Irene, how wonderful that would be!" Sighing, yton told Elysia, "Ms. Thorne, I''ve got an emergency at thepany to deal with. Please, take care of Pam for me. If you need anything, just ask the staff!" "Of course, go attend to your business." After giving his instructions, yton left the mansion. The news that Irene held a 15% share in Hawkins Sea-freight had spread among the board members. They all knew his daughter couldn''t return, and at the uing shareholders'' meeting, he was set to lose. So, they had already started making their moves! He had explicitly forbidden the smuggling of contraband on the Hawkins family ships! Yet, today, they had gone behind his back, loading the contraband onto the ships, nning to smuggle it overseas! They were tantly disregarding his authority as the current CEO! No sooner had yton left than Larry received the news. Larry was discussing Elysia''s situation with the old doctor. "No matter why she didn''t expose us today, this woman must be dealt with, she can''t stay!" The old doctor, who had been through thick and thin with yton, furrowed his brows and said, "She must go, but yton surely has arranged for her and the child''s protection. It''s not easy to act now!" "yton will protect her, but he surely won''t extend that protection to her husband." "What do you mean?" ¡°Helen did some digging on them. They''re from humble beginnings, nothing notable. We can start by dealing with her husband at the hotel, then lure her there under his name!" "And then take her out?" "Exactly." "That''s a solid n, but is her husband going to be easy to handle?" Larry scoffed, "Her husband''s just a deadbeat, aplete pushover. What''s not easy about dealing with him? It''ll be a piece of cake!" The old doctor nodded, "Then it''s settled." Larry pulled out his phone to make arrangements, ¡°We must finish this before yton returns. Let''s ensure their family meets their end in Oceanopolis today! I''ll have someone take care of her worthless husband first!" Tarquin: Me, a deadbeat?! Chapter 1037 Mr. Bradford, better known on the docks as Tarquin, was aboard a supply ship, rummaging through contraband freshly smuggled off a vessel owned by the Hawkins family, when his phone buzzed with a call from Lowell. "Tarquin, that ingrate Larry Hawkins has sent assassins after you," Lowell''s voice came through, light and almost amused. "What?" Tarquin couldn''t believe his ears. "Yeah, that Larry kid. Sent some goons to take you out," Lowell repeated, chuckling as if the idea of Larry trying to kill Tarquin was as absurd as a mouse taking on a lion. There was no threat, onlyedy in the notion. Tarquin pursed his lips, "Why the hell would hee after me? I haven''t even been near Hawkins territory." "It''s about your wife. She stumbled upon some dark family secrets about Mrs. Hawkins being mistreated. Larry''s looking to silence her, and you, being her husband, are also on his hit list." Being Elysia''s husband... well, that was a title Tarquin wore with pride. "Where are they now?" Tarquin inquired, his tone getting serious. "Still lurking around the hotel. Our guys are keeping an eye on them. Should we nab them or what?" "Grab them. And make sure they can''t contact Larry. Cut them offpletely." After ending the call with Lowell, Tarquin dialed Elliot to check on Elysia. Elliot was upfront, "Mum''s safe, don''t worry. But she''s not doing great. Grandma''s been through a lot, and Mum''s heartbroken over it." Tarquin''s brow furrowed with concern. Elysia was hurting because of Pam''s suffering, and that, in turn, hurt him. It was all the fault of those who had wronged Pam. "Stay close to Mum. I''ll be there as soon as I sort things out here." "Got it!" Tarquin then briefed Elliot about Larry''s assassination attempt and exchanged any new information they had uncovered before hanging up. Axel emerged from the ship''s hold, "Looks like these contraband items are linked to that mystery man." A cold light shed in Tarquin''s eyes. If it was him, things were starting to make sense. Recently, he had learned about arge shipment of contraband aboard a Hawkins family vessel, destined for overseas. It seemed off to him then. Transporting contraband now seemed like an attempt to smear yton''s name. But smearing yton also meant smearing Hawkins Sea-freight. Yet, the Hawkins family seemed confident that they would take over Hawkins Sea-freight in three days. They wouldn''t tarnish their own name. So, why rush the smuggling operation? Now, it seemed clear that the mystery man knew of Tarquin and Elysia''s return to Oceanopolis and the uing board meeting where yton was sure to win. Once yton''s enemies were ousted, exploiting Hawkins Sea-freight would be harder. Best to move the goods amidst the current chaos, especially while the other shareholders were oblivious to the upheaval, already discounting yton as a threat. Knowing Elysia''s connection to yton, the mystery man wouldn''t expose it. He still needed these pawns. Tarquin''s disdain crystallized into action, "Contact the National Security Agency. Hand over the goods in Mr. Hawkins'' name." Want to rush things? Let''s see how you like being held up. Axel nodded, "Should we nt someone on board?" "No need. Let''s not spook them. I''ll deal with Mr. Hawkins personallyter." There was no rush. The cargo ship had just left, needing at least a fortnight to reach its destination. Meanwhile, yton had just arrived at his office, learning that the cargo ship had set sail an hour ago. He immediately ordered the vessel to turn back and return to port. Chapter 1038 Several ships refused to obey orders and continued sailing. They were all under themand of the second inmand at thepany, who now seemed to disregard yton as a leader! Fuming, yton stormed into the second inmand''s office andnded a punch on him right away! The second inmand wiped the blood from his nose, didn''t fight back, and with a grim face said, "Consider that punch a repayment for all the years you''ve mentored me!" yton was so angry he was practically gasping for breath and tried to go at him again, but his assistant held him back, "Boss, take it easy." yton, seething with rage, pointed at the second inmand and yelled, "You backstabbing jerk, I trusted you, gave you all this power, and you dare betray me! You had the audacity to break the rules I set, smuggling contraband!" The second inmand was someone yton had personally promoted, someone he had trusted to manage thepany''s affairs. That''s why the contraband could be shipped out without yton''s knowledge! "People die for wealth as birds die for food, we''re not wrong, you''re just too stubborn," the second inmand coldly responded. "You''re going to ruin Hawkins Sea-freight! Order those ships to turn back now! Otherwise, I..." yton was cut off by his ringing phone. He nced at the caller ID and stepped out with the phone. "Hello, Lloyd, I..." "Can you talk right now?" the caller interrupted. "Yeah, go ahead." The caller was excited, "Man, you''ve done a great deed again. Among the contraband you turned in, there was a portion of national secrets. Lucky you caught it in time, it could''ve threatened national security! The higher-ups specifically asked me to give you a call, to extend their thanks." yton was bewildered, "When did I turn in contraband?" "Today." yton: "..." The caller was an oldrade, so yton didn''t keep him in the dark and told him everything. After hearing it, the caller was just as stunned, "It was indeed contacted in your name to the National Security Agency. The contraband was swapped out with regr supplies from one of the Hawkins family''s cargo ships. We knew about the trouble brewing under yourmand and thought you discovered it and swapped it quietly, not to tarnish Hawkins Sea-freight''s reputation." yton quickly asked for the ship''s number, which was indeed one of the ships he was trying to intercept! yton was both excited and shocked, wondering who could be so capable? Secretly swapping out the contraband to turn over to the nation, not only saving Hawkins Sea-freight''s reputation but also adhering to maritimews and conscience, was brilliantly executed! If it were up to him, he would have done the same! yton felt like he had found a kindred spirit, excitedly saying, "I didn''t do this, can we find out who did?" This was a clever and talented individual! "It wasn''t you, then was it the Patel family? I heard the Patels went back to Oceanopolis today, probably hearing about your recent troubles and going back to support you." yton deeply respected the Patel siblings; they were good to Pam and kind to him as well. "It couldn''t be them; they would''ve informed me beforehand." "...Then I''ll have our friends at national security check who contacted them." "Alright, make sure to let me know once you find out!" After hanging up, yton felt his anger subside significantly! The contraband hadn''t made it out, and he felt relieved. Moreover, discovering a like-minded and talented ally excited him! It was like a lone wolf finding an ally out of the blue! Chapter 1040 Before meeting up, Elysia had been itching for a confrontation, ready to unleash a tirade on him for all the wrongs he''d done. But standing there now, she realized it was pointless. The kind of man who''d stoop so low, who was rotten to the core, wouldn''t see reason no matter what she said. "And what about Dr. White? Dr. White and Mr. Hawkins have been through thick and thin for decades, facing life and death together. Why would he betray Mr. Hawkins?" Larry didn''t answer her question. Instead, he countered, "How much hush money do you want? Just name your price." Larry had it all figured out. If she asked for a small amount, he''d pull her into their scheme. She was too beautiful to waste, could make for an intriguing affair. If she demanded an unreasonable sum, he''d silence her for the day and deal with her permanentlyter. Before Elysia could respond, Larry added with a sinister undertone, "You''ve stumbled upon our secret but didn''t go straight to yton. You''re obviously angling for a payoff, which I get. It''s human nature, and I support that. After all, yton''s days of glory are numbered! Just you wait and see. The day after tomorrow, he''ll be disgraced, tumbling from his pedestal into the mire, never to rise again! Choosing to side with us now not only secures you a handsome sum of hush money but promises further benefits down the line." Elysia couldn''t wrap her head around it. "Mr. Hawkins has been nothing but good to you, your benefactor. What will you do if he falls from grace?" Larryughed, "Once he''s down, I''m up! I won''t have to y butler to Pam, that lunatic, anymore. I can openly court Miss Murphy from the Murphy family! No longer will I be yton''spdog. I, Larry, will have my own empire!" Elysia frowned, "Aren''t you afraid that in three days, at the shareholders'' meeting, Mr. Hawkins might pull through?" "Him, win? Ha! There''s no chance, not unless his daughter returns. But she''s long gone." "Why? I thought she was just missing. How can you be so sure she''s dead?" "Because back then..." Larry paused, then decided, "You don''t need to know. Just believe me, she''s dead." "And if she isn''t?" Larry was adamant, "Impossible!" Elysia red at him, lips pressed tight. His certainty hinted at a dark secret. Seeing he wouldn''t divulge more, she shifted the topic, "So, the Hawkins Mansion is under your control now?" "Almost entirely," was Larry''s vague admission. "And they all listen to Helen?" Larry didn''t deny it. "Trust me, siding with Helen is far better than sticking with yton and Pam, that madwoman. And let me tell you, tormenting that lunatic is quite the stress reliever! No matter how you treat her, she won''tin. She just asks, sobbing, ''Where''s my Irene? Have you seen my Irene? Where did my Irene go? Why can''t I find her?'' Hah..." Elysia''s breathing quickened in disgust, "You''re... you''re inhuman!" Just as Larry was about to retort, he noticed a light from Elysia''s pocket. His expression turned grave, "You... you''re recording this?!" Elysia pulled out her phone, her voice low, "Mr. Hawkins, you''ve heard everything. Helen has been abusing Mrs. Hawkins for over twenty years, with Larry and Dr. White as her aplices. The household staff are all in on it too!" yton''s roar of fury came through the phone, "Scoundrels!!!" Larry, panic-stricken, realized the gig was up. But rather than retreat, his anger turned towards Elysia, "You deceitful witch! You''ll pay for this!" He lunged at her, intent on violence. But before he could reach Elysia, Evan kicked him hard, sending him flying. "You''re the one who''s done for!" Elysia quickly shield her son, calling out to the bodyguards she had arranged beforehand, "Seize him! Don''t let him escape! And round up Dr. White and the servants too. Not one of them gets away!" She couldn''t wait any longer. Vengeance had to be served tonight. Chapter 1041 The bodyguards had Larry pinned down, and he was howling with rage. "Let go of me! What are you doing grabbing me? Go after that witch! I''m with Helen! She''s the enemy!" Larry was under the mistaken belief that these were the Hawkins family''s bodyguards, all on his side. But in reality, these were Tarquin''s men, ced there specifically to protect Elysia! Of course, they weren''t about to listen to Larry. Seeing him try to wriggle out of it, they snapped his wrist with a crisp crack! "Ah-" Larry screamed, the pain making him twitch uncontrobly! "Are you... are you nning to betray Helen for some nobody from out of town? Foolish to the extreme! You... oh..." Before Larry could finish, he caught a few heavy punches to the face, leaving him bloody and battered. His sses were crushed under a bodyguard''s boot, and hey curled up on the ground, in total disarray! Elysia red at him with fury, "What goes aroundes around. You''ll get what''sing to you for the dirty deeds you''ve done!" Larry glowered back, teeth clenched in rage, "You... you''ll regret this! You''re marked!" Evan stepped in with a kick, "You''re the one who''s marked, scumbag, daring to badmouth my mom! Take that! And that!" The little guy delivered a few more kicks! With Elysia watching, Evan tried not to go overboard, merely giving Larry a taste of his own medicine. To any onlooker, it seemed like a child throwing a tantrum, his kicks seemingly harmless. But in reality, Evan''s kicks were far more lethal than those of an average adult! Larry''s ribs were shattered by the force, the pain so intense he couldn''t even cry out! Elysia was furious, never before wishing such ill on someone! He dared to say that abusing her mother was a stress reliever! Such a lowlife, lower than swine! "Don''t worry, Mommy. Those who hurt Grandma and Grandpa will not get away with it," Evan assured. Larry caught Evan''s reference to "Grandma and Grandpa," but he was in too much pain to ponder the implications. All he knew was that his bones were broken, and his flesh ached terribly, feeling close to death. Elysia instructed the bodyguards, "Don''t kill him. Murder carries a hefty price, and it''s not worth it for scum like him! Plus, we shouldn''t let him off the hook that easily. He thinks it''s relieving to torment others, let''s give him a taste of his own medicine!" Evan thought to himself, this I can do! I''m an expert at dealing with trash like him. I''ve got plenty of ideas! But with Elysia nearby, he held his tongue, nning to deal with Larry aler. Evan took Elysia''s hand and said, "Mommy, let Dad''s men handle this. Let''s head back to the main house, wait for Grandpa, and keep Grandmapany." "Alright." Elysia nodded, shooting Larry onest venomous look before leaving with Evan. She wasn''t worried aboutplications. The bodyguards Tarquin had ced around her and the kids were top-notch. Helen''s minions were no match for them. Themotion quickly alerted the entire Hawkins family. Helen''s minions, thinking there was strength in numbers, charged over to save Larry! But in a matter of minutes, they went from standing to lying on the ground! They writhed in pain, clutching their stomachs, unsure of what hurt! Seeing his opportunity, Larry shouted to a servant amidst the chaos, "Contact the Murphy family, quick! Tell them Helen and I are in trouble, and we need backup!" ns always seem tog behind changes! They had intended to confront yton when he was down on his luck, but Elysia had thrown a wrench into their ns! Now, with Helen still in police custody and their cover blown. And with yton still calling the shots in the Hawkins family, they needed external support to survive! The Murphy family, another powerhouse in Oceanopolis, had significant influence. Under normal circumstances, the Murphy family couldn''t hold a candle to yton''s status. Chapter 1042 Nowadays, Bobby''s influence in Oceanopolis could easily outshine yton by miles! So, as long as the Murphy family stepped in, even if yton knew they were mistreating Pam, he wouldn''t dare touch them! And Bobby wasn''t worried about the Murphy family not showing up, because he had something on them! Soon enough, the Murphy family arrived with their entourage. The Hawkins family''s gatekeeper, one of Helen''s loyal people, spotted Bobby and immediately greeted him with a big smile, swinging the gates wide open for the Murphy family to enter. As the Murphy family made their way to the main building, they intended to enter but were stopped by bodyguards stationed outside. "Sorry, Mr. Murphy, my boss has ordered that without his permission, no one is allowed to set foot inside the main building." This was yton''s man speaking. After the incident, yton had immediately contacted his trusted bodyguards to ensure the safety of Elysia and her child, as well as Pam. Standing arrogantly in front of the main building, Helen''s father, leaning on his cane, demanded, "Where''s yton? Tell him toe out and face me!" "My boss isn''t home. If Mr. Murphy has business with him, he can contact him directly." "...Then bring Larry out to me!" "My boss said, until he returns, no one is allowed to see Larry." Bobby was instantly furious. "What does he mean by this? Is he trying to keep Larry under house arrest?" yton''s man didn''t bother exining, maintaining a formal attitude, "If Mr. Murphy has anyints, he''s wee to discuss them with our boss." Bobby''s voice turned icy, "I''m taking Larry with me!" "Sorry, without the boss''s orders, we can''t let you take him." "And what if I insist on taking him?" "Then we have no choice but to offend!" Bobby snorted in disdain, mocking, "You''re still loyal to him now, but do you have any idea what''s going to happen in three days? When yton''s reputation is in ruins, following him will lead you nowhere but dead ends! If youply today and let me take Larry, my family, the Murphys, will take you in, guaranteeing you a life of luxury under our protection!" Bobby''s words hung in the air, met with silence. yton''s men remained unmoved, not even acknowledging his offer. Frustrated and angry at theck of respect, Bobby vented, "Ungrateful! If you won''t let me take Larry, wait until yton is begging on his knees for me to take him!" Bobby didn''t leave but sat on the bench outside the main building, waiting for yton. Elysia and the three little ones watched everything from the second floor. Evan grumbled, "Is that mean old man Larry and Helen''s backup? He doesn''t even respect Grandpa, shouting orders in his own house! Looking at him, he doesn''t seem in good shape; can he even take a hit?" Elliot frowned, "The oldest one there is Helen''s father, and that big guy next to him is Helen''s brother. Larry is just dating his daughter." Emmett mumbled, "They all look so fierce and ugly, no sign of good fortune! But, I thought Grandpa didn''t have any loyal people around him. Turns out, there are those who are truly devoted to him." Evan nodded in agreement, "We should tell Grandpa to value these few." As the children exchanged thoughts, Elysia remained silent. Her brows furrowed as she stared at Bobby, thinking he dared to make her father kneel and beg him to take Larry away? Such a bold thought! Today, except for the officers dedicated to serving the people, no one else is taking Larry away! "By the way, bring Evan and his mother over here, I have questions for them!" Bobby suddenly demanded. The mother and children were surprised. The Murphy family wanted to question them? About what? The next second, yton''s voice, hoarse and displeased, filled the air, "What do you want to ask?!" Elysia and the little ones quickly looked toward the voice, spotting a haggard yton. He was breathing heavily, clearly having rushed back! And his eyes were red and swollen, obviously from crying. He had just found out today that Pam had been mistreated for over twenty years. After the shock, he must have been overwhelmed with sorrow and guilt! Chapter 1043 Bobby''s eye corner shed with a sneer, "The Murphy family''s reputation and financial losses have been tarnished by that wild kid, Evan. Shouldn''t his family owe us, the Murphys, an exnation?" yton red back, retorting, "Helen hiring someone to kill and frame Evan on Pam, don''t the Murphys owe the Thornes and the Hawkins an exnation?!" Bobby scoffed, "That was Helen''s maid''s doing. What''s that got to do with the Murphys? Don''t pin this on the Murphy family without basis!" Standing up, Bobby continued, "Since you''re back, let''sy it all out. I came here today to take a few people with me - Larry, Evan, and his mother, Elysia. Hand them over, and I''ll leave with my people, or else..." yton''s brows furrowed, sensing the threat in Bobby''s eyes, "Look, yton, you''re my junior, practically watched you grow up. Take my advice - only the wise know when to submit. You know your situation. Whether it''s within the Hawkins family or the business circles outside, you''re no longer recognized! Even though the Hawkins family''s shareholders'' meeting hasn''t been called, the skies over Oceanopolis have changed! There''s no ce for you in Oceanopolis anymore, yton. You''re no longer the leading figure here; you''ve be everyone''s punching bag!" Elysia clenched her fists, her anger palpable. Evan fumed, "He''s the real stray dog! How dare this nasty old man say that about my grandpa!" Emmett also expressed his anger, calling out, "Old viin! Bad guy!" Elliot''s brows knitted tightly, his eyes shining with a terrifying light. The Murphys didn''t know they had crossed a major figure, who was now choosing the right moment for retribution. The moment woulde, and the Murphys would be finished. Helen''s older brother excitedly said, "Honestly, my dad calling you a stray dog is already giving you too much credit. You''re more like vermin in the gutter, making everyone sick just by looking at you! It''s such a pity Pam went crazy. If she hadn''t, she''d be regretting it by now! What good did marrying you do for her? Her daughter''s gone, she''s lost her mind, doesn''t even know she''s being mistreated! If she had chosen me back then, she''d be the legitimate Mrs. Murphy by now! The status, the identity, would have been glorious! But she chose you, huh, what ack of fortune!" Back in the day, Pam was the belle of Oceanopolis - born into a good family, beautiful, with a great temperament! Many men pursued her, among them, Roger Murphy. Roger was lecherous in his youth, boasting about making Pam bear his children. But he never caught her eye! The more unattainable she was, the more obsessed he became. If not for the formidable Patel family, and her three fiercely protective brothers, he would have forced his way long ago! When Pam married yton, his rival, Roger''s resentment only deepened. He hated Pam for her poor choice, hated yton for always being one step ahead. So, at this moment, he was more thrilled than anyone to see yton''s downfall. Suddenly, an idea struck Roger. He sidled up to yton and whispered, "Let''s make a deal. I''ve always wanted Pam, and even though she''s lost her mind, I don''t mind. Let her spend a night with me, and I''ll... Ah!" Before Roger could finish, he was met with a fierce punch! yton grabbed his cor, not giving him a moment to react, andnded several blows. Roger, with his bulky frame and clumsiness, didn''t even have a chance to fight back. Had it not been for the timely intervention of the bodyguards from both families, yton might have killed him on the spot. "If you dare think about Pam again, I''ll make sure to kill you before I die!" Roger, with a bruised and swollen face, protested, "You... you... Dad... he hit me!" "Just shut up!" Bobby coughed in frustration. Chapter 1044 Nobody could say it louder or clearer, not even his own dad could hide the disappointment he felt towards his son! All day long, he was up to no good, a realyabout, getting mixed up in every vice under the sun - drinking, gambling, smoking, you name it! He was about the same age as yton, yet he couldn''t hold a candle to him. A real deadbeat, a blockhead! He couldn''t even match Helen in smarts or emotional intelligence! If he wasn''t the firstborn, his father would have washed his hands of him a long time ago! Just as Bobby was about to say something, Roger suddenly went ''thud'', kneeling down right in front of yton! It looked as though he was bowing his head in submission. Bobby: "What?!" yton: "What?!" "What are you doing?!" Bobby was embarrassed, angrily tapping his cane on the ground. Roger, just as puzzled, quickly stood up. But as soon as he did, down he went again with a ''thump'', this time actually bowing his head to yton! yton frowned, suspicious, not sure what was going on. Bobby was livid, picking up his cane and starting to smack him with it, "In this world, you kneel to the heavens, the earth, and your parents. What''s this kneeling to yton about? Have you no shame? Get up!" "It''s not like I want to kneel, I just..." Roger tried to exin. "Get up!" But as soon as Bobby finished speaking, his knees buckled, and he too went down with a ''thump''! yton was taken aback, instinctively stepping aside. Although Bobby was no saint, he was a generation older. It''s said that if a younger kneels to an elder, it could shorten the elder''s life. Roger''s eyes widened in shock at Bobby, "Dad, you''re kneeling too?!" Bobby looked around, his face turning dark. His knee had just given out, making him kneel without realizing it! But looking around, he saw nothing out of the ordinary. "Son, we must''ve run into some bad mojo! We need to get out of here with Larry, this Hawkins family ce is bad luck." "Shut up and help me up!" Bobby demanded. Roger hurried to assist Bobby to his feet. Evan was upstairs, lips pursed in amusement, fiddling with a marble. Elliot and Emmett knew he was behind it, giving him a covert thumbs-up with his gaze. Well done! With a scowl, Bobby dusted off his knees, steadying himself, then said to yton, "Cut to the chase, I''m taking these three with me, do you agree or not?" "No way!" yton didn''t even have to think before answering. Roger interrupted, "I''m warning you, yton, Larry is practically my son-inw! You know the saying, a son-inw is half a son, if you block me from taking him, this isn''t over!" "Practically a son-inw?" "Yeah, Larry has been secretly dating my daughter behind your back! How angry does that make you, huh? Your own flesh and blood, and he''ll be calling me dad soon! Ha!" Angry? Please. He was angry, but not because Larry would call Roger dad. He was livid that he''d raised a thankless wretch! If he had known this would happen, he should have left him to fend for himself as a child! "When I''ve settled the score for Pam, I''ll personally see to it that he''s delivered to you! Your family, the Murphys, had better stick with him. You''re tied to him for life now, better never to part ways!" "We certainly won''t part ways. Larry''s been nothing but respectful to me, his future father-inw. I''m quite pleased! It''s a pity your daughter''s gone. You won''t have the joy of choosing a son-inw, missing out on the happiness of being a father-inw in this lifetime." Roger sighed wistfully, "When our Lynne and your Irene were born on the same day in the same hospital, I thought to myself, when the timees to choose a son-inw, I''d search high and low! My son-inw would have to be a thousand times better than yton''s! Such a pity, your daughter''s gone, and you can''t bring a son-inw into the picture. We can''tpare now, s, no chance to show you up!" yton''s brow furrowed. His daughter Irene had always had strong principles. If she were still alive, she''d definitely choose a worthy man, not a traitor like Larry! But he was powerless to argue. With no daughter, how could he talk of a son-inw? Chapter 1045 Roger''s eyes suddenly widened as he had an epiphany. "Goodness, yton! You''re protecting the Thorne family, mother and son alike. Don''t tell me it''s because that woman looks a bit like Irene, and you''ve started seeing her as your own daughter?!" Roger burst intoughter, "Give it up, man! If she were your daughter, I''d be calling you grandpa! I''d take the Hawkins name!" yton gritted his teeth, "The Hawkins family doesn''t need a grandson like you!" "Hmph! Just so you know, your daughter''s long gone. Stop holding onto any fantasies!" "I didn''t ask for your opinion on my daughter!" yton, refusing to discuss his daughter any further, shifted the topic. "Larry, now there''s a rare find. You better announce him as your son-inw to the world, Roger, before someone else snatches him away!" "I''ll make the announcement today. Let everyone know that the child yton raised now calls me ''dad"!" Bobby, irked, tapped his cane. "Will you just shut it!" Bobby had never been fond of Larry. Despite Larry''s good looks, high education, and sharp wit, which allowed him tofortably navigate around yton, he was still an orphan. He had no powerful family background, no significant social status, no wealth, and no power - hardly a match for his granddaughter! His initial approval of their rtionship was solely for yton''s sake. He had heard about the inheritance yton left for Larry, and given yton''s affection for Larry, it was bound to be substantial. But with things having soured to this extent, with yton detesting Larry, there was no chance of any more favors. Without yton, Larry was nothing but an unwanted stray dog! Only a fool like Roger would take an interest in him! Announcing Larry as the prospective son-inw of the Murphy family now would make them theughingstock of the entire elite circle! He would never allow his granddaughter to be with Larry! This rescue mission was only because the Murphy family had some leverage over Larry. Moreover, Bobby had been overshadowed by yton''s father for years, andter by yton himself. He couldn''t outdo the old nor the young. Now that yton was down on his luck, it was the Murphy family''s turn to have a moment of triumph. Of course, he wanted to make a show of force! Bobby eyed yton, his narrowed gaze filled with malice, "yton, I must take these three people with me today. If you oppose, don''t me me..." "Oppose! And what exactly does the Murphy family n to do?!" A rich, cold voice suddenly interrupted. Everyone turned towards the sound, and the family upstairs craned their necks to see. A group of people approached, led by three tall, well-built men with striking features. The three shared a striking resemnce to each other, and upon closer inspection, one could see shades of Pam in their features. Evan, curious, said, "These three men look so much like grandma. Are they great-uncles?" Elliot, somewhat excited, asked, "Are they from the Patel family?" The Patel family was shrouded in mystery, elusive even to him and Elijah. Emmett, in a babyish voice, asked, "Did the great-unclese to protect grandma and grandpa because they knew they were in danger?" Elysia''s heart rate picked up. Were these... their uncles? Downstairs, upon seeing them, yton quickly greeted, "Big brother, second brother, third brother." The three nodded, positioning themselves beside yton, ready to stand against the Murphy family. "Where''s Pam?" Joshua Patel, the eldest brother, asked. yton''s face was filled with guilt. Pam had suffered for years, and as her husband, he bore an undeniable responsibility. Chapter 1046 The Patel family had entrusted Pam to him, but he had failed her miserably. It was his fault! "She''s upstairs, fast asleep now. Ms. Thorne and her kids have been looking after her. I...I''m so sorry for what happened to Pam, I let down the Patel family..." The Patel brothers, Joshua, Robert, and Charles, furrowed their brows in unison. "We''ll deal with our family matters behind closed doorster," they dered. Then, turning their gaze toward the members of the Murphy family, their eyes sharpened with an unmistakable intensity! Upstairs, the excitement was palpable. Evan clenched his fists in excitement, "That''s my granduncle!" Emmett was jumping around, "Granduncle is so formidable,ing to stand up for grandma!" Elliot''s eyes sparkled with anticipation. The Patel family had arrived! Elysia was so moved her eyes were rimmed with red. These were her uncles, her family! While some were overjoyed, others were filled with dread. The moment the Murphy familyid eyes on the Patels, their faces turned sour. The Patel brothers were triplets, each with their own distinct paths - Joshua in politics, Robert in the military, and Charles in business. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with. The arrival of the second child, Pam, brought immense joy to the family. As the only daughter, she quickly became the darling of the household. However, disaster struck when Roger Murphy, in a vile attempt to win her affection, nearly tarnished Pam''s honor. In a fury, Russell and Sandra Patel publicly dered that their family would sever all ties with the Murphys, a feud that wouldst for generations. In retaliation, the Patel brothers gave Roger a beating he wouldn''t forget, leaving him bedridden for a month. They even went as far as to vandalize the Murphy family''s estate. If it weren''t for theck of evidence, Roger would have found himself behind bars. The scandal rocked Oceanopolis, turning the Murphy family into the town''sughingstock. Given the Patels'' mysterious and influential background, and the clear fault on Roger''s part, the Murphys dared not retaliate. For years, as the Patel brothers pursued their careers away from Oceanopolis, tensions between the two families simmered down. Rumors about the Patels abounded. Some said the brothers worked in top-secret government roles, attributing to their enigmatic presence. Others believed they each dominated their fields, bing leaders in their respective careers. Meanwhile, Russell and Sandra remained in Oceanopolis, their health deteriorating over the years due to the distress caused by their daughter''s ordeal. They had refused to move away, wishing to stay close to Pam, despite the brothers'' wishes to have them nearby. Helen Murphy saw an opportunity in their absence. With Pam''s protectors away, she acted maliciously towards the girl, thinking her actions would go unnoticed. The family believed Pam was safe with yton, who loved her dearly, and his trusted friends. Never did they imagine she would suffer such cruelty. Now, with the truth unveiled, the revtion shocked and pained everyone involved. Chapter 1047 yton was boiling with anger and guilt, and the Patel brothers were right there with him. At this moment, looking at the Murphy n, their pain turned into pure rage, wishing they could tear apart those scumbags from the Murphy family! If it weren''t for the Murphy''s backing, Helen wouldn''t have had the leverage to win over everyone in the Hawkins'' backyard! Helen was the mastermind, Larry and his goons were the enforcers, and the Murphy family were the aplices! "Larry''s abuse of my sister is a fact, and not even your revered Murphy ancestors could save him now!" the Patel family dered, their stance firm and imposing. Roger, upon glimpsing the Patel brothers, shriveled with fear, still haunted by a beating from years past. He dared not speak, cowering behind Bobby. Bobby, with brows furrowed, sensed the towering rage in the Patel brothers'' eyes and threatened, "I might not know exactly what you Patels are up to, but I know each of you is a wizard with the web, definitely involved in cybersecurity! Dare to mess with the Murphy family, and I''ll have it out that you''ve been illicitly essing Murphy family secrets, destroying the Patels'' reputation!" Elliot wondered, his uncles were cybersecurity experts?! No wonder the Patel family was shrouded in mystery! No wonder he and Elijah couldn''t dig up anything! If the Patels'' operations were indeed tied to cybersecurity, their reputation was crucial! It''s like a high-tech firm, once used of leaking client data, would be doomed! Who would trust their products after that?! The Patel brothers coldly retorted, "Say what you will, even if it costs us the entire Patel family, we will not let those who harmed our sister off the hook!" "The harm they''ve done to her, we must repay twofold!" "Including you Murphys, for aiding and abetting evil, you deserve to perish!" Bobby scowled, "You''re looking to take us both down?!" "We''re prepared to go down together if need be!" The Patel brothers were resolute. Their return to Oceanopolis was because of the impending Hawkins family shareholder meeting. They feared for yton and his sister''s safety post-meeting, suspecting potential assassination attempts, which is why they rushed back to Oceanopolis. They knew yton, always upright, had blocked too many people''s paths to wealth, making him many enemies. Once yton fell, no one would risk their neck for him. Without the Patel''s intervention, he wouldn''t stand a chance. His danger meant danger for his sister, necessitating action from the Patels. But to protect their own, they had to be ready to face numerous foes, ready for sacrifice! Their resolve was set, and hearing about their sister''s long-term abuse only fueled their murderous intent today. Bobby''s expression darkened further, "This is absurd, even if Larry and Helen did bully your sister, it was just that-bullying. They didn''t kill her. Over such a trivial matter, you want to disrupt the peace between the Murphy and Patel families?!" "You call this bullying?!" Robert hissed through clenched teeth, barely containing his rage. Joshua held him back, ring at Bobby, "Since Mr. Murphy deems it mere bullying, you needn''t worry. It''s just kids ying house, after all. We''ll have a word with Larry and then hand him over to you!" Bobby''s face turned stormy, "You''re stirring trouble. Why not go back and consult your revered Patel ancestors, see if they approve of your actions!" "The Patel family creed puts country first, family second, everything else is secondary! For our nation and kin, shedding blood and breaking bones is worth it! If our ancestors were here, they''d have already chopped Larry to pieces!" Bobby, with a menacing re, pressed the Patel brothers, "So, you''re adamant about standing with yton, not letting us take anyone?" "Yes!" The air was charged with tension. The Murphy family was hell-bent on taking Larry away, while the Patel brothers and yton were determined to hold their ground. Elysia, standing upstairs, was consumed with fear and anger. Furious that Bobby had the audacity to trivialize decades of cruel abuse as mere child''s y! Chapter 1048 Fear gripped her heart... She had no clue what business the Patel family was in, but from what she gathered, if the Patel family got involved against their will, it could spell trouble for them. Why should the innocents suffer for the sins of scum like Helen and Larry? It was utterly unfair! Better to keep the Patel family out of it if it meant protecting them. "I''ll go check on grandma; you guys stay here," Elysia hurried downstairs. Evan quickly followed, "I''ming with you, Mom." Seeing them leave, Elliot quickly turned to Emmett and said, "Emmett, grandma needs someone by her side. Stay with her. I''ll go check things out downstairs." "Protect grandpa and our uncles!" "Got it!" Elliot rushed downstairs after them. Downstairs, the Patel family was taken aback at the sight of Elysia and her sons, Evan and Elliot! Elysia had makeup on, but her distinctive eyes and brows were unmistakably simr to Pam''s. It wasn''t just the looks; it was the vibe! Charles was staring at Evan and Elliot as if he had known them for years! "Ms. Thorne, what brings you downstairs? Did Pam wake up?" asked yton, concerned. "No, she''s still sleeping. Don''t worry," Elysia replied, turning to the Patel brothers. She couldn''t bring herself to acknowledge their rtionship outright, so she pressed down her excitement and said, "Larry''s abuse of Mrs. Hawkins is a fact. I have recordings of him and evidence. By ourws, they''re enough to get him convicted! You don''t need to argue with them; let thew handle it. No matter how powerful the Murphy family might be, they can''t beat thew!" Joshua looked at her, his demeanor gentle, "So, you''re the one from out of town who discovered my sister''s long-term abuse, Elysia?" "Yes, that''s me. These are my two sons, Elliot and Evan. Emmett is upstairs with Mrs. Hawkins." Elliot and Evan promptly greeted them, "Hello." Joshua and Robert nodded in response, while Charles, after a long stare, surprisinglymented, "What a twist of fate!" Fate? Before Elliot could inquire further, Roger, with a menacing tone, said, "I was just looking for you! Wretch, your devil spawn has brought disaster upon the Murphy family. As his guardian, you must give us an exnation!" yton and the Patel brothers instinctively stepped forward, shielding Elysia and her sons behind them. Elysia waspletely hidden from view by Elliot and Evan, and then by yton and the Patel brothers, unable to even see the faces of the Murphy family. Bobby, with a dark expression, barked, "You''re meddling in Larry''s business, and now this woman''s too?! Have you Patel brothers lost your minds as well?" Roger added, smirking, "yton is so desperate for a daughter, he sees her as one. Do you brothers see her as a niece too? Has the Patel family gone mad?!" The Patel brothers, brows furrowed, retorted, "She''s a witness to our sister''s abuse by scum like Larry; of course, we''ll protect her! As for your Murphy family''s issues, we''ll deal with thatter!" Bobby, visibly agitated, warned, "I''m telling you, if you insist on interfering, don''t me me for not holding back!" At his signal, dozens of tough-looking henchmen red menacingly at the Patel brothers and yton. These men were all burly, their eyes filled with malice! Roger gloated, "We have even more people outside! We could take you down in minutes! Elysia, get your sons ande here now!" Evan clenched his fists, furious, wishing he could punch Roger right there and then! White, coiled around Evan''s wrist, bared its fangs, equally enraged, longing to let Roger taste its venom! "If you refuse the toast, you''ll drink the bitter cup. Go, grab that woman and her kid for me!" Just as the Murphy family''s thugs were about to make their move, a man''s voice echoed from afar, "Touch them and see what happens." His tone was calm yet carried an undeniable threat that demanded respect. Chapter 1049 The crowd turned towards the source of themotion and saw a man who exuded an aura of undeniable power and sophistication. Dressed in an impably tailored dark suit, tie neatly in ce and apel pin adding just the right touch of elegance, he was the epitome of high society. His wristwatch glinted under the light, and his hair was groomed to perfection. It was clear from his demeanor that he was no ordinary man. Trailing behind him was another man, his features pleasant and his presence soothing, carrying an assortment of gifts. It seemed they were here on a visit, a master and his aide, perhaps. The Patel brothers were the first to recognize him, their surprise evident. "Isn''t that Tarquin, the wealthiest man in Jindale City?" yton was taken aback. "Mr. Bradford? What''s he doing here?" The Murphys too were wide-eyed, their surprise mingled with suspicion. Roger voiced his disbelief, "Dad, is that... is that the famous Tarquin, the nation''s top tycoon? Why would hee to the Hawkins residence? What could possibly link the Hawkins to him?" Bobby was skeptical, "Impossible! If yton had any ties to him, we''d have known by now!" "The timing of his visit is curious, though. Could he be yton''s secret ally?" "That''s even less likely! The Hawkins Sea-freight is known worldwide, sure, but they have no dealings with the Bradfords up north. They don''t mix business with pleasure, so to speak. It''s not like yton has the charm to woo anyone he pleases!" "And yet, Mr. Bradford arrives bearing gifts, as if on a social call..." "Those gifts might not even be for the Hawkins!" Bobby was adamant, refusing to believe yton could have such a connection, especially not with someone of Tarquin''s stature. After all, yton, despite being Oceanopolis''s richest, was small frypared to the national wealth of Tarquin. Moreover, yton was practically a pariah now; who would willingly associate with him, let alone someone of Mr. Bradford''s caliber? "Dad, doesn''t Mr. Bradford look a bit familiar to you?" As Roger finished his sentence, a child''s voice rang out, "Daddy!" Elliot and Evan suddenly dashed through the crowd towards Tarquin. The Murphy men were stunned. Daddy?! They looked from the boys to Tarquin, their shock palpable. Good heavens, could it be that these kids were Tarquin''s own? And what about Elysia? Automatically, their gaze shifted towards her, only to see her approaching Tarquin, her eyes shining, "Honey!" The Murphy men nearly copsed. Bobby would have fallen if not for his cane. Elysia''s affectionate call left them bewildered. "Weren''t we told that Elysia came from a humble background, that her husband was just some unemployed nobody?!" Bobby asked, shaking. Roger was equally panicked, "I... I had no idea! My sister said Elysia was just an ordinary housewife and her husband was jobless. They said her family was easy to push around!" Bobby was furious, "You idiots!" If only they had known her connection to Tarquin, they would have steered clear of any trouble. Now, they had truly bitten off more than they could chew. Aside from Charles, who seemed unfazed, Joshua, Robert, and yton were utterly shocked at the unfolding scene between Tarquin and Elysia. Chapter 1050 When they saw Elliot and Evan, they couldn''t help but notice how much the boys resembled Pam. Yet, they seemed to forget that in every other aspect, the boys were the spitting image of Tarquin! Those two little rascals were none other than the esteemed young princes of the Bradford family! And Elysia, who they dismissed as just another ordinary woman, she was none other than Mrs. Bradford herself, a woman of unparalleled stature in society! Over there, Tarquin had already scooped up the boys and made his way over to Elysia. Seeing him, Elysia''s eyes welled up with tears even before she could speak. Tarquin frowned, setting down Elliot and Evan to take a closer look at her, "My dear Elysia, what''s troubling you?" Elysia''s tears started flowing freely! Unable to hold back any longer, she threw herself into Tarquin''s arms amidst the crowd, sobbing uncontrobly. So wronged, she felt so wronged! Her heart ached terribly! And she was also incredibly moved! Though she had only been apart from Tarquin for half a day, it felt like an eternity to her. So much had happened in that half-day, and she had so much she wanted to tell Tarquin. She had seen her parents, her uncles, and she was thrilled. But the abuse her mother endured, the oppression her father faced, and the threats against her uncles deeply saddened her. Moreover, the Murphy family had stormed into the Hawkins household, unting their power not just to take Larry away but also to cause trouble for her and her son! "They... they bullied us... sob sob sob..." Tarquin''s expression darkened, filled with both heartache and fury. The Murphys dared to bully the woman he cherished above all else! The audacity of the Murphy family! Tarquin, trying to contain his anger, focused onforting her first. He wrapped one arm around Elysia and gently stroked the back of her head, soothing her, "Don''t cry, darling. I''m here now, and I''ll make things right for you. I''m going to find out who was bold enough to mess with my wife and child!" His disdainful nce towards the Murphy family caused them all to shudder in fear! Even though the saying goes that even a mighty dragon cannot crush a local snake, Tarquin was such a formidable dragon that not even the local snakes dared to provoke him! Bobby, trying to calm his nerves, stepped forward to appease, "Mr. Bradford, it''s all been a misunderstanding. We didn''t know they were your wife and child, we..." Elysia, stopping her tears, stepped out of Tarquin''s embrace. She wiped away her tears, shot Bobby a re, and took Tarquin''s hand, heading straight towards yton and the Patel brothers. She left Bobby standing there, utterly disregarded! This gesture might not have been physically hurtful, but it was a severe blow to his pride! Bobby, lips tightly pressed and face turning dark, was furious but dared not speak his mind! Elysia, leading Tarquin to yton, saw Tarquin clear his throat softly and straighten up as he prepared to greet him. Just as Tarquin was about to call him ''Dad'', he heard Elysia introduce him, "Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Patel, this is the father of my children, Tarquin. Tarquin, this is Mr. Hawkins, and these are the Patel brothers." Tarquin instinctively nced at Elysia. Seeing that she hadn''t corrected herself, he dared not either. After all, he was in his wife''s family home, and he knew to follow her lead. Tarquin''s demeanor was humble, showing the respect a younger generation owes to their elders, "Good to meet you, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Patel." yton and the Patel brothers were thrilled, politely greeting him in return. yton said excitedly, "We had no idea Mr. Bradford would honor us with a visit. Please forgive ourck of hospitality." Tarquin quickly responded, "The fault is mine for not announcing my visit. Please ept my apologies." The idea of his father-inw apologizing to him was something Tarquin could never ept! In front of his wife, his father-inw could do no wrong! Chapter 1051 The Murphy n was utterly bbergasted at the level of respect Tarquin Bradford showed towards yton Hawkins. It was almost too much, they thought. yton, of all people! Elysia Thorne, on the other hand, was quite pleased with Tarquin''s demeanor. It warmed her heart. After all, there''s an old saying that you can tell how a man feels about his wife by the way he treats her parents. If he loves his wife, he''ll naturally extend that love to her folks as well. Elysia asked him, "Why didn''t you give us a heads-up before dropping by? You mentioned this morning you might not make it today." "My personal matters wrapped up sooner than expected, and I couldn''t wait to see you all," Tarquin replied. Initially, Tarquin had nned not to visit today. But with the mysterious figure aware of his presence in Oceanopolis, secrecy was no longer necessary. Turning to yton, Tarquin expressed his gratitude, "This morning, when Evan went missing, Mr. Hawkins was incredibly helpful. I can''t thank you enough, Mr. Hawkins." Lowell, eager to boost Tarquin''s image in front of his potential father-inw, stepped forward with gifts, "Mr. Hawkins, our boss handpicked these gifts for you, as a token of respect. Each item was chosen with care. We hope you''ll like them." Roger Murphy craned his neck to get a better look, "There''s whiskey, cigars, and even some high-end supplements. Isn''t this the ssic trifecta for impressing the inws? Wait, what kind of whiskey is that... My God, Dad-" Bobby Murphy jumped, startled, "Will you quit yelling and scare me half to death?" Roger, shaking with excitement, gestured wildly, "Dad, did you see? That''s... That''s..." His eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets, while Bobby, annoyed, tapped him with his cane. In times like these, who cared about such trivialities? But could this fool not see thebels on the whiskey, the brand of the cigars, the supplements produced by the World Health Organization itself, coveted by the world''s wealthiest? Bobby was beside himself with envy. The more he looked at his son, the more irritated he became. "You and your talk of the ssic trifecta for inws. Do you see this? This is the gold standard! You think Larry could ever bring something like this? He couldn''t even touch these!" "Well... it''s not Larry''s fault we can''t either," Roger muttered. Bobby, missing his son''s point entirely, smacked him on the head, "What about the bigger picture, son?!" Rubbing his sore head, Roger spected, "Dad, with Mr. Bradford being so generous to yton, could it be he''s really seeing him as a father-inw? Could they actually be...?" "Impossible! If the Hawkins had such luck, I''d bite my tongue right now in celebration for them!" Bobby was green with envy. If yton had any close ties with the Bradfords, he''d rather die! Meanwhile, yton, touched by the thoughtful gifts, knew their value all too well. But what moved him most wasn''t thevish presents but Tarquin''s respectful manner towards him. In the midst of his own troubles, aside from his closest allies, respect like this was hard toe by. yton felt a lump in his throat and quickly had his assistant take the gifts, "Mr. Bradford, you''ve gone above and beyond. I should be the one thanking you. Ms. Thorne and the kids have been a huge help. Thanks to them, my wife found peace again, and I was able to uncover so much going on at home!" Tarquin, ever humble, nodded in understanding. Chapter 1052 "Mr. Hawkins, you''re too kind. We only just arrived in Oceanopolis this morning and already we''ve connected with the Hawkins n. It feels like fate that we''ve crossed paths." yton nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely, it''s destiny. Just wait until you meet my wife, Ms. Thorne, and the kids. You''ll see, their features, they resemble hers so much!" The Patel brothers nodded in agreement, "It''s uncanny, really. Even though Ms. Thorne looks different from our sister, seeing her is like being transported back to when our sister was in her twenties." Tarquin chimed in, "Well, they are her flesh and blood, so of course, they look alike." He nced at his wife, who remained silent, and he chose to do the same. yton sighed, "s, my family, the Hawkins, are going through a rough patch. There are folks stirring up trouble, dragging Ms. Thorne into this mess and causing her distress." yton knew the root of their troubles wasn''t just Helen Murphy''s viral mishap involving cat litter. The real issue was Elysia uncovering and exposing the abuse Pam Patel had endured, with evidence to back it up! That''s why the Murphys were hell-bent on taking Elysia and Evan. Once in their grasp, mother and son would undoubtedly face a severe beating. Moreover, the Murphys nned to use Evan as leverage to force Elysia into destroying the evidence and retracting her statements. "It''s all because of me... Ms. Thorne is suffering," ytonmented with guilt. Elysia quickly asserted, "My troubles aren''t because of you, but because of them!" Elliot furrowed his brow, "Daddy, the Murphy family, they''re bullying Mommy and Evan!" Evan raised his voice inint, "It''s them! They''re the viins! Daddy, they want to take me and mommy away, they''re out to settle scores with us! Daddy, you have to stop them!" Tarquin''s gaze sharpened, cutting through the air towards the Murphys. The Murphy father and son duo shuddered, with Roger hiding behind his father at the intimidating sight. This was a job for the senior Murphy, not the faint-hearted. Bobby, disregarding his disdain for his son''s cowardice, approached Tarquin with his cane shaking, "My apologies, Mr. Bradford. I had no clue Ms. Thorne and the young master were your family. Had I known, I would''ve never caused them trouble; they would''ve been treated with the utmost respect." Tarquin ignored him, turning politely to yton, "Mr. Hawkins, let''s set aside your grievances with the Murphy family for now. Allow me to address my own issues with them, shall we?" yton nodded eagerly, "Of course, of course!" He couldn''t have been more pleased. So the Murphys wanted a piece of Elysia and Evan? Now that they had backup, let''s see them try! yton, already buzzing with excitement at the thought of being rted to Tarquin through his daughter, stood tall beside him, defiantly eyeing the Murphy duo, Go on, keep acting tough in front of Mr. Bradford. Show us what you''ve got, don''t hold back, or you''re the coward! Bobby, catching yton''s challenging gaze, felt every bit of his being seethe with frustration! But now, faced with Tarquin, he had to swallow his pride. Even though he had never directly dealt with Tarquin, the rumors were enough: this was not a man to provoke, not unless you had a death wish. The Murphys couldn''t afford to make an enemy of him! Lowering his stance, Bobby offered a conciliatory smile, ¡°Mr. Bradford, this has all been a misunderstanding, truly." Bobby hoped that since yton, who had no blood ties to Tarquin, was treated with courtesy, perhaps showing genuine remorse would spare the Murphys from further conflict. Maybe, just maybe, this could lead to an alliance, fostering major coborations ahead. Chapter 1053 But let me tell you- Tarquin''s demeanor towards Bobby was pr opposite to how he treated yton and the Patel brothers! The warmth he showed yton was reced by sheer animosity towards Bobby! With eyes dark and voice as cold as frost, Tarquin demanded, "What in the world did my family ever do to make the Murphys so livid, storming into the Hawkins'' ce like some cowboy roundup?!" Bobby was in a panic, lowering his pride yet finding no sce. Grinding his teeth in frustration, he kept up his forced smile, "This is all one big misunderstanding, really, just a mix-up. Someone''s out to frame the Murphys, and it''s got nothing to do with Mrs. Bradford or the young Bradfordd. We made an error, and I''m here on behalf of the Murphys to apologize for the scare. Sorry about that." Evan scoffed, "Apology not epted, buddy!" The kid was nearly fuming; if not for holding himself back, he''d have thrown a punch already! He was in no mood to ept their so-called apology. Elysia, too, red at Bobby, dripping with sarcasm, "The Murphys sure know how to y their cards, switching tunes from threats to apologies in a heartbeat! If my child''s father was just any regr Joe, my son and I would probably be at the mercy of the Murphys by now!" Bobby''s face turned fifty shades of red from embarrassment! Humiliated and enraged, he wondered, at his age, how he could stand being mocked in front of everyone. But what could he do? The Murphys couldn''t afford to make an enemy out of Tarquin! "Mrs. Bradford, I understand your frustration, and it was indeed the Murphys'' fault. I''ll make sure to send over a generous apologyter." Elysia snorted and ignored him, turning to Tarquin to tattle, "And Helen, hiring hitmen, trying to pin the me on Mrs. Hawkins after plotting to harm Evan! The culprits confessed it was all to target him... Their family''s cruelty knows no bounds!" Roger hastily interjected, "That was all Helen''s doing, nothing to do with the Murphys atrge. Let''s not paint everyone with the same brush. You got beef, take it up with her, not the entire Murphy n." Bobby, infuriated, whacked him with his cane, signaling him to zip it! With Helen plotting against Tarquin''s own son, Tarquin''s wrath could spell disaster for the Murphys, idiot! The Murphys needed to distance themselves from Helen first and foremost! Bobby quickly turned to Tarquin, "This was the doing of a maid close to Helen, not Helen herself, let alone the Murphys! Mr. Bradford, if you doubt me, feel free to investigate it yourself." Tarquin, with a furrowed brow and eyes seething with anger, "Of course, I''ll investigate. Whoever dares to target my son must be out of their minds! Until this is resolved, both Larry and Helen are suspects. If the Murphys wanna clear their name, best keep your distance!" Tarquin''s implication was clear: until the matter was resolved, the Murphys couldn''t take Larry with them. yton and the Patel brothers couldn''t hide their excitement at this turn of events! The faces of the Murphy men darkened. Larry held secrets critical to the Murphy family''s fortunes! If they couldn''t get him out now, and he spilled those secrets, it''d be the end of the Murphys! Bobby, swallowing his pride, insisted, "Mr. Bradford, I can assure you Larry had no part in this. Let me take him with me for now. If you need him for the investigationter, feel free to summon him from the Murphys any time. Should it turn out he was involved in plotting against your family, I''ll personally deliver him to you, tied up bow and all! To be frank, Mr. Bradford, my urgency in taking him today stems from a personal vendetta between him and yton. I fear the Hawkins might mistreat him in retaliation." Chapter 1054 Tarquin''s response was icy, a firm "No way!" Bobby''s face darkened, he took a moment to simmer down before replying with a restrained anger, "How about we call the cops then, hand him over to the authorities, would that work?" The narrowing of Tarquin''s sharp eyes suggested he was surprised by the suggestion. Yet, yton and the Patel brothers furrowed their brows in concern! Before Tarquin could even reply, they pulled him aside and said, "This smells fishy! The Murphys have a mole in the police department. They''re probably nning to use the cops to take Larry first and then snatch him back from them. That way, they won''t offend you." Tarquin got the picture, "No worries. The Murphys might have someone, but as luck would have it, I also have a buddy in the police force. I''ll give him a heads-up. The Murphys won''t get their way." yton, still uneasy, asked, "Is your friend influential enough, though?" "He''s alright." But yton was fretting, "The Murphys have a tightwork inside..." Under normal circumstances, he wouldn''t have been worried. Even the Murphys'' henchmen would''ve treated him with utmost respect. But now, caught in a whirlwind, he felt disregarded! The Patels looked serious, "If pushes to shove, we''ll step in. Larry''s the direct culprit behind mistreating our sister. We can''t let the Murphys whisk him away!" yton immediately shook his head, "No way! You should be even more cautious in dealing with government bodies." Seeing their concern, Tarquin tried to reassure them, "Don''t worry, my friend has a say in the police department." Over at the Murphy camp, Roger was quizzing his dad, "Why think of calling the cops now, Dad? Didn''t we agree not to involve them?" "Times change, son. Calling the cops now works in our favor!" As yton had pointed out, he didn''t want to offend Tarquin by snatching Larry directly from him. So, the n was to let the police take Larry first, then retrieve him from the authorities. "What if Tarquin also knows someone in the police department?" Bobby scoffed, "Unless he knows the Chief of Police, knowing anyone else won''t do!" "And what if he actually knows the Chief?" "That''s impossible! Tarquin might be powerful, but his stronghold isn''t in Oceanopolis. His influence here is limited." "Then why are we still afraid of him? Let''s face him head-on!" Bobby turned sharply, exasperated, "How did I end up with such a dimwit for a son! It''s a curse, truly!" Frustrated by his son''s naivety, Bobby calmed himself before preemptively dialing 911, determined to make the first move. After the call, he dialed a private number... The Murphys had to take Larry today, both for their safety and their pride. He wouldn''t let his grand show of force to the Hawkins end in humiliation, not in the eyes of Oceanopolis''s elite! Soon, the police arrived in force, heading straight to Bobby, who was greeted with respect by the leading officer. yton frowned, "That''s the Murphy''s nephew, the deputy chief. With the Chief nearly retired, he''s next in line. So, barring the Chief, he''s the most influential there. Your friend... is it the Chief?" Tarquin shook his head, "No." yton''s heart sank. If not the Chief, then who could possibly hold sway? Chapter 1055 The tables had turned, and yton was visibly distressed, while Bobby was on cloud nine. After having a chat with Bobby, Mr. Murphy strode over to us. He greeted Tarquin politely, a clear sign that Bobby had filled him in about Tarquin earlier. But when his gaze shifted to yton, his demeanor changed drastically! Frowning and with a stern face, he said coldly, "Mr. Hawkins, if Larry is a suspect, it''s up to the police to handle it. You found an issue and didn''t report it immediately, instead, you took matters into your own hands by detaining him. That''s illegal! Be prepared, the police will be calling you in for a statement soon." yton clenched his fists, his brows furrowed, feeling the harshness of the world. The man hadn''t even left, and the warmth of hospitality was already gone! Gone were the days when he would greet me with respect, calling me "Uncle Hawkins"... Elysia couldn''t bear it anymore and retorted, "The incident just happened, Mr. Hawkins didn''t even have the chance to report it before the Murphy family barged in! And isn''t it illegal for the Murphy family to storm into a house with a group of thugs? When will you be taking their statements?!" Mr. Murphy''s face darkened, "And you are?" Tarquin stepped in, "My wife!" Caught off guard, Mr. Murphy''s expression softened, "Rest assured, the police will act ording to thew." He then turned back to yton with a less friendly tone, "Where''s Larry?!" yton''s frown deepened, reluctant to hand Larry over to him-for that would be like delivering him straight to the Murphy family. Bobby strutted over, looking more confident as if he had a powerful backing, stirring the pot, "What, the Hawkins family ns to go against the police now?" yton red at him, biting back his anger. Bobby looked at him with disdain, his eyes challenging: A down-and-out dog could never win against a lion. Larry ising with me today, no matter what. yton''s lips were pressed tightly together, his fists clenched, barely containing his rage. Suddenly, someone called out, ¡°Tarquin!" Tarquin turned around to see a group approaching, led by a young man in a military uniform, excitedly waving at Tarquin. Tarquin waved back, "My friend''s arrived." yton scrutinized the neer, ¡°The friend from the police department you mentioned?" "Yeah, you know him?" yton shook his head, "I know quite a few folks at the department, but I''ve never seen him." "Let me introduce youter." Tarquin walked over with Elysia, and ElliotEvan, curious, followed along. Roger muttered, "I knew they had connections in the department. They were bound to bring in reinforcements!" Bobby sneered, "I haven''t even heard of this guy. Definitely an outsider, a nobody. He won''t make waves!" Then, turning to yton, he boasted now that Tarquin was away, "I told you, the times have changed in Oceanopolis. yton, you''re out of your league. You think you can avenge Pam? Ha! Even if it led to her death, my family, the Murphys, could cover it up!" The Patel brothers were so angry they nearly came to blows, but yton held them back. Bobby taunted, "Lay a finger on me, and I''ll have you guys rotting in jail. The cops are watching!" The Patel brothers were seething, their teeth grinding loudly. Bobby added, ¡°And Mr. Bradford, as powerful as he may be, Oceanopolis isn''t his turf. Thinking he can control the Murphys is a pipe dream!" Roger then arrogantly told Mr. Murphy, "Take a good look at him, make sure to remember his face. Find a chance to fire him! Make him wish he could never even touch the police department''s doorstep again!" Chapter 1056 "..." No one responded. Bobby and Roger both looked at Mr. Murphy, who was staring nkly at the man. Roger nudged him, "Hey bud, did you catch what I said?" Mr. Murphy''s body swayed, nearly falling to his knees, saved only by Roger''s quick support! Roger was puzzled, "You alright, man?" Mr. Murphy''s eyes were wide, his breathing rapid, "That''s, that''s, that''s..." "What''s up? You know that guy?" "That''s the new Inspector General Mr. Watson sent from headquarters!" "Who? Someone higher up than you?" "Good Lord, ignorance is a curse! Inspector General, man! I''m nothingpared to him! Even the Chief of Police has to y nice around him!" The Murphys were dumbfounded: "?!?!" yton and the Patels were equally shocked, "!!!" What''s going on here? A plot twist?! Seeing Mr. Watson chatting casually with Tarquin, Mr. Murphy broke into a cold sweat, "Mr. Bradford is friends with him?! We''re doomed, Uncle, we can''t afford to offend this man. Forget about Larry and Helen, trust me, not even the Almighty could save them now!" Bobby was shocked, "He''s that powerful?!" Mr. Murphy nodded vigorously, "Sent from headquarters, the top Inspector General!" Bobby: "!!!" yton and the Patels: "Wow, Mr. Bradford''s got clout!" As Mr. Murphy finished speaking, Mr. Watson and Tarquin approached. Before Mr. Murphy could grovel, Mr. Watson began to reprimand, "The Oceanopolis Police Department has really embarrassed itself this time! This scandal''s gone all the way up north! A familyes to Oceanopolis for a few days, and their son nearly gets murdered! If this gets out, it won''t just be you guys getting the k; the whole Oceanopolis tourism sector will have your heads! Do you have any idea how much effort has gone into promoting Oceanopolis as a tourist destination, only for you to set us back decades with your ipetence! I''m already briefed on the situation. The maid has been arrested, and Helen is a prime suspect. She can''t be bailed out and will remain in custody! As for Larry, I heard the Hawkins had a tough time capturing him, and he''s injured. Get him to a hospital under police watch. If he needs to be hospitalized, keep an eye on him round the clock! Also, Larry and Helen were involved in abusing Mrs. Hawkins. Investigate this thoroughly, and if proven, they''ll face multiple charges! And the Murphys, storming into a private residence with a gang, are you running a mob operation?" Roger was so scared he couldn''t even fart, and Bobby was trembling, "No, no, we''re legitimate businessmen." "Legitimate businessmen who break into houses? Then you''rew-ignorant! Take them all in for questioning. If they''re guilty, charge them. If not, it''s time they learned thew!" Hearing this, Bobby nearly passed out from fear! Mr. Murphy didn''t dare resist, nodding like a scolded dog, "Right, right, we''ll do as you say." "No need for you! You''re too close to the Murphys, you need to recuse yourself from this investigation! Hand in your badge and take some time off!" Mr. Murphy shuddered. Hand in his badge and take a leave? At such a crucial time, would he even have a position to return to? "Mr. Watson, I understand I need to step back, but I don''t have to take a leave. I can''t sit still..." "You might not want to, but headquarters wants you checked out. You won''t have a choice, rest assured." Headquarters was investigating him?! The Murphys'' hearts sank, utterly defeated! Why did it feel like the end of the line for the Murphys?! Chapter 1057 Mr. Watson turned his gaze back to yton, his tone notably softer, "I''ve already been in touch with the legal authorities. They''ll send someone over to conduct a medical examination for Mrs. Hawkins. Rest assured, I''ll oversee that the Oceanopolis police handle this case fairly. Justice will be served for Mrs. Hawkins!" yton was visibly moved, his eyes welling up with tears, "Thank you, thank you so much! We''ll cooperate fully with the police. I really appreciate your efforts!" "It''s the least we can do. Justice may be dyed, but it will never be denied!" Mr. Watson nced meaningfully at Tarquin and Elysia, then said to yton with deep implication, "I know Mr. Hawkins has been having a tough timetely. Hang in there, your good fortune is yet toe!" With a son-inw like Tarquin, who would dare to mess with him again?! yton didn''t quite catch the drift, taking it as just a blessing from the inspector and kept expressing his gratitude. Taking charge personally, Mr. Watson had some officers take Mr. Murphy and the Murphy family back to the station first. The remaining officers interrogated all of the Hawkins family''s staff, taking anyone with discrepancies away for further questioning! Larry, battered and bruised, was temporarily taken to the hospital by the police. Dr. White, who had been through thick and thin with yton, took the chaos as a chance to slip away, prompting both the police and yton to send people out searching for him. Once the legal authorities arrived, under Elysia''s calming presence, they smoothly conducted a medical examination for Pam. Though the official results were not yet out, the examiners'' offhandments were like daggers to everyone''s hearts, "Judging by the scars, some are at least twenty years old. She''s been enduring abuse for so long; how could the family not have noticed?" "There are not many surface wounds, but the damage is internal, dense with needle marks on her bones. Clearly, this isn''t a one-time injury. It''s horrifying to think how many times she''s been subjected to this." "The damage to her stomach and intestines is also severe. She must have been forced to consume hot sauce and eat horseradish frequently to cause such irritation." Needle stabs to the bone, drinking hot sauce, swallowing horseradish... Just imagining the scene sent shivers down everyone''s spine! Elysia couldn''t hold back any longer. No sooner had the legal team left than she buried her face in Tarquin''s chest, sobbing uncontrobly. Pam, seeing this, panicked! "Irene, why are you crying? What''s wrong? Come here, let mom look at you." Elysia turned around and flung herself into Pam''s arms, crying her heart out. Pam sat by the bed, holding her, and cried, "Who has been bullying our Irene? Who is it? The viins, oh, the viins! Irene, don''t cry, honey, mom is here. I''ll protect you, I''ll make it right for you!" Seeing this, the three little ones couldn''t help but start crying too. Emmett cried the hardest, and Tarquin, with tears in his eyes, picked him up, while alsoforting Elliot and Evan. The Patel brothers also had teary eyes. Clenching their teeth, they grabbed a tearful yton and dragged him out of the room. Soon, sounds of a scuffle and yton''s muffled groans were heard from outside. No need to guess; the Patel brothers were giving him a beating! Elysia quickly wiped her tears, trying to go outside and break up the fight. Tarquin stopped her, shaking his head, "It''s inevitable." Pam had suffered so much cruelty for so many years, and yton, as her husband, bore an inescapable responsibility! Whatever the reasons, he had failed to take good care of Pam! So, it was only right for the Patel family to beat him; he deserved it! "A beating will let them vent, help them feel a bit better. The Patel family knows when to stop; don''t worry. I''ll go check on them in a bit." Though Elysia felt sorry for yton, she understood. She didn''t go outside, instead turning back tofort Pam. After the outside quieted down, Tarquin put Emmet down, asking the three little ones to stay with their mom and grandma, then he stepped out of the room. Chapter 1058 Outside, the Patel brothers stood side by side, fists clenched, breathing heavily with red-rimmed eyes. yton was still lying on the ground, his face unscathed, the damage hidden beneath his clothes. Tarquin walked over, silently helping him to his feet. Sitting on the ground, yton was ovee with emotion, tears streaming down his face, "It''s all my fault. I failed to protect Pam. It''s all because I trusted those two scoundrels, Dr. White and Larry, too much! I let Pam suffer for all these years. It''s my fault... all my fault..." After beating some sense into yton, the Patel brothers also started ming themselves. They regretted not being more vignt, realizing they should have taken their sister for regr check-ups at the hospital! Several men in their fifties, all shedding tears together. Once the crying had subsided, Tarquin offered somefort, "Mrs. Hawkins'' case is unique, with her self-harming behavior and reluctance to speak out, it''s understandable how her plight went unnoticed. Thankfully, the worst was avoided, and she didn''t sustain critical injuries. With proper care, she''ll recover soon. Plus, with Mr. Watson overseeing, the Murphy family won''t find any loopholes to exploit, and justice will be served for Mrs. Hawkins." Hearing this, yton wiped away his tears, his lips trembling as he looked towards Tarquin, "I can''t thank you enough, Mr. Bradford. Without your intervention, things wouldn''t have gone so smoothly. We are deeply grateful for your generosity!" The Patel brothers added, "We''ll always remember the favor you''ve done for us, Mr. Bradford. The Patel family owes you one!" Tarquin quickly responded, "It was nothing, especially since they targeted my son, I couldn''t just stand by." Standing up for your inws is a given, and such a big favor couldn''t be easily epted. As the sun set, the Patel brothers turned to yton, "We''ve got to eat, after all this drama, Ms. Thorne and the kids must be starving. How about dining out tonight?" With most of the Hawkins family servants gone, and the remaining ones freshly hired, their cooking skills were uncertain. "Let''s dine out, I''ll make arrangements." Just then, Elysia pushed Pam out, "No need to go out, let''s cook at home. I''ll do it." yton was momentarily stunned, then quickly refused, "That won''t do, Ms. Thorne. You''ve done so much for us; we can''t have you cooking for us! We''ll dine out, I''m arranging it now." "It''s not about serving, it''s about enjoying the moment together. Plus, it''s cleaner and healthier at home." Elliot chimed in, "Grandpa yton, don''t be shy. My mom doesn''t like eating out; she finds it wasteful and unhygienic, and there''s a better atmosphere at home." "Exactly, the bad guys got theireuppance, and no one will bully Pam anymore. This calls for a celebration at home," Evan eximed. Emmett quickly wiped away his tears, "My cooking is really good, let me show you and Grandpa tonight." Pam, excited, asked Emmett, "You can cook, Emmett?" "Yep, my mom loves my cooking. I''ll make something special for you tonight." "Great, I can make something tasty too. Irene used to love my chicken when she was little. Let''s cook togetherter?" "Sure, we''ll cook with mom!" Watching the lively family, yton was moved to tears. Their home hadn''t been this lively since they lost their daughter! "Alright, we''ll cook at home. We should have ingredients in the kitchen, and we can send someone out to buy anything we''re missing!" Elysia turned to Tarquin, "Let''s also bring Elijah and Baby over." Tarquin immediately agreed, supporting his wife''s suggestion, "Of course!" Hearing Elijah''s name, Charles''s eyes narrowed slightly. Chapter 1059 yton asked, "Elijah and Baby are...?" Elysia chuckled, "They''re our kids too. We hit the jackpot with multiples." The Patel brothers were astonished, "Just like our family! The Patel gene has a thing for multiples. Us brothers, we''re triplets." Elysia smiled lightly, "How could it be any different? We''re all family here!" Though three of the children took after Tarquin, she knew that the multiples gene definitely came from the Patel side. "It''s fate, pure fate! Which hotel did you book? Let my assistant pick you up and cancel your hotel. Stay with us at the Hawkins residence." yton was thrilled and immediately arranged for his assistant to pick them up. Tarquin intervened, "I''ll have someone on it." He looked at Elysia, "Should we bring Emmett along?" Elysia caught his drift and after a moment of hesitation, nodded, "Yes, bring him!" Bringing Emmett was to keep Baby''s appearance under wraps. Baby looked too much like her younger self. If her father and uncles saw her, they''d be stunned and start asking questions. And if they start asking questions, so would the people around them! Who could guarantee that all the people around her father were trustworthy? After everything, Elysia preferred to y her cards close to her chest. Her father was an emotional man. If he found out she was his long-lost daughter, it would cause a stir. That wouldn''t help them root out the snakes in the grass! She decided to bide her time, waiting for the shareholders'' meeting the day after tomorrow to drop the bombshell and catch them all off guard! Tarquin understood her, offering aforting embrace. Adversity had only made Elysia stronger. "I''ll send Lowell over. Emmett, you go with Mr. Lowell to pick up Elijah and your sister. Thene back and help Mommy in the kitchen." Emmett nodded in agreement. ... The Hawkins and the Murphy families were the talk of Oceanopolis today, causing quite a stir. The town was abuzz with shock and chatter! Mrs. Hawkins, the most renowned woman in Oceanopolis, subjected to abuse! And for over two decades at that! Pam was well-regarded, so beyond the shock was a wave of sympathy. Following the sympathy, there was a torrent of curses and insults directed at Helen, Larry, and their ilk! From the cat feces incident to plotting murder and child abuse, and now a two-decade-long abuse scandal! As these events unfolded, not only Helen but the entire Murphy family faced public outrage! The Murphy family''s stocks were halted! Their numerous restaurants were vandalized with cat feces, forcing emergency closures! The Murphy foodpanies faced strikes and had to shut down temporarily! With the Murphy family in such a dire state, the shareholders of Hawkins Sea-freight were restless, gathering overnight to strategize. "It seems the Murphy family''s downfall was orchestrated by Mr. Bradford from Jindale City. Could he be yton''s knight in shining armor?" "I''m worried too. Why else would Mr. Bradford arrive in Oceanopolis now of all times?" "And I heard his son was identally taken to the Hawkins residence, sparking this whole series of events between Mr. Bradford and yton. The kidnapping itself is fishy!" "What''s more shocking is, they say Mr. Bradford''s wife bears a striking resemnce to Pam. Could it be that she is..." They all knew he meant Irene Hawkins, and the mood turned grimmer. If Elysia truly was yton''s daughter, they were all in deep trouble. Chapter 1060 In a moment of silence, all eyes turned to Carl Hawkins. "Mr. Carl, is there any way you could arrange a paternity test?" someone asked. Carl pursed his lips, "My wife''s plotting to take down Mr. Bradford''s son. Do you really think Mr. Bradford would let me anywhere near Elysia? That man''s a ticking time bomb; I''d rather not mess with him." Everyone frowned in concern. Carl continued, "The guy I''ve got keeping tabs on my brother told me that Mr. Bradford going after the Murphy family wasn''t to back my brother up but to avenge his own wife and son! And then there''s Elysia, always calling my brother Mr. Hawkins. If she were truly his daughter, wouldn''t she have acknowledged him by now? What''s with the dy? Plus, I know my brother. Given how much he misses his niece, he''d be over the moon if he found her. He''s all about loyalty and honesty, not acting. If he''d found his daughter, he wouldn''t be able to hide his excitement. He''d have definitely informed the old man up in the mountains by now!" The crowd nodded in agreement, "Makes sense. After years apart, any daughter would recognize her father immediately, and no father could hide such emotion." "yton despises us to the bone. The moment his daughter returns, he bes the winner. He''d immediately turn his guns on us!" "As long as Elysia isn''t yton''s daughter, not even the Almighty could help him. No matter how powerful Mr. Bradford is, he can''t interfere with our Hawkins Shipping!" The group exchanged ideas, sessfully dispelling their doubts andforting themselves. They began to whisper about their ns for a hostile takeover at the next board meeting. They plotted to eliminate both yton and Pam and even take down the Patel family! Their betrayal and treachery grew more heated as they talked, quickly energizing the room. "Once yton is gone, and the Patel family is out of the picture, Oceanopolis will be ours to rule!" theyughed heartily. Soon, their scheming was transmitted to Evan Thorne''s smartwatch. Someone had sent Evan a lengthy video. Upon viewing it, Evan''s brows furrowed immediately. Besides the video, he also received a location and a photo of the fleeing Dr. White, now hiding out with the Murphy family! Seeing Evan''s concerned expression, Elliot leaned in and asked, "What''s up?" Evan pulled Elliot aside and showed him the video. After watching it, Elliot asked with a frown, "Who sent you this?" "That oddball who keeps following me around." "The one with the scarred face?" "Yeah." "Why would he send you this? Is he trying to make amends? Not nning to kidnap you anymore?" Evan shrugged, "Not sure. He''s been helping me outtely, but we haven''t had a chance to chat." Elliot paused for a moment, "Well, as long as he''s not aiming to hurt you. But we should find out his intentions when we can." "Yeah, but what do we do about these jerks?" Evan asked, clearly upset. "They might beughing now, but mom''s decision to keep her identity hidden is all about catching them in one fell swoop. We can''t tip them off. Keep the video safe; it''s all evidence." "But what if I can''t wait? I''m furious now and want revenge!" Evan was visibly irritated, puffing up his cheeks in anger. White, too, looked at Elliot with a sense of unease, as if saying, "Bro, I''m pissed too." Elliot sighed, "Alright, after dinner, you and White can go ''y'' with them a bit. Remember, just y. No serious business." Both boy and pet perked up instantly, "Got it, just y! We''ll just have a little fun." Just a little fun... Chapter 1061 Evan snuck out with White long before dinner time at the Hawkins house. They barely made it out when they bumped into a guy with a face full of scars! Seeing Evan, the guy squinted. Evan froze. After a brief stare-down, Evan''s gaze dropped to what the guy was holding. Not a thing, but a person! It was Dr. White, who had fled amidst chaos and once owed his life to yton! Dr. White was unconscious, lying on the ground like a sack of potatoes, and the guy was dragging him by one leg as if he was no heavier than a bag of groceries. Evan gasped, "What are you doing?!" "You were looking for him, right? I brought him back for you! How do you wanna do it?" The guy''s tone was casual, almost seeking approval. Evan''s eyes widened, "I did want to find him, but I never said I wanted to kill him!" "He''s your enemy. If you don''t take him out, you waiting for him to get you first?!" "He''d need the skills to try! Besides, there are plenty of ways to deal with an enemy without taking his life! Not everything has to end in death, you know. It''s against thew." "What do you know? Dead men tell no tales. It''s the only way to be sure!" Evan rolled his eyes, remembering how his mom always said to be aw-abiding citizen in a society governed by rules. His grandpa in the mountains said martial arts were for self-defense and protecting one''s family, not for violence! He decided to listen only to his mom and his trainer, not this guy! Ignoring him, Evan nced down at Dr. White with a frown. His grandpa treated him like a brother, and he betrayed him! Such scum was despicable! Thinking of Larry and the house staff who had been kidnapped, leaving his grandpa with no one tosh out at, Evan said to the guy, "Just toss him over the wall, let grandpa have a go at him." The guy seemed to think Evan was too kind, slightly pursing his lips, but he did as told. He grabbed Dr. White by the leg and threw him over the wall into the Hawkins house yard. Immediately, there was amotion inside, "Who''s that?!" "It''s Dr. White! Quick, tell the boss we found Dr. White!" Evan exhaled and turned towards the Murphy house. The Murphy house was the closest to Hawkins Mansion. He nned to check it out first, then hit up the Coffee Shop to hang with some investors, and finally visit Larry at the hospital. After hanging out with Larry, he''d meet up with Helen. He aimed to make the full round without missing dinner! However, passing through a wooded area, the guy suddenly blocked his path, "Don''t bother with the Murphy house. It''s off-limits." "Huh? Why?" "The Murphy house caught fire." Evan was stunned, his dark eyes spinning in shock as he quickly checked his smartwatch. Unaware until now, he was shocked to see the Murphy mansion fire topping the trending news,plete with live footage. The fire was huge, lighting up half the sky! The Murphys were on the ground, wailing as if the world was ending. "Good Lord, what a tragedy! It''s all gone, all gone. Heaven must be wanting to end the Murphy line!" "Waaah, who the devil did this? I''ll kill them, I swear I will... Waaah..." Evan was shocked, turning to the guy, "Did you do this?" "Yeah." "Why? To get revenge for me?" "Yeah." Evan: "?!?" The guy squinted, saying, "Don''t bother with the Coffee Shop, the hospital, or the police station. I''ve taken care of those people for you." Evan''s eyes widened in disbelief, "You took them all out?!" Chapter 1062 "Cut you some ck, for your sake," he said with a smirk that was all too confident. "What the heck did you do?!" I was bbergasted. The boss, wearing a smug grin, boasted, "Torturing folks? I''m leagues ahead of you in that game!" Evan, puzzled, asked, "Why are you helping me?" "Consider it a wee gift from your new mentor!" "What?!" "Kid, you know the saying: ''Bite off more than you can chew, and you''ll be eating out of someone''s hand.'' I helped you out, so now you owe me." Evan blinked in disbelief. Owe him? What was this, some kind of trap? "Hold up, I never asked for your help!" But before Evan could further protest, his knees buckled suddenly, and before he knew it, he was kneeling on the ground with a thud. The boss quickly pushed his head forward in a mock bow. Evan shoved him away, hopping back to his feet, "What are you doing?!" The boss was practically beaming. "The initiation''splete. From now on, you''re my apprentice! Forget about that old geezer. You''re under my wing now!" Evan was dumbfounded, "Are you out of your mind?!" The boss threw his head back andughed heartily, "Haha, avoiding me won''t save you. If you won''t give me my revenge, I''ll just steal your apprentice!" Evan was at a loss for words. Steal, as in... kill? "Listen up, from today, you call me ''Master''! You''re gonna learn all my tricks! At least two hours a day!" "I... I''m telling you, I don''t ept this!" "ept it or not, it''s not up to you!" The boss moved swiftly, forcing Evan to retreat. His punches were fierce and unfamiliar, leaving Evan no choice but to defend himself. Hidden in the shadows, White watched from behind a tree, tongue-tied. It seemed his young master was in a tight spot, but this odd old man hadn''t hurt him. Should he intervene? Soon, Tarquin got wind of the situation. Knowing Evan was a handful with a penchant for trouble, he had assigned a highly skilled bodyguard to keep an eye on him. The bodyguard might not be a match for Evan, but tracking the young rascal was within his capabilities. Forcing Evan into mentorship?! After a moment of contemtion, Tarquin decided to consult Elliot, "Some weird old man is forcing Evan into mentorship. Do you know anything about this?" Elliot, caught off-guard, replied, "Mentorship?!" He was aware of the weird old man but knew nothing about the mentorship. "Hmm, just got the news. Is Evan safe?" Elliot pondered, realizing why the old man had been so keen on winning Evan over - it was all for the sake of mentorship! "It''s a strange situation, but he wouldn''t harm Evan by making him an apprentice." "Certainly safe, dad, no need to worry." Tarquin, narrowing his eyes, inquired further, "This old man, does he have ties to that mentor of yours from the mountains?" Elliot nced at him, seeing right through him, "If dad''s so curious about our mountain life, he should ask mom, not me." Tarquin was indeed curious about the people who had raised Elliot, Evan, and Emmett in the mountains and their adventures there. "Dad!" Elijah and Baby had arrived. Charles Patel, sitting in the living room, turned his head toward the door upon hearing Elijah''s voice. His eyes lit up at the sight of Elijah, but he quickly sighed inwardly. They had agreed, once each of them had found what they were searching for, they would meet. Now, you''ve found the mother you''ve been desperately searching for. But where is the person your teacher has been searching for all this time? Elijah, where could she possibly be?! Everyone says she''s gone, but is she truly gone? Chapter 1063 "Daddy, where''s mommy?" Baby asked the moment she saw Tarquin. Tarquin scooped her up in his arms, "Mommy''s in the kitchen making dinner. Why don''t you go say hi to Grandpa first?" Carrying Baby, Tarquin entered the house and introduced Elijah and Baby to the Patel family brothers. At the moment, only the Patel brothers were in the living room. Upon hearing the news about Dr. White, yton had rushed over immediately. Elijah and Charles had known each other online for years, yet they had never met in person. And Charles had never revealed his true identity. He wanted to find Irene first before revealing his true connection to Elijah! It was a pact between the mentor and his apprentice. Now that they had acknowledged each other, it felt as if finding Irene had be an even more distant possibility. Moreover, the Patel family was currently in a precarious situation. Supporting yton meant going against the tide. It was uncertain what fate awaited the Patel family after the Hawkins family''s shareholders'' meeting. If they acknowledged their rtionship now and something happened to him, Elijah would surely seek vengeance on his behalf. It was unnecessary. Over the years, Elijah had faced many hardships in the search for his mother. Now that he had finally found her, the best thing was for him to grow up healthy, happy, and sessful, just like Mr. Bradford. Charlesplimented, "Mr. Bradford, you''re truly blessed. Your children are exceptional. They''re bound to grow up and be outstanding individuals, just like you." Tarquin smiled, and Elijah gave a polite bow. Joshua Patel and Robert Patel, however, werepletely taken by Baby. Even in disguise, Baby reminded them of Irene. Joshua''s gaze softened, "This little girl is so cute and chubby." Robert''s eyes reddened, "Irene was younger than Baby when she disappeared." It''s often said that love for the parent extends to the child. Their love for Pam tranted to an equal love for Pam''s daughter. The memory of Pam''s heart-wrenching cries when Irene first disappeared was something the brothers hadn''t forgotten. Even now, the thought brought tears to their eyes. Over the years, they had watched helplessly as their sister descended into madness, unable to find any way to help her except to search relentlessly. Despite being masters of the inte, the Patel brothers had found no trace of Irene. As Tarquin was reminded of the past, he sent Lowell to take the children to the kitchen to find Elysia and Pam. "Today, when I arrived at the Hawkins family home, I heard rumors. Why do many believe Ms. Hawkins is already dead? And they seem so sure of it. Was there something more to her disappearance?" The Patel brothers frowned, "We''ve suspected Irene''s disappearance wasn''t simple, possibly not an ident but foul y. However, despite our investigations, we''ve found nothing. All evidence suggests Irene''s disappearance was an ident." Tarquin''s brow furrowed in concern. If it was an ident, her fate would be unknown. So why were so many convinced of her death? There had to be more to this story. Their conversation was interrupted by yton''s return. His eyes were red and swollen, his voice hoarse from anger. Sitting down, he despairingly said to Tarquin, "I''m a cautionary tale, Mr. Bradford. Always be wary, even of those you trust. ''Trust but verify'' is not always enough. Even blood brothers can stab you in the back, let alone those without blood ties. Does going through thick and thin together mean anything? Does raising someone from childhood mean anything? For some, no matter how good you are to them, it''s in vain." Betrayals by Larry and Dr. White, and Carl''s defection, had deeply wounded yton. It was one thing to be hurt by strangers, but betrayal by those close to him cut much deeper. It was the emotional betrayals that hurt the most. The Patel brothers exchanged somber looks. Tarquin, at a loss for words, could only change the subject. "On a brighter note, the old Murphy family mansion mysteriously caught fire, suffering massive losses. Several buildings werepletely consumed by the mes." Chapter 1064 The stakeholders at Hawkins Sea-freight were collectively roughed up, all ending up in the hospital. Helen and Larry were force-fed a concoction of hot sauce and mustard, experiencing a piercing pain they''d never forget. When they were found, not only were their fingers pierced with long needles, but their toes were, too¡ªa truly pitiful sight. yton was shocked. "Really? Who did this?" "It''s true, but we don''t know who." He knew it wasn''t his boy Evan. yton quickly pulled out his phone to check the news. Despite the inte pointing fingers at him, he didn''t care; the more he read, the more thrilled he became. "Fantastic! Are you sure Mr. Bradford didn''t have a hand in this?" "It wasn''t me." yton then turned to the Patel brothers, "Was it the Patel family?" The Patel brothers shook their heads, "Not us, but we''re quite grateful!" That was a blow they were happy to seended. yton was surprised but excited. "If not you, and not me, then who? I got it, it must be some vignte, disgusted by their vile actions, taking revenge!" Scar-faced boss: Hear that? I am the face of justice here! Evan: What vignte! That''s a madman! Who forces someone to be their apprentice as revenge, huh?! It wasn''t until dinner time that Evan came back, covered in dirt, looking as droopy as an overripe eggnt. Elliot was the first to notice him and quietly asked, "Dad said you were forced to take a master. What''s that about?" Evan pouted, looking utterly miserable. "Bro, my heart''s heavy, woe is me " After hearing his brother out, Elliot narrowed his eyes. This boss was mad, for sure. To take revenge by stealing someone''s apprentice? Hadn''t heard of that one before! But for Evan, this was actually a stroke of luck. "Don''t stress about it. Listen to me, you don''t have to call anyone master if you don''t want to. But if he''s teaching you something useful, learn what you can. It''s all gain." "But he''s got a feud with Grandpa!" "That won''t stop you from learning. As long as you don''t pick up his bad habits, Grandpa won''t me you! Since you can''t get rid of him, just go with the flow!" Evan hesitated, "Are you sure Grandpa won''t be mad?" "Absolutely. Trust me." Evan sighed with relief, his guilt somewhat alleviated. Dinner was a lively affair. The kids were chattering away, making Pam incredibly happy. Her happiness was contagious, lifting the spirits of the Patel brothers and yton. Elysia followed suit, and with her in high spirits, Tarquin was too. Dinner was a bustling event. After dinner, Elysia had the kids secretly ce sleep-inducing aromatherapy in yton and the Patel brothers'' rooms to prevent any restless nights. With the aid of aromatherapy, they all had a restful sleep. Elysia, though saddened by the events, found sce in Tarquin''s arms, crying herself to sleep but hopeful for the future. The real sleepless ones were the Murphy family and the stakeholders at Hawkins Sea-freight! Pain and rage tortured them throughout the night! They unanimously believed yton was behind their woes, ring with vengeance and pointing fingers at him. "He''s really courting death by stirring trouble now!" "He must be feeling bold with Tarquin backing him! Fool! He thinks Tarquin''s taking the Murphy family down for him, but it''s all for his own son!" "Take him down! He must be taken down!" The next morning, yton was jolted awake by his ringing phone, his assistant on the line, voice filled with urgency. "Boss, there''s trouble!" Chapter 1065 yton groggily woke to the sound of his phone ringing. "What''s going on?" "Betty''s gone!" yton''s eyes snapped open, instantly alert. He sat up in shock. "Gone? But wasn''t she at the cabin in the woods? How could she just vanish?!" "Latest night, a wildfire broke out. It wasn''t until dawn that they managed to put it out, and that''s when they realized Betty was missing." yton''s breathing grew heavy. "Missing, or...?" "She''s missing. They got her out of there when the fire started. She wasn''t hurt." yton let out a sigh of relief. "That''s good she''s not hurt. First, let''s call the authorities, then organize a search party!" After hanging up, yton carefully slid out of bed, trying not to wake Pam who was still asleep. He took his phone to the bathroom to continue making calls. He called his mother''s personal assistant, the local church, and the security guard he had stationed at the cabin. After several calls, there was still no word on Betty. He tried calling Carl, but got no answer. Feeling uneasy, yton was about to change and head out when his phone rang. It was Albert Watson. Albert was a close friend of yton''s father. yton quickly answered, "Hello, Albert." "yton, do you have a moment? I need to talk to you about something. Could youe over?" "My mom''s suddenly gone missing, I''m trying to find her. Can we talk over the phone, or can it wait untilter?" "I actually wanted to talk to you because of your mother''s situation. She was here just before she disappeared." yton paused, "Recently? Today?" "Yeah. Let''s talk when you get here." The call ended, leaving yton puzzled. Betty had moved into the cabin in the woods not long after Irene disappeared, turning her back on worldly matters and devoting herself to prayer and meditation for her granddaughter''s well-being. It had been years since shest left the mountain! Why would she suddenly go to the Watsons? yton quickly changed into fresh clothes and rushed out the door. Half an hourter, yton arrived at the Watson residence. Not only Albert was there, but Florian Miller was present too. Like Albert, Florian was a close friend of yton''s father, Randal Hawkins. Though they had no business dealings with the Hawkins Group, their rtionship was strong. Randal had saved their lives, and in return, they had always been there to help him. After Randal passed, yton continued to look out for them. Though the Watson and Miller families hadn''t been able to assist yton like the Patels had, he bore no grudge. After all, Albert and Florian were advanced in age, with limited influence in high society''s circles. yton greeted the elderly gentlemen, "Albert, Florian." They nodded, motioning for yton to sit. A servant brought in cups of steaming coffee and left. yton couldn''t wait to ask, "Albert, why did my mothere to see you today?" "She didn''t juste to me; she also went to see Florian. She knows you''re in a tough spot and hoped we could help you out." yton was surprised. "How did she know I''m struggling?" He had always tried to spare his mother any worry by only sharing good news. "The wildfire on the mountain... she must have learned something. You know your mother; she''s a sharp one." yton frowned. "I''ve failed her, making her worry like this." The two old men looked at him sympathetically. "It''s fate, yton, not your fault. You know how deep our bond was with your father. Without him, we wouldn''t be here today! He saved our lives. It''s not just about helping you; we''dy down our lives for you if needed. It''s just that... We''re both over seventy now, with limited strength. The issues with Hawkins Sea-freight are beyond us; we wish we could do more." Chapter 1066 yton understood the gravity of the situation, "You don''t need to me yourselves. I get it, there''s nothing anyone can do about Hawkins Sea- freight." The two elderly men sighed deeply, each looking more guilty than the other. "We might not be able to help with the shares, but if you ever need anything in your day-to-day life, just say the word!" "After tomorrow''s shareholders'' meeting, those sharks will definitelye after you. You and Pam can''t stay in Ocean Bay anymore. I''ve talked it over with your Uncle Albert. We''ll set aside some money for you. Take Pam and find a quiet ce abroad to start anew." yton was moved but shook his head, "The thought means a lot, Uncles. But Pam won''t agree to leave Ocean Bay, and I won''t leave her. We''ll face whateveres our way. If they take me down, so be it. It''s my fate, and I ept it!" "Ah... Pam''s love for Irene is so strong, it''s ended up harming her." "By the way, yton, I heard about a girl named Elysia who looks a lot like Pam. Pam''s convinced she''s Irene. What''s all that about?" yton sighed, "Ms. Thorne bears a slight resemnce to Pam, but that''s it. I''ve asked; she''s not from Ocean Bay. She''s not Irene." Albert''s eyes flickered with curiosity, ¡°That''s a shame. And Mr. Bradford, is he the cavalry you called in?" ¡°Not at all. They were just tourists in Ocean Bay. Our paths crossed by ident; we had no prior connection." yton''s tone was sincere, clearly not lying. The elderly men exchanged looks, then asked, "So, there''s no chance for a turnaround at tomorrow''s shareholders'' meeting?" yton frowned, resigned, "I only have 40% of the shares, and they have 45%. I can''t win unless Irenees back." The elderly men exchanged another look, sighing deeply, clearly feeling for yton. Just then, yton''s phone rang. It was his assistant, "Boss, breaking news. Betty''s disappearance might be linked to those shareholders." yton''s expression darkened, "Are you sure?!" "No solid evidence yet, but it''s highly likely." yton gritted his teeth, "Keep digging!" After ending the call, yton hurriedly told the elderly men about his mother''s situation and excused himself. The men''s expressions turned grave, "We suspected your mother''s trouble might be linked to the Murphy family, or those shareholders. You hurt them yesterday; they might be seeking revenge!" "It wasn''t me who did that." "Not you?" The men were surprised. "No, not me. But I''m d. They had iting!" The men were puzzled, "If not you, then who? Mr. Bradford? The Patel family?" "Neither." The men grew even more puzzled, "But only you and the Patel family have such a vendetta against them. Besides, who else has the means?" "I''m not sure myself. I guess it''s some unsung hero! The Murphy family and those shareholders have made plenty of enemies; surely, someone righteous couldn''t stand by and took matters into their own hands." The elderly men: "..." After yton left, they pondered, "The Murphy family''s mansion burned to the ground, a massive loss! Hawkins Sea-freight''s shareholders, even with their bodyguards, were beaten to a pulp, all hospitalized! Larry''s been tortured beyond recognition! Helen''s been scared out of her wits! Such a feat, no ordinary person could manage! If it wasn''t yton or the Patel family, could there really be an unsung hero? Does Ocean Bay harbor forces we''re unaware of?" Chapter 1067 Albert frowned, "It looks like yton isn''t lying." Florian, visibly worried, said, "If he was just a lone vignte, I''d be fine with it. My concern is the unknown forces backing yton!" "No worries. Now that his daughter is out of the picture, no one can help him. We''ve confirmed Elysia isn''t his daughter, so there won''t be any surprises at the shareholders'' meeting. We can breathe easy; everything is under control." "Alright, I''ll give them a call to ease their minds." The events of yesterday had caused a stir. Those openly against yton had all faced setbacks! The sudden appearance of Tarquin and Elysia had started to worry them, concerned their ns might be derailed. That''s why Albert and Florian were tasked with fishing for information. yton was oblivious to the fact that Albert and Florian had already turned against him, seeking him out only to extract information. After leaving the Watson family''s mansion, he tried calling Carl again, to no avail. Frustrated yet helpless, yton decided to drive to the hospital to confront the shareholders in person. Soon, those plotting against yton received messages from Albert and Florian. Relieved that the shareholders'' meeting would go smoothly, they set their worries aside. They continued with their original n, preparing for yton''s eventual downfall. Their goal was not just to seize control of Hawkins Sea-freight; they also nned to eliminate yton to prevent any future threats. To achieve this, they had devised a detailed n to iste himpletely, making it easier to strike. Half an hourter, yton arrived at Oceanopolis''s most prestigious private hospital. His adversaries were all there. As he entered the hospital lobby, he spotted Carl. yton''s brow furrowed, just about to confront him about his mother''s whereabouts, when Carl suddenly lunged at him,nding a punch. yton, dazed, eximed, "What the hell?!" Carl, eyes red with rage, retorted, "It''s all your fault, you''re the reason Mom''s in this mess! If it weren''t for you, she''d be fine. I swear, yton, if anything happens to her, I''ll make you pay!" yton, taken aback, wondered since when Carl had cared so much about their mother. Looking around, yton frowned. Was Carl trying to y the dutiful son? Fuming, yton shot back, "Mom''s missing, and you''re here putting on a show, you jerk!" "You''re the jerk, and not just any jerk, you''re a curse! A jinx! It''s a good thing I''ve kept my distance, or I''d be in trouble too! Your daughter''s gone, your wife''s lost her mind, now Mom''s missing because of you, and your friends have all had mishaps! Tell me, if you''re not a jinx, what are you? I''ve even consulted a fortune teller, and they confirmed it. You''re cursed, and anyone who interacts with you ends up in trouble!" "You..." yton, ovee with anger,nded a punch on Carl. Carl fought back, and the brothers ended up scuffling on the floor. The hospital lobby, usually bustling with the elite and affluent, quickly gathered a crowd. Given that this hospital catered to society''s upper crust, many recognized the feuding brothers. Business folks, often superstitious, listened to Carl''s usations and started looking at yton differently. In the past, yton''s high status would have guaranteed intervention on his behalf, condemning Carl while siding with yton. But today, no one stepped forward to support yton. Chapter 1069 At the Hawkins Mansion, Tarquin, and his sons, Elliot, Evan, and Elijah, were glued to their screens, watching a distressing video. Evan''s eyes were red with urgency as he watched his grandfather being thrown out of the hospital, "Dad, aren''t we going to step in and save Grandpa? He''s coughing up blood!" Tarquin frowned, "Your Uncle Jack is already on his way there. We won''t make a move!" Making a move now would only arouse suspicion. He had to stay out of it, showing indifference to yton''s fate, to coax those cunning old foxes into showing their true colors. Wasn''t Elysia enduring all this to trap them all in one fell swoop? It would be foolish to waste all their efforts now! Holding a tablet, Elijah with his brows knitted, asked, "Grandpa''s being ndered online, are we not going to intervene?" Tarquin''s frown deepened, "No, let''s not intervene. Just take note of those key influencers stirring the pot. We''ll settle the score with themter!" Elliot''s expression was grave, "These scoundrels, they''re smart. With all this chaos, even before tomorrow''s shareholder meeting, Grandpa''s already isted. They could easily take him down after this!" Evan was seething, "How dare they bully my grandpa like this. It''s infuriating! I just want to knock them out right now!" Elliot and Elijah clenched their fists, equally furious. Tarquin was also simmering with anger, "Just hold on, tomorrow we''ll send them to their doom. And, don''t tell your mom about Grandpa being attacked or ndered yet." The kids nodded in agreement. Mom was currently with Grandma and hadn''t checked her phone yet, unaware of the situation. She only knew that Great Grandma Betty had gone missing, and Grandpa yton had gone out to look for her. She would be devastated if she knew what Grandpa was going through now! Suddenly, a ck shadow rushed towards Evan. White was back! It wrapped around Evan''s wrist, flicking its tongue at him. Evan''s eyes lit up, "Good news, we''ve found Great Grandma Betty. She''s indeed at the Watson family! White says she''s being held in the basement of the Watson family''s house but is safe for now!" Upon hearing about Betty''s trouble in the morning, the Patel brothers immediately started investigating. They quickly zeroed in on the Watson family. But given the family''s rtionship with yton, they weren''tpletely sure. So, Evan sent White into the Watson family''s premises. White was stealthy and quick to react. Now that it was confirmed, she was indeed there! Tarquin''s lips tightened, his face darkening. yton had visited the Watson family that morning and still trusted them... Albert, truly a cunning old fox! "Dad, should we go rescue Great Grandma Betty now?" Tarquin shook his head, "They''re using her to threaten your Grandpa, so they won''t harm her for now. Let White stay and protect her. We don''t need to rescue her yet." Tarquin knew their main reason for capturing Betty was to prevent yton from impulsively donating Hawkins Sea-freight''s assets before the shareholder meeting! yton had always toyed with that idea, so they had to be cautious! Conveniently, he had also been pondering how to dissuade yton from that thought without revealing their hand. Now, there was no need. With Betty in their grasp, yton wouldn''t act rashly. "Dad, I''ll go with White to protect Great Grandma. She''s old and can''t withstand such stress. I''ll guard her quietly." "Alright, just be subtle about it." "Don''t worry. If anyone tries to harm Great Grandma, I''ll intervene quietly." "Okay." Tarquin let Evan go without worry. He wasn''t concerned for Evan''s safety. Evan was highly skilled, and now, not only did he have White by his side but also a formidable ally. With such an extraordinary team, no one could harm him. Chapter 1070 With their protection, Betty was in no danger at all! "Keep an eye on Grandpa''s side for me, will ya? I need to have a chat with your mom about your Granny''s situation." Elliot and Elijah nodded in unison, "Sure!" The brothers kept watch, jotting down notes diligently. Foes and allies were clearly marked for an easy reckoning tomorrow! After the shareholders'' meeting, they were determined to settle scores-repay the bad and reward the good! In the backyard, Baby and Emmett were ying with Lan. Pam, basking in the sunshine from her wheelchair, watched them with joy, her mood brighter than it had been in ages. Elysia stood behind Pam, her mind heavy with concerns. Seeing Tarquin approaching, she hurried over, "Any news about Grandma?" "Yeah, we''ve found her. She''s safe for now. But to avoid tipping anyone off, we''re going to wait until tomorrow''s meeting to bring her back. It''s a bit of a hassle for Grandma, but we''ll get her soon." Elysia nodded vigorously, relieved, "That''s great! Do Dad and Uncle know yet?" Tarquin hesitated for a moment, "Not yet." Elysia understood why and frowned slightly, clenching her fists. Tarquin gently caressed her cheek tofort her, "Just a little longer, we''lly it all out tomorrow." "Okay!" That evening, when Elysia saw the bruises on yton''s face and the storm of public opinion online, she couldn''t bear to cry in front of yton and the Patel family. It wasn''t until they were alone in bed that she allowed herself to weep in Tarquin''s arms. She clung to Tarquin''s pajamas, burying her face in his chest, crying until she trembled. The thought of her parents being hurt like this filled her with rage and pain! No one was more eager to reunite with her parents than she was. No one was more determined to avenge them and p those scoundrels hard! She wished she could confront them right now, tear them apart! She was so angry, so hurt, and it was so hard to bear! Elysia''s pain was Tarquin''s too. He held her tight, his eyes zing with fury. Those who had hurt his Elysia like this would pay! The next day, Elysia woke up before dawn, as if energized. She got up to wash up, change clothes, and head to the Hawkins Group! Tarquin checked the time; it wasn''t even four in the morning yet. He knew, after all this waiting, it was finally time to go into battle, and Elysia was thrilled! But... Tarquin pulled her back into his arms. "The shareholders'' meeting doesn''t start until ten. We''ve got time." "I''ll get ready now, and then ask Emmett to disguise me." "Silly, you don''t need a disguise today." Tarquin looked at her face, which bore a striking resemnce to Pam''s, and softly said, "Today, you''re not Elysia from Jindale City; you''re Irene from Oceanopolis." Elysia''s excitement grew even more at his words, "Right, right, right, today I''m finally going to reunite with my parents! No more hiding!" "Just listen to me and try to rest a bit more." "I can''t sleep!" "How about I tell you a story? Or sing a song? Would you like to hear a story or a song?" Elysia shook her head, "I don''t want to listen to a song, nor do I want a story." Tarquin, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, saw her restless excitement and decisively flipped over, pinning her beneath him. "Since you''re not in the mood for songs or stories, how about we do some exercise?" Elysia was startled, but before she could react, Tarquin''s lips met hers. With so much time to spare, rather than letting her anxieties run wild, why not engage in a more... diverting activity to shift her focus? Chapter 1071 At 8 a.m., yton made his rounds through the main house with a heavy heart. Today, he would have to leave this ce behind. The Hawkins family had a rule that only the head of the family could reside in the main house. After the shareholders'' meeting, he would lose Hawkins Sea-freight and his status as the head of the Hawkins family. The main house would no longer be his! All of it would be Carl''s. Carl would be the new head of the Hawkins family and move into the main house! If it weren''t for their sudden kidnapping of his mother, he would have donated Hawkins Sea-freight today! The empire he had worked so hard to build, he would rather give it away for free than let those scoundrels have it! But life is full of regrets, and now he was at his wit''s end, unable to change the situation, powerless to do anything! "Sigh-" yton let out a long sigh, ncing upstairs towards Elysia and Tarquin''s room. He had wanted to have a chat with Tarquin, but thinking they were still resting, he didn''t want to disturb them by going up. Seeing Elliot and Elijahe downstairs, he said to the two boys, "Something''s happened at your granddad''s today, and you won''t be able to stay here anymore. When your parents wake up, let them know for me. If they don''t mind, they can move to the vi in the suburbs with your grandma. But, the suburbs are quite far from all the attractions, and it''s not very convenient, so if they don''t want to stay there, they don''t have to worry about your grandma and me. You guys came out to have fun, and that''s what''s most important." Of course, he hoped Elysia and the kids would stay with them, but he couldn''t insist. Elliot, without revealing his true identity, replied, "My mom says that after a stormes a rainbow, and a person won''t be down on their luck forever. Grandpa yton, I wish you the best." Elijah frowned and said, "We''re not going anywhere. We''ll be here waiting for you, waiting to have lunch with you." yton''s eyes reddened, touched and helpless. He didn''t want to move either, but he had no choice! He had already arranged for someone to take Pam to the vi in the suburbs in the morning. As for lunch... yton didn''t want to dampen the kids'' spirits and said, "I''ll try my best toe back for lunch with you guys. If I get too tied up and can''t make it, you guys make sure to eat well." "You''ll definitely make it back!" Elijah said with certainty. Charles looked at Elijah and sighed deeply. The teacher and student had met, but before they could recognize each other, they were already facing a farewell. The shareholders'' meeting was a battlefield, and what came after could be a massacre! Whether they could make it back alive was uncertain. Feeling Charles''s gaze, Elijah turned to look at him. He didn''t know Charles was his teacher, but he could feel there was something different in Charles''s look. "And you, you have toe back for lunch with us." Charles smiled warmly, affectionately ruffling Elijah''s hair, "Sure." ... When yton and the Patel brothers arrived at thepany, it was still before the meeting time. Since the Patel brothers weren''tpany employees, they had to wait outside for the time being. "Call us immediately if anything happens, we''ll rush in." "Got it!" yton nodded and walked into thepany. Upon seeing him, his assistant Alden hurried over, looking panicked, "Boss!" yton saw his bruised face and frowned, "What happened to your face?" Alden''s lips moved slightly, "They hit me." yton''s face darkened, "Who?!" Before Alden could speak, the president''s office door suddenly opened, and yton''s second and third assistants came out carrying big boxes. Seeing yton, they froze for a moment, their expressions panicked. But the next second, they calmed down and said, "Mr. Hawkins, Philip asked us to pack up your things and move them out. We weren''t sure what you wanted and what you didn''t, so we just put everything in the storage room. If you need anything, you can find it in storage." Chapter 1072 They used "you" instead of "sir". Called him "Mr. Hawkins" instead of "boss". It was a minor thing, but it spoke volumes. Even the junior assistant dared to address him like this, showing what his current standing in thepany was! It was Alden they had roughed up, for he had stopped them from moving yton''s stuff. yton was livid, "How dare you touch my things without my permission? Have you forgotten that I''m still your boss?!" The two assistants froze, unsure of how to respond, and simply ignored him. They carried the boxes towards the restroom. The storage was right next to it. yton''s face darkened, "Alden, notify HR, fire them both! If HR gives you any lip, fire them too!" The assistants gasped, panic-stricken, standing there holding the boxes uneasily. Suddenly, they saw a man walking out of the CEO''s office, and they hurried toin, "Philip, we upset Mr. Hawkins by moving stuff, and he''s going to fire us." Philip was thepany''s second-inmand. Philip, unfazed and smiling, said, "Well, Mr. Hawkins is still the top dog for now. He can fire whoever he wants; I can''t do anything about it." The assistants'' eyes widened, but Philip added, "But don''t worry, he won''t be for long. I''ll rehire youter with double the sry." The assistants were overjoyed, "Thanks, Philip." After speaking, they red at yton and Alden beside him, carrying the boxes next to the restroom. In front of yton, they dropped the boxes heavily on the ground. yton, lips pursed in anger, thought of something and hurried towards the CEO''s office. But Philip blocked him, "This is no longer your office. If you''re looking for something, check the storage. Oh, I remember now, you''re looking for this, aren''t you?" Philip took out a picture frame, squinting at it. It was the only family photo yton had on his desk, featuring him, his wife, and their child! "Shame, really. Irene looked so pretty as a child. If she were alive today, she''d be stunning. Such a pity, gonepletely, probably not even a trace left." "You bastard!" yton roared, reaching for the picture frame. Philip let go, and the frame fell to the ground, shattering. Seeing the broken frame, yton''s pupils dted in shock. Alden, knowing the significance of the family photo to yton, hurried to pick it up. His hand barely touched the photo when a leather shoe stepped on it, grinding it down. The ss shards cut through Alden''s palm, making him hiss in pain as he looked up at Philip. Philip red at him, menacing, "Foolish thing, turning down such a high offer from me, insisting on suffering with yton. You''re sick!" yton was furious, about to strike Philip! But he was promptly restrained by his second and third assistants, who coldly said, "Mr. Hawkins, there are cameras everywhere. If you hit him here, we''ll have to call the cops!" "Get lost!" yton shouted, throwing them off, but Alden stopped him, "Boss, stay calm. We can''t give them an excuse now." Alden was worried they''d use any violence as a reason to throw yton into jail and torment him after the shareholders'' meeting was over. "I''m fine, here''s your photo." Alden handed the family photo to yton, blood smudging its surface. Chapter 1073 yton''s eyes were bloodshot as he took the photograph from Alden, "I''m so sorry you''ve been dragged into this mess." Alden shook his head, "Don''t worry about me, you''ve done so much for me. It''s you who''s been wronged here." Before the board meeting had even started, Philip had alreadymandeered yton''s office, pushing the limits of decency! Seeing Alden forcibly sniffing to hold back emotions, yton thought to himself how, despite the harshness of the world, there were still good souls around. He looked at the photo of his wife and daughter, feeling a bitter sting in his nostrils. Philip snorted disdainfully, eyes full of contempt. After giving Alden a sharp look, he ordered the office door locked and said to yton, "Better hurry up, the board meeting''s about to start!" With another huff, Philip headed towards the conference room. yton pocketed the photograph, giving the office door onest look before steeling himself. Together, Alden and he entered the meeting room. The other board members were already there, their eyes narrowed in disdain and mockery as yton walked in. Carl was among them, staring at his own brother without a hint of guilt. yton clenched his jaw, seeing Philip arrogantly seated at the head of the table, a spot that should have been his. Ignoring the power y, yton chose a random seat. Fighting over the seat now seemed pointless. Just as he sat down, the door to the conference room opened, and two elderly men, leaning on canes, walked in. Upon seeing them, yton shot up from his chair, surprised, "Albert, Florian, what brings you here?" The two men gave him a cold nce and without a word, walked over and sat down opposite him. yton was dumbfounded for a moment before his eyes widened in realization, "You... you guys..." Philip smugly responded, "Mr. Watson and Mr. Miller are also shareholders in Hawkins Sea-freight, each holding a 2% stake. Of course, they had toe." yton swayed, his mind buzzing. He had been unaware that Albert and Florian held shares in Hawkins Sea-freight! He knew there were anonymous shareholders, but he never imagined it would be them! Together, they held 4%. If they had sided with him, he could have won the day! But they had chosen to support Philip instead! yton faced them, breathing heavily, "Just yesterday, you were telling me how my father saved your lives, that you''d do anything for me, and now... now..." The two old men looked at him with disdain, "We were just ying on your emotions to get information." "Get information?" "Yes, there were too many unexpected eventstely. We needed to make sure you had no ace up your sleeve. And to find out if Mr. Bradford was truly your trump card." The realization hit yton hard. He stared at them, utterly shocked. The arrival of Albert and Florian was like a spark to yton''s fury! In front of everyone, he roared, "My father saved your lives! He did you a great service! I''ve treated you well too. Why? Why betray me?" Their response was casual, "Philip promised us each a 10% stake if we supported him. Refusing him would have been foolish." "Everyone has their price." yton trembled with rage, "So, ''Everyone has their price,'' huh? What about gratitude? My father and I helped you reach where you are today! Ungrateful, treacherous, worse than animals! You''ll get what''sing to you! Just you wait and see, you won''t have a happy ending!" The room filled with cold, disdainfulughter. Chapter 1074 Albert nced at Philip with a mix of irritation and urgency, "Enough with the chit-chat, guys. It''s go time!" yton slumped in his chair, looking like a man who had just had his soul sucked out of him. Betrayal from Philip and his crew was infuriating, sure. Carl turning on him was downright hateful. But betrayal from Albert and Florian? That was a knife to the heart. In that moment, in the bustling conference room, only he and Alden were seething with a mix of anger and pain. The rest? They were practically throwing a party. After all, yton''s fall from grace meant they could milk Hawkins Sea-freight for all it was worth. And thanks to the contracts they''d cunningly signed in advance, yton''s shares were about to be up for grabs. That spelled big bucks for everyone else. The seasoned chairman took the floor, setting the stage for the vote that was about to unfold. "...As per our rules, any shareholder not present has effectively forfeited their voting rights. So today, only 85% of the shares will be in y. You may cast your vote for Mr. Hawkins or for Philip. Once the votes are counted, the one with the majority will be our new president... Let''s begin." Albert was the first to throw his hat in the ring, "I''m voting for Philip." Florian was quick to follow suit, "Same here, Philip gets my vote." Carl chimed in, "Philip for me as well." And so it went, with "Philip" echoing through the room like a mantra. Philip leaned back, smirking at yton with that smug look of triumph only a scoundrel could muster. yton''s lips were a tight line, his face an ashen hue of rage. He had seen this betrayaling, but the sting was real nheless. His own brother, his most respected uncles-turned against him. How could he not seethe with hatred? As the meeting wrapped up, it was clear: Philip had swept the vote. The chairman announced the results, "With 45% of the shares, Philip has won. Mr. Hawkins, with 40%." Philip''s smirk widened as he turned to yton, "Mr. Hawkins, congrattions. From this moment on, Hawkins Sea-freight is no longer your concern. Time to retire, perhaps?" yton''s response was nothing but a quivering lip; words failed him. The chairman added, "ording to our rules, Philip will now be the new president of Hawkins Sea-freight. Any objections?" A chorus of "No objections" filled the room. Suddenly, a clear, feminine voice cut through the noise, "I object!" Heads turned in unison towards the door. Elysia, d in a sharp business suit and high heels, made her entrance, mask on face, authority in her stride. Tarquin, equally imposing in his attire, followed behind. The room went from shocked to downright bewildered at the sight of them. Elysia garnered a few nces, but it was Tarquin who captured the room''s full attention. After all, Mr. Bradford of Jindale City was not a man to be taken lightly. "What are you doing here? How did you get in?" the chairman demanded. Philip stood, trying to mask his fear and irritation with a veneer of politeness, "Mr. Bradford, this is the Hawkins Group''s shareholder meeting. Your presence is a bit out of ce, don''t you think?" Tarquin, giving Philip not even a nce, strode confidently to yton''s side and bowed deeply, "Dad." The room gasped, yton nearly tumbled from his chair in shock, and the collective eyes of the assembly nearly popped out of their sockets. What on earth was happening? Chapter 1075 If it had been anyone else, they''d surely bebeled a lunatic! But the entric in question was Tarquin, and nobody dared call him mad. Instead, they wondered if their ears had betrayed them! Tarquin calling yton ''Dad''? Impossible, utterly impossible! Even yton thought he''d misheard. There was no blood rtion, not even the slightest, between himself and Tarquin. How on earth could Tarquin call him Dad?! He must have misheard, definitely! Shakily, yton inquired, "Mr. Bradford, what... what did you just call me?" "Dad!" Tarquin repeated earnestly. His voice was firm, resonating with conviction. Everyone in the conference room heard it loud and clear! Their jaws dropped in disbelief! Confirmed - their ears were fine. It was Tarquin who had lost it! After his initial shock, yton furrowed his brows, concern washing over his face, "Mr. Bradford, are you alright?" Tarquin calling him dad? Something had to be up with his head! Understanding yton''s astonishment, Tarquin turned slightly, "Let''s have a father-inw and son-inw chatter, shall we? Now, look who''s that?" Father-inw and son-inw? yton was dumbfounded, "?!?" So were the others, "?!?" Suddenly realizing something, everyone tensed up and turned their heads towards Elysia! There she stood, behind Tarquin, her eyes red and teary as she looked at yton. At some point, she had removed her mask, revealing a face that was strikingly simr to a young Pam! The room was in shock: "!!!" Elysia knelt before yton, her voice choked with emotion, "Dad!" yton stared at her in disbelief, his breathing erratic, his chest heaving! He was nervous, excited, and utterly confused! His body trembled, his lips quivered, his eyes as bewildered as a child''s! He looked at Elysia, then at Tarquin, then at Carl and Philip, sweeping his gaze over every face in the room... As if asking, is this a dream or reality? He thought he saw his daughter! He thought he heard his daughter calling him ''Dad"! His Irene seemed to be right in front of him, within reach! Was this a dream? Why did it feel so real? yton raised his trembling hand, cautiously, anxiously, slowly reaching towards Elysia... This was Irene, his Irene! He wanted to touch her, to hold her... But before yton''s hand could touch Elysia, he suddenly withdrew it. "p!" He struck himself hard across the face! He feared it was a dream, afraid that if he reached out, he''d only grasp air, like in countless lonely dreams before! Over the years, he''d dreamt of his daughter countless times. In those dreams, even though she seemed right in front of him, reaching out would make her vanish without a trace. Each time, he would end up crouched on the ground, clutching his head, sobbing in despair. So he was scared, scared that this moment was also a dream! Scared that if he reached out, his daughter would disappear! "Dad!" Elysia took his hand herself. "I''m not dreaming! I''m not dreaming!" yton looked at Elysia excitedly, his eyes instantly reddening, "You... you... you are..." Elysia''s tears streamed down her face, "Dad, I''m Irene, I''m your daughter Irene." yton''s mind buzzed, and he lunged forward, "My Irene! This is really my Irene! My Irene hase back! Oh, Lord, I''ve finally found my Irene! Oh, Irene, Irene..." Father and daughter embraced and wept together, their sobs heart-wrenchingly tender. Tarquin''s eyes welled up with tears. Chapter 1076 Lowell and Alden were in tears, their emotions overflowing like a river after a storm. Philip and the rest of the crowd were gobsmacked, their jaws practically hitting the floor at the scene unfolding before them. After a moment of stunned silence, chaos erupted. "No way, no way! Irene''s been gone for ages, she can''t possibly be Irene! It has to be a hoax!" "Yeah, yeah, you''re right! This must be one of yton''s tricks! He''s staging this whole drama just to win!" "And she didn''t even look like this the other day. She must have had stic surgery to impersonate Irene, trying to mimic Pam''s youthful appearance!" They were in denial, refusing to believe that Irene was alive and had returned. After all, if Irene came back with that 15% shareholding, they were doomed,pletely and utterly defeated! Tarquin, with a subtle twitch of his nose, helped the tearful father and daughter to their feet. Then, casting a frosty nce over the crowd, he signaled Lowell. Wiping away his tears, Lowell stepped forward with a stack of documents in hand. "Here are the paternity tests between my wife and Mr. Hawkins, and here are the maternity tests between my wife and Mrs. Hawkins. Along with these documents, we can prove my wife''s identity." Philip and the others hurriedly examined the paternity tests! To convince them, Tarquin had arranged for several paternity tests from different authoritative institutions. There were tests from private hospitals and legal departments, all stamped with official seals for quick verification. Elysia and yton were engulfed in their excitement, momentarily oblivious to the rest. With Tarquin holding the fort, he pulled up a chair, sat down with an unreadable expression, and addressed the crowd. "If anyone has doubts or questions, feel free to ask. I''ll rify them myself." The crowd nced at him, meeting his dark, prating gaze, and quickly looked away. Their breathing was ragged, their bodies trembling, hands shaking as they held the documents. Their faces were paler than a ghost! They were savvy enough to know these documents were legitimate. Their worst fear had materialized. yton''s daughter had returned! Irene was indeed back! Normally, they could twist facts and deny the truth if someone else presented the evidence. But with Tarquin personally delivering undeniable proof, who dared to object? The situation hadpletely turned around. Irene had returned with that crucial 15% shareholding, and yton had won! They had lost, utterly and hopelessly, without a chance to recover. It was all over for them. Suddenly, Carl burst into tears, "Irene! It really is Irene! Our Irene is back, oh Lord, our Irene has returned, boo hoo hoo..." Tarquin saw right through him, furrowing his brows and rolling his eyes in disgust. Carl was clearly trying to switch sides now that he saw which way the wind was blowing. Elysia, still wiping away her tears but momentarily putting aside the joy of their reunion, snapped, "Dad, let''s talk about thister. Let''s deal with the current issue first." yton quickly agreed, nodding and wiping his own tears, "Yes, yes, yes." Together, they turned their re toward Carl. Elysia indignantly said, "I am back! Sorry to disappoint you!" Carl hurriedly responded, "Disappointed? How could I be? I''m genuinely thrilled you''re back. Your parents and I have been searching for you so long, Irene!" "You searching for me? Ha! Save your act; it makes me sick!" Chapter 1077 Carl was on his knees in front of yton, eyes brimming with tears, "Bro!" yton snapped, "Don''t call me bro! You were the one who said you wanted to cut tiespletely. We have nothing to do with each other anymore!" "Bro,e on, we share the same mother, how can we just sever ties like that? I was wrong, bro, I was just blowing hot air. Don''t take what I said seriously." "Hmph, save your act, it makes me sick!" "Bro..." Tarquin handed yton a stack of papers, "Over the years, Carl has been involved in a myriad of illegal activities. This is all the evidence. If handed over to the cops, he''d be looking at at least ten years." yton first gave his son-inw a look of warm affection before taking the documents. After reading, he clenched his teeth, "Call the cops! Someone like him doesn''t deserve freedom!" Hearing this, Carl was terrified, "Bro, I was wrong. I was led astray, you know I''m easily influenced. I really see my mistake now! Bro, please, give me another chance. I''ll do anything you say from now on, I won''t mess up again. Bro, I don''t want to go to jail, please..." yton was unyielding, "If you really know you''re wrong, then serve your time and reflect on your actions! Alden, call the police!" Carl copsed, utterly terrified. The others were shaking in their boots! If yton could be this harsh with his own brother, what about them? Philip was panicking. ording to the agreement, if he lost, his shares would be confiscated! He felt like a drowned rat, left with nothing! Knowing yton wouldn''t let him off the hook, Philip yed hisst card, attempting to use Betty as leverage, "yton, think about your mother!" Everyone echoed, "Yeah, think of Betty!" Betty had be their lifeline. yton, known for his filial piety, couldn''t act rashly with Betty as leverage. But before yton could explode, Tarquin calmly said, "Dad, don''t worry. We''ve found grandma. She''s safe at home now." Tarquin yed a video for everyone to see. It showed Betty being rescued by bodyguards that morning, and now she was happily with Pam. Elysia added, "Dad, grandma was saved from the Watson family''s basement. They''re the kidnappers." yton was shocked, then turned to Albert with rage, "You... it was you! Have you forgotten the kindness my parents showed you? You''re truly despicable!" Albert copsed, coughing up blood, nearly meeting his end right there! Tarquin continued, "The Watson family are kidnappers, and the Miller family are their aplices. Everyone here had a hand in it; none are innocent or clean. From what I''ve found, their crimes carry sentences of over five years each! Philip is the worst offender, embezzling funds and smuggling contraband, posing a threat to national security. He''s looking at life or even the death penalty. These are all the evidence." yton, trembling with emotion, took the evidence. These documents were like swords, allowing him to legally strike at his enemies and vent his anger. "Hand them over to the police, let them deal with it, let them taste the consequences," yton dered. Hearing this, Philip fainted, and the others copsed, pale as ghosts. Outside thepany, the Patel brothers saw a squad of armed police rushing into the building, their expressions grave. Unaware of the chaos inside and not having seen Tarquin and Elysia enter, they thought yton was in trouble and were ready to burst in to rescue him! The security, on Philip''s payroll, didn''t recognize the Patel brothers but knew they were there to protect yton. So, they blocked their way, throwing threats and insults with an air of superiority. Chapter 1078 The Hawkins Sea-freight was under new management, now headed by Philip. Anyone looking for yton was told to wait outside or head to the police station, where the cops had just stormed in to apprehend him. "Really, siding with yton even now? Are you out of your minds?" The security guard''s words were cut short by a solid punch to the face! Robert, a military man with a short fuse, didn''t bother with words and went straight for action. The security team, bold as ever, called for backup, but before they could even make a move, the police emerged, escorting a group of individuals. The Patel brothers tensed, expecting to see yton, but to their surprise, it was Carl! Carl, Philip, Albert, and Florian... a whole crowd, all of yton''s enemies! The Patel brothers were stunned, and so were the security guards. Following behind the police and their detainees were yton and Tarquin, with the Patel brothers quickly approaching, "yton, what''s going on?" yton, unable to contain his excitement, said, "It''s a long story. Brothers, guess who this is?" Elysia removed her mask, greeting them with tearful eyes, "Uncle." The Patel brothers were dumbfounded, "Is... is that really Elysia?" With a voice tinged with emotion, Elysia exined how she had known about her identity beforeing to Oceanopolis. To catch the viins, she had concealed her identity, even going as far as to disguise herself, causing worry among her uncles. The Patel brothers, visibly moved and barely able to contain their excitement, eximed, "It''s good you''re back! Safe and sound!" yton, fighting back his emotions, suggested, "Let''s go home and talk. The kids just called; they''re waiting for us to have lunch together." The security guards stood frozen, heads bowed, not daring to breathe too loudly. As yton walked past them, he overheard their earlierments and told Alden, "Since they''re so fond of Philip, let them join him and his cronies in jail!" With Philip behind bars, they could all keep each otherpany. Ignoring the security guards'' pleas for mercy, yton, hand in hand with Elysia, got into the car. For years, yton had been away, and thepany had seen better days. Now, it was time for a thorough cleanup. But at that moment, yton''s only concern was spending time with his daughter and wife. After over twenty years of searching, waiting, and hoping, the family was finally reunited. Oceanopolis was lively under the clear skies, buzzing with news about the Hawkins family. #Elysia Hawkins makes a triumphant return, securing Hawkins Sea-freight for Mr. Hawkins! #Tarquin, Jindale City''s billionaire, revealed to be Mr. Hawkins''s son-inw! #Daughter of Oceanopolis''s wealthiest, married to the nation''s richest man - Elysia Hawkins''s life of luxury! #Springtime for Mr. Hawkins and Ms. Patel, as their daughter and her influential husband make a high-profileeback# #Philip caught embezzling and smuggling, sent to prison by Mr. Hawkins# #Mr. Hawkins disowns Carl, sending him to jail# #Son-inw defends father-inw, taking down a hundred top inte influencers# #Good deeds bring rewards, evil deeds bring retribution - enemies of Mr. Hawkins, tremble in fear# Lying in a hospital bed, Larry was astounded by the news flooding the inte. Frantically, he reached out to Alden, "Please... tell Mr. Hawkins, I want to make amends! I know the secret behind Ms. Hawkins''s disappearance all those years ago!" Chapter 1079 yton had barely parked when his phone buzzed with a call from Alden. The mere mention of wanting to see Larry filled him with disgust. To him, Larry was the epitome of ingratitude, a real snake in the grass. However, the moment he heard Larry knew the secret behind his daughter''s disappearance, his interest was piqued, and he agreed to the meeting. "What''s wrong, Dad?" Elysia noticed the change in yton''s demeanor and expressed her concern lovingly. yton gazed at his daughter with affection. He didn''t want to sour the mood by bringing up Larry, so he brushed it off with, "It''s nothing, sweetheart." Before they could continue, joyful cries from outside the car grabbed their attention. "Daddy, Mommy, Grandpa!" Five little munchkins were sprinting towards the car. yton, already fond of these kids and now knowing they were his very own grandchildren, was over the moon with excitement. He couldn''t wait to get out of the car and scoop them into his arms, showering them with affection and proudly proiming, "My good little ones, all of you are Grandpa''s treasures!" The Smith brothers, also quite taken with the children, joined in the greetings with equal enthusiasm. "Hey there, little champs!" The kids warmly greeted them back, "Hello, Uncle Grandpa!" Elysia and Tarquin, stepping out of the car, shared a warm, knowing smile, watching the heartwarming scene unfold before them. Suddenly, Charles, unable to hide his excitement, lifted Elijah into the air. "Elijah, we finally meet! You found who you were looking for, and so did I. We''re both lucky stars!" Elijah, stunned, managed a surprised, "Teacher?!" "Ha-ha, yes, it''s me! Talk about fate!" Elijah''s eyes sparkled with surprise and delight. Tarquin squinted, piecing everything together. No wonder Elliot and Elijah had a knack for hacking despite neither he nor Elysia having such skills-it was a gift from the Smith genes, a wonderful twist of gic fate! Elysia, still trying to catch up, asked, "What teacher?" Tarquin exined, "Elijah had been learning online from a mentor he''d never met in person. Turns out, his mystery teacher is his Uncle Grandpa!" "Wow, talk about serendipity!" "Irene?!" A distant, frail voice called out. Turning towards the sound, Elysia saw an elderlydy rushing over, her servants struggling to keep up. Without asking, she knew it was her grandmother. Rushing to meet her, Elysia greeted, "Grandma!" The old woman, tears streaming down her face, gasped, "My Irene, my little Irene! Bless the heavens, bless the heavens..." Betty, choked with sobs,mented, "I''m so sorry, my dear. It was all my fault, losing you... I''m so sorry, my Irene..." On the drive back, yton had filled in Elysia about the day she went missing-the day her father returned from the sea. Concerned about the stormy weather, her mother and grandmother had taken her to the docks to wait for her father. It was during a brief moment, when her mother was away and her grandmother and a servant were watching her, that she disappeared. The guilt had haunted her grandmother ever since. Elysiaforted Betty, wiping her tears, "It''s not your fault, Grandma. It was a twist of fate, and now that it''s resolved, I''m back." Holding Elysia''s hand, Betty''s eyes were filled with tears of joy, "The important thing is you''re back. We''ve missed you for over twenty years." Tarquin approached, respectfully greeting, "Grandma." Betty quickly wiped her tears and took a moment to really look at Tarquin, Chapter 1080 "Absolutely! Just looking at you, I can tell you''re a responsible, dependable young man! Our Irene has been thriving, like she''s been nourished by a pot of honey, and you''ve yed no small part in that. Grandma thanks you, dear." "Oh, Grandma, you''re too kind. It''s my honor that she''s taken a liking to me. Of course, I''ll spoil her rotten, don''t you worry. I''ll make sure she''s happier with each passing day." "Marvelous, marvelous!" The maid wheeled Pam over, and upon seeing Elysia, she froze in shock. This was her first glimpse of Elysia''s true face. Elysia knelt down, "Mom." Pam lifted her bandaged hand, gently tracing Elysia''s features. "Irene looks just like her mom." Pam turned to Betty, "Mom, it''s Irene, Irene has grown up." Betty nodded, "I know, this is our Irene, our Irene hase back to us." Pam''s smile was wide and childlike, clearly not all there, "Yep, yep, Irene''s back, Irene''s back." Tears streamed down Elysia''s cheeks. If only she had known how much her family missed her, she would have dug into her origins much sooner. yton approached, ncing between his wife and daughter, then turned to Betty, "Mom, I''m sorry you had to endure all this." "I''m not the one who''s suffered, my son and daughter-inw have! Those vile scoundrels, how dare they... Let''s not talk about them, it''s disgusting! They''ve gotten theireuppance! Today is a day for happiness, let''s focus on that!" "Absolutely!" The family returned to the main house, enjoying a lively and joyous reunion lunch. After lunch, yton made up an excuse to leave the family gathering, heading to the hospital to find Larry. He needed to uncover the truth about how his daughter was lost all those years ago. Evan, worried his grandpa might be bullied again, followed him quietly all the way to the hospital. As yton entered the hospital, he bumped into the director who was being arrested. This was the same man who had ordered yton not to step foot in the hospital just the day before! After everything was settled today, Elijah and Elliot moved quickly, anonymously exposing a whole bunch of people online! Their dark secrets and evidence were sted across the inte for public judgment! This included social media influencers with millions of followers, popr celebrities, and other well-known figures. Big shots and small fries alike, whoever had mocked yton the loudest, suffered the worst fate! This included the high-and-mighty director, now a pariah on the streets, facing harsh legal penalties. Seeing yton, he desperately pleaded, "yton, help me, please. I know I was wrong to throw you out of the hospital yesterday. yton, help me, please..." As the police led him away, yton strode into the elevator, utterly indifferent to his pleas, not even sparing him a nce. He wasn''t a saint. For such people, he wished nothing but a swift descent into hell - the more miserable, the better! Larry was in a ninth-floor hospital room. The moment yton appeared, Larry became agitated, "Mr. Hawkins!" yton sat down with a cold expression, "Spit it out." "Mr. Hawkins, I was wrong, sob, I really realize that now. I''ve failed your kindness, I''m guilty!" "Cut the crap, get to the point." yton''s silence andck of insults meant he hadpletely given up on him! Such ingratitude was worse than that of animals! Seeing yton''s attitude, Larry knew he couldn''t be forgiven, so he hurriedly said, "I''ll tell you the secret of Ms. Hawkins'' disappearance. Can... can you just let me go, please?" He wasn''t seeking forgiveness anymore, just to be spared! The fate of those who had wronged yton was too grim, and he was terrified! yton red at him, his voice icy, "I''ll decide if your ''secret'' is worth anything first." Chapter 1081 Larry knew yton was a man of his word, so he rushed to say: "Back in the day, Ms. Hawkins was kidnapped through Helen''s plotting! She bribed a maid, and while Ms. Patel and Betty were distracted, she sneaked away Ms. Hawkins, with Roger orchestrating the escape from the dock. Helen also manipted Roger into killing Ms. Hawkins and secretly recorded it. She aimed to kill two birds with one stone: eliminate Ms. Hawkins and use the video to ckmail the Murphy family, securing her untouchable status within them. I identally stumbled upon these secrets and even managed to copy the video of Roger abusing a child, which is why the Murphy family was willing to go to great lengths to save me! But now, it seems Roger must have killed the wrong person, otherwise Ms. Hawkins couldn''t possibly havee back alive." yton clenched his jaw tightly, his brow furrowed in suspicion. He had suspected Helen but never found any proof! "Where''s the video?" "If... if you promise to spare me, I''ll give it to you." yton stared at him for a few seconds, "Deal, I promise!" His daughter''s safety was his top priority! Larry''s heart, which had been hanging by a thread, finally rxed. He let out a sigh of relief before saying: "The USB with the video is buried at the bottom of therge flower pot in my room. Empty out the soil, and you''ll find it." yton made a call, and someone went to search. Soon, a call came from home, confirming the discovery of the USB. The video was transferred to yton''s phone, and his expression turned stormy! This was indeed evidence of Roger abusing a child! Had it not been for his daughter Irene''s luck, she would have been Roger''s victim drowned in water! A murderous look gleamed in yton''s eyes! Without another word to Larry, he left the hospital room. No sooner had yton left than a scar-faced boss appeared in Larry''s room. Larry was startled, toote to scream before the boss sped his mouth, swiftly shing his mouth with a knife a few times. After inflicting a series of wounds, he then forcefully poured a concoction down Larry''s throat. A special blend by Evan, consisting of mustard, chili peppers, sea salt, pepper, and hot oil! After the concoction, following Evan''s instructions, the boss rubbed a substance into Larry''s wounds. It was the same substance Larry had once used on Pam, designed not to heal wounds but to rapidly worsen and fester them! But what Evan and the boss used was an enhanced version! This application on wounds was pure agony! Larryy on the hospital bed, his body convulsing, in so much pain his eyes seemed about to pop out! His stomach churned, his throat felt as if it was being ripped apart, and his mouth as though it had beencerated a thousand times! At the site of his wounds, it felt as if millions of venomous insects were gnawing at his flesh and bones! He tried to scream but couldn''t; even breathing was excruciatingly painful! All Larry could do was lie helplessly on the bed, staring wide-eyed at the ceiling, tears streaming down his face. Evan, hiding outside the window, thought to himself: Why cry? You brought this upon yourself. His grandfather had promised to spare him, but that was his grandfather''s personal decision; Evan had made no such promise! After dealing with Larry, Evan went to find Helen. Helen, having been terrified by the boss the previous day, was now admitted to the psychiatric ward. Evan arrived just after yton had left. Helen, perhaps triggered by something, mumbled to herself, "It''s impossible, Irene was supposed to be dead, she can''t be back! Liars, all lies! Ah, surely, it''s all a lie. Pam, that wretch, won''t be happy either. She made me miserable; why should she be happy?! If it weren''t for her, yton would surely love me, I could have been Mrs. Hawkins! I killed her daughter, let''s see how she can be happy now! Haha, she''ll never be happy again, she''s exhausted herself searching for her daughter and will never find her! Her daughter is in hell, hahaha... Crying all the time, she must be in so much pain, that wretch must be suffering, haha. She''s just a crazy woman anyone can bully, I can torment her however I want!" Chapter 1082 "I''ll make her suffer, I''ll break her, I''ll stick her full of needles until she''s nothing but a bloody mess, hahaha..." Muttering to herself in a disjointed frenzy, it was clear Helen had lost touch with reality. Evan''s lips were pressed tightly together, his small fists clenched hard, his breathing rapid and shallow. That damn viper! After scouring the hospital, Evan leaped into Helen''s room. He orchestrated the revenge, and a scar-faced enforcer made sure Helen experienced the agony Pam had endured-twofold! By the time the nurse found her, Helen was more porcupine than human, her body festooned with long needles everywhere but her eyes. The ghastly image of Helen and Larry''s condition went viral online, shocking viewers but also earning a unanimous nod: karma at work! Themotion was too big to ignore, prompting police investigation. But with surveince sabotaged and not a trace of Evan or the enforcer captured on camera, the investigation hit a dead end. Soon, the Murphy dynasty crumbled! The eldest son of the Murphy family was arrested for child abduction and murder, Bobby for tax evasion, and Mr. Murphy for corruption and bribery! With a bit of clout, the Murphys were exposed one after another and apprehended! In just one afternoon, dozens of the Murphy family''s diners shut down, their food factories sealed off! The Murphy family was no more. A dynasty that had monopolized Oceanopolis''s food industry for decades had fallen! As for Helen, her multiple crimes would normally warrant severe punishment, but her insanity led her to a mental hospital instead. yton made arrangements, assigning her several maids for care-all of whom had been persecuted by Helen before. Their deep-seated hatred for Helen ensured yton could rest easy with them in charge. With the Murphy family dealt with, he next swept through hispany, rewarding the loyal and punishing the deceitful. Some soared to new heights, entering high society like Alden, while others plummeted into oblivion. Hawkins Sea-freight underwent a major overhaul. Betty, too, was busy reorganizing the Hawkins family''s affairs. Those involved in Pam''s mistreatment were sent to the police, while those who stood by indifferently were expelled from the Hawkins Mansion. She even revised the Hawkins family tree, erasing Carl and others from it, stripping them and their descendants of their inheritance rights. No longer would they or their offspring be considered part of the Hawkins family, nor would they have a im to its wealth. After a tumultuous day of retribution, the wicked faced theireuppance, and the righteous found peace. Dinner that evening was exceptionally lively, with Betty at the head of the table, nked by Pam and Elysia. yton sat next to Pam, and Tarquin beside Elysia, joined by the Patel brothers and their kids. The family''s joy andughter filled the air. yton was moved to tears by the scene, a happiness he''d never dared to dream of. After surviving the storm, he understood what true happiness was. Life, in its brevity or length, is best lived in good health, surrounded by loved ones, well-fed and warm. And if one is lucky enough to have a few close friends, all the better! After dinner, the kids joined Betty and Pam for a stroll in the yard, helping them digest. Elysia, after several heavy phone calls, seemed preupied. "What''s wrong?" Tarquin inquired. Elysia pondered, "With today''s news making such waves online, essible to everyone, could Winona possibly have missed it? Blossom and Jess called after seeing the news, but Winona hasn''t." "Winona Newsom?" Chapter 1083 "Yeah," Elysia nodded, her mind swirling with thoughts. Winona was a celebrity, always under the spotlight. Surely, she kept an eye on the trending news online, right? Even if she was bound by a non-disclosure agreement during filming, it shouldn''t stop her from catching up on the news, should it? But if Winona had seen it, why hadn''t she gotten in touch? Knowing Winona''s fiery spirit, she would have called the moment she saw today''s headlines. Speaking of Winona, Tarquin thought of Zane, "Has Zane reached out to you?" "No, it''s been a while since Ist heard from him." Only then did Tarquin realize that Zane had indeed been out of touch with Elysia for quite some time. Back when Elysia had first returned to Jindale City, Zane would seek her out every now and then. ording to Keaton Huber, who had done some digging, Zane, despite being married to Winona, had harbored feelings for Elysia during their college years. An unrequited love! Elysia was his unattainable dream. Their sudden loss of contact was unusual. "Zane''s not in Jindale Citytely?" "No, he went to find Winona. It''s been a while now." Tarquin was silent. Winona could go off the radar for over a year because of a movie shoot. And now, Zane had also vanished without a trace after going to the set to find her. Something didn''t sit right. Before Tarquin could voice his concerns, the Hawkins family''s new butler approached them. The butler greeted them politely, "Sir, the master requests your presence in his study." Tarquin looked at Elysia, who said, "You should go see Dad in the study." "Alright, don''t worry too much. We''ll discuss this when I get back." "Okay." Tarquin went off to see yton, leaving Elysia alone with her thoughts. Still uneasy, she decided to call Zane. But Zane''s number was ''out of service.'' She then called Callum, and although the call went through, nobody picked up. However, Callum soon sent her a message, [Can''t talk right now. Is it urgent?] Elysia replied: [Have you heard from Winona recently?] [No, but I heard their crew went to a remote area for shooting.] Elysia was surprised, [To a remote area for shooting?!] [Yeah, don''t worry. They''ve got a professional team with them. They should be done by the end of the year.] Elysia quickly asked, [Will Winona be back in Jindale City before New Year''s?] [If all goes well, yes.] Elysia felt a surge of excitement. This was good news! [Great, thanks for letting me know. By the way, was there any issue with that video I sent you?] Winona had been out of touch for so long, she couldn''t help but worry. Zane had sent her a video of Winona to reassure her. The video showed Winona, her assistant, and her agent in the makeup room at the set. But something about Winona in the video seemed off to her, so she sent it to Callum for a second opinion. Callum assured her, [The video''s fine, don''t worry. I''ll let you know immediately if anythinges up.] Elysia finally felt relieved. [Thanks, I appreciate it.] [No problem. I''ll get back to my work now. Let''s catch upter.] [Sure.] After ending the chat, Elysia screenshot the conversation and sent it to Blossom Blythe. Blossom, learning that Winona might be back for the holidays, was just as thrilled as Elysia. The best friends hoped their trio would soon be reunited. However, they couldn''t foresee the harsh reality awaiting them. ... Inside the main house''s study. Only yton and the Patel brothers were present. As Tarquin entered, he could sense a tense atmosphere. "Dad, uncles." Chapter 1084 The four nodded and gestured for him to take a seat. Charles dove straight into the matter at hand, "A few days ago, Elijah hit me up online, inquiring about a newspaper in Karl Town called Alerasia. You got any beef with them?" Tarquin frowned, choosing honesty, "The murderer of my parents is likely connected to that newspaper. My mom used to work there." "Do you know what your parents did for a living?" "I always thought they were just ordinary writers." The elders exchanged nces before Charles spoke up, "When Elijah asked me about it, I had no clue about your ties to the Hawkins family. I just warned him that the newspaper was no simple affair and it''d be best to steer clear." "Yeah, Elijah mentioned that, but it''s about my parents'' death. I have to dig deeper!" Charles nodded in understanding, "I was the lead on the security system for that ce, but I don''t know much. Just that the newspaper is a front for something much bigger. There''s a massive secretb beneath it, with lots of scientists working down there." Tarquin''s brow tightened, "An undergroundb?" "Yeah, I''ve never been down there myself, and my team was only responsible for the newspaper''s security. Theb''s security is top-notch, designed by Alerasia''s military." Alerasia''s military?! The severity of the situation was suddenlyid bare. Alerasia, a dominant superpower with a strong military-anyb tied to them was no ordinary ce! Tarquin''s expression darkened, "Uncle, do you have a list of the researchers there?" "No, but I can get you the newspaper''s staff list easily since we did their security." "However, the newspaper staff might not be connected to theb. That level ofb usually has scientists working under code names, not real names." Tarquin nodded, "Thanks, Uncle." yton chimed in, "Because of Hawkins Sea-freight, I''ve had many dealings with the Ministry of National Security. Before calling you here, I also looked into your parents'' case. ording to the Ministry of National Security, just before your parents'' incident, they were in contact with them. The leadership at the Ministry took it very seriously, immediately reporting up to the higher echelons of the government! The top brass took even greater notice, quickly coordinating a response. Not only were the armed forces alerted, but a special ops team was also dispatched to assist your parents. But before the team could reach Alerasia, your parents were murdered abroad. Their deaths were certainly no ident, but whatever secret they held that garnered so much attention from the government, I''m not clear on." Tarquin''s expression turned grave. No wonder the mystery man had such extensive reach, rming international powers. His parents must have been involved in something significant to cause such a stir domestically, elevating it to an international concern! Then, Tarquin thought of Verity Bradford. Before her death, Verity hinted that the mystery man had been circling her, searching for something. Now, it seemed whatever he sought was rted to this undergroundb! But what exactly? He hadn''t heard his parents mention anything, and there was nothing suspicious among their belongings. Moreover, if the mystery man wanted to use him to find that something, why attempt to kill him the day Baby was kidnapped? Was it because he had already found what he was looking for, rendering Tarquin expendable? Chapter 1085 Tarquin''s brow was furrowed with deep concern when Joshua spoke up, "I work for the National Security Agency, and I really want to help you. But since your parents'' situation involves state secrets, I can''t just go snooping around. However, I''ve already asked for guidance from my superiors. I''ll let you know as soon as I hear anything." Robert added, "I work in military intelligence, and I can''t investigate your parents'' case on my own steam either. But I''ve reported it up the chain. We''re waiting on word." The Patel brothers, one in politics, one in the military, and one in business, all excelled in the realm of cyber technology. They were top-tier talents in the digital information sphere! The higher their rank, the more low-key they became. Coupled with their line of work, it made the Patels seem all the more enigmatic to outsiders. Tarquin snapped back to the present, grateful, ¡°Thanks, dad. Thanks, uncles." "Family doesn''t keep score." The room filled with their voices until well past eleven before everyone called it a night. Everyone else had turned in when Tarquin returned to his bedroom, stirring Elysia awake. She sat up, asking, "What did your dad want to talk about for so long?" Tarquin walked over to the bed, tenderly stroking her cheek, "Just some work stuff. Have you reached out to Winona?" "Couldn''t get through. But I talked to Callum. He said Winona''s production team went off the grid but should wrap up before the holidays. If all goes well, Winona will be back by then." Tarquin and Callum were close friends, so he had no reason to doubt. Heading off the grid exined why Zane hadn''t been in touch with Elysia for so long. Seeing Elysia stop fretting, Tarquin didn''t worry further. He kissed Elysia''s forehead, telling her to get some sleep while he went to freshen up. Before heading to the bathroom, he made a call to Jindale City to check on Verity''s illegitimate child. No matter what the mysterious figure was after, whether they found it or not, it was directly linked to his parents'' death! A vendetta for murder, a debt greater than the heavens! He must find that person, see who they really are, and then avenge his parents! The next morning, Elysia woke to find her father and uncles'' gazes odd. Tarquin noticed it too, and it was unmistakably clear! Yesterday, yton and the Patel brothers looked at him with affection, satisfaction, pride, like they were truly pleased with him as their son-inw. Today, their warmth seemed dialed back. Not that they were displeased, just... not as enthusiastic as before. Elysia was the first to voice her concern, "Dad, uncles, what''s wrong?" Tears welled in yton''s eyes, "These years, my Irene has suffered." The Patel brothers also had misty eyes, "Those people from the Thorne family, worse than beasts!" Tarquin instantly understood. They had looked into Elysia''s past years and learned of her struggles, feeling heartbroken for her. Elysia, though narrowly escaping death, had a tumultuous life filled with hardship. Later, being married off to the Bradford family didn''t turn her fortunes; life remained bitterly hard. Others might just sigh at her misfortune, but those who truly loved her felt deep empathy. Tarquin knelt down, taking responsibility, "The hardships Elysia faced these years are my doing. I am at fault.¡± yton and the Patel brothers frowned, their expressionsplex as they looked at him, silent. Elysia, finally catching on, quickly intervened, "I thought something serious happened. That''s all in the past. Life was hard, but it''s behind us now. About us... It was all a misunderstanding, and he''s already apologized. He''s been wonderful to me since. If you didn''t bring it up, I''d have forgotten all those unpleasant times. I''m happy now, that''s all that matters, not the past." The room fell into a hushed stillness... Chapter 1086 "Dad, Uncle!" That tone had a hint of whining. yton was the first to cave, quickly saying, "Tarquin, get up. We''re not ming you. It''s just that we feel for what Irene has been through." The Patel brothers also chimed in, "Stand up, man. We''ve looked into what happened in Jindale City, and it''s clear you''re not at fault." After a pause, they added meaningfully, "We''re not dwelling on the past, but looking forward. Irene is the only child of the Hawkins and the Patel families, she''s our treasure. We can''t stand to see her hurt again. Anyone who messes with her in the future will have us to answer to!" Their message was a warning to Tarquin. The subtext: We might not have your power, but if you dare hurt our Irene, we''ll go to the mat for her! Tarquin understood and wasn''t angry. Instead, he said, "Elysia is the darling of our family. The kids all look up to her. In our house, she''s the one who teases me, not the other way around. I wouldn''t dare." These were people who genuinely loved Elysia, just like him. How could he be angry at them? Elysia''s family was his family! yton and the Patel brothers were pleased with his response, sharing a satisfied look and nodding in agreement. yton helped him up, "No need to stay on the floor, it''s cold." Just then, Tarquin''s phone rang. It was Lowell calling. He politely excused himself from yton and the Patel brothers before taking the call outside. Lowell was excited, "Tarquin, have you seen the news? Your sister-inw is trending again!" Tarquin hadn''t seen it yet, "Get to the point." "Mr. Hawkins just made a post announcing that your sister-inw is the next heir to the Hawkins family, including Hawkins Sea-freight. It''s all hers! The Patel family made a post too. Your sister-inw has rights to the Patel inheritance, meaning she''ll share the wealth with the Patel descendants. And Charles went all out, saying he''s so happy and doesn''t know what wee gift to give your sister-inw to express his joy, so he decided to start with ten billion!" Tarquin was speechless. This was the Hawkins and the Patel families showing their support for Elysia after learning about her past struggles! They were telling Elysia that she had a strong family backing, a family that loved her dearly. They were also reminding him: Despite his noble birth and wealth, Elysia was no mere catch herself, marrying him wasn''t her punching above her weight! And to the world: Elysia was the heir to the Hawkins and the Patel fortunes, a warning to anyone who dared cross her to think twice! Especially to those in Jindale City who had looked down on Elysia''s background: They couldn''t hold a candle to her! This was the love the Hawkins and the Patel families had for Elysia, giving her a solid backing. "I heard Jindale City''s all abuzz. Those who once looked down on her are now biting their tongues, terrified of her return." Tarquin didn''tment, feeling warm inside. Elysia had more people who loved her, and he was happy for her. After breakfast, the family set off to visit the Patel estate, to see Elysia''s grandparents and aunts. Despite the tears, they were all tears of joy. For a long time after, they lived happily in Oceanopolis. As long as Elysia didn''t mention returning to Jindale City, Tarquin didn''t press her. After all, home was wherever his wife and kids were. He was content to be wherever they were, even if it meant being the son-inw who moved in with his wife''s family. They spent their days in happiness and joy. But life is a mix of joy and sorrow. Just as they were basking in their happiness, the first day of August brought devastating news. Chapter 1087 Blossom was in deep trouble. Someone had set their sights on the ancient artifacts that had just been unearthed and hatched a n to kidnap her. The kidnappers threatened Blossom''s parents, demanding the ancient artifacts in exchange for her safety, or else they threatened to harm her! Blossom''s parents were renowned professors in the field of archaeology, and they were responsible for the excavation of these artifacts. The dig site was massive, filled with numerous artifacts, and it took nearly two years toplete the excavation. The artifacts that were unearthed were invaluable! Among the most noteworthy finds were a box of seeds that hadn''t sprouted but hadn''t spoiled, and a te of well-preserved cakes. There was also a body that hadn''t dposed! The preservation of the body wasparable to the Lady of the Hanning in terms of its incredible condition. Even more astonishing was the discovery of a thriving green nt in the main burial chamber. The conditions of the tomb were hardly suitable for nt life, making the survival of this nt a miracle! This burial chamber had a history of over a thousand years, with undecayed bodies, unspoiled seeds, intact cakes, and a living nt - all of these were marvels! The research value contained within was self-evident! This was another milestone in human archaeological history! Selling these items abroad would be a great loss and a disgrace to our nation! These items were left by our ancestors, filled with their wisdom and cultural heritage. Why should other countries have the privilege to study and learn from them?! Our national treasures ought to remain within the country; other nations are not entitled to possess them! And once artifacts are taken abroad, it''s nearly impossible to reim them! Aware of the seriousness, Blossom''s parents, of course, wouldn''t hand over the artifacts to the kidnappers. But they couldn''t just disregard their daughter''s well-being. The kidnappers warned them not to call the police, threatening immediate harm to Blossom if they did. If they wanted their daughter back, they would have to exchange her for the artifacts! Blossom''s parents didn''t want to betray their country, nor could they bear to abandon their daughter. Thus, they found themselves in a dire predicament! Left with no choice, they reached out to Tarquin. Tarquin had connections with the Blythe family, and Blossom was Elysia''s best friend. Right now, he was their only hope for help. When Elysia heard about Blossom''s kidnapping, she burst into tears, wracked with worry. Several youngsters, upon hearing the news, clenched their fists in anger, gritting their teeth: "Who are these jerks daring to mess with our Blossom?!" Axel leaned against a tree outside the main building, hands in his pockets, expressionless. His mind was filled with images of Blossom''s starry-eyed gaze and her unabashed adoration... Birds chirped in the tree, reminiscent of Blossom''s chattering presence. Tarquin was nearby on the phone. Hearing the words "harm her," Axel''s expression turned even colder. Tarquin''s brow was furrowed; he understood the gravity of Blossom''s kidnapping and knew about the close bond between Elysia and Blossom. After calming Blossom''s parents, he made further arrangements. Hanging up the phone, he turned to Axel, "Get ready, we''re heading to Silver City." Entering the house, Tarquin saw Elysia crying, his heart ached, but he was at a loss for words. Telling her not to worry seemed pointless. She and Blossom were as close as sisters; of course, she was worried. "The kidnappers are after the artifacts, not Blossom''s life. They won''t harm her easily. We have enough time to save her. I''ve already coordinated with Folly, and I''m heading to Silver City now. I''ll keep you updated on any developments." "I''ming too!" Elysia and the four youngsters said in unison. Baby, unfamiliar with Blossom but hearing her siblings'' concerns, piped up in her babyish voice, "Me go too." Before Tarquin could respond, Elysia turned to yton, "Dad, Blossom has been my best friend for years, always there for me. Folly and Hollis have been great to me too. Now that they''re in trouble, I must go and help." Chapter 1088 yton frowned slightly, nodding to show he understood the gravity of the situation. When they delved into Elysia''s past, they discovered Blossom and Winona, two girls who had been nothing short of angels to their daughter. Gratitude filled yton''s heart. "I''ve got friends over in Silver City. I''lle with you," he announced. At his words, Pam clutched Elysia''s hand tighter, reassuring her, "Don''t worry, Irene. Mom''sing too." Tarquin just sighed, seemingly resigned. Seeing the family''s determination, they all agreed to make the trip to Silver City together. yton arranged a private jet, and they arrived the same day. Silver City was renowned as a tourist hotspot, famed for its ancient ruins and historic architecture. They arrived under the guise of tourists. Once in Silver City, they didn''t head straight to Blossom''s parents. Instead, they checked into a hotel close to the archaeological site to settle in first. With the family spanning from the elderly to the young, and one member in a wheelchair not fully present mentally, no one suspected they were on a mission to save someone. After settling in, Evan wasted no time slipping out of the hotel. Following the n they hadid out on the flight, Evan sneaked into the archaeological site under the pretense of being a yful kid. He identally stumbled into the living quarters of the archaeologists. And then, quite by ident, he barged into the room where Blossom''s parents were staying. At that moment, Hollis was sitting in a chair, tears rolling down her face, while Folly Blythe paced the room anxiously, frowning deeply. Seeing Evan, the couple was taken aback. They mistook Evan for Elijah! Before they could get a word out, Evan gestured for them to be silent. The next second, Folly''s phone rang. The voice of a kidnapper boomed through, "Who''s the kid that just entered your room?!" Evan shook his head, shing a note he had prepared earlier. Folly nced at it and quickly replied, "I don''t know him. Just a kid came in, no adults." The kidnapper, of course, couldn''t imagine that a child could be part of a rescue operation, "I''m warning you, no tricks. We''re watching every move. Try anything, and we''ll end this!" "We''re not ying any games. Where''s my daughter? Don''t hurt her!" "As long as you cooperate, your daughter will be fine. Just get those artifacts out!" Evan then showed another note, written by Tarquin: requesting a video call with Blossom. Folly immediately told the kidnapper, "I''ve got a n. We can act tonight. Arrange transportation, and I''ll bring you in to pick up the artifacts. But first, I need to see my daughter alive! I want a video call!" The kidnapper hesitated for a moment, "Wait! And get that kid out of there!" Folly looked at Evan, who mimed reassuringly, Don''t worry, we''ll save Blossom! Tears welled up in Blossom''s parents'' eyes. Fearing the room might be bugged, they remained silent, watching Evan leave. Evan, ying his part to the hilt, cried out in the courtyard, "Daddy, Mommy, where are you?" Soon, a security guard approached, mistaking him for a child separated from his parents, and escorted him out. The kidnappers, watching Evan leave, dismissed him as a non-threat and hung up. After a while, using Blossom''s phone, the kidnappers initiated a video call to her parents. On the screen, Blossom was tied to a chair, her mouth sealed with duct tape, tears streaming down her face as she whimpered. Her parents broke down, crying out, "Blossom, oh Blossom..." Meanwhile, the Patel family had tracked Blossom''s phone signal, quickly pinpointing her location. For them, such tracking was a piece of cake! Axel, upon receiving the news, didn''t wait for Tarquin''smand and sprung into action! Chapter 1089 In an abandoned construction site on the outskirts of Silver City, a group of kidnappers were deep into their card game. One of them, having lost a decent sum, was in a foul mood, cursing under his breath, "Damn it, what rotten luck! Can we not get a bit of fun with the girl? I''m all wound up here, needing some release!" "Cut it out," another snapped. "Boss said she''s off-limits until the artifact is in our hands." "So what? We''re going to off her once we get it anyway. What''s the harm in a little fun now?" "Just drop it, will you? You want the boss to blow his top and put a bullet in you?" The man who lost money scowled even darker and made his way over to where Blossomy, unleashing a vicious kick and punchbo on the man on the ground beside her. Blossom struggled harder, crying and shaking her head, emitting muffled sobs. Clearly, she didn''t want the kidnappers touching the man on the ground. After a few more brutal kicks and spitting on the man, the kidnapper grabbed Blossom by the chin, "Damn it, keep it down, will you? My luck''s been crap all night because of your blubbering. Make one more peep, and I swear I''ll end you right here!" Blossom''s tears flowed even more freely, her face flushed from fear and her messy hair sticking to her tear-streaked face. The kidnapper licked his lips, making a swallowing gesture, then turned to his mates, "A little rubbing against her won''t hurt, right? She''s got the looks, and I can''t hold back any longer." Hispanions were too engrossed in their game to pay him any heed. Ignoring them, the man began unbuckling his belt, hurling obscenities all the while. Blossom''s eyes widened in terror. Desperately struggling, she shook her head, tears streaming down her face, feeling utterly hopeless. "Look at you, all cute and tempting. A real tease, huh? Let me have a little taste before we get our hands on the artifact," the man sneered. Suddenly, a knife flew through the air, striking the man''s groin with deadly precision! He froze, then screamed, his agony echoing throughout the dpidated building. The other kidnappers spun around, alert and searching, "Who''s there?!" Stones flew, hitting some in the eyes, others in sensitive spots... Before they could react, a shadowy figure appeared, moving with lightning speed among them. After a briefmotion, all the kidnappersy defeated. Blossom, her face a mask of terror, recognized her rescuer and immediately broke down, "Axel!" Axel frowned and removed the tape from her mouth. Blossom burst into tears, like a child finding sce in the arms of a parent. Axel''s lips twitched, but he remained silent, bending down to untie her. The moment her hands were free, Blossom wrapped them around Axel''s neck, clinging to him and sobbing uncontrobly. Axel stiffened, unustomed to such closeness with a woman, yet he didn''t push her away, gently freeing her legs from their binds. Once free, Blossom threw herself into his arms, wrapping around him like an octopus. "I was so scared," she sobbed into his chest. Chapter 1090 Axel stood there, frozen in confusion, as if pushing her away was wrong, but so was not pushing her away. After a moment of hesitation, he blurted out, "There''s a line we shouldn''t cross." But Blossom, as if she hadn''t heard him, clung to him even tighter. Axel, with his headset on, heard Tarquin''s voice in his ear, "If you''ve reached the spot, don''t rush in. They''ve got guns, you..." "I''m already on it." No sooner had Axel spoken than he sensed danger behind him. He swiftly scooped up Blossom and dodged. Bullets whizzed past them as Axel furrowed his brow, clutching Blossom tightly and taking cover behind a pir, "Close your eyes and stay put." Obediently, Blossom shut her eyes, trembling in his arms. After a second''s hesitation, Axel gently pushed her aside and darted away. Gunfire echoed all around as Blossom curled up behind the pir, covering her ears, her whole body shaking with fear. Eventually, the gunfire ceased. Sensing someone approaching, she quickly opened her eyes. Axel reappeared in front of her, dressed in a ck tracksuit, his expression stern. Yet, Blossom wasn''t afraid. She quickly got up and threw herself into his arms again, sobbing uncontrobly. Axel grunted but didn''t push her away. "It''s safe now, I''ll take you out of here." Blossom nodded eagerly, refusing to let go. Axel hesitated for a moment, then lifted her in his arms and walked out. Police cars and ambnces arrived simultaneously. Axel tried to hand Blossom over to a medic, but she clung to him desperately. It wasn''t until she saw Hollis that she burst into tears again and threw herself into her mother''s embrace. The sight of mother and daughter crying together was heart-wrenching. Axel watched as Hollis and the medics helped Blossom into an ambnce, which then drove away from the dpidated building. He also noticed a young man being carried out, frowning slightly. This was the person Blossom had tried to protect. Tarquin surveyed the scene, his brow furrowed, finally rxing once he was sure the situation was fully under control. He walked over to Axel, noticing blood on him, and asked, "You hurt?" "A bullet grazed my shoulder during the shootout." "You need to get that checked at the hospital?" "No, it''s just a scratch. I can handle it." There was a brief silence before Tarquin suddenly asked, "You like Blossom?" Axel turned, his frown deepening, clearly annoyed, "No." "Why the rush then? You acted on your own before backup arrived. That''s not like you." Axel said nothing, then added, "Her sister was worried sick. Just wanted to get her to safety, that''s all." With that, he walked away, leaving Tarquin staring after him thoughtfully. Upon hearing that Blossom was safe, Elysia rushed to the hospital. Baby was with Pam, and Evan was still out. Elliot, Emmett, and Elijah came with her. As they hurried to Blossom''s ward, a woman carrying a child bumped into Emmett, knocking him over. "I''m so sorry, it was an ident," the woman apologized repeatedly. Elysia quickly helped Emmett up, "Are you alright, sweetheart?" Emmett shook his head, "I''m fine, Mommy." "I''m really sorry, I was in a hurry and didn''t see your little one," the woman continued. But before she could finish, her gazended on Emmett''s face, and she froze, her eyes widening in shock! Chapter 1091 At that moment, Elysia and her three littlepanions were all worried sick about Blossom. And with the woman wearing a mask, they hadn''t noticed anything off about her behavior. Seeing Emmett was unharmed, Elysia replied with a "It''s okay." She dusted off Emmett, hoisted him up, and continued towards the hospital wing. The woman watched them go, her breath catching in shock. She stayed rooted to the spot until Emmett''s figure disappeared, then turned her gaze away. Settling her daughter on a bench, "Maria, sit tight and wait for mommy, okay? Don''t wander off. I''ll be right back." The little girl obediently nodded. The woman adjusted her daughter''s coat, fitted her with a beanie, and dashed off in the direction Emmett had gone. After a clumsy search, she finally found Elysia and the trio in a hallway. The police were in Blossom''s room, questioning him alone, leaving everyone else outside waiting. Upon seeing Emmett, the woman''s emotions surged once more! She stood a few meters away, her eyes gradually reddening as she panted. Elysia noticed her shortly after. Even with the mask, Elysia recognized her as the woman who had identally knocked into Emmett downstairs. Elysia approached, "Were you looking for me?" The woman quickly looked away, wiping her tears, her voice choked, "I was in a rush earlier and felt the bump was quite severe. I couldn''t stop worrying and wanted to check on the child again. I think I might have hit his head." Emmett, having walked over, politely shook his head, "Don''t worry, I''m fine." Seeing how anxious she was, Elysia couldn''t help but worry a little. She reached out to feel the back of Emmett''s head, "Emmett, does it hurt?" "No, it doesn''t hurt." Elysia reassured the woman, "He says it doesn''t hurt, so it should be fine." The woman, still looking worried, asked in a hoarse voice, "May I feel it?" Elysia, thinking she was just overly concerned, nodded. The woman touched the back of Emmett''s head, "It feels smooth. I''m d he''s okay. I''m really sorry." The woman kept apologizing, even as Elysia reassured her it was fine. It wasn''t until the police emerged from Blossom''s room that Elysia and Emmett went in, leaving the woman to tearfully depart. Stepping into the elevator, she opened her palm to reveal a strand of Emmett''s hair. Quickly, she pulled out one of her own hairs, before heading to the cing them togethemet department... When the woman returned to find her daughter, Maria was nowhere to be found. Panic-stricken, she called out, "Maria! Maria!" Not seeing her daughter anywhere, she frantically asked the nearby resting patients and their families, "Excuse girl sitte, have you seen a little here? She''s wearing pink jacket and a yellow thin and frail." Content beanie, very A family member responded, "A man took her away, looked like her father. I heard the girl call him ''dad."" Hearing this, the woman''s body shuddered violently! Herplexion turned deathly pale, as if her daughter had been swept away by some monstrous flood. She hastily thanked them and ran towards the hospital entrance, pulling out her phone to make a call. Her hands trembled so much that it took her ages to find and dial the correct number. The phone rang endlessly, but there was no answer. Undeterred, she kept calling. Finally, when the call connected, she urgently asked, "Cecil, is Maria with you?" The man''s voice was icy cold, "Come back!" Shaking all over, she asked again, her voice quivering, "Is... Maria with you?" Chapter 1092 "Get back here now!" the man roared furiously. Through the phone, the girl''s sobs could be heard, "Mommy, I want Mommy, waaaah... I want Mommy..." "Shut it! Cry again and I''ll beat you senseless! You''re nothing but a burden!" The woman was terrified, tears streaming down her face, "Don''t scare Maria, I''ming right now, don''t be afraid, Mommy''s on her way, honey... beep beep beep..." The call ended abruptly. Wiping away her tears, the woman hurriedly hailed a cab and left the hospital. Half an hourter, she arrived at a rundown, neglected apartmentplex. Theplex had almost no greenery, bicycles, scooters, and tricycles were scattered everywhere in disarray. Stumbling, the woman made her way into a building and climbed up to the third floor. Just as she was about to use her key, the door suddenly swung open. A tall man stood in the doorway, ring at her! The woman looked at him in terror, too frightened even to breathe. From inside, her daughter''s voice could be heard, "Mommy, Mommy..." "Maria, Mommy''s here, oh!" The man grabbed her hair and dragged her into the apartment, mming the door behind them with a loud bang! He started with a vicious kick! The woman knocked over a small coffee table in the living room, letting out a sharp cry of pain. The man approached her and pped her several times, then started beating her mercilessly, "How many times have I told you, her condition is incurable, no more hospital visits! Not a penny more should be wasted on her! Did you take my words for granted?!" Crying, the woman pleaded for mercy, "Stop, please, stop..." Her daughter, huddled in a corner, cried out, "Mommy, I want Mommy, waaaah..." The man paid her no attention, continuing until the woman could no longer beg for mercy, then he d on her face and o "Where''s the money?!" The woman, with a bruised face, replied, "There''s... there''s no money." Another harsh kick followed, "No money and yet you took her to the hospital?! Let me tell you, don''t make me angry. I almost died Sout there today, I''m in no mood for this, hand over the money now? belongs to Coughing, the woman coughed up blood, "The hospital treatment was free, I really have no money..." "Still not giving it up? I''ll kill this worthless expense right now!" The man strode over to the girl, grabbed her by the neck, and lifted her as easily as an eagle snatches a chick. The woman, terrified, crawled to the man on her knees and clung to his legs, "Cecil, please put Maria down, she''s your daughter too, waaaah, she''s your own flesh and blood!" The woman''s cries were heart-wrenching, but the man was relentless, "I''m asking you onest time, do you have money or not?!" Seeing he was serious about harming their daughter, the woman quickly pulled out a ne from her pocket, "Here, take this! Just let Maria go!" The man let go, and the girl fell heavily to the ground. The woman quickly cradled her daughter in her arms, "Don''t be scared, Maria, Mommy''s here..." Though the ne was thin, it was made of pure gold. The man looked at it, satisfied, and pocketed it, "Had you handed it over sooner, would I have needed to be so harsh? You brought this on yourself! I''m warning you, find a way to make some money, or be prepared for a beating!" After his tirade, the man kicked aside a chair and stormed out. The woman sat on the floor holding her daughter, sobbing uncontrobly... Chapter 1093 In the hospital, Elysia and Blossom were in tears. The gravity of the situation had nearly scared them to death. Blossom''s sobs were heart-wrenching, "I...I...I thought I was going to die, never to see you all again," she wept. Elysia hugged her, choking back her own tears as sheforted, "It''s over now, all over, it''s okay." The three little ones stood by the bed, their eyes also brimming with tears. Elliot said, "Blossom, you can''t keep crying. Your eyes will swell up and ruin your stunning beauty." Elijah frowned, his lips quivering, "Blossom, don''t cry. I''ll get your game level to the top!" Emmett wiped away his tears, his voice breaking, "Blossom...don''t cry, I''ll...I''ll make you lots of delicious treats, will that make you feel better?" Blossom looked at her three boys, moved and feeling pitiful, "My sweet boys..." Evan burst into the room, eager to cheer Blossom up, "Blossom Blossom, I saw a bunch of handsome bachelors outside. I snapped some photos and sent them to you. Check them out, see if you like any. If you do, I''ll get their WhatsApp for you." Elysia couldn''t help but twitch at the corner of her mouth upon hearing this. Hollis, also in the room, couldn''t help butment, "Even the kids know you''re into handsome guys, aren''t you embarrassed?!" Blossom was unfazed, "What''s wrong with that? Everyone appreciates beauty, and Evan knows me best. Come here, Evan, give me a hug." The little guy immediately moved in for a hug, "Don''t be scared, Blossom. The bad guys have been taken care of. Anyone who dares to bully you will have to deal with me. I''ll protect you!" "Yeah, Evan will be my knight!" "Yes! I''ll protect Blossom, and also mom and my sister!" Hollis looked on with tender eyes, "No wonder Blossom is always talking about these kids. They''re so well-behaved. Elysia and Tarquin are blessed." Elysia, wiping away tears, introduced, "Elliot, Evan, Emmett, Elijah, this is Blossom''s mother, Hollis." The four boys chorused, "Hi Hollis!" "Aww, that''s sweet." Hollis mused, "Elysia, you''vee a long way. Misunderstandings with Tarquin resolved, and you found your biological parents. It''s all good days ahead." Then, turning to Blossom, she said, "Look at Elysia, her kids are all grown up, and you don''t even have a vel. partner. Aren''t you worried? Your parents are!" Blossom retorted, "Why the rush?" "It''s not about being stubborn about marriage. Your parents are always busy and not around much. We just hope you find someone, so you''re not so lonely." Blossom''s thoughts were filled with Axel, but Hollis suggested, "What do you think about Lancelot Spencer?" Blossom''s eyes widened in disbelief, "Lancelot Spencer?! Really?" "Yes, we checked the surveince. The kidnappers only wanted you, but Lancelot fought tooth and nail to save you. He got seriously injured because of you." "I know, but Lancelot and I share a pure, revolutionary friendship. We''re like brothers." "Edith even mentioned it to me, Lancelot has liked you since you were kids." Blossom''s lips twitched in annoyance, "You don''t get it, stop making assumptions. Lancelot doesn''t like me like that, and I don''t like him either." Chapter 1094 "If he''s not into you, why would Edith even bother making stuff up? Besides, don''t you have a thing for handsome guys? And let''s be honest, Lancelot is a real looker. Mom thinks Lancelot is a great match for you. You two grew up together, know each other inside out. Plus, once his gig here is done, Lancelot is heading back to Jindale City for his new job. He won''t have to travel all the time, can stay right in Jindale City with you." Seeing Blossom roll her eyes, Hollis pulled Elysia aside to persuade her, "Elysia, don''t you think? Lancelot and Blossom, childhood sweethearts, meant to be?" Elysia''s lips twitched uncontrobly, speechless, only managing an awkwardugh. Lancelot, or Lancelot as everyone else knew him, was Blossom''s childhood friend. They grew up together in the same apartment building. Gabriel Spencer, like Hollis, was a professor, a colleague, and a family friend. Both families were well matched in status. But ording to Blossom, Lancelot was her nightmare! Because Lancelot had always been the top student, while she struggled at the bottom. Their exam scores were always at opposite ends - he was first, and she wasst. Lancelot was the epitome of "the neighbor''s kid," perfect in every way! Blossom oftenmented that half of the scoldings she received as a child were thanks to Lancelot! Withoutparison, she was just a poor student. With Lancelot in the picture, she became the ultimate underachiever! Her parents would get even more frustrated, their scolding louder and harsher! Lancelot, as Elysia knew him, was indeed outstanding. Educated, personable, and handsome to boot. After her parents finished lecturing Blossom, she would find Lancelot to vent, and he''d take it all in stride, never talking back. But, childhood sweethearts can''t beat fate! It''s the curse of love; childhood friends often lose to unexpected love! No matter how good he is, if Blossom isn''t interested, it''s all for naught. As Elysia was trying to find the right words, Hollis''s phone rang. An urgent call from the archaeological team, needing her signature on some documents. Elysia quickly said, "Hollis, you go ahead. I''ve got Blossom covered here." "Alright, I''ll make a quick trip to the archaeological site and be right back. Elysia, please try to convince Blossom. Lancelot is a good guy, they''re perfect for each other Together, they''d be happy. Elysia managed a strained smile, "...Sure." As Hollis left, a shadowy figure slipped through the security door. Axel, dressed in sleek ck sportswear, a ck baseball cap and a matching face mask, had a sharp gaze and a frosty aura From head to toe, he emanated a chill. It wasn''t his intention to eavesdrop. Tarquin had called him over, and he just happened to pass by Blossom''s room. Unintentionally, he stopped in his tracks. He caught thest bits: "Elysia, don''t you think Lancelot and Blossom are perfect childhood sweethearts?" "...Lancelot is such a good guy, they''re a great match. They''d be happy together." Axel stood quietly behind the security door, those words reying in his mind. It wasn''t until the elevator dinged open and closed that he stepped out from hiding. Why he felt the need to hide, he wasn''t sure. He adjusted his cap and moved on. Passing Blossom''s room again, he heard her heartyughter but didn''t stop or look inside. However, as he passed Lancelot''s room, he couldn''t help but look in. On the bedy a young man, battered and bruised. Despite the injuries marring his face, were delicate and l wall with an air of schrly elegance. SV Chapter 1095 Axel furrowed his brows, pacing forward with a determined stride. In a vacant room on the same floor, Tarquin was deep in conversation with Folly about a kidnapping case and the relocation of some artifacts. Upon spotting Axel, Tarquin introduced him, saying, "Folly, meet Axel. He''s like a brother to me, grew up together. He was the first one to dash into that abandoned building to save the day." Folly pushed up his sses and stood up from his chair, gratitude shining in his eyes, "Thank you, truly, you saved our Blossom. You''ve done the Blythe family a huge favor, we owe you big time! Anything you need, just say the word, and the Blythe family will be there for you, no holds barred!" Axel, not much of a talker, struggled to find words and eventually managed just one, "Uh-huh." Tarquin couldn''t help but smile at his friend''s brevity but understood him well. He knew if it were anyone other than Blossom''s father, Axel might not have uttered even that. Exining on his behalf, Tarquin said, "Axel''s not much for words, but he means well." Folly nodded in understanding, "It''s fine for a young man to be reserved. I like that." Turning to Axel, Tarquin shared the n, "We nabbed quite a few people today, but the mastermind behind the kidnapping is still atrge. To prevent any more trouble and to ensure the safety of the artifacts, Folly is nning to transport them to King City ASAP. We need you to apany Folly on this trip." Axel gave a cool nod, sinctly replying, "Sure." After the group had made their ns, Folly Blythe went back to the crypt to pack up the artifacts. yton left for the docks since the artifacts were to be shipped by sea, taking it upon himself to oversee the arrangements. With a meaningful look, Tarquin teased Axel, "Who knows, Folly might end up being your father-inw. Try to make a good impression, man. One word responses might not cut it.¡± Axel just scrunched his brows and ignored him. Passing by Lancelot''s hospital room, Tarquin hinted, "Doctor says he won''t be up and about anytime soon. Looks like you''ll have Blossom''spany till you''re back." Axel red at him this time, ¡°I told you, I''m not into her." "No, you are. Trust me, I know these things," Tarquin insisted. Axel with a cold expression, "I''m not into dating, much less marriage!" With that, he strode off, leaving Tarquin sighing in resignation. With Axel''s temperament, love was going to be a tough battlefield. Elysia stayed at the hospital till nightfall. Since Pam was there, she couldn''t spend the night with Blossom. After Hollis arrived, she took the kids and left. Exiting the hospital wing, she spotted the woman who''d bumped into Emmett earlier. The woman sat on a bench, looking around anxiously. Despite the heat, she was dressed in long sleeves and pants, with a hat and mask, her her and her child wrapped up tis belongs to The child seemed to be sleeping in her arms, and she asionally lifted a hand to swat away mosquitoes. Upon noticing Elysia and her group, the woman quickly stood up, her eyes wide and somewhat agitated. Elysia felt the woman had been waiting for them and walked over to inquire. However, seeing Elysia approach, the woman hurried off with her child. Elysia looked puzzled. Tarquin approached, "What''s up? Know her?" "I saw her when we arrived. She Qu identally knocked into Emmett. She apologized then and even came to Blossom''s room to check on Emmett. I thought she was waiting for us just now," Elysia exined. "Should we go after her and ask?" Tarquin offered. "No need. If she was waiting for us, she wouldn''t have left upon seeing us. Let''s head back and check on mom," Elysia decided, leading the way home. Chapter 1096 Elysia couldn''t help but worry about Pam, but she didn''t delve too deeply into it. As the sleek ck car gently pulled away from the hospital, a woman, clutching her child, hid in a corner. She watched them leave, her eyes blurred with tears. The next morning, Elysia got up early to make breakfast. They were staying in a luxury suite with a kitchen. As she stepped into the kitchen, she spotted a small figure. Emmett, wearing an apron and standing on a stool, was bustling around the kitchen. Elysia hurried over, asking softly, "Emmett, why are you up so early?" "Morning, mommy. I''m making breakfast for everyone, including Blossom. I promised Blossom yesterday that I''d bring her some yummy food to the hospital this morning. She loves the meals I make, says they always cheer her up." Hearing this, Elysia felt a warm surge in her heart and tenderly pinched Emmett''s cheek, "Our Emmett is the most thoughtful, aren''t you? Let''s do it together; mommy will help you." "Okay." The mother and son chatted andughed in the kitchen, as close as if they were biologically rted. Once breakfast was ready, the others were still asleep. Elysia asked Tarquin to stay home to look after Pam and the other children, while she took Emmett to the hospital to deliver food to Blossom. Upon arriving at the hospital, they encountered the woman from the day before again! She was sitting on the ground, her daughter lying beside her, seemingly asleep. As soon as she saw Elysia and Emmett, the woman quickly stood up! Elysia hesitated for a moment, then led Emmett towards her. As they approached, the woman became more agitated, her breathing rapid and her body trembling. Elysia, puzzled, inquired, "Is there something you want to tell me?" The woman paused, then shook her head hastily, "No...nothing." "But I notice you seem very nervous seeing us. Is it because you ran into my child?" The woman lowered her eyes to Emmett, twisting her hands nervously, "Is... is he alright?" "He''s fine, you don''t need to worry or be nervous." Elysia nced at the child lying on the ground, "Did you spend the night here?" "Yes." "Why not stay in a hospital room?" "We didn''t go through the admission process." "Why not take your child home?" The woman''s lips moved, but she didn''t answer. Elysia, not wanting to pry further, changed the subject, "What''s wrong with the child? Is she ill? She looks pale." "She has a congenital disease." "Would you mind if I take a look? I have some medical knowledge." The woman looked at her in surprise, "Of course, of course." She hurriedly bent down, attempting to wake her daughter, budince who ne stopped her, "Let me check her pulse first." Elysia crouched down and saw the child''s thin wrist. She couldn''t help but frown. The child clearly suffered from malnutrition; it was heart-wrenching to see. After checking her pulse, Elysia''s expression grew grim. The woman''s eyes were already red, "Is there no hope?" Elysia said gently, "The situation isn''t good." The woman sobbed, "I knew it, I''ve known it for a while." As a mother, Elysia understood this pain and despair. She didn''t know what 1 say and after a moment of , she suggested, Confent belongs to "The child is malnourished. Try to make her some nutritious meals, give her some warmth." The woman was heartbroken, tears streaming down her face, "Okay..." Emmett, feeling sorry for her, took out a few muffins from the insted box offered them to her, his voice soft and childlike, "Please, have some." The woman, looking at Emmett, couldn''t hold back any longer and burst into tears. Her crying was heart-wrenching, startling Emmett. Frozen in ce, Emmett looked at her, unsure of what to do. Chapter 1097 Just as Elysia was about to say something, the woman suddenly picked up the little girl and ran off. She was in such a hurry that she knocked the hotdog right out of Emmett''s hand. Emmett, bewildered, turned to Elysia, "Mommy...?" Elysia was just as puzzled. She watched the woman''s retreating back for a few seconds before turning her attention back to Emmett. Gently ruffling Emmett''s hair, she exined, "Don''t worry, Emmett. Her daughter is very sick, and she''s upset. That''s why she''s crying." The hotdog had fallen to the ground and was now covered in dirt, making it inedible. Elysia picked it up and tossed it into a nearby trash can, then took Emmett''s hand and headed towards the hospital wing. Emmett nced in the direction the woman had run off and asked Elysia, "Mommy, can''t that little girl''s sickness be cured?" "Well, it seems like it can''t be cured right now. But she''s not a little sister; she''s an older sister. She''s older than you." ¡°Ah? But she looks so small, even smaller than a baby." "That''s because her illness and not getting enough to eat have made her look tiny and thin." Emmett murmured, "They look so pitiful. Is it because they don''t have enough money for good food?" "Maybe. Their family probably spent all their money on the sister''s treatment." Emmett furrowed his brows, "Mommy, can I give them my allowance?" Elysia smiled, "Of course, you can." Emmett wanted to help, and she naturally wouldn''t object to such a kind gesture. "If fate allows us to meet them again, we''ll lend a hand." "Yeah." As mother and son chatted away, they didn''t notice the woman watching them from behind. She kept her gaze on them until they entered the hospital wing, then walked over to the trash can. She retrieved the slightly dusty hotdog, dusted it off, and took a bite before quickly offering it to the waking little girl, "Maria, try this. It''s tasty." ¨¦n.kikistories The little girl took a bite, ¡°Mmm, it''s really good." The woman''s eyes were red, "This was given by a little boy." "A little boy?" "Yes, a little boy. You were asleep and didn''t see him, but he looked a lot like your brother. I think he was your brother.¡± Just then, the woman''s phone rang. She quickly answered, "Hello? The results are in?... I''m free now, I''lle right away." After hanging up, the woman looked once more in the direction of the hospital wing, then left with her daughter in her arms. Inside Blossom''s room. Enjoying the breakfast Emmett had made, Blossom was nearly moved to tears, "This is so delicious. It''s been a long time since I''ve had food this good." Hollis, also in the room, nodded in agreement, "is tasty. Ever since Blossom arrived, she''s been comining about the food here et was puzzled because I know she'' loves to eat, but she''s not picky. Now it seems Emmett has spoiled her taste." Elysiaughed, praising Emmett, "Our Emmett is quite the chef." Feeling wronged, Blossom added, "Being away from Emmett for over a month, my stomach has really suffered!" Emmett blushed with pride at thepliments, "Then let''s never be apart again, just like Mommy and Emmett, forever." "Deal! Wherever Emmett goes, I''ll follow. But if I stick to Emmett every day, won''t you get tired of Blossom?" "Never! Emmett loves Blossom." Blossom''s face lit up with pride and emotion, "See, see, what a sweetheart! Once I''m out of here, I''ll take you out to explore. Silver City has so many ces to see "Yeah, Blossom has to get better soon. No more being sad." ¡°Blossom won''t be sad. Just seeing Emmett makes me happy, and eating Emmett''s cooking has made me even happier." Chapter 1098 "I''ll whip up something delicious for Blossom at lunch." "Yay!" Right after breakfast, the enthusiastic discussion about what to have for lunch began between the little one and the grown-up. Hollis and Elysia couldn''t help but smile at their excitement. Due to a sudden plumbing issue in the hospital, the bathroom in their room was out of service, so Elysia and Hollis found themselves washing dishes in the public restroom. Hollis shared, "Blossom told me Emmett isn''t biologically yours, but look at how close he is with you! You can tell by the way he treats Blossom. His love for her, it''s all because of you. It really shows that blood isn''t what makes a family." Elysia had a tender look, "Emmett is very sensible." "Love is mutual. You love him, so he loves you back." Chatting away, they reached the restroom door, ready to clean up, when that strange woman appeared again! Elysia was taken aback, "What?!" This time, the woman was alone, without her child. Her eyes red, she fixed her gaze on Elysia, clearly there to confront her. Hollis asked, "Do you know her?" Elysia shook her head, "No." But this time, she decided to get some answers. The woman had appeared too many times, behaving oddly each time! All Elysia did was identally bump into Emmett, and it shouldn''t have led to all this. Elysia set down her thermos and approached the woman. As Elysia drew closer, the woman clenched her fists tighter, her breathing growing more frantic. Suddenly, she blurted out, "Leave! Just leave now! Take your child and leave Silver City!" Elysia froze, "What?!" The woman became more agitated, "Silver City doesn''t wee you! Leave, today! If you don''t, I''lI... I''II... I''ll have someone take you down!" Elysia frowned, "Why wouldn''t Silver City wee us? And what does our leaving have to do with you?" Without offering an exnation, the woman kept threatening, "Leave today! Don''t let me see you again! Take your child and leave Silver City, or I swear, I''ll fight you tomorrow!" Hollis hade over, frowning, "Who are you?!" The woman, as if deaf to Hollis''s question, kept repeating her threats. It was only when she saw Emmett that her eyes welled up with tears, stopping her tirade. Emmett raced to Elysia''s side, shielding her, "Mommy, are you okay?" Elysia lifted him into her arms, "Don''t worry, mommy''s fine." The little guy frowned at the woman, "Why are you being mean to my mommy? She didn''t do anything to you." Hearing this, the woman seemed to crumble under the weight of some unseen burden, covering her mouth as she turned to run. But not before looking back at the stairs to say, "Leave! Leave today!" Elysia''s brows knitted together in concern. She handed Emmett to Hollis, "Emmett, go with Hollis to the room and find Blossom. Mommy''s going to see what that woman wants. Hollis, can you look after Emmett for a bit?" Hollis nodded, taking Emmett, "That woman seems off. Be careful." "It''s okay. I have Tarquin''s bodyguards with me. If she tries anything, they''ll step in." With that, Elysia hurried off towards the stairwell. Chapter 1099 She had to find this enigmaticdy and get some answers! What on earth could make them feel pushed out of Silver City? Elysia stepped through the security door, hurrying down the staircase in pursuit of the woman. She had seen the woman enter through the security door with her own eyes; she must have taken the stairs down. Yet, as she followed her all the way down, there was no sign of the woman anywhere. Elysia frantically searched the hospital, checking every nook and cranny, but to no avail. With a frown, she pulled out her phone and dialed Tarquin, "Honey, I need you to look into a woman for me." "... After hanging up, Elysia, restless in body and spirit, returned to Blossom''s hospital room. Blossom, having heard the whole story from Hollis, wasforting Emmett. Upon seeing Elysia return, she immediately asked, "Any luck finding her?" Elysia shook her head, "I''ve got Tarquin on it." Blossom frowned, "What''s with this woman? Had you encountered her beforeing to Silver City?" "No." "And she''s been pestering you? That''s one thing, but now she''s trying to drive you out of Silver City as if she owns the ce! Something''s not right; let Mr. Bradford dig deeper." "Yeah, Blossom, I''ve got to go. I''ll take Emmett home, just call me if you need anything." Blossom understood she wanted to investigate this mysterious woman further and quickly said, "Go on, let me know immediately if there''s an update." "Sure." Elysia left the hospital room with Emmett, ncing around onest time, yet there was no sign of the woman or her daughter. On the way back to the hotel, Elysia was deeply troubled. Emmett gazed at her with a worried little face. Elysia steadied her heart and rxed, smoothing Emmett''s furrowed brow, "Is Emmett still worried about mommy?" The little guy looked guilty, "I...I''m just not smart enough, can''t protect mommy like my older brothers would have. If they were here, they''d have stopped thatdy and cleared things up so mommy wouldn''t have to worry." Elysia''s heart melted, and she pulled Emmett into a hug, "That''s not true at all. Who says my Emmett isn''t smart? My Emmett is amazing! When thatdy was being mean, not only did you not cry, but you also bravely stood up to protect mommy. l¨¦my eyes, Emmett is a little hero, and mommy is so moved." "But...I couldn''t really help mommy." "Of course, you did. Emmett making Blossom''s favorite cookies to cheer her up is helping mommy. ying with grandma and your sister at home is helping mommy. When mommy went to chase after thatdy you didn''t cry or make a fuss, which is also helping mommy. There are so many ways Emmett helps mommy, too many to count." Elysia paused, seeing Emmett still looked dejected, she added, "Emmett, in this world, no two leaves are the same and the same goes for people. Everyone has their strengths, and your older one have theirs, but Emmett has his own too. You''re thoughtful and warm-hearted, and you''re especially good at taking care of others. You can cook, make perfumes and clothes, and even disguise yourself. See, when we get back to the hotel, mommy has to talk to daddy about this strangedy, and I''ll need you to take care of grandma and your sister. That''s a big responsibility." Emmett quickly said, "I promise toplete the mission and not worry mommy." Elysia smiled fondly, hugging her son and gently rocking him, "In mommy''s heart, Emmett is an angel baby. Mommy knows Emmett loves her, and mommy loves Emmett too, so very much." Chapter 1100 "Emmett loves Mommy so, so much. Always loves Mommy." The youthful voice echoed through the car, warming Elysia''s heart while simultaneously stirring an inexplicable sense of sorrow. For some reason, thoughts of that odd woman sent her into a flurry of unease and apprehension, as if a dreadful event loomed on the horizon. Holding Emmett tighter, Elysia''s grip unconsciously strengthened, fearing that loosening her hold would allow someone to snatch him away. In the hotel, Pam and Baby were already up and about. Seeing Elysia return, they clung to her instantly. Given Pam''s troubled mind and Baby being the youngest, they were the ones most attached to Elysia, constantly seeking her out if she was out of sight for even a moment. Yesterday, when Elysia visited Blossom in the hospital, the grandmother and grandchild duo took turns calling her, their absence felt like an eternity. Aware of his mom''s preupations, Emmett quickly entertained the two, giving Elysia a moment of pride for having such a wonderful child. She considered herself incredibly fortunate to have him. With a steadied heart, Elysia pulled Tarquin aside back into their room. "Any luck? Did you find her?" "Not yet, but we''ve gathered some information. The woman''s name is ire, her husband''s Cecil, and their daughter, Maria. All three are locals of Silver City, living under tough conditions. Maria has a congenital illness that''s incurable, and Cecil doesn''t hold down a steady job, often loafing around aimlessly. The family''s ie relies solely on ire. She works several jobs, guarding the cemetery at night, joining the city''s cleaning crew at dawn, and crafting at home during the day while caring for her daughter. Every day is a struggle for her." Elysia frowned, "Then why is she forcing us to leave Silver City?" "We''re not sure yet, but..." Tarquin gave her a meaningful look, hesitating before asking, "Have you never seen what this woman looks like?" "No, she''s always wearing a mask whenever I see her. Why? What about her appearance?" As Tarquin handed his phone to her, showing a photo of a younger ire, Elysia''s body jolted as if struck, her pupils dting in shock! She rubbed her eyes, disbelieving, before daring to look at the photo again... Once she confirmed the woman''s features in the photo, Elysia''s breath hitched, "She... she..." Tarquin, empathetic, helped her sit down, "Looks a lot like Emmett." Tears welled in Elysia''s eyes, her body trembling, "She is... Emmett''s biological mother?" "We can''t be certain yet, but it''s highly likely." In his investigation of ire, Tarquin discovered she had recently visited a paternity testing center, submitting two bair samples for DNA analysis. The results came back today, confirming a maternal link. Moreover, the timing of ire''s test and her confrontation with Elysia today, urging her to leave Silver City with the child, was too coincidental to ignore. ire had identally hit Emmett before taking the DNA test. Upon receiving the results today, she sought out Elysia. The evidence strongly suggested that the DNA test was between her and Emmett, making ire''s likelihood of being Emmett''s biological mother significantly high! Chapter 1101 Elysia Thorne''s lips quivered as she nced between him and the photograph repeatedly, her eyes filled with turmoil and confusion. "I... If she really is Emmett''s mother, then... do we have to give Emmett back to her?" she murmured, her voiceced with desperation. Tarquin Bradford didn''t answer immediately, instead, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into aforting embrace. If ire Yeager was indeed Emmett''s biological mother, ording to thew, they would indeed have to return Emmett to her. "I... I can''t..." Elysia''s voice broke as tears streamed down her face. She clung to Tarquin''s shirt, her sobs making it hard to breathe. She had often wondered, feared, what she would do if Emmett''s real parents ever came looking for him. But she never allowed herself to think too deeply about it. She admitted to herself that she was selfish; she couldn''t bear the thought of being separated from Emmett, of giving him to someone else. Emmett might not have been her biological child, but she had raised him from infancy. When she found Emmett, he was so tiny and fragile, his body bruised and barely clinging to life. She had watched over him day and night, fighting to bring him back from the brink. Over the years, she loved Emmett just as much as she loved her son, Elliot Evan, but with an added sense of protectiveness. Emmett, unlike Elliot Evan, wasn''t as quick-witted or physically strong. Elliot Evan was as sturdy as a little ox by the age of one, while Emmett was still delicate, often falling ill. She had invested far more time and energy into Emmett than she ever had with Elliot Evan. No one could me Emmett for being curious about his origins; if he knew he was adopted, he''d surely want to know about his real parents. And while finding out about his biological parents should have been a joyous asion for Emmett, Elysia couldn''t help but feel anything but happy. Instead, she felt an overwhelming sense of sorrow. "Tarquin, I''m scared," she wept into his chest. "I''m so, so scared..." Tarquin''s heart ached for her, holding her closer, his hand gently cradling the back of her head to soothe her. "I know, I understand. Let''s not worry just yet. Nothing''s confirmed, and we''ll talk to ire to get to the bottom of this. Even if she is, we might still have a chance. She hasn''t tried to acknowledge Emmett yet, and she even pushed you to take Emmett away from Silver City. That might mean she isn''t looking to take him away from you." Elysia nodded eagerly at his words, clinging to a thread of hope. "You''re right, she hasn''t tried to owledge him. As long as to let Emmett stay ???? do anything." Content bele With Sheet "If she really is Emmett''s mother, I''ll talk to Eer," Tarquin said, his b a and Emmett. Contexoval? furrowed with concern for both belongs ire''s living situation wasn''t ideal, and Emmett might not find happiness with them... Meanwhile, ire was huddled in a deserted alley, her body wracked with sobs. The pain was unbearable. That was her child, her own flesh and blood, born after nine months within her. But now, she could only watch him from a distance, too afraid to acknowledge him. Not only could she not acknowledge him, but she also had to push him away from her. Her heart ached, the pain almost too much to bear. "Mommy, what''s wrong?" Maria tugged at her sleeve, her small face etched with concern. ire pulled her daughter into her arms, her cries echoing in the quiet alley. "Mommy''s heart hurts, Maria... That''s your brother, your little brother... He''s a part of mommy too..." Chapter 1102 Mom could only watch, helpless and heartbroken, as her son called another woman "mom." She watched as he grew closer to this stranger, and even... defended her over his own mother. "He''s my flesh and blood, my baby," she sobbed. "Do I have a little brother?" "Yes, your own brother!" "Why didn''t Mom bring my brother back?" "I... I... I was scared. Scared that if I did, your father would just sell him off again, to some horrible ce where he would suffer!" "Was my brother sold by Dad?" "Yes! Sold by him! That liar, it''s all his fault!" A fierce light shed in ire''s eyes as she thought about it, her whole body trembling with rage. Wiping away her tears, she picked up her daughter and left. Before long, they stood in front of a dpidated, abandoned bar. ire would have never dared toe here before, but today, blinded by fury, she acted without thinking. As she attempted to enter, two burly men blocked her way. "What do you want?" "I''m looking for Cecil White! Cecil! I''m his wife!" "We don''t care who you are. Got any money? Show us your cash. No money, no entry. Beat it!" ire''s pockets were empty. She had just gotten her paycheck yesterday, and after a trip to the doctor and paying for a DNA test, she was broke. Even her only gold ne had been snatched by Cecil. When ire tried to push past them, the men shoved her back, kicking her. "Crazydy, looking for trouble? Get lost!" Unable to enter, ire sat on the ground, holding her daughter, both crying, "Cecil, you bastard! Come out! You''re not human, you deceived me, you bastard..." Her loud crying drew the attention of passersby. The bouncers, worried she might attract the police, reluctantly let her into the bar. The bar, now a gambling den, was filled with card yers instead of drinkers. The bouncers kept ire from wandering around, while one of them went to find Cecil. Cecil was gambling, the gold ne in question on the table. "Pause the game," a bouncer grumbled. "Your wife''s here, making a scene. Sort it out before she brings the cops down on us. The boss will have your head!" "My wife? Impossible, she wouldn''t dare..." Before Cecil could finish, ire charged at him. Furious, she started hitting and Ying him, "Liar! You''re a liar! no human, you''re a mo swho Cecil..." Cecil was stunned! Since when did ire dare to hit him? It took him a moment to react before he kicked her away, "Damn you, how dare you hit me! Have you lost your mind?!" The crowd at the gambling tableughed, "Weakling, you''re just like your name, Cecil, t even keep your w line. She''s beating you up in everyone, ha!" i in of Cecil, unable to save face, angrily grabbed a chair and mmed it on ire''s head, "Wench, you''ve crossed the line!" ire''s head bled from the impact, blood streaming down her face. Little Maria White screamed in terror, but nobody cared or tried tofort her. Chapter 1103 ire was knocked senseless, dazed for what felt like an eternity. Once she gathered her wits, she scrambled back to her feet and charged at Cecil, eyes zing, neck strained as she shouted, "You think you''re tough? Then finish me off! Do it! If you don''t, you''re nothing but a coward! Come on, kill me!" ire seemed unhinged, her eyes red with fury as she advanced step by step towards Cecil. The crowd at the casino stoppedughing, their brows furrowing in concern. Someone called out, "Cecil, you better get her out of here. Looks like she''s got a death wish. Don''t let her drag us down with her!" Cecil too noticed that ire was not her usual self today! With a dark look, he gritted his teeth, grabbed ire by the arm, and headed for the exit. Maria hurried after them, her body weak. She hadn''t run far before she tripped and fell. No one showed sympathy, no one helped her up. The little girl, trembling, picked herself up and continued to chase after her parents. But she hadn''t gone far before she fell again, this time hurting her knee badly. Cradling her mouth, she whimpered, "Daddy, Mommy..." No one responded; she could only try to stand up on her own, but she couldn''t muster the strength. Someone shouted from outside, "Cecil, your daughter''s still here! She''s fallen and can''t get up. You bettere back and help her!" Cecil stormed back, cursing under his breath, "Dealing with you two is a curse. I must have sinned in a past life, damn it!" He picked up Maria like an eagle snatching a chick, devoid of any fatherly demeanor. Seeing the pain on Maria''s face didn''t bother him in the slightest. People say a father''s love is as high as a mountain, but some mountains are just mirages! Once home and the door shut behind them, Cecil pped Maria across the face. He knew just how to manipte ire! ire was stoic, ustomed to the beatings over the years, numb to the pain. Even if it killed her, she wouldn''t speak unless she wanted to. But harming Maria would get a reaction out of her. Maria, terrified and in pain after her father''s harsh ps, cried, "Mommy, mommy..." ire, heartbroken, rushed to protect her daughter, "You can''t hit Maria! If you want to hit someone, hit me, but not Maria!" Cecil, teeth clenched in rage, "If you want me to stop, then tell me come into you today?! If you c , I''ll end you both tot There was definitely something off with ire''s behavior today. Cecil then walked into the kitchen, grabbed a kitchen knife, and threw it on the table, "I''ve been too soft on you, letting you embarrass me at the casino! If you don''t give me a reason today, swear I''ll chop up this vers ire, horrified at the sight of the gleaming knife, held Maria tightly, her eyes wide with fear. Maria curled up in her mother''s embrace, too scared to even cry. ire, protective and furious, confronted him, "Why did you lie to me?! Our son, he''s not dead, why did you tell me he died at birth?! You bastard! You must have sold him! For money, you''d sell your own son, you''re no human!" Cecil, catching the gist of her usation, was shocked, "You saw our son?" ire red at him in silence. Cecil frowned, silent for a moment before reaching out to grab Maria. He tried to pull Maria away from ire''s embrace! Maria, terrified, screamed, clinging tightly to ire, "Mommy save me, mommy, mommy..." ire''s eyes filled with bloodshot rage as she clutched her daughter tighter, "Let go of Maria! You beast! Let her go! Ah, ah..." Unable to shake Cecil off, ire bit down on his hand with all her might. Cecil yelped in pain and released Maria, ncing at the bite marks on his hand, then pped ire hard, "You dare bite me! I swear I''ll send you and your daughter to heaven today!" Chapter 1104 Cecil reached for the kitchen knife with a swift motion. The de glimmered menacingly, reflecting a cold light that shed into Maria''s eyes. "Ah-" Terrified, Maria screamed and fainted on the spot. ire''s pupils dted in shock. "Maria! Maria! Oh my, Maria, wake up, please don''t scare me, Maria, Maria!" Cecil showed no concern for his daughter, brandishing the knife at ire threateningly. "Listen here, I''m running out of patience. I''ll ask you onest time, have you seen our son?" "Cecil, our daughter has fainted, please, she''s fainted. Help our daughter, please, take her to the hospital." "Answer my question first! If you''re not straight with me, we''re going nowhere, and I''ll let her lie right here!" ire was petrified. "I saw him, I did. I saw him at the hospital... Oh, Cecil..." Cecil frowned, a sh of panic crossing his eyes, remembering that it was he who... "Why did hee back? Did he reach out to you?" ire quickly shook her head. "No, he didn''t look for me. He doesn''t even know me! He''s living a good life, his foster parents clearly adore him. Cecil, let''s not disturb him. We don''t have the means to take care of him, he''s better off with them! Cecil, let''s get Maria to a doctor, please, let''s take her to the hospital..." So the son''s foster parents weren''t out to cause trouble? Cecil''s anxiety eased. Narrowing his eyes, he pondered for a moment, a gleam of cunning shining through. "Are you sure that''s our son?" "Absolutely, I''m a hundred percent sure. I even got a paternity test done." "You had the money for a paternity test, you..." Cecil was about to explode in anger but then paused, a thought striking him. "The foster parents, they''re wealthy?" "Yes, they are. They''re living much better than us. Our son hasn''t been mistreated." Cecil''s eyes narrowed further, ncing at the unconscious Maria. "I don''t have the money for her an treatment right now, but I''ve got idea to get some. If you really want AQUAS to save her, you''ll do as I say "Anything, just to save Maria, I''ll do anything." "Take her to the hospital, to your son." ire was stunned. "What... what are you nning?" Cecil, growing impatient, retorted, "Do you want to save your daughter or not? If you do, then listen to me!" ire looked down at her unconscious daughter, biting her lip in silence. All she could do was cry. An hourter, ire appeared at the doorstep of Blossom Blythe''s hospital room, holding her daughter. She didn''t know where Elysia and had gone, nor did she recognize Blossom, but she 1 knew Blossom knew them. Con belongs to ire knelt at the door, weeping. set "Please, save my daughter, I beg you, save her. She''s the sister of the child you saw today, for his sake, please save her, oh POV Blossom and Hollis were taken aback. Putting everything else aside, they immediately called a doctor to attend to Maria. After Maria was rushed to the emergency room, Hollis asked her, "The child you mentioned, is he the one who visited our room this morning?" "Yes, he... his name seems to be Emmett. I heard that beautiful woman call him Emmett." "You are Emmett''s..." "I''m his mother, his biological mother. I carried him for ten months!" Blossom and Hollis exchanged a look of astonishment. Blossom quickly stepped aside to call Elysia. "Elysia, you need toe to the hospital. Emmett''s biological mother has shown up!" Chapter 1105 Elysia and Tarquin rushed into the hospital, their hearts pounding, only to find out that Maria was still fighting for her life in the emergency room. ire was a wreck, sitting on the cold, sterile floor outside the emergency room, sobbing uncontrobly. Hollis and Blossom stood by, brows furrowed, offering no words offort, their faces etched with concern and frustration. As Elysia stepped out of the elevator with Tarquin by her side, the sight of ire stopped her in her tracks. She trembled, rooted to the spot near the elevator, her heart racing with fear. She hadn''t done anything wrong! She hadn''t wronged this woman in any way! Emmett wasn''t stolen; he was found and taken in by her! For over five years, she had poured all her love into raising Emmett, giving him every ounce of maternal affection she could muster. She was guilt-free, facing this woman with nothing to hide! In fact, this woman should be grateful for the life-saving care and love she had provided Emmett! Yet, at this moment, fear engulfed her. She feared that this woman would take Emmett away from her! She couldn''t bear the thought of parting with Emmett. But the decision wasn''t hers to make! In front of this woman, she felt like a mistress facing the rightful wife. She was the foster mother; this woman was the birth mother! The custody of Emmett was in this woman''s hands, and she felt powerless to fight or even argue for it! This feeling of being overwhelmed and helpless made it hard for her to breathe. It also stirred fear in her; she was afraid of this woman, she didn''t want to face her, she wanted to escape! She even began to regret bringing Emmett to Silver City! Emmett might not have been her biological child, but she had raised him from a baby! The mere thought that Emmett could be taken away by this woman was unbearable, pushing her to the brink of copse. Tarquin, understanding her turmoil, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, offering hisfort. "Elysia!" Blossom hurried over. Seeing Elysia''s red, tear-stained eyes, Blossom immediately felt a surge of empathy. She knew the depth of Elysia''s feelings for Emmett and understood what the sudden reappearance of Emmett''s biological mother meant for her. Blossom, frowning, lowered her voice to say, "She came with a DNA test report, saying if we doubted her im, we could get Emmett tested any time. She said she was desperate, that she had no money for her daughter''s medical treatment and couldn''t bear to watch her daughter die. That''s why she came to us. She hopes we can help her daughter, but she didn''t mention taking Emmett away." Before Blossom could finish, ire suddenly threw herself at Elysia''s feet! With a thud, she knelt down, tears streaming down her face, "I know I shouldn''t havee to you, but I had no other choice. If I don''t get my daughter to the hospital, she will die! But I don''t have the money, I... I know you''re wealthy, and this amount means nothing to you Please, for Emmett''s sake, save her. She is Emmett''s real sister, please.... please help us..." ire begged, her forehead banging against the floor repeatedly, making a resounding thud with each contact! Elysia, already in a state of panic, froze, unable to react as she looked down at ire. Blossom, frowning, bent down to help ire up, saying irritably, "Talk properly, don''t do this!" It wasn''t that she was biased against ire, but there was a way to ask for help, and this wasn''t it. Before Elysia had arrived, ire had already made quite the scene, pleading for her and her daughter''s life. Chapter 1106 It was like this, relentless pleading, almost as if she''d drop dead right there if they didn''t step in to help. It was an unsettling feeling, like being strong-armed with guilt! As if not helping her was a personal attack! And her daughter was already rushed into the ER, plus they had just forked over a hefty $20,000 for the admission fees. Wasn''t that helping? Yet, she continued to beg relentlessly. What more did she want?! Shouldn''t she be grateful?! Moreover, Blossom noticed this woman had a talent for tears, from the moment she appeared, she hadn''t stopped crying! Understanding her daughter was sick, they sympathized, but this was a hospital after all. Her endless wailing could disturb others. They tried to console her for a long time, to no avail. Even the doctors had tried to calm her down multiple times, but she wouldn''t listen. It seemed crying was all she knew how to do. Blossom couldn''t help but dislike this kind of behavior... Elysia was utterly baffled, her brain just now catching up, allowing her to think clearly. She could never just stand by and watch someone die, especially when the little girl was genuinely sick, she knew that. If there was a way to help, she would. Elysia first inquired about the little girl''s condition, "She was fine this morning, how did she suddenly be so ill?" ire avoided eye contact, refusing to admit it was Cecil''s fright that caused it, "I...I''m not sure." "What about her father?" ire looked even more distressed, "He''s too busy, he can''t make it for now." Blossom frowned, interrupting, "Her daughter is this sick and he can''t make it?! What could be more important?!" Any normal father would rush to the hospital at the news of his daughter''s critical condition. Too busy? What does that even mean! What could be more important than your child?! ire remained silent, her head hung low, not answering Blossom''s question. Elysia mustered the courage to ask, "You know Emmett is your child, why didn''t you acknowledge him immediately? And why did you want us to leave Silver City?" ire looked up at her, eyes red, lips quivering as if she had been dealt a great injustice. The next moment, she burst into tears again, "I can''t, I want to, but I can''t support him! I''m not a good mother, I can''t give him happiness, staying with me would only make him sob sob sob..." Hearing this, Blossom quickly asked, "So, you mean, you never nned to im Emmett back, you just wanted us to help your daughter?" "...Yes." ire nodded with difficulty, visibly distressed. Blossom''s eyes sparkled with a - moment of realization - people are inherently selfish, and she wase naturally more concerned about her sisters. This woman not wanting to im Emmett back was good news for Elysia! Blossom turned to look at Elysia. Elysia was staring at ire in shock, clearly not expecting her to give up on Emmett so easily! ire then copsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrobly, her cries echoing down the hallway. Blossom realized no amount of consoling would help, so she pulled Elysia back to their room, leaving the rest to Tarquin to handle. ¡°Staying there is pointless, nobody can calm that woman down. Let''s wait for her daughter toe out of the ER before we talk to her again." Elysia,ing back from the shock, took a deep breath. ire not wanting to reim Emmett was beyond her wildest expectations! Part of her felt sorry for ire, yet she couldn''t help but feel a sense of relief! Chapter 1107 Back in the hospital room, Blossomforted her, "Elysia, don''t stress yourself out. It''s a relief she''s not trying to take Emmett back. Her situation... well, it''s not one that could make Emmett happy. If Emmett went back with them, he''d definitely suffer." Their home situation wasn''t the best, and Emmett''s mom seemed a bit off. Hollis added, "If they don''t stir up trouble, then the authorities won''t get involved. Emmett can stay with you without any issues. Try not to worry too much. By the way, does Emmett know about this?" Elysia shook her head, "Not yet." "Let''s keep it that way." After all, Emmett''s birth family was aplicated topic. If Emmett found out, he''d surely worry about his birth mother. That would put him in a tough spot. If he went back to ire, he''d have to leave Elysia. But if he chose to let go of ire, he''d struggle with guilt. Better to keep the little guy in the dark for now. When he''s older, they could tell him. For a child, growing up happy and healthy is what matters most. Elysia nodded. She knew she''d have to tell Emmett about his origins someday, just not now. But what scared her was the thought that Emmett''s biological parents might beat her to it and tell him themselves! Even though things were looking up, Elysia couldn''t shake off her unease. Two hourster, Tarquin arrived. Elysia immediately asked, "How did it go?" "Emmett''s birth mother was clear. She just wants to save her daughter and isn''t looking to take Emmett back. The little girl''s out of the ICU now, and she''s stable, but the doctors say she has a congenital disease that can''t be cured." Elysia felt a weight lift off her shoulders, but she couldn''t quite celebrate. First, because of Emmett''s sister. The poor girl had a congenital disease and was born into a struggling family. She couldn''t even get the basic nutrition she needed, let alone any happiness. It was truly sad. Second, because of ire. The fact that ire could force them out of Silver City and resist acknowledging Emmett showed her love for him. Regardless of what kind of person she was, from a mother''s perspective, finally seeing her son but not being able to recognize him, and having to push him away, was cruel. "Let''s find a way to help that little girl as much as we can." Helping the little girl would also be a way to help ire. It would be their way of thanking her for her sacrifice. Tarquin nodded, "Once we''ve settled Emmett''s situation, I''ll donate some money to help the girl live a veli worry-free life for as long as she''s with us." "Yeah! What about Emmett''s father? Did you see him? What''s his stance?" For Emmett''s case to be truly resolved, not only his birth mother but also his father needed to agree not to reim Emmett. At the mention of Emmett''s father, Tarquin clenched his jaw, "He hasn''t shown up yet." "What? He hasn''te to the hospital yet?" "Yeah." Elysia frowned. His daughter was nearly lost, and the father didn''t evene to the hospital to check on her? And with ire knowing about Emmett''s existence, was he unaware? He must know. So why didn''t he care? Something felt off to Elysia. "I''m going to visit Emmett''s sister and have another chat with his mom." "Alright, I''lle with you." "No need, I''ll go alone. Can you look into Emmett''s father, see what he''s up to, why he hasn''t visited his daughter in the hospital?" Tarquin''s lips twitched, hesitating. He had already looked into Cecil and could sum him up in two words: deadbeat! But Cecil was still Emmett''s biological father, and Tarquin didn''t want to say too much just yet. Saying more would only worry Elysia. She was already struggling with the thought of being separated from Emmett, if Emmett''s biological family were warm and loving, it might have been a little easier for her Chapter 1108 If ire found out about her family''s situation now, she''d be worried sick! After hesitating for a moment, Tarquin decided to keep Cecil''s information to himself. "Alright, I''ll look into it and let you know what I find." "Okay." Elysia said goodbye to Blossom and Hollis and headed to the pediatric ward. Inside the room, Maria was awake. ire sat by the bed, her eyes red as she gently caressed her daughter''s face, whispering softly, "Maria, you nearly gave mommy a heart attack. If anything happened to you, mommy wouldn''t want to go on. I''m so sorry, Maria. It''s mommy''s fault for not being able to protect you or take care of you properly." The little girl, with an IV needle in one hand, reached up with her other hand to gently wipe away ire''s tears, "Don''t cry, mommy. It''s not your fault." ire''s voice choked up, "Mommy won''t cry. Are you in pain, Maria?" The little girl, wise beyond her years, shook her head, "No pain. Are you, mommy?" "As long as you''re not in pain, mommy''s fine." Maria blinked up at ire, "Mommy, can''t we leave daddy?" ire froze, then her smile faded and her brows furrowed, "No!" Maria, sensing her mother''s displeasure, bit her lip and didn''t dare to speak further. Elysia walked in just in time to catch the tail end of their conversation. Elysia was puzzled. Why would Emmett''s sister want to leave her father? They say daughters are their father''s past life lovers, and the bond between father and daughter is often stronger than that between father and son. Why would she want to leave her father? After a brief silence, Elysia knocked on the door. and ire came to open it, surprised at first but then quickly inviting her in, repeatedly expressing her gratitude, "Ms. Thorne, I can''t thank you enough for today. I heard from the doctor that Maria''s treatment cost a lot, and it was you and your friend who took care of it. And your husband even instructed the hospital to use the best medication for Maria, and this room, it''s the best the hospital has. I don''t even know what to say, I..." "You don''t have to mention it," Elysia cut her off, fearing she might start crying again and they wouldn''t get the chance to talk properly. ire sniffled, "Please, have a seat. Maria, say hello." §ï§ä She pulled up a chair for Elysia, coaxing her daughter to greet their guest, then busied herself getting water and slicing fruit for Elysia. Her every move was tinged with a sense of humility. This humility wasn''t an act; it seemed to emanate from her very being. The little girl, lying in bed, obediently greeted, "Hello." Elysia smiled gently at her, "Hello." Maria didn''t look much like Emmett, but when she spoke, she was as gentle and well-behaved as Emmett. After all, they were siblings; there were bound to be simrities. This simrity made Elysia feel even morepassionate towards her, softly offering, "How about I take your pulse?" Maria looked towards ire, seeking her opinion. ire managed a weak smile, stepping forward to tuck her daughter''s hand under the nkets, "The doctor just examined her there''s no need to trouble yourself." It was clear she was trying to divert Elysia''s attention away from taking Maria''s pulse. Elysia was suspicious. In the morning, ire was grateful when she offered to take Maria''s pulse. Why was she refusing now? Elysia didn''t show her suspicion, took the ss of water but didn''t drink, "Sit down, let''s talk, about Emmett." Chapter 1109 ire fumbled with her words, "He... he was taken by traffickers." Elysia didn''t think much of it, "Does Emmett''s father know about this?" ire quickly shook her head, "He doesn''t know." "You didn''t tell him?" "No." "Why wouldn''t you tell him something this big?" "He... he''s always wanted a son. If he found out about Emmett, he would never let Emmett leave with you guys, so I kept quiet." Elysia was skeptical, "..." ire continued, "Please, take my advice. While Emmett''s father is still in the dark, take Emmett and leave!" "Are you sure?" "Yes! Just... before you go, could you leave me some money?" ire knew she was in the wrong. After saying her piece, she quickly lowered her head, unable to meet Elysia''s eyes. She was asking for money from the people who saved her son''s life and had been taking care of him for years without offering anything in return. Wasn''t this just like selling her son? But she couldn''t not ask for it. She was too scared not to, because it was Cecil who had demanded it. If she didn''t ask, Cecil wouldsh out at her daughter! Cecil would also forcibly keep Emmett, not letting him leave! Their family was toxic; Emmett staying would only bring him misery. So, she had to ask for the money. With it, she could protect her daughter and ensure her son could leave safely. Worried Elysia might refuse, ire quickly exined her reason for asking, "My son will be leaving with you, and I can''t lose my daughter too. I need this money to pay for my daughter''s medical treatment. I... I... hope you can help me..." She finished speaking and again lowered her head, fidgeting with her hands, looking very uneasy. Elysia frowned at her, knowing she would offer help regardless. Tarquin had already mentioned donating a sum of money to ensure Maria could live a worry-free life. And since ire was Emmett''s biological mother, helping her was also a way of honoring Emmett. It just never urred to her that ire would outright ask for it... Seeing Elysia not responding, ire hurriedly added, "I don''t need much, just... just ten thousand will do. Rest assured, with this ten thousand, you can peacefully take Emmett with you, and I promise not to disturb your lives again." Elysia was silent. Ten thousand wasn''t a small amount, but it wasn''t much for them either. For Emmett and Maria, she was willing to pay. And what they nned to donate was much more than that amount. Elysia pulled out a wad of cash from her pocket, "We came in a hurry, didn''t prepare in advance. This is a little something from me and my friend, take it and buy some good food for Maria." "I''ll deposit a sum into Maria''s hospital ountter, taking care of her future needs." "Next time youe for Maria''s treatment, just use that ount You won''t have to worry about not having money for her treatment anymore." ¨¦n.kikistories Depositing money into the hospital ount was Tarquin''s idea. After digging into Cecil''s background, he concluded that giving cash or transferring money would just end up being gambled away by Cecil. Depositing into the hospital was the safest option. As for ire, they would give her an additional sum as a way of showing filial piety for Emmett. Upon hearing she wouldn''t have to worry about her daughter''s medical bills anymore, ire was overjoyed! Tears in her eyes, she knelt before Elysia, thanking them profusely, "Thank you, thank you. What goes aroundes around. In my next life, I''ll do anything to repay you! You are good people, truly good, sob..." Elysia quickly helped her up, "Maria''s been malnourished for a long time. Buy her some nutritious food to help her recover." "Of course." After parting ways with ire, Elysia''s mood didn''t improve; it became even more somber! When she handed ire the tissue, she noticed the scars on ire''s arms. Layers of new and old scars, the result of long-term abuse. Perhaps Maria''s sudden hospitalization wasn''t an ident. What kind of life had this mother and daughter been living? Seeing Tarquin approach, she urgently asked, "When you inquired about Maria''s condition, did the doctor mention any injuries on her?" His silence prompted Elysia to press further, "Has Maria been a victim of domestic abuse?!" Tarquin initially didn''t want to tell Elysia; the more she knew, the more worried she''d be about Emmett, the more anxious she''d be. Emmett''s biological family was a topic fraught withplexities. As ire said, Emmett returning would only bring him suffering. "Speak up, have they been undergoing domestic abuse?!" Tarquin finally spoke, "The doctor mentioned Maria had injuries likely caused by long-term abuse, but her mother for the doctor from discussing it publicly." ¨¦n.kikistories The doctor, fearing repercussions, informed Tarquin instead. Elysia was shocked and couldn''t understand. ire clearly loved Maria deeply. Why wouldn''t she let others know about the abuse? Didn''t she want to seek justice for her daughter? She must have been frequently abused herself, yet she kept silent too! Was she a victim of abuse or was there something else at y? Regardless, it was clear Emmett''s biological family was far from normal! Elysia grew even more anxious and unwilling to let go. She had raised Emmett with so much effort; she couldn''t let him return to a life of suffering! Chapter 1110 Elysia steadied her heart and continued, "ire mentioned that Emmett''s dad still has no clue about Emmett''s situation. She wants us to take Emmett and leave as soon as possible the sooner, the better." Tarquin asked, "What do you think?" "I believe sneaking Emmett away isn''t a solution." What about next time? If Emmett''s dad suddenly finds out about Emmett, he''ll surelye knocking. And if we don''t clear up the issue of ire and her daughter being harmed, she won''t be at peace leaving. If ire didn''t care about Emmett, she could easily wash her hands off the matter. But ire loves Emmett! For Emmett''s sake, she can''t just stand by-after all, she''s Emmett''s biological mother! "Emmett''s dad is already aware of the situation." "Huh?" Elysia was taken aback. Tarquin sighed, "I''ve done some digging." Elysia, trusting Tarquin implicitly, was shocked. "Then why would ire lie?" "It must be Cecil''s doing. Whatever their n, it ultimately revolves around money, which is why I reminded you to transfer the funds to the hospital ount." "Is Emmett''s father a piece of work?" "Yeah." "The bruises on Maria and ire... Did he cause them?!" "Yeah." Elysia''s brows furrowed, her breathing grew rapid, and soon, tears started streaming down her face. "Emmett is like my own. If his biological family was happy and weing, and Emmett wished to return, I would let him go." "But under these circumstances, I can''t bear to send Emmett back to suffer! I can''t allow it, I... oh..." Tarquin, feeling her pain, pulled her into an embrace again. "He''s not going back, not if you don''t want him to. We won''t let Emmett return." Elysia sobbed, "But Cecil holds Emmett''s custody. If he disagrees, what can we do?" "I''ll find a way. Trust me, I won''t let Emmett jump into a fire pit." "You love Emmett, and so do I. The moment Emmett called me ''Daddy,'' he became my son, Tarquin''s son!" "I''ll take full responsibility for him, fight tooth and nail for his future!" "Just stay@ and be there for Emmett Leave everything to me. make sure Emmett stays by you , as you wish." He didn''t care about blood ties; if Elysia didn''t want it, nobody could force Emmett away from her! ... ire stood in a corner, witnessing the scene. She had returned hoping to ask Elysia for a photo of Emmett, wanting something to remember him by. Seeing Tarquin and Elysia together, she didn''t approach hastily. From a distance, she couldn''t catch their Tersation, but she wasforting Fuld tell swnoe ire''s face showed no jealousy, no envy, just a gentle smile and warm memories. Once, she and Cecil were just as loving, just as happy. Cecil treated her well, just like Tarquin did Elysia. Even though Cecil had changed, even resorting to violence, she didn''t me him. Cecil hitting her... had its reasons. The problem wasn''t Cecil; the issuey elsewhere... ire''s thoughts turned sour, her brow furrowing. After a moment, she took a deep breath, deciding not to interrupt. asked Instead, she adjusted her emotions and called Cecil, "Hey, where are you? I''ve finished what you me to do. I''ming to see you." ADUMS sw r Chapter 1111 Cecil was hanging around the shadowy alleyway near the hospital, waiting. As soon as he heard the job was done, he was ecstatic and immediately arranged to meet ire in the secluded alley. Upon seeing ire, he hurriedly asked, "Where''s the money?" ire handed over the cash Elysia had given her, saying, "Here." Cecil snatched it, frowning, "This is it?" At best, this was just a few grand. He had told ire to ask for a cool $100,000! He had done his homework, finding out that Emmett''s adoptive parents were loaded, driving around in luxury cars, staying in fancy hotels! Plus, they were acquainted with Folly Blythe''s heiress, clearly not just anybody. Most importantly, they adored Emmett! Considering Emmett, getting them to fork over some cash shouldn''t have been an issue. But ire brought back just this small amount! Cecil was displeased, "Didn''t I tell you to ask for $100,000?!" ire rushed to exin, "I did ask. This few thousand isn''t part of that. This is extra, from Ms. Thorne for Maria''s nutrition." "And the $100,000?" ire said excitedly, "They''re going to deposit it directly into our daughter''s hospital ount. We won''t ever have to worry about paying for her treatments again!" Cecil''s face darkened, "I wanted cash. What''s the use of having it in an ount?!" "It''s for our daughter''s treatment, Cecil. It doesn''t matter where the money is, they''ve given it to us. Let''s not hassle them anymore." "They''ve been taking good care of our son and now they''re helping us with our daughter''s medical expenses. They''re good people, a blessing to our family." "Our situation isn''t great, and staying with us, our son is suffering. Maybe it''s best if he continues to stay with them, and we... Ah!" Before ire could finish, Cecil kicked her to the ground. "My child''s fate isn''t yours to arrange! They''re so rich, yet you couldn''t even secure $100,000, useless! Marrying you was a damn mistake!" Enraged, Cecil unleashed a barrage of kicks on ire. Curling up on the ground, ire didn''t fight back, only sobbed quietly. After venting his anger, Cecil stopped. He looked at ire for a moment, then an idea seemed to strike him. A strange glint appeared in Cecil''s eyes. He bent down, helped ire up, smoothed her hair, and wiped her tears, "Why do you think I wanted that $100,000? It was all for Maria!" "The hospitals here in Silver City can''t Maria''s condition. Depositing money here is waste!" Justel "Only if we have the cash, can we take Maria to a renowned hospital elsewhere. I''ve heard there''s hope." ire was stunned, "Hope?" "Yeah! A buddy of mine said his friend''s kid had the same condition as Maria, and they got it cured." "Really?" "Why would I lie?! Of course, it''s true!" ire immediately became excited, wiping away her tears, "Let''s take Maria for treatment then?!" "We can, but we need money, ire. I admit, I haven''t been there much for Maria over the years, but she''s still my flesh and blood. Of course, I want her to get better!" "About our son, yes, I did sell him, but why? It was all to pay for our daughter''s treatment." ire looked at him, astonished, "You sold our son for Maria?" "Yeah, what did you think?!" ire''s expression was a mix of disbelief and confusion, ".. Cecil''s tone softened, "Also, these years, the reason I''ve been rough with you... there''s a reason." "Our daughter''s sick, our son was sold. How do you think I feel? I''m stressed." "And to pay for our daughter''s treatments, I''ve gotten into debt, constantly hounded by loan sharks! If I was all lovey-dovey with you, wouldn''t those debt collectorse after you too?" "Me hitting you... it''s to show them we''re not close, to keep them off your back. I did it all for you." Chapter 1112 ire stared nkly at him, absorbing every word of what now seemed like nothing but ghost stories. And then, overwhelmed by a rush of hurt and disbelief, she burst into tears. Cecil wrapped his arms around her, his voice soft withforting words, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of disdain. "It''s alright to cry, love. It''s my fault. I''ve put you through so much over the years. Every time I''ve hurt you, I swear it pained me too, as if the blows werending on my own heart." Nestled in his embrace, ire let her tears flow freely. After allowing her a moment to cry, Cecil gently probed, "ire, do you want to get our daughter better?" Eagerly, she nodded, "Yes, absolutely!" "Then you''ll have to do exactly as I say." "Of course, anything!" He whispered a n into her ear, and with a determined nod, ire wiped away her tears and headed back to the hospital. ... Meanwhile, Elysia and Tarquin had just returned to their hotel suite to the mouthwatering aroma of dinner being prepared. Emmett was in the kitchen, orchestrating the evening meal with the help of Baby and Pam Patel. The trio radiated happiness, with Emmett taking charge like a little adult, doling outpliments and instructions with the ease of a seasoned chef. "Grandma, your knife skills are amazing! Look at how perfectly you''ve diced the vegetables!" "And Baby, you''ve washed the tomatoes so thoroughly, well done! You''re amazing too!" "Mummy loves scrambled eggs with tomatoes. Let''s make that for her tonight." "Daddy''s favorite is beef stew. Grandma, could you help chop the beef into small cubes? Be careful not to cut yourself." Standing at the doorway, Elysia was moved to tears by this simple, domestic scene. How could she ever think of taking Emmett back to that twisted environment? She''d rather face death herself. Tarquin, sensing her turmoil, wrapped his arm around her shoulders in silent support. Elysia, trying to avoid making a scene, quietly wiped her tears and bent down to take off her shoes. Baby, noticing her first, dropped the tomato she was holding and ran to the door, "Mummy!" Elysia forced a smile and lifted her daughter into her arms, "Are you helping make dinner, Baby?" "Yes, Emmett''s cooking, and Grandma and I are helping. Why does your voice sound hoarse, Mummy? And why are your eyes so red? Did someone bully you?" Hearing themotion, the others came to check on Elysia, who had not shared the reason for her earlier departure. Concerned by Elysia''s distressed appearance, Pam and the kids grew worried. Elysia reassured them, "No one''s bullying me. I was just moved by a story Blossom told me. I couldn''t help but cry, and now my eyes are all red, and my voice is hoarse. DUMS Emmett, wearing a little apron, approached with curiosity, "What story did Blossom tell that was so moving?" Elysia knelt down, gently stroking Emmett''s cheek, her eyes brimming with tears, "Blossom told a story about a mother being separated from her child." Hearing this, Emmett quickly reassured her, "Mummy, don''t be sad. We''ll never be separated from you." The other kids echoed in unison, "Right, we''ll always stay with Mummy, never apart." Holding back her tears, Elysia hugged Emmett and affectionately patted the others, "Yes, we''ll never be apart." "Don''t worry, Irene. Mummy will make you something delicious." Pam approached,forting Elysia just as she would soothe the children, gently patting her head. Elysia smiled gratefully, "Thanks, Mum." "Let''s go make something delicious," Pam said, leading Elysia into the kitchen. Now well-cared-for and no longer needing a wheelchair, Pam had recovered well, both in spirit and in health. Feeling loved and cherished, Elysia followed Pam into the kitchen with Emmett and Baby trailing el? behind. Evan, always eager to join in, stuck close to Elysia''s side. Elliot and Elijah, however, sensed something was amiss and pulled Tarquin aside into the study, "What''s really going on with Mummy?" The two boys had noticed the unusual atmosphere and were seeking answers. Chapter 1113 Tarquin paused before finally saying, "Emmett''s biological parents have shown up." Elliot and Elijah were shocked, taking a moment before asking, "Do they want to take Emmett away?" "It''s still unclear; the situation isplicated." ire is manageable, but Cecil is a tough nut to crack. "Mom adores Emmett. If they take him away, it would break her heart!" "Emmett loves Mom too. He definitely wouldn''t want to part from her, but they are his biological parents. What can we do?" Tarquin sighed, "Let''s see what they have to say." Ideally, a peaceful solution would be best since they are Emmett''s biological parents. If not peaceful, then we''ll have to force a resolution. We can''t let them ruin Emmett! "Emmett''s dad is a deadbeat, but his mom... It''s hard to say. Dig deeper into her background." "Got it!" Tonight, Elysia was exceptionally clingy to Emmett. When it was time for bed, she suggested, "How about we sleep together tonight?" Emmett, of course, was thrilled and happily agreed. Although not as sharp as Elliot and Evan, Emmett sensed something was off with Mom today. After getting ready for bed, Emmett asked, "Mom, are you worried about something today?" Elysia hesitated before lying, "No worries, honey. I just want to be with you always." "I want to be with Mom always too." After chatting for a bit, Emmett said, "Mom, let me tell you a story?" "Okay." Snuggled in Elysia''s arms, Emmett retold the bedtime stories she used to tell him, lulling her to sleep. After three stories, Elysia ''fell asleep.'' Emmett carefully got up, covered Elysia with the nket, then snuggled back beside her. Kissing Elysia''s forehead, he whispered, "I will always love you, Mom. Goodnight." It wasn''t long before the little guy fell asleep. Elysia slowly opened her eyes, hershes wet with tears. Looking at her sleeping child, she felt an ache in her heart and struggled to breathe. "I will always love you too, Emmett." Elysia watched Emmett sleep all night, wide awake. The next day, before dawn, her phone rang. It was Blossom. "Elysia, you need toe to the hospital ASAP. Emmett''s mom here with the kid again!" s to en.kikistori Elysia, confused, asked in a low voice, "Weren''t they already at the hospital?" "No! They discharged themselvesst night and came back this morning!" "Discharged?" "Yes! I just can''t with this woman. Anyway, you bettere over, Sentent belongs to she might head to you e Elysia was speechless. When she and Tarquin arrived at the hospital, it was just starting to light up. Maria was in the emergency room, with ire and Blossom waiting outside. Cecil was there too. This was Elysia''s first time seeing Cecil. Emmett didn''t resemble him much, but there were some simrities in their expressions. Cecil looked worn, with heavy dark circles under his eyes, clearly fromck of sleep. Before Elysia and Tarquin could say anything, ire suddenly fell to her knees, begging, "Ms. Thorne, please help my daughter again. vomited blood today, so She blood. It scared me to delno much As Elysia helped ire up, she heard Cecil speaking. Chapter 1114 "I heard from ire, it was you folks who coughed up the dough to bail out Maria yesterday. Much obliged, you''re all solid gold, good folks get good karma. On behalf of our Maria, I thank you." Tarquin gave Cecil a frosty look, his expression dark. Elysia, frowning, asked, "Why did you go through the trouble of discharging Maria?" ire kept mum, cowering, while Cecil exined: "After the discharge, the hospital refunds some cash. We nned to use this money to take Maria to a top-notch hospital out of state for treatment!" "We''ve been here countless times, and they can''t fix what''s wrong with Maria. Look, just got resuscitated yesterday, and today, trouble again." ire quickly chimed in: "Ms. Thorne, we''ve already got in touch with the new hospital, over in King City. The specialists there said they can treat Maria''s condition, just needs surgery and she''ll be right as rain." "It''s just... the surgery will set us back about three hundred grand. We''re begging, Ms. Thorne, please, help us out one more time..." Elysia frowned, not at the mention of the surgery cost. It was because Maria''s condition was incurable, and surgery was pointless. "...Are you sure you''re not being scammed?" ire looked at Cecil, who immediately said: "No way we''re being scammed. A buddy of mine rmended this hospital. His kid got treated there." Tarquin knew instantly the guy was lying through his teeth! If it weren''t for his connection to Emmett, he wouldn''t bother with such folks! Even their scamming excuse was pathetically weak! Tarquin, ring at him, coldly said, "I''m familiar with the hospitals and specialists in King City. Which hospital, which doctor? I''ll make some inquiries for you." Cecil, taken aback, stuttered in reply, "I... I didn''t catch the names, my friend was handling it." "Then check with your buddy, get the ails and let me know. If the , I''ll foot the bill." Cont over there can really cenele belongs to Cecil clenched his fists in frustration, annoyed! Even with his billions, flinching over three hundred grand! But Cecil didn''t show it, "Alright, alright, I''ll ask." As soon as Elysia and Tarquin left, Cecil''s expression changed. Last night, he convinced ire to discharge Maria, pocketing several grand in the process. iming it was for Maria''s surgery, he took the money straight to the casino. And blew it all in no time! Returning home, he intentionally made Maria vomit blood, rushing her to the hospital. Then had ire seek out Elysia, with the story of ''this hospital can''t treat her, we need to take Maria to a big hospital for surgery'' to scam them out of a hefty sum! He hadn''t expected Emmett''s foster father to be so stingy! Frustrated and agitated, Cecil kicked ire a few times to vent, "All you do is cry, thinking they''re saints. See for yourself, they don''t wanna help Maria at all!" ire, tears in her eyes, said, "But, didn''t Emmett''s foster dad say he''d pay?" "Bull! If he really wanted to help, he wouldn''t be asking all these questions, wasting time!" "He would''ve handed over the cash, letting us "He Maria to King money for a patient, get treatment straight away. belongs to ire panicked, "So what do we do? If they''re not willing to pay, how will we afford the surgery for our daughter?" Cecil snorted, a sinister glint in his eye, "Then we''ll use their son to get the money!" Chapter 1115 In the corner, White flicked its red tongue, eyeing the Cecil couple with intent. Atop its head sat a miniature camera, capturing everything that unfolded outside the emergency room. This included the previous exchange between Tarquin, Elysia, and the Cecils. Back at the hotel, Elliot, Evan, and Elijah were watching everything unfold clearly. Evan was livid, "Emmett''s dad is a piece of work!" Elliot and Elijah furrowed their brows, already aware of the situation since yesterday. Emmett''s family situation was a mess! His dad was the epitome ofziness, never holding down a job and indulging in every vice imaginable. Instead of working to pay for his daughter''s medical bills, he''d siphon off the money meant for her treatment! Emmett''s mom''s sry, government assistance, and donations from kind-hearted folks mostly ended up funding his gambling addiction. And Emmett''s mom... To put it bluntly, she was a piece of work too! She truly loved her child, enduring much hardship to pay for her daughter''s medical bills. But there''s truth in the saying, "Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future." She wasn''t bad, but her actions were infuriating! Emmett''s grandparents were literally worried sick by her. They saw through Cecil''s facade and urged her to divorce him. Not only did she ignore their advice, but she also conned them out of their savings along with Cecil. Up until theirst breath, they were concerned for their daughter, advising her to leave Cecil. But she wouldn''t listen, and now she''s still with him... How could a family like this ever be warm and happy? It wasn''t a matter of finances, but rather the people involved! "Bro! We''ve got to do something. We can''t let Emmett be taken away by them!" Evan was anxious. Elliot''s brow was furrowed in thought. They couldn''t let Emmett go back to them! Not for their mom''s sake, nor for Emmett''s. It would destroy their mom, and ruin Emmett''s life! But they were Emmett''s biological parents, and they had custody. They needed a solid n! Suddenly, a knock on the door, Emmett''s voice came through, "Bro, are you guys in there?" The brothers exchanged looks, quickly shutting off theputer. Evan went to open the door, his eyes reddening a bit upon seeing Emmett, freshly aware of the situation, "What''s up, Emmett?" "I just wanted to let you know, breakfast''s ready. I''ve kept it warm in the box, so you can eat anytime. I''m heading to the hospital to bring Blossom and mom their breakfast." Evan turned to Elliot, seeking guidance. With Emmett''s biological parents still at the hospital, should Emmett even go? After a few seconds, Elliot said, "You''ve done well, Emmett. Evan, go with Emmett to the hospital." Now that Cecil knew about Emmett, hiding was pointless. Emmett couldn''t escape them forever, what''s meant to be will always Evan nodded firmly, "Right! I''ll keep Emmett safe." a way! If Cecil dared to make a move on Emmett, he''d make sure Cecil regretted it. No matter who it was, even Emmett''s biological father, they''d be Evan Thorne''s enemy if they hurt his mom or brother! Elijah looked at Emmett with a serious expression, "Emmett, you''ll always be our brother!" Elliot also ced a gentle hand on Emmett''s head, "Emmett will always be our brother, and we''ll always be a family." Unaware of the situation, Emmett looked up at his brothers with wide, innocent eyes, asking curiously, "Bro, are you guys alright? I''m just going breakfast to Blossom and mol a & the hospital to bring not on an adventure." Chapter 1116 Evan pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to hide his emotions. "It''s nothing, bro. Just got a bit sentimental for a moment. Let''s head out. We''ll swing by the hospital to drop off some food for Mom and Blossom. Big bro and Elijah will stay back to look after Grandma and the little one." "Got it." As soon as Evan and Emmett stepped out, Elliot immediately rang Tarquin to update him on the situation. Tarquin had just finished settling Maria''s hospital bills. He made it clear to the hospital staff that if someone attempted to discharge Maria, the remaining bnce should be refunded to the original ount. He had discovered that Cecil had gambled away the money meant for Maria''s care! He wouldn''t let Cecil get his hands on another dime using that tactic! Hearing Elliot''s rundown, a flicker of disdain passed through Tarquin''s eyes. Cecil thinks he can extort money from him? He really doesn''t know his ce! "Don''t worry about things here. Focus on taking care of Grandma and the baby. I''ve got this under control," Tarquin reassured. Elliot voiced his concern, "But what about Emmett''s custody? It''s still in their hands..." "It''s fine. Emmett won''t be separated from us. Trust me, Dad''s got this." ... By the time Evan and Emmett arrived at the hospital, Blossom was in the middle of a rant. "I''ve never seen such irresponsible parenting. Even if they did arrange for their daughter to be seen at a hospital out of town, shouldn''t they at least check if she''s fit for transfer?!" "She was just in the ER this afternoon, and by evening, they''re processing her discharge. Are they insane?!" "And then, instead of rushing her to the new hospital, they let her stay home for a night. Unbelievable!" Blossom, single and childless, was appalled. How could anyone be such terrible parents?! "And, ready to take their daughter for treatment without even knowing which hospital? Please! I''m telling you, Elysia, they''re probably just trying to scam you, thinking you''re easy targets!" Elysia also sensed something was off, her brows furrowed in concern. "Emmett''s father is no good." Just as Elysia finished speaking, Evan and Emmett burst through the door. "Mom! Blossom!" Elysia and Blossom were taken aback, "Evan, Emmett, what are you doing here?" "We came to bring some delicious food for Mom and Blossom." The boys approached the bedside, each carrying a thermos. Unaware of the earlier conversation, Emmett asked Blossom, vel.ne anything good, Blossom?" belongs to Blossom forced a smile, "It smells amazing. What did you make today, Emmett?" "Guess." "I bet there''s some chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches." "You''re half right, Blossom. Look." Emmett opened the thermos, and the aroma instantly filled the room. Blossom saw the carefully p beautifully presented dishes couldn''t help but tear up. s to en.kikistories and ne How could anyone ruin such a wonderful child like Emmett with such awful parents?! Not just Elysia, but even she couldn''t bear the thought! "Blossom, why are you crying?" Blossom choked up, "I''m just moved. Emmett, you''re too good to me." The little guy quickly wiped away her tears. "Don''t cry, Blossom. Your eyes will swell, and Let''s eat together." Celongs you won''t look pret will "Okay, let''s eat." Blossom and Emmett moved towards the table together. Elysia looked away, wiping her own tears before joining them. Evan saw it all, feeling a pain in his heart for them. Mom and Blossom''s sadness was all because of Cecil, that scum! Jerk! Viin! Good-for-nothing! After breakfast with Mom and Blossom, he was determined to confront him! Chapter 1117 However, before Evan could confront him, Cecil made the first move! Failing to swindle $300,000, he shifted his strategy. Getting his son back was the new n. With his son in his grasp, the reasons to demand money would be endless! Cecil wailed outside Blossom''s hospital room, "Ms. Thorne, I''ve only just discovered Emmett''s existence. Please, I beg you to return Emmett to me. He''s the only legacy of the White family, sob, sob, sob..." The people inside the room were stunned. Elysia pulled Emmett close, hugging him tightly as if afraid Cecil would snatch him away. Emmett, confused, looked at Elysia, "Mommy, what''s wrong? Is that uncle outside talking about me?" Elysia''s eyes welled up, her lips trembling, at a loss for words. "I''ll check it out!" Evan and Blossom went outside together. Seeing them, Cecil frowned, "Where are Ms. Thorne and my son?!" Blossom, annoyed, said, "Speak properly. What''s with the shouting outside my room?!" Cecil, sensing her hostility, shed a menacing look, subtly threatening, "Ms. Blythe, you''ve barely escaped death. It''s best you stay out of this. Who knows if you''ll be so lucky if you catch someone''s attention again." Blossom was shocked. How did Cecil know about her kidnapping? "I''m here for Ms. Thorne and my son, not you. Step aside!" Cecil attempted to barge into the room. Blossom quickly blocked the door, "This is my room. Try to force your way in, and I''ll call the police!" Cecil''s face darkened, "Blocking my way, are you trying to keep me from seeing my son? Is this what Ms. Thorne wants too?" Before Blossom could reply, Cecil shouted towards the inside, "Ms. Thorne, I know you and my son are in there. This isn''t right. Emmett is clearly my son, and you''re holding him hostage? Keep this up, and I''ll call the police!" After he spoke, he tried to push past Blossom! Evan, gritting his teeth, stepped hard on Cecil''s foot! Cecil''s expression changed drastically, "!" The pain was more than he could bear! The agony shot from his toe to his head, feeling like his foot was crushed! He was stunned for a moment before screaming in pain, retreating, "Ah, ah-" Retreating too quickly, he fell onto the hard floor, nearly breaking his tailbone. Cecil hissed in pain, breaking out in a cold sweat. He hurriedly looked at his foot, but couldn''t see any signs of being stepped on due to his dirty shoes. Looking up, he saw Blossom blocking the door, clearly not her doing. But the kid was so small, it seemed impossible for him to have such strength! Who did this? With no one else around, did he encounter some bad luck? Cecil, now wary, nced around before struggling to his feet, even angrier now. Before even seeing his son, he was injured! "You dare block me from recognizing my son, that''s illegal!" Cecil pulled out his phone to call the police, "Hmph! Emmett''s custody is Today, must take him with meet even 9 can stop me!" s to en.kikistoriesect Blossom, knowing thew, panicked. If the police got involved, they would definitely hand Emmett over to Cecil! Evan, having heard about the custody issue from Elliot, knew this was a tough problem. Evan clenched his fists, ready to resort to force! As the saying goes, while violence might not solve the problem, it c y solve the person causel it! Just as the little guy was about to act, Tarquin suddenly appeared. "Let him call!" He had been downstairs on the phone and had just returned. Seeing him, Evan and Blossom felt like they saw a savior, "Daddy!" "Mr. Bradford!" Tarquin patted Evan''s head and looked at Blossom, "You two go back inside with Elysia and Emmett. I''ll handle this." Chapter 1118 Blossom was nodding furiously, leading Evan back to the hospital room. The cavalry had arrived, rendering their presence unnecessary. They needed to check on Elysia and Emmett immediately. As expected, they found Elysia in tears, clutching Emmett close, "I''m so sorry, Emmett, mommy lied to you, I''m so sorry..." Blossom rushed forward, "Are you out of your mind? You didn''t tell Emmett the truth for his own good. You did nothing wrong!" "Emmett, you mustn''t be angry at your mom. She kept the truth from you so you could grow up carefree and happy, just like Elliot and Evan!" "Blossom would stake her life on it-your mom is the person who loves you most in this world!" Evan chimed in, equally frantic: "Emmett, think about how mommy has treated you all these years. Even though you''re not her flesh and blood, she truly loves you." For little Emmett, this revtion was a bolt from the blue! "I...I''m not mommy''s biological child?" Elysia, tears streaming down her face, apologized, "I''m so sorry, Emmett. Mommy lied to you, for so many years, I''m so sorry..." "Will mommy...will mommy abandon Emmett?" Elysia was stunned for a moment before shaking her head vehemently, "No! Mommy will never abandon Emmett!" At that, Emmett burst into tears, "Emmett doesn''t want to be separated from mommy, don''t leave Emmett, wahhh..." The little guy was terrified, sobbing uncontrobly, "Emmett only has one mommy, Emmett doesn''t want another mommy, just you, wahhh, don''t leave Emmett..." Elysia, crying herself, held Emmett tight, "Mommy will never leave Emmett, never! No one can take Emmett away from mommy!" If push came to shove, she''d take Emmett and start anew somewhere remote! As long as they were together, they could be happy anywhere! As long as Emmett didn''t leave her, she''d never part ways with him! Blossom, standing aside, was shedding tears. It''s true what they say-children grow closest to those who raise them. Good Emmett, such a sweet child, never letting anyone down. ... Outside the hospital room, Tarquin hadn''t said a word, just giving Cecil the cold shoulder. Cecil felt justified in his im over his son. But at that moment, he didn''t dare to be arrogant! He didn''t dare to let out a peep, let alone meet Tarquin''s gaze. Tarquin''s aura was chilling to the bone! It wasn''t until the police arrived that Cecil straightened up. He painted himself as a pitiful father, deprived of his son, "Officers, please, I beg you to help me. They''re keeping my son from me, my only son, wahhh... Please, help me get justice!" The officers, unfamiliar with Tarquin, asked sternly, "What''s going on here?" Cecil jumped in, "They kidnapped my son. When we found out, they barred me from seeing him! They won''t let us be reunited!" The officers frowned, turning to Tarquin, "Did you kidnap his son?" Tarquin, unfazed, replied, "It wasn''t kidnapping; it was more like finding." "Bullshit! My son was kidnapped by you!" An officer red at Cecil, signaling him to quiet down, then said to Tarquin, "Even if you found the child, you return him to his family. The child belongs to them; they have the custody rights." Seeing the officers side with him made Cecil smug, "Exactly! If you dare keep my son, you''re breaking thew! I am Emmett''s biological father. Who do you think you are? Emmett''s custody rights are with me!" Emmett''s biological father... Tarquin looked at Cecil, silent for a few seconds before speaking, "You still fail to see the true value of being ''Emmett''s biological father Congrattions, you''ve tradeda mountain of gold for a single sesame seed." Chapter 1119 Cecil was indeed Emmett''s biological father, but that was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to what Emmett could achieve on his own. Just with his own effort and Elysia''s support, they could easily pull him from the bottom of the socialdder right to the top, where life was all steaks and fine wine, a world of riches andfort at his fingertips! But what a waste of a golden opportunity! He was dealt a royal flush by fate itself, and he managed to squander it all away! After the fallout, he was left with nothing. His connection with Emmett was now as thin as his link with the Bradfords - merely a shared drop of blood, nothing more. Cecil, clearly puzzled by the turn of events, furrowed his brow and asked Tarquin, "What do you mean?" With a cold tone, Tarquin retorted, "You won''t even get a crumb off this table." After saying this, he turned to the officers, ¡°He might have parental rights, but I doubt he''s fit for raising a child. With him, the kid''s only going to suffer. He''ll ruin him.¡± Cecil was immediately on edge, "Suffer with me? He''s my own flesh and blood, I''d go to the ends of the earth for him!" Tarquin, uninterested in continuing the argument, pulled out his phone, scrolled through some documents, and handed it over to the police, "He''s into gambling and has a history of domestic violence. Here''s the proof, take a look." Proof?! Cecil was shocked and instinctively reached out to grab the phone! The officer shot him a warning nce and took Tarquin''s phone to review the evidence, ".. Tarquin exined, "The money he lostst night was meant for his daughter''s medical bills. He gambled away his daughter''s lifeline. How can he possibly take care of his son?" "The kid is his, I won''t deny that. But leaving him in Cecil''s care? That, I cannot stand for, nor will I allow it." Tarquin''s tone was calm but resolute. Legally, custody was a matter for the courts, but under these circumstances, even the police hesitated to enforce anything drastic, especially when a child''s wellbeing was at stake. Who would dare hand over a child to a gambler and an abuser? This needed a thorough investigation. The officer handed back Tarquin''s phone, "Where''s the child now?" "In the hospital room." When the officer entered the room and saw Emmett, the boy immediately clung to Elysia''s neck, "I don''t wanna be away from Mommy, please, no..." Elysia, too, held Emmett tight, fearing the officer might take him away. The officer, however, was gentle, reassuring them he was just there to ask a few questions. After the inquiry, the officer decided Emmett should stay with Elysia for the time being, asking Cecil and Tarquin to apany him to the station for further questioning. Elysia was relieved yet worried. Relieved that Emmett wasn''t taken away today, but worried about Tarquin. Tarquin seemed unfazed, "Don''t worry about me, I won''t be in any trouble. I''ll be back for lunch to join you guys." Elysia bit her lip, ¡°Okay...¡± Then Tarquin gave Emmett''s head a gentle pat, "Don''t be scared, kiddo. Mom and Dad will always be with you.¡± Emmett, being held by Elysia, turned and threw himself into Tarquin''s arms, his voice soft and pitiful, "Daddy." Tarquin held him close, "You''re the bravest, Emmett. Daddy''s just going to the station to talk to the police uncle, and I''ll be back soon. Can you take good care of Mommy for me, make hep happy?" The little guy, sniffling, nodded, "Yeah!" After a kiss on the forehead from Tarquin, Emmett was handed back to Elysia. Cecil, unable to contain his frustration, called out to Emmettet Set "Emmett, I''m your real dad! biological one!" Emmett, intimidated, clung tighter to Elysia, turning his face away, refusing to look at Cecil. Cecil, grinding his teeth in anger, thought about charging forward to give him a piece of his mind. "You wait! Sooner orter, I''ll take you back home!" And once home, he thought about how he''d settle scores. But even the officer could see Emmett''s reluctance towards Cecil, and admonished, Chapter 1120 "Why are you yelling at the kid? Let''s go!" The officer was about to take them away when ire suddenly rushed over. "Where are you taking him? Where are you taking my husband?" Cecil quickly shouted at ire, "They''re saying I''ve been abusing you. Tell the cops right now, have I everid a hand on you?!" ire paused, subconsciously tugging at her clothes, scared her scars would show. She shook her head, vigorously, "No, he''s never hit me! Officer, you''ve got it all wrong!" Elysia couldn''t stand it any longer! She handed Emmett to Blossom, asking her to take Emmett and Evan back inside. Once the kids were gone, Elysia confronted ire in front of the officers, "If he hasn''t hit you, then where did those scarse from? And your daughter''s injuries?" "We... we just bumped into things." "Bumped into things? You''re protecting him, disregarding your own safety, and even your daughter''s? You''re a mother, how can you tolerate your daughter being abused?!" "I''m not neglecting my daughter! No one loves my children more than I do!" Elysia mercilessly rebuked her, "What you''re giving her isn''t love, it''s harm! If you truly loved her, you would stay far away from this man! Let him face legal consequences, get justice for your child! His so-called ''taking your daughter to a big hospital'' is just a scam, he''s been fooling you! The money left over fromst night''s hospital visit, he gambled it all away. That was your daughter''s life-saving money!" ire was shocked and turned to look at Cecil. Cecil clenched his teeth, "Don''t listen to her nonsense. They don''t want to give us our son back, they''re making up lies to frame me. If I go to jail, my daughter won''t have money for her treatment, and you won''t get your son back!" Hearing this, ire was stunned for a few seconds, then turned to the officers, "Officer, I''m his wife, he''s never hit me, he hasn''t abused me, and he didn''t gamble. Please, let him go. He''s the breadwinner of our family. If you take him away, what will happen to my daughter and me? Oh, oh, oh..." Elysia was speechless at her response. This woman was beyond help! The officers, considering Maria was still in the hospital, reassured ire a bit, then took Cecil and Tarquin away. ire copsed on the ground, crying and questioning Elysia, "We just wanted some money to take our daughter to King City f treatment. You''re so rich, you spare us some? Conte belongs to Listen to Cecil, give him the money, and he won''te after Emmett anymore. Why do you have to provoke him? Even if it''s for Emmett, can''t you just give him some money? You say love Emmett, but why can''t you to money on him?" oocy spend Elysia didn''t want to waste another word on her. She was a lost cause! She couldn''t even understand what real love was. A scoundrel who thinks a bit of money will solve everything? Give him once, and he''lle back for more, again and again... He''s a bottomless pit! And Emmett''s situation isn''t about the money! A nurse came running to find ire; Maria was out of the emergency room. ire quickly wiped her tears, not bothering to look for Emmett, and ran off. Elysia watched her frail figure, too exhausted to say more, the same thought recurring: there''s something despicable about those who are pitiable! Trying topose herself, Elysia went back to the hospital room to find Emmett. Just as she reached the door, her phone buzzed with a new message. She took it out to look... Her breath hitched, her expression changing instantly, nearly dropping the phone! Elysia stared at the phone screen, feeling a chill down her spine, she sharply turned around¡ª Chapter 1121 No one was behind her! But the photo she had just received was taken right there, behind her. Elysia felt a chill run down her spine! "Ding-" Her phone chimed again with another message. Elysia quickly grabbed her phone to check, and her eyes widened at the sight of ''Ely''! She was filled with terror! In the whole world, only that creepy guy called her that! Her parents always called her ''Irene''. Tarquin called her ''Elysia'', ''honey''. Blossom and Winona just went with ''Elysia''. Others either referred to her as ''Ms. Thorne'' or used her full name. And the Thorne family... well, they weren''t exactly kind with their words. But it was that man, the one who had always been watching her, the one who had egged her on to kill Tarquin, who called her that! But that couldn''t be right. Didn''t he supposedly die in a ne crash after hisst attempt to kidnap Baby? Why was he back now? Elysia, mustering all her courage and with trembling hands, typed a reply, "Who are you? What do you want from me?" Message failed to send. Elysia frowned and waited a bit longer, but there was no response. The chat only showed a photo and a simple message: ''Ely, long time no see.'' Knowing the danger this person posed, Elysia didn''t waste any time and sent a screenshot to Tarquin. Tarquin was in a squad car when he received the message, his eyebrows knitting together, his expression darkening. He knew it was him! He was back? Tarquin first called to calm Elysia down, "Don''t worry, just stay safe in the hospital, I''lle find you as soon as I''m done here with the police." Whileforting Elysia, he also sent the screenshot to a private group chat with his sons, Elliot and Elijah. It wasjust the three of them in there. Elliot replied instantly: "The mysterious guy''s back?" "Not sure, can you guys check the hospital''s security footage for any suspicious characters? I''m tied up at the moment, we''ll talk moreter." After making arrangements, Tarquin spent a little more time assuring Elysia before hanging up, his gaze fixed on the screenshot for a few seconds longer. ... In the hospital, Elysia tried to calm her nerves before entering the room. She didn''t mention the mysterious person to Blossom and Evan Emmett, not wanting to worry them. The moment Emmett saw her, he rushed into her arms, "Mommy!" Elysia set aside her concerns about the mysterious person for the moment and bent down to pick up Emmett, "Emmett, don''t be scared. We''ll always be together, no one can separate us." Emmett clung to Elysia''s neck, as if afraid she''d disappear if he let go even for a moment. He didn''t know how important blood ties were; all he knew was he loved his mommy, and his mommy loved him! Being with mommy made him happy; he never wanted to be apart from her. As for that auntie... "Mommy, thedy who was crying earlier, is she the one who gave birth to me?" "... Yes, she is your birth mother." "Why am I not with her then?" "... You were lost as a child, and mommy found you and has been taking care of you ever since." Calling it an ident was to soothe Emmett. Given Cecil''s character, it was likely not as simple as just being lost! After a few seconds of silence, Emmett suddenly asked, "Mommy, can I go see her?" Elysia was taken aback, "..." So was Blossom, "..." They hadn''t expected Emmett to want to see ire. Just as Blossom was about to advise Emmett against it, Elysia said, "Yes." Chapter 1122 Although she really didn''t want to interact with ire, nor did she want Emmett to have anything to do with her, Emmett had the right to meet his birth mother. She wasn''t in favor of Emmett going to see her, but if Emmett brought it up, she wouldn''t refuse. A momentter, Elysia took Emmett to the front of Maria''s hospital room. Blossom and Evan came along as well. When ire saw them, she was equally stunned, especially at the sight of Emmett! She never imagined Emmett woulde to find her on his own. Tears welled up in ire''s eyes, her voice choked up, "Emmett." She thought Emmett wasing to acknowledge their rtionship and reached out to embrace him. Emmett quickly clung to Elysia''s neck, looking at her anxiously. ire''s eyes filled with tears, "Emmett, I''m your mom, honey." Emmett looked uneasy, "..." ire, heartbroken, continued, "Emmett, I''m the one who gave birth to you, I''m your mom, I..." "Mommy." A weak voice came from inside the room. ire quickly wiped away her tears, "Emmett, go see your sister first, this is your biological sister." Emmett nced into the room. Elysia carried Emmett closer to the bedside, where Emmett stood curiously looking at Maria. Evan was also curious; although he wasn''t fond of Emmett''s dad and mom, he felt no aversion towards Emmett''s sister. He treated Emmett like a real brother, so Emmett''s sister was his sister too! The little girl looked back at them curiously, her eyes bright despite her frail body. ire quickly introduced them, "Maria, this is your brother, your real brother, he''se back." Maria looked at Emmett with surprise in her eyes, "Brother?" Facing Maria, Emmett wasn''t as nervous, more joyful, "Sister." Maria was thrilled, holding an old teddy bear by her bed, one of her few toys. She struggled to lift her hand, offering the teddy bear to Emmett, "For you." Emmett quickly epted it, "Thank you, sister." He rummaged through his small backpack for a while, unable to find a suitable gift in return, a bit embarrassed, "I... I''ll bring you a gift tomorrow, sister." Maria smiled, "Okay." Emmett also smiled back, "..." The world of children isn''t asplicated as that of adults; there''s only the surprise and of siblings meeting for the first time. Suddenly, ire turned and left the room. Standing outside the door, she covered her mouth and began to sob. It had been a long time since her daughter had smiled. Warm moments had been rare in her lifetely. When Emmett came out of the room and saw ire crying, he handed her a tissue. ire was incredibly touched, "Emmett..." From his backpack, Emmett took out a card and handed it to her, his voice soft and childish, "My mommy says we should be grateful. Thank you for giving birth to me you''ve worked hard. This is all my allowance, I''m giving it to you." Emmett''s manner was polite yet distant. Blossom and Elysia stood at the doorway, only now understanding why Emmett had taken the initiative to find ire. He was acknowledging the debt of birth. The debt of birth cannot be measured in money, but Emmett didn''t understand that. His thinking wasn''t as mature as Elliot, Evan, or Elijah; he was still a child at heart. In his eyes, Elysia was his mommy. Yet, Emmett was kind-hearted and felt gratitude towards his birth mother. Unsure of how else to repay this debt, and knowing his birteet needed money, he decided all he had. Content beto This was his way of thanking her for the gift of life. Chapter 1123 Blossom knew the value of the card and frowned, feeling a pang of regret. Calling it pocket money was an understatement; the amount was colossal! Let''s not even start with how much Tarquin had already contributed. Just the other day, yton Hawkins and the Patel family had given a substantial sum! All told, it was over a million! But Elysia wasn''t worried, not because she was now wealthy and had lost her obsession with money. She believed Emmett''s actions were justified. Putting aside the rights and wrongs, it was indeed ire who had gone through ten months of pregnancy to bring him into this world. His life was a gift from ire. His way of repaying ire for the gift of life, that was an act of filial piety. Her Emmett, he was doing the right thing. ire stared at Emmett, speechless, "Emmett..." Emmett stood in front of her, cautiously begging, "Could you... could you please not fight with mommy over me? Mommy can''t live without me, and I don''t want to be away from mommy." Elysia and ire were taken aback! Such innocent words, yet no one expected Emmett to say this to ire. Elysia was moved, her eyes filling with tears. But ire couldn''t hold back anymore and burst into tears. Her own son saying such things was like a knife to her heart. She cried as if her heart was being torn apart, and Emmett panicked, his little face twisted, not knowing what to do, "I... I..." He knew he had made her cry. He wanted to apologize, but he didn''t want to take back his words. The little guy looked nervously at Elysia, "Mommy..." Elysia, not wanting ire to upset him further, quickly lifted Emmett into her arms, "Emmett, why don''t you go and chat with your sister for a bit? Mommy needs to talk to her." Elysia gave Blossom a look, and she quickly took Emmett back to the room. Elysia collected herself and looked down at ire. She was sitting against the wall, her hands covering her face, crying her heart out. Elysia paused for a moment and then softly said, "The card Emmett has is registered under name, but the money in it belon to youter." Content it all s to Emmett. I''ll transfet "This money, it''s enough for you and Maria to start a new life." "There''s an old saying, ''Take advice, and you''ll have food to eat.'' Listen to me, Cecil is neither a good husband no father. Staying with him only brings suffering!" "Whether he gambles or abuses, you know best. Even if not for yourself, think about Maria." "I don''t doubt your love for your daughter, but the love you''re giving her is too painful." "If you''re staying with Cecil out of fear, we can help ensure he never bothers you or Maria again." "If it''s an emotional attachment, I happen to know a bit about psychology. You can talk to me, and I can help." People subjected to long-term maniption can develop a twisted perception, losing the ability to discern right from wrong. They might be dependent or fearful of someone. Elysia didn''t want to bother with her anymore, but she spoke out for Emmett''s sake. He was her biological mother, and Emmett hoped she would be okay. Of course, Elysia hoped Emmett''s wish woulde true. But, that was all she could say. If ire still wouldn''t listen, then she was beyond help. "No one can save someone determined to self-destruct!" "Think it over. If you need me, I''m here." Elysia turned and went back to the room, where Evan and Maria were chatting amicably with Emmett, the three of them getting along well. Blossom whispered, "Are you really going to give all of Emmett''s money to her?" "I respect Emmett''s wishes." "What a shame." Elysia felt the loss, too. That was a lot of money, after all! Chapter 1124 But looking at Emmett, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. "As long as Emmett chooses me, I''m willing to give her anything inpensation. Plus, with this money, Emmett won''t feel guilty about noting back to her. Besides, looking at it from another angle, our Emmett being grateful is a good thing." "That''s true. Our Emmett is the most understanding." ... As noon approached, Tarquin returned. Elysia took Evan and Emmett back to Blossom''s hospital room. She handed the child over to Blossom and pulled Tarquin into the hallway. "How did it go?" "I''ve got no issues on my end. Cecil has no evidence to im Emmett was kidnapped by us, but he''s still being interrogated at the police station." Elysia let out a sigh of relief. "Can we get him jailed?" Getting Cecil jailed would be a win, not just for Emmett, but for ire and Maria, too! Tarquin didn''t nod or shake his head, responding pragmatically, "There''s no surveince at the gambling spot. If our witness changes their testimony, we can''t prove the gambling charges, and as for the domestic abuse... it depends on what ire says." Elysia frowned, then hurriedly asked, "What about that mysterious person? Didn''t you say he died in a ne crash?!" Mentioning the mysterious person, a harsh glint passed through Tarquin''s eyes. On the way back from the police station, he had already discussed it with Elliot and Elijah. The fact that the mysterious person suddenly messaged Elysia, especially with useless information, was likely a warning and provocation. Elysia''s number was supposed to be protected, so unsolicited messages should have been intercepted by Elliot and the others. Even if they couldn''t block it, Elliot and Elijah should have been aware of it and seen the content through their electronic devices. But the photo and message sent by the mysterious person to Elysia were unknown to Elliot and Elijah. They guessed that the mysterious person was sending them a signal: They couldn''t control him, and he could emerge at any time to harm Elysia! However, what Tarquin couldn''t figure out was the mysterious person''s actual motive for orbiting around him! If his parents were involved in the undergroundb work in Karl Town and took something from there to handover to the gove AQUAS After his parents died, the mysterious person might suspect that item was with him, constantly watching him to find it. But then, why would the mysterious person want to kill him? The mysterious person had been inciting Elysia to kill him, and when Baby was kidnapped, the mysterious Pruly intended to put him to death! If he died, how would the mysterious person find the item through him? Tarquin sighed inwardly, telling Elysia, "He''s lucky, survived the crash, but don''t worry. The photo today was taken with remote surveince equipment." "I''ve arranged a bodyguard for you. He won''t get close to you. Just live your life without worry, and if he sends you another message, tell me immediately, just like today, Elysia''s brows knitted together, "What''s with this guy? What grudge does he have with you?" "It''s probably some old scores left by my parents. Once we settle Emmett''s matter, I''ll go back and thoroughly investigate him." Elysia quickly asked, "Any leads?" "Yes!" The illegitimate son of Verity Bradford was still in his grasp. This illegitimate son, having returned from Karl Town, surely knew a lot. Even if he disclosed nothing, Tarquin had other ways to investigate. Thinking about his identity... Tarquin''s brow furrowed, and a cold light flickered in his eyes. He hoped he was wrong, he hoped not! Chapter 1125 "This guy''s definitely not your average Joe. Do you think he''ll get involved in Emmett''s situation?" Elysia asked, her brow furrowed with concern. If it were just them, she felt somewhat confident she could keep Emmett close. After all, Cecil and ire''s home life was hardly ideal for raising Emmett. She was just worried someone might use Emmett to get at Tarquin, especially since custody technically remained with Cecil, putting them at a disadvantage. Tarquin let out a deep sigh, banishing a familiar face from his thoughts. He reached out, affectionately ruffling Elysia''s hair, his voice soft andforting as if soothing a child, "With me here, there''s nothing to worry about. Even if someone backs Cecil, you shouldn''t stress, Elysia." Seeing his confident and handsome face, Elysia felt much more at ease. "By the way, Emmett visited ire today, gave her all his allowance as a thank you for bringing him into this world." Tarquin nodded in approval, "Good for Emmett!" He shared Elysia''s view; regardless of the rights and wrongs, the bond between ire and Emmett was undeniable. As for the money, if Elysia was okay with it, he certainly didn''t mind. If Emmett asked for more, even millions more, he wouldn''t hesitate. In his eyes, Emmett was his son too! He was just as much a part of the family as Elliot, Evan, Elijah, and Baby! Whether it was safeguarding his growth or preparing him for the future, all the children were treated equally! Good and evil exist in this world, as do kind and wicked people. That afternoon, Elysia received two bombshell pieces of news! First, Cecil was released from jail! The witnesses Tarquin had found suddenly recanted their statements. ire had also made a trip to the station, iming that Cecil had been home with her and their daughter all ofst night. She testified that Cecil hadn''t been to the casino, nor had he ever been abusive towards her. Second, she and Tarquin were trending again, this time sshed across social media! After his release, Cecil went straight to the local press, unleashing a torrent of tears on camera. He portrayed himself as a tragic figure, twisting the narrative! He tearfully imed a wealthy couple from out of town had stolen his son five years ago and were now preventing a father-son reunion. When he tried to take his son back they used their power and wealth to falsely use him of gambling and domestic abuse,nding himan jail. As a poor, powerless man, he stood no chance against the rich and influential. Feeling helpless, he turned to the onlinemunity, hoping they would help him reim his son and restore his familial ties. He disclosed his full identity, along with a paternity test proving his rtionship with Emmett. He also shared details about Maria''s illness and her frail condition in the hospital, seeking to garner sympathy and attract attention. ire even made a video supporting him, publicly stating that Cecil was decent honest man, free from gambling and domestic This effectively vindicated Cecil''s story, framing him as a victim of Elysia and Tarquin''s false usations! Once the video hit the inte, it exploded in poprity! It was a ssic tale of amon man battling wealthy individuals over a child. Although Cecil didn''t know Elysia and Tarquin''s full identities, he managed to share blurry photos of them. People quickly identified the couple as the power yers: Irene Hawkins (Elysia), the newly recognized heiress of Oceanopolis''s top fortel and Tarquin, the tycoon at the pinnacle of Jindale City''s economic sphere! Chapter 1126 Oh boy, the drama just hit the fan! Tarquin and Elysia, living the high life with their wealth and influence. Picture- perfect power couple, right? But now, they''re caught in a scandal that''s lighting up the inte like a Fourth of July fireworks show. Kidnapping usations? Preventing a kid from reuniting with his real family and using their clout to throw the dad in jail? Talk about being the viin in someone''s story! The inte''s outrage meter is off the charts. While some folks are too scared of Tarquin and Elysia''s status to speak up, preferring to silently scroll through their phones for updates, the keyboard warriors are having none of it. They''re on a digital crusade, sting Tarquin and Elysia left and right. And let''s not forget yton and the Patel brothers getting caught in the crossfire, along with those media sharks smelling blood in the water, eager to bring down the Hawkins dynasty. Elysia, scrolling through the trending topics, can''t believe her eyes. Furious doesn''t even begin to cover it. ire, going as far as to make a false testimony at the police station and sting videos to frame Cecil? After all the heart-to-heart talks, it''s like talking to a brick wall. And ire? Despite having the means for a fresh start, she''s dragging Cecil back into the mess. Some people just can''t help but court disaster, dragging their kids through the mud with them. Unbelievable! e But what''s really getting Elysia''s blood boiling is Cecil putting little Emmett''s photo all over the Now the whole world''s got his pictureon their screens, with someizens even turning their venom on a five-year-old. using him of being a gold-digger in the making, raised in a world where money trumps family bonds. Poor Emmett, caught in the crossfire for just being a kid. This is shaping up to be the scandal of the year, folks. ¡ª Meanwhile, back at the hotel, everyone''s seething except for Emmett, Baby, and Pam, blissfully unaware of the storm outside. Tarquin''s on the phone non-stop, fielding calls from yton, the Patel brothers, Keaton Huber, and a few heavyweight "uncles" from their circle. Elysia''s shaking with anger, the kids are all fists and fury, and there''s a tough-as-nails big shot brooding on the balcony, eyeing Evan with a mix of frustration and concern. His solution? Make an example out of Cecil, medieval style - but he can''t make a move without Evan''s say-so, and Evan''s giving him the cold shoulder. Even White, usually clueless, can tell something''s up, ready to jump into the fray with the rest of them. This isn''t just a family drama; it''s a war. And the inte''s front row and center, popcorn in hand. Chapter 1127 In the hospital, Blossom, fuming with anger, stormed right up to ire''s room, pointing at her andunched into a tirade. "In all my years, I''ve seen all types of women - the two-faced, the saints, the sirens, the whole spectrum. But you, my dear, are a breed of your own!" "Did your mother forget your brain in her belly when she had you?!" "How have Elysia and Emmett treated you? How has Mr. Bradford treated your entire family?" "Your daughter''s been in the ER twice, racking up bills in the tens of thousands. Who do you think footed those bills?!" "You were asked to expose Cecil, that scumbag, for who he truly is. And for whose benefit, huh?!" "They saved your son''s life, raised him with love and care for over five years, treating him as their own. They''ve been nothing but angels to your family!" "And how do you repay them? By biting the hand that feeds. How can you be so vile?!" "You''re worse than the ''farmer and the viper'' in that fable!" "And even putting all that aside, what about Emmett? Emmett is your own flesh and blood!" "Open your eyes wide and look at what the inte is saying about Elysia and Emmett!" "You two are the scum of the earth, dreaming of taking Emmett back? If the heavens allow it, then they must be blind!" Blossom was shaking all over, her face red, breathing hard, her chest heaving. She could barely stand, needing Hollis to support her. Seeing the online attacks on Elysia and Emmett pushed her over the edge! ire saw the news too. She slumped against the wall, covering her face as she sobbed loudly. Cecil, through gritted teeth, threatened Blossom, "Dare you to say that again, I''ll end you!" "Oh, I just did. What are you gonna do, huh? After all the disgusting things you''ve done, you''re afraid of a few harsh words?!" "Honestly, I wouldn''t bother wasting my breath on you if you didn''t respond. I''d rather not insult animals byparing them to you!" "You''re lower than scum! Less than animals! You don''t even deserve my words!" "Damn it!" Cecil, livid, tried to hit Blossom. But his punch missed and hit ire instead. ire got up to stop Cecil, taking a hit meant for Blossom. Ignoring her headache, she pleaded, pulling at Cecil''s arm, "Cecil, please, don''t. It''s our fault, let Ms. Blythe vent a little." "Shut up!" Cecil roared, shoving her away. ire fell, crying even harder, her sobs filling the room. Cecil, devoid of any concern, didn''t even nce at her, let alone care if she was hurt. ring at Blossom, he warned, "You''ll regret this!" Blossom, red-eyed with rage, threw her phone at Cecil, hitting him on the forehead. my you''ve "I''m not waiting. You mess with best friend, with my godson, got "Content or thinging!" ( s to en. Blinded by anger, she charged at him, ready to fight, regardless of the odds. Hollis couldn''t hold her back, and it took the timely arrival of hospital security to drag her away. Cecil, nursing a lump on his head from the phone, was left fuming, with no outlet for his rage. He locked the door of the room and turned on ire, hitting her where it wouldn''t show. All this unfolded in front of Maria. Maria, in tears, begged, "Daddy, please... don''t hurt mommy..." Cecil yelled, "Shut it!" Maria, terrified, mped her shut, Bshing Cecil with wide, ovel.n fearful eyes, barely daring to breathe. Chapter 1128 ire clutched at the hem of Cecil''s jeans, her eyes brimming with tears. "Cecil, let''s just leave Ms. Thorne and her family alone, okay? Emmett has already given us a whole lot of cash. We should stop pestering them, please..." Cecil scoffed, a coldness in his voice. Gone were the days when a million dors seemed like a fortune to him. Ever since he found out about Tarquin and Elysia''s real status, that money felt like mere pocket change. "That kid has my blood running through his veins. His miserable life is only possible because of me. You think this little amount of money is gonna cut it? No way! I''m gonna be on his case for life. He owes me big time!" What he wanted wasn''t just a million dors. He was after a lifetime of luxury and prestige. "Cecil, Emmett is still so young, he..." Cecil''s face darkened, silencing her with a re. Then, his gazended on a set of design sketches by Maria''s bedside, sparking his curiosity. "Who drew these?" ire, fearing he might destroy them, quickly intervened. "Emmett did. It''s a gift for his sister." Emmett had received a teddy bear from Maria and wanted to give something back. So, he designed two outfits for her. Before leaving the hospital, he handed over the sketches as a present, hoping to turn them into real dresses if she liked them. Cecil, a man far from refined tastes or any understanding of art, failed to recognize the sketches'' value. Squinting, he took a closer look, then snapped photos and uploaded them online alongside a picture of Maria with tears in her eyes. The caption read: "Seeing the outfits her brother designed for her only makes her miss him more. When will the heavens allow these siblings to reunite?" He aimed to garner sympathy, stirring up more online hatred against Elysia and Tarquin. However, the e focus shifted to Emmett''s designs instead. Fashion design experts began praising the sketches, astounded that a child could create such wonders. Industry giants proimed that if these were truly the work of a five-year-old, the kid was a prodigy destined to revolutionize the fashion world. Soon, the world''s top luxury brands were sharing Emmett''s designs,vishing praise and predicting he''d be a superstar. Themotion caught the attention of a distinguished elder. His hair was silver, his skin impably cared for, exuding an air of fashionable artistry right down to the trendy beads and a neat braid he wore. sw novel Seated at his desk, he scrutinized Emmett''s sketches intently before turning to his assistant. "Are you sure these were designed by a child?" "Absolutely, sir. And look, there''s a resemnce to you in his younger days." The elder peered at Emmett''s photo, nodding in acknowledgment. "He does remind me of my younger self." Revisiting the sketches, he mused, "A rare talent indeed. Let''s make a trip to Silver City." The assistant was taken aback. "You''re going personally?" "Yes, this child deserves my personal attention. Arrange the private jet. We leave today. Avoid the media, we''ll go discreetly." "Understood." Chapter 1129 At that moment, Cecil was in total shock! The media had gotten in touch with him for confirmation, and upon learning that the designs were indeed his son''s work, their tone shifted dramatically, showering him with congrattions and telling him he had struck gold! Even talent agencies were reaching out, hoping to sign Emmett early. And studios were inquiring if Emmett had more designs to sell, willing to pay top dor for them. Cecil could hardly believe it. Just two drawings had caused such a sensation! "Good Lord, this is like hitting the jackpot!" he thought. "No wonder they don''t want to give back our son; they''ve seen the golden opportunity! Damn it, I must get Emmett back, make him draw day and night to fill my pockets!" ire too saw the news online. She was over the moon about her son''s sess and was quite excited. "Cecil, they''re saying our son could be a huge star! We can''t ruin his future; we should let him stay with Ms. Thorne and let them nurture his talent." Cecil frowned, "What do you know? This talent is our son''s own, nothing to do with them! He can make it big without any external grooming! It''s all thanks to my genes!" ire shrank back, whispering, "Ms. Thorne and Mr. Bradford aren''t bad people, we... we shouldn''t burn bridges with them. For Emmett''s sake, they won''t leave us in the lurch, we..." "Nonsense! Only by taking a stand can we demand a hefty sum with dignity!" "But if we make a scene, I... I''m afraid our son might end up hating us..." "He owes his life to me; dare he hate us? If he dares, that''s ingratitude! I could disown him!" Cecil scoffed arrogantly, his phone suddenly ringing. He nced at the caller ID, a smirk ying at the corner of his mouth. He turned to ire and barked, "I''m stepping out. You stay put in the ward and don''t go spreading rumors!" "Get this straight, if I''m living well, that''s when you and your son can live well too." "Don''t count on anyone but me. We are family, got it?" ire nodded meekly, fear evident in her eyes. Cecil, satisfied, huffed and left with his phone. Not burn bridges? Ha! Without pushing them, how much could he possibly squeeze out of them? Only by ying hardball could he demand a king''s ransom! As long as he had Emmett, the little goldmine, they wouldn''t dare not pay up. Could they really stand to see Emmett living in poverty under his care? After all, Emmett was a cash cow! No matter what, he had to get him back! If his drawings could earn money, then he should be drawing everet single day. Dare not to, and he''d feel back of my hand! Conte belongs to Cecil stepped out to take the call, which was from one of his gambling buddies. Right off the bat, his friend wasying it on thick, envious of Cecil''s newfound fortune and his suddenly valuable son. "Cecil, everyone''s heard about your stroke of luck. We''re all waiting. congratte you. Come on bring some of that good foo way." and our Cecil was on cloud nine, never in his thirty years had he felt so glorious! ted, he headed straight for the casino. But little did he know, banking solely on that blood rtion and custody rights, he thought he could do as he pleased! He thought he could manipte Elysia and Tarquin. He had no idea just how out of his depth he really was! As soon as Cecil arrived at the casino, Tarquin got wind of it. "Tarquin, he took the bait." Tarquin''s eyes gleamed ominously, "Record everything, keep it forter. And don''t leave him a dime; win back all of Emmett''s money and donate it!" Chapter 1130 It was Emmett''s money, and donating it was like banking some good karma for Emmett himself. Giving it to him, though? Total waste! After all, Emmett had done his duty. If they couldn''t hold onto that cash, that was on them. ... The underground casino was buzzing with life. Today, Cecil was the man of the hour, strutting around like he owned the ce! Overnight, he went from being a nobody to the big dog! Normally, people at the casino looked at him like he was a broke stray. But today, everyone was calling him ''Cecil'' left and right. He was so puffed up with pride, he barely recognized himself. But his high didn''tst long. Because today, he gambled big, blowing through the million-plus Emmett gave to ire in less than two hours! Cecil, fuming, stormed out of the casino, shouting, "A million plus is peanuts! I don''t give a damn! That was just pocket change my son gave me out of respect. My son''s worth billions! His money is mine, all mine!" After leaving, Cecil was steamed. A million plus, gone just like that, and he was back to being broke. Cecil, mulling it over, snorted in disdain. He contacted the media and took a cab to the hotel where Elysia and Tarquin were staying. He had to figure out a way to bring his son back home! His son''s paintings made money. If he brought his son home and had him crank out a hundred or so paintings, the cash would roll in, right?! As for Tarquin and Elysia, they were like walking, talking gold mines. Best to keep them around for a slow bleed. Stepping out of the cab, Cecil dropped to his knees at the hotel entrance, putting on a tearful show, "Ms. Thorne, Mr. Bradford, please, beg you, give me back my son. My daughter''s seriously ill, and she''s fainting from missing her brother!" "I''m afraid she won''t make it if she doesn''t see him again! She''s already got a congenital illness! She can''t handle this kind of stress!" "Please, have a heart, let the siblings reunite! My daughter''s days are numbered, oh... please... please..." Cecil was using Maria to y the sympathy card, crying and sniveling at the hotel entrance. He was bowing and scraping, painting himself as the pitiable underdog. Soon, a crowd of media gathered, cameras shing non-stop. There were also plenty of live streams happening on the spot. The inte was in an uproar again, with folks taking up Cecil''s cause: #So sad, how can they bully someone like this, won''t anyone step in?# §²§à§Ù§Ú§é§Ñ§Ý§î #Calling out Silver City PD, Silver City government, Silver City Child Protection, if you don''t do 9, we''re taking this t top!# #Even if that''s not his biological son, considering the sick little girl, they should at least let the siblings see each other!# #Does having money mean you can do whatever you want? Hogging someone''s child like that is just cruel!# The trolls online were having a field day, and the onlookers on-site were riled up, "Let the kid see his sister already, it''s heartbreaking!" "Not letting them meet, how cold-hearted can you be!" "And this Emmett, his sister''s on her deathbed and he''s not rushing to her side? So young and already so heartless?" "Exactly, if were him, I''d be crying and making a scene to see my sister. If they stopped me, I''d vel threaten to do something see if they''d stop me then! "Talk all you want, but there''s something off with that kid, too. All about appearances, he is." A few hot-headed youths were shouting, "Come on, send the kid out to see his sister already, or we''reing in to take him! This is just too much!" Chapter 1131 Inside the hotel, Elysia was nervously preparing dinner with Emmett, trying to keep herposure. Pam and Baby were also in the kitchen, oblivious to the chaos unfolding downstairs. However, Tarquin and Elijah were well aware of the situation. Elijah clenched his tiny fists, worriedly asking, "What are we going to do, Dad?" Tarquin frowned, ncing toward the kitchen. Emmett was standing on a little stool next to Elysia, eagerly helping out. Every so often, he looked up at Elysia with eyes full of adoration. Tarquin''s concern deepened. He had refrained from releasing the video of Cecil''s gambling to protect Emmett. He didn''t want people to associate Emmett with Cecil, his disgraceful brother. A father''s love thinks far ahead. But it seemed the only way to shield Elysia and Emmett from online trolls was to expose Cecil''s wrongdoings to the public. Tarquin''s phone rang; it was Elliot. "Dad, we''ve got everything set up. What''s the next move?" "Post it online, now!" Tarquinmanded. "Got it!" After the call, Tarquin made another, instructing, "Organize all the evidence we''ve gathered and send a copy to the police and another online." "Roger that!" Meanwhile, Cecil was downying his sins to the media and bystanders, iming his daughter desperately wanted to see her brother before she passed away. But his act was interrupted when someone eximed, "Look at this! Isn''t that Maria?" People quickly pulled out their phones, and the atmosphere shifted as they turned their disapproving gazes towards Cecil. Checking his own phone, Cecil was shocked to find Maria trending online. A video of her in a hospital gown, tearfully revealing the abuse at the hands of her father, had gone viral. In the video, Maria shared the harrowing details of her life with Cecil-his temper, his violence towards her and her mother, and his gambling. She even showed off the bruises that "Dad" had given her, contrasting her own injuries with the more severe ones her mother suffered to protect her. Maria also revealed that Emmett wasn''t taken by Ms. Thorne but sold by Cecil, who now wanted him back only for a hefty ransom. As the video ended, Cecil was left speechless, his reputation in ruins. He desperately tried to deflect me onto ire, the children''s mothe, and fled the scene to confront the hospital about the video. The video was Elliot and Evan''s doing. After Cecil left, Elliot and Evan had managed to get ire out of the way and speak with Maria, executing their n to expose Cecil and protect Emmett and Elysia from e'' Ve further harm. Chapter 1132 Evidence of Cecil''s gambling, evidence of Cecil''s domestic violence. They need to pin down Cecil for both gambling and domestic abuse! Only by charging him with multiple offenses can they ensure a lengthy sentence! The reason for reaching out to Maria was clear to anyone with eyes. ire was beyond redemption; she would never confess. Though Maria was but a child, she saw more clearly than ire. She didn''t want her mother to suffer anymore, didn''t want her little brother toe back to a world of pain, so she bravely stepped forward. After all, she was on borrowed time. If speaking out could save her mother and brother, it was worth it. By the time ire found out, it was toote. The videos were already circting online. She wept beside her daughter''s hospital bed, "How could you be so foolish? How could you speak out against your father like that? He''ll kill you if he finds out!" "You''re the foolish one, Mom. Keeping silent was to protect you. Dad''s ruthless- he''ll kill you for this," she sobbed uncontrobly. Elliot and Evan were in the room, capturing it all on video and sharing it online! This was all the proof needed; ire also acknowledged Cecil''s violence! Let''s see Cecil try to talk his way out of this one! Maria, weak but determined, tried to console her mother, "Mom, don''t cry. Once Dad''s crimes are out, he won''t dare to hurt you or go after my brother anymore." "But he''lle after you. He''ll kill you," she wailed. "I''m not afraid. I won''t be around much longer anyway. I just want you and my brother to be safe." Upon hearing this, ire broke down into hysterical tears. Elliot and Evan looked on, concern etched on their young faces, as theyforted Maria, "Maria, don''t worry, we''ve got your back!" Bang- Cecil kicked the hospital room door open. "I''ll be damned. You dare to cross me? I''ll kill you today!" Furious and not even noticing Elliot and Evan, Cecil advanced on Maria. As Evan prepared to intervene, ire suddenly rushed forward! She threw her entire weight against Cecil, pushing him out the door. She closed the door, blocking his entry, and pleaded through tears, "Cecil, please, think this through. Let her go just this once. She didn''t mean to defame you. Please, be ... I..." let her "I''ll record a video rifying everything. I''ll say I caused her injuries! That I''m the one abusing her!" "Please, just let her be. She''s not well. She can''t withstand your blows," she wept. "Out of my way!" Cecil tried to shake ire off, but she clung to him desperately, "Hit me! Take your anger out on me, not her," she cried. "You deserve it too!" Cecil''s fist connected with ire''s stomach, causing her to gasp in pain and release her hold. Cecil then unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks. Blinded by rage, he didn''t stop even when irey motionless; he hadn''t noticed the camera in the corner. or The media, having seen Maria''s video, had rushed to the hospital. They were on the lookout for a scoop, and they found one, explosive and shocking. A scream pierced the air. Elliot and Evan, who had been in the room guarding Maria, had anticipated Cecil''s return and were prepared to take him down if necessary. But they were caught off guard by the scream outside and rushed to investigate. A reporter sat on the floor, staring in horror at the scene before them. Cecil, too, was in disbelief, looking down at ire, whoy motionless on the ground. Two nurses checked ire''s pulse, their expressions grim with surprise, "She''s gone!" ire had been beaten to death by Cecil! Chapter 1133 Cecil didn''t mean for it to happen, but ire was really gone! It was a fatal mistake by Cecil''s hand! The cameras caught it all, streaming live online. The whole nation became witnesses, Cecil had no chance to deny it! And those with ulterior motives trying to clear his name stood no chance either! In an instant, the whole situation escted to a new level. At the same time, the police issued a lengthy statement summarizing the facts: Cecil''s involvement in illegal gambling, confirmed! Cecil''s history of domestic violence against his wife and daughter, confirmed! Cecil trading his son for gambling debts, confirmed! Cecil''s involvement in a kidnapping case, confirmed! Cecil exploiting his son''s custody for ckmail, confirmed! Elysia and Tarquin kidnapping children, false! Elysia and Tarquin preventing Emmett from seeing his siblings, false! Elysia and Tarquin using their power to bully Cecil, false! The official document, in blue and white, silenced the online trolls. It was like a merciless p to their faces, smacking them so hard their faces almost twisted! Those who had been the most vocal felt the sting the most! When Elysia and Tarquin heard about ire''s death, they rushed to the hospital, only to find ire had already been taken to the morgue. Cecil had been arrested by the police. Maria, unable to cope with ire''s death, was overwhelmed with emotion and fainted on the spot. She was being resuscitated in the emergency room. Elliot and Evan waited outside the emergency room, and upon seeing Elysia and Tarquin, they ran over, "Daddy! Mommy!" Elysia, panic-stricken, quickly embraced them, "How did you guys end up here at the hospital? Did something scare you?" "Mommy, don''t worry, we''re not scared, We came to see Maria. got scared, she was ontelood, then she passed out!" The two little ones were very worried about Maria. Cecil was a scoundrel, ire was a peculiar case, but Maria was innocent. She bravely stood up for ire and Emmett to reveal Cecil''s crimes, which was touching! "Mommy, can we do something to help Maria? I don''t want anything bad to happen to her." Their eyes were red with concern. Elysia''s brows furrowed, "I''ll figure something out!" Elysia contacted the hospital administration, signed a consent et enter form, and donned a gown to the emergency room. Maria''s condition was incurable, but they hoped she could live a bit longer. Born into Cecil and ire''s tumultuous life, she probably hadn''t seen many good days. Since she hade into this world, she deserved not only to endure hardship but also to experience joy! They hoped Maria could stay strong and truly experience the beauty of life! It wasn''t until the early hours that Elysia emerged from the emergency room. Tarquin was waiting in the hallway. Seeing her, he quickly approached, "How is she?" Elysia, drained, replied, "We managed to stabilize her, but she''s still unconscious. She''ll be moved to the ICU soon. Whether she wakes up or not is now up to fate." Tarquin frowned, handing her a cup of warm water, "Everyone has their fate, don''t be too hard on yourself. You must be exhausted, have some water." Elysia was indeed tired, the recent stress and hours standing in surgery had taken their toll. She took a few sips from the cup, "Where are ElliotEvan?" "I sent them home to look after Mom and BabyEmmett. Are you heading back to the hotel now?" "I can''t leave, Maria is still not out of the woods. Anything could happen, I need to stay." Chapter 1134 "Alright, I''m with you." The couple spent the entire night in the hospital for a little girl with no blood rtion to them. As dawn broke, Tarquin received a call from Hollis. There was a snag in wrapping up the excavation project, and Hollis couldn''t handle it alone. He needed Tarquin''s help. Axel was off with Folly and yton, transporting artifacts, while Lowell was babysitting at the hotel. Tarquin let Elysia know before heading out himself. Elysia stayed at the hospital, keepingpany with Maria. They thought that with Cecil''s crimes brought to light, this chapter was finally closed. But then... Someone decided to stir the pot again for the sake of keeping the drama alive and pulling in more views, making Emmett the topic! People said Emmett was a curse. His appearance marked the death of his mother, his father''s arrest, and his sister''s uncertain fate. Tragedy followed him, they imed, he was bad luck incarnate! Others argued, what good was Emmett''s talent when he had such a father? Growing up, he''d be no better, a waste of potential! Some went further, iming bad seeds ran in the family. Cecil was scum, and Emmett was bound to be just as rotten, if not worse. They even suggested sending Emmett off to a juvenile center, to have the state keep an eye on him, preventing him from evolving into a high-IQ criminal. Elysia was furious upon seeing these reports. She couldn''t fathom how people could nder a child so viciously. Didn''t they fear karma? Then, at a little past seven in the morning, disaster struck Emmett! Because they hadn''t figured out how to exin ire and Maria''s situation to Emmett, they had kept it from him. He was still in the dark. Like always, Emmett came to the hospital to bring breakfast for Elysia and Blossom. But as soon as he stepped out of the car, he was swarmed by the media waiting outside. With cameras and mics pointed at a child, they bombarded him with questions, "Emmett, how do you feel about your biological mother''s death? Are you sad?" "Emmett, has anyone been keeping you from returning to the White family, iming your heritage?" "Do you have a liking for blood and violence, Emmett? Do you think you''re like your biological father?" "Can you share your thoughts on your biological parents, Emmett?" Emmett, not used to such attention, broke down crying on the spot. Yet, the media didn''t let up, continuing to sh their cameras at Emmett. They were pushing for some explosive answers from Emmett to fuel their headlines and profit from the drama! Upon hearing about this, Elysia rushed downstairs! When she burst out of the hospital, Emmett was encircled by the media, crying in the arms of a bodyguard. Given the ongoing saga with Emmett and not wanting to stir 140 e attention, the boys to act. Content b The area was swarmed with reporters. Worried about causing a scene and negatively impacting Emmett and Elysia, they could only stand guard around Emmett, ready to strike back if anyone dared to make a move. But the media''s weapons were words, not actions. With Emmett in tears, the reporters kept firing questions. Grinding her teeth in anger, Elysia shouted, "Emmett!" Seeing her Emmett cried even harder, ke a child who had final/et foung Parent amidst despair, he wailed, "Mommy! Waaah... Mommy..." Chapter 1135 A bodyguard, nted by Elysia''s side, cleared a path for her through the throng. Clutching Emmett close, Elysia plunged into the crowd, her voice a soothing murmur, "Don''t worry, Emmett. Mommy''s here, everything''s going to be okay." Emmett, tears streaming down his face, clung to Elysia''s neck, sobbing, "Mommy, mommy..." Emmett was a ma for attention, but Elysia drew even more. Reporters swarmed around them, a few bold enough to question her in public. "Ms. Thorne, there''s a lot of chatter iming Emmett is a jinx, saying there''s something fundamentally wrong with his genes. Do you n to continue your adoption?" one reporter dared. Elysia red back, her anger palpable, "Whoever spreads such lies about Emmett is the real jinx! There''s nothing wrong with his genes! Emmett is the kindest child in the world, and he will always be my son, Elysia''s son!" "But aren''t you afraid that he might turn out even worse than his father?" another pressed on. Elysia retorted through clenched teeth, "And aren''t you afraid? What about all of you? Dragging a five-year-old through the mud for clicks and views, don''t you fear retribution, a strike of lightning for your cruelty?!" One reporter responded, "It''s not us tarnishing the kid, but he''s Cecil''s son. Considering how malicious Cecil was, how can the kid be good? There''s definitely something off with the child''s genes!" "And what proof do you have of these so-called ''gic issues''?" Elysia challenged. The crowd of reporters fired back, "Cecil himself is the proof! He''s the biological father!" "Experts have spected that Cecil might have had a unique gic makeup, which could be hereditary. So, it stands to reason Emmett''s genes might be affected." Before Elysia could respond, an aged voice suddenly cut through the crowd, "Who''s genes are you calling into question now?!" All eyes turned to find an elderly man with short braids, stylishly dressed, and wearing sunsses. His assistant, looking worried as the old man spoke out, tried to say something but was silenced by a dismissive gesture. The old man, ring at the crowd, snapped, "It seems like it''s your genes that have issues! A bunch of no-goods, bringing shame to journalists everywhere! Have you all fed your professional ethics to the dogs?!" The reporters, taken aback, challenged, "And who might you be?" "Think we''ll back down because you''re old? Don''t push your luck here!" "Yeah, it''s not just us saying the kid''s got bad genes. The inte''s full of it." "Whoever says that is the real beast!" The old man, authority radiating from him, looked livid. Elysia, puzzled by this defender of Emmett, wondered who he could be. As the old man approached, pushing through to stand beside Elysia and Emmett, he removed his sunsses, his eyes red, "Emmett, my dear grandson." The crowd gasped in unison. Elysia was stunned, staring at the old man, "You are...?" The old man, his voice choked with I''m Cecil''s biological father, Emmett''s grael The reporters, sensing a story, began snapping photos furiously. "He''s Cecil''s father!" "No wonder he was so angry. Speaking ill of Emmett''s genes is like insulting him!" Chapter 1136 "Like father, like son, Cecil is a piece of work. No doubt he''s no good either!" "Of course, he''s no good. Isn''t he the one who walked out on his family? I heard Cecil''s mom got dumped the moment she got pregnant, so Cecil ended up living with his stepdad!" "It figures, doesn''t it? Bad blood runs in the family. Just you wait and see. If Emmett grows up without any issues, I''ll livestream myself eating my hat!" The crowd was buzzing with gossip, paying no mind to the elderly gentleman among them. Despite his distinguished aura and his clearly upscale attire, he didn''t seem to faze them. Suddenly, a few ck sedans pulled up steadily behind the crowd. The cars were nothing out of the ordinary, but the men stepping out were a different story¡ªall were d in sleek jackets. To those in the know, it was an unmistakable sign. The arrival of these figures instantly captured everyone''s attention. Reporters, caught off guard, hesitated to take photos openly, while quietly recorded the scene for a live broadcast. The leaders, unaware of what had transpired, scanned the reporters with furrowed brows before making their way to the elderly man. The reporters quickly made way for these untouchable figures, assuming they were here for an inspection of the hospital. Instead, the group made a beeline for the old man, stopping in their tracks. With smiles and polite, respectful gestures, they bent down to shake hands. "Old Mr. Gibson, we had no idea Bertram wasing to Silver City without advance notice. If anything were to happen to you here, Silver City would never forgive itself." "We only found out this morning that Bertram had arrived in Silver Cityst night. We rushed to your hotel, only to find you weren''t there." "We didn''t have your assistant''s contact information, and couldn''t reach you. After much inquiry, we learned you hade to the hospital. Are you unwell, sir?" The crowd was stunned. Just who was this old man, to receive such reverence from the city''s leaders? In their presence, he was treated with the kind of respect usually reserved for high-ranking officials. Yet, his attire and braided hairstyle hardly fit the image of a politician. Before the reporters could fully process the scene, the inte was already aze. "Bertram! It''s Bertram!! OMG, Bertram!!!" "My God, I knew there was something about this gentleman. It''s the legendary Bertram!" "Is Bertram still setting trends? That outfit must be from histest collection; I''ve never seen it before." "I adore the beads Bertram is wearing!" "And those sunsses!" "That hairstyle is absolutely killer!" Some were in awe, while others shifted the conversation to Emmett, "No wonder Emmett is so talented at just five years old. He''s Bertram''s own grandson!" "Whoever said there was something Wheat your Bertram''s genes, prepare your words! It''s your family''s genes that have issues!" "Exactly, those bashing our Bertram, back off!" "I''m going to make a formal smack about our Bertram. Mom, please take action!" As Bertram''s identity was revealed, the inte was once again thrown into a frenzy. But this time, nobody spoke ill of Cecil or Emmett. It was all praise and adtion. After all, Bertram was a true icon in the world of fashion. Single-handedly, he had revolutionized the Western fashion scene, cing his country at the e of style. Chapter 1137 Because of Bertram, those international critics had to swallow their words about us being "outdated" orcking a sense of style! All the top luxury brands wanted a piece of him, but Bertram yed it cool. He wasn''t tied to any brand, anypany; he was his own man! Living a life of seclusion, rarely making public appearances, he was almost a ghost at social events. Yet, his reputation was legendary! His designs didn''t have a dedicated clientele; they were up for grabs to those willing to pay the price and to those deemed destined by fate. With every season change, Bertram would release a new item, leaving the market buzzing with spection on who would snag histest creation. Incredibly, whoevernded Bertram''s new design was guaranteed a fortune! For nearly two decades, every single one of Bertram''s designs became a hit! From fashion to fragrances, lipsticks, and jewelry, everyunch was an explosion in the market. The world praised: Anything by Bertram was guaranteed to be a masterpiece! And so, every design of his was highly sought after! Insiders admired his talent. Outsiders appreciated his character. Even the mothend itself repeatedly sang his praises! Not just for his talent, or for the honor he brought to the country, but for his patriotism. Anyone daring to utter a single word against our nation, whether in his presence or not, would find themselves cklisted by him! Banned from coboration for life! Numerous developed countries had tried to lure him into taking their citizenship, all to be refused. So, you see, calling such a titan wed? Not only would his fans not stand for it, but the mothend herself would take offense! The honor and economic prosperity he brought could easily fill an exhrating saga! Dare to nder Bertram''s own grandson? You''re asking for a p from mother herself! As for Cecil, yes, he is indeed Bertram''s son, but... his situation is unique. Bertram politely shook hands with the leaders of Silver City, "This was all because Emmett came back quietly. I had no intention of causing any stir." "But afternding and checking this child''s information, I found out he''s actually my grandson!" "I had barely begun to feel joy when I saw all these nderous rumors about my grandson online! I came to the hospital to find my grandson." "I can''t let them bully him! I can''t let them ruin him!" Words, invisible yet powerful enough to destroy a person! The leaders of Silver City looked from Bertram to Emmett, shocked. Emmett''s case had caused quite the stir. Involving two of the wealthiest, the leaders of Silver City were naturally concerned. They had dealings with Tarquin in private, but never had they imagined Emmett to be Bertram''s blood grandson! Before, they had pitied the boy for his tough life and unfortunate family background. Now, they saw him in a new light! With a grandfather like the famed Bertram, and foster parents being the heirs of Hawkins Sea-freight and the nation''s wealthiest, the boy''s life was set to be on an upward trajectory! Before the leaders could even respond, Bertram turned to the surrounding reporters, his voice stern, "The matter between Cecil and me will be rified in a statementter. Cecil may be at fault, and you can critize him, but you must not target my grandson!" "Anyone daring to nder my Emmett for the sake of attracting traffic, will not let it go! I may be old, but I still have the strength to protect my grandson!" Seeing Bertram''s fury, the leaders of Silver City quickly intervened, "There''s no need for Bertram to take action personally. It''s our responsibility to deal with such matters within our jurisdiction." The chief leader frowned, turning to his secretary, "Find out which departments are involved. Make them handle this seriously. No one is to be spared!" Chapter 1138 Reporters were utterly shell-shocked. "Oh Lord, we''ve really stepped in it now!" Their reactions ranged from sheer astonishment to downright terror, so scared that they wouldn''t dare make a peep! Bertram then turned to the officials of Silver City and said, "Thanks for stepping in. I''ve got some family matters to sort out. Once I''m done, I''lle and visit you all." The Silver City officials immediately responded: "Don''t mention it, Bertram. Just give us a ring when you''re free, and we''lle over. If there''s anything you need from us, just say the word." This guy was beloved by everyone, even our moms! If he was slighted in Silver City and went toin to our moms, the officials would definitely get an earful. After getting a scolding from our moms, Bertram''s vast fanbase wouldn''t let Silver City off easy either. They feared an economic boycott, with people refusing to buy anything from Silver City. In these tough times, with the economy in a slump, not just the ordinary folks but even the government was tightening its belt. Everyone was pulling out all the stops to boost the economy and make some money! But making money was bing increasingly difficult! And Bertram, he was a walking goldmine. So naturally, everyone was warm and weing towards this mogul, who seemed to be dripping in gold. After everyone had left, the elder said to Elysia, "I''vee to understand the situation between Ms. Thorne and my grandson. I want to thank you and Mr. Bradford. I owe you both a big favor!" Elysia was stunned for a moment before she snapped back to reality. Even though she wasn''t part of the fashion scene, she knew who Bertram was. After all, Bertram wasn''t just some fashionista. His patriotism was well-known. And Winona Newsom was a big name in the entertainment world! Winona''s favorite designer was Bertram. Unfortunately, she could never get her hands on histest creations! Sure, she was a superstar, but in the elite circles, stars didn''t rank very high. So, every time Bertram released something new, Winona was left wanting, only managing to snag pieces during major sales. Every new release had her looking like she''d lost her will to live, cursing herck of connections to get closer to Bertram. Elysia had never imagined that Emmett could be Bertram''s own grandson! She knew Emmett had a knack for design, showing promise at such a young age, but the connection to Bertram was a surprise. Elysia swallowed hard before asking softly, "Did... did you and Emmett take a paternity test?" The elder answered, "Yes, I''ve done it with Cecil. There''s no mistake." They had indeed conducted a test between Cecil and Emmett, confirming their father-son rtionship. And since Bertram and Cecil were rted, that made Bertram Emmett''s grandfather! Elysia, shocked yet puzzled, said, "Cecil has been causing us trouble for so long, and he never mentioned you." The elder sighed gently, "Years ago, I was tricked by a woman in a bar. After getting drunk one night, we ended up together, and she demanded arge sum money from me afterward. We parted ways and never contacted each other again." "I had no idea she was pregnant or that she had my child." "I''ve been single all these years, never imagining I''d have a son, let alone a grandson!" "It was after seeing Emmett''s elet designs that I wanted to take him under my wing. Then, through investigating Cecil, I found out about Emmett''s grandmother." "Matching up Cecil''s birth date, I had my suspicions and quickly went for a paternity test, only to discover he truly was my son!" Elysia was speechless... No wonder there was such a stark difference in character between Emmett and Cecil. Cecil''s morals were influenced by his mother,pounded by his stepfather''s abusive nature, leading him astray. Meanwhile, Emmett seemed to bypass his parents, inheriting his grandfather''s exemry genes directly. Indeed, there''s always a trace to follow in the grand scheme of things. Chapter 1139 "Ah..." Bertram''s eyes were filled with deep sorrow. His affair with Cecil''s mother was a tragedy from the start, and its conclusion was far from perfect. Cecil''s mother died young, her life a tapestry of scandal and illness. And now Cecil, tangled in the web ofw, sentenced for his myriad crimes, his future beyond the prison bars was nothing but a distant dream. Such tragedy... Bertram sighed, turning to his assistant beside him, "You know the story between Cecil''s mother and me. I want a statement released under my name, detailing our rtionship truthfully and acknowledging Cecil as my own son!" "No need to hide or sugarcoat anything about me, just tell it as it is!" "As a father, regardless of the circumstances, I have failed to fulfill my duties from day one, and for that, I owe Cecil an apology!" "However, as a citizen, the actions Cecil took are unforgivable, and I will not use my influence to clear his name!" The assistant looked solemn. For a public figure, scandals were a nightmare. And Cecil was Bertram''s scandal. Having such a disgraceful son, honestly, was embarrassing! By going public with this rtionship, Bertram was only inviting criticism. Bertram saw his concern and said, "When have I ever cared about public opinion? Do as I say, and release the statement!" "I might have been ignorant of his existence before, but now that I know, I cannot ignore it. No matter how despicable he may be, he is still my son, and it''s my duty to acknowledge him!" "Besides, I have grandchildren to think about! Let''s see who dares to nder their gics after this!" "Also, announce that Emmett and Maria are my legitimate grandchildren, and that they will equally share my inheritance when the timees!" The assistant was shocked. He had never seen anything like it. Bertram hadn''t even heard a ''grandpa'' from them, and he was already talking about inheritance? Bertram''s fortune was immense. Just the royalties alone were enough to live a life of luxury! Seeing Bertram''s serious expression, the assistant nodded without further questions, "I''ll arrange it right away." "And one more thing!" Bertram''s voice grew stern, "Send legal notices to any media outlets that have ndered my grandson. Don''t let any of them off!" "Right away!" The assistant went aside to make the arrangements. Bertram then looked at Emmett with a gentle gaze. Emmett was hugging Elysia tightly, looking at him with a mix of curiosity and caution. Bertram''s voice was soft, "Grandpa knows how close you are to your mommy. Don''t worry, even though grandpa hase to im kin, would never force you two apart." one "Whatever makes Emmett happy, grandpa is willing to do!" "You''ll continue living with your current mommy and daddy, don''t worry about me taking you away!" Elysia was stunned. After Cecil''s troubles, everyone assumed Emmett''s custody would fall to his grandfather. Unexpectedly... Emmett''s eyes lit up with surprise, "Really?" "Of course, real. Grandpa has decided not to take Emmett away. Instead, grandpa wille to Emmett!" "Wherever our Emmett decides to live, grandpa will move there too." Elysia was visibly surprised, "You''re nning to move to Jindale City to be with us?" "Yep, I want to be close to my grandson. Wherever Emmett is, that''s where I''ll be. I''ve already had people looking for houses indindale City." Having established his connection with Emmett, Bertram made this decision. He couldn''t ruin his grandson''s happy childhood. Emmett was happiest with Elysia! But he also couldn''t stand the thought of being away from his grandson. A joy in his old age, how could he let go so easily? Chapter 1140 So he decided to settle down in Jindale City! Not only could he be near his grandson at all times, but he could also pass on his skills whenever he wished! He aimed to teach Emmett everything he knew in his lifetime, ensuring that Emmett would carry on his legacy and shine in the fashion world! Elysia was thrilled, "Thank you for making this possible. I know it might be a bit of a hassle for you." Bertram immediately responded, "It''s no hassle at all. I should be the one thanking you. Without you, I wouldn''t have such a wonderful grandson! He''s healthy and sensible, all thanks to Ms. Thorne!" "I came in a rush today and didn''t bring a proper gift for Ms. Thorne, but we''ll have plenty of time in the future!" Elysia wanted to refuse, but then she thought of Winona. Winona adored Bertram''s creations to the point of obsession! If she knew her godson was Bertram''s own grandson, she''d be over the moon! So, Elysia silently epted the future promise of a generous gift, nning to save it for Winona. When Winona came back for the holidays, she''d immediately take her to visit Bertram! "Don''t worry, Emmett. Grandpa''s not going to steal you away. How about a hug for grandpa?" Emmett looked towards Elysia with big, sparkling eyes, and she gently nodded. Only then did Emmett open his arms wide and leap into Bertram''s embrace. "Hi, Grandpa." Bertram''s eyes reddened again, his voice choked up as he tried to hold back tears, "Oh, oh, oh." He had thought he''d end up a lonely old man, but now he had a grandson. How could he not be thrilled? Holding his grandson, Bertram took a deep breath, looked up to the sky, his eyes brimming with tears, "Thank you, Lord! Thank you! Thank you for not forsaking me! Oh, oh, oh..." Elysia was also moved, her eyes reddening with emotion. The built-up pressure of many days finally released in that moment. After the heartfelt reunion downstairs, Bertram hurried to see his granddaughter in the ICU. Outside the intensive care unit, Mariay quietly on the hospital bed, her small body hooked up to numerous tubes. It was a sight that broke Bertram''s heart. His defenses crumbled once more! This was his granddaughter. Had he known her sooner, he 3 bout her to his side without hesitation! She wouldn''t have had to suffer for so many years with Cecil and ire! ... When Tarquin returned to the hospital, he found Elysia cradling Emmett. The little guy had seen his sister''s dire state through the ss window and was heartbroken. Bertram, too, was glued to the window, tears streaming down his face as he gazed at his granddaughter. It was only when he saw Tarquin that he quickly wiped his tears and greeted him, "Mr. Bradford!" Tarquin, having been briefed on the way back, politely responded, "Hello, Bertram!" Bertram sped his hand tightly, his eyes moist, "Thank you, truly, thank you! I... I''m so grateful! Extremely grateful!" Tarquin wasn''t in need of money or power. With no way to fully repay this kindness, Bertram could only pour his gratitude into those heartfelt ''thank yous.'' Elysia had been a benefactor to Emmett, and in the same way, Tarquin had shown great favor towards Emmett! In a world where family lineage is everything, Tarquin, knowing full well that Emmett wasn''t his biological son, still gave Emmett his name and equal inheritance rights as his own children! He didn''t just provide Emmett with fatherly love, but also gave him aplete family! Only someone as foolish as Cecil would fail to recognize such kindness, still scheming to exel t for personal gain! Chapter 1142 After Emmett''s grandparents on her mother''s side passed away, the Yeager family cut ties with her early on. With both parents of the White family gone, those rtives from that side weren''t stepping in to help either. If they didn''t care, there might not even be anyone to im her body when the time came. "Alright, I''ll handle it," Tarquin agreed without hesitation. "And Maria, once she''s able to be moved, we''ll transfer her to Jindale City. It just so happens Emmett''s grandfather is settling down there. We''ll all head back." "Good, I''ll call Benjamin Lawson ahead of time to arrange the transfer to his hospital." "Right, Cecil''s in for a heavy sentence this time, isn''t he?" "He is! With all the charges against him, even if he avoids the death penalty, he''s looking at life without parole. He''ll never see the outside of a prison again." Elysia said bitterly, "Serves him right! It''s all karma!" She was no saint and felt no pity for Cecil; the harsher his sentence, the better. "Cecil really did squander a good hand. I wonder what he thinks, now knowing his real dad is Bertram?" "He already knows. I had a friend tell him." "Really?" Elysia looked surprised. Tarquin smirked, "On purpose, just to rile him up!" Cecil indeed knew by now. He had just learned that his biological father was a big shot, wealthy beyond measure! He was a bona fide rich kid, with more money than he could ever spend in a lifetime! And all those morous actresses he drooled over? Die-hard fans of his dad! But then, his dad publicly announced that he wouldn''t be inheriting a dime; all his wealth was going to Emmett and Maria. It was like someone telling you: "Dude, you hit the jackpot. Your dad''s a mogul, you''re the real deal rich kid with more money than you can ever spend!" Just as you''re getting thrilled, imagining champagne, sports cars, and beauties, the next second, they add: "But, sadly, your dad didn''t leave you the inheritance; it''s all going to your kids and grandkids!" Cecil was in shock, dumbfounded! He was stunned, shouting, "Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" How could he mess up such a good hand? It just couldn''t be! No, no, no! Was he really that pathetic? It must be a lie. If his dad was such a big shot, he''d surely find a way to save him. There''s no way he''d just abandon him! "Impossible... It can''t be real, no, no, no..." Cecil muttered "impossible" between sobs, pping himself hard across the face until he cried himself unconscious. swnovel ... Back at the hotel, Tarquin was serenading Elysia with love songs. Elysia loved drifting off to his songs; they always led to sweet dreams. "I''ve always wanted to tell you, you bring joy I never expected," "Like an oasis to the desert, you said you''d anyways be with me... It''s a you, through sadness abo and joy, giving meaning to the mundane..." swnovel Tarquin''s melodious voice filled the bedroom, growing softer and softer. Not until Elysia was deep in sleep did he quiet down. Gently withdrawing his arm, he got out of bed, tucked her in properly. Then, bending down to brush her hair away from her face, he nted ender kiss on her forehead before his phone out to the balcony. swnovel With Emmett''s situation reaching a happy conclusion, it was time for someeuppance. There had been quite a few taking advantage of Emmett''s ordeal, and he''d been too preupied to deal with them. Now, with some free time on his hands, it was the perfect moment to teach them a lesson. Chapter 1143 When you mess up, there''s always a price to pay. It''s not enough to just realize your mistake and zip it. After all, the damage caused when yoush out at someone is real! Bertram kicked off the morning by sending out a cease and desist letter. yton was hot on his heels, having the PR team at Hawkins Sea-freight do the same. One was defending his grandson''s honor. The other, his daughter''s. These weren''t your average cease and desist letters. After all, behind Bertram was the entire fashion and film industry, along with some heavy-hitting investors! And behind yton was the world-renowned Hawkins Sea-freight, along with the enigmatic Patel family! Offending so many powerful figures at once, what else could they expect but disaster? As soon as those letters were released, the troublemakers started to quake in their boots. But then- Tarquin made his move, and they realized they had been scared too soon. The real storm was yet toe! Tarquin was truly fearsome! Not only did he issue a cease and desist for the personal attacks against Elysia and Emmett. He also dug up the dirt on those responsible! With no time for nonsense, he exposed their secrets, effectively ending them on social media! A public takedown! Among the exposed were a female influencer with millions of followers, featured in scandalous videos with several partners, her face unblurred to ensure everyone knew who she was. Then there was an animal lover, caught in extremely cruel acts against animals. Leaks from inside a charity organization. And even some officials caught taking bribes. From high-ranking officials and influencers with millions of followers to your average keyboard warriors, Tarquinid them all bare. His approach was indiscriminate! He not only ruined their careers and reputations but also set them up for a stint with thew. Their futures were effectively over! Of course, hefty fines were also part of the deal. Tarquin made it clear whates from speaking ill and acting out of turn! The news was everywhere in no time! Even the seasoned journalists were dazzled, unsure of where to begin. It was all explosive news! The trending topics were like a yground, with new ones popping up with every refresh. Just when you thought you''d seen the most shocking news, something even more explosive appeared! Tarquin''s actions served as a lesson for all! Speaking up for justice is for justice is virtuous, but spouting off about things knowing about can only¨¦t trouble. , to swnovel Misusing your voice to nder others will eventuallye back to bite you! The inte is not awless ce, so tread carefully! After defending his wife and son, Tarquin made a call to Lowell, "Donate all thepensation we received, send blessings to Elysia and Emmett." "Tarquin, there''s something from Jindale City, quite important." "What happened?" "Verity''s illegitimate son is having some trouble." Hearing this, Tarquin frowned slightly, "What''s wrong with him?" "He''s sick, but the doctors can''t figure out what''s wrong. It came on suddenly and he''s been in the hospital for a week. Dr. Benjamin is worried it might be serious and urged us toe back as soon as possible." s?novel ? Dr. Benjamin knew the boy had returned from Karl Town and might be linked to some mysterious figure. He was concerned that if Tarquin didn''t potentially passed away, thevel potern before the boy lose a crucial lead. swnovel Tarquin''s brow furrowed, "I understand." After hanging up, he seemed troubled by the thought, lighting a cigarette with a stern expression. Elysia slept through to the evening, waking up to find the inte still buzzing. Tarquin remained at the top of the trending list, with other news stories continuously shifting the rankings. Chapter 1144 Elysia grabbed her phone from the nightstand, intending to check the time, but the push notification on the screen instantly caught her attention. She was wide awake in a heartbeat! Tapping into Tarquin''s trending topic, she scrolled through thements. #Just saying, who wouldn''t fall for such a powerful andmanding man? Not just women, even a guy like me is totally smitten!# #If I can''t be Mr. Bradford''s man in life, I''ll be his ghost in death! When I die, I''m gonna haunt him day and night!# #While Emmett''s story showcased Ms. Thorne''s virtues, the feud over who gets the guy with her is absolutely unforgivable!# Elysia skimmed a fewments, her mouth twitching at times, and at others, she shivered with disbelief. The love for Tarquin was... indescribable! After surfing the web for a while,ughing at some bizarrements, and learning why Tarquin was trending again, her lips curled into a smile involuntarily, her face radiating happiness, her heart filled with warmth. ncing around the room, she spotted Tarquin on the balcony. He stood there with his hands in his pockets, tall and striking, his long legs particrly eye-catching. His profile was stunning, as if he''d stepped right out of aic book. Wrapping herself in a robe, Elysia went out to him. Tarquin, sensing her approach, turned and smiled upon seeing her, looking even more handsome. "You''re up." "Yeah." Elysia walked over and hugged him from behind. "Something on your mind?" "No." "Liar." Elysia''s certainty made Tarquin turn around to face her, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "How can you be so sure I''m preupied?" "You smell like smoke. You always smoke when you''re worried. I know you." Tarquin affectionately tousled her hair. "Smarty-pants, I only had one, didn''t dare to smoke more. I''ll shower in a bit." He knew Elysia disliked the smell of smoke. Elysia kept her arms around his waist, not letting go. "I''m not upset about the smoking. I''m asking what''s bothering you?" After Emmett''s incident, everything had settled down nicely; they should all be happy. But Elysia could sense his mncholy. "If you don''t want to talk about it, that''s fine. I won''t press you. But I want you to be happy. You''re the heart of our family; if you''re not happy, none of us can be." Tarquin lifted her into his arms, hugging her, his chin resting on her head. He did have something on his mind, about a mysterious figure. "Elysia, if one day you found out someone close to you had deeply hurt you, what would you do?" Elysia immediately became alert, looking up at him with wide eyes, asking, "Who hurt you? How did they hurt you?" Tarquin pulled her closer into his embrace, fibbing, "It''s not me. I''m talking about a friend''s experience." Before Elysia could discern the truth in his words, Tarquin shifted the conversation. "Let''s not talk about that. How long do you think before we can head back to Jindale City?" Elysia countered, "Are you in a rush to get back?" "Not particrly." Elysia knew there had to be something up in Jindale City. Trying to ease her concerns, Tarquin added, "It''s just work stuff, nothing for you to worry about." Elysia sighed softly, "If you''re in a hurry, we can go anytime. I''ll wait for Maria to get through the critical phase, then we''ll handle ire''s funeral with Emmett and head back." "There''s no rush these next few days. We''ll go back together." "Are you sure that won''t interfere with your work?" "It won''t." Tarquin held Elysia close, his brows furrowed. Truth be told, he was torn. He wanted to rush back and expose the mysterious figure, yet he also wanted to escape. He feared that confirming his suspicions back home would unleash a torrent of anger, frustration, and pain. Chapter 1145 At dinner, Elysia noticed that Emmett was unusually downcast. The little guy barely touched his food, just sipping on some chicken soup. It pained Elysia to see him like this. Lately, a lot had happened around Emmett. Even though he was young, these events were taking a toll on him. If it weren''t for Cecil cozying up to the press and leaking those stories, even sharing Emmett''s photos. She would have handled it privately, making sure Emmett never found out. It wasn''t something to be proud of. Knowing would only make the child sad. Elysia frowned internally, cursing Cecil for his actions! He was nowhere near fit to be Emmett''s father! After dinner, Elysia found an excuse to take Emmett downstairs alone. Mother and son sat on a bench in the garden, stargazing. After a bit of small talk, Elysia asked, "Emmett, you''re troubled about something, aren''t you?" Emmett turned to look at Elysia, his long eyshes fluttering. Elysia smiled tenderly, stroking his hair with immense gentleness, "Emmett, you''ve said before that mommy can share her worries with you, so if you have any worries, you can share them with mommy too. We''re mother and son, but we''re also best friends, right?" The little guy nodded, his eyes reddening before he even spoke. Elysia immediately pulled him into a hug, "Is something making you sad, Emmett?" As soon as his mom mentioned it, Emmett''s tears started flowing, sobbing uncontrobly. "Mommy, it hurts... it really hurts..." Elysia felt a pang of heartache, holding Emmett tightly, offering him the warmest embrace to let out his emotions. "Mommy knows, mommy understands, I''m here for you." The little guy sobbed, taking a while before he managed to speak, "I don''t want to go back to her, but I wish she could be happy." "She gave birth to me, and I''m grateful to her, but now she''s gone... I don''t want her to be gone..." Emmett was mourning ire''s death. Elysia felt an immense sorrow for him. This child was inherently kind-hearted. He didn''t have much of a connection with ire, but in his eyes, since ire gave birth to him, she was his benefactor. And now that his benefactor was gone, he was heartbroken. "Death is a part of life, and no one can stop it. But I know she loved you, Emmett, and she wouldn''t want you to be sad because of her passing. If you''re happy, that''s what would make her happy." "How about we organize a beautiful funeral for her the day after tomorrow? She brought you into this world, and you''ll help her move on to the next, as a way to thank her for bringing you into our lives." Emmett nodded vigorously, "Yeah!" "Mommy, will I... will I be a bad person?" "They say... my father killed my mother, they say he was a bad man, and that I''ll turn out bad too." Elysia clenched her teeth internally, cursing those who ndered Emmett! May they find their ce in hell sooner! They had no idea, or perhaps they didn''t care, about the psychological trauma their cruel words could inflict on a child! "No, sweetheart! Just because your father did bad things doesn''t mean you will too. Look at your grandfather; he was a good man, but your father turned out differently." Not all bad traits are inherited, and you, my dear Emmett, are the living proof of that. Chapter 1146 Emmett clearly didn''t inherit Cecil''s wickedness. Upon hearing Elysia''s words, Emmett rxed significantly and asked, "Then... why would Dad want to hurt Mom? Aren''t spouses supposed to be loving?" Elysia replied honestly, "Not every couple in this world lives in harmony." Emmett pressed on, "Would Dad ever hurt Mom?" Elysiaughed at his question, "Of course not, honey. Dad treats Mom very well." Emmett sighed in relief, seeming to find sce in her words. He was saddened by ire''s death, especially learning that she was killed by her own husband, which made him worry for Elysia. Innocent as Emmett. Kind as Emmett. Heartwarming as Emmett. "Mom, will my sister get better?" Elysia sighed quietly, "We hope she will, but if things don''t go as nned, we need to ept it calmly. Life has its ups and downs." "But your sister would want you to be happy, Emmett. If you''re happy, she''ll be happy too. Can you be a cheerful little guy for her?" "Yeah!" Elysia smiled, ruffling Emmett''s hair again, "Feeling better now?" "Yeah." "Hungry?" "Yeah." "How about we go back and I make you somete-night snacks?" "Yeah!" Having felt better, the little guy realized he was hungry. Elysia''s mood lifted with her son''s spirits, and she carried him back to their room upstairs. Tarquin and the other kids were still awake, looking anxious as they returned. It was clear to everyone that Emmett was upset, and they were all worried about him. Elysia announced, "Emmett''s feeling better now, no need to worry. We''ve got a hungry little champ here needing some food." A collective sigh of relief went through the room, calming everyone down. "I made some snacks for Emmett earlier; let me get them," Tarquin said, heading to the kitchen. He knew the little guy hadn''t much for dinner and would be prepared somete-night snacks especially for Emmett. swnovel hungry upon returning. The kids chimed in with their support, "Emmett, don''t be sad. Even if your mother is gone, you still have us. We will always love you!" "We''ll protect you and always be with you!" Baby, hugging Lan, cooed, "Emmett, don''t be sad. Baby wants you to always be happy." Moved, Emmett nodded vigorously, "Yeah!" ... The next day brought both good news and an unsettling event. Maria''s vital signs were stabilizing Though she hadn''t woken up, she was out of immediate danger. The little girl had fought hard to stay alive. swnovel IMS What was distasteful, however, was the sudden appearance of people who had never shown their faces before, now arriving at the hospital with gifts for Maria, shedding tears and calling her a ''poor child! swnovel They even raced to offer to adopt Maria. Elysia found out they were rtives from Cecil''s side, a bunch of outrageous family members! Now they were calling Maria a ''poor child''. Where were they before? When they and Cecil were calling Maria worthless and wishing her dead, did they not think she was pitiful then? It was only because Bertram had returned that they saw Maria as a phoenix rising from the ashes, hoping to gain some benefit. The nerve they had to show up! Elysia had initially decided to ignore them, but her patience wore thin. Together with Blossom, they fiercely confronted these shameless rtives before having security escort them out. Chapter 1147 In the morning, after visiting Maria at the hospital, Elysia and Tarquin took Emmett for a somber trip to the funeral home to arrange the details for ire''s funeral the next day. Elysia even let Emmett personally select a plot for ire''s final resting ce. On the third day, it was time for ire''s funeral. Emmett attended as her son, deeply feeling the weight of the moment. Elysia and Tarquin were there as friends, their presence a silent support. Pam and a few of the younger kids came along too. Blossom and Hollis made their appearance, a gesture of respect and closure. No matter what had transpired in ire''s life, now was not the time for judgments. Everyone came together to pay their respects, acknowledging the dead''s dignity and thanking her for bringing Emmett into the world. Bertram made a point toe in person, bowing deeply to ire in gratitude for her contributions to the Gibson family, leaving behind good children despite everything. What Elysia didn''t expect was the arrival of ire''s uncles and aunts. A few of ire''s cousins also showed up, their arrival filling the chapel with genuine sorrow. Their cries and heartfelt grief tore through the somber silence. After shedding their tears, they turned to Elysia and Tarquin, bowing deeply in gratitude. "We''re deeply grateful for what you''re doing for ire, especially after all the trouble she caused. It means the world to us," they said, their voices thick with emotion. "ire was essentially a good person who just fell in with the wrong crowd, especially Cecil, that good-for-nothing," theymented, their sorrow palpable. Through their stories, Elysia learned of ire''s troubling journey. ire had fallen hard for Cecil, a charming bad boy, from the first moment sheid eyes on him. But Cecil, surrounded by admirers, never noticed ire. She pursued him relentlessly, from high school crush to open courtship, for nearly a decade before they finally became a couple. Their union, however, was not born of love but of convenience. Cecil''s family had fallen into disgrace and debt, turning him into a pariah among his peers and leaving him desperate. The girls who once adored him disappeared, and his friends turned their backs, leaving only ire by his side, tirelessly working to clear his debts. The Yeagers, a well-to-do family with a sessfulocal business, had weed Cecil with open arms, treating him as their own. But Cecil saw this not as a gesture of eptance but an opportunity to exploit. swnovel ver His rtionship with ire was a means to an end, a way to secure afortable life without lifting a finger. Cecil''sck of ambition and responsibility ced all financial burdens on ire, and by extensiont her parents, Barnaby and Nora. Despite their generosity, Cecil remained a leech, manipting ire for money to cover his gambling debts. swnovel In a desperate bid to settle his dues, Cecil convinced ire to persuade her parents to sell their business, a decision that would strip the Yeager family of their livelihood for his sake. swnovel Chapter 1148 Barnaby and Nora were beside themselves when Cecil and ire orchestrated their own kidnapping drama. There was no way Barnaby and Nora could just stand by when it came to their daughter. They sold their house, their little corner store, everything they owned, just to gather enough cash to pay the ransom for their daughter. But when they found out the whole ordeal was a sham, cooked up by their own daughter and son-inw, they were livid. It was a devastation that they couldn''t recover from. Without the ie from the Yeager family business, the couple was left without any means to support themselves. They started reaching out to ire''s extended family for help, which only stirred up more trouble. The rtives were already furious, advising ire to leave Cecil, but she wouldn''t listen, pushing them away to the point of cutting ties. Life became even harder, and Cecil''s frustration often resulted in himshing out at ire, even when she was pregnant. Then Maria was born, and tragically, she had a congenital illness. Cecil med ire, and just days after giving birth, she found herself on the receiving end of his wrath once again. ire''s rtives couldn''t understand it. Was she bewitched? They knew she wasn''t foolish, she must see how Cecil treated her! Why then, would she not leave him? Listening to the story, Elysia thought she had the answer. ire was the textbook definition of being blinded by love. Once she fell, she revolved her entire existence around Cecil, losing herself and everyone else in the process. Her world narrowed down to pleasing Cecil, whatever the cost. Over time, her sacrifices for Cecil only grew. Elysia guessed, ire wasn''t dumb. She must have seen the reality of their rtionship the moment Cecil turned violent. Her refusal to leave him likely stemmed from a deep-seated unwillingness to ept defeat. After investing so much into the rtionship, epting it ended in divorce was something she couldn''t stomach. It was an unhealthy obsession. In an attempt to convince herself to stay, she might even delude herself into believing Cecil truly loved her. Love had be her prison, and she chose to remain in that suffering rather than step out. It was a bitter pill for Barnaby and Nora. To put it harshly, they might have been better off not having a daughter at all. Elysia sighed deeply, a wave of mncholy washing over her. Girls can be gentle, but they must also be clear-headed. Think more for oneself and those who truly love you. Be decisive, reject being blinded by love! Don''t let obsession harm yourself and others. ... After ire''s funeral, the family tried to regain some semnce of normalcy before heading back to Jindale City without Bertram, who stayed in Silver City with Maria until her health stabilized enough for travel. swnovel Blossom decided to stay a few more days in Silver City with Hollis and didn''t return with them either. e overjov The family of eight set off at night and arrived back in Jindale City the next morning. It had been a while since they were home, and the household staff to see them return, especially the kids, whom they greeted with the warmth of seeing their own grandchildren. swnovel The children, feeling the love, affectionately called them ''Heath'' and ''Iris'', making everyone''s hearts swell with joy. Pam, too, was happy and unfazed by the new environment. The staff, well aware of Pam''s rtionship with Elysia, treated her with warm hospitality and had already prepared a room for her. swnovel Elysia couldn''t help but reflect: There''s no ce like home! Upon arriving in Jindale City, Tarquin was preupied with worry. He barely settled in before iming work obligations and rushing out, skipping breakfast. He didn''t head to the office, though. His destination was the hospital where Verity''s secret child was being treated. Chapter 1149 After arriving at the hospital, Tarquin immediately sought out Benjamin to inquire about Verity''s illegitimate son''s condition. However, Benjamin hadn''t been able to see him in person and had to ry the details over the phone. "His condition is deteriorating rapidly, more severe with each passing day. He''s infected with an unknown virus we''ve never encountered before," Benjamin exined with a tone of urgency. "And this virus is mutating quickly; we haven''t managed to develop a cure yet." "What''s certain, though, is that the virus is contagious, and while it doesn''t infect everyone, it''s highly transmissible. Several nurses who''ve been in contact with him have already shown identical symptoms." "I haven''t been infected yet, but as a precaution, we''ve quarantined everyone who''s been in close contact with him." Tarquin frowned, his thoughts drifting back to the pandemic from a couple of years ago. "Did he contract this before returning, or did it develop after he came back?" Tarquin asked, trying to piece everything together. "It seems he was already infected before his return. The virus has an incubation period where the infected show no symptoms," Benjamin rified. The illegitimate son had returned from Karl Town, a move orchestrated by a mysterious figure to distract Tarquin from wreaking havoc in Oceanopolis. The fact that he was sent back indicated that, like Verity, he was now considered expendable. The virus in his system was almost certainly linked to the mysterious figure! "Can I see him?" Tarquin asked, a mixture of concern and curiosity in his voice. "Yes, but I advise against direct contact. You canmunicate with him through a ss partition using an inte," Benjamin suggested. "Alright." With that, Tarquin disconnected the call and went to see Verity''s illegitimate son. The young man was isted in an intensive care unit, his body weakened but his mental state fluctuating between lucidity and confusion. At times, he didn''t even recognize himself, reminiscent of early-stage dementia, though his symptoms - fever, coughing, and coughing up blood - were far more severe. swnovel Noticing someone approaching, he turned his head and saw Tarquin through the ss. Recognition shed in his eyes, his expression cycling through a range of emotions. "It''s you! You! You''re the one who ruined my life, destroyed everything!" he used, voice tinged with bitterness, before gasping for air from the effort. Tarquin, hands in his pockets, watched him impassively. Despite the young man''s haggard appearance, his resemnce to a trait he inherited from his mother, Verity. The sight of his face filled Gideon Bradford was unmista et Tarquin with distaste. swnovel The Bradfords, none of them were worth his time. - Ignoring the baseless usations, Tarquin cut to the chase, "Right now, I''m your only chance at survival." The illegitimate son paused, skepticism evident on his face. "You? Save me? Do you even know what this virus is? How can you possibly save me?" "I don''t know what it is, but I''m your only hope. Without my help, you''re as good as dead. I can have the hospital cut off your medication right now," Tarquin stated bluntly, his voice devoid of emotion. swnovel The young man scowled, unable to argue with the cold, hard truth. Tarquin continued, making his stance clear, "I''m not interested in wasting time on empty talk. You''re well aware of your current predicament." "By sending you back to Jindale City, he''s already abandoned you. The virus he''s infected you with is proof enough." "I bear no personal grudge against you; our issues stem from the previous generation. So, I''m willing to make an effort to save you, or I could just as easily walk away." "And even without your cooperation, I''ll eventually uncover his identity, sooner orter." Chapter 1150 The young man red at him for a few tense seconds before speaking up, "So, what do you want from me?" "I''m here to make a deal. You spill what you know, and I''ll get people on trying to save your hide. Whether they manage to or not, well, that''s on you." "And if I don''t wanna talk?" the young man challenged. "Simple. I leave, and you can kiss your ass goodbye," Tarquin replied with an indifferent shrug. The young man ground his teeth in frustration. He had anticipated Tarquining to him, but not like this. So calm, so detached. He had expected Tarquin to do everything in his power to pry information out of him, not act like he didn''t give a damn. The young man couldn''t get a read on Tarquin''s psyche and didn''t dare push too hard. After all, staying alive was his top priority, and right now, Tarquin was his only lifeline. "I don''t know his real identity. All I know is there''s a massive research facility beneath the newspaper office. They''ve been conducting experiments in secrecy, using the staff as their guinea pigs," the young man reluctantly shared. "Guinea pigs?" "Yeah, they''d inject us with stuff periodically, keep us under constant surveince, taking notes on every possible metric." "What are they researching?" Tarquin pressed. "Details? I''m in the dark as much as you are. All I know is that we were theirb rats." Tarquin frowned, his mother had worked at that newspaper too. Was she one of theirb rats? After a brief silence, Tarquin asked, "What exactly does he want from me?" The young man exhaled deeply, "Something vital to their research, incredibly important to them. Apparently, it''s the result of over twenty years of work, and your mother somehow managed to get her hands on it." "After your parents died, they turned their focus on you. Initially, they thought you had it, but then realized you were clueless about its existence. They figured such an important item would only be hidden somewhere connected to you, somewhere only you could find." swnovel "So, they''ve been watching you, from childhood up till now!" Tarquin immediately asked, "But he''s been trying to kill me too, why? How would he find the item if I were dead?" "At first, he didn''t want you dead. But then, believing they could replicate the results without needing what your mother took, they thought about@liminating you. However, when their efforts failed, they were d you were still alive," the young man exined. swnovel Tarquin remained silent, processing. "This is hearsay, I can''t guarantee its truth," He added after a moment. Tarquin gave him a longer look, then asked, "Have you ever been to that research facility?" "No, us surface-level folks aren''t allowed down there. And frankly, wouldn''t want to go. Everyone who own, except their own scientists, neveres back up." swnovel Tarquin fell silent again, his mind racing with thoughts. "Is he a foreigner or a local?" Tarquin finally inquired. "A local," the young man answered. Tarquin''s expression tightened visibly, a clear sign of distress. The young man frowned, "You seem like you might know who it is?" Without a word, Tarquin turned and left. Sitting alone in his car, Tarquin lit a cigarette, taking long, deep drags in silence, one after another. Chapter 1152 He didn''t keep anything from her. "Keaton said Callum''s been out of touch for over a month." Elysia looked genuinely surprised. "No way, just the other day he was texting me." Yeah... Tarquin thought for a moment before handing his phone to Elysia. "Give Callum a call, pretend you''re asking about Winona." "Alright!" Elysia dialed the number. Callum''s phone was ringing, but no one picked up. However, just likest time, Callum quickly texted back: [Bad timing, I''m busy again. Is it urgent?] Tarquin frowned and coached Elysia to reply, [Yes, it''s urgent.] Callum: [Then text me. I can''t talk right now, but I can message back.] Tarquin''s frown deepened. As they exchanged messages, it became clear: the person texting wasn''t Callum! Tarquin''s expression darkened. Who was pretending to be Callum, and why only reach out to Elysia? Callum and Elysia... Suddenly, a thought struck Tarquin. Winona! The only connection between Callum and Elysia was Winona. All their conversations revolved around her. Tarquin was gripped by a sense of foreboding. He looked at Elysia, his expressionplex and unreadable. Elysia sensed something was off and asked, furrowing her brow, "What''s going on?" Before Tarquin could respond, Keaton''s call came through. "I''ll take this," Tarquin said, stepping out onto the balcony with his phone. As soon as the call connected, Keaton was quick to ask, "What did Elysia say?" "Someone''s using Callum''s identity to contact her, talking about Winona." Keaton responded immediately, 1.n "That fits! Callum''s disappearance is definitely linked to Winona! I just got some crucial news: Winona''s manager died ages ago, and Callum was investigating her before he went missing!" Tarquin was silent for a moment. Keaton borated, "After Mr. Lenc called, I started digging into Callum''s situation." "Two months ago, a woman''s body was found overseas. Online rumors suggested it might be Winona''s manager." "But no one could reach Winona''s manager to confirm, because a year ago, they announced they were off filming in secret and haven''t been seen since." "Without confirmation, Callum decided to investigate, worried about Winona''s whereabouts." "Callum''s concern for Winona drove him to identify that body." Tarquin''s brow was tightly furrowed. "Are we sure the body was Winona''s manager?" Keaton was firm, "One hundred percent sure!" Tarquin remained silent. Keaton continued, "I discreetly contacted Winona''s film crew. They confirmed they were filming in secret, but Winona wasn''t the lead actress." "The crew said they had just arrived in the mountains and hadn''t started filming yet when Winona''s manager canceled her contract, paying a hefty penalty." "The reason given was Winona had personal issues, mental health struggles, and couldn''t continue." "The manager asked the crew not to announce the cancetion, so Winona could take time to recover." "So, the public still thinks she''s filming in secret." Tarquin''s expression was grave. The manager had quietly handled Winona''s contract termination. But the manager''s body was found overseas. So where on earth was Winona now? Chapter 1153 Callum had gone missing while investigating Winona''s manager. The killer must have wanted to prevent Callum from discovering the truth about Winona through the manager. Pretending to be Callum to contact Elysia was likely a way to deter Elysia from pursuing Winona''s case. This cover-up only confirmed one thing-something bad had happened to Winona! Tarquin exhaled deeply, turning his gaze to Elysia. He wasn''t particrly concerned about Winona, but Elysia was a different story. Winona was Elysia''s best friend, almost like another sister, much like Blossom was. They were as close as family. Elysia was eagerly hoping Winona would be back home for the holidays. And if something had indeed happened to Winona, Tarquin dreaded to think how Elysia would cope. Furrowing his brow, Tarquin turned to Keaton and said, "I need you to dig into Winona''s husband''s romantic history." Keaton raised an eyebrow, "You think her husband might''ve done something to her?" "He''s a prime suspect." "Alright, I''m on it." If there was anyone who could uncover secrets of the heart, it was Keaton. ... Elysia was on edge, sensing something wasn''t right. When she saw Tarquin hang up the phone, she rushed over, anxiety written all over her face. "What happened to Callum?" Tarquin''s expression softened with empathy. He couldn''t let Elysia continue reaching out to Callum without any defenses in ce. He decided to be honest, "Something might have happened to Winona." Elysia''s mind went nk, the words hitting her like a freight train. "What... what did you say?!" Tarquin quickly pulled her into his arms, trying tofort her. "Don''t worry. Winona is your best friend. I''ll leave no stone unturned in finding out what''s going on." Elysia pushed away from him, her face a mix of anger and sorrow, her eyes red- rimmed, lips trembling. "Who... who told you something happened to Winona?" Tarquin''s heart ached, but there was no turning back now. He had to confront the reality with her. He exined about Callum''s disappearance and the bits of information Keaton had uncovered, emphasizing, "I said something might have happened." Though, deep down, he was certain. He just couldn''t bear to break her heart even more. Elysia''s eyes filled with tears. "Winona''s manager quietly terminated her contract?" "Yeah." "And Winona''s manager is dead?" "...Yes." "Then... then where is Winona now? Where''s our Winona?" Elysia''s tears flowed freely, and she was shaking like a leaf, her voice hoarse. "They said she was on a film shoot, Zane Livingston said so, Blossom too. They said she signed a confidentiality agreement, so she couldn''t reach out to us... she... she..." Tarquin couldn''t take it anymore and enveloped her in another hug, holding her tightly. He knew the depth of Elysia''s bond with Winona and understood there was little he could say to ease her pain. With her best friend''s fate unknown, of course, she was devastated. To her, Winona and Blossom were as precious as her own children. "Let it out, cry if you need to..." Elysia let out a heart-wrenching sob, "Tell me you''re lying! Tell me Keaton is wrong! Please, tell me nothing happened to Winona, that she''s fine, that she''ll be home for Christmas, please..." "Please, don''t scare me, I''m so afraid..." Tarquin held her, his own eyes misty. He was torn between his love for Elysia and the burning anger at whoever dared to harm Winona. Whoever they were, they had a death wish messing with Elysia''s best friend. "I''ll find her for you, I promise. Whether she''s alive or... whatever the case may be, I..." Chapter 1154 Tarquin was mid-sentence when Elysia suddenly went silent. His heart skipped a beat, panic setting in. "Elysia¡ª" ... In the hospital room, Elysiay quietly in bed, an IV drip attached to her arm. She was okay physically-just fainted from being too emotionally overwhelmed. Pam and a group of little ones were gathered around her bed, sobbing uncontrobly. Tarquin stood nearby, eyes red and brows furrowed with concern. After a while, Tarquin called Lowell over to take Pam and Baby Emmett home. They didn''t want to leave, but Tarquin gently reasoned, "Elysia will wake up soon, and she''s going to be hungry. If we''re all here, who''ll prepare her some delicious food? Go home, whip up something tasty, and bring it backter." The three nodded and left with Lowell, heading back to prepare aforting meal for Elysia. Once they were gone, Elliot wiped away his tears and asked, "What happened? Mom''s always been healthy. How did she just copse like that?" Tarquin frowned and exined the situation with Winona. The three little ones were shocked. "Winona''s in trouble?!" "Yes, her fate is uncertain at the moment." The room fell silent for a moment before Elliot asked, "Do we have any suspects?" "Winona''s husband seems suspicious." "Mr. Zane?" "Yes." The kids frowned. They knew of Zane. When he first appeared around Elysia, they were worried he might pose a threat to their mom and had even done some investigating. But they hadn''t found anything bad on him. "Blossom said Mr. Zane and Winona were very much in love. Why would he harm her?" Evan asked. Before Tarquin could respond, Elliot interjected, "Mr. Zane''s a rags-to-riches story. He came from a poor background and only hit it big after marrying into the Newsom family." "He might want to take over the family''s assets, and that could drive him to hurt Winona." Evan struggled to understand, "But they''re family. Winona''s money is his money too, right? Just like Dad''s is Mom''s." Elijah chimed in, "It''s different. Not every couple is as loving and unified as our parents. For those who aren''t as close, what''s in their own hands is what truly belongs to them." Evan''s little brow furrowed with determination, "Whoever scared our mom and hurt our Blossom, we can''t let them get away with it!" Elliot and Elijah nodded in agreement, turning to Tarquin for direction. Tarquinid out the n: "Let''s start with Zane. He''s not in Jindale City right now; your mom mentioned he went to see Winona." "But he could be lying. Elijah, I need you to track Zane''s location and check Callum''s phone signal." "Elliot, you''re on Zane''s financials. Dig up everything you can." Both Elliot and Elijah responded in unison, "Got it!" Evan piped up eagerly, "What about me?" Tarquin replied, "You''ve got an important task. You and White will help me get a message to Winona''s father, arranging to meet him tonight." If Zane''s involved in Winona''s troubles, it''s likely Ridley Newsom''s To avoid tipping anyone off, Tarquin couldn''t just go to Ridley directly. But a meeting was crucial. So sending White and Evan to convey the message was the best course of action. Just as Tarquin finished briefing the kids, his phone rang. It was Keaton. "Tarquin, I''ve got explosive news. You won''t believe it!" Chapter 1155 Keaton burst into the room like he had just discovered a new. "Zane''s definitely up to something. If you want to get to the bottom of what''s going on with Winona, you need to keep an eye on Zane. Trust me on this!" Tarquin frowned, "Get to the point!" Keaton leaned in closer, "I''ve done some digging. Turns out, Zane''s got a thing for your wife." Tarquin''s expression darkened immediately, "..." Keaton continued, unwavering, "Zane''s been crushing on Elysia since college, but it was a secret crush. She didn''t have a clue." "But then he got involved with Winona. I suspect it was all about money." "Back in college, Winona was loaded, but Elysia? She was just scraping by." "Zane''s kept his feelings for Elysia buried deep, but I picked up on it." "You remember what happened with Gage ter, right? That was Zane''s doing." Tarquin''s face grew even darker. Of course, he remembered Gage. Gage was N ter''s uncle, and he''d tried to assault Elysia. Someone had taken him out ofmission after that. "You''re sure it was because of Elysia that Gage got what wasing to him?" "Definitely. Zane and Gage didn''t have any beef. It was all about Elysia." Tarquin''s expression turned stormy. After Gage''s incident, the ter family had poured a fortune into tracking down the culprit, even posting a bounty on the dark web. Plenty of hackers and hitmen had tried to crack the case, but no one found the perpetrator. Even Lowell hade up empty-handed. Who would have guessed it was Zane! Just considering the Gage incident, Zane was no ordinary guy. He''d managed to stay under the radar when so many others had failed! How could someone from a simple background have such skills? Before Tarquin could fully process this, Keaton added, "And there''s something else. Zane''s got this cousin named Sarah. He''s always looked out for her." "For a while, Sarah lived in the vi with Winona and Zane, posing as his cousin." "Then out of nowhere, Sarah got pregnant and took a break from school. Coincidentally, as soon as Elysia came back, Sarah''s pregnancy hit a snag." "Here''s the kicker: Sarah''s been calling Elysia a murderer!" "Elysia wouldn''t harm anyone, but she might be the catalyst." "Like, maybe Zane saw Elysia back in town and ditched Sarah and the baby on the spot. Sarah''s bitter because of Elysia, maybe?" "After all, Elysia''s always been Zane''s dream girl!" No wonder Zane had been hanging around Elysia so much when she first returned to Jindale City! Tarquin''s face turned even grimmer. "Isn''t Sarah supposed to be Zane''s cousin? How could she be pregnant with his kid?" "Sarah''s actually adopted from Zane''s aunt''s family. No blood rtion." Tarquin was left speechless. ... When Elysia woke up, the only person in the hospital room was Tarquin. The kids were off busy with something else, so Tarquin had stayed behind to keep herpany. Seeing her awake, he leaned in, speaking gently, "How are you feeling now? Any better?" Elysia had just finished her IV drip, so she was feeling a bit better, though still worn out. She moved her lips, her voice raspy, "Winona..." "I''m already looking for her," Tarquin reassured her. Elysia closed her eyes, tears slipping down her cheeks. Tarquin felt a pang of heartache, gently wiping them away with his thumb. "Don''t scare yourself. You''ve faced tough times before and pulled through. Winona will too." Elysiay there quietly for a moment, then suddenly opened her eyes and threw off the covers, attempting to get out of bed. Chapter 1156 Tarquin quickly asked, "Are you heading to thedies'' room?" Elysia gritted her teeth. "I''m going to find Sarah." "Sarah?" "Yeah! She must know where Winona is! When I first got back to Jindale City, she was acting all weird, and she mentioned Winona!" At the time, she kept saying she was a murderer, andter she said Winona was nevering back! I was suspicious back then. I asked Blossom and Zane and even reached out to Callum to see if he had heard anything about Winona. But since nothing seemed wrong with Winona at the time, I thought Sarah was just being spiteful because she didn''t get along with Winona. Now I see that''s not it. Sarah definitely knows something. Tarquin was worried about Elysia''s condition and didn''t want her going out. Elysia insisted, "I have to find her! I need to go right now!" Tarquin couldn''t argue with her and decided to go along. On the way, Tarquin didn''t mention Zane''s crush on her, but he did tell her about Sarah and Zane''s connection. Elysia was taken aback, looking incredulous. "Are you sure?" "Yeah! Keaton looked into it. It''s solid info." Elysia pressed her lips together, her eyes turning red, tears welling up. She was furious and also pained for Winona! Zane, that dirtbag, cheating like that! Before Tarquin could offerfort, Elysia sniffled hard, wiped her tears, and said in a choked voice, "If anything''s happened to Winona because of those two, I swear I''ll make them pay!" "Right! You''ve got me and the kids as your backup. Just point us in the right direction!" At a psychiatric hospital on the outskirts of Jindale City. Elysia found Sarah, who seemed not quite in her right mind. She was hugging a pillow, sitting in the courtyard soaking up the sun. "Isn''t it a lovely day? So nice to sit in the sun, right? Baby''s warm and cozy, and so is Mommy." Sarah had been depressed ever since her miscarriage. Her depression worsened, leading to her being admitted to the psychiatric facility. Sensing someone watching her, Sarah looked up. She blinked at Elysia, rubbed her eyes, and stared for a moment before suddenly losing it, "Murderer! Ah-" She threw the pillow and lunged at Elysia, screaming. The hospital staff quickly restrained her. Sarah struggled fiercely, her eyes wild with anger, "Witch! Witch! Give me back my murd kill you! Get her, she''s the ! She killed my babyet Waaa... She killed my baby One of the staff members picked up the pillow from the ground and handed it back to her, "No one killed your baby, your baby''s right here." Sarah hurriedly grabbed the pillow, clutching it tightly, "Sorry, baby, did Mommy scare you? Mommy was wrong, thought someone hurt you." After speaking, she cast a wary nce at Elysia, clutching the pillow protectively. Elysia clenched her fists, ring at her, affair with Zane boiling her blood! aought of Sarah''s t belongs to swn But seeing Sarah in this state, Elysia forced herself to stay calm. She tried to suppress her anger and asked Sarah, "Sarah, where''s Winona?" Mentioning Winona, Sarah turned to Elysia and startedughing, "Winona, Winona, you mean? My cousin-inw, haha, Winona''s cousin-inw, a big star, a nuisance!" Sarah''sughter abruptly faded. Elysia frowned and asked again, "Do you know where she is?" "Where is she? Oh, I know!" Chapter 1157 Elysia''s heart skipped a beat. "!" Before she could ask, Sarah burst intoughter. "I know, but I''m not telling you! Haha..." "You''re gonna be so mad! I''m never telling you! You''ll never find her! You''re just like her, both of you are awful! You both deserve to rot!" Elysia took a deep breath, trying to keep her anger in check as she asked, "Is Winona... is she still alive?" Sarah shook her head, clearly enjoying herself. "Not telling, not telling, haha, I''m not telling you." Tarquin spoke up, his voice cold and steady. "Sometimes death is a mercypared to suffering. If Winona has passed, maybe it''s a blessing." Sarah, not realizing he was trying to get information, turned to him angrily. "Who said she''s dead?! She''s not dead! She doesn''t deserve to die! She needs to be alive to suffer!" Tarquin and Elysia exchanged a nce. Well, at least she wasn''t dead. Tarquin gave Elysia a reassuring look and continued to press for information. "How do you know she''s not dead? You can''t even see her." "Who says I can''t see her! Of course I can! She''s chained up with big, heavy chains! Beaten every day! I''ve even hit her myself!" "I''ve whipped her! Kicked her! Twisted her arm! If she dares to curse at me, I p her hard!" "Haha, she''s like a dog on a chain, can''t do a thing to me, just cries like a baby. A big, pathetic waste!" "Oh, and she keeps calling for you, Elysia, crying for you to save her!" "''''Elysia, Elysia, save me! Elysia...'' Haha, she can scream all she wants, no one''sing to save her, no one can." Sarah suddenly turned her attention to Elysia, asking, "You''re Elysia, aren''t you?" Elysia red at Sarah, trembling with rage, her eyes burning with unshed tears. Sarah''s words were like daggers, each one stabbing deeper into her heart. Seeing Elysia so upset, Sarah seemed even more delighted. "You know why she only calls for you, and not anyone else? Haha, not telling you! It''s a big secret!" Tarquin frowned, deep in thought. That was indeed a curious point. When Winona got into trouble, Elysia was still mer life in the mountains. They hadn''t: They hadn''t seen each r in years. Why didn''t Winona call for Ridley or Caroline? Or even Blossom? Why was it always Elysia? Tarquin decided to shelve this mystery for the moment and asked, "Was it you and Zane who locked Winona up?" The mention of Zane''s name caused Sarah''s demeanor to change instantly. Her bravado vanished, reced by fear. She clutched the pillow in her arms tightly. "I don''t know! I don''t know anything!" It was clear she was terrified of Zane. Tarquin''s frown deepened. "Is the baby you''re carrying Zane''s?" "Ah-" Sarah screamed. She red at Elysia furiously, "You just wait, you witch! I''m going to lock you up too! We''ve got a ce all picked out for you, and when you''re locked up, I''m gonna beat you every day! Beat you to death!" With that, Sarah stormed out, clutching the pillow. Tarquin watched her leave, his expression darkening. Elysia was seething with rage. Winona considered her a cousin, but Sarah saw Winona as a rival. How could there be such a shameless, malicious woman in the world?! Tarquin tried to console Elysia, "Don''t with her her. We''ll deal . When Gontent belongs to Elysia gritted her teeth. "Winona won''t let her get away with this!" "Yeah, try not to be too upset. At least we know she''s alive. That''s something." Elysia''s eyes filled with tears again. "Yeah, at least she''s still alive." Chapter 1158 Winona... she''s still alive! ... Leaving the psychiatric hospital, the two of them headed straight home. Elijah had tampered with the hospital''s surveince system to keep an eye on Sarah. So, they didn''t have to worry about alerting anyone by visiting her today. At most, Zane would only know they went to see Sarah, but not the reason behind it. If Zane were to ask, they could simply say they visited Sarah because they couldn''t reach him or Winona, and wanted to check with his cousin. Number One Mansion. As soon as Elysia walked through the door, Pam and Baby hurried to greet her. "Irene!" "Mommy!" While they spent time with Elysia, Tarquin headed upstairs to the study for a quick meeting with Elliot and Elijah. Elliot inquired, "Do you think what Sarah said is credible? Is Winona really alive?" Tarquin nodded, "Even though her mind is a bit clouded, I believe she''s telling the truth." The brothers let out a collective sigh of relief. "That''s good. As long as Winona is alive, Mom won''t lose hope." "Yeah, how are things progressing on your end?" Tarquin asked. Elliot replied, "We''re getting somewhere. Zane is highly suspicious, and I wouldn''t be surprised if he''s behind it all!" "Over the years, he''s exploited the Newsom family''s resources for his own gain. Just from what I''ve uncovered, there are threepanies closely tied to him." "And those factories run by his rtives, all built with the Newsom family''s money." "Yet, the profits from those factories don''t benefit the Newsom family at all!" "They''re all assets of the Livingston family!" "And that rising star, Central Pharmaceuticals, it''s likely his too. I''m still digging into the specifics." Hearing about Central Pharmaceuticals, Tarquin frowned. This new pharmaceuticalpany had been making waves and was. set to go public by the end of the year. Investors were eagerly awaiting the opportunity to pour money into it. Thepany''s prospects looked promising. Even he had taken notice, but he hadn''t imagined it was Zane''s! Zane, the ssic self-made man, was truly despicable, but undeniably clever. Elliot continued, "I also looked into that heft penalty fee paid to the film crew! It was wired from an offshore encrypted ount, and so far, I can''t link it back to Zane." Tarquin wasn''t surprised. Zane was a sly fox; he''d make sure to cover his tracks. After Elliot finished, Elijah chimed in, "I''ve tracked Callum''s phone signal; it''s overseas." "But I can''t find Zane. Hisst known location was near the border, and then he vanished." Tarquin studied the spot Elijah had highlighted on the map. Nearby was a vast, uninhabited area. It made sense if Zane had gone there to find Winona. But whether he actually went searching for her remained a mystery. If not, what had he been doing during his disappearance? After pondering for a moment, Tarquin pulled out his phone and made a call, arranging for someone to locate Callum and another team to investigate where Zane had been. Elijah added, "ording to Sarah and Winona''sst known appearances, Winona should still be somewhere in the country!" Sarah hadn''t left the country, so if she could torment Winona, it meant Winona was still here. Plus, there were no records of her leaving the country. But where could Winona be? She must be kept in an extremely secretive ce. When Winona was in trouble, she was constantly calling out for Elysia to save her... Tarquin suddenly realized something, and his brow furrowed! Chapter 1159 "Where Winona''s being held might have something to do with your mom!" Tarquin announced, his brow furrowed in thought. "Huh?" Elliot and Elijah exchanged puzzled nces. Tarquin leaned forward, exining further, "Sarah mentioned that when Winona was in trouble, she kept calling out for your mom to save her. Only your mom. That means Winona is familiar with the ce." "And she knows calling anyone else wouldn''t help; only your mom might show up there." Elliot and Elijah nodded in agreement. It made sense. But what ce could it be? The three of them pondered for a bit, unable to figure it out. They decided to consult Elysia. If this ce was connected to her, and Winona knew about it, then Elysia would certainly know best. When Tarquin shared his theory, Elysia looked puzzled. "ces Winona knows about include the school, the Thorne family, and a few shops where I used to work part-time. But none of those are secretive." Elliot''s expression shifted suddenly. "The Thorne family!" The others raised their eyebrows, "Hmm?" Elliot turned serious. "Remember when Dad and Mom went to the ind for a getaway, and ke Thorne kidnapped Evan?" "During the kidnapping, Baby happened to be there and even got her bodyguards to give ke a good thrashing," Elijah recalled, nodding. "I remember that," he said. "Back then, Evan didn''t even know Baby was our sister. That was Baby''s first day in Jindale City!" "Exactly! That very day!" Elliot''s excitement was palpable. "After Evan told me about it, I was puzzled. How did ke Thorne get out of jail? Dad had the Thorne family locked up." s?novel "He was charged with extortion, serious stuff. No one in their right mind would help him. It''d be like going against Dad." "Unless they had apelling reason to do so!" "Now, I suspect the one who got the Thorne family out of jail is Zane!" Elysia and Elijah''s eyes widened in shock. Elliot added, "Why would Zane have any dealings with the Thorne family? It''s got to be connected to Winona!" "And since Mom grew up with the Thorne family, if Winona was taken there, her first instinct would be to call for Mom," Elijah reasoned. Tarquin''s frown deepened, considering the logic in their analysis. Zane was indeed craf and had the means to spring the Thorne family from jail. Elysia looked astonished, her eyes wide as she asked, "You think Winona is being held by the Thorne family?!" "The Thorne family is definitely suspicious! Mom, does the Thorne family have a cer or something?" "No," Elysia replied, "but Winona does have a history with the Thorne family. She shed with them because of me, so they must hold a grudge." "These grudges aren''tmon knowledge. Even if someone realized Winona was in trouble, they wouldn''t suspect the Thorne family." "The Thorne family could be the perfect ce to hide Blossom!" Elysia''s breath quickened. "We need to check it out!" She stood up ready to rush out, but Tarquin stopped her. "Let''s send a few skilled people to scout first. We need to gather some intel before taking action, to avoid tipping them off and putting Winona in more danger." Chapter 1160 "Yes, yes, yes, Winona''s safety is the top priority!" Tarquin wasted no time and immediately started making calls. First, he arranged for someone to check out the Thorne family residence. Then, he had another person go to the police station to try and glean some information from anyone connected to the Thorne family. Besides following the trail leading to the Thorne family, he also instructed his team to dig into Sarah and Zane''s whereabouts over the past year. Sarah had been to the ce where Winona was being held. Perhaps their movements could reveal some suspicious locations. Just as he finished setting things up, a ping from Evan lit up his phone. "Dad, White and I havepleted the mission sessfully! Mr. Newsom will be at the meeting tonight as nned!" Tarquin''s eyes narrowed slightly as he texted back, "Evan and White, you two are the best!" Elysia, sensing something was up, asked, "What''s going on?" Tarquin pocketed his phone, "Nothing to worry about. Rest assured, as long as Winona is alive, I will find a way to bring her back!" In addition to investigating the Thorne family and Sarah and Zane, he was already thinking of another n. ... At eight o''clock that night, at Blissful Uncle''s Bar. Tarquin and Ridley both arrived at the exclusive private room. This was a secluded spot at the very top of the bar, right next to Keaton''s office, and not open to the public. As soon as Ridley saw Tarquin, he anxiously asked, "Mr. Bradford, what''s going on? You even had a kid deliver your message?" Ordinarily, Ridley and Tarquin wouldn''t cross paths; they ran inpletely different circles. But because of Winona and Elysia''s connection, Tarquin had been looking out for the Newsom family in recent months. He''d given them quite a few substantial projects, and the Newsom family''s profits had skyrocketed. The Newsom family was riding high, with everything going splendidly! Ridley, who had just turned fifty, was no fool. When Evan suddenly showed up, Ridley was first surprised, then rmed. Using a child to deliver messages clearly meant the matter was confidential. Ridley couldn''t shake a sense of unease. Tarquin''s face was grave as he said, "Something''s happened to Winona." Ridley''s eyes widened, "What¡ªwhat do you mean?!" Tarquin got straight to the point: "Winona The just arrived at the locatiet term ''t go to the film shoot and agent paid a huge penalty to terminate her contract." "The reason given was that Winona was too ill to continue filming." "But her agent has been found dead overseas." Ridley shot up from the couch, his Tarquing as he stared at in horror, "Winona, sheel she..." "Please, try to stay calm. Winona likely still alive. She''s been held captive, and Zane is the suspect." t belongs to swnt Ridley gasped for breath, his chest rising and falling dramatically. Tarquin didn''t know how to console him, so he chose silence, giving Ridley time to process the shock. His daughter was in trouble! And the suspect was his son-inw! It was a double whammy, and a heavy blow at that! Tarquin knew the Newsom family well, thanks to Elysia. Ridley had only one daughter, Winona, and he was fiercely protective, a real daddy bear. Anyone who dared to mess with his daughter risked facing his wrath! And ever since Winona got together with Zane, Ridley had treated him like a son. In the Newsom Group, Ridley was number one, and Zane was clearly number two! Everyone could see that Ridley had been grooming Zane for bigger things. And now, it seemed he''d been nurturing a traitor! Chapter 1161 After what felt like an eternity, Tarquin finally broke the silence with aforting tone, "You''ve got to take care of yourself first. Winona is counting on you to save her." Ridley sank onto the couch, his face buried in his hands, tears streaming down his cheeks. He sobbed for a moment, then suddenly lifted his hand and pped himself hard across the face, twice. "I''ve failed Winona," he cried out, his voice cracking with sorrow. "I can''t believe I fell for Zane''s lies! I trusted him!" "She''s been in trouble for so long, and I haven''t even looked for her! My poor Winona..." "That bastard Zane! Winona was so good to him, and we, the Newsom family, treated him like one of our own. How could he do something so... so monstrous?" "If he didn''t love Winona anymore, that''s fine, they could have just divorced! No one forced him to love Winona forever!" "When they got married, I even said, if there everes a day when he no longer loves my daughter, I wouldn''t me him. Just return her to me safe and sound!" "How could he... that bastard! I... I''m calling him right now!" Ovee with emotion, Ridley fumbled for his phone, intent on confronting Zane. Tarquin quickly intervened, "We can''t alert him until we find Winona. If he senses we''re onto him, he might do something drastic." The mention of "drastic" stopped Ridley in his tracks, his face turning ashen. He hesitated, then put his phone away, nodding slowly. "Yes, yes, you''re right. We can''t risk tipping him off." Tarquin continued, "I came to you in private because I didn''t want to arouse Zane''s suspicion. If he''s capable of this, he''s likely watching your every move." "I''d wager the Newsom family is crawling with his spies right now." Ridley, seething with anger, struggled to catch his breath. "I trusted him too much! Thank you, Mr. Bradford, for telling me the truth. I need to find a way to save Winona." "I''ve already thought of a n for you." Ridley was taken aback. He had assumed Tarquin''s visit was solely to inform him about Winona. He hadn''t anticipated that he''d already have a n in ce. Ridley was overwhelmed with gratitude. "The Newsom family owes the Bradford family a great debt." Tarquin smiled reassuringly, "No need to thank us. Winona is like family to us. She''s my wife Elysia''s closest friend, as close as sisters. Her troubles are ours." Ridley''s eyes glistened with emotion. "Thank Elysia for us! Knowing her has been a blessing for Winona!" Both he and his wife had always liked Elysia, but they never imagined she was capable of such great influence. She was the only child of the Hawkins family, heir to Hawkins Sea-freight, and the most esteemed woman in their social circles. Born into privilege, married into prestige, she truly was a woman of destiny. Ridley wiped his tears, then eagerly asked, "Mr. Bradford, what''s your n to save Winona?" Tarquinid it out, "There are three ways Winona coulde back to us." "One, she gets lucky and escapes on her own." "Two, we gather clues, piece by piece, to find her location and rescue her." "Three, Zane brings her back himself." "The first option is unrealistic. It''s been over a year, and she hasn''t returned, so she can''t do it alone." "The second option is feasible but slow." "I''m leaning towards the third option, getting Zane to bring her back himself." Compared to searching aimlessly, finding a way to make Zane return her would be much faster! Ridley was puzzled. "But Zane''s already kidnapped Winona. Why would he ever bring her back?" Tarquin gave him a knowing look, hinting at a n yet to be revealed. Chapter 1162 "I''ve got a n, but it might be a bit rough on you." Ridley responded without missing a beat, "No worries, no worries. As long as we can save Winona, I''d give my life for it! Just tell me what to do." Tarquin paused for a moment before speaking again. ... By the time Tarquin got home, it was alreadyte at night. Before he even got out of the car, his phone buzzed with a message. [Tarquin, are you still awake?] He called back immediately, "Talk to me." "We''ve scoped out the Thorne estate. There''s nobody guarding it, but there is a cer." "But the cer''s empty. I''ve sent the pictures to your phone." Tarquin nced down, opening the pictures. The cer looked damp and dark, exactly as Sarah had described, with heavy iron chains clinging to the walls. There was also a stainless steel bowl, crusted with dirt, as if it hadn''t been used in ages. It seemed Winona had indeed been kept at the Thorne estate. But she''d been moved elsewhere since. "Search the cer thoroughly. Look for hair, anything that could be used as evidence. Bring that food bowl back." "Got it!" Tarquin headed upstairs to the bedroom. Elysia was still awake, her eyes full of questions. As soon as he walked in, she asked anxiously, "Any news about Winona?" Seeing her so fragile broke his heart. He gently touched her cheek, speaking softly, "We''ve got leads from the Thorne estate. Winona isn''t there now, but there''s a cer where she might have been held." "I''ve got someone collecting DNA samples. If we find evidence that Winona was kept there, the Thornes won''t be able to deny involvement." "We can use them to trace Winona''s whereabouts and hopefully make them testify against the real culprit." Elysia frowned, "What about the Thornes? What are they saying?" "They''re tight-lipped, just like Sarah. They m up at the mention of Zane." "But they haven''t lost their minds. Don''t worry, I''ve got a way to make them talk." "I visited Winona''s father this evening." Elysia''s eyes widened in surprise, then her brows furrowed in concern. "Ridley must be devastated. He loves Winona so much, and he''s always treated Zane like his own son!" To Ridley Caroline, Winona was his world, with Zane a close second. With his daughter missing and his son-inw a suspect, Ridley''s heart must be in turmoil. Tarquin sighed quietly, "He''s really upset, but don''t worry too much. For Winona''s sake, they''ll hold on." "You need to take care of yourself too. Be strong and healthy for when Winonaes back. We don''t want her worrying about you." Elysia nodded, her voice catching in her throat, "Yeah. Did you tell Ridley about what happened to Winona?" "Not just that. The next part of the n requires Ridley to y a role, so I had to talk to him first." "Ridley needs to y a role?" "Yes." Tarquin exined the n. Elysia listened, surprise and worry etched across her face, "Are you sure this will work? What if Ridley gets put in harm''s way and the bad guys don''t even take the bait? He''s no spring chicken, and he''s got his pride." "It''ll work, trust me." After all, Zane only cares about money and power unless he''s somehow innocent of this whole mess. If he''s involved, he''ll definitely take the bait! Chapter 1163 The next day, the Newsom family found themselves the subject of two explosive news stories. First, it was revealed that Ridley had been unfaithful during his marriage, and even had a secret daughter who was already in her twenties! Second, Ridley nned to give the family heirloom to this daughter in order to acknowledge her as part of the family! With Winona''s celebrity status and ElliotElijah stirring the pot, the news about the Newsom family quickly became a hot topic on social media. Pictures of the secret daughter started circting online, withments like: #Gotta admit, the daughter looks so much like Winona, it''s hard not to believe it!# #Winona''s father cheated? How''s Winona supposed to handle this?!# #This girl must be a schemer, waiting for Winona to be away to im her inheritance!# Then, someone leaked high-resolution photos of the Newsom family heirloom, causing quite a stir. It was an incredibly rare gemstone. Even people with no expertise in gemstones could see it was worth a fortune. It was breathtakingly beautiful! Experts imed its value could surpass the entire Newsom family estate! People rallied around Winona, expressing their outrage: #Has Winona''s father lost his mind? Such a precious thing should be saved for Winona, not an illegitimate daughter!# #If this gemstone goes to the mistress''s daughter, I''ll be the first to boycott the Newsom family!# #Count me in, I''ll boycott too!# Others flooded Winona''s social media, urging her to return home: #Winona, hurry back, your family''s being robbed!# #Winona, it''s your time to shine as the rightfuldy of the house! Come back and take charge!# #Forget career for now, the gold-diggers are at your doorstep!# Even Zane was tagged: #Mr. Livingston, Mr. Newsom''s had an affair! Contact Winona fast, or the Newsom family will be lost!# The online uproar began to affect the Newsom family''s business. By evening, Ridley issued a statement. He admitted the daughter was an unexpected result of his past mistakes. He asked people to me him, not the daughter, as she was innocent and had done nothing wrong. Ridley announced ns to host a gathering to formally introduce her to the family and said that the family''s assets and heirloom would be split between Winona and the daughter. This statement only added fuel to the fire, and Ridley was harshly criticized. His image as a good husband and father was shattered, and he wasbeled a scoundrel. Moreover, his defense of the daughter seemed like defending the mistress, which infuriated people even more. Rumors started swirling: #If Winona goes missing, wouldn''t all the assets go to the daughter?# #If the daughter gets everything, Zane ends up with nothing. That''s too unfair!# #Zane''s done so much for the Newsom family, and Mr. Newsom''s being heartless!# #He isn''t a Newsom, so it''s normal not to get anything. What belongs to Winona is his, but if something happens to her, he''s out of luck.# #Winona''s been out of touch for over a year. What film keeps someone away that long? Could something have happened to her?# #What about that rumored body from two months ago? Was it Winona''s manager? If so, things are getting seriously spooky!# Inside the luxurious Number One Mansion, Elysia was worried about Ridley as she read the news online. "Poor Ridley," she sighed. Ridley and Caroline had been a loving couple for years, much like yton and Pam, so the idea of him cheating seemed absurd. It was all part of Tarquin''s n. Tarquin was using the Newsom family''s assets and the valuable gemstone as bait. This rare gemstone was real but wasn''t actually the Newsom family''s. It was on loan from Keaton, who had recently acquired it from an overseas mine and hadn''t yet made it public. Chapter 1164 He hadn''t even gottenfortable with it yet when Tarquin decided to put it to use. Tarquin was worried that just using the Newsom family''s assets wouldn''t be enough to catch the big fish. He nned to use this exquisite gem to sweeten the bait. Tarquin reassured Elysia, "If we''ve got nothing to hide, then we''ve got nothing to worry about. Once we find Winona, we''ll clear Ridley''s name and restore his honor." "Don''t worry, Mom. Mr. Newsom''s sacrifices and all the trouble he''s going through right now will be counted on Zane''s tab!" Elysia said through gritted teeth. "Once we find Winona, we''ll settle the score with him!" Meanwhile, in an underground office near the border in a no-man''snd, Zane was seated at his desk in a crisp white shirt, eyes glued to hisputer and the Newsom family''s trending news. His handsome eyebrows knitted into a frown, clearly displeased. He scrolled with his mouse and clicked on the picture of the gem. His mind wandered back to the time when he presented a set of dazzling jewelry to Elysia, and she gasped in delight, hands covering her mouth. A hint of warmth flickered in Zane''s eyes. After some hesitation, he made a call, "Is that illegitimate daughter real?" "Not sure yet. We''ve collected samples and sent them to theb. We''ll have the results by tomorrow morning." "Let me know as soon as the resultse in." "Got it." Just as Zane hung up, a foreigner walked in. Upon spotting the gem photo on theputer screen, he eximed in broken English, "Wow! That''s perfect! Is this yours?" Zane narrowed his eyes, saying nothing. "If you made a piece of jewelry out of this, women everywhere would go crazy for it! Beautiful! So beautiful!" A smile crept onto Zane''s face, "Not everyone is worthy of it. In the whole world, only she is." "She? Your dream girl?" Zane chuckled, "My future wife." ... The next morning, Elysia was still in bed when her phone rang. She nced at the caller ID and was instantly wide awake! She quickly sat up, "Tarquin, Zane''s calling!" Tarquin leaned in to look at her phone screen. The words "Zane" shed across it. "Don''t panic. Just do what I taught you and answer it." Elysia took several deep breaths to calm herself, resisting the urge to yell at Zane. Until they found Winona, she had to keep her cool and y along with this jerk! Once she feltposed enough, she picked up the call. "Hey Zane, where are you? Are you with Winona? I''ve been going out of my mind trying to reach you both. You need toe back; something''s happened with the Newsom family!" Zane''s voice came through, raspy and tired, "I only got cell service today. I''ve been out here in the no-man''snd searching for Winona." "Did you find her?" "No, she might be in trouble." Elysia bit her lip, feigning shock, "What are you saying?!" Zane exined, "I heard Winona came out here to film a movie, so I came looking. I searched the no-man''snd for ages, nearly got lost out there, but I couldn''t find her or the crew." "After I got out, the locals told me they hadn''t seen any film crew around." "I didn''t want to take any chances, so I reported it to the police here. They got in touch with Winona''s crew." "They said Winona had terminated her contract ages ago and paid a hefty breach of contract fee." "If she ended her contract, why hasn''t shee home or contacted us for over a year? I''m worried something might''ve happened to her." When Zane finished speaking, there was silence on the other end of the call. He paused for a moment, then called out, "Elysia?" Chapter 1165 Elysia felt a lump in her throat and tears began to spill over, even though she was just putting on a show for Zane. But her tears were genuine. She couldn''t bear to hear anything about something bad happening to Winona! Just the mention made her heart ache! And hearing it from Zane only made it worse. Zane wasn''t surprised to hear her cry; he knew about the bond between Elysia and Winona. It just tugged at his heartstrings a little. "Don''t cry just yet, the police are already looking for her." Elysia choked back a sob and asked, "Winona''s still alive, right?" Zane paused for a moment but quickly replied, "Yes, she''s definitely alive. Winona is the main character, smart and resourceful. She wouldn''t go down easily." He assumed Elysia was just seekingfort from him. Elysia pressed on, "And the police will surely find Winona, right?" "Absolutely! We have faith in them!" Zane reassured. Standing next to Elysia, Tarquin didn''t want her talking much with Zane, whom he considered a scoundrel, so he took the phone from her, taking over the call himself. "Hello, this is Elysia''s husband, Tarquin." Zane''s eyebrows furrowed at the sound of Tarquin''s voice, his expression turning stormy. He collected himself before responding, "Hello, I''m Zane, Elysia''s old ssmate." "I know. You''re Winona''s husband," Tarquin replied coolly. Zane was momentarily speechless. Tarquin continued, his tone measured, "Did you catch the evening news?" "Yeah, I just saw it," Zane admitted. "Don''t you think you should head back? You don''t want to wait until Winona returns to find the Newsom family in shambles. That illegitimate daughter is a force to be reckoned with." Zane was already nning to return, eager to see Elysia. "I''ll be back today," he stated. "Good." Tarquin ended the call promptly. Setting the phone on the bedside table, he hugged Elysia, wiping away her tears. "Don''t cry. His call means he''s taken the bait. That''s good news." Elysia, her eyes still red, asked, "Do you think he''ll bring Winona back with him?" "Whether he does or doesn''t, as long as he returns, we have a lead. We''ll find Winona, don''t worry." With the mastermind under control, finding Winona would be much easier. Once Zane set foot in Jindale City, he wouldn''t be leaving anytime soon! Tarquin''s phone buzzed with a message from Elijah: [Dad, you shoulde over. Zane''s phone has a signal. I just tracked his location!] The little guy, not wanting to disturb Elysia, had sent a text instead of calling. Tarquin, understanding,forted Elysia before heading over to Elijah''s room. Elijah and Elliot were together, both wearing matching pajamas, bouncing with excitement. "Dad, look, Zane''s here!" "I know. He already called your mom. He''ll be back today. Is the surveince on the Newsom estate all set up?" "All set!" Elijah switched the screen disy, showing various locations. "This is Winona and Zane''s vi, this is Mr. Newsom''s residence, and this is Zane''s mother''s ce!" "This is the Newsom familypany, here''s Mr. Newsom''s office, and this is Zane''s office." The screens showed clear, live feeds of each location. "In ces where cameras weren''t feasible, we''ve nted listening devices." Tarquin asked, "Will they be discovered?" If Zane discovered the surveince, he might get suspicious, putting Winona in grave danger of being silenced. Elijah, brimming with confidence, replied, "They won''t find them. I even got Uncle Gregor to help. He set all this up." "Good." With the Patel brothers involved, taking on Zane would be a piece of cake. The in Jindale City was cast, waiting for Zane to walk right into it! By evening, Zane had returned! Elysia received the news while she was keeping Carolinepany at the Newsom family estate. Her eyes locked on her phone, her heart raced, and her entire being felt electrified with adrenaline. Chapter 1166 She was worried that the Newsom family was being watched by Zane, so she didn''t dare to call and ask. Instead, Elysia slipped into the bathroom and sent a quick text to Tarquin. "Has Winonae back yet?" Tarquin replied almost instantly, "No, he came back alone." Elysia felt a pang of disappointment but understood. If Zane had brought Winona back with him, it would have raised suspicions. Zane was smart enough to avoid that. Tarquin sent another message to reassure her, "Don''t worry, he''s back. Winona will be too, soon enough. When you see him, don''t lose your head. I''m on my way to the Newsom family." "Okay!" Elysia took a deep breath, put her phone away, and stepped out of the bathroom to continue keeping Carolinepany. Ridley was out, spending time with a supposed "illegitimate daughter" to make the act convincing. It was all a facade-Tamsin, Baby''s bodyguard, was ying the part. Emmett had even given her a makeover to resemble Winona. Before Zane''s return, a DNA test had been faked to show that Tamsin and Ridley were father and daughter. Tarquin had tampered with the results. Elliot and Evan were also at the Newsom family house, acting as Elysia''s little bodyguards. They hade with her. More than half an hourter, Zane arrived. Even though Elysia had mentally prepared herself, seeing Zane made her seethe with anger. She wanted to storm over and p him hard, grab him by the cor, and demand answers. Where had he hidden Winona? Why was he treating her so cruelly? The Newsom family and Winona had been nothing but kind to him. How could he do something so despicable? Did he even have a heart? Elliot, noticing the cold glint in his eyes when he looked at Zane, quietly tugged on Elysia''s hand to calm her down, signaling her to stay collected. They had to y their parts for now. Once Winona was safe, they could deal with Zane. Elysia took her son''s cue, inhaling deeply and turning her gaze away from Zane. Out of sight, out of mind-or at least, out of rage. Zane walked in wearing a dark gray tracksuit and a ck backpack, his clothes and shoes dusted with dirt. He looked like he''d been through a long journey- exhausted, dejected, and utterly worn out. The moment he saw Elysia, he noticed her anger. He didn''t realize it was hatred; he assumed she was mad at him for failing to take care of Winona. Caroline, upon seeing Zane, was overwhelmed with emotion. "You... you..." With a dull thud, Zane dropped to his knees in front of Caroline. "I''m sorry, Mom. I failed to take care of Winona. I failed to meet your expectations. I''ve let down both you and Dad." Caroline burst into tears, her sobs filled with anguish. The perpetrator who harmed her daughter was right there, performing for her, and she had to restrain herself from exposing him or demanding answers about her daughter''s whereabouts. Elysia empathized with Caroline''s turmoil, her own heart aching. "Caroline." Zane remained on his knees, his focus solely on Elysia. "I''m sorry. I was ipetent and couldn''t bring her back." Elysia gritted her teeth and red at Zane. She knew she had to keep up the act, but she couldn''t bring herself to utter the words "I don''t me you." Watching his expression of remorse only fueled her anger. She stormed over to him, and with a swift movement, pped him hard across the face-twice. The room fell silent. Everyone was stunned. Zane was utterly shocked. Chapter 1167 Elysia stood beside Zane, her voice trembling with anger as she bit out her words. "When you and Winona got together, you stood right in front of everyone and dered you''d take care of her, that if anything ever happened to Winona, we''d hold you ountable!" "And now, Winona''s been missing for over a year, and you just realized it?!" "Today you text me saying that you were deceived all this time too, huh!" "You im to love her so much, yet you couldn''t even tell if the woman on the other side of the camera was your own wife?!" "How exactly do you love her, huh?" Zane faced Elysia''s wrath, his expression filled with guilt and pain. "I''m sorry." Elysia''s voice rose to a near shout, "I don''t want to hear your apologies. I just want to know how you loved her! Speak up!" "You jerk! Give us Winona back! You should never have been with her in the first ce!" "Winona loved you so dearly, she treated you so well!" "Such a wonderful person Winona was, sob... You jerk! Zane, you''re not even human! Sob..." Elysia''s anger boiled over, and she broke down into tears. Her sorrow was palpable, and Zane felt a pang of regret, just as he was about to reach out to console her. Suddenly, a forceful blow sent him sprawling backwards! Zane staggered,nding hard on the ground with a groan of pain. Tarquin stepped in, shielding Elysia, shooting Zane a look that could kill! Zane''s brows knitted in frustration! But when Tarquin turned back to Elysia, his demeanor shifted entirely, his gaze soft andforting. "Don''t cry, sweetheart. I''m here now." Elysia buried her face in his chest, sobbing harder, "He''s not even human, sob..." Tarquin echoed, "Right, Zane''s not even human!" "He''s a jerk, sob..." "Right, Zane''s a jerk!" "He''s a total scumbag, sob..." "Right, Zane''s a total scumbag!" Zane: "..." Just then, Zane''s mother, Prisci, arrived, having heard her son was back. Seeing Zane on the ground, she rushed over with a gasp, "Oh my goodness, why are you sitting on the floor? What happened to your face? Who hit you?!" Elysia red at the older woman with reddened eyes! She had done her homework and knew this woman was aware of Zane and Sarah''s little secret! Not only did she not oppose their actions, but she also helped keep it hidden from Winona! She treated Sarah far better than she ever treated Winona! Despite Winona''s kindness, this woman spread vicious rumors about her! Rumors that Winona was infertile and unfaithful were all her doing! Prisci pointed usingly at Caroline, shouting, "Was it you who hit him? What gives you the right to hit my son? What does your daughter going missing have to do with him?!" "I haven''t even called you out on the real issue-maybe your daughter ran off with some other guy?!" "Always dressing up like a floozy, flirting with every man she sees, shameless!" "I''m telling you, if your daughter dares to make a fool of my son, she''ll never set foot in the Livingston family again! We''ll cut her loose!" Zane, eyes wide, got up and yelled at Caroline, "Mom! What nonsense are you spewing?!" The older woman was like a wildcat, "Am I wrong? She''s been gone this long, it''s obvious she''s run off with some other man! For all we know, she could have a love child by now!" "You..." Zane was so infuriated he couldn''t even form words. Prisci was a blunt force; she''d moved to the city from the countryside only after Zane and Winona got together. With her improved living conditions, she thought herself a queen bee! Not able to control Winona, her daughter-inw, she resorted to nder! "I''m sorry, Mom, I''m sorry, Elysia, my mom she..." Zane was still apologizing when Caroline suddenly lost it, shrieking and charging forward. Chapter 1168 Caroline had grabbed a fistful of Prisci''s hair, and they were tangled up on the floor in a full-blown brawl. Zane stood frozen for a moment before rushing in to break it up. The two little ones, witnessing the chaos, hurried over too. Earlier, Elysia had pped Zane twice and given him a good talking-to, venting some of her pent-up frustration. Seeing her cry so bitterly tugged at the heartstrings of the little ones. Now was their chance to even the score! In the midst of the chaos, Evan''s boots came down hard on Zane''s toes, almost crushing them! Prisci''s ankle got twisted, and she howled in pain, sitting on the floor in tears. Elysia, helping Caroline to the couch, turned to Zane with fury in her eyes, "Zane, your mother is just too much!" Zane, flustered, scrambled to apologize, "I''m sorry, it''s all because they disagreed about having a baby. That''s why she said those things. I promise I''ll have a stern word with her when we get back!" Elysia ignored him and turned her gaze to Prisci, "I was the one who hit your son. If you''re angry, take it out on me. Caroline had nothing to do with it!" "You? How dare you-" "Mom, enough! Do you want to drive me to my grave?!" Seeing Zane genuinely angry made Prisci fall silent. "Elysia, my mom, she " "You don''t need to exin, Zane. You know how much Winona means to me. If anything happens to her, I''ll hold a grudge against you forever!" Zane looked troubled but didn''t argue. He figured Elysia''s anger was because, as Winona''s husband, he was responsible. "Don''t worry," he vowed, "I''ll do whatever it takes to find Winona and bring her back!" With that, Zane knelt in front of Caroline, offering a deep apology, then left with Prisci. Inside, everyone was still seething, but Zane''s final promise was like a balm to their souls. Outside, as soon as they got into the car, Zane exploded, "Who told you to go to the Newsom family and cause a scene?!" "I... I saw online that the Newsom family fortune was going to that illegitimate girl. There was nothing left for you." "So, I figured, why not just cut the ties? No point in being nice if we''re not getting anything. And you could finally ditch Winona and find someone new-a decent girl. I can''t stand that Winona!" "She''s always unting herself, and she won''t even give you a child! Isn''t that what women are for? If she won''t have kids, what''s the point of keeping her around? Divorce her already!" Zane was furious, "Divorce? Do you think this is the Middle Ages?!" "Stay out of my business with Winona! Don''t you dare go to the Newsom family again without my permission!" "And you''d better think about how to apologize to the Newsom family! If you don''t, I''ll cut off your allowance and send you back to the countryside!" After giving Prisci a piece of his mind, Zane closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of the chaos around him. Everything was a mess, nothing was going as nned! He''d thought that Caroline and Elysia wouldn''t know about his connection to Winona''s situation. He figured they''d see him as a pir of support. After all, with Winona gone, he was the only one who could stand against the illegitimate daughter for the family fortune! But instead... Elysia had pped him, and her eyes were filled with disappointment! His mother had insulted Winona in front of her, making things even worse! The image of Elysia crying in Tarquin''s arms made his heart ache! Zane clenched his jaw, his face twisted in rage. So what if Tarquin was the richest man around? So what if he had all the power? He still couldn''t find Winona! Only Zane could fulfill Elysia''s wish. Only he could help her find Winona. With Winona under his control, he was sure Elysia would have no choice but to rely on him. As a n formed in his mind, a sly, calcting look crossed Zane''s face... Chapter 1169 That evening, Elysia brought Caroline back to Number One Mansion. Caroline only had one daughter, Winona, and now that Winona was in trouble, Ridley was too busy ying house with that "illegitimate daughter" to be there for her. Elysia couldn''t bear the thought of Caroline being alone in that house under Zane''s watchful eye. Bringing her to Number One Mansion meant she hadpany and could speak freely without the fear of being overheard. As soon as they got home, Elysia reassured her, "Caroline, you don''t have to worry about Zane spying on you here. In my house, you can say whatever you want, and he won''t be able to hear a thing." Tears welled up in Caroline''s eyes, "Thank you, Elysia. Thank you so much." "Please, there''s no need to thank me. Winona is like a sister to me, and her family is my family. Consider this ce your home, truly." Caroline, overwhelmed with emotion, hugged Elysia tightly, sobbing, "I regret it so much. I should never have let Winona marry that beast Zane!" "If I''d known how cruel he was, I would never have let him into the Newsom family! I''m so regretful, so regretful...¡± Finally, she could let out all the words she had been holding inside. Elysia understood her pain, holding Caroline like a daughterforting her mother, gently patting her back. Elysia was determined to help Caroline because Winona had always been so good to her. Once Caroline had let it all out, Elysia said, "Good things happen to good people, and bad things catch up with bad ones. It may take time, but justice will be served." "Winona is a good person, and she wille back safe. Zane is not, and his time wille." Elliot and Evan quickly joined in tofort Caroline as well, "Mrs. Newsom, don''t cry. Winona will definitelye back." "Please take care of yourself, Mrs. Newsom. You need to stay healthy and strong for Winona''s return." Caroline looked at the two youngsters fondly, ¡°Such good kids, really good kids!" "Mrs. Newsom, let us take you to meet our grandma and the little ones. They''ll be so d to see you." "Alright, let''s go." Elliot and Evan each took one of Caroline''s hands and led her toward the main house. Elysia and Tarquin followed closely behind. Elysia''s eyes were red from holding back tears. Caroline''s sadness had touched her deeply. Tarquin took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "Blossom is almost in Jindale City," Tarquin informed her. "I''ve arranged for someone to pick her up and bring her straight here. She''ll stay with us for the time being." Blossom had been frantic with worry after hearing about Winona and had immediately booked a flight back. She was due to arrive tonight. Knowing how close the two women were, Tarquin had asked Heath to prepare a guest room for her. With both Caroline and Blossom staying here, Elysia could be with them, talk, and find somefort in theirpany. "Thank you, Tarquin," Elysia said, truly grateful. Winona''s troubles had nothing to do with him, yet he was going out of his way to help, all because of her. Tarquin yfully pinched her cheek, not missing a beat, "I''ll remember this ''thank you'' and collect on itter." He gave her a meaningful look, then took her hand and led her towards the main house. Elysia was left a bit speechless but followed along. An hourter, Blossom arrived. As soon as she saw Elysia and Caroline, tears started to flow. "I can''t believe he''d hurt Winona! He put on such a good act! And to think I used to praise him for treating her well! He''s worse than scum!" "Caroline, please don''t be sad. Once we get Winona back, Elysia and I will make sure he pays!" Caroline hugged Blossom, both of them crying, while Elysia sat beside them, joining in their tears. It was as if the two daughters wereforting their mother. Chapter 1170 Pam and the little ones were all tearing up. Winona was the kind of woman everyone admired: smart, brave, and fiercely protective. Back in college, she was always the one standing up for Blossom and Elysia whenever they needed it. And now, she was in trouble. The worst part? The perpetrator was none other than her husband, Zane! Blossom and Elysia were a storm of emotions, torn between anger and desperation, itching to confront Zane and make him pay for what he did. The air in the room was thick with tension, but at least they didn''t have to hold back here. This was a space where they could speak freely, curse Zane''s name as much as they wanted, without having to bottle up their feelings. That evening, Elysia and Blossom stayed with Caroline and Pam in the living room, chatting to keep their minds off the situation. Meanwhile, Tarquin and Elliot Elijah headed upstairs to the study. On theputer screen was footage of Zane under surveince. At the moment, he was with Ridley. Elijah noted, "After he dropped his mom off, he went straight to Mr. Newsom to apologize and offerfort. He even inquired about the situation with the illegitimate daughter. Mr. Newsom was moreposed than Mrs. Newsom and said he''d discuss it further once Winona returns. He didn''t criticize Zane, only showed concern for Winona." Tarquin watched the screen closely as Zane spoke to Ridley, "Winona''s family means everything to her. She''ll be surprised by a new sister, but for your sake, she''lle around. And, as for Mom being upset, that''s understandable. When Winona''s back, she''ll talk to her." "As for Winona," Zane continued, "don''t worry too much. We trust the police, and we trust that Winona will be back." Ridley, knowing Zane was the culprit, couldn''t contradict him and simply bowed his head, silently crying. Zaneforted him a bit longer, saying, "Dad, I''m heading to the station to check for any news about Winona." "Alright, if you hear anything, you must tell me immediately." "Of course, take care of yourself." After leaving Ridley, Zane went straight to the police station. No matter who he was with, or even when he was alone, he looked the part of the worried husband, seemingly consumed with concern for Winona. Tarquin had a realization: Zane was able to deceive everyone because he was an outstanding actor. Anyone who didn''t know his true nature would think he was a good man through and through. Later that night, as they were getting ready for bed, Elysia turned to Tarquin, "I want to invite Zane over tomorrow." "Hmm?" Tarquin was surprised. Elysia mumbled her n quietly, and the more Tarquin listened, the moreplex his expression became. When she finished exining, he didn''t immediately respond, just watched her with furrowed brows. Elysia added, "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing. He won''t suspect a thing." Tarquin was fully aware of her expertise, but some things were so vile he didn''t want her to have to deal with them. He was afraid she would be disgusted by what she might uncover. Unable to read his thoughts, Elysia pressed on, "I don''t want to wait any longer. Every day we don''t find Winona is another day we''re on edge, ying this charade with Zane. Who knows how long until he reveals where Winona is?! Plus, what if he''s not even interested in the Newsom family''s assets or that precious heirloom?" Tarquin sighed, pulling Elysia closer, "Alright, we''ll do it your way." He knew Zane was definitely interested in the Newsom family''s assets and the heirloom. If he weren''t, he wouldn''t havee back at all. Chapter 1172 "Good riddance!" Prisci muttered under her breath, ring at the empty doorway where her daughter-inw had just exited. "Can''t cook, can''t clean, no grandkids... what''s the point of having her around?" She shook her head in exasperation. "No mother-inw in the world would be happy with that!" Prisci reluctantly stepped out of the car, watching as Zane drove off towards the Beacon Hill Mansion. He hadn''t even reached the entrance when he was stopped in his tracks. Zane tried exining for what felt like an eternity, "I''m Elysia''s college buddy, she invited me over," but the guard wasn''t having any of it. Frustrated, he dialed Elysia''s number, only to have Tarquin answer, "Who are you?" "I''m Elysia''s friend from college, Zane," Zane replied, his annoyance mounting. "Who?" Tarquin repeated, feigning ignorance. "Elysia''s college buddy, Zane!" he reiterated, his patience wearing thin. Tarquin cut the call abruptly, leaving Zane fuming, fists clenched on the steering wheel. He was sure Tarquin was doing it on purpose. "Just you wait, Tarquin," he muttered to himself, "one day I''ll tell you straight to your face-I''m Elysia''s husband!" Why Tarquin held such a grudge against him was beyond Zane. After all, his feelings for Elysia were a well-kept secret, even from Elysia herself. Perhaps it was just Zane''s good looks that made Tarquin feel threatened. After calming himself, Zane tried calling again. Tarquin answered once more, with the same dismissive, "Who are you?" This time, Zane carefully contained his irritation. "Zane, Winona''s husband." Tarquin hung up again, but momentster, the security waved Zane through, signaling he could proceed. Barely managing to keep his frustration in check, Zane started the car and headed toward the mansion. A quick nce at his GPS made him frown; he was still ten minutes away, despite thinking he was much closer. He knew someone of Tarquin''s stature would have an extensive security perimeter, but this was ridiculous. Zane was well aware that from the moment he entered the perimeter, every move he made was being watched. The path ahead was likely dotted with sharpshooters, a veritable fortress. No one in their right mind would try to force their way in. The disparity in power between him and Tarquin was ringly obvious, and Zane''s mood soured even further. Finally, Zane arrived at the Beacon Hill Mansion. Inside the living room, Elysia, Tarquin, Elliot, Evan, Elijah, Blossom, and Caroline were all waiting for him. Due to Pam''s delicate condition and Baby and Emmett''s timid nature, they had been sent out to avoid any potential altercations. As Zane walked into the room, a sense of foreboding washed over him. His instincts were proven right when, out of nowhere, a phone was hurled in his direction. He barely dodged it before Blossom came charging at him, tears streaming down her face. "Zane, you jerk!" she yelled, fists flying. "You promised us you''d take care of Winona! It''s been over a year and you only just found out she was in trouble!" "How could you say you loved her?" Blossom sobbed,nding a punch. "You let her down, and you let us down!" Taking a cue from Elysia''s words the day before, Blossom continued to pummel Zane. He couldn''t fight back in front of Elysia, so he tried to defend himself, but before he could react, Elliot and Evan had grabbed his arms. "Mr. Zane, don''t move," one of them said, holding tight. "Let Blossom blow off some steam. She''ll feel better after she gives you a good whacking." Zane could only stand there, speechless. Chapter 1173 Until Blossom wore herself out, Elysia stepped in to break things up. "Alright, Blossom, it''s not entirely his fault." Elysia pulled Blossom away, and the two kids let go of Zane. Zane was left with a bloody nose and scratches all over his face. Blossom might have been just an ordinary woman, but she was still an adult and packed a punch. Plus, Evan had taught her a couple of moves before Zane showed up. Zane gingerly touched his face, wincing at the pain. He was furious, but he had to keep it under wraps. There was no way he could retaliate against Blossom in front of Elysia. Elysia helped Blossom sit down and gently wiped away her tears and the blood on her hands. Then she turned to Zane with feigned concern. "Are you okay? Do you need a doctor to take a look?" Hearing Elysia''s concern lifted Zane''s spirits a bit. Just as he was about to respond, Tarquin chimed in with a mocking tone. "If a few scratches from a girl get you down, that''s hardly manly." Zane gritted his teeth but told Elysia, "I''m fine, don''t worry." "Take a seat," Elysia invited him. She got up to fetch a first aid kit, "Let me clean up those cuts on your face." Zane was taken aback, but the dark cloud over his heart lifted instantly. He smiled warmly, "Sure." Tarquin pursed his lips, his expression dark. If it weren''t for Elysia''s n, he''d never let her treat Zane personally. Elysia opened the first aid kit, suppressing the urge to stab Zane with a knife, and picked up some alcohol and cotton swabs to clean his wounds. As soon as the swab touched Zane''s cut, he hissed in pain and flinched away. Elysia had spiked the alcohol-it stung a lot! "Can you handle it?" she asked. Zane, unwilling to show weakness, nodded, "I can!" But soon, cold sweat broke out all over him from the pain. "Elysia, Elysia, Elysia..." she said softly, looking into Zane''s eyes. Everyone in the room knew Elysia was attempting to hypnotize Zane, and they watched tensely, barely breathing for fear of disrupting her and causing the attempt to fail. Tarquin''s brow furrowed, his concern for Elysia evident. She had confided in himst night that she nned to hypnotize Zane to delve into his subconscious and find where Winona was being held. He had hesitated because Zane''s feelings for Elysia were something he had kept from her, afraid she''d be disgusted if she found out. Time seemed to drag on until Elysia suddenly gasped in horror, her body going rigid with shock. The room held its collective breath, anxious yet unwilling to interrupt. "Ugh-" Elysia bolted to the bathroom, retching. Everyone hurried after her. Elysia was hunched over the sink, throwing up her breakfast. Tarquin stood by, gently rubbing her back, trying tofort her. Elliot quickly filled a cup with water, ready for her to rinse her mouth. Elysia''s distress was palpable, and the group crowded the bathroom door, their faces etched with worry. Once she was done, they anxiously asked, "What happened?" Elysia''s eyebrows knitted together, struggling to find the words. She hadn''t expected this, hadn''t expected that Zane actually liked her. His subconscious was filled with thoughts of her-he''d even imagined their wedding! She was thoroughly repulsed. No wonder Zane treated Winona the way he did; he didn''t really care for her at all! Chapter 1174 Zane had a thing for her, but when it came to money, he opted for Winona. He was using Winona as a stepping stone, nning toe back to her once he was well-off. This kind of behavior was the epitome of a scoundrel, a downright disgrace to love! It was absolutely infuriating! Elysia swallowed her disgust and reassured everyone, "I''m alright, but he''s hidden Winona well. Even hypnosis didn''t reveal her exact location, though we have some leads." "We need to deal with him first, so he doesn''t catch on and harm Winona." Once he was gone, they could dive into details. Everyone nodded in agreement, "Yeah, yeah." When Zane snapped back to reality, Elysia was still tending to his wounds, which were stinging something fierce. Zane felt something was off, a gnawing unease. It was like he had just cked out! Elysia asked nonchntly, "What''s up? Still hurts?" Zane frowned, ncing at the wall clock. Only a few minutes had passed. It was impossible for anyone to have pulled a fast one on him in that short time. It must just be the pain! "Nah, it''s just a bit sore, but I can handle it." Elysia remarked, "Blossom''s nails are long, she might''ve pressed too hard." Blossom yed along, "Sorry, Zane. Seeing you just reminded me of Winona, and I got flustered." Zane was seething inside, but maintained aposed demeanor, "I''m to me, not you guys." Once Elysia finished patching him up, the group resumed discussing Winona and the illegitimate child. Time slipped by, and when Zane next nced at the clock, it was already after eleven in the morning. He hadn''t noticed Evan had discreetly set the clock back to the right time. The hypnosis hadsted much longer than just a few minutes. As soon as Zane left, Tarquin whisked Elysia upstairs. In the bedroom, he pulled her into his arms, his voice low as he asked, "Did you find out?" Elysia felt the nausea return, "Did you know all along?" "Yeah, I didn''t tell you because I knew it''d make you sick." "It''s pretty nauseating! How''d you know?" "Keaton found out. Zane''s been harboring a crush, kept it under wraps. No one else could dig it up." Keaton''s reputation as the ''Love Guru'' wasn''t for nothing; he had a knack for unearthing matters of the heart. Being the object of Zane''s affection left Elysia feeling pretty grossed out! She had a lot she wanted to rant about but felt too weary to do so. "Let''s not dwell on that mess, tell me about Winona." "Zane''s a sly one, he''s hidden Winona well. I couldn''t pinpoint her location, but I discovered some odd spots. Let me sketch them out for you." "Alright." Elysia grabbed a notepad and started sketching for Tarquin. Just then, Tarquin''s phone buzzed. It was Lowell calling. "Tarquin, we''ve found evidence in the Thorne family basement confirming Winona was indeed there." Tarquin''s sharp eyes narrowed. Over the past few days, he pondered a question. If ke was really an aplice, why hadn''t Zane silenced him by now? He had the clout to spring the Thorne family from jail, so surely he could also ensure their demise behind bars. Not killing them wasn''t out of mercy. It could only mean the Thorne family had something on Zane, something he feared. "Got it, set it up. I need to see ke!" Chapter 1175 In the dimly lit room of the county jail, ke''s heart skipped a beat the moment heid eyes on Tarquin. "Mr. Bradford," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. Tarquin stood there, his expression as unreadable as a poker yer''s. ke fidgeted nervously before taking a seat opposite Tarquin. Breaking the silence with a calm demeanor, Tarquin inquired, "You know about Elysia''s background, right?" ke nodded furiously, eager to please. "Yes, yes, she''s... she''s the daughter of the richest family in Oceanopolis!" Just thinking about Elysia''s pedigree made ke feel like someone was twisting a knife in his gut. If only he''d known she was such high society, he would have treated her like royalty, for sure. Imagine the Hawkins family showing up for a family reunion¡ªhe''d be rolling in dough! Instead, fate handed the Thorne family a priceless gem, and what did they do? Treated her like a stray cat, tormenting her on the daily. Now he had zilch to show for it and was constantly on edge, dreading the day yton might storm into the prison to settle the score. Tarquin, eyes gleaming with a hint of mockery, saw right through ke''s anxiety. "Don''t worry about the Hawkins familying after you. You''ll never get the chance to meet them." ke blinked, bewildered. "Huh?" Tarquin cut to the chase, "I''ve got questions for you. Answer honestly, and I''ll get your family out of here, send you all abroad." "But if you don''t cooperate, well, let''s just say, your time''s up." ke''s eyes widened in panic. "What... what do you want to know?" "Where''s Winona?" At the mention of Winona''s name, ke''s face turned an ashen shade. "What do you know?" he blurted out. "I''m asking the questions here." ke''s breath came in quick, shallow gasps, and his eyes darted around the room. "I... I don''t know anything." Without another word, Tarquin turned to leave. ke, desperation creeping into his voice, called after him, "You''re not gonna ask anymore?" Tarquin''s voice was cold as the winter wind. "If you don''t want to talk, I won''t force you. Just be ready to say your goodbyes today." ke was on the verge of tears. How was this not being forced? Knowing Tarquin could back up his threat, ke quickly relented. "Wait! I''ll talk, I''ll talk. I was involved in the whole Winona thing, but I swear I don''t know where she is now!" "About a year ago, someone reached out to me, offered me half a million bucks to use Elysia''s whereabouts to kidnap Winona." "After we nabbed her, we stashed her in my basement." "But then some people showed up and took her away." "As for where they took her, I honestly have no clue!" Tarquin''s brow furrowed. "Use Elysia''s whereabouts?" "Yeah, the guy said Winona was really protective of Elysia. Mention her, and Winona would take the bait." Tarquin''s expression darkened. "Was this person Zane?" ke''s lips twitched, and he nodded, "Yeah. At first, I didn''t know it was him, but then this woman showed up at my ce to see Winona and dropped Zane''s name." "She told Winona all of this was Zane''s doing and even tortured Winona in the basement for hours." "I recorded the whole thing on the sly." Tarquin asked, "Zane hasn''t killed you to cover it up because of this video?" "Yeah, I told Zane that if anything happened to us, the video would go public." "Where''s the video?" "I... I buried a copy under the oak tree in my yard, and a friend of mine has another copy." Tarquin pulled out his phone, showing ke a picture of Sarah. "Is this the woman?" "Yes, yes, that''s her! She''s got something going on with Zane." Tarquin sent a quick text to Lowell, instructing him to dig up the Thorne family yard for the video. Returning his focus to ke, Tarquin asked, "Who took Winona from your ce?" "I didn''t recognize them. They seemed like traffickers. The lead guy had an eye patch. I heard someone call him ''One-Eyed Jack."" Chapter 1176 "I don''t know much else, Mr. Bradford. You''re the big shot here, and you have to keep your word, please! Just get the three of us out of the country as fast as you can!" Staying here was no longer an option. With a Tarquin, a yton, and a Zane lurking around, danger was everywhere! ke was itching to fly overseas right away. Tarquin gave him a knowing look. "I always keep my promises. After the dust settles, I''ll arrange for you all to leave." Letting them rot in a jail cell was too easy! Just like Gideon Bradford, they''d be better suited for life abroad! Tarquin nned to hand them over to yton first; then yton would find them a nice "retirement n." The Thorne family had tormented Elysia for twenty years; it was time they spent the rest of their lives paying for it! ke, clueless about Tarquin''s real intentions, thought going abroad meant living the high life and was over the moon about it. After meeting ke, Tarquin had a private word with Juliet and her daughter. Juliet and her daughter weren''t privy to much. All they knew was that ke had once kidnapped Winona and even built a basement to keep her hidden. After meeting with the family, Tarquin reached out to his contacts in the police department. He was trying to track down the one-eyed man. Tarquin had a n to have Zane bring Winona back, but judging by Zane''s current attitude, that route seemed rocky. He decided to keep his options open, hoping to trace the breadcrumbs back to Winona sooner rather thanter. His friend in the police department warned him, "Why are you tangled up with this guy? The one-eyed man is a wanted criminal, with strong ties to Burmalia." "He smuggles people over there, making anywhere from ten to thirty grand per person." "And that''s just the going rate. If you''re worth more, he earns even more!" "The police have been after him for ages, but he''s still atrge." Tarquin requested a photo of the one-eyed man and showed it to ke. ke nodded vigorously. "That''s him!" After leaving the prison, Tarquin was deep in thought. Winona had stayed with the Thorne family for just over a month before the one-eyed man took her. Her current whereabouts, whether still in the country or in Burmalia, remained uncertain. If she was in Burmalia, things were grim. Burmalia was notorious as a living hell; once you were in, getting out was nearly impossible! Suddenly, Tarquin''s phone buzzed. It was Elliot calling. The little guy sounded anxious, "Dad, where are you?" "What''s up?" "Zane called Mom. He says he has news about Winona and wants to meet her alone!" Tarquin''s expression darkened. "I''ll be right home." As soon as Tarquin walked through the door, Elysia rushed to him. "I have to meet with Zane!" Tarquin was skeptical. "What exactly did he say?" "He just mentioned he had information about Winona and preferred to discuss it in person." "Did he specify what kind of information?" "Nope!" "Did you tell him toe here?" "I did, but he insisted it was a matter of Winona''s safety and had to anyone else but me." Coter He wouldn''t t Tarquin frowned. Was Zane using Winona as bait to meet Elysia? What was he scheming?! Elysia was on edge, "Tarquin, I need to hear him out! I have to find out what he knows!" Tarquin pondered for a moment, "Take Evan with you." Evan could double as a bodyguard without arousing Zane''s suspicion. Elliot quickly chimed in, "I''ming too. Evan and I will go with Mom." Elysia hesitated for a second, "Alright, I''ll call Zane back." Zane didn''t see the five-year-old Elliot and ¨¦van as a threat and agreed to meet Elysia at a caf¨¦. nt belongs to swnow Chapter 1177 At four in the afternoon, Elysia walked into the coffee shop with Elliot and Evan in tow. Zane had been waiting for a while. He was dressed in cks and a white shirt, looking a bit worn out yet still managing to exude a sunny, boy-next-door charm. Zane had that bookish, honest-guy look. His features were sharp and dignified, the kind that made you think, "Wow, he''s got it all together!" Anyone who didn''t know him would never guess that beneath his handsome and genteel exteriory a heart as ck as coal. Elysia clenched her fist discreetly, marching straight toward him. Elliot and Evan followed closely, purposefully beaming at Zane as he greeted him with exaggerated enthusiasm, "Hello, Mr. Zane!" Seeing the face that looked so much like Tarquin''s sent a shiver down Zane''s spine. He had no intention of ying father to Tarquin''s kids. Once he and Elysia were together, they''d have children of their own. As for Tarquin''s kids, he''d make sure they were out of the picture. In Zane''s eyes, he was the only one worthy of Elysia bearing children for. No other man deserved it. Feigning warmth, Zane raised his hand to tousle Elliot and Evan''s hair, "Hey there." Elysia sat down across from Zane, and told Elliot and Evan, "I need to talk to Mr. Zane, why don''t you go y in the kids'' area? I''ll call you when we''re done." "Okay!" Elliot and Evan chirruped, dashing off toward the y area in the corner. Quite the little actor. Elysia exined, "These two just wouldn''t stay home, so I had to bring them along." "I totally get it. Kids that age are all about their moms." Elysia cut to the chase, "Any news about Winona?" Zane frowned slightly, releasing a gentle sigh. "Winona''s been kidnapped. The kidnappers reached out today demanding money. They threatened to sell her off to Burmalia if I don''t pay Worse, they said if they couldn''t sett her, they''d kill her." Elysia''s eyes widened, "Did you... did you call the cops?" "No, they warned me they''re watching every move I make. If I go to the police, they''ll kill her immediately." "Isn''t contacting me risky?" "No. What they fear is the police. As long as we don''t involve them, they won''t do anything drastic. Money is their endgame." Zane at Elysia with a falsely you SO have some peace of mind." you Elysia frowned deeply, "How can you be sure they really have Winona?" Zane pulled out his phone, locating a video and handing it to Elysia, "They sen s after calling.!!!to Winona in the video. Take a look." Elysia took Zane''s phone hurriedly. With just one nce, she covered her mouth, tears springing to her eyes. In the video, a young, pretty woman was shackled, wearing filthy clothes, curled up in a corner. When someone called her name, she looked at the camera, terrified! But she quickly covered her head with her hands, trembling. Her arms were covered in scars, evidence of abuse. Even though Winona''s face only appeared for a few seconds, Elysia recognized her instantly! It was Winona! What had happened to their Winona?! Elysia felt a deep ache in her heart. Zane handed her a tissue, "Don''t be upset. At least she''s alive. We still have a chance to see her again." Elysia ignored the tissue, instead standing abruptly and heading for the restroom. She feared she might lose control, might tear Zane''s deceitful mask right off his face! Zane got up to follow her, and Elliot and Evan quickly trailed behind. Meanwhile, Tarquin was glued to Elijah''sputer screen, watching all of this unfold, his brow furrowed in intense concentration. Chapter 1178 Elysia was in a tough spot again. After what felt like an eternity, she emerged from the bathroom, her eyes puffy and red. "Mommy!" "I''m okay, really. Don''t worry about me. You guys go and y," she reassured Elliot and Evan, sending them off before returning to her booth to continue the conversation with Zane. "It''s definitely Winona in the video this time, no doubt about it," Elysia confirmed, her voice shaky. "Yeah, I saw it too. But don''t lose hope just yet. Things could be worse-she''s still alive, even if she''s suffering," Zane replied, trying to offer somefort. Elysia took a deep, shaky breath, "If we don''t call the cops, how do we get Winona out?" "Here''s what I''m thinking: for her safety, we hold off on calling the authorities. We do what the kidnappers say for now. Once we have Winona safe, then we go to the police." Elysia nodded in agreement, "Right. Winona''s safetyes first. So, what are their demands?" "They want money, and they want the Newsom family heirloom." "How much money are we talking about?" Elysia asked. "A billion!" Zane dered. Her eyes widened, "How much?!" "A billion dors. U.S. dors." Elysia was stunned into silence. Tarquin and the kids heard the figure loud and clear, and they all frowned in unison. Even with their wealth, a billion dors was an astronomical sum. Zane was clearly trying to exploit the situation, using Winona as leverage to extort money from Tarquin. Ridley probably couldn''te up with that kind of cash, but Tarquin could. Zane was aiming to squeeze Tarquin for the billion dors and snag Ridley''s heirloom jewels while he was at it. His n was as cunning as it was bold. Zane continued, "Dad''s fond of Winona, so to save her, he''d probably be willing to part withel family''s treasure. But with he with a billion in cash? That g "Even if I liquidated everything Winona and I own, plus the Newsom family''s assets, it wouldn''t be enough. The only one who might manage is Mr. Bradford." "But who knows if he''s willing to help Winona out of this mess." Elysia wasn''t naive. She knew Zane was trying to rope Tarquin into his scheme. Inside, she fumed, but outwardly she remainedposed. "I''ll talk to him about it. If paying the ransom gets Winona back, that''s great. But I''m worried something might go wrong in the process," she said. "It won''t," Zane assured her. "These kidnappers want money, not trouble. If we pay up and they still harm her, they know we''ll hunt them down. It''s not in their interest." Elysia nodded, "Makes sense. I don''t know if Tarquin can pull together that much cash on short notice. I''ll have to ask." "One more thing," Zane added, "I''m worried Mr. Bradford might call the cops if he finds out. It''s best if we keep him in the dark for now." Elysia hesitated, "And how am I supposed to get the money without telling him?" "If he truly loves you, he''d give you anything-no questions asked, not even a billion dors," Zane said, trying to sound convincing. Elysia was taken aback. So, if she asked Tarquin for a billion dors and he dared to ask why, it meant he didn''t love her? What a maniptive jerk! She cursed Zane inwardly, but outwardly she nodded, "I understand. I won''t tell him the whole story yet." "Good. Let''s stay in touch." With that, Elysia parted ways with Zane and took Elliot and Evan back to Number One Mansion. As soon as they got in the car, Evan piped up, "We heard everything. He just wants Dad''s money!" Elysia frowned, "I know." Elliot sat quietly, his little face serious and thoughtful. It seemed like the situation might be moreplicated than just money. Chapter 1179 Back at Number One Mansion, Elysia immediately threw herself into Tarquin''s arms, tears streaming down her face. "I saw Winona, Tarquin! I''m a hundred percent sure it was her in the video!" "I know, I saw it too. It''s a good thing, it means she''s alive." "But she had bruises, and the terror in her eyes... She''s definitely been through hell." Tarquin held her tight, whispering words offort. "We''re getting closer to her, Elysia. I promise you, the day we rescue her isn''t far off." Elysia wiped her tears away, "Zane''s trying to use Winona to extort money from you!" "I''ve got money, and I''m ready to give it to him if needed. Don''t worry about that." Elysia immediately protested, "That''s our family''s money! Why should he get any of it? I''m trying to think of a way to get Winona back without handing him a dime." Tarquin spoke softly, "Leave the rescue to me. I''ll figure something out." Elysia sighed, feeling a bit out of her depth. Her mind ran a mile a minute, but she couldn''t think of a foolproof n. The only thing she coulde up with was trying to hypnotize Zane, but it didn''t yield the results she hoped for. They still didn''t know Winona''s exact location. "I''m heading to the study to finish sketching those suspicious locations from Zane''s subconscious." She had only managed to draw part of them before Zane called and asked to meet up. "Alright, you go on ahead." Elysia left for the study, while Tarquin headed over to Elliot''s room. Evan and Elijah were there too, all three kids glued to the surveince feed, watching Zane''s every move. After parting ways with Elysia, Zane went to see Ridley, supposedly about some family heirloom. Tarquin approached them, "What do you make of this situation?" Elliot chimed in, "I feel like there''s more to it. Besides wanting money, I think Zane has another agenda." Elijah nodded in agreement, "I have the same feeling. Zane is cunning. If he''s meeting with Mom, it''s not just about the money." Tarquin furrowed his brow, deep in thought. A whileter, Elysia called for Tarquin to join her in the study. She had sketched out several significant locations from Zane''s subconscious. There were eight in total. Elysia pointed out, "These ces must I some importance to het if they surfaced in his SUS." "This one is the library at Jindale University." That''s where she first met Zane. Elysia frowned, continuing, "This looks like an old farmhouse, probably where Zane grew up." "The rest, can''t pinpoint. There''s little bet just a window, with nothing has on. Look, this one has desert outside." "And this one, it''s a windowless, pitch-ck house, like a cage." "Then there''s this, which looks like an office, with a long corridor outside." "Eight ces, six are gloomy, only two are bright- the library and this one." "Thisst ce is surrounded by the sea eree sides, with DCE behind. It seems like a ce Zane ams of living." Tarquin, Elliot, and Elijah studied each sketch with serious expressions. Just as they were deep in thought, Elysia''s phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number. Elliot was cautious and signaled to Elijah, who quickly retreated to his room to tap into the call. Elysia answered, "Hello?" "Miss Elysia, we have Winona. If you call the cops, she''s dead!" "And we don''t want your husband meddling either. If he tries anything, she''s dead!" "Get a billion dors ready and meet up with Zane. He''ll bring you to Winona!" Chapter 1180 "Remember, only you can take the money out! If there''s anyone else with you, we won''t hesitate to harm your friend!" "Ms. Thorne, for your friend''s safety, you''d better be smart. We''re watching you!" The line went dead as the kidnappers hung up. Elysia was still in shock when her phone rang again. It was Zane. "Elysia, did the kidnappers contact you?" he asked urgently. "They just hung up. What''s going on?" she replied, trying to steady her voice. Zane exined, "They found out about our meeting this afternoon. They''re worried you''ll call the cops or tell Mr. Bradford, so they''re warning you." "They know Mr. Bradford is not someone to mess with and they''re afraid of his involvement." Elysia took a deep breath, trying to keep herposure. "They want me to meet up with you." "Yeah, I''m on my way to the Newsom family to collect the family heirloom. Once I have it, I''lle pick you up." "Where are we going?" she asked. "I have no idea. They didn''t say. They just mentioned they''re watching our every move, and if we don''tply, they''ll harm your friend." Elysia was at a loss for words, while Tarquin, Elliot, and Elijah looked grim. They suspected Zane was up to more than just a simple ransom. Zane intended to take Elysia with him! He was manipting the situation, using the kidnappers as a cover. He wanted to leave Jindale City with Elysia, a billion dors, and the precious gemstone! From Zane''s perspective, Elysia was unaware that Winona was in his clutches or how he truly felt about her. So, Elysia would trust him! And given her close bond with Winona, she''d do anything for her! She wouldn''t risk Winona''s life by involving the police or letting Tarquin investigate. Tarquin''s expression was dark and stormy. Someone dared to target his wife? Oh, they were in for it! Just then, Tarquin''s phone buzzed with a call from Ridley. "Hello, Ridley," Tarquin answered. Ridley''s voice was fraught with urgency. Mr. Bradford, what do we do? The kidnappers just called me, demanding I hand over the family heirloom to Zane!" "Zane called too, saying the kidnappers instructed him to collect it. He''ll be here in half an hour." Tarquin frowned. "I''m aware. Don''t worry. I''ll arrange for the gem to be delivered to you. When Zane arrives, give it to him." "Wait, give it to him?!" Ridley was taken aback. He knew the gem was priceless! Though it wasn''t from his family, its value was undeniable! Rumor had it online that the gem was worth more than the entire Newsom family estate! "Don''t stress," Tarquin assured him. "Consider the gem on my tab. Even if it''s lost, you won''t be held ountable." "I..." Ridley was both touched and guilt-ridden. He felt bad for letting Tarquin shoulder so much. "Just wait for Zane at home and keep up the act. I have a n for Winona, so don''t worry." "Alright, alright." After ending the call, Tarquin immediately contacted Keaton, cutting straight to the chase. "Send your gemstone to the Newsom family right away." Keaton was taken aback. "What?!" "If anything goes wrong, I''ll take responsibility." Keaton protested, "It''s not just about the the fuey! This is the only one in and I cherish it. It''s for my wife." "Stop arguing and do it! If Winona gets hurt because of that gem, and it makes Elysia upset, I won''t forgive you!" "Look, I get you need to smooth things over with your wife, but don''t throw your buddy under the bus! I''m a person too, you know! I" Us! I''m went dead as Tarquin hung up. Keaton was left speechless. line Chapter 1181 After making several phone calls, Tarquin returned to Elysia, trying to calm her down. "Don''t worry, Zane won''t get away, and Winona won''t be silenced. I''ve got it all under control." Elysia had just hung up from a call with Zane, looking visibly anxious. "What should I do now? Should I take the money and find Zane?" she asked. "No need," Tarquin replied. "Wait for him to call you. Then you can meet him at the hospital." Elysia was puzzled. "The hospital?" "Yes, Elliot, Evan, you two will apany your mom to the hospital. Elijah, you contact your great-uncle..." Tarquin finished giving instructions just as Zane''s call came through. Zane''s voice was heavy. "Elysia, I''m stuck for now." Elysia nced at Tarquin instinctively, and he gave her a reassuring nod. She steadied herself and asked, "What happened to you?" "I''m injured, heading to the hospital now." "What? How did that happen?" she asked, surprised. "I was just leaving the Newsom family when one of Winona''s male fans stopped me. He thought I wasn''t taking good care of Winona and attacked me with a knife." Elysia bit her lip, secretly apuding the fan''s actions. "Which hospital are you at? I''lle over." "Benevolent Hospital." "Got it. I''m on my way." After hanging up, Elysia quickly asked Tarquin, "Was that fan your doing?" "Yeah, setting up a fan to attack him won''t make him suspicious," Tarquin said with a smirk. If Zane nned to run off with Elysia and billions of dors, breaking his leg would ensure he couldn''t go anywhere! Elysia gave Tarquin a mental high-five for his n. Brilliant! Following Tarquin''s instructions, Elysia took Elliot and Evan to the hospital. Meanwhile, Tarquin made another call to Keaton, who wasmenting over his lost precious stones. As soon as the call connected, Keaton started griping, "You abandon your friends for your wife, Tarquin. I''m telling you, I''m really upset..." "Zane''s watching me. I can''t move freely. I need you to do something for me," Tarquin interrupted. "Where to?" Keaton asked, slightly resigned. "Go rescue Winona. I''ll send you the location. Wait for my signal before you act." Keaton sighed internally. Sacrificing his gems and now sending him on a dangerous mission? Tarquin was using his friends to fix his marital woes. Nevertheless, Keaton got up and started getting dressed. At the hospital, Zaney on a bed with an IV drip. His leg had been treated, but he was clearly in difort. Elysia nced at his injured leg, her mood lifting slightly. She walked over to the bed, feigning concern. "How could you be so careless?" she asked. Zane''s expression was grim. "A man suddenly copsed in front of my car. I thought he was sick. As soon as I got out, he revealed it was a ruse, and he stabbed my ankle." "Is it serious? What did the doctor say?" Elysia inquired, trying to mask her satisfaction. "The knife went right through the ankle. It''s going to take a while to heal." Elysia thought to herself, Well done! She frowned and asked, "What about Winona? What are we going to do?" "Is the money ready?" Zane asked. "Tarquin is working on it. He promised it would be ready today, but... maybe Tarquin and I could help rescue Winona?" Zane shook his head firmly. "Absolutely not. The kidnappers know Mr. Bradford is not someone to mess with. They specifically warned against involving him, or they''ll harm her." Elliot chimed in, "But my dad is the best! If he helps, he can definitely rescue Winona." Chapter 1182 Evan chimed in, his little voice full of conviction, "My dad''s the best in the whole world. Only he can save Winona. He should totally sneak in and help out." Elysia nodded thoughtfully. "What about letting Tarquin give it a shot?" "You''re stuck here with that leg injury, and you can''t leave the hospital anytime soon. As long as Winona''s with those kidnappers, I can''t rx," she exined. "Besides, the kids might have a point. Tarquin''s got skills. If anyone can rescue Winona, it''s him." Zane wasn''t thrilled to hear this. In fact, he was downright displeased. He wanted to tell Elysia that he was the one and only person capable of saving Winona. Depending on Tarquin was useless! Winona was under his control, and there was no way Tarquin could find her. Taking a deep breath, Zane said, "For Winona''s safety, it''s best if Mr. Bradford stays out of this. Trust me, Elysia, I''ll get her back. You can count on me!" "But you''re hurt! How are you going to pull it off?" Elliot asked, his face the picture of innocence. Evan furrowed his little brow and added, "Mom''s been so worried about Winona she''s barely eating or sleeping. If we wait for your leg to heal, she might end up getting sick." Zane was at a loss for words. He nced over at Elysia, noticing the exhaustion etched on her face. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "The kidnappers are only in contact with me. I''ll keep negotiating and find a way to bring Winona back as soon as possible." Elysia nodded, "Alright, I''ll head home to sort out the money situation. If they get in touch again, call me. Winona''s safety has to be our top priority." "Got it." Elysia left with Elliot and Evan. At the door, Evan looked up at her and insisted, "Mommy, I still think you should ask Daddy for help. He''s way better than this Mr. Zane guy!" Zane clenched his jaw as they walked out, leaving him in a stormy silence. Once they were gone, his expression turned cold and calcting. He picked up his phone and made a call, "The n''s changed. I''ll be bringing her back soon." "What''s up? Did you get the money and the jewels?" "The cash isn''t ready yet. I''ve got another n. Show her my photos and videos again..." At the same time, over at Number One Mansion, Tarquin was glued to theputer screen, watching Elijah''s tiny fingers dance across the keyboard. Suddenly, Elijah''s eyes lit up. "I''ve tracked it down. It''s exactly where Dad said it would be!" Tarquin exhaled, relieved, and called Keaton. "Get ready. We''re moving in." "Is she definitely in there?" Keaton asked. "Yeah! Just be careful. We have to make sure Winona stays safe." After getting the lead from ke about the one-eyed man, Tarquin had been on the hunt ever since. Once they tracked down the one-eyed guy, they managed to pinpoint the location. But Tarquin wasn''t taking any chances; he had Elliot and Evan rile up Zane on purpose. Knowing Zane''s personality, he''d be rattled and would contact his aplices. Sure enough... Using Zane''s phone signal, Elijah traced the location, corroborating the intel Tarquin had already gathered. It was a perfect match. Winona had to be there. "Don''t underestimate them. Zane''s got ties to some shady folks, so the ones guarding Winona won''t be pushovers." "Got it. See youter!" As night fell, the tension in the air was palpable... Chapter 1183 At ten o''clock at night, Tarquin''s phone buzzed with urgency. It was Keaton calling! Everyone in the room turned their eyes to Tarquin, their hearts pounding in anticipation. Tarquin answered, "How did it go?" "We got her out, but she''s not quite herself. Seems like she''s been through a lot." "Get her to the hospital right away! Benjamin Lawson is waiting there, I''ve made all the arrangements." "Alright, see you at the hospital!¡± Ending the call, Tarquin turned to Elysia, "Winona''s safe!" Elysia''s eyes welled up with tears, and she let out a shaky breath, her body trembling with relief. "To the hospital! Hurry!" When the group arrived at the hospital, Benjamin had justpleted a thorough examination of Winona. Winona was curled up in the corner of the hospital room, looking scared and vulnerable. A young, pretty nurse was gently trying to calm her down. Caroline was the first to burst into the room. Seeing her daughter, her heart shattered. "Winona!" At the sound of her mother''s voice, Winona''s head snapped up, her eyes wide with disbelief as she looked at Caroline. Even in her current state, with her frail and weary appearance, Winona''s striking beauty was evident. Her allure was different from Elysia''s gentle and graceful charm; Winona had amanding presence, the kind of leadingdy you''d find in a bestselling romance novel, with features so sharp they seemed to demand respect. Caroline rushed over and enveloped her in a hug. "Winona! My baby girl, oh thank God we found you! You''ve been through so much, oh my darling..." Winona''s recognition of Caroline brought tears to her eyes, "Mom-" That one word, "Mom," was enough to bring Caroline and everyone else around to tears. Keaton watched her intently, a mix of emotions ying across his face. He let out a long, silent breath and stepped out of the room. Tarquin joined him in the hallway, "What happened to your face?" "She scratched me." "Huh?" "When I went to rescue her, she thought I was the bad guy. She wed at me until I told her Elysia sent me. Well, she''s been through a lot, so I''ll let it slide." Keaton muttered to himself, "Of all ces to scratch, why the face? How am I supposed to find a girlfriend now?" Tarquin chuckled, "Once Winona''s better, have her help you out. She''s a star, after all. She knows plenty of beautiful people." "Good point. She owes me at least ten introductions to make up for this!" Tarquin rolled his eyes yfully. Keaton nced around, lowering his voice, "You have to admit, Zane''s something else. Marries into wealth and still isn''t satisfied, almost tears the whole family apart!" "Thank goodness Winona''s Elysia''s best friend. Otherwise, if Winona had died, her parents wouldn''t havested long either. The Newsom family would have be the Livingston family." "Luck wasn''t on his side when he ran into you. With anyone else, this would''ve been much harder to handle." "Do we have any evidence to tie Zane to Winona''s kidnapping?" Keaton asked, his voice serious. Tarquin''s voice was calm, "No direct evidence for that, but we''ve got bigger fish to fry. He''s been involved with Burmalia, trafficking people,undering money." "A real wolf in sheep''s clothing! What''s your next move?" Tarquin was about to respond when Zane appeared, rushing towards them with a limp, leaning heavily on a crutch as he stumbled out of the elevator. Tarquin and Keaton''s eyes narrowed in unison, taking in the sight. Zane froze when he saw them, a flicker of malice crossing his face for just a moment. Winona being rescued was a twist he never sawing. Chapter 1184 Though he hadn''t pieced the whole puzzle together yet, there was no doubt in his mind that Tarquin had something to do with it! The reason he dared to show up was because he knew there wasn''t a shred of evidence linking him to Winona''s troubles. Keaton squinted his eyes, a mischievous glint in them, as he greeted him, "Mr. Livingston, stop daydreaming and get in there to see your wife. It''s embarrassing not to be able to take care of your own spouse!" Zane furrowed his brow slightly but entered the hospital room. Inside, Elysia and Blossom were earnestly trying to jog Winona''s memory. "Winona, it''s me, Blossom! Do you really not remember me and Elysia?!" Winona looked at them cautiously, her brow furrowed in concentration. Zane wasn''t surprised in the least; he''d long since realized that Winona had forgotten many things and people. Apart from her parents and himself, she remembered no one. Zane''s eyes welled up with emotion, "Winona!" Everyone turned to look at him in unison. The moment Winona saw him, she became visibly agitated, "Zane! Cheating! Boo hoo... cheating, cheating..." Zane froze, shocked to his core! He had confirmed time and again that Winona had forgotten the reason behind theirst argument. So why did she remember him cheating? Elysia''s heart skipped a beat-did Winona know about Zane''s indiscretion? Tarquin and Keaton exchanged surprised nces as well. Winona wasn''t supposed to know. If she did, Zane wouldn''t have been so eager to bring her back! The room was eerily silent, save for Winona''s sobs... Suddenly, Winona ran over and clung to Zane, "Dad... he... he cheated during the marriage, boo hoo hoo..." Everyone: "?!" So Winona was talking about Ridley? Not Zane? Relief washed over Zane, his heart finally at ease. He held Winona tightly, guiding her through the confusion, "Last year, when you suddenly quit the show, was it because you found out Dad cheated?" Winona nodded vigorously, "Yes! I had just signed with the cast when I found out. I was furious, too upset to act! How could he do such a thing? He betrayed Mom!" With Zane, Winona seemed more herself. Zane, trying to maintain a grave demeanor, eyes red from unshed tears, "You silly girl. Why didn''t you tell me? We could''ve confronted Dad together." "I didn''t want to. I felt so ashamed." "But I''m not a stranger, silly. You scared Mom and me half to death! I''m just d you''re back. You''re safe now." Winona nestled against him, tears flowing freely. Elysia watched the seemingly loving couple and then turned her gaze toward Tarquin. The news about the affair had been Tarquin''stest maneuver; how could Winona have known about it a year ago? Was she pretending? Did she actually know everything? If she did, why hadn''t she used Zane when he first walked in? Why pretend not to recognize her and Blossom? Elysia couldn''t wrap her head around it and looked to Tarquin for answers. Tarquin gave her a reassuring look, signaling her to stay calm. Ridley rushed in, looking distraught, and Winona''s emotions red up, "...I don''t want to see you! Go away! Leave!" Ridley''s eyes were filled with tears, "Winona, it''s me, your father!" "Leave, I don''t want to see you!" Winona shouted, burying her face in Zane''s chest, refusing to spare Ridley another nce. It was clear that her animosity towards Ridley was real and intense. It seemed like she truly believed the affair was the cause of all her troubles. Tarquin and Keaton escorted Ridley out, and Elysia followed with a frown. Winona''s outburst about Ridley''s affair didn''t add up. Chapter 1185 Outside the hospital room, Elysia whispered, "You guys have figured it out, right? Ridley didn''t actually cheat, so why would Winona break her contract over him? Is Winona just acting, or has Zane brainwashed her?" Tarquin replied, "Doesn''t seem like brainwashing. When Winona used Ridley of cheating, Zane looked genuinely surprised. If he had brainwashed her, he wouldn''t have been so thrown off." "You mean Winona''s faking it?" Elysia asked. "That''s right," Tarquin nodded. "Then why didn''t she juste clean when she was safe before Zane showed up?" Keaton chimed in, "Because of that pretty nurse in the room." "Huh?" Elysia was taken aback. Keaton narrowed his eyes with a knowing grin, "That nurse is one of Zane''s people. There''s definitely something going on between them, and I bet Winona knows it too. With her there, Winona probably didn''t dare to be honest." Elysia was even more shocked, "How do you know?" "The way they looked at each other was practically sparking. I''ve got an eye for these things." Elysia was speechless. Keaton was confident, "If you don''t believe me, ask Tarquin to dig into it. I''d bet my bottom dor they''re having an affair!" Elysia frowned; she wasn''t interested in Zane''s messy love life. What she really wanted was to get to the bottom of Winona''s situation. Tarquin, sensing her thoughts, suggested, "If you want to know what''s really going on, you should ask Winona directly." "And how am I supposed to do that? Zane''s here now, and he''s not leaving her side." "That''s easy," Tarquin smirked. "You distract him, and I''ll send someone to get the scoop." The night deepened, and before they knew it, it was past two in the morning. Zane suggested everyone head home to rest, insisting he would stay and look after Winona. Tarquin and Keaton took Elliot and Evan downstairs first. Ridley and Caroline were reluctant to leave, but Elysia gave them a subtle nod, and Blossom gently led them away. Zane turned to Elysia, "You should head home too. It''ste. Come back to see Winona tomorrow." Elysia nced at Winona resting on the bed, her brow furrowed. "Zane,e here. I have something to ask you." Zane hesitated. He didn''t want to leave Winona''s side-not because he cared, but because he needed to keep watch. She''d just returned, and he couldn''t risk any surprises. Seeing him hesitate, Elysia pressed, "What''s the matter?" After a moment''s pause, Zane followed her, "Nothing." They didn''t stray far, remaining within sight of the room''s entrance. Zane wanted to ensure he could see if anyone entered the room. Evan, taking an unconventional route, climbed through a window into the room. "Shh¡ª" The little guy gestured for silence as soon as hended, aiming it at Winona. Evan was the perfect choice for this covert mission; nimble and quick, a window climb was child''s y. Plus, Winona would recognize him as Elysia''s son, someone she could trust. And if she truly had amnesia, even if Zane caught him, Evan could y it off as sneaking in to surprise Blossom. Zane never paid much attention to the kids; after all, they were just children. Winona was startled to see Evan, sitting up quickly and eyeing him warily. Evan hurried over to her, "Winona, don''t be scared. My mom''s got Zane out of the way! We''ve taken care of the cameras, so he won''t know I''m here." "Here, look at this. Mom wrote it." "Mom wants to know, are you really suffering from amnesia, or is there another reason you''re pretending?" Winona quickly took the note, recognizing Elysia''s handwriting instantly. Her eyes welled up, and she nced toward the door. Lowering her voice, she said, "Tell your mom, it''s all Zane''s doing. That bastard! I caught him cheating and wanted a divorce, so he set me up!" Chapter 1186 Evan looked surprised, "Wow, you already know all this, Mom? Well, Blossom''s definitely awake now." "I''m wide awake! I just couldn''t let on because Zane''s probably got cameras in the room, and that nurse is totally on his side!" Before Winona had her ident, she had started suspecting Zane was up to something shady, so she hired a private investigator to dig up the dirt on him. The results were shocking! Not only did she discover Zane''s affair with Sarah, but also a whole string of other women he was involved with! Zane was cheating during their marriage and scheming to take over the Newsom family! After being rescued today, she hid in a corner, trembling. Even when she saw her mom and Elysia, she didn''t dare tell the truth because of that nurse! She knew full well the nurse was in Zane''s pocket! She was terrified that after all her effort to escape, she''d end up locked away by Zane again! Zane had wronged her and the Newsom family, and she was determined to get revenge! So, she faked partial amnesia, swallowing her pride to make Zane drop his guard. Her n was to survive first, then gather evidence to strike back! Today, she intentionally mentioned her father''s infidelity to nudge Elysia into sensing something was off. Thankfully, Elysia caught on! Evan noticed Winona''s tears and gently wiped them away. "Don''t cry, Winona. Don''t worry, we''ll help Blossom get her revenge! Dad says the time isn''t right yet, but once it is, we''ll nab that scoundrel Zane and make things right for Blossom!" Winona''s heart ached as she hugged Evan tightly, crying quietly. "Evan, that nurse ising over. You need to go," Elijah''s voice suddenly came through Evan''s earpiece. Evan wasted no time and quickly said to Winona, "Winona, I have to leave now. The bad woman ising." Winona hastily wiped her tears, "Go on, tell your mom not to worry about me. I haven''t lost my memory or anything." "Okay, Blossom, see youter." "Yeah, be careful." As Evan was about to climb out the window, Winona remembered she was on a high floor, "Evan, you..." "Don''t worry, Blossom, I can fly." Evan disappeared, and Winona rushed the window in fright, on the little guy had leaped into the empty hospital room next door. She let out a sigh of relief, amazed at his bravery. "Ms. Newsom, what are you doing by the window?" came the nurse''s voice from behind. Winona''s eyes narrowed as she steeled herself, grabbing a vase from the windowsill and hurling it at the nurse''s head. The vase struck the nurse, leaving a bloody gash on her forehead. The nurse shrieked, clutching her head in panic, "Ah, ah¡ª" Winona, with her hair disheveled and still in her hospital gown, held a vel menacing expression as she advanced towards the nurs Realizing the danger, the woman tried to flee. But Winona grabbed her hair and tossed her back into the room! Standing over the nurse, she mercilessly pped her several times beforeunching into a flurry lunches and kicks! Scumbag men deserve punishment, and so do the women who enable them! What kind of man with any decency cheats on his wife? And what kind of woman gets involved with a married man?! Not one of them was worth a dime! Fate hadn''t ended Winona for a reason-it was giving her a chance to get even! She wouldn''t let any of them off the hook! "Help, help, somebody help..." the woman cried out in terror. Hearing the screams, Zane rushed towards the room, with Elysia following close behind. As they burst into the room, they were taken aback by the sight, "!" Winona was straddling the nurse, who was now a battered mess, her face bruised and bleeding. Seeing Zane, the nurse tried to speak, but Winona let out a wail, rushing over to Zane and clinging to him. "Darling, help me, this horrible woman tried to hurt me!" Chapter 1187 Even Zane was baffled, and Elysia was just as confused. "What on earth happened here?" she wondered aloud, looking at the scene unfolding before her. The nurse was on the verge of tears, her eyes shimmering with emotion as she faced Zane. "I didn''t mean any harm," she protested, her voice quivering. "I saw her daydreaming by the window and just asked if she was okay. Next thing I know, she''s throwing a vase at me!" With a sniffle, she continued, "She pulled my hair, hit me, kicked me... I didn''t even fight back!" Winona, however, was in full meltdown mode. "She''s a viin! She tried to push me out of the window! Honey, do something! She wanted to kill me!" Her voice was high-pitched and urgent. The nurse shook her head vigorously, "I didn''t! I swear I didn''t!" "You did! You did! You want me gone!" Winona shot back, her voice rising with each word. The back-and-forth continued until Winona turned to Zane with an ultimatum. "Honey, who do you believe? Me or her?" Zane hesitated, leaving Winona feeling more distraught. "You don''t love me anymore!" she sobbed, pushing him away to cry in the corner, hugging her knees tightly. Elysia gave Zane a stern look. "Winona''s been through a lot. She''s bound to be fragile. She needsforting." Caught off guard and eager to exin himself, Zane was cut off as Elysia moved to console Winona. Frustrated, Zane turned to the nurse, who was still looking for some sort of validation. "I really didn''t mean any harm!" she insisted. Zane sighed, offering her a tight-lipped smile. "She''s been through a lot. Maybe she''s paranoid. Go get your wounds looked at. We''ll cover your medical expenses and offer somepensation." Shooting him a sympathetic, if reluctant, look, the nurse limped away, leaving Zane to deal with the fallout. Zane approached Winona, hoping to calm her down-and maybe appease Elysia in the process. "Winona, I believe you. How could I not? The nurse is gone now, and I''m here to protect you." Winona looked up, her expression softening as she fell into his arms, still sniffling. Just then, Tarquin arrived with Elliot and Evan in tow, a knowing look on his face. "What happened here?" Elysia turned to him, silently seeking reassurance. Tarquin nodded subtly, signaling alt was under control. Elysia''s eyes lit up briefly, a glimmer of hope crossing her face. Winona vel: acting! She shot a furtive nce at Winona, trying to contain her relief. Winona, however, stayed hidden in Zane''s embrace, murmuring, "Honey, I''m tired. I want to rest." "Of course. Let''s get you to bed," Zane agreed. He turned to Elysia. "You guys should head home. I''ll stay here with her." Elysia hesitated, but it was clear Winona wanted her to leave. Evan, ever the little diplomat, tugged at her hand. "Mom, don''t worry. Mr. Zane will take good care of Winona." The little guy gave Elysia a reassuring nod. Elysia exhaled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Are you sure you can handle this?" "Absolutely. I won''t leave her side. I''ll take care of her, protect her." "Alright then," Elysia said, nodding. "Just be patient with her. She''s been through a lot. She needs kindness." "I understand. You go get some rest," Zane assured her. With onest look at Winona, Elysia reluctantly turned and left the room. As soon as they were out, Evan piped up,. ¡°Mom, don''t worry. Dad''s got security all over the ce. aven left White here. There''s no way that jerk Zane can hurt Winona! ln¨¦t Evan had taken extra precautions; even the scarred tough guy was sticking around. If Zane dared hurt his Blossom, the big guy was ready to step in! Chapter 1188 "Break his hand if he dares toy a finger on her!" "Break his leg if he dares to step out of line!" Elliot chimed in, "Zane''s no fool. Now that Winona''s back, he''ll y the role of the perfect husband. He wouldn''t dare harm her." Tarquin spoke softly, "Don''t worry, I''ve got everything under control. If you want to protect Winona, no one willy a finger on her." Elysia felt a wave of relief wash over her. She ruffled Elliot and Evan''s hair and then reached out to take Tarquin''s hand, feeling a surge of gratitude. Before leaving the hospital, Elysia checked in with the doctor about Winona''s test results. Some would only be avable the next day, but from what they currently had, Winona''s overall health was surprisingly good. There were scars, yes, but no internal injuries. The only concern was her stomach issues, which were quite severe, but manageable over time. It was remarkable that Winona still had the strength to fight, given the psychological turmoil she had endured. On the drive home, Elysia asked Tarquin, "Where did you guys find Winona?" Since Winona''s rescue, Elysia''s focus had been solely on her, and she hadn''t had the chance to ask until now. Tarquin frowned slightly, understanding the anger this news would incite, and gently sped her hand in his. "At a woman named Lyra''s ce." "Lyra?" Elysia''s eyes widened. "Winona''s old assistant?" "Yeah, she''s turned into a con artist, involved in human trafficking with some overseas rings. She scouts for pretty girls here, lures them with various pretexts and sends them off to some ce like Burmalia for profit." "She''s got a modeling school as a cover to find targets and keep suspicions at bay. Her private vi was actually a hub for her trafficking operations. After Winona was moved from the Thorne family, she was kept in Lyra''s basement." Elysia''s brows furrowed in anger. She didn''t know Lyra well but remembered her. Back in college, Winona had started acting and Lyra was her first assistant. Despite her poor background, Lyra was pretty, hardworking, and an excellent talker. Winona had seen potential in her and offered a sry double the market rate after her internship, hoping to give Lyra a chance and help with her financial struggles. But it turned out Lyra was untrustworthy, sneaking around and stealing makeup, jewelry, and other items from the set and fellow actresses. Winona had no tolerance for dishonesty and prophet fired her, albeit with dignity, never revealing the real reasons to the public. But Lyra didn''t take it well. Instead, she started spreading malicious rumors about Winona, using her of wild nightlife and even cruelty to animals. Elysia remembered a particrly shocking photo of a mangled stray cat that Lyra imed Winona had killed, sparking an online uproar. Initially, Winona ignored her, but as the rumors escted, she sued Lyra, who subsequently vanished from Winona''s life. Elysia asked, "And she''s involved with Zane?" "Yeah, she was one of Zane''s flings," Tarquin replied. Chapter 1189 Elysia was fuming. "They''re all a bunch of lowlifes! Where is she now?" "She''s been taken into police custody." Elysia clenched her teeth and pressed further, "Why did she keep Winona locked up instead of sending her to Burmalia?" "Winona''s a special case. She''s a big-time celebrity, and moving her across borders isn''t as easy as with an ordinary girl. Plus, she got lucky. A major yer from Burmalia took a fancy to her and offered a fortune. That''s what kept her safe from those scumbags." Elysia felt a mix of anger and relief. Thank goodness it hadn''t gone further. With Winona''s personality, revenge wouldn''t be enough for her to live on afterward. "Is Zane involved with this trafficking ring too?" "He''s even more deeply involved. Lyra is just small-timepared to him." Elysia was taken aback. "What?!" Tarquin exined, "Zane is the head honcho of this criminalwork. He''s in direct contact with the top dogs in Burmalia." Elysia''s breath quickened. She knew Zane was a jerk, but she never imagined he was this dangerous! And to be mixed up with Burmalia, of all ces! It''s known as a hellhole, synonymous with danger, evil, and darkness. Tarquin tried to soothe her, "Don''t worry. Winona is safe now. I can ensure her safety and keep Zane in check. We''re holding off on him for now to give Winona a chance to get her own back." Zane had put her through hell, and Winona would definitely want revenge. Just tossing him in jail for human trafficking wouldn''t cut it for her. Elysia nodded in agreement. "She deserves to give him hell! Do we have any evidence to prove Zane had Winona under lock and key?" "Nothing concrete yet." ke had mentioned a video, but Tarquin had seen it too, and it only implicated Sarah. It wasn''t enough to nail Zane. Sarah''s involvement could be a weak link; Zane probably hadn''t wiped out the Thorne family to keep her from being exposed. If she was outed, it would inevitably lead back to him. "Don''t worry, Zane won''t escape justice! With Winona safe, it''s Zane who should be scared now, not you. You can rest easy." Evan turned and reassured her, "Mom, don''t worry. We''ll make sure Winona gets her revenge." Elysia let out a long breath, nodding. "Yeah!" Meanwhile, at the hospital... A psychologist was conducting a mental evaluation on Winona. As soon as Elysia and Tarquin left, Zane swooped in with another psychologist from a different hospital. He was anxious about Winona''s condition and wanted a second opinion. The psychologist spent quite some time talking with Winona before pulling Zane aside. "Her situation is pretty bleak. She''s suffering from severe psychological trauma and is convinced people are out to get her. Her state is unpredictable; she swings between paranoia and coherence. If she''s well cared for, she might recover. If not, she could deteriorate and bepletely unhinged." Zane whispered, "Could she be faking it?" The psychologist shook his head firmly. "There''s no chance of that." Zane exhaled a quiet sigh of relief. "..." What he didn''t know was that Tarquin had already put things in motion. No matter how many psychologists Zane brought in, they''d alle to the same conclusion: Winona was deeply paranoid. If Winona wanted to y this game, Tarquin was more than happy to help create the perfect conditions for her, courtesy of Elysia, until she decided to drop the act. After dismissing the psychologist, Zaneposed himself and entered the room. For him, Winona being out of her mind was a blessing in disguise. The crazier she got, the less she''d remember, and the safer he would be. Chapter 1190 However- As soon as Zane stepped into the hospital room, something hit him hard on the head! A forceful blow struck the back of his skull, making him feel like his head was about to split open. Grimacing in pain, Zane spun around to see what had happened. Winona stood there, clutching a ceramic figurine, peering at him from behind the door with wide, wary eyes. Rubbing the back of his head, Zane asked with a twisted expression, "Winona, what was that for? Why''d you hit me?" Winona blinked, still half-dazed. "Zane? Oh my goodness, I thought you were a burr or something! Are you okay, honey?" She rushed over, dropping the figurine, whichnded squarely on Zane''s foot with a thud that might as well have been a sledgehammer''s strike. Zane winced, hopping on one foot in agony. Winona gasped, "Oh no, Zane, are you alright? Doctor, doctor..." "I''m fine, don''t shout!" Zane grimaced through clenched teeth. Tears welled up in Winona''s eyes. "I''m so sorry, honey. I didn''t mean to hurt you. Did I hurt you bad?" Zane took a deep breath, trying to swallow his irritation. "It''s okay, really. Don''t worry. No tears, alright?" Despite the throbbing pain, Zane managed to coax Winona back to bed, gently soothing her until she seemed to drift off to sleep. Hey beside her, careful not to disturb her, knowing he had a mountain of issues waiting once she was asleep. Winona had just been brought back, and he still had no idea what the situation was out there. Winona nestled against him, her breathing steady and calm. Zane waited patiently, thinking she was finally asleep. Just as he started to ease his arm away Winona''s eyes snapped open! She stared intently at Zane, her expression unreadable. Zane froze, and before he could react, Winona kicked him right off the bed! In an instant, she leaped from the bed,nding squarely on his stomach! "Oof..." Zane groaned as the wind was knocked out of him, feeling like his gut might burst. Clutching his stomach, Zane curled up, trying to protect himself from further assault. Winona''s eyes shed with a cold glint as she zeroed in on his injured ankle. She began kicking it mercilessly, each blow more forceful than thest. "Viin! You think you can hurt me while I sleep? I''ll teach you a lesson!" she shouted. Zane was on the verge of crying out in pain, "Winona, stop! I''m not a viin! I''m your husband! Winona-" But Winona seemed oblivious, her kicks relentless. "You think you can bully me? I''ll show you!" Zane, writhing in agony, felt helpless and could only call for help. "Somebody, help! Help!" Hearing themotion, the on-duty doctors and nurses rushed in, startled by the chaotic scene. They quickly pulled Winona away and helped Zane to his feet. Seeing the crowd, Winona appeared terrified once more. She broke free from the nurse''s grasp and darted back to Zane, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist, trembling against him. "Honey, I''m scared," she whimpered. "They''re trying to hurt me, I''m scared..." Zane gritted his teeth, rage boiling inside him. He wanted to push her away, to let his anger fly! His foot was throbbing, especially his ankle, which just hours ago had been stabbed by one of her fans. The wound barely had time to start healing before being pummeled again. He was sure it had split open. This woman! He was furious enough to want to end it all right there! But reason held him back. He had to endure this. For Elysia, he had to keep his cool. He wanted Elysia to fall for him, to willingly choose to be with him. So, he had to maintain his good-guy facade, especially in front of Elysia. As for Winona, well, her time woulde. Chapter 1191 Zane took a series of deep breaths, trying to calm himself down, struggling to suppress the anger bubbling inside him. Despite his own pain, heforted Winona, "Don''t worry, sweetheart, I''ve got you. No one can hurt you while I''m here." Winona snuggled into Zane''s arms like a content kitten, murmuring her agreement, "Mmmhmm." It was hard to believe this was the same woman who had been a fierce warrior just moments earlier! After ushering the doctor and nurses out of the room, Zane spent some time soothing Winona''s nerves. Once she seemed calm enough, he hobbled over to the door, his leg still bleeding profusely. "My wound''s opened up. I need it re-bandaged, stat!" he called out. The doctor suggested taking him to a treatment room, but Zane shook his head, "No, do it here. My wife can''t be left alone right now. She might panic if I''m not around." The doctor advised, "Her emotions are vtile. It might not be wise to stay in the same room with her." Zane furrowed his brow, "I''ll manage." "Alright, hold still then. We''ll take care of your leg first." "Got it." Winonay quietly on the hospital bed, listening to the conversation and the sound of Zane gritting his teeth through the pain. Her expression remained calm, but her eyes held a storm. Did it hurt? This was just the beginning. The real pain was yet toe. Meanwhile, at Number One Mansion, Elliot and Evan peered over Elijah''s shoulder at hisputer screen with a grin. "Winona''s quite the actress. She''s giving that dirtbag exactly what he deserves!" "Let''s stir things up a bit ourselves, give Winona a little boost!" Elijah suggested. "Yeah!" The trio huddled together, their whispers filled with mischief. Back at the hospital, after getting his leg wrapped up, Zane returned to the room and sshed his face with water in the bathroom, trying to cool down. He turned on the faucet, bent down, and- Whoa, the water was scalding hot! Zane yelped in pain and fell backward onto the bathroom floor. Before he could gather his wits, his handnded on something soft and squishy. Looking down, he saw a sleek, ck snake coiled beside him, its forked tongue flicking menacingly. It was clearly venomous, the kind that could end a life with a single bite! "Ahhh¡ª" Zane screamed, scrambling out of the bathroom. He stumbled into the room, only to catch sight of a ghastly figure outside the window, scarred beyond recognition, staring at him with eyes like a devil''s. His heart leapt into his throat! This was the eighteenth floor-how on earth could anyone be out there?! But in the blink of an eye, the figure was gone. Did he just imagine it? Zane approached the window cautiously to investigate. No sooner had he leaned in than the horrifying face reappeared, just inches away, separated only by the ss. "Ahhh¡ª" Zane shrieked again, stumbling backward so quickly he fell painfully onto the floor, his tailbone protesting loudly. "Darling?" Winona asked, puzzled as she watched Zane. She was sure she hadn''t done anything just now. What on earth was happening to him? Zane, pale as a ghost and visibly shaking, stammered, "There''s a ghost! Winona, there''s a ghost!" Winona just sighed. She had no idea what was going on with him, but she couldn''t deny the satisfaction she felt. Back at Number One Mansion, Elysia tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. She was worried about Winona being alone with Zane. He wasn''t just a jerk; he was downright dangerous! Tarquin, trying to put her mind at ease, showed her the hospital''s surveince footage. Watching Zane being tormented lifted her spirits considerably. The next morning, Elysia woke up early, made some breakfast, and headed to the hospital to see Winona. The kids were still asleep, so Tarquin apanied her. Chapter 1192 Elysia was in a pretty good mood, but as soon as she stepped into the hospital, her nerves tightened up again. Zane approached her, saying, "Elysia, I''m nning to take Winona home today." Elysia was taken aback. "Home? You mean she''s getting discharged?" "Yeah, the doctor said she''s physically fine, it''s more of a psychological issue now. They also mentioned that the hustle and bustle of the hospital might not be beneficial for her recovery. It''s better for her to rest at home." Last night had been a nightmare for Zane, and he was not keen on spending another night at the hospital. If Winona didn''t lose her mind, he felt he just might. Elysia frowned. The hospital room had surveince, and Tarquin''s security team was always around. Despite that, she still felt uneasy. Letting Zane take Winona home alone made her even more anxious. That was Zane''s territory; if the surveince wasn''t adequate or the protection failed, and Winona got hurt again, it would be toote to regret it. No way, she couldn''t let him take Winona home! Elysia didn''t agree but couldn''t find the words to argue at the moment. She used the excuse of consulting the doctor about Winona''s condition to leave the room with Tarquin. As soon as they were out of Zane''s sight, Elysia quickly said, "What do we do? Zane wants to take Winona home. I can''t let her leave with him! I want to bring Winona to our ce." "Then maybe it''s time to expose his infidelity," Tarquin suggested. "But Winona doesn''t seem ready to confront him yet, and we don''t have any solid proof of his cheating, do we?" Elysia pointed out. Tarquin pondered for a moment. "If there''s no evidence, we''ll just have to create some. You go back and stay with Winona. I''ll take care of this. Just be ready to bring her home." Elysia hesitantly asked, "How are you going to create evidence?" "Don''t worry about it. Go keep Winonapany." Elysia was too pure-hearted for schemes like this. But Keaton? He was another story. This was right up his alley. Once Elysia was out of the way, Tarquin immediately called Keaton. "Need a favor." "Nope, not happening! I''m catching up on sleep!" Keaton was a typical night owl, sluggish during the day and lively at night. He had just hit the hay. Tarquin wasn''t fazed, his voice calm and collected. "Okay, then I''ll call Jess and tell her Elysia needed your help, and you refused." "Come on! Using my sister against me? That''s low!" Keaton grumbled. His sister adored Elysia, and if she found out Keaton didn''t lend a hand, she''d be there with a metaphorical sword to take him down! Reluctantly, Keaton agreed, "Can''t you deal with this yourself? It''s your wife who needs help." "It''s actually Winona who needs it." Keaton sighed heavily. "Not her again! She better set me up with ten dates, or she''s not off the hook!" Back in the hospital room, Zane and Winona were having breakfast. Elysia had only prepared a meal for Winona, but Zane was helping himself to it too. Elysia wasn''t thrilled but didn''t say anything. Seeing her return, Zane quickly asked, "Did you talk to the doctor?" "Yeah, they said the same thing you heard. Discharge would be better for Winona." Zane breathed a sigh of relief. "Once we finish the discharge paperwork, I''ll take Winona home. You can visit her anytime you want." "Okay." After breakfast, Zane, feeling quite pleased, made a call home to arrange for Winona''s discharge. As soon as he hung up, his phone rang again. It was an unknown number. As he listened to whoever was on the other end, his expression changed dramatically, bing dark and menacing. Chapter 1193 An hourter, Zane''s mother, Prisci, arrived. Zane had discreetly texted her, asking her toe and keep an eye on Winona. He had some urgent business to attend to and didn''t feelfortable leaving Winona alone with Elysia, so he had called in reinforcements. As Prisci entered, Elysia couldn''t help but frown slightly. Meanwhile, Winona watched her with innocent curiosity, her eyes free of any hostility. Zane made the introductions. "Winona, this is my mom, Prisci. She''s your mother-inw." "Mother-inw?" Winona feigned ignorance. Zane''s voice was gentle. "Yeah, you two have always gotten along like real mother and daughter." Prisci hurried over, taking Winona''s hand and pretending to cry, though her eyes were dry. "Oh, Winona, you scared me half to death! Ever since I heard about your ident, I haven''t eaten or slept well. If something happened to you, I don''t know what I''d do! Boo hoo..." Winona thought to herself, "Ugh, how nauseating!" Elysia thought, "I might just throw up!" Winona yed along, "Don''t cry, I''m fine now. I''m back safe and sound." Prisci nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, yes, as long as you''re back, I won''t cry." The scene was a picture of motherly love and daughter-inw devotion. Zane felt reassured and turned to Elysia. "I have to step out for a bit, something urgent came up. You guys wait here at the hospital, and I''ll sort out Winona''s discharge papers when I get back." Elysia, remembering Tarquin''s ns, asked, "What''s up? Need any help?" Zane interpreted her question as concern and smiled warmly. "No need, I can handle it myself. Just hang tight here." "Alright then." Once Zane left, Elysia stood at the doorway, quickly texting Tarquin. [Zane said he had urgent business, did you set this up?] Tarquin replied instantly, [Not me, it was Keaton. Don''t worry about it, just enjoy the show.] Elysia exhaled in relief. Keaton was a close friend of Tarquin''s and Jess''s younger brother. Though he had a reputation as a bit of a yboy, he certainly had skills, especially in handling tricky situations. When it came to Winona''s troubles, Keaton had been a hero-from offering up a fortune in gemstones to rescuing her from danger, and now stepping in today. Once Winona recovered, she''d definitely owe him a huge thank you. [Tell him Winona is someone who knows how to repay kindness. She won''t forget what he''s done.] Tarquin replied, [No need for formalities. If Winona needs anything, just let him know.] Keaton: ... Really, Tarquin? Your wife''s for pampering, and your friends are for sacrificing? Elysia sighed with relief, feeling a bit more at ease. [Where are you? Headed out yet?] Tarquin was still downstairs. He waited until Zane left the hospital before starting his car. [Just about to leave.] [Alright, you go do your thing. I''ll stay here with Winona.] [Sure thing, call me if you need anything.] Tarquin sent a head-patting emoji. Elysia felt her heart bloom as she gazed at the screen, grinning as she typed back: [Love you.] Tarquin replied, [If you love me, you''ll show it. Let''s meet up tonight.] Elysia knew exactly what he meant, and her cheeks flushed red. "Who are you texting that''s got you all smiles?" Prisci suddenly appeared, reaching for Elysia''s phone with a mocking tone. Elysia dodged. "What are you doing?" "Hand over your phone. I want to see who you''re chatting with." Elysia frowned. "What''s it to you?" Prisci''s expression darkened, her voice full of self-righteousness. "It has everything to do with me if it involves my son!" Chapter 1194 Elysia stuffed her phone into her pocket, her voice icy. "Don''t talk to me, I don''t want to deal with you!" As Elysia was about to enter the hospital room, Prisci grabbed her arm. "Elysia! What''s with the attitude? Is that any way to talk to someone older than you?" Elysia turned back, eyes zing. "Older? Who do you think you are? In my eyes, you''re just an old witch!" "You... you dare speak to me like that? I''m Zane''s mother!" Elysia was involved with her son, wasn''t she? If she wanted to marry him, she should be trying to win her over. But instead, this little upstart was acting all high and mighty. Elysia rolled her eyes, shaking off Prisci. "I''m warning you, I''ve been holding back. I can p your son, and I can p you too, so don''t push it!" "You..." Prisci''s eyes nearly popped out of her head with rage. Her son had countless flings, and Elysia, a woman with a child, really had no leverage. Why was she acting so smug? Her son might spoil her, but Prisci certainly wouldn''t. In the past, circumstances forced her to ept Winona into the Livingston family. But now that her son had made something of himself, she didn''t need to put up with anyone''s nonsense. If she didn''t approve, no one was getting through the Livingston family''s door. Prisci followed Elysia into the room, "You dare to warn me? I''m warning you, Elysia. A woman with a kid isn''t worth much. Treat me like this and forget about joining the Livingston family. I-ah..." Before Prisci could finish, Winona suddenly leaped from the hospital bed! She straddled Prisci, raising her hand to p her! p, p, p- Prisci was shocked and dazed. "Winona, what''s wrong with you? I''m your mother-inw! Stop, Winona, stop! Ah-" Winona kept hitting and yelling, "Old witch, you''re trying to ruin me! I''ll beat you first, let''s see how you ruin me then! I''ll beat you to death..." Prisci tried to fight back, but she was like a beached whale-it was hard enough getting up, let alone with Winona pinning her down! All she could do was lie there and take the beating. Soon, Prisci was crying from the pain, no longer pretending, and started to curse, "Winona, how dare you hit me, you little tramp! I''ll have my son divorce you! Boo hoo..." A sh of cold anger crossed Winona''s eyes. Divorce her? Ha! It should be Winona who kicked them out of the house! Without Winona, they were nothing! Even the house they lived in was bought with money from the Newsom family! Thinking of the kindness she once showed Prisci,pared to the cruelty she received in return, Winona only hit harder! pping dozens of times until her hand hurt, she switched to pinching and scratching! It wasn''t until doctors and nurses heard themotion and rushed in that they were finally separated. Prisciy on the floor, battered and bruised, crying and screaming, "I can''t go on, just let me die! Oh, the misery, that the Livingston family should have such a disrespectful daughter-inw trying to kill me! Boo hoo..." "I''ll have my son divorce you! The Livingston family doesn''t want you! You wretch! You wretch, boo hoo..." Winona gave a coldugh in her heart. Crying? Who couldn''t cry? If Prisci could cry, so could Winona. Winona curled up in the corner of the room, calling out for Zane in a voice trembling with fear, "Honey, save me! Boo hoo, honey, save me..." Chapter 1195 The hospital room was in chaos, but Elysia didn''t sweat it. She knew Winona was faking it. Doctors and nurses were in a frenzy, quickly reaching out to Zane. "Are you Winona''s family? You need to get to the hospital right away. Winona and your mother have gotten into a fight, and things aren''t looking good." Before the doctor could finish, Winona snatched the phone. "Honey,e back quick! There''s an old witch here trying to ruin me, saying you should divorce me. I''m so scared, pleasee back!" Prisci couldn''t believe Winona had the nerve to me her after hitting her. She shouted into the phone, "Son,e back! Winona''s trying to beat me to death! My dear boy!" Zane was driving, his head pounding with frustration. If he wasn''t stressed before, he sure was now! He ended the call and rang Elysia, "Elysia, what''s going on? How did Winona end up fighting with my mom? Everything was fine when I left." Elysia, clearly irritated, replied, "After you left, your mom went on some kind of rampage, demanding to see my phone messages!" "I told her no, and she got all upset, yelling at me." "Winona''s already on edge, and when your mom started shouting, Winona lost it, thinking she was in danger!" "If you don''t believe me, check the hospital cameras. I''m still mad, Zane. What''s up with your mom?!" "I barely know her, and she thinks she can just demand to see my phone?" "And what''s all that nonsense about women who''ve had kids being worthless?" "She even said I couldn''t step foot in the Livingston family home. When did I ever say I wanted to?" Zane felt like his head was about to explode-not at Elysia, but at his own mom! Trying to keep his cool, he reassured Elysia, "Calm down, don''t worry about her. I''ll handle this when I get back!" "I don''t need you to handle anything for me! Just get your mom in check! I''ve never met anyone like her before!" After Elysia''s outburst, she hung up. Soon, Prisci''s phone rang again. Seeing it was her son, she answered, brimming with indignation, "My dear son..." Zane cut her off, "What on earth are you doing?! I told you Winona''s not well, she''s paranoid! Why would you provoke her? And why are you going through Elysia''s phone? Are you out of your mind?!" Zane''s voice was so loud it was practically shaking the phone. Prisci felt wronged, "I didn''t provoke anyone! You can''t just listen to them and scold your mom! They''re practically killing me here, and you don''t even care?" "I raised you from a baby, you can''t forget your mother now that you have a wife, my dear boy!" "You... just stay put in the room until I get there!" Zane hung up. Prisci''s cries were heart-wrenching. The phone''s volume was so high, everyone in the room heard it. The doctors and nurses exchanged bewildered nces. Winona and Elysia shared a secretive look, giving each other a wink. Neither of them thought much of Prisci and Zane. Let them fight it out! A little whileter, Elysia''s phone rang again. It was Zane. Elysia pursed her lips and ignored it. Zane kept calling, but she didn''t pick up. He texted her, but she didn''t reply. Chapter 1196 Winona was a sharp one, and she couldn''t help but notice how strange Zane was acting towards Elysia. When Winona and Prisci got into a fight, Zane seemed only concerned about Elysia''s feelings. Elysia didn''t n on keeping anything from Winona; she just felt a little sorry for her. Winona had genuinely liked Zane once. Elysia gave Winona a look that said, "I''ll fill you inter." Meanwhile, Zane was fuming, his fists pounding against the steering wheel in frustration. He had sent his mom to the hospital to keep an eye on Winona, never expecting her to mess things up like this! If he''d known she was this unreliable, he wouldn''t have let her go in the first ce! Zane''s mind was a chaotic mess. He wanted to rush back to the hospital and smooth things over with Elysia, but he had bigger fish to fry. Someone had uncovered his affair, and now they were ckmailing him! He had to clean up this mess, and quick! If he couldn''t handle this properly, his carefully crafted image of the "perfect husband" would crumble to dust. And knowing Elysia''s personality, getting her to fall in love with him was a long shot at best. This situation needed to be dealt with, and fast. Zane yanked on his tie, trying to calm his nerves. Impulsiveness would only make things worse. He parked his car in front of a secluded luxury hotel and made a call. "I''m here. Where are you?" The person on the other end gave him a room number, and Zane, after donning a mask, got out and headed inside. He had thought it over: as long as the demands weren''t over the top, he''d meet them. If they wanted money, he''d pay up. But if they pushed too far, he wasn''t above taking drastic measures. Zane found the room, knocked on the door, and waited. After a moment, the door swung open. To his surprise, a young and beautiful woman stood there, wrapped in a bathrobe, her hair still wet from a shower, looking every bit the seductress. Zane blinked in confusion, double-checking the room number to make sure he was in the right ce. Before he could ask any questions, the woman hooked a finger around his tie and yanked him forward. Off bnce, Zane stumbled into her, and she used the momentum to pull him in for a kiss, her hands wandering to his waist. The door clicked shut behind him. Zane waspletely taken aback, Realizing something was off, he shoved the woman away, his volet cold and demanding, "What do you think you''re doing?!" The womannded on the floor, looking up at him with a pout, "Isn''t this why you called me? To do this? What else were you nning to do, discuss philosophy? This is my job!" Zane''s brow furrowed. He was here for negotiations, not a rendezvous with a call girl! This woman wasn''t someone he had called! Frustrated, he pulled out his phone to call the number again, but it was no use- the line was dead. Every attempt he made was met with a message saying the number was no longer in service. Realizing he was being yed, Zane shot a re at the woman and quickly left the hotel. Back in his car, he sat in silence, piecing it all together. Someone had drawn him out under the pretense of ckmail but hadn''t shown up themselves. Instead, they set him up with a woman, yet hadn''t forced him into anypromising situation. What was their game? Zane brooded over this for a while, but nothing added up. The hotel remained quiet, and after a moment''s pause, he started the engine and drove off. A sense of unease gnawed at him, as though something bad was looming just over the horizon. He needed to get Winona back home, pronto! As long as Winona was under his roof, whatever storm brewed, he''d have the upper hand. Winona was his leverage. Chapter 1197 Zane rushed back to the hospital, his mind racing. Winona was lying in the hospital bed, sobbing uncontrobly, while Elysia sat beside her, trying tofort her. Prisci sat on a chair nearby, arms crossed, her face bruised and expressionless. As Zane entered the room, he called out, "Elysia, Winona." Elysia whipped her head around, eyes zing, and without a second thought, she stormed over and pped him across the face. "Zane, you absolute jerk!" Zane was stunned. "I... what did I do?" "Winona has been nothing but good to you, and you dare to betray her! You''re a cheat! A scoundrel!" Zane was taken aback, "What??" Elysia was furious. "No wonder Winona and your mom got into a fight, and you didn''t rush back. You were off with your mistress!" "You don''t love Winona anymore, do you? And yet you pretend to be this loving partner?" "I thought you were a decent guy. Turns out you''re just a fraud! Zane, I really misjudged you!" Zane''s heart twisted painfully at Elysia''s words, as if she''d driven a dagger right through it. "Elysia, what are you talking about? Betrayal? Mistress? Exin!" "Exin? You know exactly what you''ve done!" Elysia shot back. Zane frowned deeply, "I honestly don''t know! I''m asking you to tell me. If I''m going down, at least let me know why." Prisci got up, her eyes dark with anger as she red at Elysia. She turned to Zane and said, "Son, check the news online." Zane fumbled for his phone, his stomach sinking as he skimmed the headlines. There it was¡ªa series of photos making the rounds online. They showed him stepping out of his car, entering a hotel, and then leaning against a wall in the hallway, kissing a woman in a bathrobe. The images were crystal clear, his face unmistakable. There was no denying it. Zane finally realized he''d been set up. Someone had lured him with a bogus tip about a cheating scandal, only to trap him in this very scandal! Who was behind this? Was it Winona''s fans, or some media vultures chasing a sensational story? He couldn''t quite pin down the culprit yet, but he turned to Elysia, desperate to exin, "Elysia, this isn''t what it looks like. I was tricked!" Elysia knew the truth, that it was Keaton''s plot, meant to create a reason for Zane not to bring home. Winona bome. But the fact t Zane had indeed cheated before. She seized the opportunity, "Not what it looks like? Are you telling me these photos are fake? Experts online have confirmed they''re not doctored, Zane. They''re real!" Zane, flustered, insisted, "I know the photos are real. What I''m saying is, I don''t know this woman. I didn''t cheat with her!" "Then why were you at the hotel with her? Why kiss her? Why act all cozy?" "I... I was there for a business meeting. I had no idea there would be a woman in that room." "What kind of business meeting takes ce in a hotel?" Zane fell silent. He couldn''t answer that. All he could do was plead, "Elysia, please believe me. I was set up. I don''t even know this woman!" Elysia gave him a cold, disbelieving look, "I don''t believe you!" Zane was at a loss. Prisci couldn''t take it anymore. stop She shouted at Elysia, "Fine, don''t believe him! As if we care! wasting your breath on her. Look at her attitude! She''s walking all over you! I''m telling you, it''s because you''ve been too soft with her! A woman shouldn''t be this brazen in front of a man! She''s asking for it! Either you put her in her ce or dump her! In my opinion, you should just leave her and-" Chapter 1198 "Smack¡ª" Elysia''s handnded sharply across Prisci''s cheek. Prisci''s eyes widened in shock. "?!" Zane was just as stunned. "!" Elysia stared coldly at Prisci. "You spread one more lie about me, and I''ll mess up your pretty face!" Then she turned her fierce gaze on Zane, "You tell me, should I have pped her or not? Isn''t she spreading rumors? Do I have anything to do with you?!" Zane was speechless. "..." Elysia added fuel to the fire, "Let me tell you, if it wasn''t for your mom, I wouldn''t have known you''ve already fallen for Winona! Thanks to her, I can see your true colors now!" Prisci was taken aback, confused by the usation. Was Elysia trying to stir up trouble? "Son, I wasn''t making things up, I¡ª" "Shut up!" Zane roared, cutting her off. Prisci was left fuming silently. ". " "Sniff, sniff..." Winona''s sobs grew louder. Elysia quickly moved to Winona''s side, getting down to business. Keaton had orchestrated this whole drama to bring Winona back to the Number One Mansion! The n only involved a kissing scene today to amodate Winona''s future ns. This incident alone wouldn''tpletely sever ties between Winona and Zane. If Winona wanted to continue her act in front of Zer, she could. "Winona, don''t be upset. A jerk like him isn''t worth it. Come on, I''m taking you with me." Zane''s brow furrowed with concern, and he hurriedly asked, "Where are you taking Winona?" "To my ce!" "No way!" Zane refused outright. Winona was his leverage! What if she went to Elysia''s and suddenly remembered everything? "Elysia, I swear on my mother''s life, there''s nothing between me and that woman! I''ll take Winona home, make sure she''s okay, and then I''ll investigate to clear my name." Elysia gritted her teeth, "Go home with you?! You don''t love Winona anymore, and your mom hates her. Why should I let Winona go back and suffer?" Zane frowned, "If you''re really worried, you cane with Winona to my ce, but you can''t take her away." Just as Elysia was about to snap, Tarquin and Keaton arrived. "Have my wife move into your house? Are you out of your mind?!" Tarquin''s expression was dark and displeased. Zane was taken aback. "!" Elysia saw her savior and her eyes welled up with tears. "Honey, he''s cheating on her and won''t let me take Winona!" Tarquin stood beside Elysia, ring at Zane with a tone that brooked no argument, "We''re taking Winona with us today. If you have objections, keep them to yourself!" Zane gritted his teeth, "Winona is my wife. She shoulde with me!" "Hah!" Keaton, dressed sharply in a white suit, chuckled, hands casually in his pockets, "Now you remember wife? Where was that thought when you were cheating?" Zane turned to re at Keaton! They didn''t have much interaction, but he knew Keaton was not someone to mess with. Suppressing his anger, Zane said, "I didn''t cheat! I don''t even know that woman!" Keaton narrowed his eyes, his voice calm and mocking, "Do you have proof you didn''t cheat? Just because you say so doesn''t make it true. Those photos are real. If were you, wouldn''t stop her. What''s wrong with her staying at a friend''s for a few days? Once you prove your innocence, you can bring her back. Your nervousness makes you look guilty. Besides, if Tarquin says he''s taking her, do you really think you can stop him? I know I couldn''t. I don''t have that kind of power." Zane was left speechless. "..." Keaton''s words were a clear jab, drenched in sarcasm. Did Zane have the power to stop them? He didn''t. In front of Tarquin, he was nothing. Chapter 1199 Winona had just been picked up by Elysia. As soon as they left, Zane hurled his newly purchased flip phone against the wall, his face twisted with rage. Was it just about Winona? No! He cared even more about Elysia! Her simple words, "I was wrong about you," cut him deeper than anything else. Yet, here he was, forced to swallow his pride under the pressure from Tarquin. He couldn''tpete with Elysia''s current husband; it hurt him more than if someone had just put him out of his misery. He''d been in love with Elysia for a whole decade. Ten years! From the very first moment heid eyes on her, he waspletely captivated. Elysia was everything he ever dreamed of in a future wife. She was beautiful and sweet, kind-hearted and independent, always treating others with warmth and maintaining a positive outlook on life, no matter how tough things got. If it hadn''t been for the fact that both of them were struggling financially back then, he would never have hidden his feelings for her to go after Winona. He knew two people with empty pockets would face a tough road ahead. So, he nned to leverage Winona to take over the Newsom family, paving the way for a bright future with Elysia. The moment he started dating Winona, his n was set in motion. First, he''d take over the Newsom family, and then orchestrate a scenario where Winona appeared unfaithful, making himself look like the unfortunate victim. This would make Elysia despise Winona and pity him, drawing her into his arms step by step. He''d spent years crafting his image as the ''good guy,'' all to win Elysia over. He truly loved her! If he couldn''t have her in this lifetime, he''d be forever regretful! He''d plotted and sacrificed so much for this love; if fate didn''t favor him, then fate was unjust! No matter what happened in the first half of his life, thetter half of Elysia''s life had to belong to him! Only with him, would Elysia find true happiness! As for Tarquin... Zane gritted his teeth in hatred; Tarquin didn''t deserve Elysia! All the hardships she endured were because of him! Tarquin needed to go; he had to go! "Son... are you okay?" Prisci, Zane''s mother, watched him with fear in her eyes, as if he''d turned into a block of ice. Zane closed his eyes, taking a good ten minutes to regain hisposure. He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, turning to face Prisci with a cold expression. "I don''t care what you think, but if you want Lan to have afortable retirement, you better treat Elysia well!" "If she neither will tolerate you, then II! I can send you back the countryside anytime to live out your days alone!" Prisci was stunned, then burst into tears, "Son, you can''t forget your mothe smel.ne for a wife. Your father. passed away early; it was me who raised you single-handedly..." Zane ignored her, leaving the hospital ward without another word. Once in his car, he pulled out a spare phone and made a call, ¡°Ten thousand men for one life, deal or no deal?" Whatever the response was, it made Zane''s voice turn icy, "I want Tarquin dead!" His eyes were as fierce as a serpent''s, contradicting the refined features of his face, twisting his entire demeanor into someth demonic. The person on the other end of the line said something else, but Zane simply hung up without replying. He started the car and drove away from the hospital. Instead of rushing to the hotel to clear his name, he went to find Ridley. Meanwhile, Elysia and Winona sat in the car, holding each other and crying. The two friends had been apart for years, and neither had expected their reunion to be under such circumstances! Chapter 1200 After crying for what felt like an eternity, Winona finally spoke up. "Ever since you disappeared, Blossom and I have been searching for you. Then, out of the blue, the Thorne family reached out and said they had news about you. They asked if I wanted to know more." "They demanded ten grand for the information. I didn''t hesitate - I agreed right away." "But who would have thought? When we met, ke suddenly knocked me out and tied me up. When I finally came to, I was in the Thorne family basement." "I screamed for you with all my might, but when you didn''t answer, I knew I had been duped by the Thorne family!" "Then Sarah showed up, mocking and tormenting me, bragging about her and Zane''s escapades..." "I was held in that godforsaken basement for over a month, then transferred to a new location, where I remained for more than a year." "In that new ce, I ran into Lyra. Ha! She was so smug! Just like Sarah!" Winona took a deep breath, her fists clenched, and her eyes burned with seething hatred. For over a year, the torment from those two vile women had been her constantpanion. "I was angry, mostly at myself! Angry for not seeing through Zane''s true nature sooner!" "If only I had realized it earlier, Lyra and Sarah would never have had the chance to bully me!" "This past year has been a mix of fury and despair." "Five hundred days and nights wasted away in a corner, convinced I''d never make it out." "Then suddenly, they showed me photos and videos of Zane, and Lyra seemed particrly agitated. That''s when I sensed a change." "It had to be Zane testing me. But why now? Something must have triggered it!" "So, I yed dumb, showing no hatred towards Zane, pleading with him to rescue me." "Eventually, they even brought in a psychologist to see if I remembered anything from before." "I thought Zane woulde and save me, but instead..." Winona nced at Keaton, "It was Mr. Huber who saved me." Keaton and Tarquin were sitting in the back seat, and Keaton chimed in, "Tarquin errand bet But if you want to thank 2 may 2it all up. I was just the introduce me to some nicedies. I''m single these days." As soon as Keaton spoke, the air in the car lightened. The tension eased a bit. Winona sniffed, "I owe Mr. Huber a great debt, one I''ll repay someday." Keaton grinned like a peacock showing off its feathers. "No rush, no rush. Just remember it." Winona: "..." Elysia asked, "The Thorne family kidnapped you on Zane''s orders. Why did Zane suddenly target you? Did something happen?" Winona gritted her teeth, "Because found out about him and Sarah and asked for a divorce! He was andified of losing everything and ruining his good guy image. He wanted to kill me to keep me quiet!" "Zane is a wolf in sheep''s clothing. He not only wanted me dead but also aimed to steal my family''s assets!" "I was blind, letting a wolf into our home, nearly causing my own and my family''s downfall!" Elysia frowned, "It''s not your fault. Zane was just a master of deception!" Honestly, if you asked all their friends Sam and ssmates, not a one would have had a bad about Zane! In everyone''s eyes, apart from his humble beginnings, Zane seemed perfect! After all, you can''t see into someone''s heart just by looking at them. Thinking about Zane''s intentions, Elysia frowned, speaking candidly, "Winona, Zane, he had his eyes on me too..." Chapter 1201 Winona Newsom cut in sharply. "I can feel it-what a scumbag! He actually thinks he deserves your love? Please. He should just drop dead." She had given her heart, her trust, everything to Zane Livingston. And all along, Zane had just been ying her for a fool. She''d once imagined a fairytale-high school sweethearts all the way to a white wedding. Turns out, the whole thing was just a scam from day one. Pathetic. Infuriating. But after more than a year locked away, after everything she''d been through, Winona saw Zane exactly for what he was. So honestly? She didn''t even feel sad about it anymore. Now, it just seemed ridiculous-Zane, still dreaming of winning over Elysia. As if. It was like some ugly toad thinking he could just waltz up and marry the homing queen. Dream on. Still Winona''s eyes drifted to Tarquin. She hesitated, curiosity written all over her face. How on earth had Elysia and Tarquin ended up together? But with everyone squeezed into the car, she''d have to wait till they were alone to ask. Seeing Winona bounce back from Zane''s betrayal, Elysia rxed a bit. "So, what''s your next move? Any ns for dealing with Zane?" Elysia asked. Winona''s brows drew together, her eyes shing with cold determination. "I want him gone. For good." From the back seat, Keaton Huber arched an eyebrow, a slow, impressed grin spreading across his face. That''s the Winona the inte raved about-no nonsense, straight to the point. She wanted revenge, and she wasn''t shy about it. Elysia frowned. "Tarquin says Zane isn''t just after you and the Newsom family. He''s tangled up with some shady people overseas, selling out anyone he can for a quick buck. If you want, we could have him locked up right now." "I don''t want that," Winona shot back. "Whatever hell I went through, he needs to feel every bit of it himself." Some pain, she thought, you can only understand if you live through it. Zane needed to know exactly what it meant to be hopeless, to wish you could just disappear. Tarquin spoke calmly. "If there''s anything you need, just say the word. Don''t stand on ceremony with us-especially Keaton. He''s single and bored out of his mind. He''s basically waiting for someone to give him orders." Keaton groaned. "What am I, your errand boy now?" Winona nced at the two of them, warmth filling her eyes. Elysia, though, suddenly remembered Keaton''s fianc¨¦e-Beatrix. How could he be single? Did he and Beatrix call it off? She was curious but decided not to ask. When they rolled up to Number One Mansion, Caroline and Blossom Blythe were waiting at the door. As soon as Winona stepped inside, she dropped the act, copsing into Caroline''s arms and sobbing her heart out. It was a sad scene, but everyone felt a deep sense of relief. From the moment Winona was back at Number One Mansion, she was safe. The nightmare was over. Now, it was time to settle scores. At dinner, Ridley Newsom arrived. For the first time in forever, he could finally hug his daughter without fearing for her safety. Ridley broke down in front of everyone, crying like a little boy. He and yton Hawkins-both the kind of dads who would do anything for their daughters. Seeing Winona hurt had nearly killed him. He hugged her tightly, voice shaking. "I let you down, sweetheart. I should''ve protected you better. I''m so sorry, Winona." Winona shook her head, still in his arms. "It wasn''t your fault, Dad. It was Zane, that bastard." At Zane''s name, Ridley wiped his tears away, anger recing grief. "Before I came here, Zane actually showed up to see me. He got down on his knees, swearing he hadn''t cheated, begging me to believe someone set him up." Winona''s jaw clenched. "Sure, someone set him up today, but the cheating? That''s all on him. And it wasn''t just once-he''s a serial cheater. Disgusting." "I know," Ridley replied. "Mr. Bradford filled me in. Zane wanted to hurt you and our whole family." Winona looked at him expectantly. "So what did you say to him?" "I did exactly what you taught me, honey. I told him I''d try to talk you into forgiving him, and that once he''d ''uncovered the truth,'' I''d bring him over to take you home." Winona grinned, finally feeling a sense of control. The storm had passed. Now, the real battle could begin. Chapter 1202 "Did he suspect anything?" "Judging by how he acted, I don''t think he caught on. If he knew you were faking it, he sure wouldn''t have kept up the show in front of me. All he knows is that someone set him up today, but he hasn''t figured out who. He''s not even thinking about Mr. Bradford or Mr. Huber." Ridley frowned a little as she spoke. "But when I asked him for that stone, he seemed reluctant. Said he''d give it to you instead." Winona snorted. "He just wants to keep it for himself!" Talking about the stone, both Winona and Ridley shot another grateful look at Keaton. After all, something so precious-most folks would never part with it. "Mr. Huber, please don''t worry. I''ll find a way to get it back for you! If there''s any loss, I''ll make it right, no matter what." Winona''s brows were drawn together, her voice firm. Maybe the Newsom family can''t afford to pay you back, but I''ll do whatever it takes to make up for it, she thought. Keaton winced at the idea, but he just waved it off. "It''s alright, really. It was never that important to me anyway." He couldn''t bring himself to haggle overpensation with a woman who looked so lost and worn out. Honestly, he almost wanted to donate something to her instead. He always had a soft spot for a damsel in distress. But if Zane so much as scratched that stone, Keaton was going to wring his neck. Ridley brought up the whole "illegitimate daughter" situation again, worried that Zane might get reckless and cause trouble for her. Tarquin immediately jumped in. "You don''t need to worry about her. If Zane tries anything, he''ll end up crying for his momma." The so-called illegitimate daughter was actually Baby''s bodyguard in disguise- Axel''s own prot¨¦g¨¦. Just like Axel, she was all action, no talk. If Zane could evenst one round with her, well, that''d be newsworthy. ... The group spent the evening with a big family-style dinner at Number One Mansion¡ªlots ofughter andfort food, roast turkey, mashed potatoes, the works. After dinner, Ridley and Keaton said their goodbyes and headed home for the night. Upstairs, Elysia and Blossom huddled together with Winona, catching up for hours. Three best friends reunited-there was just too much to say. They talked about everything: Winona''s ordeal, Elysia and Tarquin''s crazy love story, and Winona''s ns for the future. It was well past two in the morning before they finally called it quits-not because they''d run out of things to say, but because they wanted Winona to get some real rest for the first time in days. Elysia knew Winona hadn''t slept a single peaceful night since the Thorne family kidnapped her. "Sleep in tomorrow, okay? Just rx. You''re safe here," Elysia insisted. "Yeah. See you in the morning," Winona replied. Blossom retreated to the guest room, while Winona slipped into Caroline''s room- she wanted to spend the night with her mother. Elysia checked on the kids, peeked in on Pam Patel, then tiptoed back to her own bedroom. Only the bedsidemp was on; the ceiling light was off, casting the room in a gentle glow. Tarquiny quietly on the bed, eyes closed, looking as if he was already asleep. Elysia crept over, unable to resist bending down to press a kiss to his handsome face before heading to the bathroom for a shower. So much had happenedtely; the whole Emmett ordeal had drained her, and just as she was trying to recover, the news about Winona hit. Since the day Winona went missing, Elysia had been wound tight as a drum. Even after they pulled Winona back from the brink, she couldn''t rx. Not until today¡ªwhen Winona was finally discharged from the hospital-did Elysia feel the tension in her chest ease. She let the stress melt away in a hot shower, dried her hair, and slipped into a silky-soft nightgown. Quietly, she approached the bed, lifted theforter, and froze. Her eyes went wide as dinner tes. She stared at the person hiding under the covers,pletely dumbstruck. Chapter 1203 In an instant, Elysia felt her whole body flush, blood rushing straight to her cheeks. Her porcin skin turned a shade of red that could rival a boiled lobster. There he was¡ªsomeone was lying stark naked in bed, not a stitch on! The sight was... well, honestly, it was way more than Elysia could handle. Without thinking, she grabbed the edge of theforter and tried to cover him up again. But before she could tuck him in, Tarquin''s long arm shot out, pulling her right into the bed with him. He rolled over, caging her beneath him, trapping her in his embrace. His voice, low and a little hoarse, sounded right in her ear-deliciously restrained: "Done with your work?" His breath was warm and tickled her ear, the air between them thick with anticipation. Elysia''s heart beat so fast she thought it might burst, her face burning. "You... why aren''t you asleep yet?" she stammered. "Waiting for you." "Waiting for what?" The words were barely out of her mouth before she realized how dumb that sounded. He wasn''t even wearing boxers. It was pretty obvious what he wanted. Tarquin''s handsome eyes narrowed, a mysterious gleam flickering in their depths. "Take a guess." His hands were already starting to wander. Elysia could feel the pounding of his heart, the heat of his palms¡ªand, well, certain other unmistakable signs. "Elysia-," he murmured. "Yeah?" she answered, voice trembling. ¡°Elysia.¡± "Mm-hmm." ¡°Elysia...¡± He kept saying her name, over and over, each time like a feather trailing across her heart-soft, teasing, impossible to resist. Her breathing grew heavier, her eyes fluttering shut, waiting for him to show her just how much he wanted her. But instead, he just kept repeating her name, as if he was under a spell, making no further move. Elysia waited, then finally cracked an eye open. Tarquin was looking down at her, grinning thatzy, devil-may-care grin that made him so infuriatingly attractive. "Getting desperate, huh?" he teased. Elysia sucked in a breath, mortified and furious all at once. She pushed at his chest, trying to shove him off. "No way! I''m done ying!" Tarquin noticed she was really about to lose her cool, and quickly changed tactics. "Okay, okay, it''s me! I''m the one who can''t take it! If you keep holding out on me, your poor husband''s gonna die of frustration! And then what? No more husband for you!" Before she could protest, he caught her hands, pinned them above her head, and kissed her deeply. The room grew hot, rippling with something electric. Somewhere else, though, not everyone was having such a good night. At that moment, Zane was drinking alone, downing whiskey like water-all because of Elysia. She''d blocked him. On WhatsApp, on his phone-everywhere. Total radio silence. Zane looked like the poster boy for heartbreak, slouched in his chair, ss in hand. The doorbell suddenly rang, breaking the silence. Zane frowned. "Who the hell...?" No answer. He got up and checked the peephole. No one there. It waste-way past midnight-so he didn''t open the door. Instead, he went into his office to check the security cameras. Nothing. Not a soul outside. He shrugged it off. Maybe he was just imagining things. But as soon as he left the office, the doorbell rang again. This time, Zane was sure he wasn''t hallucinating. He grabbed a fruit knife from the kitchen-just in case-and crept to the door, swinging it open fast. Nothing. Just the night wind howling down the empty porch. He stood there, scowling, then shut the door. The moment the lock clicked, he heard crying outside-soft, broken, not quite male or female, just a low, eerie wailing. Zane''s hair stood on end. Gritting his teeth, he yanked the door open again. Silence. The crying stopped dead. "Who''s messing around? Show yourself!" he yelled into the night. Only the wind answered. Frustrated, he mmed the door and headed to the bathroom, turning on the shower, desperate for a cold ssh to clear his head. Suddenly, boiling water sted from the faucet, scalding his skin. "Shit!" Zane yelped, jumping back. He wiped water from his eyes and stared at the water heater''s disy-212¡ãF (100¡ãC)! What the ? The heater was always set at 104¡ãF (40¡ãC). How did it get this high? Before he could figure it out, the temperature dropped right back to 104¡ãF. He tried the shower again. The water was back to normal. Shaken, Zane decided to y it safe and turned off the heaterpletely, settling for a cold shower instead. Afterwards, he stepped out, still feeling uneasy, like someone was watching him. He picked up a heavy vase-just in case-and checked every room. Finally, he circled back to his office and checked the security cameras again. Nothing. Not a single person hade in. He was alone. Maybe he was just losing it-too much stress, too little sleep. He rubbed his temples, trying to rx, then headed to the bedroom. But as soon as he walked in, he saw a shape reflected in the mirror-it was his father, Arthur Livingston, who''d died years ago. Zane froze, eyes wide in terror. Arthur grinned at him, a wide, unsettling smile. "Hey there, kiddo." Zane''s knees gave out and he copsed onto the floor, clutching his head and screaming. The next morning, Zane woke up sprawled on the floor, heart hammering. Everything fromst night came flooding back. He nced around the room suspiciously, but everything seemed normal. His phone rang, vibrating insistently. Zane grabbed it and answered, "Yeah?" "The evidence is in your inbox. It proves you''re innocent." Finally, some good news. Zane checked the files, relief washing over him. Now Elysia would know he hadn''t done anything wrong¡ªand she''d have no reason to keep him from taking Winona. Before leaving, Zane remembered the weirdness from the night before. He called the smart home techpany, asking for someone to check out his system. Maybe it was just a glitch. Maybe. As he stepped outside, his shoe crunched on something-gray ash, like the kind people burn in old rituals for the dead. Zane''s skin crawled. He had no ideast night''s nightmare was just the beginning. He hesitated, brow furrowed, then got in his car and drove away. Chapter 1204 Number One Mansion. Elysia was still dozing in Tarquin''s arms when she heard that Zane and Ridley wereing over. Last night, Tarquin had been relentless, keeping her up until almost sunrise before finally letting her get some sleep. She''d really hoped to catch up on her rest this morning! Well, that n was shot to hell now. Especially after hearing that Zane had found proof of his innocence. That made her even more anxious. "Zane''s definitely here to take Winona back. I can''t let him take her!" she blurted, wide-eyed. Tarquin pressed a kiss to her forehead. "If you don''t want him to take Winona, then he won''t." "But he''s got evidence he didn''t cheat. He''s not going to give up easily," she fretted. "I''ll handle it, babe. You get some more sleep-I''ll go downstairs and wait for them." Elysia frowned, unconvinced. "You sure you''ve got a n?" Tarquin grinned, pinching her cheek affectionately. "Of course. If I can''t handle this, what kind of husband would I be? With me here, you can rx." ... A little after nine, Zane showed up at Number One Mansion with Ridley in tow. He''d brought Ridley along specifically to avoid getting the door mmed in his face. With Ridley here, Tarquin couldn''t exactly leave them standing outside. It was only Zane''s second time stepping foot in Number One Mansion. The first time, he''d been eaten up with jealousy, vowing to one day build an even grander house for himself and Elysia. But this time, something had changed. He wasn''t nning to take Elysia anywhere anymore. If she liked it here, then here''s where they''d stay. He''d be the man of this house, make it his own. Once he got rid of Tarquin- he had a whole scheme in mind, trading ten men for Tarquin''s life¡ªhe''d quietly move in and take over. With jealousy out of the picture, Zane felt surprisingly at ease, looking at every piece of furniture as though it already belonged to him. ... In the living room, Tarquin had no idea someone was plotting to steal his home. He was lounging on the couch, phone in hand, talking to Keaton. He was dressed in crisp navy loungewear, looking effortlessly elegant and impossibly handsome. "Less talk, more action. Go," he said curtly, hanging up just as the housekeeper led Zane and Ridley inside. Tarquin put his phone away and stood, greeting Ridley politely. "Ridley, good morning." "Hey, sorry to barge in so early," Ridley said with a sheepish smile. "Winona''s not up yet, is she?" "She should be awake by now. Elysia went to get her when she heard you two wereing." Tarquin gestured for Ridley to take a seat,pletely ignoring Zane. Zane scowled but sat down beside Ridley anyway. A momentter, the housekeeper brought in a tray with coffee and pastries. Ridley took a sip of the coffee, then stared at the cup in shock. "Is this... Jamaican Blue Mountain? The real deal?" Tarquin raised an eyebrow. "You know your coffee, Ridley?" Ridley set the cup down carefully, as if afraid he might drop it. "I dabble, yeah. Blue Mountain''s the king of coffee beans. It''s almost impossible to find the genuine stuff these days." Tarquin nodded. "We''ve had these beans for a few years. If you like, take a couple bags with you when you leave." Ridley looked both thrilled and awkward, torn between gratitude and disbelief. "That''s... wow, thank you, Mr. Bradford. I mean it." "No need to thank me. I''m not a coffee connoisseur. These things aren''t that precious to me." Ridley grinned, still a little starstruck. For anyone who loved coffee, true Blue Mountain beans were a treasure you couldn''t put a price on. Chapter 1205 Zane''s face soured the moment he heard that. Ridley had always been into the art of tea-well, back in college, it was more like an obsession. To impress her, Zane had thrown himself into learning every blend and brew he could get his hands on. There was this legendary Mount Fidelis tea-think of it like the rarest, most expensive single malt scotch you could imagine, the kind that''s locked away in vaults and never even hits the market. It used to cost a small fortune per ounce, but after the government banned its harvest, it became priceless-literally impossible to get. Zane had pulled every string, called in every favor, and still, the best he''d ever managed was a couple of tins of authentic Houkui tea. As for the Mount Fidelis stuff? That was on another level. He never even dared to dream. Now here was Tarquin, acting like it was no big deal-not only did his family have some, but he brought it out to serve his guests, and was even talking about giving some away. That kind of effortless, deep-rooted wealth and confidence made Zane''s skin crawl. Standing next to Tarquin, Zane felt like a cheap magician trying to pull quarters from behind people''s ears. "Mr. Bradford, what happened to your neck?" Ridley suddenly asked, concern in her voice. Zane nced over instinctively. Tarquin, smug as ever, tugged at the neckline of his hoodie so Zane could get a good look. "Oh, this? Elysia got a little yfulst night. Left her mark, I guess." Ridley blinked, looking flustered. She awkwardly took a sip of her tea, clearly ufortable-she was old enough to be their mother, after all, and this was not the kind of conversation she wanted to be having. Zane, on the other hand, frowned so hard his brows nearly touched. His eyes locked on the red mark just above Tarquin''s corbone. Elysia did that? She bit him? They were all adults. No one needed an exnation. Images shed through Zane''s mind-flushed skin, tangled sheets, the kind of intimacy he hadn''t shared with Elysia in what felt like forever. Jealousy burned in his chest, making his breath go ragged. He clenched his fists under the table, forcing himself to stay calm. Losing it here would only make things worse. Tarquin shot him azy, sidelong nce, eyes full of disdain. He looked like he was barely holding back a smirk. Honestly, Zane was lucky Winona hadn''te down yet-if she were here, Tarquin might not be so restrained. A few minutester, Elysia finally came downstairs. Winona wasn''t with her just Elysia, looking effortlessly stunning in a matching beige loungewear set, her hair loose and unstyled, face free of makeup. She was wearing the same kind of couple''s slippers as Tarquin. Zane''s eyes softened the second he saw her, but then he noticed the silk scarf wrapped around her neck-odd, considering it was the middle of August and zing hot outside. He couldn''t help but connect the dots: Tarquin''s hickey, the scarf, Tarquin''s smug remark. He bit down hard on the inside of his cheek, jealousy wing at his insides. Elysia waved at Ridley and sat beside Tarquin, their matching outfits twisting the knife a little deeper in Zane''s chest. He forced a smile, pretending not to care. "Elysia, where''s Winona?" he asked, keeping his tone casual. "She''s still getting ready. She''ll be down in a bit." Zane jumped at the chance to exin himself. "I found proof that I didn''t do anything wrong. Look-yesterday, that woman? I don''t even know her." He handed Elysia his phone so she could see the evidence for herself. "We''ve known each other for years. You know I''m not that kind of guy," Zane said, his voice pleading. Elysia just looked at him, trying not to roll her eyes. "Uh-huh." Zane pressed on. "I tried to call you as soon as I had proof, but you blocked me. Can you please¡ª" Before he could finish, Tarquin jumped in, voice smooth as butter. "Oh, that? I blocked you from her phone. Elysia can''t stand cheaters, and I didn''t want her to get grossed out every time your name popped up." He said it so casually, like it was nothing at all. Like he was just taking out the trash-no big deal. Chapter 1206 Zane clenched his jaw, frustration shing across his face. "Even if you''re married, it''s not right to block your wife''s friends without asking. Don''t you think Mr. Bradford''s crossed the line?" Elysia immediately jumped to Tarquin''s defense. "He was just looking out for me. That''s not crossing the line. If you were actually a jerk, I''d be disgusted. Honestly, if he hadn''t blocked you, I would''ve done it myself." Zane was fuming inside, but all he could do was swallow his anger. He tried to keep his voice calm and gentle. "Elysia,e on, just take me off your block list. It''s really inconvenient if I can''t reach you when somethinges up." Before Elysia could say anything, Tarquin whipped out his phone and shed a QR code at him. "Add me. If you need anything, reach out to me." Zane''s jaw dropped. He looked between Tarquin and Elysia, eyebrows furrowed. Elysia shrugged, a little embarrassed but unapologetic. "Sorry you had to see this. My husband''s a little possessive. He doesn''t like me talking to other guys. Just add him¡ªif you need to reach me, go through him. He''ll pass on the message." Zane''s temper red so hot he thought his lungs might burst. "Elysia, he''s interfering with your personal life." She just sighed, resigned. "That''s just how he is. And honestly, I don''t want to upset him. He''s my husband; I spoil him a little. Just add him, okay?" Tarquin, meanwhile, was grinning like he''d just won the lottery. Elysia nudged him under the table, trying to get him to cool it. Tarquin finally turned to Zane, still grinning. "What''s wrong? Don''t want to add me?" Ridley jumped in, acting like he was genuinely worried for Zane. "Dude, what are you waiting for? Add him already! This is Mr. Bradford''s private ount you should be honored!" With no way out, Zane gritted his teeth and added Tarquin''s contact. As soon as it went through, he ignored Tarquin and turned back to Elysia. "Now that''s sorted, I''d like to take Winona with me. She''s just been through hell, and she needs me right now." Elysia looked a little anxious and nced at Tarquin, hoping for guidance. Tarquin gave her a reassuring look. "Why don''t you go upstairs and see what Winona wants?" Elysia had no idea what Tarquin''s n was, but she nodded. She handed her phone to Zane. "These messages prove you''re innocent, but I can''t say for sure if Winona wants to leave with you. Let me go ask her." "Great!" Zane replied, confident. He was sure he''d be taking Winona home today. He wasn''t some loser-he was a good husband and Winona loved him. There was no reason Elysia would keep them apart. Not even Tarquin, with all his influence, could stop him. At least, he shouldn''t. But reality is rarely that simple. Just as Elysia was about to head upstairs, a furious shout echoed from the entryway. "Cheater!" Elysia froze, confused. "What?!" Zane''s eyes widened in horror. When he saw Sarah standing at the door, he looked like he''d seen a ghost. He couch. y leapt off the hoo "Sarah? What are you doing here?" "Liar! Cheater!" Sarah burst into noisy tears at the living room threshold. Then Keaton strode in, looking sharp in a burgundy suit that screamed designerbel. "I was justing to see Tarquin," Keaton said with a careless shrug. "Ran into her at the security gate she said she''s Winona and Zane''s cousin, so I brought her in. Hope that''s okay?" Elysia nced at Tarquin, who was watching the whole scene with a glint in his eye, like he settling in for a great show Chapter 1207 Elysia blinked in disbelief. Seriously? That was his brilliant idea? The moment Zane spotted Keaton, his brows knitted together. Keaton never brought anything but trouble. He''d always thought Keaton was a spoiled rich kid-just another trust fund baby who knew how to party but had zero ambition. If the Huber family hadn''t had old money, Keaton would be a nobody. "Most handsome guy in town, my ass," Zane thought with a sneer. "He''s just a man-child who got lucky with the gene pool." Buttely, it wasn''t just disdain. Keaton was getting on his nerves. Two days ago, Keaton had barged into Lyra''s ce and whisked Winona away. Yesterday, he''d carried Winona right out of the hospital, practically under Zane''s nose. And today? He showed up with Sarah in tow. Zane shot Keaton a death re and stormed over to Sarah. Sarah rushed at him, her voice shrill, "Liar! You liar! You told me I was the only one! Why are you with another woman? You said you loved me, and only me! You liar, you absolute jerk¡ª¡± Only her? Was she really about to air their dirtyundry in front of everyone? Zane''s face drained of color. He hissed, "What the hell are you talking about?!" Sarah shoved her phone at his chest, shoving a bunch of images in his face. "Look at this! Who is this tramp? When did you start seeing her? You promised you''d never love anyone but me¡ªso why are you kissing her? You lied to me! You liar!" She was losing it. Sarah lunged at him, scratching and wing, her nails leaving red marks on his arms. Zane couldn''t exactly hit her back in front of everyone, so he grabbed her wrists, trying to keep his cool. "Sarah, get a grip! Look at me¡ªdo you even know who I am?" "You''re a cheater!" "I''m- I''m your cousin!" "Well, you''re my cousin and a cheater! I gave you everything, and you went behind my back with some other woman. You bastard!" Zane''s breath came fast and shallow. "You''ve lost your mind. I''m your cousin! Why would I ever be in love with you?" Before Sarah could answer, he cut her off. "Those pictures online are fake! I''ve already posted proof-didn''t you see?" Sarah blinked, confused. "Fake?" "Yes!¡± Zane snapped, desperate to calm her down. If she chilled out, maybe she''d stop making a scene. But just as Sarah started to quiet down, Winona appeared at the top of the stairs, calling out, "Honey." Clearly, she''d heard themotion and hade out on purpose. Sarah''s eyes darted to Winona, and she lost it all over again. "Why is she here? Why is this slut here? She should be locked in the basement! Who let her out? Was it you? You said you didn''t love her-so why did you save her? You liar!" Sarah''s meltdown restarted, and to hitting Zane. He just e'' stook breathing hard, frozen, letting her pummel him. Winona stood on thending, ring down at them, her lips pressed tight and her eyes burning with hate. A few years ago, Zane had told her Sarah was his cousin, and Winona had believed him-had even treated Sarah like a sister. She''d let Sarah move in, paid for everything, covered all her bills. All those years, Sarah had happily spent her money. And in return, while Winona treated Sarah like family, Sarah had treated her like a rival. What a joke. Cousins, my foot. They were nothing but a pair of lying snakes. Chapter 1208 Think back to every little thing that''s happened-all those memories, the drama, the pain. Now, picture the Thorne family''s basement, and remember how Sarah tormented her there. Winona clenched her jaw, let out a scream, and yelled, "You stay away from my husband, you witch!" She barreled down the stairs three at a time, stormed right over to Sarah, and, without a second thought, tackled her to the floor. Before everyone''s eyes, she straddled Sarah and started pping her, hard-just like she''d done to Prisci before. Winona didn''t hold back. She was in full rage- mode, no mercy. Within minutes, Sarah was wailing like a banshee. Afraid Sarah''s shrieks would disturb Pam and the baby, Winona grabbed a fistful of Sarah''s hair and started dragging her out toward the backyard, ready to give her a real beating¡ªfinally letting out all that pent-up anger. Sarah howled in pain, "Help! Cousin, help me please!" Ridley, worried his daughter was getting roughed up, hurried after them. Blossom and Caroline, hearing themotion, rushed downstairs too, followed closely by Elliot, Evan, and Elijah. The whole crew shot Zane a dirty look, then dashed out to the yard in a panic. The three little kids stared wide-eyed at the scene-Winona pummeling Sarah- and cheered, "That meandy''s hitting our Winona! Get her, Winona!" Even Blossom joined in, shouting, "So you''re Zane''s cousin, huh? Turns out you''re just a homewreckering to stir up trouble. Get lost-you deserve what''sing!" The backyard was utter chaos: shouting, crying, pleas for help echoing everywhere... Zane''s head throbbed with anxiety. He wanted to run out and break up the fight-he was terrified Sarah would lose it and start spilling even more secrets that could ruin him. But Keaton blocked his way, saying, "Let them go at it. Neither''s in their right mind anyway. Let them fight it out-they''ll tire themselves out soon enough." Zane gritted his teeth. Was this what they called a fair fight? It was more like a gang-up one person getting clobbered by a whole crowd. Sarah didn''t even have a chance to fight back. Still, Zane tried to push forward, but Elysia dashed over, blocking him, her voice sharp and demanding, "What exactly is going on between you and Sarah?" "Why did Sarah freak out when she saw those photos of you kissing another woman?" "Why does she call you a liar? Why does she say you don''t love Winona? Why''d she say you promised you''d only ever love her? What''s the truth, Zane?!" Zane was panicked and frazzled, scrambling for answers. "She''s got a broken heart, she''s not all there! She must think I''m her old college boyfriend or something She''s confused-she''s got the wrong guy!" Keaton raised an eyebrow, "If she''s so confused, howe she still knows to call you cousin?" Zane clenched his fists. He was ready to punch Keaton-what did any of this have to do with him? Why was he always sticking his nose in? Trying to keep his cool, Zane insisted, "She''s a lot like Winona-sometimes she''s lucid, sometimes she''s not. She''s not making any sense right now. You can''t trust a word she says." Keaton shot back, "Funny, in her confusion she only ever calls you a jerk-never me or Tarquin. How do you exin that?" Zane was speechless. Elysia pressed on, "And how did she even know Winona was the basement? Why locked would suspect you helped her escape? Zane, did you knowall along what happened to Winona?" Elysia and Keaton kept hammering him with questions, leaving Zane totally rattled. ??? His head was pounding-he was about to lose it. Afterst night''s weirdness in the house and no sleep at all he couldn''t think straight if his life depended on it. Chapter 1209 His lips moved a couple times before he finally squeezed out a sentence. "I didn''t know anything happened to Winona. I swear, I had no idea!" "Call the police." Tarquin spoke up suddenly, his voice calm and steady. Those three words nearly gave Zane a heart attack. ¡°Sarah can''t have anything to do with Winona! There''s no need to call the cops!" Keaton raised an eyebrow. "And how can you be so sure? If she''s not involved, then what was all that yelling about? Besides, calling the cops isn''t going to hurt her. Why are you so rattled?" Zane: "..." Keaton went on, "Call the police. If Sarah really has nothing to do with Winona''s disappearance, the police will figure that out. If she does, maybe she''s the key to finding out who''s behind all this!" The mastermind? Zane: "!" Before he could protest, Elysia had already dialed 911. "Hello? I need to report something. We..." Zane''s chest tightened, his breathing grew ragged. Panic flooded him. This was spiraling so far out of his control he could barely think. The police arrived fast, separating Winona and Sarah, who''d both been fighting like cats in an alley. Sarah was a mess-her face swollen, lips split, bruises everywhere. She couldn''t even cry properly; every sob made her cut mouth bleed. But Winona, she was wailing, loud and desperate. "She''s evil! Arrest her! She hit my husband, and she beat me too! She locked me in the cer and whipped me! She cut me with a pocketknife, just look!" Winona rolled up her sleeves and pulled up her jeans, showing the cops her scars -raw, angry marks crisscrossing her skin. Zane caught sight of those wounds and thought about the cer. He was so scared he could barely breathe, let alone say a word in Sarah''s defense. The police turned to Winona, "Are you certain she was the one who tortured you in the cer?" Winona nodded fiercely. "Yes! Absolutely!" Given that both Sarah and Winona were in shock and barely coherent, the police took Sarah away-to the ER first, then to the station for questioning. Zane watched the police lead Sarah off, fear and regret twisting his stomach into knots. Winona snuck a nce at Zane and snorted coldly. Scared already? This is just the beginning. Then she changed her tune, hurrying to Zane''s side, fake tears streaming down her cheeks. "Honey, are you alright? She''s a horrible woman, look what she did to you! Does it hurt? Oh baby..." Zane tookfort in Winona''s concern. If she still cared, she couldn''t possibly suspect him. His nerves settled a little. He told himself: Just get Winona home. That''s all that matters. Get her home, no matter what. But just as he opened his mouth, Elysia and Blossom whisked Winona away. "Come on, Winona. Let''s get you inside." "Winona!" Zane called after her. Caroline stepped in front of him, her face thunderous. She pped him, hard. "You need to exin everything that''s going on with you and your cousin. And you''d better bring some proof, something that''ll convince us!" "If you can''t exin yourself, don''t even think about taking Winona home!" "And don''t forget-Winona wouldn''t use Sarah for no reason. You''re the one who brought Sarah into our family. If she''s involved in Winona''s disappearance, you''re just a@guilty! You''ll have to answer for it! With that, Caroline stormed inside. Zane made to follow, but Ridley grabbed his arm. "Don''t. Your mom''s furious right now. Give her space. I believe you, son." ssic good cop, bad cop-Ridley ying the understanding dad, Caroline the furious mom. Meanwhile, Tarquin and Keaton leaned against the wall, hands their pockets, watching the whole show go down like they had front row seats at a Broadway drama. Chapter 1210 After Ridley led Zane away, Keaton snorted. "Why are you even wasting your time with that clown? If it were me, I''d just squash him like a bug." To Keaton, Zane and Tarquin were leagues apart. With Tarquin''s brains and resources, getting rid of Zane would be child''s y. Tarquin narrowed his sharp eyes in the direction Zane had gone, a hint of cold amusement in his gaze. "It''s not me ying games with him. Winona wants to blow off some steam, and when she''s done, we''ll finish him for good. Besides, you''re underestimating him. He''s a lot more dangerous than he looks." Keaton raised an eyebrow. "He''s actually a big deal?" Tarquin nodded. "Let''s just say, most of the trouble thest few years in Burmalia involving Americans can be traced back to him." Keaton''s eyes widened. "He''s mixed up with those Burmalia crime syndicates?" Tarquin gave a derisive snort. "To put it nicely, they call it a ''strategic partnership.'' Truth is, he''s just theirpdog, paid handsomely to do their dirty work." "Huh? What do you mean?" Tarquin replied, ¡°Zane is their guy here in the States. He runs a bunch of criminal gangs for them. He''s the middleman, smuggling people out-treats humans like product. Every head is just another paycheck." Keaton''s jaw tightened. The Burmalia gangs had ruined countless American lives over the years. Some were lured over with lies, others kidnapped outright. Either way, once theynded in Burmalia, it was hell on earth. If you were lucky, you''d get beaten, tortured, locked up, treated worse than livestock. If you were unlucky, well... they''d harvest your organs and leave your body in a ditch. Burmalia was infamous-a real hellhole. Anyone who could work with those monsters had to be ruthless. And smart-otherwise, you''d never climb to Zane''s rank. Keaton shook his head. "Guess I underestimated him. I forgot-he''s not just street-smart, he''s got the brains too. What''s your n?" Kidnapping Winona wasn''t enough to put Zane away for life. But if they could dig up his Burmalia connections? He''d never see daylight again. Still, bringing all that to light wouldn''t be easy. Zane wasn''t working alone¡ªit was a whole web of gangs and Burmalia''s worst criminals. Tarquin''s eyes glinted, cold and merciless. He didn''t hesitate. "Leave no loose ends." Anyone who''d even think about touching his wife deserved to disappear- permanently. Meanwhile, inside the house, Elysia was patching up Winona''s bruised knuckles with some ointment. She scolded gently as she worked. "Next time, don''t be so reckless. Why not just grab a baseball bat or- something? You go around punching people with your bare hands-doesn''t it hurt?" Winona winced as the ointment stung, but she grinned. "Doing it myself is so much more satisfying. Swinging a bat just isn''t the same! Ugh. And you should''ve seen me when I ran into Sarah-I was furious." "Every time I see her, I realize just how stupid I''ve been." "I mean, I''m supposed to be the queen bee, right? Winona, the inte''s favorite badass. And I got yed by that sleazeball couple almost ended up dead l.ne because of them! God, it''s no embarrassing. So freaking embarrassing!" Elliot piped up, trying tofort her. "It''s not that you''re dumb, Blossom. It''s just that Zane''s a real piece of work. If he weren''t a criminal, he''d probably be running a Fortune 500 by now." Zane had seven PhDs under his belt, all from top universities, in everything from engineering to psychology. And he wasn''t even forty yet. The guy was terrifyingly aplished-if only he''d chosen a different path. Blossom rolled her eyes. "If he wasn''t so impressive, you think Winona would''ve given him the time of day back in college?" Chapter 1211 Back in school, there were tons of girls who had a crush on Zane. He was the whole package: good grades, tall and handsome, smart, ambitious, and, to top it off, he actually had a decent personality. Basically, he was that guy who seemed to have it all together. Elysia, though, wasn''t buying it. She scrunched up her nose and muttered, "Doesn''t matter how perfect he looks on paper. He''s rotten to the core. The guy''s just filthy inside and out." Just then, Keaton and Tarquin walked in. Keaton immediately jumped in with his two cents, "Gotta agree with Elysia on this one. It''s what''s inside that counts! Look at me¡ª my grades are awful, but at least I''m not a jerk, right Tarquin?" Tarquin just rolled his eyes, didn''t bother responding, and instead wandered over to stand closer to his wife. Elysia nodded her approval. "Exactly. Keaton might be a bit of a flirt, but at least he''s a good guy. Compared to Zane, he''s like, a thousand times better." Winona, grateful for the support, chimed in with a big smile, "If Zane''s just a crow pretending to be a peacock, then you, Keaton, are the real deal. Like, the crowned king." Keaton puffed up immediately, grinning, "See? Ms. Newsom knows quality when she sees it!" Elysia turned to Tarquin, "Did Zane and Ridley leave?" "Yeah, they just left." "Bet Zane''s losing his mind right now. He didn''t get to take Winona home, and now he''s got a whole new mess with Sarah. She''s his time bomb-looks like it finally blew up. I''m sure he''s freaking out." "You''re not wrong. He looked like he''d swallowed a lemon on his way out." "Serves him right!" Elysia snorted. Honestly, the worse Zane felt, the better everyone else''s mood seemed to get. Elysia finished dabbing ointment on Winona''s arm and started packing up the first aid kit. Keaton sidled over, chuckling, "Hey, Elysia, could you do me a favor when you have a sec?" She looked at him, a little surprised. "Uh... sure, what is it?" "Well, you and my sister get along, right? Next time you see her, could you put in a good word for the whole ''no marriage, no kids'' thing? Maybe talk to my parents, too, so they''ll stop hounding me about settling down." Elysia blinked, caught off guard. "Wait a secst time I saw Jess, she said you were engaged. Your fianc¨¦e''s name is Beatrix, right?" Keaton pulled a face. "We''re not really engaged. It''s just for show, to get our folks off our backs. Beatrix and I are both anti-marriage. The whole thing is just to keep the parents happy." Elysia raised an eyebrow. "Just an act, huh? I dunno, Beatrix doesn''t really seem the type..." She hesitated a moment, then said, "I''ll talk to Jess next time I see her, but I can''t promise anything." Keaton looked hopeful. "She listens to you. If you tell her, she''ll talk to Mom and Dad, and she won''t get chewed out for it. If I say anything, I''m dead meat." Elysia just shook her head. She''d heard all about it-how Richard and Mrs. Huber were dying for a daughter-inw, and how Keaton wanted absolutely nothing to do with marriage. Rumor had it, the Hubers were so desperate, they even considered exhuming some long-gone ancestor, convinced their family curse was why they had a son who refused to get married. Winona piped up, "Actually, I think I can help with this." Everyone turned to look at her. Keaton''s eyes went wide, "Wait, seriously?" "Seriously. You just want your parents off your back about marriage and kids, right?" "Exactly! That''s all I want." "No problem. But are you in a rush? If you can wait until I deal with Zane, I''ll help you out." "I mean, it''s kinda urgent, but I can wait. As long as it''s handled before New Year''s. My parents want me and Beatrix to announce the engagement at the end of the year, and I don''t want to go through with it." "Plenty of time, then. When Zane''s sorted,e find me. I''ll take care of it." Keaton looked like he''d just won the lottery. "Deal!" Inside Number One Mansion, the mood was light and easy. Meanwhile, somewhere else, Zane was on edge, feeling like he''d just eaten a whole te of rotten Brussels sprouts-sour, bitter, and absolutely miserable. Chapter 1212 He marched up to the house, evidence in hand and confidence rolling off him in waves. Today, Zane was sure he could finally redeem himself in Elysia''s eyes. Maybe he''d even get to bring Winona home like he''d promised. But then Sarah showed up out of nowhere-and smashed every hope to pieces. Now things were officially spiraling. After dropping Ridley off at the office (and suffering through yet another one of his drawn-out lectures), Zane didn''t waste a second. He drove straight to the psychiatric facility. He needed answers. Who let Sarah out? And, more importantly, who gave her those photos? But the doctors and nurses there had no idea where Sarah got the pictures. The security footage showed nothing unusual either. Hours slipped by. Zane ran in circles, getting nowhere. Next, he headed to the hospital to confront Sarah herself-maybe warn her, make sure she stopped spreading her insane stories. Sarah might be crazy, but that didn''t mean her threats weren''t real. Today, Elysia and the Newsom family already seemed to have him in their crosshairs. But at the hospital, the police stopped him cold. No matter what he said, they refused to let him see Sarah. By the time Zane finally dragged himself home, it was pitch dark outside. He was exhausted, pissed off, and empty-handed. The moment he stepped inside-still in his shoes-a strange smell hit him hard. Like something was burning. Zane frowned and followed the scent into the living room. What he saw made his blood run cold. Right in the middle of the spotless living room, a pile of burnt ash sat on the hardwood floor. It looked like someone had just finished burning paper-like some weird old ritual or a makeshift memorial, the kind you''d expect to see at a wake, not in his home. Suddenly, a soft, unmistakable sound of crying drifted through the house. It was quiet, but clear. Zane''s heart pounded like a jackhammer. Goosebumps prickled down his arms. He forced himself to speak. "Who''s there?!" The crying stopped at once. Silence, thick and suffocating. Swallowing his fear, Zane flicked on every light in the house and hurried to his office to check the security cameras. He scrolled through the footage, frame by frame. Nothing. No one hade in or out since he left. And on the feed, the living room was immacte¡ªno sign of any burnt ash. Was he losing his mind? He could''ve sworn he saw it. Scowling, Zane stomped back to the living room. Sure enough, the floor was spotless. How was that possible? He stood there frowning for a long moment, then called the smart homepany. They assured him that everything was working perfectly. He even asked about the doorbell ringingst night. They told him he probably just imagined it. Zane hung up, rubbing his temples. Ever since Winona was rescued, he''d been running on nerves and adrenaline. Maybe he was just stressed out-seeing things that weren''t there. He tried to shake it off and headed to the kitchen for a bottle of water. But as soon as he twisted off the cap, the doorbell rang again. Zane froze. "Hello? Who is it?!" No answer-just likest night. Jaw clenched, Zane stomped toward the front door. The bell stopped the second he got there. He peered through the peephole, expecting nothing. Instead, he saw the impossible: his father, long dead, standing on the porch. "Ah-!" Zane screamed, stumbling backward and falling hard on the floor. A secondter, Arthur-his father-appeared in the living room, swaying slightly as he moved toward Zane. That was it. Zane broke. He fumbled for his phone, hands shaking, and called his mother. "Mom, get over here! I just saw Dad! He''s-he''s here! Oh God-" "What? Zane, honey, what are you talking about?!" Half an hourter, Prisci burst into the house, punching in the door code. The first thing she saw was Zane, still sitting on the floor, looking like he''d seen a ghost. Chapter 1213 He was curled up in the corner, shivering so badly it looked like he might fall apart at any moment. Whatever had happened to him, it had clearly scared the life out of him. Prisci rushed over, her voice trembling. "Sweetie, what happened to you?!" Zane finally looked up, his face ghostly pale. "I saw my dad. He was trying to strangle me!" "What on earth are you talking about?" Prisci gasped. "Your dad''s been gone for years! There''s no way you saw him. And even if you did, he would never hurt you-he''s your father!" Zane''s panic only grew when he realized Prisci didn''t believe him. He started talking faster, more frantic. "I swear I saw him! Last night, he was by the window. Today he was at the front door, then he came inside! He kept chasing me, reaching for my neck like he wanted to kill me!" Prisci''s worry deepened. "Honey, are you sure you''re not just under a lot of stress? Maybe you''re having some kind of hallucination. Try to calm down, okay? Why don''t we check the security cameras together?" "They won''t show anything!" Zane shot back. Prisci stared at him, speechless. Zane was in such a bad state that Prisci couldn''t take any chances. She grabbed her phone and dialed 911, asking for a psychologist toe over immediately. After a thorough examination, the doctor concluded that Zane was suffering from a serious mental breakdown¡ªtoo much stress, not enough sleep, and now his nerves were shot, leading to hallucinations. She wrote him a prescription for some meds and told him to get plenty of rest. It was almost dawn before Zane finally calmed down. Even after taking sleeping pills, his mind was racing-he couldn''t shut off his thoughts. The whole thing with Sarah today haunted him. The more he thought about it, the more unsettled he became. How had Sarah escaped from the psychiatric hospital? Who gave her those photos? How on earth did she know he''d be at Number One Mansion today? And what were the odds that Keaton just happened to run into Sarah and brought her over? This had Tarquin written all over it. If Tarquin could find Sarah, he definitely knew what had happened between them. Yeah, he had to know. Zane bolted upright in bed. If Tarquin knew, did that mean Elysia knew too? His breathing quickened. If Elysia knew, did that mean Winona also knew? Were they all in on it? Zane sat there, thinking hard. Suddenly, something clicked. He threw off the covers, jumped out of bed, and hurried into the living room. He stared at the security camera, jaw clenched, but ultimately did nothing. He just turned around and went back to bed. Number One Mansion. Elysia and Blossom were huddled together, whispering anxiously. "Why''d he run out just to stare at the camera like that?" Winona shrugged,pletely unfazed. ¡°He knows he''s being watched." "What?!" Winona replied, "I''ve been around him long enough to know how he thinks. He''s probably figured out all this weird stuff is me pulling strings behind the scenes. After all, I''m the only one who knows how much his dad terrifies him." Winona didn''t know what had gone down between Zane and Arthur, but she knew that Arthur was Zane''s personal nightmare. Not even Prisci knew that. But Winona knew, because Zane would often wake up in the middle of the night, screaming Arthur''s name. The past couple of days, Elliot and Elijah had helped her mess with the smart home system. They could control the doorbell and appliances, and even project fake images at just the right moment. So the Arthur Zane had seen wasn''t a figment of his imagination¡ªit was just a projection. The doorbell and crying he''d heard? That was Elliot and Elijah too, pulling the strings. Winona''s goal was simple: she wanted Zane to feel that same powerless fear he''d made others feel. Elysia and Blossom were visibly nervous. "So... does Zane know you''re messing with him?" Chapter 1214 Winona was totally unfazed. "Whatever. He''s going to find out sooner orter anyway. What''s the difference if it''s today or tomorrow?" Elysia and Blossom just exchanged a look. "...." Later, back in the bedroom, Elysia recapped everything to Tarquin. Tarquin took it all in stride, pulling her close. "You''re still worried about Zane figuring it out? Winona''s right-he''s going to know eventually. Winona''s just ying dumb to make it easier to get back at them. She''s putting on a show so she can go after Prisci and Sarah right out in the open. But even if she wasn''t pretending, she wouldn''t let them off the hook. She''d just find another way to take her revenge. Nothing to lose sleep over." Whether Winona was faking or not, whether Zane caught on or not it didn''t affect Tarquin''s ns at all. To him, whatever was going on between Winona and Zane was just petty drama. Digging up the whole mess with Zane and Burmalia, now that was the real y. That was Zane''s Achilles'' heel. Get leverage there, and you could take him down for good. Elysia let out a breath. "You''re right. But Winona pretending to be clueless isn''t just so she can p someone around-it''s also her way to sniff out proof that Zane''s behind all this. If they really go at it openly, wouldn''t it be harder to get evidence?" Tarquin shook his head. "Nah. Even if things get ugly, she''ll just find another way. There''s always a way." Elysia frowned. "But if they go head-to-head, won''t it be more dangerous for Winona?" Tarquin kissed her gently on the forehead, all warmth and reassurance. "From the moment Winona showed up on our radar, she was safe. You don''t need to worry. Anyone you want to protect, I''ll protect for you. Now rx and get some sleep, okay?" Elysia felt a rush of warmth at his words and snuggled closer. "Okay." Once she''d drifted off, Tarquin sent a quick text to Lowell: [Heads up Tamsin: expect Zane to make his move tonight. Tell her to stay alert.] Lowell replied instantly: [Got it.] Around 1 AM, Tarquin''s phone buzzed. Elysia had been jumpy for days¡ªat the first sound, she was wide awake. "Who is it?" Tarquin nced at the screen. "Lowell." He kept his arm around Elysia as he answered. "Yeah?" "Tarquin, just like you said Zane made his move! He sent people to kidnap the illegitimate daughter, and wanted to inject Ridley with something. We''ve caught all of his guys." Tarquin''s voice was calm. "Inject her with what?¡± He''d expected Zane to go after Ridley''s secret daughter-kidnapping her would give Zane leverage to force Ridley to hand over control of the Newsom family. But the injection was new. Lowell replied, "No idea. Zane''s men didn''t know either. All they said was he told them to inject her, but didn''t say with what. I just sent you a photo." Tarquin opened the image: a vial of clear liquid. Not much to go on. Elysia peered over his shoulder. "Could be a virus or something." Tarquin told Lowell, "Send it to Benjamin Lawson for analysis. Have Zane''s guys call him say the job''s done. Tamsin will follow their lead." "Understood." When the call ended, Elysia was wide awake. "Zane going after Ridley and the ''illegitimate daughter'' out of nowhere does that mean he''spletely figured out Winona''s faking?" Chapter 1215 "Looks like it," Elysia muttered, frowning. "So what''s his game? He''s trying to use Ridley to threaten Winona?" Tarquin leaned back against the headboard and pulled her close. "They''re past pretending. Zane needs leverage to keep Winona in check, and Ridley''s the perfect bargaining chip. He can use Ridley to shut Winona up, and maybe even get his hands on the Newsom family''spany and assets. If Ridley doesn''t y along, Zane can always dangle the whole ¡®illegitimate daughter'' thing over her head." Elysia pressed her cheek against Tarquin''s chest, brows knit tight. "Zane sure thinks he''s clever, doesn''t he?" "Thinking doesn''t mean he''ll seed," Tarquin replied, a hint of a smile in his voice. Elysia looked up at him, her expression hopeful. "So you already figured out Zane''s n? You had people watching over Ridley and the others from the start?" He nodded. "That''s why I kept telling you to rx. As long as your husband''s here, you''ve got nothing to worry about." With Caroline and Winona already under their roof, Ridley was the only one Zane could target. If things went south between Zane and Winona, Ridley would be his first move. Elysia''s eyes sparkled. "How did you get so smart?" Tarquin grinned. "It''s because I married Elysia. You inspire me." Elysia snorted. "I''ll just take that as apliment." "You should-it''s meant to be one. And I''m pretty proud of it, too." Sheughed along with him, then asked, "So what''s the n now?" "We see what Winona wants to do next." Back and forth, the couple kept talking in low voices. Elysia was so worried about Ridley and Tamsin that she couldn''t sleep, so Tarquin stayed up with her. Later, Tarquin''s phone buzzed-a message from Lowell instead of a call. [Tarquin, can you talk?] Tarquin knew right away Lowell was being careful not to alert Elysia. She just happened to be in the bathroom, so he called Lowell back. "What''s up?" Lowell sounded grim. "We got the test results. That vial? It''s a virus. Not just any virus-the exact same strain as Verity Bradford''s so-called son." Tarquin''s eyes widened in shock. "The virus Karl Town brought back?" "Exactly." Tarquin went silent. Why the hell did Zane have something like this? Was he mixed up with that shadowy figure? Lowell pressed, "So what do we do now?" Tarquin thought for a moment. "We y along. Have someone take Ridley to the hospital and keep her in istion. Tell everyone she''s infected." "Got it." When Elysia came back, Tarquin told her about the virus-but left out where it came from and the bit about the mysterious man. No sense making her worry even more. But Elysia didn''t waste a second-she immediately filled in Winona and Caroline. The next morning, bright and early, Ridley was whisked off to the hospital. Elysia and Winona, along with the rest of their crew, rushed over and put on a whole show-pretending Ridley was dangerously ill, acting devastated in front of everyone. Once the hospital scene was over, Winona followed the n she and Tarquin had cooked up-she marched straight home to confront Zane. No more pretending, no more subtlety-she was ready for a head-on battle. It looked like she was going it alone, but in truth, the big boss with the scarred face and White were both with her. Following Evan''s orders, they were there to watch Winona''s back¡ªno matter what happened. Chapter 1216 When Winona got home, it wasn''t even seven yet. She stood outside, suitcase in hand, staring at the familiar front door-her heart a tangled mess. After more than a year, she was back. Back again. She, Winona, was back! She took a deep breath, steadied her nerves, and reached for the door. The face ID scanner blinked red-ess denied. She tried her fingerprint. No luck. She keyed in her six-digit passcode. Nope. Wrong again. Winona stood there in five-inch heels, brows drawn tight. It was obvious: Zane had wiped her info, changed the code, locked her out. He never thought she''de back. Not even for a second. Was she hurt? Of course she was. How could she not be? Once upon a time, she''d loved him for real. He was her first love, her "once in a lifetime," her husband-on paper, at least. This house? Her parents had paid for their little "American Dream" starter home as a wedding gift. She''d picked out every tile, every paint swatch, everyst throw pillow. She''d obsessed over the kitchen backssh, the hardwood floors, the farmhouse sink. She''d poured her heart, her hopes, her future into this ce. And now? She couldn''t even get inside. What did this marriage ever give her, really? Just scars-body and soul, inside and out. No mercy, no escape. Marriage, she thought, is a gamble. Draw a good man, you get happiness. Draw a bad one, you get a nightmare. Winona inhaled, slow and deep. Time to end the nightmare. She wasn''t going to rot in this graveyard of a marriage. Bam, bam, bam! She pounded on the door. Inside, Zane and his mom, Prisci, were probably still asleep afterst night''s "haunted house" drama-she''d heard the rumors. Finally, Prisci shuffled out of the guest room, yawning. "Who the heck is it? You''re gonna break the darn door down! If you bust it, you''re paying for it-my son spent a fortune on that thing!" The door swung open. Prisci blinked-then froze. Her face soured. She yelled, "What are you doing here, you little witch? My Zane''s divorcing you, and the Livingston family is done with you! Get lost! The farther, the better-" Before she could finish, Winona smacked her. Hard. Prisci staggered and fell, eyes wide in shock. She knew she was no match for Winona, She started wailing. "Zane! That witch is back! She hit your mama again! Get out here and teach her a lesson! Boo hoo hoo." Winona red down at her. "You''re the ones who need to leave. This house isn''t Livingston property-it''s Newsom property!" Prisci shrieked, ¡°What are you talking about? This is my son''s house! Trying to steal it from us? Over my dead body! You witch! Get back here¡ªyou can''te in!" She lunged for Winona''s leg. Winona kicked her off, cold as ice. "Get lost." All themotion finally brought Zane out of the bedroom. He took one look at Winona-just her, no one else and rxed, lips curling into a sneer. He shut off the house security cameras and WiFi, then looked at his mother. "Mom, close the door. If she''s back, she''s not leaving again." Prisci didn''t get it, but she always listened to her son. She scrambled up, grumbling, to m the door shut. Winona didn''t care. She hadn''te back to leave again. This was her home. Why should she be the one to go? If anyone had to leave, it was this lovely mother-and-son duo. She red at Zane, emotions swirling in her eyes until all that was left was pure, seething hatred. Hatred as deep as the ocean. Zane lounged on the couch, looking her up and down. "So, you''re done pretending, huh?" Chapter 1217 Winona didn''t say a word. She nced up at the living room wall, where the wedding portrait hung a big, cheesy photo of her and Zane in full wedding attire, smiling like they had the world at their feet. She let out a dry, bitterugh. Then, in one swift motion, her expression hardened. She grabbed the closest thing at hand¡ªa decorative vase¡ªand hurled it right at the picture. CRASH! ss shards exploded everywhere. The photonded face-down on the hardwood floor. Winona didn''t stop. She grabbed a golf club from the umbre stand and stormed through the room, smashing every framed wedding photo she could find. She didn''t touch anything else. Only the wedding photos. Prisci shrieked from the hallway, her voice shrill and angry. "Zane! Are you just going to stand there and let her wreck our home? She''s tearing this family apart!" Zane stood stiffly, arms crossed. He said nothing, just watched Winona with an icy look. As far as he was concerned, Winona was just throwing a tantrum because she had nowhere else to vent her frustration. She hated him, but there was nothing she could really do. Ridley was under his thumb. Winona didn''t dare reach out to Tarquin or Elysia for help-she was on her own. Zane figured he had her right where he wanted her. Let her smash the photos- he didn''t care. He would''ve trashed them himself, anyway. Sooner orter, this whole ce would be filled with wedding photos of him and Elysia instead. When everyst wedding photoy in ruins, Winona finally stopped, breathing hard. She felt a strange sense of relief. She headed to the kitchen, poured herself a ss of water, took a few gulps, then came back and sat on the couch across from Zane. "Alright," she said tly, "let''s talk. What do you want?" Zane looked her straight in the eye. "I have the antidote. It''ll cure your dad. If you do as I say and transfer all the Newsom family assets to me, I''ll hand it over." Winona frowned. "You pretended to fall for me, married into the Newsom family, then had me kidnappedst year-nning to ship me off to some hellhole in Burmalia. And now you''re poisoning my dad and using him as leverage." s?novel She locked eyes with him, voice low. "You did all this just to get your hands on the family fortune?" Zane narrowed his eyes. "The kidnapping? That wasn''t me. And as for your dad-who knows who poisoned him? All I know is, I have the cure. y nice, and your dad lives. Don''t, and..." He trailed off with a cold shrug. s?novel Even now, with the security cameras he''d destroyed and the signal cut off, Zane was careful. He''d never admit to anything outright. Winona gave a sharp, unimpressedugh. "Still ying coy at this point?" Zane just shrugged, all fake charm. "If you''ve got proof, show it. If not, quit making things up." Herugh turned colder. "My dad treated you like his own son. You have the cure and you''re still holding out. Are you really that heartless?" "Saving him is up to you. If you want to see him get better, you know what to do." Winona stared at him for a long moment, then asked, "How do I l.ne know you even have the antidote? When I visited my dad at the hospital today, the doctors said it was a new kind of virus-there''s no cure for it anywhere." This was what Tarquin was most worried about¡ªit involved Karl Town and that mysterious figure. They''d even faked Ridley''s infection just to get Zane to slip up. Zane leaned back, confidence oozing. "There''s no cure on the market¡ªbut I have it. y ball, and I''ll give it to you right now." "I don''t believe you," Winona shot back. "Not until my dad''s better. There''s no way I''m going along with your demands." Zane was silent for a moment, then reached into his pocket. "Fine. I''ll give you a sample. Try it on your dad. See for yourself." He set a small bottle down on the coffee table. "That''s the cure. But it''s not enough. You want a full recovery? You''ll need way more." Winona picked up the bottle, turning it slowly in her hand. In her hidden earpiece, Elysia''s voice crackled to life. Chapter 1218 "Winona, Tarquin says to put the pill bottle away and just stick to the n. Don''t worry about Zane hurting you the ce is crawling with security." Winona did as instructed, slipping the tiny bottle into her jeans pocket. Her expression turned icy. "Negotiations are over. You can all leave now!" Zane''s brows knitted together. "Excuse me, what did you just say?" Winona shot him a look of pure disdain. "This is my house. After all this drama, you really think you get to stay here? Aren''t you embarrassed? Because I sure am by you." Prisci nearly exploded, her voice shrill. "You''re telling us to leave? You should be the one leaving! This is my son''s house!" Winona didn''t even look her way. She strode over to the front door, yanked it open, and leaned against the frame, arms crossed. "So, are you walking out on your own, or should I call the cops to help you out?" Zane''s jaw tightened, his face dark and stormy. He stomped over, about to yank Winona back inside for a "private chat"-but before he could touch her, a rock came whizzing out of nowhere and smacked his hand. The stone was sharp. It sliced open his skin, and blood started dripping down his knuckles. Zane hissed in pain, instantly on guard. "Who''s out there?!" He nced around the porch, but the quiet suburban street was empty. The tension in the air was thick as a London fog. Turning back to Winona, Zane''s eyes narrowed in surprise. "You didn''te back alone. You brought someone with you?" Winona shot him a sideways nce, refusing to borate. She let him think whatever he wanted. Zane''s breathing quickened. "You told Tarquin and Elysia everything? About us?¡± "Yeah. So what?" Zane''s eyes went wide, almost popping out of his head. "I texted you, Winona! I warned you: if you want your dad to stay alive, you say nothing. You told them anyway-are you trying to get your father killed?!" Winona ignored him. Right on cue, the moving truck she''d called pulled up outside. She waved the movers in. "Everything in the walk-in closet-clothes, shoes, the lot-toss it. Bedroom; guest room, nkets sheets, whatever you find. Oh, and clear out the kitchen and bathroom too want everyst thing out of here." The movers didn''t hesitate. They started hauling out Zane and Prisci''s stuff by the armful, dumping it onto the frontwn. Prisci shrieked, trying to block their way. "Stop! That''s our personal property! You can''t touch that!" The movers ignored her. Her protest was drowned out by the sound of boxes thumping onto the porch. When she realized she couldn''t stop them, Prisci copsed onto the hardwood floor, sobbing so hard she nearly choked. "This is a crime! Lord, have mercy! She''s throwing us out of our own house! How did lend up with such a vicious daughter-inw? Oh, woe is me..." Winona just rolled her eyes. Let her cry-she sounded like a broken record, and Winona half-expected her to start wailing into a violin for effect. Zane was livid. "Winona, what the hell are you doing?!" She''dpletely thrown him for a loop. Last night, when he realized Winona had been faking it, he''d immediately sent his guys to grab his illegitimate daughter and infect Ridley with the virus. He''d texted Winona right after, threatening: If you want Ridley to live, don''t tell anyone. Meet me alone. He''d nned to get his hands on the Newsom family''s fortune-he''d been scheming for years, and he wasn''t about to walk away with nothing. But Winona hadn''t yed by his rules. "So you really don''t care if your dad lives or dies?" Zane threatened, voice low and menacing. Winona didn''t even blink. She just looked at him coolly. "Maybe you should worry about yourself for a change. Congrattions, Zane. You''re about to be famous." She waved her phone at him with a sly smile. Chapter 1219 Zane felt something was off. His breath caught in his throat. "!" He fumbled for his phone, heart pounding, and checked his notifications. No way. Clips of his conversation with Winona-some pretty damning stuff-were already blowing up online! Zane was in shock. He could''ve sworn he''d cut off the Wi-Fi. How the hell did Winona manage to upload the videos? The inte was a wildfire of outrage: #Oh my god, is he for real? This is a whole new level of trash!# #This isn''t just trash, this is straight-up evil!# #World''s Best Guy? More like World''s Biggest Jerk! I''m gonna be sick!# #He''s reached the ultimate freeloader status wants the whole pie and the bakery too!# #Thank God Winona''s got nine lives, or she''d already be six feet under thanks to this scumbag! Die, loser!# Even though Zane denied the whole kidnapping and poisoning thing in the videos, no one was buying it. The court of public opinion had already ruled: guilty as charged. People were even digging up rumors about him and Sarah, the nurse, and Lyra. Years of carefully crafted "good guy" image-gone in a puff of smoke. Zane''s breathing grew ragged, his chest heaving in panic. "Winona, are you trying to get yourself killed?!" Winona was still filming, steady as ever. "Take a breath, Zane. The whole country''s watching right now." He clenched his jaw so hard he thought his teeth might crack, eyes burning red. He wanted nothing more than to wipe that smug look off Winona''s face, but he knew there were bodyguards everywhere. He couldn''t get near her. "You''re ying dirty. Fine-you win this round." Without another word, Zane spun on his heel and stormed out. With the inte in meltdown mode, he knew the press and paparazzi were probably swarming the building already. He needed to get away, find some quiet cornerto figure out his next move. As he was leaving, Winona called after him, "And by the way, that fancy penthouse Prisci''s been livingin? It''s mine. She''s moving out today." Prisci''s face turned purple. "You bitch! Who do you think you are, taking my home? That''s my ce!" Winona''s tone was ice. "Actually, I paid for it. The deed''s in my name." "You said it was a gift! It''s mine!" "I gave it to you out of respect, but if you can''t show any, don''t expect me to, either. You brought this on yourself." "You-! I''ll kill you!" Prisci lost it and lunged at Winona, but Zane yanked her back. "Don''t make a bigger fool of yourself. Let''s go." "My house, my house..." Prisci sobbed as Zane dragged her away. Before disappearing down the hall, he shot Winona onest re. "You''ll regret this." Zane and Prisci were gone, but the inte was just getting started. #So mad right now, I swear I''d p that old witch senseless! How dare she call Winona evil-she''s the real monster!# #No wonder Zane turned out the way he did, look at his mother! Like mother, like son.# #If that woman lived in my house, she''d have caught a frying pan to the face already!# Number One Mansion. Elysia and Blossom scrolled through satisfied. Zane might have squirmed out of admitting anything, but his reputation was officially toast. Sax.ments, thoroughly For Zane, this was game over. Elysia and Blossom grabbed Caroline and headed out to meet up with Winona, with Evan trailing behind as their self-appointed bodyguard. Back at the house, Tarquin, Elliot, and Elijah huddled in the study for a private strategy session. Chapter 1220 Elliot said, "Zane wants the Newsom family fortune. After Winona shut him down, I bet he''s thinking of using the illegitimate daughter to threaten Mr. Newsom." "Mr. Newsom''s inplete istion. Zane can''t get to him," Tarquin replied. "Then he''ll switch tactics. He''ll throw himself into building his ownpany, especially Central Pharmaceuticals." Tarquin''s voice went cold. "If he tries to leverage Central Pharmaceuticals, we''ll expose his connection to thepany immediately. His reputation''s already trashed-no one''s going to invest in him now. When he''s desperate for cash, you reach out to him as Alpha Thorne and sign a profit-sharing contract." A profit-sharing contract at this stage? That''d be like pulling the rug out from under Zane-game over. Elliot understood exactly what Tarquin meant. "Leave it to me. I know how to handle it." Tarquin nodded, then turned to Elijah. "Any progress on your end, Elijah?" Elijah jumped right in, "I checked out the sketches Mom drew. I found a few spots." "Here, and here there are underground bases. People are actually living down there." "And all these spots are close to the Myan District. I think Zane built them as transfer stations." "He gathers people there, waits for a chance, and then ships them all to Burmalia." Tarquin studied the areas Elijah had circled. "Send me the general locations. I''ll have our team dig deeper." "Okay, Dad. But... aren''t you going to ask Zane about the mystery man?" "No rush," Tarquin said, his voice firm. "He needs to bepletely ruined first. Once Zane''s desperate, talking about the mystery man will be easy. People only behave when they''ve lost everything." Just as the three of them predicted, once Zane realized he couldn''t get his on the Newsom fortune, he his attention back to his own empire. By lunchtime, Central Pharmaceuticals announced ns to go public. The news sent shockwaves through the business world. Central Pharmaceuticals had been on a meteoric rise for the past two years. All the big yers on Wall Street had their eyes on it. The moment thepany started raising funds, everyone would be lining up to buy shares. Watching the financial news and all the hype about Central Pharmaceuticals, Zane finally felt a hint of satisfaction. Central Pharmaceuticals was his creation-his proof that he was more than just a name. Why did he look down on Keaton and Tarquin? Because they coasted on family money, while he built everything himself. If they had swapped backgrounds, Zane was convinced he''d leave both Tarquin and Keaton in the dust. He already had it all mapped out: after Central Pharmaceuticals went public, he''dnd a massive deal. At the very least, he''d make a cool billion dors. Then he''d expand even more, rake in even more cash. Once his empire was big enough, and Tarquin was out of the picture, he''d be strong enough to swallow all of Tarquin''s assets. He''d be at the top of the pyramid-the richest, most brilliant man in the country. Only then would he go after Elysia again. He refused to believe she wouldn''t fall for him then. Zane was riding high on his dreams. But just as the news about the IPO went out, Tarquin hit him with a cold dose of reality. A bombshell exploded online: Zane was outed as the secret owner of Central Pharmaceuticals. Suddenly, the inte was aze. If this hade out before, people would''ve been shocked, maybe called him ambitious for building such a giantpany behind the Newsom family''s back. But now? With Zane''s reputation in the gutter, it was a whole different story. Chapter 1221 This is really bad news for hispany. Who would want to invest in a total jerk? Investing in a scumbages with risks-what if the government cracks down on him one day? All their money would go down the drain. So, the big shots who were nning to invest started to hesitate. Their hesitation made Zane panic. The stuff online had confirmed his ties to Central Pharmaceuticals. There was no way to deny it now-he just had to own up and deal with it. He personally called up all those big-name investors who had shown interest before. But, without exception, he got the cold shoulder from every single one of them. Zane started to freak out. Without new investments, he couldn''t expand production, and if he couldn''t expand, there was no way he couldnd that huge contracting up. We''re talking billions here-no way he could let that slip through his fingers. He was counting on this deal to make it big! As Zane was getting desperate, his assistant suddenly announced, "Boss, Alpha just reached out to us. He wants to talk about an investment." "Alpha? That investment genius?" "Yeah, that''s him." "I thought he and Tarquin didn''t get along..." Zane mulled it over for a second. "Get in touch. I''ll talk to him myself." It didn''t take long for Elliot, using a voice changer, to contact Zane as Alpha. Elliot offered to invest five billion, but there was a catch-they had to sign a profit- guarantee agreement. Zane promised that Central Pharmaceuticals would earn at least ten billion in profit within three months. If he didn''t hit that number, he''d hand over full controlling interest in Central Pharmaceuticals to Alpha. Elliot agreed. And if Zane did hit the target, Elliot would throw in another ten billion as a follow-up investment. Zane knew there was a huge ordering in, so he was feeling pretty confident. He didn''t hesitate and signed the agreement that very afternoon. Elliot and Tarquin wasted no time-they wired the five billion straight into Central Pharmaceuticals'' ount. A little bait is always worth it for a big hunt. Besides, they figured the money woulde back to them soon enough. That evening, Tarquin''s phone rang. It was Benjamin. Benjamin said, ¡°The antidote we got from Zane-it does work against this virus." "But it only works on the first generation, the original strain. Once the virus mutates, the antidote is almost useless." "So, if we use it on Verity''s illegitimate kid, it won''t help at all." Tarquin frowned. Only the original strain, huh... But at least it means the antidote is effective for something. This virus originated from Karl Town, almost certainly the work of that mysterious figure. If Zane had ess to this virus-and the antidote-it meant he was involved with that mystery man. What exactly was the connection between Zane and this guy? Why would Zane be mixed up in this? Tarquin pressed his fingers to his brow, deep in thought. "Is there any way we could use the antidote from Zane to develop a real cure for the mutated virus?" Benjamin sighed. "It''s tough. Really tough." Tarquin said nothing. If they couldn''t find a cure, this would be a ticking time bomb for humanity. If it ever spread on arge scale, it would be a disaster. Just like the pandemic a few years back... Mysterious figure. Virus. Antidote. Central Pharmaceuticals. Zane. A ten-billion profit in three months! Tarquin''s mind whirled with worry. He had a bad feeling-like something huge and terrible was about to happen. "What''s the World Pharmaceutical Organization saying?" he asked. Benjamin replied, "We reported the virus as soon as we found it, but we haven''t heard anything from them. I guess they haven''t found a way to deal with the mutated strain yet." Tarquin fell silent. Just then, Elysia came home. Seeing the worry lines on his face, Elysia asked, "Honey, what''s wrong?" Chapter 1222 Tarquin put away his phone and pulled her into his arms with a quick kiss. "Just got back?" he asked. "Yeah. The kids are downstairs with Mom. Caroline and Blossom stayed over at Winona''s; they didn''te home with us." Tarquin said, "Don''t worry about them. I''ve arranged for someone to keep an eye on them. They''ll be safe." "I know. But what''s on your mind? Talk to me," Elysia said as she settled onto hisp, gently smoothing the worry lines from his brow. Tarquin wrapped an arm around her waist, his thoughts heavy. Zane had both the virus and the cure-and imed he''d make a billion dors in three months. That kind of confidence? It was... unnerving. He could just release the virus, then sell the cure for a fortune. It wouldn''t be the first time something like this happened out here. Plenty of pharmaceuticalpanies yed both sides of the fence. But Zane''s so-called ''cure'' couldn''t even kill the mutated strain. If he really unleashed this thing, the consequences would be unimaginable. The only real solution was to develop a working antidote-fast. Before Zane or his mysterious partner made their move. But Tarquin wasn''t a doctor. He could only do so much. "Is there a problem with the antidote Zane gave you?" Elysia asked suddenly. Tarquin''s eyes flicked up. "Did you hear something?" Elysia replied, "Dr. Benjamin called this afternoon. I was helping Winona tidy up, so I missed it. When I called back, he was really vague-hung up after just a few words." "Dr. Benjamin knows I have a medical background. Maybe he wanted my help with the antidote?" Tarquin didn''t answer, but the look in his eyes said enough. Benjamin knew Elysia was skilled in alternative medicine, and if he''d hit a wall with the virus, it made sense he''d turn to her. But Benjamin also knew there was something shady going on with Zane and his secret partner, and working with an unknown virus was dangerous. He wouldn''t involve Elysia unless he had no other choice. So when he reached out, he was hesitant, not wanting to say too much. Elysia pressed, "Is that what you''re worried about? The antidote?" Tarquin was quiet for a moment, then decided to keep it to himself. "No, just work stuff. Nothing you need to worry about. I''ve got it handled." He didn''t want Elysia involved unless it was absolutely necessary. Besides, Central Pharmaceuticals was still too small-Zane wouldn''t release anything just yet. He''d wait until he could mass-produce the antidote and really cash in. For now, there was no immediate danger. Maybe the World Pharmaceutical Organization could handle it. If not... maybe then Elysia could help. Elysia didn''t press. "Should I call Dr. Benjamin and check in? I know my way around herbal remedies; maybe I could help if there''s an issue with the antidote," she offered. "No need. If Benjamin really needs you, he''ll say so," Tarquin replied. Just then, Evan''s cheerful voice floated up from downstairs. "Mommy! Grandpa''s home!" Elysia''s face lit up. "Dad''s here?!" "Sounds like it." Elysia''s worries melted away as she hurried downstairs to see yton, Tarquin at her heels. Downstairs, yton was lifting the kids high into the air, spinning them around one by one. After everyone had a turn, Baby, clutching her stuffed bunny, piped up, "Grandpa hasn''t lifted Lan yet! Grandpa, it''s Lan''s turn!" Baby adored Lan. She couldn''t even fall asleep unless Lan''s little dog bed was in her room at night. Chapter 1223 Lan was being extra sweet today, glued to Baby''s side like a little shadow. yton''s face lit up with a warm, doting smile. "All right, all right-Grandpa''s got you. Come here, let Grandpa hold our Baby''s little pet." He scooped up the tiny bunny, gently stroking its fur, while the kids gathered around, bubbling with excitement. The scene was pure coziness-a slice of home. Just then, Elysia came down the stairs, cheerful as ever. "Hey, Dad," she called, grinning at yton. yton''s eyes sparkled with pride when he saw his precious girl. He couldn''t hide how much he adored her. But a secondter, his brow furrowed in concern. "Haven''t been sleeping welltely?" he asked, studying her face. "You look thinner... and are those dark circles under your eyes?" Elysiaughed it off. "I was a bit worried about Winona the past few days-didn''t sleep much. But it''s okay now." yton had seen all the drama online about Winona and Zane. He shook his head, frowning. "The Newsom family really caught a bad break, running into such a jerk! What goes aroundes around, though¡ª-guys like that never end up happy." With that, he shot a look at Tarquin, feeling secretly grateful. The Hawkins family lucked out, he thought. They got themselves one hell of a son-inw. Still, the next moment, a pang of sadness hit him. There wasn''t even a wedding photo in the house. His daughter never wore a wedding dress. She never had a real wedding. What girl doesn''t want to walk down the aisle in a stunning white dress and have her big day? His baby got none of that¡ªjust a marriage certificate. Of course, he didn''t me Tarquin for any of it. But his heart ached for his girl, his one and only daughter. He wanted nothing more than for her to be happy, to have no regrets. yton took a deep breath, pushing down the feeling so he wouldn''t spoil the mood. With a smile, he turned to Elysia. "I brought you guys some gifts!" He set Lan down carefully and wheeled his suitcase over, popping it open. The case was stuffed with all kinds of quirky little trinkets-not fancy, but each one fun and unusual. "Wow!" The kids squealed, rushing over in a noisy bundle. yton picked out a mini bunny keychain and handed it to Elysia. "This one''s for you. Picked it out especially-see if you like it." Elysia examined it. "This looks familiar somehow..." yton''s face lit up. "It''s just like the one you loved as a kid-the one that used to hang in your room, remember?" Elysia''s eyes widened. "That''s why! It really does look just like it!" "Do you like it?" She nodded, swallowing back tears. "Yeah! I love it. Thanks, Dad." For a second, it felt like fatherly love had taken on a physical shape, right there in her hand. yton''s grin stretched from ear to ear. "Silly girl, what''s with the ''thanks''? As long as you like it, that''s all that matters. Ha!" Honestly, his daughter liking his little gift made him happier thannding a billion- dor deal. "Grandpa! Is this one for me?" "Grandpa, I want this one!" "Grandpa, this is awesome-I love it! Thanks, Grandpa!" Pam came back in after her therapy session, and the kids scrambled over. "Grandma, Grandma, Grandpa''s home!" "Look, Grandma Grandpa brought us all these presents! He even got some for you!" The living room buzzed withughter and chatter for a good long while before it finally quieted down. Later, Elysia and Emmett headed into the kitchen to whip up some extra side dishes for yton. Pam and Baby joined in to help. Meanwhile, Elliot, Evan, and Elijah dashed upstairs to inspect their new toys. That left just yton and Tarquin alone in the living room. yton sipped his tea, ncing at Tarquin every now and then, clearly wanting to say something but holding it back. Chapter 1224 Tarquin could already guess what was on yton''s mind, so he spoke up first. "I''ve already asked someone to tally up everything I own," he said, his voice steady. "Once it''s all done, I''m transferring everything to Elysia''s name. On our wedding day, everything will be hers." yton gaped at him, genuinely stunned. "Wait-what?!" Tarquin just nodded, looking him straight in the eye. "I don''t really know how else to show her how much I love her. I want her to have everything-me, my heart, my money. All of it." He hesitated, then added, "Dad, it was my fault Elysia never got a real wedding. I regret that, every day. That''s why I''ve been nning¡ªso I can finally give her the ceremony she deserves." yton was quiet for a moment, his face softening, eyes misty. "Son, I know everything you two have been through. Not having a wedding wasn''t just your fault. But the fact that you want to make it right... that means the world to me." He took a deep breath, his voice rough with emotion. "Elysia is my only daughter. For years, I couldn''t be there for her, and it broke my heart. Now that I have her back, I can''t stand the thought of her ever being hurt." Tarquin nodded solemnly. "I understand, sir. She''s my one and only, too. I''d never let anything happen to her." "You and Mom don''t need to worry," he went on earnestly. "Whatever other women have, Elysia will have. And whatever they don''t have, I''ll make sure she gets it anyway." "We''ll take wedding photos. We''ll throw the best wedding anyone''s ever seen. Every tradition, every celebration-I won''t let her miss out on a single thing." Hearing that, yton finally let out a breath he''d been holding for years. "You have no idea how much that puts my mind at ease. I trust you, Tarquin. If you say it, I know you''ll do it." He hesitated a moment, then got a little serious. ¡°But listen, son, let me be a dad and nag you for a second, okay? I know love is the most unpredictable thing in this world." "I''m not asking you to promise to love her for the rest of your life. All I ask is¡ªif the day everes when you don''t love her anymore, please, don''t hurt her. Just tell me. I''lle and get her, no questions asked. I won''t let her get caught up in your life if it''s not working anymore." He straightened, his jaw set. "But if you ever do anything to hurt her-if you ever pull a Zane and Winona situation-I swear, I''lle after you myself, old bones and all." Tarquin didn''t look the least bit offended. He just smiled gently. "I get where you''reing from, Dad. But honestly... you don''t have to worry. If anything, it''ll be her leaving me, not the other way around." "And if that ever happens," he said with a lopsided grin, "I hope you''ll remember I''m your son-inw and put in a good word for me. Because without her, I''d be totally lost." yton just stared at him for a second, speechless, his eyes rimmed red. At dinner, for the first time in twenty years, yton picked up a ss of wine, grinning ear to ear as he toasted Tarquin. Neither of them could really hold their liquor. After a few rounds, one waspletely wasted, the other pleasantly buzzed. Later that night, once Elysia had tucked the kids and her parents into bed, she made her way back to the bedroom. She''d barely stepped inside when Tarquin appeared in the doorway, blocking her path. Startled, Elysia leaned back against the door. "What are you doing standing there?" "Waiting for you," he said, the whiff of whiskey on his breath unmistakable. She looked him up and down-still in dress pants and a button-down. "You haven''t showered? I thought you''d be done by now." "Can''t," he replied, almost sulking. "Huh?" "I''m drunk. Can''t shower alone-I''ll just fall over." Elysia rolled her eyes. "You said you weren''t drunk after dinner. Even told Heath to make Dad some hangover soup." Tarquin blinked, azy grin spreading across his face. "Wasn''t drunk then. But now? Wasted." He leaned in, his eyes dark and smoldering, murmuring right in her ear, "Besides... the thought of showering with you? That''s enough to make me dizzy." A shiver ran down Elysia''s spine, her cheeks flushing hot. Chapter 1225 "Who said I was taking a shower with you?!" "I''m drunk, Elysia. I can''t do it by myself. You gottae with me." Elysia flushed bright red, pretty sure she knew exactly what he was getting at. "If you can''t shower alone, then just skip it tonight!" "No way. I feel gross." "I don''t care if you''re gross." "Well, I do." Elysia rolled her eyes. "Then sleep on the floor!" "It''s cold down there. I''ll catch a cold." "Fine, then take the couch!" "Sofa wrecks my back. It''s not healthy." She gave him a withering look. "Then sleep wherever you want. Just move, I''m going to bed." She tried to brush past him, but suddenly Tarquin pressed his entire body against her, pinning her to the door. Their bodies were flush-no space left between them. Through her pajamas, Elysia could hear the hammering of his heart-and feel the heat radiating off his skin. Her own heart was picking up speed, her breathinging quicker. The room seemed to get ten degrees warmer in a heartbeat, charged with a sultry tension. Elysia swallowed, lowering her voice in a warning. "Tarquin! Move it or I''ll start yelling." She had her reasons for not giving in. He was always gentle with her-except in the bedroom, where he turned into apletely different person. By day, he was a saint; by night, a wolf! A wolf who hadn''t had a steak in about a century, by the way he acted. And this whole "showering together" thing? No way. Way too embarrassing. Worse, the guy had a thing for bathroom antics¡ªhe got even more riled up in there. Last time, she could barely walk for days. Winona''s mess still wasn''t sorted out, her dad had just arrived, and she couldn''t spend tomorrowid up in bed. So, absolutely not! Elysia tried to push him off, but Tarquin, tipsy and shameless, just pretended not to hear her. He pinned her wrist above her head with one hand, gently tilted her chin up with the other, making her meet his gaze. He brushed a feather-light kiss over her lips, then murmured at her neck, "Come on, let''s shower together." "No way! Mmm¡ª" Tarquin nipped at her neck, repeating, "Together." "No! No, I said-mmm-" He bit her again, insistent. "Together." Elysia realized arguing was useless and tried reasoning instead, "Tarquin, seriously, cut it out. I''ve got stuff to do tomorrow, I need to actually sleep-ugh, you jerk, get off-" But Tarquin wasn''t listening. His touch made her dizzy, her breathing uneven. She almost wanted to retaliate and bite him right back to shock some sense into him, but then-footsteps sounded outside the door. Elysia tensed up instantly. Tarquin leaned into her ear, whispering threateningly, "If you don''t cooperate, I''ll yell and tell them you took advantage of me while I''m drunk." Elysia stared at him, scandalized. Was he even serious?! She was about to curse him out when the footsteps stopped right outside. "Ma''am, your hangover soup''s ready!" came the housekeeper''s voice. Elysia panicked¡ªbut before she could reply, Tarquin covered her mouth in a deep, heated kiss. Elysia wanted to shove him away, but didn''t dare make much noise-she could only let him have his way, feeling like a thief caught in the act. With just a door between them and the housekeeper, there was something illicit and thrilling in the air. The housekeeper waited a moment, then, getting no answer, left quietly with the soup. As soon as the coast was clear, Tarquin scooped Elysia up bridal-style and strode straight to the bathroom-kissing her all the way. Chapter 1226 Right before things went all the way, Elysia clung to herst shred of sanity and warned Tarquin in a shaky voice, "Only... only once, okay?" Tarquin''s breathing was heavy, but he agreed right away. "Okay! Just once." The night was soft, and love was electric. Of course, things never go exactly as nned. That ¡°just once" quickly turned into twice... then three times... and, well, you get the idea. So the next morning, Elysia was absolutely wiped out. She tried to get out of bed several times, but her legs were jelly. She felt like she''d been trampled by a stampede of wild horses. There was no way she was getting out of bed. The minute her toes touched the floor, her legs started trembling. Lying defeated on the bed, Elysia shot Tarquin a murderous re and gritted her teeth. "Tarquin, you jerk!" Tarquin knew he''d gone way overboard. He didn''t dare argue back-he was worried if he made her mad, she wouldn''t let him anywhere near her again. "I know, I''m a total jerk. I''m sorry, it''s my fault..." He apologized over and over, trying everything to make it up to her. He brought her pain relief cream, helped her to the bathroom, even took care of every little thing so she wouldn''t have to worry. "I know you''re embarrassed and don''t want Dad and Mom to know you can''t get out of bed. Don''t worry, I''ve got a cover story all set." "If Dad asks why you''re still in bed, I''ll say you pulled an all-nighter studying for your psychology certification." "Studying?" Elysia shot him a look. "More like you kept me up all night!" She wasn''t buying it. "What if Dad asks me what book I was reading?" "He probably won''t," Tarquin tried to reassure her. Elysia red. "What if he does?" Tarquin grinned, "Then I''ll just grab one of your books from the study and show him." Elysia frowned at his smug smile. "What are you smiling about?!" His grin only got wider, but when Elysia shot him another icy re, he quickly coughed and tried to look serious. "Don''t be mad. I''m notughing. Does my excuse work?" Of course the excuse would work. But Elysia was in no mood to be friendly, so she just ignored him and pulled theforter over her head, pulled the muttering curses at Tarquin under her breath. She''d nned to meet up with Winona today, and maybe take her parents and the kids out for brunch and a stroll around the park. Now, all her ns were ruined. She was stuck in bed, totally at Tarquin''s mercy. Tarquin gently patted her through the covers. "You rest. I''ll bring you some breakfast." "I don''t want any!" "You''ll be hungry..." "Go away! Leave me alone!" Tarquin just smiled even more and tucked her in, trying to look as apologetic and helpful as possible. Downstairs... yton had been up for hours already. He''d taken a morning walk around the neighborhood, checked out Elysia''s ce, and now he was settled on the living room couch flipping through a thick stack family photo albums-pictures of the kids when they were little ones Elysia had printed out years ago. The photos brought a smile to his face. When Tarquin finally came down alone, yton looked up and asked, "Where''s Irene?" Tarquin lied smoothly, not missing a beat. "She stayed up all night reading. She''s catching up on sleep and said not to wake her for breakfast." yton frowned in concern. "What book kept her up all night?" "Some psychology stuff. She wants to get certified, maybe look for a job down the line." yton shook his head. "She shouldn''t be losing sleep over books. It''s not good for her health." "I''ll talk to her. No more all-nighters," Tarquin promised. yton nodded thoughtfully. "So Irene''s thinking about going back to work?" "Yeah. She''s got dreams and ambitions, and I fully support her." yton smiled. "Work can be tough, but if it''s what she wants, we should let her go for it. It''s good to have dreams. Do you know what she wants to do?" Chapter 1227 "She wants to open a center-specifically for kids struggling with mental health issues." yton raised an eyebrow. "Really? But she didn''t even major in psychology. What made her want to do that?" "She spent a few years living out in the wilderness. Picked up a lot on her own. Now she''s really into it." yton perked up at the mention of the wilderness. "I''ve been meaning to ask you about that! I heard back when Irene had that ident, someone rescued her, and she ended up living in the woods with her kids for five years. Do you know who helped her?" "No idea." yton looked surprised. "Not even you know?" "Nope. Elysia told me she promised her rescuer she wouldn''t talk about what happened out there, or share anything about the person." yton''s jaw dropped. "That secretive, huh?" "Yep." yton sighed. "I was hoping to find out who it was, so I could thank them properly." Tarquin, for his part, felt more curiosity than anything else. He wondered what kinds of people lived in those woods, and what exactly went on out there. Elysia was amazing with holistic medicine-she always knew what to do when someone was sick. And Elliot, Evan, and Emmett? Each of those kids is a prodigy in their own right. Sure, they''ve got natural gifts, but you don''t get that far without a good mentor. No way Elliot could be making that much money as a kid without someone guiding him. No way Evan could be that skilled. And Emmett¡ªno matter how smart he is¡ªwouldn''t have picked up all those sleight-of-hand tricks on his own! And then there''s White, that clever little snake of theirs. You don''t find animals like that unless theye from a truly unique ce. There aren''t many things in this world that fascinate Tarquin-but the people from Elysia''s past, and everything that happened in those woods, definitely did. He was very, very curious. Downstairs, Pam and the kids were starting to wake up. Whoever bumped into Tarquin first would always ask about Elysia. He brushed off their questions with the same line: "She stayed up toote reading, so she''s catching up on sleep." Once breakfast was ready, Tarquin took a tray upstairs. Elysia hadn''t fallen asleep yet. When she saw him, she immediately rolled her eyes. Tarquin just grinned. "Nobody sus thing. They all say you can''t keep burning the candle at both ends, even if you''re studying. Healthes first." fo Elysia gritted her teeth. "You''re such a jerk." Tarquin chuckled. "I made you some oatmeal the way you like it. Let me help you eat a bit." He set the breakfast on her nightstand, helped her sit up, and tucked a pillow behind her back. Sitting next to her on the bed, Tarquin spooned oatmeal for her. Elysia was starving-exhausted and hungry, like she''d been doing manualbor all night. As he fed her, Tarquin said, "Dad was asking earlier about your rescuer from the woods. He wants to find a way to thank them." Elysia paused mid-bite. "How''d thate up?" "He just brought it up. Are you nning to go back out there sometime?" "Yeah. The kids have wanted to for situatie we''ve sorted out Zane''s and Mom''s health is better, at I promised them we''d make a trip. Honestly, I want to go back too." Tarquin immediately said, ¡°Take me with you when you go." All his curiosity pointed straight to that ce. Elysia looked at him, hesitating. He jumped in with a reason: "Come on-your-rescuer out there obviously cares about you and the kids. Don''t you think they''d want to meet your husband? It''s like meeting your in-taws for the first time." Elysia just muttered, "We''ll see when the timees." They both thought it would be ages before they went back. Neither of them realized just how soon they''d need to return-and this time, there was no avoiding it. Chapter 1228 After breakfast, Tarquin''s phone suddenly rang-it was Benjamin. "Verity''s illegitimate son," Benjamin said, his voice low and urgent. "His condition''s gotten worse. Honestly, I don''t think he''s going to make it." Tarquin''s heart sank. That was thest thing he wanted to hear. If this virus could do more than just give people a nasty cold-if it could actually kill someone-then things were a whole lot more serious than they''d thought. He pressed a hand to his forehead, took a moment, then pocketed his phone and turned to Elysia. "Hey, why don''t you just rx here at home today? If you need anything, just call me. I have to step out for a bit." Elysia could see the worry etched on his face. "Is everything okay? Did something happen?" Tarquin forced a small smile. "It''s just work stuff. Nothing for you to worry about, and don''t stress about Dad either. I''ll handle everything. You just get some rest, alright?" He leaned down, kissed her forehead, and tucked the nket more securely around her before heading out. Downstairs, he found yton and asked about the day''s ns. yton, always thoughtful, didn''t want the whole family hanging around the house and disturbing Elysia''s rest, so he had nned to take Pam and the kids out for a walk¡ªmaybe to the park or for some ice cream. Tarquin quickly arranged for a couple of guys to keep a discreet eye on them, just in case. With everything at home squared away, he drove straight to the hospital. Benjamin was out of quarantine now, but his face was drawn and grim. "It doesn''t look good," he said, voice heavy. Tarquin jammed one hand in his pocket and peered through the ss window into the hospital room. Verity''s sony in bed, hooked up to more machines than Tarquin could count, the monitors beeping erratically, as if life itself might just slip away at any moment. Benjamin spoke quietly. "His organs are shutting down. His liver looks like it belongs to someone in their eighties." Tarquin frowned. "Is it the virus?" "Yeah. And some of the doctors and nurses who were exposed are showing simr symptoms." "So... no cure? Nothing?" Benjamin shook his head, defeated. "The virus mutates too fast. Every time we think we''re onto something, it changes. We just can''t keep up." Tarquin exhaled sharply. "Why do some people get infected and others don''t? You were exposed, and you''re fine." "We haven''t figured that out yet." Tarquin blew out a long breath. "Did you ask him about Zane?" "I did. He doesn''t know Zane, never heard of Central Pharmaceuticals either." Benjamin hesitated, then asked, "Should we try talking to Zane? If this virus gets out, it''ll be a disaster." Tarquin shook his head. "It''s pointless. Zane only cares about money. As long as he''s got the antidote and can make a fortune off it, he won''t walk away from this. And even if we take Zane out, whoever''s really behind this will just find someone new to keep things going." There were only two ways to end this. Either they found a cure, fast. Or they went after the source-find whoever was behind it all, and stop the virus at its root. Neither option was going to be easy. Benjamin''s jaw tightened. "Whoever''s behind this, and Zane too-they''re monsters. Putting the whole world at risk, just to make a buck. Don''t they worry about karma catching up to them?" Tarquin''s frown deepened, his mind racing with worry. Benjamin asked, "Any luck figuring out who this ''mystery man'' is?" Tarquin didn''t answer, just shot him a look. Instead, he asked, "How long does he have?" Benjamin nced back at the patient. "Could be months. Could be just a few days. It''s impossible to say." "Keep me posted if anything changes." With that, Tarquin left the hospital, slid into the driver''s seat of his car, and lit a cigarette. Then another. And another. The more he thought about the mystery man and the virus, the heavier his chest fett, as if a boulder was pressing down on him, making it hard to breathe. Chapter 1229 Stuck. Right in his throat, like a lump of unchewed steak-couldn''t swallow it down, couldn''t cough it up. It felt awful. ... That night, as soon as he stepped through the front door, Elysia noticed. She barely nced up from the kitchen, but her nose wrinkled. "You''ve been smoking. And the hospital-again? What happened? Did something go down?" Elysia had the nose of a bloodhound, especially when it came to cigarettes or anything medicinal. Tarquin froze for a second. Elysia pressed on, her voice gentle but firm, "Just tell me the truth, okay? If you keep me in the dark, I''ll only worry more." He caved. "I went to see Benjamin. At the hospital." "About that antidote?" she guessed. He nodded, unable to meet her eyes. She stepped closer, concern written all over her face. "Did something go wrong with it? Winona called me today, asking about the antidote and the virus. Zane got in touch with her." Tarquin''s brow creased. "What did Zane want?" ¡°Same old threats. Said he''s the only one who can save Ridley, trying to push Winona so he could get his hands on the Newsom family estate.¡± "Tell Winona not to y his games." "I already did. But you and Dr. Benjamin seem really on edge. Ridley''s fine though, right?" Elysia had no clue about the other infected kid. Nobody else did-word about the new virus hadn''t reached the public yet. The government was keeping it under wraps to avoid a panic. Before Tarquin could answer, Elysia''s eyes widened. "Wait-are you lying to me? Ridley''s sick?" He shook his head, quick and firm. "No. Ridley''s okay, I swear." "Then why are you so tense?" She studied him, her gaze sharp. He hesitated, then said quietly, "Ridley''s not infected. But someone else is. And it''s bad." She blinked, caught off guard. "Who?" "Someone you don''t know. And a few doctors and nurses, too." "But how? Is this Zane''s doing?" Tarquin left out the part about the mystery man. "He''s working with someone. Right now, Zane''s got both the poison and the antidote. think he wants to unleash the virus, then sell the cure and make killing." Elysia scowled, disgusted. "Poison the world and sell them the medicine? That''s evil. But can''t Dr. Benjamin fix it?" He shook his head. "The virus mutates too fast. He''s hit a wall-no cure yet." "So Zane''s antidote is the only shot?" "Not exactly. His antidote only works on the original strain. If Zane actually spreads this thing, and it mutates again, people are in real trouble." Elysia was silent for a moment, taking it in. No wonder Tarquin and Benjamin looked so stressed this could threaten everyone. "Did Dr. Benjamin report it to the World Health Organization?" she asked. "He did. They''re working on it, but the virus keeps changing. No luck yet." Elysia frowned, thinking hard. After a moment, she said, "You stay home with the kids. I''ll go to the hospital and talk to Benjamin. Maybe I can help.¡± She''d learned a lot about natural medicine from her grandmother back in the countryside. She didn''t think nk she was a miracle worker, but maybe just maybe-she could spot something the others missed. Tarquin stopped her gently. "Let Benjamin send you the files first. Take a look, rest up, and if you still want to go, go tomorrow." Elysia considered this, then nodded. She''d have to study the notes anyway before doing anything. Tarquin called Benjamin, who sent he even file he had without hesitation. He knew Elysia''s reputation-if not for Tarquin he would''ve asked for her help long ago. Chapter 1230 Ever since Elysia got her hands on those files about the virus, she''d bepletely obsessed-eating, sleeping, everything else took a back seat. To say she worked herself into the ground wouldn''t be an exaggeration. She''d be upte into the night, sometimes staring at herptop until three in the morning. If Tarquin didn''t practically drag her to bed, she''d probably pull all- nighters every night. Even after less than four hours of sleep, she''d be up at dawn, pouring over the data all day. That evening, she suddenly announced, "I need to go to the hospital." She looked so serious that Tarquin asked, ¡°Is it urgent?" "It''s urgent. I have to go now," she replied, grabbing her coat. Tarquin knew there was no stopping her, so he just got his keys and went with her. yton and the kids all knew she was working on something important-they didn''t get in her way, just told her to go and not worry about things at home. On the drive over, Elysia''s brows were furrowed in worry. Tarquin reached over and squeezed her hand. "Do your best and let the chips fall where they may. Don''t put so much pressure on yourself." If she could help beat this virus, that''d be amazing. If she couldn''t, it wasn''t her fault. Elysia nodded, but her frown deepened. "Zane is absolutely ruthless," she muttered, shaking her head. Just reading through the files made her sick to her stomach. There were four people in critical condition from the infection. Patient zero was a man in his thirties, background unknown, and he was already in the danger zone-barely hanging on. The other three? All medical staff. One was the attending physician-a man in his forties, breadwinner for his family, with elderly parents and young kids depending on him. Now, he was fighting for his life, and his whole family''s world hade crashing down. The other two were nurses. One was a rookie, fresh out of college, working her first year. She''d grown up in a small town, her parents scraping by as farmers to put her through school. Now this-her family''s hopes were shattered. The second nurse-she was newly pregnant, married six years, finally expecting her first baby after so many struggles. And now, infected. No one knew if she or her baby would make it. Elysia didn''t even know these people, but her heart hurt for them. This virus didn''t just destroy individuals, it wrecked families. If Zane spread this thing any further, there''d be even more victims, more broken homes. That''s why she called him ruthless. To create a crisis like this, just for his own gain¡ªhe didn''t deserve to be called human. "Evil doesn''t go unpunished. He''ll get what''sing to him," Elysia said angrily, her hands balled into fists. Sontent belongs to sw Tarquin gave her hand another squeeze. "Don''t worry. Karma''s a real thing." As they walked into the hospital, Tarquin''s phone buzzed. It was Benjamin. "Tarquin, are you guys here yet?" Benjamin asked. "We just got here. Why?" "Zane showed up. He wanted to see Winona''s dad. I turned him away think he''s getting suspicious of Winona, so he''s snooping around the hospital." Tarquin frowned, about to reply-but then he spotted Zane himself, striding out of the main entrance. As soon as Elysia saw him, she trembled with anger. Tarquin hung up and held her hand, quietly trying to calm her down. Zane spotted them, too, and blinked in surprise. Elysia turned to Tarquin, her jaw set. "Wait here. I need a word with him. Alone." She had too much bottled up-she needed to let it out. Tarquin wasn''t thrilled, but nodded. "Alright." Elysia squared her shoulders and marched over. Zane saw hering, a look of surprise¡ªand, strangely, hope-lighting up his face as he jogged over to meet her. He was dressed in a pale suit, looking every bit the charming,. passing by would think he was a stand-up guy. respectable gentleman. Vel But Elysia knew better. This was the first time they''d seen each other since Zane and Winona had their falling out. He knew Elysia would be furious. And she was. Chapter 1231 He honestly thought Elysia wouldn''t bother talking to him again anytime soon... So when he saw Elysia walking toward him, he actually felt a flicker of hope. As she got closer, Zane tried to act casual and greeted her, "Elysia." Smack! He barely got her name out before Elysia''s hand cracked across his face. His head jerked to the side, a perfect imprint of her hand blooming on his cheek. Slowly, Zane turned back to look at her, his expression twisted andplicated. ¡°Elysia...¡± Elysia was trembling with anger, her words bitten out through clenched teeth. "I didn''t just misjudge you, Zane¡ªI seriously underestimated how low you could go. Congrattions, you''ve officially redefined what it means to be a jerk in my book." "I''ve met my fair share of scumbags, but you? You''re in a league of your own!" "You hurt Winona, you hurt Ridley, you destroyed the Newsom family, and you''re not done-you''d throw ordinary people under the bus too. Zane, you don''t deserve to be called human." Zane didn''tsh out, even after taking the p. His voice was bitter, almost pleading. "Elysia, please, just let me exin. I admit it-I lied to Winona, I hurt the Newsom family, but everything I did, I did for you!" "From the first moment I met you, I was crazy about you. I mean, head-over- heels, can''t-eat, can''t-sleep obsessed." "But back then, I was t broke. We would''ve had nothing. I couldn''t even put a roof over your head or guarantee you a warm meal. I didn''t want you struggling just because of me. I wanted to give you everything¡ªa nice home, stability, the works." "That''s why I made those choices. I hid how I felt about you, I forced myself to be with Winona because I thought it was for the best." "Yeah, I married her, but I never loved her. I''ve only ever loved you. Always, only you." Elysia shot him a look that could freezeva. She scoffed, "Only me? So what about Sarah, huh? Or Lyra? Or that cute nurse at the hospital? And all those other girls you''ve strung along-what are they, just pit stops?" Zane shook his head desperately. "They were just passing through. None of them meant anything¡ªI was just going through the motions. The only one who''s ever had my heart is you." "I''ve always wanted to be with you. When you were gone all those years, I nearly lost it. I couldn''t eat, couldn''t sleep I tore my life apart looking for you. I¡ª" "Are you moved by your own speech yet?" Elysia interrupted, a coldugh in her voice. "Are you about to cry for yourself, Zane? Do you really think you''re some tragic, noble hero? Let me tell you something: the only person you love is yourself." Zane''s brow furrowed. "Elysia, I swear to you, I love you. I always have." Elysia''s voice was sharp as broken ss. "And I swear to you, you make me sick." Zane''s face darkened, his jaw clenched hard. "I know I did a lot of things that made you hate me, but I swear to God, I did it all for you. Every choice I made was because I love you." "Then I swear to God, every single thing you do just makes me hate you more," Elysia shot back. Zane''s breathing was ragged now, his frustration boiling over. "You don''t like me. Is it because of Tarquin? I''ll admit, I''m not where he is right now, but just give me a little more time. I swear, I''ll crush him-I''ll be bigger than him soon!" Elysia balled her fists, her re icy. "Don''t even say his name. You don''t deserve to. You''re not even in the same universe as him." "And don''t talk about love. You don''t have a clue what that is." "And don''t waste your breath thinking I''d ever be with you. I''d rather die than be with you, Zane." "To me, Tarquin is a true gentleman. You? You''re a snake in the grass. There''s noparison." "Only cowards hurt innocent people just to get what they want. Tarquin might have a temper, but he''d never do anything truly cruel or evil." "His heart is good and honest." "Yours, Zane, is rotten to the core." Chapter 1232 Zane was absolutely livid. "Oh, I''m the viin, and he''s the perfect gentleman?!" he spat, voice shaking with rage. "If he''s such a great guy, maybe he shouldn''t be dragging you along to mess with deadly viruses and their cures while telling you he loves you!" He jabbed a finger in Elysia''s direction, eyes wild. "Do you even realize how dangerous this virus is? One slip, and you could get infected! And let me tell you, it''s not pretty-just pure agony!" "He''s putting you in harm''s way. He doesn''t care about you at all!" Elysia''s face flushed with anger. She clenched her fists and fired back, "Tarquin didn''t manipte me into this! It was my idea to help with the research!" "He only let me join because he knows there''s no stopping me-not because he doesn''t care!" "But you¡ª" she pointed right back at him, voice trembling, "You know how dangerous this is? You know how much people suffer after they''re infected? Yet you still unleashed this on the world! How could you be so heartless?!" Zane''s voice rose to a guttural roar. "I did it for you! I was trying to make more money so you could have a better life!" "For me?" Elysia let out a bitterugh. "Don''t kid yourself. You did it for you!" "You''re just looking for a fancy excuse to ease your guilty conscience, but deep down you know exactly what you''ve done!" Zane fell silent, breathing hard, unable to hide how much the truth stung. Elysia took a couple shaky breaths, forcing herself to calm down. "Zane, just wait. You''ll get what''sing to you. And don''t even think about loving me-it makes me sick!" With that, she spun on her heel and marched toward Tarquin. Zane lunged after her, but Tarquin was faster-he stepped in and shoved Zane hard, sending him stumbling backward. Zane lost his bnce and crashed to the floor. Tarquin wrapped a protective arm around Elysia, ring daggers at Zane. "Keep your hands off my wife!" Zane scrambled up, spitting blood and fury. "She''ll be mine one day, just you wait!" Without another word, Tarquinnded a solid punch across Zane''s jaw, knocking him down again¡ª-this time, two teeth went flying. From the shadows, the bodyguards, seeing Tarquin throw a punch, started to move in. After all, why let the boss get his own hands dirty over a nobody like Zane? That was like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Totally unnecessary. But Zane wiped the blood from his mouth, got up once more, and sneered at the entourage. "What, you gonna hide behind yourpdogs now?" "If you didn''t have your fancy family name and all that money, you''d be nothing! Give me half your privilege, and I''d outshine you a thousand times over!" "You entitled trust-fund brat-you don''t deserve Elysia''s love!" The bodyguards bristled, ready to pounce, but Tarquin raised a hand. "Stand down." He shot Zane a cold, piercing look, then turned to Elysia. "Are you done talking to him? Let me have a word in private. Benjamin''s upstairs waiting for you-go see him. I''ll be up in a bit.¡± Elysia hesitated, worry creasing her brow. Tarquin gave her a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry. I can handle myself." "Okay, I''ll go find Dr. Benjamin." "Good." She shot Zane onest withering re and stepped into the elevator. Tarquin watched until the doors slid closed, then started rolling up his sleeves as he walked toward Zane. By now, the sun had set, and the hospital corridors were quiet. This was one of those elite private clinics-never crowded, especially at night. With the bodyguards gone, Zane pulled himself up, eyes burning with hatred. Seeing Tarquin approach, Zane clenched his jaw. He took a deep breath and strode forward to meet him head-on. Truth be told, Tarquin had always rubbed him the wrong way-and the feeling was mutual. There were some grudges a man could never let go. And Zane had been hitting the gym, even taking boxing sses twice a week. Tonight, he was ready to settle the score. Chapter 1233 He wasn''t afraid to take on Tarquin, not even a little! Zane stormed forward, all puffed-up bravado at least until¡ª Before he even got close, Tarquinnded a brutal kick that sent him flying across the parking lot! It was only when the fists actually started flying that Zane realized just how outmatched he was. Tarquin moved fast-crazy fast. Every punch was solid, every move precise. Forget fighting back-Zane couldn''t even dodge. He caught punch after punch square in the face, barely able to keep his bnce, when suddenly Tarquin swept his leg out from under him. Zane hit the ground hard, knees first, with a sickening thud. Tarquin loomed over him, face cold as stone. He didn''t hesitate¡ªanother hard kick, this one straight to Zane''s ankle. There was a nasty crack, and Zane howled in pain. "Aaaagh¡ª!¡± Tarquin wasn''t done. Hended a fierce kick to Zane''s ribs, sending him skidding across the gravel. Zane felt something snap-probably his ribs. He tried to catch his breath, but it was like breathing through broken ss. Tarquin stalked toward him, expression thunderous. Gone was Zane''s earlier cockiness. All that bravado? Nowhere to be found. Just raw terror in his eyes. "You...you¡ª¡± he stammered,pletely floored by Tarquin''s skills. Of course he was shocked. How could he know what Tarquin''s past really looked like? Those "years abroad for physical therapy" were a total cover. Tarquin had served in the military, worn the uniform, carried a rifle, flown fighter jets and tanks ¡ªeven survived a few years in some hardcore survival bootcamps. And Zane? The guy took two boxing sses a week at the local gym and thought he was hot stuff. Ridiculous. Tarquin stopped in front of him and, without a word, unleashed another flurry of punches and kicks-this time until Zane coughed up blood. Finally, Tarquin stood over him, eyes icy cold. "I never wanted to get my hands dirty dealing with you. But you just had to go and poke the bear, huh?" "If I hear you running your mouth again, I''ll cut out your tongue.¡± "If you so much as touch Elysia, you''ll lose your hand." "Try and make a move on my wife again? That''s a death wish." "To me, you''re not even worth the trouble. If it weren''t for certain reasons, you''d be long gone." Zane curled up on the ground, gasping for breath, not daring to talk back. Tarquin shot him a look of pure disdain, then took a napkin from the bodyguard nearby and wiped his hands. He gave crisp orders: "Call Winona. Tell her her husband''s been hurt and needs toe home to recover. Deliver him to her-personally." Zane''s eyes went wide with horror. Send him to Winona? Why not just finish him off now? ¡°I¡ª¡± he started, but the bodyguard cut him off with a punch that knocked him out cold. Upstairs, Elysia sat hunched at herptop, studying a video of mutating viruses. Her face was tense with concentration. When Tarquin came in, she looked up in a hurry. "You okay?" "Yeah, I''m fine." "What about Zane?" She wasn''t worried about Zane, really-more about Tarquin identally killing him and ending up with a murder charge on his hands. "Sent him to Winona." "What?" Tarquin just shrugged. "Winona wanted to let off some steam, right? I figured I''d give her the chance." Elysia blinked, then rxed as she caught his meaning. "Nothing...bad will happen, right?" Tarquin grinned, just a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Her husband''s hurt. She''ll take ''good care'' of him. Trust me." Elysia got the message and smiled. Honestly, Zane deserved whatever wasing to him. Tarquin looked over at herptop, eyeing the virus model on the screen. "Any luck?" Elysia shook her head, frowning. "I''m stuck. To crack this, I''ll probably need Grandma''s help." Tarquin perked up. "Your grandma in the mountains?" Chapter 1234 Just as Elysia was about to answer, a sharp female voice echoed from the hallway outside. "I told you, you can''t see him, and that''s final! Cry all you want, it won''t change anything. Those are the rules!" "I''ve never dealt with such unreasonable family members. I said he''s just in quarantine, not dead already! What''s there to cry about?" "If you waste any more of our time, and we don''t find a cure because of it, it''ll be on you!" Another woman''s voice broke in, shaky and pleading. "Today is my child''s birthday. She just wants to see her dad, even if it''s just from behind the ss. Can''t you let us do that?" "No! How many times do I have to say it¡ªno means no! If you keep pestering me, I''ll have security throw you out! God, you''re exhausting!" Suddenly the woman snapped, and the little girl burst into loud sobs. Elysia frowned and stepped out into the hallway. There were three people: two women and a child. One of the women was in her twenties, dressed in a whiteb coat-clearly medical staff. The other, about forty, was clutching a five- or six-year-old girl to her chest-a mother and daughter, clearly. The younger woman spotted Elysiaing out of the room and immediately shot her a suspicious re, looking her up and down. "Who are you? Why are you in the records room?!" Elysia didn''t have the chance to answer before the older woman hurried over, still holding her crying child. "You''re with the doctors working on the virus, right?" she begged, tears streaming down her face. "Please, have a heart. Let us see her dad, just for a moment. It''s her birthday¡ªshe doesn''t want presents, she just wants to see her father..." "I know the virus is contagious, we''d stay behind the ss! We just want to see him, please. We''re so worried about him. I''m begging you." The little girl, dressed in a frilly princess dress, clung to her mother''s neck, her eyes red and puffy. "I want Daddy! I want Daddy! I want Daddy..." she wailed. It all clicked for Elysia-this was the family of that infected male doctor. Because the virus was so contagious, he was still in strict istion. But now that his family knew what was really happening, shouldn''t they at least be allowed to see him through the ss? That was just basicpassion. Elysia couldn''t understand the hospital''s reasoning. She started to exin, "I''m sorry, I''m not a doctor, I-" "You''re not a doctor? Then how did you get into the records room? Who are you, a reporter?" the young woman snapped, cutting her off with a harsh, suspicious tone. "I''m warning you: this virus is still ssified. If you leak anything, you''ll be in serious trouble. We''re talking prison time." Elysia tried to keep calm. "I''m not a reporter, I¡ª¡± But the woman interrupted her again, voice rising. "If you''re not a reporter, what are you? Who let you in? What were you doing in there? You''d better start talking, or I''m calling the cops right now!" Elysia just stared at her, exasperated. Who interrupts people this much? Has she ever heard of basic manners? And wasn''t she supposed to be the angel in the white coat? What a joke. Elysia''s patience snapped. "Dr. Benjamin told me toe here." The woman''s brows knit together. "Dr. Benjamin? Benjamin? Why would he send you?" Elysia shot back, "And who are you? Why should I exin myself to you?" With a haughty flick, the woman pointed to her own ID badge. "Take a good look. I''m with the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association. I''m the lead on this virus investigation." Elysia nced down at the badge: Sabrina Stevenson, Medical & Pharmaceutical Association. Sabrina-Elysia couldn''t help but think of sage, the herb. Sabrina squared her shoulders, looking even more self-important. "I don''t care what your connection to Dr. Benjamin is. You entered the records room without our permission, so I have every right to question you. Now answer me, and don''t even think about lying!" Chapter 1235 Tarquin couldn''t take it anymore. With a steely expression, he strode over to Elysia''s side and stood protectively by her. "I don''t care who you think you are," he said, his voice cold as ice. "But if you raise your voice at my wife again, we''re gonna have a real problem." He''d tried to stay out of the squabble-it was just women talking, after all-but this woman was way out of line. Someone needed to put her in her ce. Sabrina''s eyes widened in shock, ready to snap back at Tarquin-until she actually looked at him. Whoa. He was gorgeous. Tall, athletic, with chiseled features and an effortless coolness-was he a movie star or something? Trying to regain herposure, Sabrina softened her tone, her words suddenly syrupy sweet. "I wasn''t yelling. I''m just doing my job. And you are...?" "You don''t deserve to know," Tarquin shot back tly, not giving her the slightest ounce of respect. Sabrina''s mouth dropped open for a moment. She was in her early twenties, a sucker for handsome faces and with a pride the size of Texas. Raised infort, used to being pampered-being called out in public like this hit her hard. Her eyes shimmered, cheeks burning red, and she bit her lip, looking at Tarquin with wounded pride. Elysia shot Sabrina a re, then turned to the mother and daughter nearby. "Are you Dr. Lambert''s family?" The woman clutching a little girl nodded anxiously. ¡°Yes, yes, I''m Zachary Lambert''s wife. This is our daughter." Tears streaked down the woman''s face as she spoke. "I know he''s in quarantine. We haven''t made any trouble, we''ll cooperate with the hospital, I promise, we just... we just want to see him. Please..." As the woman broke down, the little girl started sobbing too. "Can I see Daddy? I miss him..." Elysia''s heart ached for the child. She knelt down and gently wiped away the girl''s tears. "I''m so sorry you''re going through this. But I''m not a doctor here, I can''t make the rules. I''ll try to find out what''s going on, okay?" She pulled out her phone, about to call Benjamin, when he appeared at the end of the hall, looking serious. He''d been in the records room earlier, researching the virus with Elysia, before he''d stepped out to take a call. Now, seeing the tense group gathered in the hallway-and recognizing Dr. Lambert''s family-he hurried over. "What''s going on?" he asked. Elysia pulled Benjamin aside and lowered her voice. "It''s Dr. Lambert''s daughter''s birthday. She just wants to see her dad for a minute. Why isn''t the hospital letting them?" Elysia genuinely thought the family should be allowed a visit. Not just out ofpassion for the girl, but also because- "Well, now that everyone knows about the virus, isn''t it risky just to refuse them? If they get upset and cause a scene outside, we can''t keep the whole thing quiet anymore. The hospital and the government can''t exactly gag all the families, can they? So shouldn''t we focus on keeping things calm?" Benjamin looked surprised. "No one said they couldn''t visit. That''s actually what I was sorting out just now. As soon as they arrived, I called upstairs. The higher-ups agreed: the family can visit, but only through the ss with staff supervision." He nced at Sabrina. "Dr. Stevenson is supposed to be looking after the families. I saw her walking out with Dr. Lambert''s wife and daughter-I figured she was taking them to see him." Elysia shook her head, frustrated. "They were begging her, but she said no. Said it was hospital policy." Now it was Benjamin''s turn to be stumped. He frowned, silent for a long moment, then sighed. "She probably just didn''t want to deal with it. She wants to work on the virus research, but she''s not qualified enough, so the bosses put her on support duty¡ªdealing with families, organizing data, that sort of thing." Elysia frowned. "If she''s not up to the job, why''d they put her here in the first ce?" Chapter 1236 Benjamin leaned in closer to Elysia, dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "She''s Mr. Stevenson''s granddaughter, you know. My guess? She''s just here to cash in on the glory." "If we somehow beat this virus, she gets to take the credit. If we don''t, well, she won''t take the fall-there are enough old-timers running interference out front." Elysia frowned. "Who''s Mr. Stevenson?" "Former president of the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association. The big leagues." Elysia: "..." No wonder Sabrina strutted around like she owned the ce. She was born with connections. The granddaughter of the former president? That''s basically medical royalty. The Medical & Pharmaceutical Association was the most prestigious organization in the field. If you could name a famous doctor in the country, odds were they were a member. The Association was a big deal-huge reputation, massivework. The president''s seat was the golden ticket: whoevernded it was practically untouchable. After all, sickness and health are the great equalizers. Doesn''t matter who you are, how rich or powerful-you can''t guarantee you''ll never need a doctor. So everyone respected the Association. No one wanted to cross them-least of all the president. And Sabrina, as the president''s granddaughter, had an even higher standing than your average senator''s kid. "What are you guys whispering about?" Tarquin suddenly appeared, wedging himself between them and shoving Benjamin aside a little too forcefully. Benjamin nearly lost his bnce. Before Benjamin could protest, Tarquin shot him a look that said, loud and clear: "Stay away from my wife!" Tarquin then scooted even closer to Elysia, wrapping a possessive arm around her. Benjamin: ... Seriously? Is this guy jealous of everyone? He rolled his eyes at Tarquin. "Whatever. I''ll go check in with D Lambert''s family-help them calm down, get a nurse to take them to see Dr. Lambert. No way Sabrina''s getting involved now." Elysia nodded. "Good. Last thing we need is her making a mess of things." Tarquin, still salty, grumbled, "What were you two talking about, all huddled up like that?" Elysia replied, "Just talking about Dr. Lambert''s wife and daughter seeing him. And about Mr. Stevenson..." She gave Tarquin the quick rundown on Sabrina. He snorted. "Let her mess around all she wants-if she goes too far, she''ll drag the whole Stevenson family down with her." It wouldn''t be the first time some entitled heir tanked an entire family legacy. Suddenly, Dr. Lambert''s wife and daughter approached. The little girl, clutching a lollipop, offered it to Elysia. "Thank you for helping us. This is for you." Her mother, eyes red from crying, added, "Thank you for speaking up for us. The hospital said we can visit my husband now." Elysia took the candy and smiled at the girl. "You''re wee, sweetheart. Happy birthday, and thank you for the treat." The little girl looked up at her, voice trembling. "Will Daddy get better?" Elysia hesitated. Dr. Lambert wasn''t doing well. The virus was mutating faster than anyone could keep up-just as Benjamin had said. There was no magic cure. She wanted to promise the world, but she couldn''t. After a moment, she knelt down to the girl''s fevel. "I don''t know if your daddy will get better, but I do know he''d want you to be happy. The happier you are, the happier he''ll be. And feeling good can help him heal." The girl nodded seriously. "Okay, I''ll be extra happy when I see Daddy." Elysia smiled, gentle and warm. "That''s my girl. Go on, now." The mother thanked Elysia again before ushering her daughter away. They''d barely turned the corner when Sabrina''s shrill voice erupted from up the hall. Chapter 1237 "We''ve had strict orders from the top-absolutely no information leaves this room. And you went ahead and brought in an outsider to look at ssified files? Who gave you that kind of nerve?!" "If she lets anything slip, are you ready to take the fall for that?" "Do you even realize how ugly things get when the public starts to panic?" Benjamin kept his cool, trying to exin. "I only asked her to help because she''s got some real expertise in herbal medicine. She''s good-really good. And she''s my friend. She''s trustworthy, I promise. She would never leak confidential info." Sabrina shot him a look dripping with sarcasm. "Trustworthy? Based on what her pretty face?¡± She''d been in a bad mood all day, especially after Tarquin called her out earlier, so now she was taking it out on Benjamin. "Expertise, huh? Where''d she go to school? Which hospital does she work for? If she''s so amazing, why isn''t she with the American Medical Association?" "If she can''t even get into the AMA, maybe you''ve got a weird definition of ''amazing,'' Dr. Benjamin!" Benjamin frowned, annoyed, but didn''t fire back. Tarquin''s face darkened, but Elysia stepped in quickly, whispering, "Don''t pay attention to her-I''ll handle it." In the world of medicine, the Stevenson family practically outranked the Lawsons. Benjamin picking a fight with the Stevensons would only hurt his own family''s future in the field. It wasn''t worth risking it all over some hot-headed girl in her twenties with no manners. Elysia, wanting to back Benjamin up, strode over. She didn''t even nce at Sabrina. Instead, she spoke directly to Benjamin: "I haven''t cracked the mutation pattern of the virus yet, but I''ve listed out the antidote''sponents. Maybe it''ll help." Benjamin''s eyebrows shot up. "You managed to identify all the ingredients?" "Yeah. The form''s on theptop-take a look." He hurried into the study, eager to see for himself. Sabrina watched Elysia with open suspicion, then followed them in. She didn''t buy for a second that Elysia had figured it all out-hell, the association''s team of experts had been stumped for two days! How could someone without even a medical license have managed what they couldn''t? Inside, Benjamin picked up Elysia''s handwritten list and read it over carefully. As he recognized a few of the herbs, a lightbulb seemed to go off. "So it''s these? But that doesn''t make sense their properties don''t match what we need." Elysia exined, "It''s all about dosage. A little bit of something can heal; too much of the same thing can kill. It''s just basic pharmacology." Sabrina snatched the list from Benjamin, scanning it quickly. She might have had her limitations, but as a Stevenson, she''d grown up around medicine-and she knew to tell when someone knew stuff. A full 95% of Elysia''s list matched what the association''s experts had found. That alone said volumes about her skills. If thatst mysterious 5% turned out to be the missing link, Elysia really would be in a league of her own. Sabrina swallowed hard, pocketed the list, and muttered with a frown, "I''ll show this to the experts. If it checks out, then Dr. Benjamin-you''re off the hook al bringing her in and bending the rules." for "But let''s be clear: if this virus thing gets out, you''re still taking the me, Dr. Benjamin." With that, she shot Tarquin a pouty, wounded look, then stormed off. Benjamin scowled. "At this rate, Mr. Stevenson''s ster reputation won''t survive his niece much longer." Elysia knew Sabrina just wanted to take credit for her work, but she didn''t care. Right now, the important thing was finding a cure. Chapter 1238 "Dr. Benjamin, I need to take some antidote and a sample of the virus with me for research. Is that possible?" Elysia was hoping to head upstate to her grandma''s ce for help, but she needed to bring the sample with her. "Take it with you? Absolutely not," Benjamin replied firmly. "All the samples are in the hands of the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association. I can request that you join my research team, but there''s no way you can just take the virus to study on your own." Elysia frowned. "...." Without the virus sample, how was she supposed to get her grandma''s help? Benjamin looked at her curiously. "Can''t you just do your research here at the hospital?" "No," Elysia said. "Why not?" She couldn''t reveal anything about her grandma, so she just stayed quiet for a few seconds before saying, "Honestly, I don''t have any leads right now. I''ll just head home. If you hear about any new developments, let me know." She was well aware of her own limits. This wasn''t the kind of virus she could just crack in ab. Sticking around the hospital wasn''t going to help anyone. It''d be better to go home and figure out how to get her hands on that sample, so she could head upstate to grandma''s sooner. On the way home, Elysia leaned against Tarquin''s shoulder, lookingpletely worn out. "Something on your mind?" Tarquin asked. She sighed. "Yeah. This virus is way worse than I thought. If it spreads, it''ll be a lot uglier than thatst pandemic a few years ago." She felt terrible for the families already affected and worried for the future. If this thing really broke loose, nobody would be safe. Her own family would be at risk, too. The truth was, she wanted her grandma''s help partly for everyone''s sake, and partly for her own family''s. She understood the old saying: "When the country''s safe, families are safe." It applied here more than ever. Seeing her so down, Tarquin''s heart ached. But he was just a businessman-he didn''t know the first thing about medicine. He couldn''t actually help her with the science. The only real solution was to find a way to beat the virus. Trying to get info from Zane had led nowhere; the virus hadn''t started with him. As for the mysterious stranger... Tarquin had thought hard about it today, but it just didn''t seem reliable. Even if they managed to catch the guy, what if he decided to go out with a bang and released the virus everywhere, or destroyed the antidote out of spite? Plus, there was no guarantee this guy actually had a real cure. What if his "antidote" was just the same as Zane''s-only able to kill the original strain? No, the only way out was to figure out how to fight the virus itself. He looked at Elysia. "So if you head upstate to see your grandma, what do you need? Just the antidote and a virus sample?" "Yeah, ideally both. But if there''s no antidote, at least the virus sample is a must," Elysia replied, frustrated. "But right now, everything''s hush-hush. There''s no way they''ll let samples out. Ugh!" Tarquin thought for a moment. "Let me handle the sample." Elysia perked up. "How?" "I''ll work something out. Is there anything else you need besides the sample?" "No, just the virus sample. That''s all," she said quickly. ¡°Alright. Don''t stress. Go home tonight and get some real sleep. Once I''ve sorted it out, I''ll let you know." She hadn''t had a good night''s rest in ages-not since the stuff with Winona, and then everything that happened a few nights ago between her and Tarquin. She''d barely had a minute to catch her breath before diving into virus research. Lately, it felt like she was running on empty. A husband''s supposed to look after his wife, and Tarquin wanted nothing more than for her to get some rest. Elysia looked at him, blinking suspiciously. "You''re not thinking about... stealing it, are you?" Tarquin chuckled. "Nope. Not my style." Elysia let out a long breath. "Good. You can''t just break in and grab it. That''d be like going up against the whole government-you''d end up in jail, or worse. And who knows what could go wrong during a stunt like that." Chapter 1239 If the device containing the virus got smashed, things would get even worse! Tarquin gently pressed the top of her head. "I know." By the time the two of them got home, it was already past midnight. yton was still awake, sitting on the living room couch reading a financial magazine. When he saw theme in, he quickly got up. "Hey, you''re back!" Elysia blinked. "Dad, you''re still up?" "Couldn''t sleep," he admitted. The truth was, he''d been worried about his daughter and was waiting for her. "So, did you manage to sort things out?" Elysia didn''t want yton to worry, so she nodded. ¡°Yeah, it''s all sorted. Is Mom and the little one sleeping?" "Good, good. They turned in early. You guys hungry? I can whip something up in the kitchen." Elysia hadn''t eaten much at dinner-yton had noticed and felt a pang in his heart. Afraid she''d refuse out of politeness, he added, "Actually, I''m a bit hungry myself. I''ll make something for the three of us." Elysia jumped in, "Dad, what do you want? I''ll make it." Tarquin chimed in, "Let me." He swapped his shoes for slippers, shrugged off his jacket, and rolled up his sleeves, ready to head into the kitchen. But yton stopped him. "Nope, you two sit down and rx. Let me do this. Time for you to taste a little of Dad''s midnight cooking." He set aside his magazine and headed off to the kitchen. Tarquin grinned at Elysia. "Go on upstairs and get some rest. I''ll help your dad¡ª gotta make a good impression." Elysia smiled, happiness glowing on her face. The heaviness in her heart lifted. "Alright, I''ll go check on Mom and the kids." She headed upstairs, peeking into Pam''s room first, then the baby''s. When she went to Evan''s room, she''d barely cracked the door when White, the family''s pet-an albino corn snake-lifted its little head, alert at the noise. But when White saw it was Elysia, it slithered over, nuzzling her hand with affection. Elysia used to be terrified of snakes, but after all this time, White was just part of the family. She scooped White up, stroking its tiny head, and wandered into Evan''s room. One look at Evan''s sleeping position, and she had to shake her head in exasperation. Out of everyone in the family, Evan was the wildest sleeper. Who knows what he''d been up to before bed? Now he was sprawled across the edge of the bed, his head and arms dangling off, looking like he''d roll off any second-headfirst, notess! Elysia put White down and carefully scooped Evan up. He blinked open his eyes, groggy. "Mommy?" "Yeah, it''s me, sweetie. Go back to sleep." She settled him back in bed. The little guy clung to her, not wanting to let go. So Elysiay down beside him, gently rubbing his back until he drifted off again. White, still wide awake, perched on the pillow watching her. Elysia whispered, "Do you want to go home, White?" White blinked his beady eyes and flicked out his tongue at her. Elysia wasn''t like Evan-she couldn''t actually talk to White-but she knew he missed home, too. "Once we get the sample, we''re heading back! We''ll visit Grandpa and Grandma, and you and Evan can see your little buddies again. They probably miss us a ton." White seemed to understand. He hopped onto Elysia''s chest, tilting his head and nudging her hand excitedly. Elysiaughed, stroking him again. "Alright, alright..." It had been a while since they''d left home. Honestly, she was just as excited as White at the thought of going back. Chapter 1240 Downstairs, two wealthy CEOs were busy in the kitchen. Both men had aprons tied around their waists, sleeves rolled up high. yton was fussing over his little princess, worried she''d go to bed hungry, but also careful about her sensitive tummy. So, he took matters into his own hands, kneading dough to make delicate, easy- to-digest homemade noodles as a midnight snack for his daughter. Tarquin, eager to impress his father-inw-and score some points with his wife¡ª handled everything else: washing, chopping, prepping. He''d transformed himself into a professional sous-chef for the evening. yton nced over, impressed by Tarquin''s efficiency. "I always heard Mr. Bradford of Jindale City was sharp in the business world. Didn''t expect you to be sharp in the kitchen, too." Tarquin grinned. "Learned from my dad when I was a kid. He always said knowing how to cook is a basic survival skill. Plus, it''s a big plus when you''re looking for a wife. So, I had to learn." yton nodded approvingly. "Your dad''s got a point. There''s nothing shameful about a man cooking for his family. My old man used to say, ''A man who cooks for his loved ones is never a bad man."" "If someone ever mocks you for making dinner for your wife and kids, you don''t need them in your life. They''re not real men." Tarquin nodded, "Couldn''t agree more." yton finished kneading the dough and plopped it onto the counter. He rolled it t with practiced ease, folded it, and sliced it into fine strips. "Irene''s loved my chicken noodle soup since she was a toddler. The very first solid food she ever tried was my homemade noodles in broth." "Even though work kept me busy, I made sure to cook for my girl twice a week. Every birthday-Pam''s, Irene''s-from her first to herst, I made her birthday noodles myself.¡± "I''ve always thought, no matter how sessful a man is outside, real happiness is found at home. Don''t you think?" Tarquin knew yton was hinting at him and quickly chimed in, "I agree, Dad. Don''t worry-Elysia and our kids will alwayse first for me. Elysia''s number one, kids number two." "And from now on, I''ll follow your lead. I''ll always be there for Elysia and the kids on their birthdays. Birthday noodles, made by me." yton chuckled, "I feel good handing Irene over to you." Tarquin finished washing the veggies and stood by, watching as yton sliced the noodles, showering him with praise and peppering him with questions, eager to learn. He even solemnly dered he wanted to master the recipe for Elysia. The two men chatted away, and yton couldn''t stop grinning at Tarquin''s ttery. But was Tarquin really buttering up it s wife. If his father-in-t was happy, his wife would be happy, too. Mr. Bradford understood this well. Once the noodles were ready, Tarquin headed upstairs to fetch Elysia. She''d just finished her shower and was blow-drying her hair. Tarquin strode over, took the hairdryer from her, nted a kiss on her choot and started drying her hair for her. Elysia asked, "Is the midnight snack ready?" "Yep. Dad made you homemade chicken noodle soup. He did everything himself -kneaded the dough, cut the noodles." "What did you do?" "I yed sous-chef and kept himpany." "What did you talk about?" "About men cooking for their families." Elysia was curious. "And what''s the verdict?" Tarquin replied, "A man who cooks for his loved ones is a good ma One whoughs at that isn'' worth hanging out with." Elysia couldn''t help butugh. "So, does that mean you can''t hang out with Keaton anymore?" "Wrong! Not only can I hang out with him, I have to-Keaton''s a killer cook." "Really?" Elysia was surprised. "Really. If it puts a smile on a girl''s face, Keaton''s a pro." Elysia pursed her lips, "Guess I underestimated him." The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1241 Tarquin asked, ¡°So, when you head back to the cabin in the mountains, are you taking your folks with you?" Elysia shook her head. "No, I promised my grandparents I''d keep everything about them a secret. Can''t bring a whole crowd along. Besides, Mom''s health isn''t really up for a serious hike." The trail was tough enough, and her grandparents'' ce was tucked way off the beaten path. They''d have to trek through a stretch of thick woods, then wind their way through what felt like half a national park just to find the cabin. Last time they came down the mountain, they''d been out there for days. Tarquin frowned. ¡°So what are you gonna tell your parents? They hate being apart from you." Elysia thought for a moment. "I''ll just tell them it''s confidential family stuff. They''ll get it." Tarquin pressed, "But can you even find your way back?" Elysia grinned. "No way I could, not by myself." Tarquin sighed. "Then how are you getting there?" She shrugged, "White and Evan know the way. They''ll guide me." He just shook his head. After drying her hair, the two of them headed downstairs. yton had already set the table-three steaming bowls of chicken noodle soup and a te of fresh sd. As soon as he saw Elysia, yton called out, "Irene,e try your dad''s secret recipe!" Elysia hurried over, "Smells amazing!" yton beamed. "Dig in, but don''t burn yourself." Elysia hadn''t washed her hands yet, so Tarquin grabbed a fork, spun up some noodles, blew on them, and offered them to her. Elysia felt like a princess-spoiled by her dad, adored by her husband. She took the bite from Tarquin, nodding with delight. "Oh wow, this is so good!" yton grinned from ear to ear, looking every bit the proud dad. "If you like it, have some more." "Definitely," she agreed. After theirte-night snack, yton insisted on doing the dishes. Elysia wouldn''t let him do it alone, so she stayed to help, while Tarquin tidied up the dining room. In the kitchen, father and daughter had a quiet moment. "I took your mom and the kids to see a house today," yton said. "Oh? What kind of house?" "A cozy little cottage. Once it''s fixed up, your mom and I are moving in. We''ve decided¨DJindale City is home now." "Really?" Elysia''s eyes went wide. He nodded, "Wherever you are, we''ll be there too." Elysia felt a wave of love and surprise. "You two could stay here, you know. Why move out?" yton just smiled. "This house belongs to Tarquin. I know he''d never kick us out, but I want to buy our own ce, with our own money. Something that''s just for us, not tied to Tarquin at all.¡± "And if you and Tarquin ever have a spat, you''ll have your own ce toe home to." "Maybe I''m not as sessful as Tarquin, but I can give you afortable life. I can provide for you, always." "My little Irene''s a princess in her own right. You didn''t marry above your station, sweetheart." Elysia''s heart swelled; she knew her dad was giving her confidence, letting her know she would never have to feel less than anyone. Her dad was saying: you''re just as good as anyone. You''re my princess. Eyes brimming, she nodded. "Then when you decorate, make me a princess room." yton was over the moon. "You got it. The biggest, sunniest room is all yours." Elysia smiled, happiness shining on her face. Life has a way ofing full circle. The tougher things used to be, the sweeter happiness feels now. She had her parents'' love, her husband''s devotion, and her children''sughter. And right now, for Elysia, that was everything. Chapter 1242 After chatting a bit about the house, Elysia seized the chance to talk to her dad. "Dad, in a while, I''ll need to take the kids on a little trip. I won''t be able to bring you and Mom along, but you two can just stay here and wait for us. I''lle back as soon as I''m done, I promise." yton looked up, worried. "Where are you going?" Elysia decided to be honest. "I want to take the kids back to the mountains for a bit." "You mean the ce where you used to live?" She nodded. "Yeah. I promised the people there I wouldn''t tell anyone about them, so I can''t take you and Mom. Plus, you know how Mom''s health is-she shouldn''t be traveling that far." yton sighed, clearly uneasy. "But... why now? Is something wrong?" "There''s a little something, but don''t worry, it''s not a personal issue." "Is it good news? Or is it dangerous?" "It''s not dangerous at all. We''ll be safe, I promise." Elysia just wanted to ask her grandma for help with the antidote research. Even if they didn''t have a breakthrough, there was no real danger for her in the mountains. Sure, there were wild animals, but most of them scattered the second they saw Evan. "Is it really necessary to go?" yton pressed. Elysia nodded again. "Yeah, it is." Seeing that his daughter wasn''t going to reveal more, yton changed tack. "Is Tarquin going with you?" Elysia hesitated. She honestly hadn''t figured that part out yet. After all, her grandparents were reclusive-they didn''t like meeting new people. But before she could answer, yton spoke up, firm as ever. "Look, your mom and I can stay, but Tarquin has to go with you. I''d only feelfortable if he goes too. I can''t let you take the kids out there alone." He trusted the people in the mountains not to harm his daughter or the grandkids. But what about the journey? What if something happened on the way, before they even got there? The wilderness was full of dangers-wolves, bears, who knew what else? He''d spent over twenty years searching for his daughter, and now he couldn''t bear the thought of losing her again. If something happened to her, he and his wife wouldn''t survive it. Seeing yton''s furrowed brow and unyielding expression, Elysia quickly agreed. "Okay, okay, you win. I''ll bring him along." Outside, Mr. Bradford was pretending to tidy up but was actually eavesdropping by the door. He couldn''t help but think, "Best father-inw ever!" ... Meanwhile, at the hospital... The Medical & Pharmaceutical Association''s special task force had gathered around, discussing for ages before finally reaching a conclusion. "The form is absolutely correct. Amazing! Sabrina, did you figure out this antidote yourself?!" Sabrina was stunned. Absolutely correct? That woman-who wasn''t even allowed into the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association-had actually cracked the form for the antidote? How was that possible? She didn''t have a medical license, didn''t have the credentials-how on earth...? And to make things worse, she was beautiful, married to a handsome man, and apparently a genius too. Sabrina could barely contain her jealousy. What had she done to deserve all these breaks in life? Sabrina, who''de from a respected background, hadn''t had a single stroke of luck like this! Simmering inside, Sabrina forced a smile and lied, "Yeah, I figured it out. Didn''t you see my notes? Since you all wouldn''t let me on the main project, I worked on it secretly myself." The truth was, when Elysia''s notes on the antidote''spositionnded in her hands, Sabrina didn''t take them straight to the task force. Instead, she went back to her room, copied them out in her own handwriting, organized them a bit, and then presented "her" version to the team. Her thinking was simple: if Elysia''s analysis turned out to be right, she''d take the credit. If it was wrong, well, no one else had figured it out anyway, so nothing lost. Chapter 1243 Sabrina copied the report ahead of time, without a second thought. Some people believed her without question, and immediately started singing her praises. "No wonder she''s Old Mr. Stevenson''s granddaughter-Victor''s family is just full of prodigies! She''s amazing! Victor must be so proud!" "She''s young, talented, a rising star in medicine. Dr. Stevenson is absolutely the brightest hope of her generation!" But not everyone was convinced. Everyone knew Sabrina''s abilities-since when did she get so good? Could she really have figured out the cure''s form? Yeah, right. But because of who Sabrina was, no one dared say anything out loud. If you wanted to survive in the medical world, you didn''t make an enemy of her. So the room was filled with praise for Sabrina. She just soaked it up, her face glowing with pride, acting like she''d actually discovered the cure herself. After stealing Elysia''s credit, Sabrina went to find Benjamin. "Give me your friend''s number," she demanded. Benjamin had just heard about Sabrina stealing the credit, and he was honestly disgusted. He forced himself to stay calm. "Why do you need it?¡± "Personal business,¡± she replied curtly. "None of your concern." "Uh-huh. And what kind of personal business?" She rolled her eyes. "I said it''s private, okay?" Sabrina shoved a piece of paper at him. "Don''t go thinking I stole your friend''s work. I''d already figured out the form before she handed it in. Here''s my own notes. See for yourself." Benjamin nced at the paper, lips pressed in a thin line. He didn''t need to look twice to spot her little trick. He knew Elysia wasn''t interested in fame or credit, and honestly, he couldn''t be bothered arguing with Sabrina. He just said tly, "You don''t need to exin yourself. It''s not like you invented a cure that wiped out the virus for good. My friend really doesn''t care." Sabrina''s face fell. Benjamin''s words hit a nerve. The credit that Elysia didn''t care about, Sabrina was unting like it was her greatest achievement. It made her look desperate. She snatched the notes back, frowning, and snapped, "Just give me her number already. I''ve got a great opportunity for her-she''ll regret it if she misses out!" "My friend doesn''t like talking to strangers. I''ll ask her first." Sabrina red at him. "It should be her honor that I''m reaching out! Why do you even have to ask?" Benjamin rolled his eyes and ignored her, stepping aside to call Elysia. Elysia had justid down when her phone buzzed. Hearing that Sabrina wanted to talk, she was surprised. "What does she want?" Elysia asked. "She wouldn''t say. Just said it was personal." Elysia thought for a moment¡ªif she turned Sabrina down t, Sabrina might take it out on Benjamin. Plus, the virus samples were still under the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association''s control, which meant they were basically in the hands of the Stevenson family. So she said, "Just tell her she can call me." A few minutester, Elysia''s phone rang again¡ªthis time, an unknown number. She knew it was Sabrina. She leaned against her headboard and answered. "Hello?" Sabrina got straight to the point. "This is Sabrina. We met at the hospital today." "I know. What''s up?" "Tomorrow morning,e to the hospital. I''m giving you a chance to work with me on the virus research. If we seed, I''ll rmend you for membership in the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association." Sabrina''s tone was pure charity-a queen bestowing favors. Elysia understood exactly what she was doing. Work together? If they seeded, all the credit would go to Sabrina¡ªjust like this time with the cure''s ingredients. Elysia didn''t reject her outright. Instead, she asked, "Will you let me take the virus samples to my ownb for independent research?" Chapter 1244 "Take it out of theb? Absolutely not! The only way you''re allowed to work on it is at the hospital."¡± Sabrina muttered, half amused, half exasperated. "You have no idea what a golden opportunity this is! If it weren''t for me, you''d never get anywhere near the best medical experts in the country. Stop trying to bargain with me!" Elysia''s tone was cool, almost bored. "Then never mind. I''m not going." Sabrina stared at her, stunned. "You''re noting? Don''t you want to work on virus research with me?" "Nope. Not interested." "Wait-did you hear what I just said? I''m offering you a chance to work with the top medical minds, to maybe get a spot in the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association!" "I heard you. Still not interested." Sabrina couldn''t believe it. "Do you even realize what it means to rub shoulders with those people? Or what joining the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association could do for your career?" "I don''t know, and honestly, I don''t care. The Association isn''t exactly a dream of mine." Sabrina was dumbfounded. "You don''t care about the Association? Are you out of your mind?" Before Elysia could answer, Tarquin snatched her phone and cut in, his voice icy. "Maybe you''re the one who''s lost it. Stop bothering my wife and get lost." He hung up, not waiting for a reply. Sabrina just stared at her phone, so shocked her jaw nearly hit the floor. Ungrateful brat! Absolutely clueless! She''d offered Elysia a free pass into the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association, something most people would kill for, and all she got was a brush-off? Was Elysia some kind of idiot? If she didn''t care about the Association, what future did she think she had in medicine? Moron! Sabrina gritted her teeth, seething. "Reject me, will she? She''ll regret this; just wait. Even if shees crawling back someday, I won''t give her another chance. Stupid little nobody!" She stomped off, not noticing a pair of eyes watching her from the shadows. Back at home, Tarquin set Elysia''s phone down and turned to her. "If she ever talks down to you again, just let her have it. Don''t bother being polite just because of her status." Honestly, even if Elysia did want a future in medicine, she had no reason to be afraid of Sabrina. But she didn''t-so why worry? His wife afraid of Sabrina? Not a chance. Elysia, for her part, barely gave Sabrina a second thought. She doubted Sabrina could cause any real trouble. Her real worry was the virus sample. If Sabrina was willing to use her for research but wouldn''t even promise ess to the sample, it meant getting her hands on it was going to be tough. Tarquin seemed to read her mind. He took her phone, pulled her gently into his arms, and switched off the bedsidemp. "Let me deal with the sample. You just get some sleep." "But-" "If you can''t sleep," he added, a teasing grin in his voice, "I can help you work off some energy." Elysia''s face med. She knew exactly what kind of "exercise" he meant, so she shut her mouth, closed her eyes, and snuggled into his chest. Tarquin wrapped her up in his arms, patting her back softly, soothing her to sleep like a parent with a restless child. Once she was out cold, he carefully slipped his arm free, tucked the nkets around her, kissed her on the forehead, and headed to the walk-in closet. A few minutester, dressed in ck sweats, he slipped out of the house. Axel was already waiting in the car, engine quietly humming. Tarquin climbed in. "Let''s go." Axel nced at him in the rearview mirror. "Everything''s ready. I can handle it myself." "I''ll go in person." Axel just nodded, putting the car in gear and driving off into the night. When morning came and Elysia woke up, Tarquin was lying next to her, still in his pajamas, breathing evenly, peaceful as could be. Elysia looked at him, her heart overflowing with quiet love. Chapter 1245 She couldn''t help herself-her hand drifted upward, sneaking over to touch him, her movements secretive and shy. Her fingertips brushed gently over his cheek, his brows, his nose, and finally, his lips... Her thumb lingered on his thin lips, tracing them softly. Her own heart thundered in her chest, and she had to swallow hard, her mind shing with images that made her cheeks burn. Elysia yanked her hand back in a hurry. Click- But before she could retreat, Tarquin caught her finger between his teeth. Elysia''s eyes flew wide open in shock. "!" She tried to pull her finger free, but he wouldn''t let go. His tongue curled around her fingertip, and her heart skipped a beat, her eyes going round as saucers. She watched, helpless, as Tarquin''s eyes-shut just a moment ago-opened, clear and sharp. Elysia''s heart leapt into her throat. "You were faking it?!" Tarquin''s gaze was dark as midnight, so intense she nearly forgot to breathe. He looked at her like a wolf, just woken up, spotting a rabbit right in front of him. Elysia suddenly realized the danger. "You... You let go right now!" Tarquin didn''t. He just looked even more tempting. Elysia''s breath came fast, her face ming red, like someone was tickling her with a feather right at her core. It was maddening. "Tarquin! You''re incorrigible!" she gasped. The way she said his name-half furious, half flustered-almost made him surrender right there. Tarquin bit down lightly before finally letting her go. Then, in one smooth move, he rolled over and pinned her beneath him. "Trying to mess with me, huh?" Elysia stiffened, denying it, chin up. "No, I wasn''t!" "Oh, really? Then what were you just doing?¡± "I... I thought there was something on your lips. I wanted to wipe it off." Tarquin knew she was lying. He squinted at her, a sly smile ying on his lips. "Oh yeah? What was on my lips?" "Uh... a crumb. From dinner." "Is that so?" ¡°Uh-huh!¡± Elysia nodded furiously, like a bobblehead. "Well, sweetheart, you''ve got a crumb on your lips too." "Huh?!" "Let me help you with that." He dipped his head and captured her lips with his. Elysia squeaked in protest, "Mmm-!" Tarquin tugged the nket up over both of them... The small bedroom filled with the sounds ofughter and mock outrage, voices tangled together. When it was all over, Elysiay sprawled, breathless and spent, while Tarquin stared at the ceiling, clearly frustrated. Someone was still unsatisfied. But he knew there were things to do today, so he held back. Once Elysia had caught her breath, she gave him a sharp pinch. "Didn''t you say yesterday you''d give me a break for a while?" "...You started it." "I did not!" She red at him, fierce as a kitten, and Tarquin couldn''t help butugh. "Okay, okay, don''t be mad," he said, reaching for something by the bed. "I''ve got a surprise for you." Elysia narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously. "L 11 "You wanted those samples, right? I got them for you." Elysia froze, her whole expression changing in a heartbeat. "You mean the virus sample?" "Yep. And the antidote, too." Elysia gaped, stunned. "Are you serious?" "Of course I am. When have I ever lied to you, babe?¡± Elysia shot upright, then realized she wasn''t wearing anything and ducked straight back under the covers. She didn''t bother with her embarrassment-there were more important things at hand. "Where are they?!" "In the car." "How did you get them?" "That''s a secret." "You... you didn''t actually steal them, did you?" "Of course not. Didn''t I tell you? No stealing." No stealing. Just a little... creative acquisition. Last night, he and Axel had snuck out on a midnight mission for exactly this reason. Elysia, still worried, pressed, "You''re sure these are the real virus samples? There''s no mistake?" "Trust me, sweetheart. When do I ever mess things up?" Elysia was so excited she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him hard. "You are amazing!" Tarquin''s Adam''s apple bobbed. "Any reward for your hero, then?" Elysia yanked the nket up and covered his head, hiding his teasing grin. "You got your reward already. Now close your eyes and no peeking-let me get cleaned up, and then we''re heading out to see Grandma!" Chapter 1246 Tarquin threw back the covers, ready to say something, but the words died on his lips. There, standing by the window, was a slender, graceful figure with wless, porcin skin. Long hair, a trim waist, legs that went on forever... Her silhouette was just stunning. He''d seen her, touched her, kissed every inch, but it never felt like enough. His throat tightened. All he could think about was the memory of pressing her up against the ss patio door, hiking her leg up, losing himself in her... He wasn''t satisfiedst night, and now his body was burning up for her all over again. He wanted nothing more than to sweep her up and take her right then and there- but he didn''t dare. Elysia was desperate to get those virus samples back to the mountain, and if he left her too sore to walk, she''d go ballistic. Best-case scenario, she''d just give him the silent treatment. Worst case, she''d banish him to the guest room for the whole week. It just wasn''t worth risking his future happiness for a few minutes of pleasure. Tarquin nced at his phone and saw a message from Lowell. He shrugged on his bathrobe, grabbed his phone, and stepped out onto the balcony. The cool morning breeze helped clear his head as he called Lowell back to talk shop. He''d known ever since they got the samplesst night that today would be a travel day. He''d spent most of the night on the phone with Lowell, making sure everything at work would run smoothly while he was gone. Elysia had made it clear-her friends up in the mountains didn''t trust outsiders, so this time he wasn''t bringing anyone. Not even Lowell or Axel. Lowell would stay behind to keep work on track. Axel''s job was to keep an eye on Zane, just in case he and that mysterious stranger tried anything in Tarquin''s absence. Tarquin wrapped up his call with Lowell after a few minutes, just in time to see Evan vaulting over the backyard fence. The wall was nearly ten feet high, but the kid made it look easy. son, Evan used the Instead ofing in through the back door like a normal trellis, climbed up to Tarquin''s bedroom window, and let himself in. Tarquin wasn''t even surprised anymore. He knew Evan had been training with that scarred, tough-as-nails guy everyone called "the Freak." For weeks now, the guy had shown up at dawn to drag Evan out for training. Tarquin trusted him not to hurt Evan, so he told the security team to just leave them be. But now that they were heading back to the mountains, he needed to talk to his son. Evan came in, sweat-soaked and breathing hard, clearly fresh from a workout. He looked up, surprised. "Dad?" Tarquin smiled gently. "Don''t chug water right after you exercise. Take it slow." "I just had a couple sips. Did you need something?" Tarquin hesitated, then asked, "We''re heading back to the mountain today. Do you have any ns for that freaky guy?" He knew that ¡°the Freak¡± had been looking for Evan''s mentor for ages. Back in the day, the guy had hidden out at some remote monastery, got mixed up with Gideon up with Gideon Bradford, all ck down a certain someone. Now he was shadowing Evan for the same reason. Wherever Evan went, he went. If Evan returned to the mountains, the Freak would follow. And since there was bad blood between the Freak and Evan''s mentor, Tarquin doubted their reunion would be peaceful. Plus, Evan''s mentor might not even want to see the guy... Evan''s eyes went wide. "We''re really going back?" Tarquin nodded. "Yep." "Are you sure? Did Mom say so?" Tarquin smiled. "She did. We leave after breakfast." Evan''s excitement was obvious at first. But in just a few seconds, his face changed, worry clouding his eyes. "If I go home, he''ll definitelye with me. But if he sees my mentor... what if he tries to start something?" Tarquin sighed. "Honestly? He probably will." Evan frowned, lookingpletely lost. Tarquin ruffled his hair and offered, "You''ve got two options. Either figure out a way to keep him from following you, or just let it happen and face whateveres. Maybe it''s time they settled things, one way or another. What do you think?¡± Evan looked up at him, face scrunched in thought. "He''s so strong... Is there even a way to stop him from tagging along?" Tarquin grinned. "There''s always a way. You could slip him something in his coffee-knock him out for a while. Or, could have someone hold him here in Jindale City. But if you go that route, you''ll probably ruin whatever trust you''ve built with him." Chapter 1247 Jindale City was Tarquin''s turf-if he wanted to make someone''s life difficult, it was never a problem. But this time, things were tricky. The person he wanted to deal with had aplicated rtionship with Evan. There was no good way to go after them directly. Tarquin and Evan''s mentor had a history. Sure, that made them enemies in theory. But at the same time, Tarquin had always looked out for Evan... The little guy was frowning, clearly troubled. After a moment, he blurted out, "I''m gonna talk to him myself!" No sooner had he finished the sentence than he was climbing out the window again. Sneaking out the back made it a straight shot up the hill behind the house-much easier. Tarquin didn''t stop him. This was between his son and the oddball. As a father, he wouldn''t make Evan''s choices for him. He''d just be there in the background, waiting. When his son needed him, he''d step in-no sooner, noter. ... On the Hill. The man waiting there was a mountain of muscle, face crisscrossed with scars. He squinted as Evan appeared again, giving him a slow once-over. "Yeah?" Evan marched right up, frowning. "What''s the deal between you and my mentor?" The big man''s brow furrowed. "None of your business, kid." Evan''s voice shot up, "Of course it''s my business! If you''re my mentor''s enemy, you''re my enemy too!" "...I''m your mentor too, you know." "I never agreed to that!" The man''s face darkened-he was annoyed now. Evan felt a pang of guilt. He hadn''t exactly treated him as a mentor, but after all this time together, he had grown attached. If he didn''t care, he wouldn''t havee to talk things out-he''d have just set a trap and kept the guy stuck in Jindale City for good. Evan balled his little hands into fists. "I''m going to visit my mentor soon. If you can''t promise me you''re not up to anything, I''m not taking you with me!" The big guy''s eyes widened in shock. "You''re going to see him?!" "Yeah!" He was flustered. "When?!" "...First, you tell me: what''s really going on between you and my mentor?" He pressed his lips together. "When I see him, I''ll tell you everything." Evan gritted his teeth. "If you''re nning to hurt him, I won''t let you anywhere near him!" The big guy stared at Evan for a long beat, then asked, "What do I have to do for you to trust me?" "You have to promise: when we get there, you''ll listen to me! I''ll talk to my mentor first. If he wants to see you, then you can meet him. If he doesn''t, you can''t force your way in!" The big guy hesitated, scowling. Evan stood his ground. "If you can''t agree to that, I''m not taking you." There was a tense silence. Finally, the big guy nodded. "Alright. I promise." Evan let out a huge breath of relief. "Then get your stuff ready. We''re heading out soon." He turned to leave. The big guy called after him, "Kiddo, you really trust me that much?" Evan nced back and shot him a look. "Would you betray my trust?" They locked eyes for a moment, the big man finally saying, "No. I wouldn''t." "Good. I believe you." With that, Evan was off. The big guy watched him go, aplicated mix of emotions flickering across his face. Back at Number One Mansion When the kids heard they were heading up to the mountains, they were more excited than ever! Elliot and Emmett''s eyes sparkled with anticipation, while Elijah and Baby were bubbling with curiosity. Elijah usually yed it cool and didn''t say much, but you could tell he was dying to know what was going on. Instead of asking, he just stuck close to Baby and let her do all the talking. Baby, meanwhile, was clutching her stuffed bunny, chasing after Elliot and Emmett, firing off questions left and right: "Will we get to see Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma in the mountains?" "Are there any mountain lions up there?" "What about big ol'' bears or sneaky little foxes?" "Are too? Does White mouse''s mom and dad in the grandparents or a grandpa av grandma on both sides?" "Can Evan really talk to all the animals in the mountains?" Chapter 1248 The kids were buzzing with excitement and honestly, so were the adults. Once Elysia had calmed Pam down, she started packing. And boy, did she pack. Big bags, little bags, you name it. She wanted to bring everything she thought was good for Grandpa and Grandma. After all, they''d saved her life, and after five years of living together, Elysia already considered them family. Blood didn''t make you family-love and loyalty did. yton watched her stuffing another bag. "Irene," he said, "aren''t you all hiking up into the mountains? How are you supposed to carry all that?" That snapped Elysia back to reality. Right-they''d have to trek through thick forests and climb rocky trails. No way she could carry this much. Grumbling, she started unloading some things, though she clearly hated to leave anything behind. When Evan walked back into their home at Number One Mansion, Elysia and the kids had almost finished packing. Evan went straight to Tarquin. "Dad, he''sing with us," he announced. Tarquin''s sharp eyes narrowed. "You talked it out?" "Yup! He promised to follow my lead when we get to the mountains. I''ll check with my mentor first-if my mentor doesn''t want to see him, I won''t let them meet. Besides, once we''re up there, I''ll have plenty of help. If he tries anything, I''ll deal with him myself!" After all, the animals in the mountains were his friends. In the wild, Evan was king. Tarquin ruffled Evan''s hair. "As long as you''ve got it worked out." He wasn''t worried about the oddball causing trouble. With him, Evan, and Evan''s mentor, three against one-what could go wrong? Before setting off, Tarquin called Keaton. He asked Keaton to look after the Newsom family while they were gone. Winona and Zane''s mess still wasn''t sorted. Even though Zane was in Winona''s hands now, Tarquin wanted to make sure nothing went sideways. Keaton didn''t mind helping-honestly, he was kind of excited. Winona knew a ton of gorgeousdies, and any excuse to hang around was a good one. Still, he grumbled, "Seriously, are you guys ever going to deal with that scumbag? nning to keep him around till next Christmas?" Tarquin''s voice was calm. "He may be scum, but he''s bait too." If they took care of Zane too soon, their mysterious adversary would just find another crooked partner, and things would get even harder to control. Better to string Zane along for now. He wouldn''t dare sabotage Central Pharmaceuticals just yet not while it was still expanding. He''d wait till it got bigger before making his move. Keaton was smart; he got the message. "I hear you. Don''t worry about a thing, the Newsoms are safe with me. Good luck up there." After hanging up, Tarquin made a few more calls, quietly passing all the evidence they''d gathered about Zane''s shady deals with Burmalia to the police. They''d work with the cops on this. Once they were back from the mountains-virus or no virus¨CZane was going down. Once everything in Jindale City was squared away, the family said their goodbyes to yton and Pam and hit the road. A luxury SUV whisked them off to the airport. Their private jet was already waiting to fly them to Darkfort City, and from there, they''d drive to the mountains. Finally, they''d hike deep into the wilderness, following winding trails into the heart of the wild. They''d barely left the city when Elysia''s phone buzzed. It was Sabrina. Elysia considered ignoring it, but if the call was about the virus, she couldn''t risk it. She answered, "Hello?" Sabrina cut right to the chase. "Elysia, this is yourst chance. Are you going to join me in researching the virus or not?" Apparently, Sabrina had spent all night thinking about it. If Elysia really did manage to find a cure, Sabrina could im the credit-and pave the way for herself to be the next president of the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association. C¨®ntent Elysia said, "I told youst night, I''m not interested." Sabrina sounded annoyed. ¡°Think this through, will you? The Stevenson family leads the entire medical field. Not even Benjamin would dare cross us lightly-what makes you think you can?" Chapter 1249 "You''ve got no connections in the medical field, no family name, nothing. Without me, you''re nobody! The fact that I''m inviting you to join my research team is a privilege you should be grateful for!" Elysia''s response was ice-cold. ¡°I don''t need connections, I don''t need a leg up, and I definitely don''t need your so-called privilege. Goodbye!" "You-Listen, developing a cure for this virus, that''s the sacred duty of every doctor! If you refuse to help, you''re heartless-unpatriotic, ungrateful!" Sabrina''s voice shot up like she was preaching from a pulpit, making Elysia''s refusal sound like a crime against humanity. Elysia wasn''t in the mood for her theatrics. She didn''t say another word, just hung up. Who the hell was Sabrina to judge herpassion or her sense of duty? She wasn''t about to let herself be guilt-tripped by Sabrina''s moral posturing. Not today. A minuteter, Sabrina sent a long-winded message: [If you don''t havepassion and a sense of responsibility, you don''t deserve to be a healer. Hell, you don''t even deserve to be a decent human being!] Elysia snorted and shot back: [I''m pretty sure you''re the one who doesn''t deserve to be a healer. Or a decent human being, for that matter.] After hitting send, she blocked Sabrina for good. What a piece of work. Always scheming to steal someone else''s achievements, and the second she can''t, she throws a tantrum. Not that Elysia had any illusions about curing this virus single-handedly¡ªbut even if she could, she wouldn''t let someone like Sabrina take the credit. She just wanted to live her own life, away from all the politics and drama of the medical world. After her little pback, Elysia was over it. But Tarquin? He was fuming. Messing with his wife, over and over again-did they think he was just going to stand by and watch? Tarquin fired off a quick text to Lowell: [Dig up some dirt on the Stevenson family!] Lowell replied instantly: [The Stevenson family from the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association?] [Yeah. I want all their dirtyundry.] Suddenly, Elysia leaned in, catching him off guard. "Who are you texting? You look like you just bit into a lemon." Tarquin slipped his phone away and gave her a gentle, teasing grin. "Just Lowell. Work stuff." He definitely wasn''t going to tell her he''d just dered war on the Stevenson family over Sabrina. No need to give Elysia anything to worry about. She seemed to buy it. "We have no idea how long we''ll be out in the woods this time. Aren''t you worried about being away from the office for so long?" "I''m not worried. Lowell''s keeping an eye on things, and I told your dad too-if anything urgentes up, he can review the project files." Elysia''s eyes widened. "You asked Dad?" ¡°Sure. He''s a smart guy-he''s run Hawkins Sea-freight like a pro for years. He can handle a little corporate decision-making." She knew her father was brilliant, but... "Stiff, it''s a bit weird, isn''t it? mean, you''re his son-inw. Isn''t it awkward to have him step incat yourpany? People might talk." Tarquin chuckled and gently pinched her cheek. "Let them talk. It''s mypany. And what''s mine is yours. What''s your dad''s is yours, too. No matter how we shuffle things around, it alles back to you." Elysia was speechless. She''d be lying if she said she wasn''t touched. This man would give her everything-his life, his heart, his money, his love. She nced at their kids in the front seats, then, trying to be sneaky, traced a heart into Tarquin''s palm. Tarquin''s eyes narrowed, and he grinned, raising his voice just enough for the kids to hear, "Are you flirting with me?" The kids all whipped around to stare at Elysia. She froze, her face burning, lips twitching in embarrassment. She shot Tarquin a re and quickly changed the subject, "Evan, you and White remember the way back, right?¡± The forest was wild and dense, the kind of ce where even the sunlight struggled to find a way in. It was easy to get lost-hell, even Elliot had trouble with the directions sometimes. They''d made it outst time only because Evan and White led the way. Chapter 1250 Everyone nced quickly at Evan, but before he could get a word in, White leapt right into the spotlight. The little guy flicked his bright red tongue and bounced happily onto Elysia''s shoulder, nuzzling her chin with a soft hiss. It was almost like he was saying, "Don''t worry, I got this!" Evan puffed out his chest, all confidence. "Don''t worry, Mom! White and I will definitely find our way home." Elijah looked puzzled. ¡°But there aren''t any real trails in the mountains. How do you even know where you''re going?" Evan grinned, proud as could be. "We don''t remember the paths, but the animals sure do! They''re like my and White''s secret agents." Elijah''s eyebrows shot up. "Wait, you mean you can actually understand all the animals?" Evanughed. "Not exactly! I just hang out with them a lot, so I kind of pick up on what their bodynguage means." "It''s the same with White-he just gives me a look and I know exactly what he wants!" "And if I give White a look, he gets what I mean too, right buddy?" Evan held out a tiny fist, and White dipped his head, giving him a gentle bump-a perfect demonstration of their little mind-meld. Elijah and Baby were instantly fascinated, circling around Evan and White, peppering them with questions. The kids'' attention drifted away again, so Elysia shot Tarquin a re and pinched his side under the table. Tarquin just grinned, caught her hand, and traced a little heart on her palm beforecing their fingers together. Tarquin couldn''t help his curiosity. "So, Evan, how did you get White to be your pet?" White was a clever little snake, clearly wild and dangerous-a far cry from your average house pet. Every time Tarquin looked at him, he remembered the chaos at the Bradford family''s annual reunion: that wild pack of wolves charging straight at the Bradfords, only to turn on their heels and attack someone else when the lead wolf suddenly dropped dead. Back then, no one understood what had happened. Even the professional animal handlers agreed that someone must have paid to train the wolves to go after Elijah specifically. But now it was obvious: it was all because of White. White was tiny-no longer than a breadstick, and just as skinny-but his venom packed a serious punch. Survival of the fittest, as nature intended. White might be small, but he was mighty, which was why even the wolves listened to him. Getting close to a snake like White was no easy feat. Elysia sighed. "There are all kinds of rare nts and animals deep in the mountains." "Evan''s always been a handful. When he was little, he''d beg his great-grandpa to teach him self-defense moves, and when practice ended, he''d go out looking for critters to wrestle with "Over time, he just spent more and more time with the animals-sometimes I thought he was more at home with them than with people." ¡°One day he came running back home, bawling his eyes out. I thought he''d gotten hurt, but nope¡ªit was a tiny snake in his hands that needed help." "He begged me and his great-grandma to save the poor thing. Said the snake lost its mom and got bitten by another snake. Just broke his heart." "Back then, White was no longer than a finger, barely hanging on." "I wasn''t sure we could save him, but Evan was so heartbroken we had to try." "For the next three weeks, Evan barely left the house. He stayed right by White''s side, not even pestering his great-grandpa for lessons or running off to the woods. Honestly, the whole forest seemed quieter." "It took about twenty days, but eventually White pulled through." "After that, they were inseparable. Eating, sleeping, ying-wherever Evan went, White went, too." "And more than once, when Evan was in trouble, White risked everything to protect him." The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1251 "You say one''s the master and one''s the pet, but honestly, those two are like brothers. Even Elliot and Emmett never treated White like a pet," Elysia Thorne said with a gentle smile. "White''s part of our family," she added softly. Tarquin Bradford''s gaze softened. No wonder White and Evan were so close- what they had was a bond forged through thick and thin. "You mean Bernard? Evan''s mentor?" "Yeah, I just call him Bernard," Elysia replied. There was a time she wouldn''t have shared any of this mountain stuff with Tarquin. Even though they loved each other, she''d kept it all to herself. But now that she was about to bring him home to meet her grandparents, there was no point hiding it anymore. "Elliot and Gerald are two peas in a pod, Elliot''s always hanging on Gerald," she exined. "Evan''s the same way with Bernard. Emmett takes after Quincy, always following him around. And me? I spent most of my time with Grandma." Tarquin looked at her, half-amused. "One grandma, three grandpas?" "Not quite," Elysiaughed, shaking her head. "There are five of them, actually. There''s also Howard and Walter." Tarquin blinked. "Wait, what?" Seeing his confused expression, Elysia yfully smacked his arm. "Don''t get the wrong idea. They''re not couples-just a group of old friends who stuck together. They all went through tough times when they were young, so when they got older, they moved out to the countryside together, started a kind of found family. They''ve always looked after each other like real siblings." Tarquin asked, "So, how old are they?" "They''re all over seventy now," she answered. "And their names?" "I never really asked about their real names, but I know they''re good people," Elysia said, her voice softening. "If they weren''t, they wouldn''t have helped Mom and me for nothing." Tarquin was curious. "So, how do you all live out there?" "Well, Grandpa and Grandma grow met most of our food themselves. And anything we can''t get in the countryside, Gerald finds a way bring from town-groceries, books, medicine, clothes, yo@name it. He''d sneak it all in for us." "How?" Tarquin pressed. "I honestly don''t know," Elysia admitted. "But all the books I''ve read, all the things Elliot, Evan, and Emmett needed growing up, Grandma''s medical equipment, Grandpa''s tools-Gerald got it all." "Does Gerald have money or something?" "No clue if it was all his, or if they pooled it. Never really thought to ask." Tarquin grinned. "So what do your grandpas do for fun?" Elysia grinned back, thinking. "Gerald''s a finance nerd-loves reading money magazines and watching the stock market. ? gl Bernard''s into boxing and dorest of the heavy lifting around the house. Quincy''s an artist-anything creative or beautiful in our home, that''s him. Howard''s a total gamer-he keeps the WiFi and electricity running. Walter''s a bit of a mad scientist-loves making fireworks. Evan learned a lot from him, actually. And Grandma? She''s into holistic medicine-acupuncture, herbal stuff. She taught me everything I know about healing." Tarquin just stared, speechless. Ever since they''de back from Silver City, the socialites back in Jindale City had been gossiping. They couldn''t trash Elysia''s background anymore, so now they whispered about her "mountain years" with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett. They said the kids grew up in a rundown little vige, never had enough to eat, and barely made it through. "They say we grew up dirt poor, hanging around with a bunch of hillbillies," Elysia snorted. "What a joke." If only those snobs knew-her so-called ''hillbilly'' grandparents were legends in their own right. Chapter 1252 But who were these people, really? Tarquin thought about it. If these were truly the leading figures in their respective fields, even if he hadn''t met them personally, he should at least have heard of them. But, listening to Elysia talk, he couldn''t quite put any names to faces. Elysia noticed Tarquin''s furrowed brow and mistook it for nerves. She gave him a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry," she said easily, "Grandma and the grandpas are super easygoing. They treat me and the kids like family, and they''ll treat you the same way." Tarquin shook off his thoughts. "So, what did they do before they moved out here?" She shrugged, "Honestly, they were just regr folks. Sure, they had their hobbies, but they were happiest working thend, growing vegetables and raising animals." Tarquin: "..." They chatted idly all the way to the airport, where their private jet was already waiting. A couple of hourster, the seven of themnded in Darkfort City. As soon as they got off the ne, there were people waiting for them-polite and respectful to a fault. Darkfort wasn''t far from Jindale City, both up north. Tarquin had invested a lot in this region, pouring money into local businesses and contributing to the city''s growth. The taxes alone he paid every year were a significant sum. If they hadn''t kept this trip under wraps, the mayor himself would probably have shown up to greet them at the airport. The family grabbed a quick lunch at a diner near the airport-burgers and fries for the kids, coffee and sandwiches for the adults. They didn''t linger; instead, they hopped into a van and headed straight for the mountains. By the time they reached the foothills, the sun was already setting. With the kids in tow, they didn''t want to risk hiking in the dark. Instead, they checked into a charming countryside bed & breakfast known for its homemade pies and cozy rooms. They decided to rest for the night and head up the mountain in the morning. They''d booked a suite for the family. The baby bunked with Tarquin and Elysia. Elliot, Evan, Emmett, and Elijah shared the other room. That night, as was her habit, Elysia tiptoed into the boys'' room before going to bed herself, checking to make sure they were covered up. Even in August, the nights in Darkfort could get chilly, and a light nket was a must. She quietly opened the door and was surprised to see Elijah standing by the window. The little guy was silhouetted in the moonlight, gazing out at the mountains as if deep in thought. The other three boys were already fast asleep. Elysia''s heart skipped a beat-was Elijah sleepwalking? She hurried over to him. Hearing her approach, Elijah turned around, his little brow furrowed in concern. Elysia knelt beside him, lowering her voice. "Elijah, honey, why aren''t you sleeping? Is it too different from home?" She figured maybe the new ce was making him restless. Tarquin had picked the nicest B&B around, but for Elijah, who''d grown up with everyfort, it was still a big step down. let Unlike his brothers, who''d spent their early years running wild in the countryside, Elijah had always been at Tarquin''s side-raised in penthouses and country estates, nevercking for a thing. But Elijah just frowned at her, saying nothing. Elysia reached up to gently smooth his hair, about to say more, when Elijah suddenly spoke. "Mom, you had it really tough, didn''t you?" Elysia blinked. "What?" He looked at her, his expression earnest, older than his years. "Living out here in the mountains is hard. You were here for five years, right? You must''ve gone through a lot. But I promise, from now on, I''ll take care of you. I won''t let you suffer again." Elysia felt her heart swell. Was this what had been keeping him up at night¡ª worrying about her? He saw the roughness of the mountains and thought she must have suffered. It made him want to protect her. She stared at him for a long moment before finally speaking. "Elijah, you''ve got it all wrong. I never suffered." She smiled softly. "Sweetheart, happinesses from two ces-what''s around us, and what''s inside us." Chapter 1253 "Life hasn''t always been easy for me," Elysia said softly, running her fingers through Elijah''s hair. "I''ve had my share of tough breaks. But these years in the mountains with you, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett? I''ve been really happy." Elijah looked troubled, his lips moving like he wanted to say something, but no sound came out. "I know the cabin isn''t exactly a five-star hotel," Elysia continued, smiling, "but we have each other. That''s what matters most. So, Elijah, don''t get all sad thinking your mom''s had it rough, okay?" She cupped his cheek, her touch gentle. "But I have to say, it means the world to me that you care so much. It makes me feel even luckier." Elijah was always the quietest of her boys, a little more reserved than Elliot, Evan, or Emmett. Still, he leaned into her touch, almost like he was soaking up her warmth. Elysia pulled him in for a hug. "I love you, Elijah." He hugged her back, patting her shoulder like a tiny grown-up. "Love you too, Mom." Her heart swelled, and it took her a moment to steady herself before she smiled again. "We''ve got another early morning hike tomorrow, so let''s get some sleep, alright?" Elijah nodded, climbed into bed, and snuggled under the patchwork quilt. "Goodnight, Mom." "Goodnight, sweetheart." She tucked the nket around him, making sure he was warm, then left for her own room. Tarquin was already lying in bed, themp casting a soft glow over the room. Their baby daughter was asleep in her crib, cheeks rosy and peaceful. Tarquin lifted the covers in invitation. "You took your time." Elysia didn''t answer right away. She checked on their little girl first, then slid into bed and curled up against Tarquin''s side, her cheek pressed to his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, noticing right away that something was off. "What''s wrong?" he asked, voice gentle. Elysia''s eyes prickled with tears. "When I went in to check on the kids, Elijah was still awake, standing by the window just... lost in thought. He''s been so worried about me about how hard things have been out here. But he never wants to talk about it." Tarquin frowned, concern etching his brow. "Is he okay?" "He''s just sensitive. He worries about me, but keeps it all inside." Elysia took a shaky breath. "Honestly, I feel so lucky. What more could a mom ask for than kids who care about her so much?" She looked up at Tarquin, voice soft. "When I first found out I was pregnant, I was shocked, nervous-honestly, terrified. Choosing to have them, especially with everything going on, felt like jumping off a cliff without a parachute." "If one of my friends was in that spot now, I don''t know if I''d have the guts to tell her to go through with it. Raising kids alone is so hard." She grinned, tears sparkling in her eyes. "But I got lucky. The boys are sweet, loving-total angels. Every time I look at them, I know I made the right choice. We''ve been through so much, and somehow, we ended up together. My life feelsplete." Tarquin tightened his embrace, resting his chin on her head. "I know I let you down back then. The pain you''ve gone through, the tough times-it was all because of me." Elysia didn''t argue. Instead, she looked up at him, her voice steady. "But this happiness? It''s because of you, too. I''m telling you this to share my gratitude, not to make you feel guilty." He understood, pressing a kiss to her hair. "We''re going to keep being happy. Happier every single day." She smiled, snuggling closer. "Yeah. We will. I know it." Wrapped in each other''s arms, listening to the steady rhythm of their hearts, they drifted off to sleep. Chapter 1254 Early the next morning, Elysia was up before sunrise. After chatting with the innkeeper, she rolled up her sleeves and made scrambled eggs and pancakes for the kids, along with some simple sides-crispy bacon, hashbrowns, and a bowl of fresh fruit. She knew everyone had different tastes, and the kids hadn''t really eaten much the night before the local food just wasn''t what they were used to. Today was the first day they''d be heading into the mountains, and from here on out, it was going to be pic meals and campfire food for a while. Elysia wanted to make sure her family got a good breakfast in them while they could. The innkeeper and his wife were true Darkfort City locals, blunt and friendly. They went on and on about how adorable the kids were, then startedplimenting Elysia, and even threw in some praise for Tarquin. "I swear, your whole family looks like you stepped out of a magazine!" the innkeeper''s wife said. "We''ve had so many families stay here over the years, but none as good-looking as yours!" After all the ttery, she turned serious for a moment, giving them some advice: "When you head up the mountain, follow the marked trail. Stick to the signs- don''t wander off on the smaller paths, it''s easy to get lost out there. And if you see a sign telling you not to go somewhere, don''t ignore it. Most of these mountains are just untouched wilderness-real wild, not part of any park. Nobody goes in there. It''s dangerous." She lowered her voice. "Justst week, they carried out a few bodies. Some folks went off-trail, adventurers or something. They got attacked by wild animals-one had his head bashed in, another was half-eaten. Whatever did it, it wasn''t human. There''s all kinds of dangerous creatures out there, not just bears or wolves. Some say there''s things in those woods that nobody''s ever seen." "Don''t go exploring just because you''re curious," she added. "It''s not worth it." Elysia nodded, genuinely grateful for the warning. Maybe it was all her years living in the mountains, but she wasn''t scared so much as concerned for the kids. She finished up breakfast and went to wake them. Over coffee, she told Tarquin about the deaths in the woods. Tarquin just nodded. "It was a group of wildlife photographers snuck into the restricted area to get pictures. They got mauled by animals. The coroner found animal DNA in the wounds-nothing to do with people." Elysia frowned, letting out a sigh. She felt bad for them. She didn''t mind going into the mountains herself, but she''d never rmend it to people who didn''t know what they were doing. The wild was no joke. "If I hadn''t lived out here for years, and if it weren''t for White and Evan, I''d never drag my family out here for an adventure," she said. "There''s so many fun ces in the world you don''t have to choose the most dangerous one. It''s not worth risking your life." "No worries," Tarquin said, giving her a reassuring smile. "We''ll be fine. I''ve lived in these hills for five years and never seen anything like ''wild men.'' Still, we''ll keep our guard up." After breakfast, the seven of them set out-just family, no bodyguards, no entourage. The first part of the hike was along a narrow, winding trail. Evan and White led the way, the boys practically bouncing with excitement. The wilderness was home for them-Evan especially, who''d grown up at the foot of these mountains and knew every rock and tree. Baby, on the other hand, was more used to being pampered by Keith Garcia. Not much stamina. After a little while, she started tog behind, her little legs struggling to keep up. Tarquin, carrying the biggest backpack, just scooped her up and settled her on his shoulders. He was strong as a bull and twice as energetic. They hiked on, taking breaks here and there, until they reached the edge of the restricted area by afternoon. Elysia eyed the warning sign, cautious. "Evan, are you sure this is the right way?" He nodded confidently. "It''s the safest route. And there''s a perfect spot to set up camp just a little ways in-I checked it out before." "Alright," Elysia said, "let''s get moving. We want the tents up before dark." With Evan leading the way, they slipped past the sign and into the forbidden woods. The air was cooler and seemed to hum with danger. Elysia''s heart pounded, but years of mountain living had made her tough. She wasn''t scared-just alert. Emmett was the same, a little wary but not afraid. Baby clung to Tarquin, wide-eyed and nervous, not letting go for a second. After about an hour, they reached a bubbling creek with a big, grassy clearing perfect for tents. The forest at night could be treacherous, with hungry animals prowling for food. The tents were for more than justfort-they were their best shot at staying safe. They dropped their packs and took a breather. Tarquin got to work setting up tents, with Elliot and Elijah helping. Elysia took Evan, Emmett, and Baby to gather firewood and get a campfire going. Baby finally started to rx. "Mommy, look! Mushrooms! Can we put these in the stew?" She reached eagerly for some bright red and white mushrooms growing under a tree, but Elysia caught her hand just in time. "Whoa, slow down! Those are fly agaric mushrooms-they''re poisonous." Baby''s eyes went round as saucers. "But they''re so pretty! Really, they can hurt you?" Elysia nodded. "Some of the prettiest mushrooms are the most dangerous. You have to be careful with wild things out here. If you see something weird, ask Mommy before you touch it, okay?" The deep woods were dangerous for a lot of reasons-the unpredictable weather, the confusing terrain, the wild animals, and all sorts of toxic bugs and nts. Even the most innocent-looking things could be deadly out here. Baby nodded seriously. "Okay, I promise!" Elysia smiled and ruffled her hair. As they walked away from the tree and the poisonous mushrooms, neither of them noticed a deadly viper pinned to the trunk above their heads skewered through the body, held fast by a broken-off branch. It hadn''t been Evan or Tarquin who''d done it. Chapter 1255 Evan had already spotted the venomous snake in the tree, but before he could do anything, someone else was quicker. The scar-faced tough guy-they called him "the Boss"-hadn''te to Darkfort City with them, but somehow he''d tracked them all the way out here. That snake? The Boss had taken it out with one swift shot. Evan nced to his left, feeling a little grateful. Anyone who looked out for his family was a friend of Evan Thorne''s. If the Boss and his old mentor could ever put aside their differences, Evan would be the first to shake his hand. But if he ever hurt his mentor... Evan frowned, deciding to keep his distance for now and instead hurried after Elysia and Baby. By the time they''d gathered enough dry firewood and made their way back, Tarquin, Elliot, and Elijah had already set up the tents and were washing up by the creek. Watching Tarquin work, Elysia couldn''t help but think, Now, that''s the kind of man you want to marry. Sophisticated, but never fussy. Can handle a business meeting or whip up breakfast. Since they hadn''t ventured deep into the wilderness yet, the first night went off without a hitch. No wild animals, no emergencies. They caught a few fish, lounged inside the tent, chatted andughed it felt almost like a camping trip at Yellowstone. The next morning, they headed deeper into the woods. The further they went, the more critters they saw-everything from creepy crawlies to poisonous bugs. Baby, who was always a bit skittish, spent most of the day clinging to Tarquin, who carried her withoutint. With no cell signal, and thepass spinning uselessly, they had to rely on Evan and White to find their way. By evening, just as they finished setting up camp, it started pouring-ssic mountain weather: sunny one minute, buckets of cold rain the next. Luckily, the tents were up just in time, so everyone stayed dry. Evan, though, couldn''t help but worry about the Boss. Out in this storm, with no shelter, anyone could get sick fast-and up here, that could be a death sentence. After some hesitation, Evan confessed to Elysia. "Mom, I need to tell you something..." When Elysia learned there was someone trailing them-someone who even knew Bernard she was floored. Evan hurried to reassure her, "Don''t worry, Mom. He promised me he wouldn''t approach Bernard without permission. And he''s helped me a bunch of times-he''s saved my skin. I can''t just leave him out there in this storm." Evan didn''t mention the history between the Boss and Bernard, but Elysia was still concerned. "Evan, your great-grandparents don''t like strangers. They want a quiet life. What if he breaks his word?" Tarquin spoke up for the Boss, "If Bernard doesn''t want to see him, I''ll handle it. I won''t let anyone disturb Grandma and Grandpa." Elysia hesitated, but with both Evan and Tarquin pleading, she relented. "Alright. He can sleep in your tent tonight. When hees in, make sure he gets some hot tea to warm up." "Thanks, Mom!" Evan grinned and shot out of the tent like a rocket. "Wear your raincoat!" Elysia called after him, worried. Tarquin just smiled, "Don''t worry. He''ll be back in a sh. We''ll get him changed and dry." Outside, the Boss was sheltering under a giant leaf, soaked to the bone. When he saw Evan, he looked surprised. "What are you doing out here?" "Come on, you''re staying with us tonight. It''s too dangerous to stay out," Evan said, grabbing his arm and leading him back. The Boss hesitated, "Your mother doesn''t know me. She''ll be scared." "She won''t. Mom''s got a good heart. I already told her. C''mon-the rain''s not stopping, you''ll get sick!" Evan all but dragged him inside. Elysia looked surprised for a second at the sight of the Boss''s scarred face-it was hard not to be startled, the scars looked like rough tracks across his skin. But she quickly recovered, poured a mug of hot tea, and handed it to him. The Boss nodded his thanks and wrapped his hands around the mug, warming up. By morning, the rain had stopped. When Tarquin stepped outside, he saw the Boss grilling fish over the fire. Tarquin had no idea where he''d found such big fish, since there wasn''t a stream nearby, but they were golden and sizzling. Tarquin wandered over. The Boss looked up once, then went back to his cooking. Tarquin broke the silence, "Evan''s a loyal kid. You treat him well, he''ll never forget it. But if you go back on your word... well, he doesn''t forgive easily." The Boss frowned, saying nothing. Tarquin continued, "I don''t know what happened between you and Evan''s mentor, but that person means the world to him. If you hurt him, Evan will never forgive you." Again, the Boss just stared at the fire, silent. Just then, Evan burst out of the tent, nose in the air, "Smells amazing!" The Boss cracked a rare almost-smile, handed him the biggest fish. "Is it cooked?" Evan asked. "Yeah." "Looks delicious! I''m taking it to Mom-she loves fish!" And off Evan ran, bouncing toward Elysia''s tent. "Mom, breakfast! Grilled fish!" For the first time, the Boss''s eyes softened a little. Tarquin squinted, then let it drop. From then on, the Boss became an unofficial part of their group. Except for Evan, he barely spoke to anyone, but he always took the lead alongside Evan during the day and at night stood guard outside the tents, keeping wild animals at bay. Elysia felt bad about him sleeping outside, and sometimes asked Evan to invite him in. But unless it was raining, he always stayed on watch. They trekked through the mountains for several days before finally arriving. But before they could even see the old folks they''de to find, they noticed something was off... Chapter 1256 The animals in the dense forest suddenly scattered in all directions, panicked and screeching as if something terrible had just happened. Birds exploded out of the trees, wings pping frantically as they shot up toward the sky. It was like something monstrous had just crashed into the woods-a predator, a disaster, something that sent every living thing running. Tarquin, Elliot, Evan, and Elijah all frowned in unison, tense and alert. Even the big guy with the scarred face-usually impossible to rattle-was ncing around warily, brows knit. Elysia pulled Emmett and Baby close, her whole body stiff with worry. The air felt charged with danger, every shadow hiding a possible threat. Suddenly-thwup! A muffled gunshot echoed through the forest. Someone was using a silencer. A sh of color tumbled from above-a brilliantly plumed bird dropped out of the sky andnded right at their feet. Its feathers were stunning, all bright blues and reds and yellows, the kind you''d only see in rare nature documentaries. But its head... its head was just gone. A bloody mess, shot clean through. Everyone stared, eyes wide with shock. Baby whimpered and squeezed Tarquin''s neck, burying her face so she didn''t have to see. Elysia''s jaw dropped, panic written all over her face. There was more movement in the distance. Tarquin''s eyes narrowed. "We need to hide. Now." If the bird had been shot, it meant someone else was close-and armed. Behind them, a slope covered with tall, wild grass offered the perfect ce to duck out of sight. Tarquin hustled Elysia and the kids behind the grass, keeping close. The scar-faced guy moved like a ghost, scrambling up the nearest tree and vanishing into the leaves. Evan looked like he wanted to follow-higher ground meant a better view-but Tarquin ced a firm hand on his shoulder. "Not yet." Then, in a low voice, Tarquin asked Elysia, "Do your grandparents hunt?" Elysia nodded, then immediately shook her head, anxious. "They''ll shoot rabbits or wild boar to put food on the table, but a bird like that? Never. Grandpa would never hurt something so beautiful." Elliot''s little face scrunched up. "And we''re really close to their ce. Strangers shouldn''t be out here, not unless they got seriously lost." "Even if someone did wander in by ident, Grandpa and Grandma would find a way to send them back out. They''d never let outsiders hang around, much less hunt." Which meant whoever was here, with a gun, was here for all the wrong reasons. Elysia''s voice trembled. "Do you think Grandpa and Grandma are okay?" Tarquin''s face darkened, but before he could answer, a group of men in camo gear and baseball caps came striding out of the trees, rifles slungzily over their shoulders. They marched right up to the dead bird, picked it up, and one of them grinned with pride. "Told you I could shoot it in the head. Didn''t touch the body. Come on, admit it¡ª you''re impressed!" Another man chimed in, eager to please. "Man, you''re the best shot I''ve ever seen. No wonder you''re the boss!" The leaderughed. "Let''s go find something bigger. I want to bag a bear before sunset!" He tossed the bird aside, ready to move on. Suddenly, one of the men lost his footing and slipped, tumbling down the slope until he crashed hard against a big rock at the bottom. He yelped in pain, clutching his groin, while the guys up top roared withughter. "Dude, you bust your balls? Gonna be singing soprano for the rest of your life?" they jeered. "Hope you didn''t break anything important! How you gonna keep the family line going now?" Theyughed even harder. The guy staggered to his feet, face twisted in pain. "Even with busted balls, I''d stillst longer than any of you " He stopped dead, eyes widening as he spotted Tarquin, Elysia, and the others hidden nearby. Evan tensed, ready to jump in, but Tarquin and Elliot moved fast-one grabbing the man''s wrist, the other signaling to the group to stay calm and not make any sudden moves. Chapter 1257 These guys were clearly trouble, but before doing anything rash, they needed to figure out exactly who these people were and why they''d shown up here in the first ce. One of the men, clearly rattled, was already waving his shotgun at them. "Who the hell are you?!" "Hey! Over here! There''s someone down here!" He shouted up the hill to his buddies. A group of men, seeing the look on his face and realizing he wasn''t kidding, scrambled down the muddy slope. When they spotted Tarquin and the others, they all froze in shock-then immediately raised their rifles, aiming at the family. Baby, never having experienced anything like this before, burst into tears on the spot. She clung to Elysia, burying her face in her mother''s chest. "Mommy, I''m scared... I''m scared..." Elysia hugged her daughter tightly, her own heart pounding in her chest. "Shh, it''s okay. It''s okay. Don''t be scared." Tarquin stepped in front, shielding Elysia and the kids behind him. The man in charge barked, "Alright, talk. What the hell are you doing here?" Tarquin lied without missing a beat. "Summer vacation. Just took the kids out for a little adventure." The man narrowed his eyes. "You brought kids out here? Into the middle of nowhere?" "Yeah. They love exploring." He snorted. "There are a million safer ces to take your kids. Do you even know where you are?" Tarquin shrugged. "Not really. We got lost." The guy eyed their group seven people, kids and women, clearly a family. After a moment, he rxed a bit, lowering his gun just slightly. But his gaze lingered on Elysia, running up and down her figure. He cleared his throat and snapped, ¡°Alright, up the hill. You''reing with us. Try anything funny and I''ll blow your heads off." A sh of cold anger flickered in Tarquin''s eyes, but he swallowed it down, keeping his cool. He turned back to Elysia and the kids. "Do as they say. Just follow them." So, the whole family trudged ahead, with the armed men in camo trailing behind, guns at the ready. "Damn, what a haul today! This is better than bagging a grizzly," one of the men chuckled darkly. "God must really love us, huh? Just what we needed, right when we needed it,¡± another sneered. "Check out thedy though no way she''s a mom, looks barely twenty. Fresh as a daisy, huh-OW!" The man was midugh when he suddenly shrieked and went sprawling to the ground. Not only did he fall, he managed to knock down the guys in front, behind, and to the sides of him too. One banged his head on a rock; another got his cheek scratched by a branch. "Goddammit, what''s wrong with you?! That hurt like hell!" The culprit breathing hard and wide-eyed, stammered, "Swear to God, I saw a snake! It was about to go for my eyes, tongue flicking out and everything. Nearly gave me a heart attack!" The others rolled their eyes. "Are you nuts? It''s broad daylight-what snake? I didn''t see anything." "Yeah, you''re just looking for trouble, man! You got blood on me, dammit!" The leader cut them off, irritated. "Save it. Get your asses up and keep moving!" The men herded the as family forwardin they walked-but now their attention was on the so-called "spalette Evan snorted under his breath, slipping White back into his jacket sleeve. If he wasn''t so desperate to figure out who these people were, what they were doing in the mountains, and what connection they had to Great-Grandpa and Grandma, he would''ve dealt with them already. How dare they talk about his mom like that. If only he could- But Evan gritted his teeth and held back, forcing himself to keep walking. Then, as they pushed deeper into the woods, a small cluster of wooden cabins came into view through the trees. Elysia, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett all stopped dead in their tracks, unable to hide the shock on their faces. This ce they''d lived here for five years. This was Grandma and Grandpa''s home. Chapter 1258 But... this ce is supposed to bepletely off the grid. How did this rough bunch of men even find it? Grandma and Grandpa were always so gentle and kind-they''d never hang out with people like this! Elysia and the kids were marched into the old wooden cabin. The moment the gate creaked open, all four of them-mother and sons-were swept up by a rush of emotions: joy, nerves, even a bit of dread. They''d lived here for five whole years. Elliot, Evan, and Emmett-this was where they''d grown up. It was in this very ce that the three brothers learned to talk, to walk, to do all sorts of things... This cabin held just about every vor of memory for them-sweet, bitter, and everything in between. Mostly sweet, with the asional sting. So as soon as they stepped inside, memories came flooding back. They couldn''t help but feel excited and happy. But... where were Grandma and Grandpa? Normally, the second they came home, the grandparents would be the first at the door, arms open, faces beaming with delight. Why weren''t theying out? Why wasn''t anyone weing them home? And why were there suddenly so many armed strangers in the yard? Who were these men, and what were they doing in Grandma and Grandpa''s house? What was their connection? Elysia and her three boys were torn-half flooded with relief, half gripped by worry for the older couple. They ached to see Grandma and Grandpa, but none of them dared call out, afraid of what might have happened. Tarquin and little Elijah, though they''d never been here before, could sense something was off with the four of them. It clicked: this must have been their home once. Tarquin and Elijah were uneasy too. Why had these men brought them here? Did they know the old folks? Or had they taken over the ce? Had something happened to Grandma and Grandpa? All seven of them were weighed down by dread. Closest to the gate stood a small two-story cabin-Bernard''s ce. Bernard was a big fan of martial arts, and he was good at it. He''d always taken the room nearest the entrance to keep everyone safe. Suddenly, with a loud creak, a window on the second floor swung open. Elysia''s heart leapt she thought it was Bernard. She looked up, hope shining in her eyes. But- Instead of a familiar face, there was a scowling stranger ring down at them. "Didn''t I send you guys out to work? What are you doing back so soon? Did you catch any " He broke off, noticing Tarquin and the others. His eyes narrowed. "Who are they?" The man leading their group quickly piped up: "Brock, we ran into them on the trail. They were lost-family out here for summer break, got turned around in the woods. We brought them back, you know, just being neighborly. And look, there''s a real beauty with them." in He winked up at the second-floor man, eager to please. Brock-if that was his name-looked down at Elysia, licking his lips, Adam''s apple bobbing. "Bring the woman up here. I''ll talk to her myself. Lock the rest up for now!" Tarquin''s eyes narrowed-he knew exactly what Brock had in mind. He was just about to make a move when suddenly, another man burst in, stumbling and out of breath. "Brock! Brock! It''s bad-something''s happened! We ran into a wild man! Some of our guys got hurt real bad Brock told me toeget help!" Wild man? The whole family stared. Even Brock looked thrown. "What wild man?" "I swear, Brock! He had centipedes crawling all over his face-Set the hell out of us! He was so didn''t even get a shot off.¡± we sw "You gottae quick¡ªif you''rete, Brock might get ripped to shreds by that lunatic!" Centipedes on his face? No, not a wild man-just the scarred tough guy from before. The family of seven put it together. No need to wonder anymore. They kept their heads down and stayed quiet. Chapter 1259 ```text Brock totally bought it. Without a second thought, he leapt straight from the second floor,nding with a heavy thud. "If it really is some wild mountain man, I''ll strike it rich! Let''s go!" With his words, the whole crew swaggered out of the old ranch house and headed past the white picket fence. But after a few steps, Brock remembered Elysia and the others. He turned and barked, "Leave this chick for me! Nobody touches her until I get back, you hear me?" "Yeah, yeah, Brock, don''t worry! She''s all yours." Brock shot Elysia a sleazy grin before turning away, barely sparing a nce for Tarquin or the kids. To him, they were nothing-just harmless pests. Guns made all the difference, after all. What could a few children and an old man do against that? Once Brock and his men left, the little family of seven were herded into a bare, musty room. Before the door mmed shut, one of the goons threw out a warning: "Sit tight and wait for Brock. Don''t try anything stupid. This ce is crawling with our boys. If you think you can run, you''re dead wrong. Don''t make us use these." The man waved his shotgun for emphasis and locked the door behind them with a heavy clunk. Evan rushed to the door, tugging at it, but it was sealed tight. No way out. "White, go! Find Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma!" White, their clever old sheepdog, understood right away. He gave Evan''s hand a lick, then wriggled his way through a gap by the floorboards and was gone. Elysia was wringing her hands, her voice trembling with worry. "This is Grandpa and Grandma''s home! Why would these people be here? They must be gone-if they were here, they''d havee out to greet us as soon as we arrived!" "But this is their only ce up in the mountains," Evan said quietly. "If they''re not here, where else could they have gone?" Tarquin squeezed Elysia''s hand gently. "Maybe... maybe they moved somewhere else?" Elysia shook her head fiercely. "No way! Did you see the vegetable garden out front? All those tomatoes and zhini are thriving-Grandpa and Grandma must be taking care of them. When we left, they promised they''d stay here. They said we could alwayse back and find them!¡± Her voice cracked, and she blinked back tears, worry etched deep on her face. "I''m scared something''s happened. There are so many of them, and they have guns..." Elliot and Evan looked worried too, but they shared a knowing nce. "Don''t worry, Mom,¡± Evan said. "Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma have lived in these woods their whole lives. They''ve handled wild bears and coyotes, for heaven''s sake-these thugs are nothing." "The worst that could''ve happened is they saw troubleing and slipped out early," Elliot added. "Or maybe they just went into town for supplies and haven''te back yet. Maybe these guys broke in while they were gone." Elijah, the youngest, piped up, "This is deep wilderness. If they couldn''t take care of themselves, they''d never have chosen to live here. Don''t worry, Mom." Their reassurances helped a little, but Elysia was still on edge. She forced herself to nod so she wouldn''t frighten the kids. Time dragged by. Then, finally, White squeezed back into the room, tail wagging. Everyone looked at him anxiously. Evan knelt down. "Well? Did you find them, boy? Are Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma safe?" ``` Chapter 1260 Evan stuck his tongue out, making a face as he tranted for White. "Great-grandpa and Great-grandma aren''t here, but all their stuff still is." "Every cabin''s got someone on guard. Every ce to stay is already taken." "The storage shed is packed with all kinds of animal pelts and meat. And... there are over a dozen dead ck storks." Elysia''s brows shot up in rm. ck storks-those were on the endangered species list! They were called the "pandas of the bird world" because they were so rare. And these people had killed more than ten? Were these poachers? But her grandparents had lived in these mountains for years, treating the animals as friends. How could they possibly allow people to kill so many protected animals? Wait. Maybe they hadn''t allowed it¡ªbut what could they do? There were so many intruders, all of them armed. What could her grandparents possibly do against them? Elysia''s worry deepened, both for her grandparents and for the animals that had suffered. "White says that when these people arrived, Great-grandpa and Great-grandma had already left," Evan said suddenly. Elysia blinked in surprise. "They left? What do you mean?" "They went out. Left the ce." "Where did they go?" "No idea yet. White heard that they left yesterday evening. Not long after, these people showed up." Elysia felt a little bit of relief. At least her grandparents hadn''t been caught by these people. "Don''t worry, Mom," Elliot piped up. "I''ll ask White to look around some more." White could talk to the animals in the forest, so it''d be easier for them to get info. After sending White off with his new mission, Elliot furrowed his brow and turned to Tarquin. "Dad, shouldn''t we get someone over here and ask a few more questions?" Tarquin nodded he had the same thought. "I''ll take care of it." He walked to the cabin door and knocked. It took a while before someone strode over, scowling. "What do you want?" Tarquin didn''t waste words. He slid a watch through the crack of the door. "You can sell that secondhand and get at least five hundred grand." The guard''s eyes went wide. He snatched up the watch, checked it over, and slipped it into his pocket. Tarquinid out his terms, calm as ever. "I''m thirsty. I want some water." "Tough luck," the guard snapped. He had the watch, but he wasn''t about to open the door. Tarquin didn''t seem surprised. His tone was mild, almost casual. "If I can hand you a watch worth half a million, it means I''m loaded. I''ve got plenty more valuables on me. If you don''t want to trade water for my money, I''m sure someone else will. I''ll just shout for the others. The guard bristled, feeling threatened. He hissed, "Try yelling, and I swear I''ll shoot you all right now!" Tarquin raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Will you? Your boss said not to touch us before he left." He took a deep breath, looking ready to shout. The guard lunged to stop him, panicked. "Shut up!" His tone was harsh. "I''ll get you a bottle of water, but if you''re lying about the money, I''ll break your legs." Tarquin said nothing, just waited. The guard hurried away and momentster, he slipped inside the cabin, shutting the door fast behind him-obviously, he didn''t want anyone else to know about his little side deal. He pointed his gun at Tarquin. "Where''s the rest of the stuff?" A sh of cold calction darted through Tarquin''s eyes. With a swift move, he grabbed the gun and turned it on the guard. "Don''t move." The guard froze, stunned. He only realized he''d been tricked when Tarquin pulled the trigger. Click. The empty chamber snapped, and the guard''s eyes nearly popped out of his head. He copsed onto the $69, breathing in shallow bursts. ¡°Please¡ªplease, don''t kill me!" Tarquin''s expression was icy. "Answer a few questions, and I won''t." The man nodded frantically. "Ask¡ªjust ask!" Tarquin''s voice was calm and dangerous. "Who are you people?" The man''s face twisted in fear. He hesitated, but with the gun pointed right at him, he caved immediately. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1261 "We''re just a bunch of hunters," the man said. "Poachers?" Tarquin raised an eyebrow. "Y-yeah. That''s right." "When did youe up the mountain? And how''d you find this ce?" "We''ve been in the woods for a while, but only stumbled on this cest night. Honestly, it was pure luck-we were tracking a deer, and it led us right here. Once we realized there was food, water, and even some decent beds with warm nkets, we figured we''d found the perfect base camp." Tarquin pressed, "Who was staying here before you?" "No idea. We haven''t seen the owners since we arrived no sign of anyone." "Do you have any clue who they are?" "Looks like a family, probably. There are too many rooms for just one person. And inside, we found old folks'' sweaters, kids'' sneakers, and a bunch of men''s hoodies and jeans. Our boss reckons it''s three generations living together. He thinks they''re dirt poor-couldn''t handle life in town, couldn''t afford a house, so they moved out here to live off the grid." Tarquin and the kids exchanged skeptical nces. How does someone with that kind of logic end up as the boss? A desperately poor family, surviving out here in the wild like it''s nothing? But at least their guess was way off. That meant they had no clue who really lived here ¡ªand that was good news for the elderly folks who just wanted to keep to themselves. Tarquin continued, "Any idea where the family went?" "Nope." "You didn''t look for them?" "We checked around nearby, but saw nothing suspicious. The boss said not to waste time on them-just some broke nobodies. If theye back, he says we should just take them out." "How many of you are there?" Tarquin asked. "Over a hundred, at least. Some aren''t here¡ªthey''re outside the forest, selling what we catch." "Where''d you get your guns?" "No clue. I''m just a grunt. If you want to know that stuff, you''ll have to ask the boss." "How long are you nning to stay?" "Boss says we''re here for the long haul. Plenty of game in these woods-enough tost a lifetime. And it''s nice and hidden." "Your boss-Brock, right?" "Yeah, Brock''s the boss. His brothers are second and third in line-Lyle''s the third. They run the crew, but even they answer to someone higher up. I''m nobody special, just follow orders." Tarquin paused, satisfied with what he''d learned. He held out his hand. "Give me back my watch." The man fumbled to pull it out and handed it over-his hands shaking. Money''s no good if you''re dead. "Listen, I''m warning you," the man stammered, if you keep your cool, you might still make it out alive. But if you try anything¡ªif you shoot me-there are people just waiting outside to storm in and mow everyone down!" Tarquin calmly slipped his watch back on. He tossed the handgun over to the man. "Get out." The guy hesitated for a split second, then snatched up the gun-ready to try his luck. But before he could even raise it, Tarquin''s hand was around his throat, squeezing. The man gasped, struggling for air, unable to puff the trigger. If Tarquin squeezed any harder, he''d be dead "Try anything again, and you won''t get a third chance," Tarquin growled in a low, cold voice. He only let go when the man was turning blue. The poacher slid to the floor, clutching his throat, staring up at Tarquin in raw terror. He finally understood who he was messing with. Tarquin stood over him, voice icy. "When you walk out of here, act like none of this ever happened. Keep your head down, and you might just get out alive." The man didn''t believe Tarquin could make much trouble-but he was scared out of his mind. After all, Tarquin had just dragged him to the edge of death. Twice. "Y-yeah, I won''t say a word. Not a thing happened here. I swear." With that, the guy staggered to his feet, clutching the gun, and bolted out the door terrified that if he waited even another second, Tarquin would finish the job. Chapter 1262 Elysia huddled in the corner, shielding the kids with her arms, her heart thudding with worry. She nced toward the front door, waiting until the man had run off before she finally dared to speak. Turning to Tarquin, she whispered anxiously, "You''re sure he won''t go bbing out there?" If that guy brought back a whole gang, they''d be in real trouble. Those guys had numbers¡ªand worse, they were armed to the teeth. Tarquin shrugged, confidence in his voice. "Don''t stress. He won''t dare. He''s just a flunky, more worried about saving his own skin than ying the hero." Elysia hesitated, still uneasy. But Tarquin went on, "Think about it. He just got threatened and let go-hardly something he wants to brag about. Besides, none of them actually escaped, so there''s nothing for him to gain by talking." He moved closer, kneeling beside Elysia and the kids, his gaze softening. "Look, your grandparents are just out. They weren''t captured or hurt. You can breathe easy." Relief washed over Elysia, and she nodded, exhaling deeply. Thank God the old folks were safe. But her relief didn''tst long. The next problem loomed, heavy as a thundercloud. "What do we do now? They''ve got over a hundred guys, all with guns." The kids looked up at Tarquin, wide-eyed. Evan opened his mouth, closed it, then just stared, waiting for Tarquin to take charge. Evan and White were practically kings of these woods-they knew every inch, every creature. They could''ve unleashed the wild animals on the intruders, but with so many armed men, the risks were huge. The animals would take heavy losses. Worse, the cabin-Grandpa and Grandma''s pride and joy-might get wrecked in the chaos. There had to be a better way. One that didn''t put the animals in harm''s way or destroy the house. Tarquin''s eyes narrowed, thoughtful. "We wait for now. When their bosses back, I''ll get the details out of him. Once we know exactly what we''re up against, we''ll make our move." His voice was steady, almost cold. "These guys are criminals cold-blooded, ruthless. Their fate''s already sealed: either they meet their end in these woods, or they go face justice back in town. But it all starts with taking down their leader. Once we have him, the rest will fall in line." Time crawled by. The sun set, and the world outside turned inky ck. A faint light flickered on the porch but inside, they sat in darkness. The temperature dropped, and Tarquin shrugged off his parka, draping it over Elysia and Baby to keep them warm. Elliot frowned, breaking the silence. "Dad, why isn''t Brock back yet?" Tarquin didn''t seem surprised. His tone was calm. "That scar-faced freak''s tough. Those hunters will have their hands full trying to catch him." "Think the hunters will make it back?" Tarquin nodded. "I think so. That guy doesn''t know the full story-he won''t go all out. He''s probably stringing the hunters along, hoping to buy us a chance to escape." Just as he finished speaking, a strange noise drifted from outside. It wasn''t loud- no screams, just muted grunts, then the unmistakable thud of bodies hitting the ground. One. Two. Three. More... Tarquin was instantly alert, rising to his feet and striding to the door. Elliot and Evan hurried after him, peering out into the darkness from behind his shoulder. Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out, loud and indignant, "Would you look at these freeloaders! The minute we leave, they think they own the ce. Guess when the lion''s away, the alley cats y king, huh? Who the helf do they think thisnd belongs to!" Chapter 1263 "Let me tell you, even if their great-great-granddaddy showed up, he wouldn''t dare take over my house! Bunch of arrogant idiots!" "Shh, there are still a few people breathing in there," the old woman said, ncing over at Tarquin. "Oh yeah? Some stragglers, huh? Let me see who''s left." The two seniors strode over together. The spry old man was just about to kick the door open when the old woman stopped him with a hand. "Easy, don''t go charging in. There are kids inside." "Kids?" She nodded. "Yeah, you can hear the lighter breathing. Just a few, and they''re really young. Not just one, either." At once, the old man''s thoughts jumped to Elliot, Evan, Emmett. "Don''t tell me that''s our Elysia and those three troublemakers back already?" Before the old woman could say anything, the old man shook his head. "No way, no way. Elysia might be slow, but those three boys aren''t! If it was them, they wouldn''t have gotten caught by these fools. I''m telling you, my Evan could wipe the floor with them!" The old woman was the calm one. "Two adults, five kids in there. Doesn''t sound like Elysia''s crew. She''s only got three kids." The old man grumbled, "If it''s not Elysia, what the heck are they doing here? Did these idiots drag them in?" The old woman shrugged. "Why don''t we just open the door and ask?" The old man asked, "They''re all awake?" "Wide awake. You can hear the way they''re breathing, all worked up, listening to us." He turned toward the door and called out, gentle as could be, "Don''t be scared, now! We mean you no harm. I''ming in, alright?" With an old but steady hand, he turned the lock. There was a loud ''crack'' as the thick chain snapped. The door creaked open. The next second- A small figure darted out of the dark,unching straight at the old man! He squinted, stepped aside, and dodged the little attacker with ease, catching the kid by the cor like he''d done it a thousand times. "Flip on the lights, would you? Let''s see which family''s wild child this is. Look at that, knows a bit of self-defense too. Just like my Evan, always-" He didn''t get to finish. The lights flicked on. He found himself face-to-face with Evan. He froze. He and Evan stared at each other for a long, stunned moment. No a.ne screams, just shocked silence. Then the old man whipped around to look at the old woman, his eyes huge. "I''m losing my mind! I swear I just saw Evan! My eyes must be shot!" Evan''s eyes were red, his voice muffled as he called, "Bernard." The old man got even more flustered. "Serioeck my ears! I''m hearing things now-Evan''s me! Am I dreaming? Am I callimet way to the pearly gates or something?" The old woman didn''t answer. She''d seen Evan too, and she was just as stunned. Elysia came running over, her eyes shining with tears as she spotted them. "Grandma! Bernard!" The old woman gasped. The old man gasped. For a second, time itself seemed to freeze. Then, the old man turned to the old woman again, shouting, "Now I''m seeing Elysia too! I must be dying, I''m hallucinating, right?!" The old woman snapped out of it and gave him a light smack. "Snap out of it! That''s our Elysia! And those are the boys!" Tears welled up in the old woman''s eyes as she rushed forward. "Elysia!" Chapter 1264 Elysia''s eyes welled up with tears in an instant. She threw herself into the old woman''s arms, sobbing, "Grandma!" The old man, small and spry, hadn''t quite caught up to what was happening. He stared in wide-eyed confusion. "Huh?!" Before he had a chance to react, Elliot and Emmett dashed over and each grabbed onto one of his legs, shouting, "Bernard!" Bernard blinked like crazy, totally taken aback. He looked down at Elliot, then at Emmett, then finally at Evan¡ªthe little guy he was still holding up by the back of his hoodie like a mischievous kitten. The old man and the youngest boy locked eyes for a moment, both of them staring, neither blinking. After a brief, stunned silence, Bernard suddenly let out a loud exmation. "Well, I''ll be darned! It really is you little rascals back again! For a second there, I thought my old eyes were ying tricks on me and my ears were going too!" "You nearly gave me a heart attack, you little troublemakers! Bernard almost thought he was about to kick the bucket!" Still holding Evan by the hoodie, Bernard didn''t go for a hug or any kind of warm wee. Nope-he just tossed Evan off to the side like he was tossing a sack of potatoes! Tarquin, who was standing off to the side, just gaped in shock. ¡°!" But Evan didn''t hit the ground. The kid twisted midair,nded on his feet like a cat, and grinned. Bernard gave an approving nod. "Look at you go, kid! Haven''t seen you in half a year, and you''ve really stepped up your game!" Then he leaned down to ruffle Elliot''s hair. ¡°You''ve shot up, Elliot! And you''re looking sharper than ever. Almost catching up to how handsome your old Bernard was at your age! I''ll tell you, when I was your age, I was quite the heartbreaker." Bernard let out a boomingugh, then bent down and scooped up Emmett, lifting him high and weighing him in his arms. "Not bad, not bad! Emmett, you''ve put on some healthy weight. Gotten taller and sturdier, too! Finally not such a little bean sprout anymore!" Emmett had always been the frail one as a baby, not nearly as tough as Elliot or Evan. So besides Elysia, the old folks always worried about Emmett''s health the most. Emmett, being the most sensitive, was already a ball of tears. "Bernard... Bernard..." he sobbed. Bernard quickly started tofort him. "Hey now, Emmett, no more tears. How about Bernard takes you for a ride on the ''Superman Express''?" The moment he heard that, Emmett''s crying stopped cold, his mouth quivering in terror. "N-no thank you, Bernard. I-I think I go hi to Great-Grandma Tracey." And off he ran, hurrying to find Tracey. Bernard looked down and saw that Elliot''s eyes were a little red too. He tried to cheer him up: "Elliot, want Bernard to take you flying?" Elliot''s mouth twitched. "... Thanks, Bernard, but I should go check on Great- Grandma first." He quickly let go of Bernard''s leg and made a beeline after Emmett. No way was he risking the "flying" game. That was enough to scare the life out of anyone! Bernard''s idea of "flying" wasn''t your average piggy-back ride. Nope, it meant hauling you up to the roof, or even higher-climbing up a tall old oak tree in the backyard, no safety, no nothing. Then, like a wild monkey, he''d leap from branch to branch, still holding you, before tossing you right out of the tree-only to catch you just before you hit the ground. Whenever the kids were little and started to cry, Bernard would take them "flying." They''d always stop crying after that. Bernard thought he was curing their sadness, but really, they were just scared stiff! If you kept on crying, Bernard would just take you for another round! Only Evan ever actually liked the game. Bernard, of course, had no idea how terrifying his "cheering up" technique really was. Watching Elliot and Emmett hurry away, he grumbled to himself, "Kids these days, growing up so fast. Don''t even need Bernard to cheer them up anymore. Guess they''re learning to tough it out on their own." Elliot and Emmett: ". 11 Meanwhile, Evan finished greeting Tracey and came running back, eyes shining. "Bernard! Can we go flying?" Bernard''s eyes lit up. "Let''s do it!" He scooped Evan up under one arm and, with a nimbleness that defied his years, bounded up the wall and onto the rooftop. Chapter 1265 Leaping from one rooftop to the next, then springing onto the big oak tree behind the house, the pair vanished into the darkness in no time. Tarquin: "..." He was starting to see exactly who Evan took after. Evan''s mannerisms, the way he talked and moved it was almost uncanny. He was just like the old man. Even their personalities... There were still a bunch of armed thugs knocked out in the living room, and those two just decided to up and leave-to go have fun, no less. Talk about nerves of steel! One was a little kid, the other an old kid, and both of them seemed to crave mischief even more than the other. Still, watching that old man sweep Evan up and sprint away with such speed, Tarquin had to admit, he was impressed. He''d grown up learning to handle himself, and he could tell-the old man was something else. Honestly, even if he and Axel teamed up, they''d stand no chance in a fair fight. If Tarquin faced him alone, he wouldn''tst ten moves before getting hurt. If things got serious, he wouldn''t make it out alive. Tarquin frowned, watching the direction the old man and Evan had disappeared, then finally let out a long breath. There''s always someone better out there no matter how tough you think you are. There''s no "best," just "better." But with the old man watching over Evan, Tarquin knew he didn''t need to worry. Evan would be fine. He turned toward Elysia and Tracey. Tracey had stopped crying and was now bent over, chatting quietly with Elliot and Emmett. Until now, Tarquin''s attention had been entirely on Evan and the old man. Now, he really looked at Tracey for the first time. She looked...familiar. He took another nce and his heart skipped a beat, shock flooding his face. She was... Tracey, sharp as ever, caught his stare and looked up at him. Tarquin gazed at her weathered face. Usually, he kept his emotions in check, but now he was visibly stunned. Surprise. Disbelief. Even a little fear. Tracey narrowed her eyes. "..." Elysia quickly wiped her tears and stepped in to introduce them. "Grandma, this is my husband-Elliot and Evan''s father. Tarquin, this is Grandma." Tracey eyed Tarquin up and down for a long moment, then scowled. She let out a dismissive snort, her tone frosty. "So you''re Elysia''s so-called husband who can''t be bothered to step up?" Elysia: "...Grandma." "Don''t you defend him! Calling him irresponsible is being generous! His wife and kids nearly got killed, and as their husband and father, that''s on him-no excuses!" Elysia tugged at Tracey''s cardigan, trying to reason with her. "He didn''t know I was pregnant before, he " Tracey cut her off, waving a hand. "You''re too soft-hearted, always making excuses. Whatever the reason, the fact is, he failed to protect you and the kids. He didn''t do his job as husband or father!" Tarquin stared at Tracey, finally snapping out of his shock. He didn''t get angry-instead, he took the scolding with humility. "You''re right, Grandma. I let Elysia down, and I let the kids down. I promise, I''ll spend the rest of my life making it up to them." Tracey''s tone stayed ice-cold. "If you''re good to my Elysia, I''ll let you call me Grandma. Otherwise, you''re just another enemy to this olddy!" Sensing the tension, Elysia quickly tried to smooth things over, clinging to Tracey''s arm. ¡°Grandma, please..." Tarquin bowed his head respectfully. "I understand." Tracey finally softened, just a bit. "My Elysia''s been through enough. Treat her right, or you''ll have me to answer to! And don''t think just because I''m old it''d be hard for me to deal with you!" Tarquin knew Tracey''s harsh words came from a ce of love for Elysia and the kids. He also knew she wasn''t bluffing. Because now, he''d recognized her for who she really was. If she wanted to leave him crippled-or dead-she could do it in the blink of an eye. Chapter 1266 Who is she? She''s Tracey-the one they call the Miracle Healer. She''s been a living legend in the medical world for almost a century. When ites to brewing up medicine or concocting poison, nobody could match her. In every hospital and researchb, her name is whispered with awe, almost reverence. She''s a myth brought to life¡ªa miracle worker, a force of nature. Some folks say she''s as close to a god as a human can get. But why is the Stevenson family held in such high regard in the medical field? It all goes back to Sabrina Stevenson''s grandfather. He once had the rare fortune of meeting Tracey-she gave him a few pointers, shared a sliver of her knowledge. From that day on, he imed to be herst prot¨¦g¨¦, her chosen student. That''s how he ended up as President of the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association, and the Stevenson family''s reputation soared. Sure, he was talented, but it was Tracey''s blessing that set him apart. People could talk about Tracey all year and still not run out of stories. Here''s the gist of her legend: she could bring the dead back to life in a heartbeat or send the living to their graves just as fast. She crafted antidotes to save lives and brewed up toxins that could end them. That''s why, when she spoke, Tarquin believed every word. If she wanted him dead, it would be child''s y. The only reason Tarquin never guessed it was Tracey who taught Elysia medicine was because-well, Tracey was dead. She''d been gone for over a decade. The story went that she''d died after identally infecting herself with a virus during her research. When news of her death broke, it sent shockwaves everywhere- from high-level officials to everyday folks at the local diner. Everyone was stunned and grieving. She''d been an orphan, never married, never had kids, and at the time of her death, she was the President of the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association. The Association pulled out all the stops for her funeral¡ªa grand affair attended by everyone who was anyone. The Stevenson family, wanting to show off their connection, even had all the younger members show up in ck suits and veils, mourning her like family. The funeral was so massive, it made headlines not only across the country but overseas as well. Respectable outlets called her passing "the fall of a superstar- a loss not just for Zhinora, but for all humanity." The less savory media? They said, "Good riddance. Maybe now there won''t be any more Zhinorians in the World Pharmaceutical Organization." Her influence in medicine was immense, and her death felt final-so final that nobody ever questioned it. Not until now. No wonder Tarquin never made the connection. Who would believe she''d faked her own death? It finally made sense how Elysia, who had no formal medical background, could surpass someone like Benjamin Lawson in just five years. The saying is true: a great teacher makes a great student. Tarquin looked at the elderly woman, sincerity written all over his face. "I know Elysia''s had it tough. I owe her so much, and I promise I''ll treat her right. But it''s not just because of what she''s been through. I love her." His voice was steady, honest. Elysia blushed, a shy, happy smile tugging at her lips. Tracey''s sharp eyes softened as she nced at Elysia. She let out a chuckle, her tone warm for the first time. "I''ve never cared much for men, for all that lovey-dovey business. But if Elysia''s found true love, I''m happy for her!" ¡°Grandma...¡± Elliot and Emmett piped up, jumping to Tarquin''s defense. "Great-grandma, don''t be mad at Daddy. He and Mom just had a bunch of misunderstandings before, that''s why things were so messy. But now, he treats her really well. I approve." "Yeah, Daddy''s the best. He''s good to Mom, good to us. He used to be a bit of a jerk, but now he''s a great dad." Tracey''s smile bloomed, bright and genuine as she turned to Tarquin "You''re a lucky guy. Having Elysia and the kids love you-that''s your blessing." Tarquin nodded, his handsome face full of gratitude. "Elysia is my lucky charm- my guardian angel." He didn''t call her a treasure, but something deeper, and that made Traceyugh out loud, her voice booming with delight. "All right, enough about the past. Let''s turn the page. From now on, treat Elysia right." "I promise. You can count on me," Tarquin replied firmly. Tracey nodded, satisfied, finally letting Tarquin off the hook. She turned to look at Baby and Elijah. "And who are these two little munchkins?" Elysia jumped in to exin: Chapter 1267 "They''re Tarquin and my kids too. This is Baby, and this is Elijah. BabyElijah, say hi to your great-grandma." The two little ones obediently greeted Tracey together, "Hello, Great-grandma!" Tracey was absolutely delighted. "Oh my goodness, look at you two! Why are there two little ones? Elijah looks just like Elliot and Evan! And Baby''s the spitting image of Elysia!" Elysiaughed as she exined, "Back then, both of them were taken away, so when Grandpa and Grandma found us, it was just me, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett." "Elijah grew up with Tarquin, and Baby was raised by someone else..." "Grandma, I''ll fill you in on all the details about the kidster. For now, tell us about you and Grandpa." "Why is it only you and Bernard back? Where are the other grandpas?" "What happenedst night? Why wasn''t anyone home? There was always someone around before." "And how did those hunters get so close without you knowing?" Tracey let out a long breath and nced at the hunters knocked out cold on the floor, frowning a little. "It was just bad timing, really. Gerald had some personal business and had to go down to town, and he took Howard with him to help out." "So it was just Bernard, Quincy, Walter, and me at home." "Yesterday morning, Quincy wanted to go out and paint-he found this spot when Bernard took him exploring as a kid, said it was magical." "Walter was bored and curious, so he tagged along." "With all four of the old guys gone, it was just me and Bernard holding down the fort." "Wouldn''t you know it, as soon as Quincy and Walter left, we spotted people hunting in the eastern woods." "Bernard had found a bunch of young whooping cranes nesting over there, and we were worried those scoundrels would wipe them out!" There are less than three thousand whooping cranes left worldwide-barely over a thousand in this country. They''re rare! "And wolverines, martens, and all kinds of rare wildlife out east. Lose and it''s a step closer to one, "And then there''s Pippin, the fox Evan raised since he was a pup. He''s got his own territory and a family out there now." "If something happened to Pippin, Evan would be heartbroken." "We couldn''t just let those jerks have their way, so Bernard and I locked up and headed out to the eastern woods." "Bernard went to teach them a lesson, and I went to help any animals that got hurt." "We never expected anyone would find this ce-especially not so many at once!" "By the time we got your message, it was almost toote. We hurried home as fast as we could, only just got back." Elysia was speechless. No wonder the house was empty-what a coincidence. When they''d arrived five years ago, Grandma and Grandpa had already be the guardians of the forest. They always loved the animals. They used to say that as outsiders, since they''d intruded on the animals'' home, it was their duty to do right by them. . swnov Whenever they found hunters, they''d find a way to drive them off. If they found an injured animal, they''d do everything they could to help. Tracey nced at the hunters still sprawled out on the ground, worry etched on her face. "They''re poisoned-won''t be waking up anytime soon. With Bernard around I''m not worried about the rest of those folks outside, but there are just so many of them. It''s a real mess." It wasn''t that they couldn''t handle them¡ªit was about keeping their identities secret. Before, if they found a couple of poachers, Gerald would knock them out and quietly hand them over to the rangers. But now, with this many, sneaking them out wasn''t exactly realistic. And now these folks knew where they lived-who knew what trouble that could bring? Tracey frowned, clearly troubled. "Grandma, you and Elysia catch up. Let me handle these guys," Tarquin suddenly spoke up. Tracey immediately turned to him. "You have a n?" Chapter 1268 Tarquin nodded. ¡°Yeah, but I''ll need a little chemical help." "Chemical help? You mean something that erases memories? As far as I know, there''s no drug on earth that can make someone forget a chunk of time just like that," Tracey said, frowning. Tracey sighed. ¡°Even I haven''t managed to invent anything like that, and I''ve tried." Tarquin grinned. "No, Grandma, you misunderstood. I''m talking about a hallucinogen." "...Oh, a hallucinogen. Well, we have some of that around here. We used to use it to scare off hunters and trespassers," Tracey replied, a hint of pride in her voice. "But it''s got its downsides. It doesn''t work the same on everyone." Elysia piped in, her tone gentle but firm. ¡°Tarquin, you know Grandma and Grandpa just want to live quietly up here in the mountains. Off the grid. They don''t want anyone finding us." The message was clear: whatever Tarquin did, it had to keep every single trespasser quiet. No loose ends. Tarquin nodded again, serious this time. "I get it. The hallucinogen is just a backup, not the main n. I''ve got other tricks up my sleeve. You just stay with Grandma and help her out. I''ll take care of the rest." Elysia looked at him with pure gratitude and no small amount of admiration. "Okay!" She turned to Tracey. "Grandma, you can trust Tarquin. If he says he''ll handle it, he will." Tracey''s eyes softened as she looked at Tarquin. "You''re a good kid. Thank you." "You''re too kind, Grandma." Whenever Tarquin was around Tracey, he was the perfect grandson-well- mannered and sweet. He figured: love me, love my family. Elysia''s grandma was his grandma too, as far as he was concerned. "If you need anything else besides the hallucinogen, just say the word. Make yourself at home," Tracey said, then led Tarquin to her cozy little cabin and handed him the jar of the homemade stuff. Afterwards, she and Elysia headed off with the kids to tidy up the rooms and get dinner started probably a hearty beef stew, some cornbread, and a big apple pie cooling on the windowsill. With the hallucinogen in hand, Tarquin followed Elliot to Howard''s room. Now, to Elysia, Howard was the ssic quirky old guy glued to hisputer spending hours every day gaming and tinkering. But what most people didn''t know was that Howard''s name, whispered in hacker circles, was enough to send shivers through the spines of CEOs and politicians all over the world. Like Tracey, he''d faked his own death, retired, and vanished from the public eye. If he ever decided toe out of hiding, you could bet half the tech industry and more than a few governments would lose sleep. Even the Patel brothers, big shots as they were, would bow deeply if they met him in person. Back in his heyday, Howard was the reason top-secret militaryworks in half a dozen countries were in a permanent state of panic-firewalls up, security teams cursing and sweating bullets, and still, he''d waltz right through. Plenty of nations hadbeled him Public Enemy Number One. Elliot could have been just as legendary, if he hadn''t been more interested in making money than in notoriety. Elliot made himself at home at Howard''sputer, typing in the password with practiced ease. A few quick clickster, the screen lit up with glowing red outlines. "Howard''s got surveince set up all around the woods," Elliot exined. "Anybody sets foot within a mile, the rm goes off here first." "Howard can track their movements using these heat signatures, then figure out how to chase them off," he continued, scrolling through the feed. "Here, Dad-look. That''s Evan and Bernard." On the screen, the faces weren''t clear-just red human vera silhouettes-one adult, one kid, leaping from branch to branch like a couple of monkeys. Their coordinates shifted wildly as they darted through the trees. Elliot zoomed in on another area with more heat signatures. "These must be the big guy with the scarred face and Brock''s crew." A cluster of figures huddled together, weapons drawn, clearly on high alert. Up in the branches of a huge oak, someone perched, nearly invisible in the thick summer leaves, watching the group below. One of the men caught sight of him and shouted, "He''s up there! I see him! In the tree!" A hail of bullets followed, the tension in the room palpable as they watched the scene unfold on the monitor. Chapter 1269 The boss moved with lightning speed, darting behind a thick oak and using the trunk as cover. In one smooth motion, he leapt to the next tree, barely making a sound. Gunfire chased him-rounds cracking through the air as the shooters tried to keep up, but he stayed just out of reach. A few tense momentster, the woods fell eerily silent again. The hunters had lost him again. But Tarquin and Elliot, crouched low behind a mossy log, could see the boss just a few yards away, hidden behind another sturdy tree. The boss bent down, scooping up a handful of rocks from the forest floor. With a quick flick of his wrist, he hurled them-vanishing behind the brush at the same instant. Those rocks flew like bullets, smacking into several of the hunters with brutal force. One rock went clean through a hunter''s arm, another buried itself deep into someone''s thigh bone. The screams that followed tore through the quiet-pure agony. Watching the action y out on theputer monitor, it was obvious-the boss wasn''t just running. He was toying with them, buying time for Tarquin and Elliot. The screen showed everyone''s location, constantly updating. In the corner, a counter ticked down: 56 people left. The boss was one of them. Elliot hovered his mouse over a hunter''s rifle, and a pop-up disyed the make, model, and country of origin. He moved the pointer to a hunter''s face. Instantly, a small window appeared with a crisp color photo and a detailed bio. Tarquin stared, speechless. He''d seen plenty in his life, but watching Elliot work the controls, he couldn''t help but feel a surge of respect for Howard. "Impressive," Tarquin murmured, eyes glued to the screen. There were more heat signatures in the area-three separate spots, each marked in bright red on the map. Elliot pointed to thest one. "That''s Quincy and Walter." "Quincy''s a designer, an artist¡ªhe loves painting mountainndscapes and rare wildlife." He nodded toward the other dot. "And that''s Walter. He was the chief engineer at the Department of Defense. Some of our most advanced weapons-stuff that made headlines all over the world-were his inventions." "And Evan? Besides his hand-to-hand skills, he''s a whiz with explosives-learned everything from Walter." "Sometimes he even dreams up wild gadgets-again, all thanks to Walter''s mentoring." Suddenly, a memory shed through Tarquin''s mind. He frowned, his brow furrowing. "The old man? You mean... the legend?" Elliot nodded. "Yeah. That''s him." Tarquin just stared at theputer screen, stunned at the tiny, gray-haired man''s photo. He''d- always known there were some serious heavyweights hiding out in these woods, but never one like this. This "legend"¡ªthe man who''d given entire foreign defense contractors nightmares, the one whose very name sent shivers down spines around the world. No one could touch him when it came to defending the country. If he was the second most valuable asset, no one dared im first. If word got out that he was still alive, foreign soldiers would freak out-panic even. Our own military? They''d be crying tears of joy. If he ever decided toe out of hiding, it wouldn''t just be one top general sent to greet him¡ªit''d be every branch, Army, Navy, Air Force, you name it. Tarquin took a long moment to process, then asked, "Your Gerald... Is that Mr. Morgan? Gerald Morgan?" Elliot nodded again, dead serious. "That''s the one." Tarquin let out a low whistle. The Morgan family had produced several titans of industry, but Gerald was on another level. In the business world, they called him the "legend"¡ªa man whose power and influence could turn the market upside down with a snap of his fingers. Chapter 1270 It took Tarquin a long moment to finally speak. "You guys are... Quincy, right? Are you really Quincy?" Elliot nodded again, more seriously this time. "Yeah. We are." Tarquin just stared at him, stunned into silence for a good while. Quincy. The Quincys. The name still echoed among the old guard of artists and fashion icons¡ªabsolute legends. To put it simply, even someone as proud as Grandpa Emmett would show them nothing but the utmost respect. And Bernard... well, Tarquin didn''t even have to ask about him. He''d known it the moment heid eyes on him. That wild, brazen kid who made headlines for storming the ring in seven different countries-that was him! Back then, foreign fighters had mocked Americans, calling them soft, and Bernard couldn''t take it. He''d taken on challenger after challenger, fists flying, and showed the world what a real lion''s strength looked like. He was young, ridiculously strong, and so fierce that fighters from half of Europe and the States called him out, denouncing him for breaking the ¡°spirit of sportsmanship" and spreading rumors he must have been doping to be that good. His feats sent shockwaves around the world. He died young, but even now, his name is still spoken with reverence in martial arts circles. Anyone who practiced, everyone who ever dreamed of being somebody, admired him, envied him, wanted to be him. Tarquin took a deep breath. These people-everyst one of them¡ªwere legends. Elysia''s grandparents? Certified, world-renowned legends. And every single one of them was supposed to be dead. Not just Grandma, but all the grandpas too. They''d all supposedly died years ago. Who would''ve guessed they''d been living it up in the mountains all this time? Tarquin couldn''t help himself. "So... why''d they fake their deaths?" Elliot answered, "Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma said they''d spent half their lives working too hard and worrying too much. They just wanted a break, so they decided to retire somewhere quiet." "...That''s really the reason?" Elliot could tell what his dad was thinking. He''d wondered the same thing. He was quiet for a moment, then added, "I never pushed them for details, but I haven''t noticed anything weird. They really do seem to just rx-doing what they love every day. But I can''t say for sure that''s the whole story." Tarquin frowned, thinking it over. All these top-tier legends suddenly dropping off the map, just because they were tired? It made sense, sort of... but it also felt too simple. Too convenient. If there was more to it, what could it be? Elliot might be just a kid, but he was sharp-sharp enough to know something didn''t add up. Tarquin let it go for now. No point overthinking what he couldn''t solve. He said to Elliot, "I''m heading out for a bit. You and Elijah stay here Great-Grandma and your mom Keep an eye on Emmett and the baby, okay?" Elliot nodded, already knowing what his dad was up to. He handed Tarquin a wristband. ¡°Dad, take this. There''s no cell signal in these hills, but you can use this to stay in touch with us." Tarquin looked at it. It looked like an ordinary fitness tracker. Elliot exined, "Gerald and Howard built this together. You can call us with it, and it''ll show everyone''s location. There''s even a heat-sensor tracker, so you can keep tabs on people." "...Nice!" Tarquin slipped the band on, slung on his backpack, and left Howard''s cabin. Inside the backpack: a stash of sedatives. He didn''t head straight for the hunters. Instead, he checked the tracker to find Evan and Bernard first. When he found them, the old man and the little boy were running wild, having an absolute st. Evan spotted Tarquin and leaped down from a tree. "Dad! What''re you doing out here?" Tarquin saw him all sweaty and grinning, and pulled out a tissue to gently wipe his face, smiling fondly. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1271 ¡°I need to talk to you guys about something." Barely had Tarquin finished his sentence before he felt danger in the air. He nced up, heart skipping a beat. Bernard had leapt down from the oak tree, eyes sharp and face set in a scowl. Tarquin, ever alert, dodged the old man''s sudden attack just in time. But Bernard was relentless, moving with surprising speed for someone his age! Tarquin''s brows shot up in surprise as he danced backward, barely keeping up. This little old guy''s not messing around, he thought, forcing himself to focus. But it was clear-he was struggling. There''s always someone better out there, Tarquin realized. Sure, he was good at making money, but when it came to fighting, Bernard had him beat by a mile. Among normal folks, Tarquin was pretty handy. Next to Bernard, though? He might as well be swinging at shadows. He just couldn''t keep up. After only a few moves, Bernardnded a solid blow. Tarquin grunted in pain, biting back a curse. He could tell Bernard hadn''t used full strength, but still his shoulder felt like it was about to split in two. If Bernard had really gone for it, Tarquin would be toast. But Bernard wasn''t done. With a cold stare, he came at Tarquin again! From the sidelines, Evan hollered, "Bernard, you better stop! If youy a finger on him, my mom''s gonna bawl her eyes out! That''s her precious baby boy now!" Tarquin: "..." Bernard paused instantly, turning to Evan. "Isn''t Elysia''s precious baby boy supposed to be you kids?" Evan puffed up his chest. "My dad''s part of the club now! He''s Mom''s new favorite, and if you hurt him, she''ll cry so much you''ll never hear the end of it. No one can calm her down-not even with her favorite apple pie!" "And if Mom starts crying, you know Great-Granny wille after you! What if she jabs you with that crazy knitting needle of hers again and you end up stuck in bed for a week? Then what?" Bernard''s mouth twitched. "...." Tarquin''s did too. "..." Why did it sound like he''d just beenpared to Elysia''s pampered pet poodle? Bernard finallyposed himself, folded his arms behind his back, and gave Tarquin a squinty, appraising look. "Elysia might be a bit clueless, but her taste in men''s not half bad." "You''re not as good-looking as me, but you''ll do." "You''re not exactly Bruce Lee, but you''re good enough to protect Elysia and the kids." "You look sturdy enough. Overall... not bad. I''ll give you a five out of ten." He stuck his chin in the air, acting like he was being generous. That haughty look-exactly the same as when Evan used to size him up! Tarquin: "..." Before he could get a word in, Bernard turned to Evan, "Evan, you''d better keep training. You''re no match for him right now! He could tten you in ten moves, easy." "What happens if he ever bullies your mom Who''ll you can''t defend her? and up for Elysia if I''m no '' Tarquin opened his mouth, about to protest that he''d never hurt Elysia, but Evan beat him to it, chin tilting up. "If I can''t beat him, I''ll just use my Velbet homemade explosives. He tries mess with Mom, I''ll blow him to kingdome-there won''t be enough left to sweep under the rug!" Tarquin: "...Right. Good kid." Bernard burst outughing, pping his hands. "Not bad! But remember, no matter how good your gadgets are, nothing real skill. You''d better keep practicing!" Content belonto theet "Don''t worry, Bernard, one day I''ll be able to tten him with my bare fists!" Tarquin: ¡°... Yeah. That''s my boy, alright." Chapter 1272 The old man and the little boy were chatting away, so caught up in their own world that nobody noticed the look on Tarquin''s face. The old man leaned in toward Evan and said, "Listen, Evan, you remember what Bernard always says: Maybe your fists can''t fix everything, but they sure can fix the kind of people who start the trouble in the first ce!" "Doesn''t matter who it is¡ªif someone''s messing with your mom, you go all out and give them a real good wallop!" Evan balled his tiny fists and nodded so hard his hair flopped, "Yeah! If anyone bullies my mom, I''ll knock their socks off! I don''t care who it is!" The old man grinned, "Even if it''s your dad." Evan replied without a hint of hesitation, "Of course! My mom''s the most important!" Tarquin: "..." For a second, he honestly didn''t know whether tough or cry. He was touched that his little boy loved his mom so much. But on the other hand, he felt a pang of sadness-his own son didn''t seem to care about him at all. Tarquin just stood there, somewhere between a smile and a sigh, and nced over at Bernard. Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine, as if he''d just dodged a bullet. If he hadn''t built a real rtionship with Elysia, what kind of mess would he be in right now? One, two, three, four, five... six! That''s right, six heavy-hitters, all out for his hide! Just the thought made Tarquin swallow nervously. And he''d alwa thought of himself as a brave guy, but even he had to admit this was terrifying. He was just an ordinary guy. There was no way he could go up against a squad of geniuses and powerhouses like this. Then his thoughts shed to a certain crowd... All those busybodies in Jindale City who used to gossip about Elysia, sneering about her raising kids out in the sticks with a bunch of "no-good nobodies." Well, envy is a real disease, Tarquin thought. Those folks must be terminal, to have the nerve to say that. Nobodies? Ha! Any one of these six legends could stroll into town and wipe the floor with their entire n! Tarquin steadied himself and greeted Bernard politely, "Hey, Bernard. Good to see you." The old man cleared his throat, "Well, whether it''s good or not depends on you. You treat my Elysia and those rascals right, then I''llbe good. If I''m good, things go well for you. Got it?" He wasn''t just talking-he wasying down thew. Tarquin nodded, "I get it, sir. Don''t worry-Elysia''s the queen of our house. The kids are little princes and princesses. I''m just the loyal butler." A butler''s job is to serve the queen and her royal kids, after all. He''d treat them right. The old man narrowed his eyes and added, "d you understand. Now, about you hurting Elysia before-I''m not done you over that. That p was just a reminder. If you ever will with break her heart again, you ap have words. Don''t go thinking just because we''ve retired that we can''te out of hiding. For her, we''d do anything." Tarquin was all seriousness, "Sir, from now on, the only one doing any bullying in our marriage is her. I swear I''ll never hurt her again." The old man finally looked satisfied, the threat fading from his eyes as heughed, "A man''s word is his bond, son. Don''t make me regret trusting you. Don''t let me down." Tarquin replied, "You have my word." He respected these old guys, partly because of Elysia-her family was his family now. But also because these men had reputations and aplishments that Bernard spoke up, "So, what brings you to us today?" Tarquin got down to business, "Elysia and Grandma are tidying up at home. I came out to ask you and Evan for help-there''s still some of no those poachers left to det Bernard finally remembered the unfinished business and asked, "What did Grandma want done about it?" "...She didn''t say. She left it in my hands." Bernard looked surprised, "You''re handling it?" Back in the old days, it was always Gerald who took care of things when trouble came to the mountains. Chapter 1273 If Gerald wasn''t around, it was always the olddy who had to worry about everything. The olddy was out of options, so then it fell to Quincy Howard. Bernard and Walter were wild cards-one loved to solve problems with his fists, the other preferred to charge in with whatever weapon he could find. Usually, if something was going down in the mountains, these two weren''t the first people you''d call. They just waited for orders and did what they were told. Their position among the big shots? Well, it was about as humble as Evan''s was whenever he stood in front of Elliot and Elijah. Tarquin nodded. "I got it. I asked Grandma for some shrooms-uh, hallucinogens. I was thinking..." He startedying out his n, but before he''d even finished, Bernard and Evan were already getting hyped. "Sounds good! Solid n! We''re in! Let''s do it!" they both chimed in, way too excited. Tarquin: "..." The old guy and the kid didn''t even look at him-just grinned at each other, like they were already plotting mischief. "This is gonna be a st," Bernard crowed. "Wait till I ride the ck bear through their camp-scare the pants off those guys!" "Riding a bear? Pfft, just wait," Evan shot back. "I''ve got an even bigger show nned. Oh, hey!" Bernard turned to Tarquin. "You got any gear?" "Uh... just the shrooms." Bernard shook his head. "Not enough, not even close. Evan, c''mon, time to ''borrow'' some gear." "Yup!" Evan nodded so hard his baseball cap nearly fell off. As the odd pair started to leave, Tarquin hurried to block them. "Wait, where are you ''borrowing'' from? What are you taking?" "From home, obviously. And as for what-just you wait and see." Tarquin: "?" Before he could get another word in, Bernard waved him off. "You go on ahead and find those folks. Evan and I will grab the gear and catch up." And then, poof-they were gone. Tarquin: ¡°... He had no idea what those two were about to swipe from home, and honestly, he wasn''t sure he wanted to. He didn''t want them to go, but he couldn''t exactly stop them either. With a sigh, Tarquin checked his smartwatch and started following the GPS towards the group''sst known location-alone. He didn''t rush; he needed to wait for Bernard and Evan anyway. He wanted to warn them about the Scarred Guy before they all ran into each other. If Bernard suddenly crossed paths with Mr. Scarface without a heads-up, fists would fly and trouble would follow. Handling the poachers was one thing, but if Bernard and Scarface went at it, both of them might end ity up wrecked. Both were incredibly tough and a fight between them could end in a hospital visit-or worse. So, Tarquin had to warn Bernard first. By now, it was pitch ck out. The dense branches overhead blocked whatever moonlight there was, making the woods even darker-creepy and dangerous. All around, insects chirped and strange rustlings echoed through the trees. Far off, wild beasts howled-a chilling, bone-deep sound that rose and fell through the night. Tarquin had been through the wringer at boot camp before. Survival training in the wild wel nothing new to him; he''d spent plenty of nights alone in the forest. Still, he moved carefully, keeping an eye out for venomous snakes or creepy crawlies. He switched on his heamp and made his way through the thick underbrush, step by slow step. He had no idea how long he''d been walking when- Suddenly, something felt off. The bugs stopped chirping, little critters scurried away, trees shuddered, the ground trembled. The noise was huge, like a pack of giant predators was closing in-and, from the sound of it, more than just one. Nighttime hunters were always on the prowl for food-and they were fierce. Getting tangled up with them now made zero sense. He had bigger problems to deal with. No way he was losing time brawling with a hungry bear or wolf. Frowning, Tarquin was about to pick up his pace when, right in front of him¡ª He froze in his tracks, heart hammering in his chest. His eyes narrowed as he stared straight ahead... Chapter 1274 The beam from Tarquin''s shlight cut through the darkness, and for a split second, he was reminded of a character from an anime. No-Face. Yeah, that was it. No-Face. Except this No-Face had to be at least seven feet tall! But unlike the quiet, eerie No-Face from the anime, the figure in front of him was growling like a grizzly bear! Not exactly true to character. Tarquin had a pretty good guess about what was going on. He pressed his lips together, about to ask when a sudden noise rustled above his head. He looked up¡ªand nearly dropped his shlight. There, hanging upside down from a tree branch, was a ghost! A ghost, with its face covered in what looked like blood. In fact, its whole body was smeared in red-pretty gruesome at first nce. Tarquin couldn''t help but roll his eyes a little. After a beat, he called out, "...Evan, Bernard." Evan immediately yanked off the No-Face mask, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Dad, how''d you know it was us?" Bernard, meanwhile, leapt down from the branch and whipped off the blood- soaked sheet, peering at Tarquin with the same question, "Yeah, what gave us away?" Tarquin didn''t answer right away-he''d noticed a fresh scrape on Bernard''s forehead. "Bernard, what happened to your head?" "Got smacked by the olddy!" Tarquin: "?!" Bernard exined, "She caught me swiping another bed sheet. Chased me all over the house. If I didn''te back with a battle scar, she wouldn''t have let it go! She''s tough as nails, that woman." He seemed almost proud, not one bit embarrassed about being walloped by a woman. Evan chimed in, "Bernard''s got this thing about stealing the bed sheets at home. Great-Gran can''t keep up with how fast he nicks them." "She finally caught him in the act today, totally lost it, and gave him a good whack!" Bernard just waved it off. ¡°No big ? deal! Just a scratch. My only regret is I didn''t get enough sheets to y the swamp monster. That one''s way more impressive! Ghosts just aren''t my style, you know?" ? Evan nodded solemnly. "Yeah, I like the swamp monster too." Bernard grinned, "Give it a couple days-once Great-Gran gets some new sheets, I''ll snag a few more." Evan looked worried. "But she said if you steal her bed sheets again, she''ll break your legs and you''ll never leave the house." Bernard turned to him conspiratorially, "Then you help me next time! She adores you, Evan. If you get caught, she couldn''t bring herself toy a finger on you!" Evan shrugged helplessly. "That''s true, but Bernard, did you forget? She said if I steal anything, you get the me anyway." Bernard: "..." Tarquin: "..." No wonder the two of them had been so hyped when he mentioned his n earlier. They just loved this sort of thing. They''d dashed home to "gear up"-which apparently meant raiding the linen closet for sheets... Tarquin eyed the sheet Bernard was holding. It was still sticky and reeked of iron. "What''s this stuff supposed to be?" he asked. "Pig''s blood! Looks real, right? I''m gonna ssh a few drops on those jerkster-scare the life outta them. But you still haven''t told us-bow''d you know it was us?" "Just a hunch," Tarquin replied. "A hunch? Man, you''re good at this." Tarquin didn''t answer, just shook his head. Bernard suddenly had a bright idea. "Hey, next time, will you help Grandpa swipe some sheets? Elysia adores you-she''d nevery a hand on you for my sake! And I won''t make you do it for nothing-Grandpa''ll put on a whole swamp monster show! It''ll blow your mind, promise!" Tarquin''s mouth twitched, but he managed a reluctant nod, ying along with the old man''s antics. Chapter 1275 "...Alright." A deep, rumbling growl echoed through the woods again. Tarquin quickly turned to Evan, desperate for a distraction. "How on earth are you making that growling noise?" "Growling? Oh! Not me-it''s him!" With a theatrical flourish, Evan yanked the sheets aside, revealing the truth. Tarquin''s heart skipped a beat. It was a bear-a real, hulking bear! Evan was perched on its shoulders, clutching its ears and kicking his little legs in excitement. "This is my new friend, Benny! Benny, say hi to my dad!" The massive ck bear looked seriously unimpressed. It let out a thunderous roar, right at Tarquin. The sound rattled Tarquin''s bones. It was like the bear was venting all its pent-up frustration directly at him. Tarquin''s lips twitched. Was he really the easiest target here? Did Benny the Bear think he was just a pushover? "Alright, let''s get moving," the old man cut in, already turning away. "Your grandma said we need to wrap this up quick. She and Elysia are waiting for us to get home for dinner." As the old man started to scurry off, Tarquin called after him, "Bernard." Bernard turned, "Yeah?" Tarquin nced at Evan. "Evan, did you tell Bernard about...that man?" Evan blinked, suddenly remembering the scarred man he''d met earlier. His brows furrowed with concern. He hopped down from Benny''s back and ran over to Bernard. "Bernard, do you know an old man with scars all over his face?" "Huh?" Instead of exining, Evan demonstrated a few moves right there in front of Bernard. "He showed me these." Bernard''s expression darkened instantly, the lightness vanishing from his face. "He taught you that? He actually found you?" "No-it was just a chance meeting. Evan quickly summarized the important parts, then looked up at hard. "Do you want to see him? If don''t, I can go tell him. Bernard''s brow furrowed, silent for a long moment as Tarquin and Evan watched him anxiously. Finally, Bernard sighed heavily. "I''ll see him." Evan looked uneasy. "Will you be in danger?" Bernard neither nodded nor shook his head. "If he wants a real fight, so be it. But first, let''s finish what we came here to do." Without another word, the old man picked up the pace, sprinting ahead. Evan''s heart pounded. "A fight to the death...nobody wins those!" Tarquin''s face tightened, but he just said, "Let''s go." They both took off after Bernard. Soon, they reached a group of hunters. The men were on huddled together, eyes wild feareas if they''d just seen something out of a horrorovie. "Who''s there?!" "Aaahhh-!" "Stop yelling, man! What the hell are you screaming for?" ¡°I¡ªI swear I saw a ghost, Brock! I''m not kidding, I saw a ghost..." "Shut up! Anyone else talks nonsense and I''ll put a bullet in them myself!" The hunters, all big, burly men, were crowded together, ncing nervously around. Evan and Tarquin, careful to keep their shlights off, hid in the shadows nearby. Evan scanned the area, but there was no sign of Bernard or the scarred stranger. He tugged at Tarquin''s sleeve, worried. "Dad, they''re not here." Tarquin checked his watch, and through the faint blue glow, saw two figures in the distance¡ªalready` fighting. One was running, the other in hot pursuit. Bernard was running. The scarred man was chasing him. Chapter 1276 Evan was getting more and more anxious. "Are they fighting already?" Tarquin lowered his voice. "Not yet. Rx. You know Bernard''s got our n in mind. If he''s going to make a move, it won''t be here and now. He''ll pick the right ce." He''d definitely keep his distance, Tarquin thought, just to make sure nothing messed with their n. And judging by the state of this bunch, Bernard must have already scared the living daylights out of them before he left. ¡°Let''s take care of these guys first-quick and clean. Then we''ll go find them," Tarquin said. Evan was still nervous, but he nodded. "Alright." Father and son worked like a well-oiled team. Tarquin scattered a handful of hallucinogenic powder, while Evan yed the spooky ghost, darting right under the hunters'' noses. The group of hunters was already on edge, and once the powder kicked in, their nerves snapped. Chaos erupted. People screamed and dashed for cover in every direction. Some got hit by friendly fire, some fainted dead away, and others just ran around wailing for their mothers. Tarquin and Evan, having taken the antidote ahead of time, were immune to the effects. They herded the frenzied hunters like wolves, making sure none of them slipped out of the circle-keeping them in the thick of the hallucination, pushing their panic to the max. Only when Tarquin figured the drug had done its job did he let them bolt into the forest. Deep in the woods, the real battle began. The hunters had guns, but their minds were muddled. The wild animals had no weapons, but their minds were sharp and clear. Each had their strengths and weaknesses-an even match. Howls echoed. Gunshots and screams rang out. It was obvious the animals were winning. Some hunters didn''t get far before a wolf pack brought them down, tearing them apart. A cheetah took one out with a single bite to the neck. A ck bear smacked another clear across a clearing-hended a dozen yards away, dead before he hit the ground. The cold-blooded predators of the daylight were now prey, fleeing for their lives. And the animals, the ones hunted all day, had be the hunters. Tarquin stood up in a tree, coldly watching it all unfold, not a trace of pity in his eyes. Were these people worth pity? Not at all. Innocent people suddenly attacked by wild animals-now that would be a tragedy. But these guys? They barged in here with hunting rifles, breaking everyw on the books, nning to kill for Now they were the hunted. Sere was nothing tragic about that. They brought it on themselves. The government had made it clear-no poaching, no hunting wild animals. That wasn''t just a slogan. Living in harmony with nature isn''t just for the sake of the animals-it''s for all of humanity. A broken ecosystem is a terrifying thing. Tarquin would never kill a person that if the animals did, s just the luck of the dre Whoever survived, survived. After watching for a bit, Tarquin nudged Evan, and together they set off to find Bernard and the old scar-faced boss. He''de back tomorrow to see which hunters had survived, and n the next move. By the time father and son reached the two old men, the fight had already broken out at the top of the hill. Both were seasoned fighters-every move was dangerous. Evan, panicked, wanted to break it up, but Tarquin held him back. "Let them get it out of their system first," Tarquin murmured. "We''ll only step in if we have to." Their feud had been simmering for years-words wouldn''t settle it. They needed to fight it out. "But what if they really hurt each other?" Evan whispered. "As long as nobody dies, it''s fine," Tarquin replied. Sometimes a good fight was the only way to let go of old grudges. They waited in the shadows, ready to step in if anyone tried to go too far. After a while, Bernard''s eyes shed with sudden determination. He snatched the old boss''s wrist-and with his other hand, mped down hard on his throat, pinning him to the ground in one swift, brutal move. Chapter 1277 With just a little more pressure, he could''ve ended him right there. "Bernard!" Evan yelled, sprinting over, panic all over his face. Bernard frowned, silent for a moment, then let go and stood up. "I''ll be waiting for you up in the mountains. Come find me when you''ve toughened up! Now get lost!" The big guy with the scarred face flushed red, coughing like crazy. Evan dashed over, anxious. "Hey, are you alright?!" The scarred man red at Bernard, his eyes red and wild. He didn''t bother wiping the blood off his face, just wiped his tears away roughly, not saying a single word. He got up, limped off deeper into the woods, heading down the mountain. Evan stared after him, worried, then rushed forward and shoved a bottle of painkillers into his hand. "Here, take these. They''ll help." The scarred man shot him a strange look, but took the bottle and disappeared into the trees. Evan watched him go for a while, then hurried back to Bernard. "Bernard, are you okay?" "I''m fine," Bernard grunted. "What about him-?" "Let him go!" Bernard snapped. "With his skills, he''s not about to get eaten by a bear or anything. But with that attitude, trying to get revenge? He''ll wind up dead, and he won''t even know how it happened!" Bernard red down the path after the scarred man, fuming. But beneath the anger, his words wereced with frustration-like he expected better from him. Once the scarred guy was out of sight, Evan nudged Bernard again. "Bernard, what''s going on between you two? What happened?" Bernard sighed a long, heavy sigh. Suddenly, whether from the fight or from something weighing on his heart, he coughed hard and spat out blood. "Bernard!" Evan shouted in rm. Tarquin rushed over too. "You okay, sir?" Bernard wiped the blood from his mouth. "I''m alright." "Here, sit down, take it easy," Tarquin said, helping Bernard lower himself onto a big rock at the top of the hill. Evan fished out some medicine from his backpack¡ª just aspirin, but it was better than nothing-and handed it over. Bernard caught his breath, then finally spoke, his voice gravelly. "He''s my mentor''s son. My little brother in a way. Back in the day, our mentor was betrayed-set up by some foreigners. On his deathbed, he asked me to look after his wife and his boy." "He was just a kid back then, maybe eight or nine. I was a hotheaded young man full of fire, angry as hell. All I could think about was getting revenge for our mentor. I ignored his widow''s pleas, and I went overseas, helf bent on settling the score." "When I left, the kid clung to my leg, crying his eyes out. He''d always depended on me. But I wasn''t going on a vacation-I was heading into danger. I couldn''t let hime along." "I tore myself away from him and went to Alerasia. The men who betrayed our mentor had to pay. My mentor had done everything for me. I couldn''t just let it go. I was ready to die for that vengeance." Bernard broke off, coughing again, his face twisted with anger. After a moment, he continued, ¡°Looking back, I was too young too cocky. I got to Alerasia, challenged their champion in a fight to the death, and killed him in front of everyone in the ring." "After that, I traveled across seven countries, taking down their best fighters, making sure everyone knew my mentor''s name. I thought, was strong, that proved my mentor was strong. All I cared about was revenge. I didn''t think about my mentor''s wife or my little brother back home..." Chapter 1278 The old man''s face twisted with guilt and regret as he spoke. "I did get my revenge. I cleared my mentor''s name, even brought pride to our people. But I was too shy about it. When they couldn''t beat me fair and square, they started ying dirty." "They killed my mentor''s wife in the most brutal way, then used my junior as a pawn against me! They forced me to throw fights-told me to lose on purpose in the ring to foreign fighters, just so they could save face on the world stage." "If I refused, it was either take my own life, or they''d kill my junior. The kidnappers let us video chat. He was devastated-his eyes were red and he shouted at me, teeth clenched: ''Avenge her! Don''t worry about me, just get revenge for my mom!"" "After our mentor died, his wife was my junior''sst anchor. Losing her broke him. He was just a kid, and suddenly he had nothing left to live for-only a burning need for revenge." "But by then... everything inside me had changed. I was angry, but I was also wracked with guilt. I regretted being so brash. If I hadn''t drawn so much attention with my revenge, none of this would have happened to them!" "There are countless ways to get payback, but I chose the dumbest one. I only thought about making things right for my mentor-I never stopped to consider the danger I was putting his wife and kid in." "If I hadn''t been so loud about avenging my mentor, they wouldn''t have gotten caught up in it." "So after she was killed, I lost my nerve. I gave in. I''d already gotten her killed in my quest for revenge-there was no way I''d let my junior die for it too." "He was their only son, their legacy. I had to keep him safe. But when they tried to make me throw the fights, just couldn''t do it. It wasn''t just about mme-it was about our country''s honor. I was a fighter, proud to represent our people, and I''d never let those foreign fighters humiliate us." "But I couldn''t just let myself die, either. If I died, what if they broke their promise and killed him anyway? So, in the end, I faked my own death. For whatever reason, after I disappeared, they let my junior go." "For years after that, he barely scraped by just surviving, really. Life was hard enough, but the pressure was even worse. He wanted to avenge his mother, but he didn''t have the strength or the skills." "He couldn''t even track down who''d done it. He only knew it was foreigners who killed her and kidnapped him, but he had no idea who exactly. And even if he found out, what could he do? That kind of helplessness... it eats you alive. His life fell apart." Content b¨¦tongs to "As for me, I couldn''t help him openly. All I could do was give him a little support from the shadows, make his life a bit easier. But emotionally? I was useless The harder things got for him, the more he missed his mom, the more he wanted revenge-and the more he grew to resent me." "He knew I wasn''t really dead. He didn''t think I''d faked my death and disappeared for his sake-he thought I was a coward, spineless, that I didn''t care about his mom at all. Over time, that resentment just grew, and so did his despair." "Later, I tried to set him up with a new mentor, get him back into training, but he refused. He even threatened to end his own life if I didn''t avenge his mother." Chapter 1279 "I had no choice," Bernard sighed, "so I told him: the day you can finally beat me, I''ll tell you who killed my wife. I even promised to help him get revenge." "He took it to heart," Bernard continued, his eyes distant. "He threw himself into training, worked harder than ever. For a while, it looked like he finally had something to live for. But..." Bernard''s gaze drifted off to the horizon, and he let out a long, weary breath. "The truth is, I still have no idea who the killer is. I''ve been trying to figure it out for years, but they covered their tracks too well. There''s not a single clue left behind." "If I can''t get to the bottom of it, there''s no way my brother could." "So all I could do was keep my distance. I didn''t want to see him." "Nothing goodes from us meeting. Only pain." "If I don''t know the murderer''s name, I can''t let him win. But if he loses, he gets angry and desperate. It''s a lose-lose situation..." Tarquin and Evan listened quietly, neither of them interrupting. After a while, Tarquin spoke up: "You know, since you''ve been hiding out here, it''s not exactly easy for you to investigate. But if you trust me, I can give it a shot. I can''t make any promises, but I''ve got contacts overseas¡ªold friends, people who owe me favors. It might be easier for me to dig around." Bernard turned to Tarquin, his brow furrowed in thought. He was silent for a moment, then exhaled heavily. "Let''s talk about itter." He didn''t know who the killer was, but he was certain it had something to do with foreign fighters. If Tarquin started poking around, he might get himself targeted. Bernard didn''t want the younger generation getting tangled up in this mess. "You just focus on living a good life with Elysia. Raise those kids right. Try to stay out of trouble as much as you can." Bernard''s eyes softened as he looked at Evan. "Now you know why I always tell you¡ªkeep a low profile when you''re out there. If you need to teach someone a lesson, fine, but don''t draw too much attention to yourself." Evan scrunched up his little nose, frowning. He felt bad for Bernard. He even felt bad for the old scarred man whose life had been torn apart. Evan didn''t think Bernard was wrong. And he understood the scarred man''s pain. If anyone hurt his mom, he wouldn''t care about anything else but revenge, either. In the end, the grudge between these two old men wasn''t their fault. The ones to me were the killers. Evan didn''t say anything out loud, but he made a promise to himself: If Bernard and the old man couldn''t solve the case before they were gone, he''d take over. He''d keep looking. He''d never stop, not until he found the truth. Tarquin was thinking simr thoughts, but said nothing. Instead, he looked at Bernard and asked, "Is that why you''ve been hiding out here all these years? Because of all this?" Bernard gave Tarquin a look that was impossible to read. He neither confirmed nor denied it. Then he let out another long breath and abruptly changed the subject. "Come on, let''s head back and get something to eat. After that, we''ve got some unruly rtives to deal with." Clearly, the old man didn''t want to answer Tarquin''s question. He got up, forcing a smile onto his face so the others wouldn''t worry. "Evan, want me to give you a piggyback ride?" Evan sniffed, but yed along. "No way! I want to race you home. First one back wins!" Before Bernard could respond, Evan took off running. Bernardughed. "Hey, you can''t just take off before the race starts! Cheater!" Evan nced back and stuck out his tongue. "All''s fair in love and war!" "Oh, you little rascal! Trying to trick your old grandpa? I''ming for you!" In an instant, the old man and the little boy disappeared from Tarquin''s view, their Tarquin stood there for a moment, frowning thoughtfully. He had a feeling there was a lot more to these old men and their life in the woods than met the eye... Chapter 1280 In the distance, the hunt in the forest was still raging. It was too far away to hear any screams, but the roars of wild beasts echoed through the trees. Tarquin nced down at the numbers glowing on his wristband. Over fifty illegal poachers had slipped into these woods-now, more than half of them were dead. Only twenty-two left. Not a flicker of surprise or sympathy crossed Tarquin''s face. y stupid games, win stupid prizes, he thought. They brought this on themselves. He tapped his wristband, switching to the navigation screen, and started trekking toward the lodge. There were still a few dozen poachers back at the house waiting to be dealt with. The forest was wild and thick. No trails, just tangled roots and brambles everywhere. Lucky for him, Tarquin was no stranger to the wilderness. With his digital map guiding him, he found the old cabins soon enough. The elders'' cabins were a circle of eight wooden lodges, each one snug against the next. All two-story, all built from sturdy oak, all practically identical. Six of the elders had a ce of their own. Elysia and the kids shared another. Thest was amunal storeroom, stacked with supplies and food-canned beans, jerky, crackers, peanut butter, and all sorts of homey essentials. No towering fences here, just a waist-high picket fence strung with twinkling fairy lights. The glow was soft, not too bright, but magical all the same. They blinked and shimmered like tiny fireflies, wrapping the cabins in a gentle halo. In the heart of the deep woods, the sight gave Tarquin a sense of warmth he couldn''t quite describe. Just thinking of Elysia and the kids inside made his expression soften. He strode forward, ready to see them again¡ª Suddenly- Tarquin''s brow creased. He stopped dead, frozen mid-step. No mistaking it: he''d just stepped on andmine. One wrong move and he''d be blown to bits. Just great. Frowning, Tarquin tried to figure out why there''d be a bomb buried so close to the cabins. The elders were all legends in their own right-ho way they''d let anything so dangerous get this close to home. Unless... someone had just nted it. Waiting for him to step on it. A thought struck him. His eyes darted toward the cabins, his expression unreadable. It was quiet. Too quiet. He stood there, one foot pressing down on the hidden explosive, not daring to move. He wasn''t scared-just a little exasperated. After what felt like forever (and a very numb leg), he finally spotted two elders strolling his way. One wore a crisp white tracksuit; the other, a sharp dark zer. Both had a certain air about them-men you didn''t mess with. "That him?" one asked, gaze sharp. "No doubt about it," the other replied. Tarquin already knew who they were. He called out, "Hey Quincy. Hey Walter." He''d figured it out the second he triggered the mine. Walter was a notorious tinkerer-loved inventing weapons and traps. Gerald and Howard were out of the woods at the moment, and he''d already met Bernard, so these two had to be Quincy and Walter. The elders eyed him up and down, like they were sizing up a prize pig at the county fair. "Handsome enough, I suppose," Quincy muttered. "Too bad he''s the one who put our Elysia through hell," Walter snapped. Tarquin couldn''t argue with that. The elders treated Elysia like a granddaughter. No way were they cutting him any ck. They loved Elysia to bits¡ªand hated him just as much. Didn''t matter why things happened the way they did; Tarquin y things hap the Elysia root of all the danger and pain and the kids had suffered. From Grandma''s frosty threats, to Bernard''s not-so-friendly p, and now this "wee" from Quincy and Walter-andmine, just to make sure he knew his ce. Chapter 1281 They were making it pretty clear to him, each in their own way: Elysia isn''t alone. She''s not some helpless girl with no one to have her back, no support, no family standing behind her. If anyone dared to mess with her- especially him¡ªthere''d be hell to pay. It wasn''t anger Tarquin felt as he listened to these old men; it was gratitude, honestly. He was grateful that his wife and kids had people who loved them this fiercely. "I really have let Elysia down," he admitted, guilt heavy in his voice. "It was my fault, back then. I¡ª" He apologized first, then spoke from the heart, making his loyalty clear. It was the third time he''d said something like that today, but he didn''t mind. He meant every word. Every time they brought it up, it felt like he was apologizing to Elysia all over again. Three times, thirty times, three hundred times-hell, three thousand times -he''d do it, and never get angry about it. He really had wronged her. Quincy, ever the gentleman, looked just like the sort of old man who''d have a library full of leather-bound books and always know which fork to use at dinner. "Since you followed Elysia all the way here, and could spot us right away," Quincy said, "I suppose you know a thing or two about who we were before we disappeared off the map." "You know why Gerald was such a legend in the business world?" "Skill and luck-can''t have one without the other." "But do you know why he was always so lucky?" "I''m not even exaggerating-it was because he loved his wife." "Every time things got rough, Gerald would go out and buy her something special ¡ªa diamond ne, a designer purse, even a whole box of Belgian choctes just to make her happy." "He used to say the happier his wife was, the luckier he felt. The more he loved her, the more the world seemed to go his way." "His advice was simple: a man who loves his wife isn''t going to have bad luck." "That''s some real old-school wisdom. You should remember it." "I know you''re already at the top of your game, but if you want to even higher, you need to love with everything you''ve got Tarquin paused, silent for a moment. He''d heard about how much Gerald had loved his wife. After his wife died, Gerald didn''tst long himself. People still said he died of a broken heart. Tarquin didn''t know why Gerald had faked his own death and disappeared-but he did everyone admired that kindel.ne love. Quincy kept going: "I just saw Elysia a minute ago. It''s obvious-she loves you, and she loves you deeply." "We love her, too. So if Elysia loves you, we''ll ept you. If she likes you, we''ll like you." "But let''s two. clear-one strike, not opened in the p , for Elysia and theat sake." east, "But if you ever hurt her again, if you ever let her down, we won''t let it slide." As soon as Quincy finished, Walter chimed in, voice firm, "We''re not like those jokers out there. Sure, there''s plenty of folks who want you gone, but none of them can touch you." "But if we decide to make a move-you''d be done for." Tarquin didn''t flinch. His tone was steady, respectful. "I understand." Walter''s eyes narrowed, a no-nonsense air about him that screamed military through and through. "No need for more threats," he said. "We''ll just see how you behave." He''d barely finished the sentence when Elysia came running over, calling out, "Tarquin! Quincy! Walter!" Chapter 1282 Tarquin''s face softened, his eyes full of warmth. "You ran out here wearing so little-aren''t you freezing?" "I''m fine, really." Elysia slipped her arm through his, her gesture as light as a lifeline. She turned to the two old men, her voice taking on a yful, almost pleading tone. "Quincy, Walter, didn''t you both already figure out what really happened back then? We agreed to let it go, remember? Don''t scare him." Quincy and Walter exchanged nces, both rolling their eyes at themselves. "Isn''t this just the way it goes-girls grow up and leave us old-timers behind?" Elysia jumped in immediately, shaking her head. "No way! I love you guys just as much as I love him-you know that!" That made both old men chuckle, the sound echoing on the cool evening air. "All right, all right," Quincy said, waving her off with a grin. "Elysia''s right. Let bygones be bygones. Come on, let''s head home-dinner''s waiting!" The two old men started off down the path, their steps surprisingly spry. Tarquin stood frozen for a second. Elysia tugged on his arm, smiling. "Come on." Tarquin hesitated, but before he could say anything, Walter called back over his shoulder. "Don''t worry, son, I was just messing with you. Wouldn''t dare actually hurt you-if I did, our Elysia would have my hide!" Quincy chimed in,ughter in his voice, "Evan says you''re Elysia''s sweetheart now, her prize pumpkin pie!" The two old men chuckled as they wandered off toward the house, the porch lights glowing invitingly. Tarquin could only shake his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Elysia squeezed his arm gently. "Don''t take it to heart. They know the truth about what happened. They''d never really hurt you." He looked at her, sincerity in every word. "I know. I''m not upset. I''m grateful-grateful that they love you this much." Elysia''s smile lit up her whole face. "See? Now do you believe me? We really were happy, living up in the hills." "If it hadn''t been for wanting to give the kids a more normal life, you know, let them experience all the joys and messiness of the world-just like everyone else-we might never havee down." "And for their grandkids too. Sometimes, I didn''t want to leave at all." "But meeting them-my grandparents-was the best luck I ever had. They gave me a second chance at life. They gave me real happiness." Tarquin''s voice was soft. "Good things happen to good people." Really, to have people like this in her life-Elysia was unbelievably lucky. In a world this big, with so many people, how many ever get to stumble across someone powerful, someone who takes them in and raises them right? It''s like winning the cosmic lottery. Elysia hadn''t just met one extraordinary person¡ªshe''d found six. If that''s not luck, what is? She must''ve been a saint in her past life. Maybe saved the whole gxy or something. "Come on," she nudged him, "Grandma and Grandpa are waiting for you to join us for dinner." "Yeah," Tarquin replied, finally moving. He looked down, half-expecting the ground beneath his feet to explode-after all, Walter had tried to scare him earlier. But nothing happened. The path was clear. They''d only walked a short distance when, suddenly, a loud pop rang out behind them. Tarquin and Elysia spun around, startled. But instead of chaos, they saw bursts of color lighting up the sky-fireworks, one after another, painting the dusk with light. Elysia grinned, her arm tightening around Tarquin''s. "That''s got to be Walter''s way of saying wee. He''s not the romantic type, but he sure knows how to pull off a gesture." Tarquin watched the fireworks explode in dazzling patterns-first surprised, then moved. What he''d thought was a threat, just a harmless prank. Walter hadn''t wanted to hurt him; he just wanted to make an impression. This was Walter''s kind of romance-the old man''s blessing, written in fireworks. Surrounded by the bursts of color, Elysia seemed to catch the mood-or maybe she just wanted to make it up to Tarquin after the rough day. After all, he''d been through the wringer: first Grandma, then Grandpa and the rest. She turned, stepping in front of him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Rising on tiptoe, she kissed him-right there, under the sparkling sky. Chapter 1283 Tarquin froze for a moment, then wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into a tight embrace. Suddenly, he took the lead, leaning in and kissing her... The fireworks show ended, and so did their kiss. The two of them held each other for a while, catching their breath, before sharing a smile. Hand in hand, they started strolling back toward the cozy cabin. As they walked, they chatted quietly. "So, what happened to those jerks?" Elysia asked. "They''re scared out of their minds-just as nned," Tarquin replied with a smirk. Elysia didn''t press for details about his n. Instead, she asked again, "You''re sure nothing''s going to go wrong?" "Absolutely sure. Don''t worry." "Oh, by the way, did Bernard see that guy? You know, the one with all the scars on his face?" Tarquin nodded. "Yeah. Bernard told you?" "No, but when Bernard came back, he was acting strange, trying to smile but clearly upset. What''s the story there? What''s his connection with that guy?" Tarquin hesitated before answering, "They''re old friends-well, more like rivals. Some old grudge, but it''s been sorted out. By the way, did you talk to Grandma about the virus yet?" He lied, steering the conversation away. The truth was, Bernard''s grudge with the scar-faced thug went way deeper than he wanted Elysia to know-there had been violence, even deaths, and international trouble. He didn''t want her to worry about it. Elysia didn''t question it further. She just sighed and looped her arm through his. "Not yet. We started cleaning up as soon as you left." "Those jerks took over Grandma and Grandpa''s house, so Grandma was grossed out-she changed all the sheets and threw all their stuff out in the yard!" "Once we finished tidying up, we started getting dinner ready. I haven''t had a chance to talk to Grandma about the virus yet." Tarquin nodded. "No rush. It can wait." "Yeah, I figure I''ll tell her after dinner." "Sounds good." Dinner was at Tracey''s ce, and they had a ssic fondue night. The older folks were in good spirits. After giving Tarquin a stern warning, they quickly forgave and forgot. They treated him like their own grandson-inw, one more enthusiastic than the next. With the kids''ughter ringing through the cabin, the ce felt warm and lively- full of that special kind of familyfort. Not long after dinner, the little ones drifted off to bed. They''d been running wild in the woods for days? barely getting a full night''s sleep. After everything that had happened and with full over belfies-they were out like lights, fast asleep. Elysia and Tarquin were tired too, but still too wired to sleep. Once the kids were tucked in, Elysia went to find her grandmother to Tarquin teamed up with the grandfathers to deal with the finally discuss the virus.ne, unconscious poachers they''d found in the house. With Tarquin''s n and White''s help, they used the animals to drag the men far away, dumping them in a cave deep in the woods. Tarquin set up a little surprise-he left behind a hallucinogen in the cave before leaving. The cave was safe from wild animals, but what would happen when the poachers woke up? Who knows-whether they survived or not was up to fate. Everything was going smoothly on Tarquin''s end, but Elysia soon ran into trouble. When she told Tracey about the virus, Tracey didn''t even blink. She immediately took Elysia to herb. Tracey wasn''t exactly Mother Teresa and hadn''t worn ab coat in years, but she was still a healer at heart. She couldn''t just stand by knowing there was a virus out there hurting people. Even after retiring to the countryside, she wouldn''t just watch the world burn. In theb, Tracey didn''t bother looking at the virus notes. Instead, she jumped straight into research. Most viruses were child''s y for her she didn''t need a case file, just rolled up her sleeves and started working on a cure. But this time... Something unexpected happened. Chapter 1284 Tracey''s face changed in an instant, as if she''d just stumbled onto something big. She furrowed her brow, staring at the virus sample on the kitchen table for a long moment. Then she hurried over to review the files Elysia had brought with her. The more Tracey read, the deeper her frown became. Elysia could tell by her grandmother''s expression that this wasn''t just some routine check-up. Her heart began to race. "Gran, what''s wrong?" Tracey pressed her lips together, thinking hard, then shot a question back at her. "Elysia, where exactly did this viruse from?" Elysia blinked, a little confused. She''d already exined this part, hadn''t she? Why was Gran asking again? Still, she repeated herself, just to be sure. "My best friend''s lousy ex-husband started a pharmaceuticalpany. The virus sample and the antidote both came from him." "And his name?" Tracey pressed. "Zane Livingston." "Zane?" Tracey repeated, eyebrows knitted, turning the name over in her mind. After a pause, Tracey continued, "What''s hispany called?" "Central Pharmaceuticals." "Never heard of it. Is it new?" "Yeah, it''s not even public yet. But from what Tarquin told me, this guy has big ns. Tarquin suspects he''s trying to release the virus, then sell the cure for a huge profit." Tracey fell silent again. There''s no way, she thought. A brand-newpany couldn''t have developed something this advanced. If any pharmaceuticalb had the brains to create a virus like this, she would''ve heard about it already. Elysia fidgeted, ncing at her grandmother. "Gran, did you find something?" She was nervous now. Elysia might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but she knew her grandmother was practically legendary for her medical skills. That''s why she''d rushed out here to Grandma''s ce in the countryside, after all. She couldn''t remember thest time she''d seen her grandmother look like this. That face always meant serious trouble. Tracey finally exhaled, her tone a little calmer. "I can handle this virus, Elysia. Don''t worry." "You can?" Elysia said, startled. She''d thought Gran''s worried look meant even she was stumped. Tracey nodded. "Leave it to me, honey. You don''t need to stress about it." "But just now¡ª" Tracey interrupted gently, "Seeing this virus, I remembered some things I''d rather forget. It threw me for a minute, but I''m alright. Don''t worry about me." Elysia hesitated, but Tracey was already ushering her out. "Go on, get back to the kids. I saw little Baby earlier-she''s a sensitive soul. If she wakes up and you''re not there, she''ll probably burst into tears. Plus, you''ve been running around for days. Go get some sleep. I''ll do the same, and we''ll talk more in the morning." Elysia had a dozen questions still burning in her chest, but Gran was firm. She said her goodbyes and left quietly. As soon as Elysia was gone, Tracey''s frown returned, stormy as ever. She sat in silence for a while, thinking, before picking up her phone and calling Bernard. "Tell Tarquin toe see me as soon as he gets home," she said. An hourter, Tarquin returned, trailing behind a couple of uncles who''de in for pie and coffee. As Tracey had asked, Tarquin came right over. Tracey was already 1.n¨¦ waiting, sipping her tea in the living room, looking like she''d been expecting him for hours. "Gran," Tarquin greeted her. Tracey nodded at the sofa across from her. "Sit down, Tarquin." He sat, folding his hands in hisp. "You wanted to see me?" Tracey''s gaze was sharp as she got straight to the point. "That bottle of poison Elysia brought home-where did it reallye from?" Tarquin hesitated. Tracey stared him down, her voice firm as steel. ? "Elysia told me it came from some guy named Zane, who runs Central Pharmaceuticals. She thinks he''s spreading the virus just to make a killing off the cure." . to She shook her head. "But let me tell you, Tarquin-neither Zane nor his little start-up has the brains or the resources to cook up a virus this sophisticated. Not a chance." Chapter 1285 "If they manage to figure it out, I''m sure I''ll have some intel to share." "Tarquin, be honest with your grandma. About the virus-did you keep it from Elysia on purpose, or were you just as clueless as the rest of us?" Tarquin hesitated for a moment before confessing, "I kept it from her on purpose. There''s someone dangerous involved in this virus mess, and I didn''t want her to panic, so I didn''t tell her the whole story." "Zane''s just a partner, you know. His Central Pharmaceuticals is the new kid on the block-he''s got a bright future ahead." "Zane wanted to release the virus, then sell the cure and make a fortune. That part''s true. As for the real mastermind, I''m still digging. I don''t know if he''s just after money or if he''s got bigger ns." Tracey''s brow furrowed as she exhaled sharply, but she didn''t look all that surprised. She''d already guessed as much before Tarquin spoke. "So who is this guy?" Tarquin admitted, "There''s a suspect, but no hard evidence yet. Why? Did something happen with the virus?" Tracey''s face turned serious. She fixed Tarquin with a look. "This virus-did ite from overseas?" "...Yeah." Tracey clenched her fists, her eyes suddenly fierce. Furious, she mmed her hand on the table. "Those bastards! What, do they think they can wipe us out?" Tarquin blinked, caught off guard by her outburst. Before he could ask anything, Tracey waved him off. "Go get some rest. And don''t mention I talked to you, especially not to Elysia. Keep her in the dark a bit longer-she tends to overthink." Tarquin was left a bit bewildered, a dozen questions swirling in his mind, but with her clear dismissal, he knew better than to linger. He pushed his curiosity aside, said his goodbyes, and headed out. After he left, Tracey made her way to theb. She grabbed the vial with the virus sample, stuck abel on it, and scribbled a number: 8. She opened Safe, tucked the sample inside, right after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 17-all lined up in 6, st ... When Tarquin got back to the bedroom, Elysia was still awake. Her face was all twisted up-caught somewhere between relief and worry. Seeing Tarquin, she sat up in bed and whispered, "Is everything taken care of?" She was talking about the poachers they''d sent off to that cave in the woods. "Yeah, all done," Tarquin replied. He nced at their sleeping daughter, then leaned over and kissed Elysia on the forehead. He settled on the edge of the bed, pulling her gently into his arms. "What''s wrong? You seem down." Elysia rested her head on his chest. "I talked to Grandma about the virus tonight, but..." She paused, sat up, and looked Tarquin in the eye. "Grandma said she could cure the virus, but she was acting really strange. When she saw the sam she was shocked. No, not exactly shocked... It was something else." She frowned, searching for the right words. "When Benjamin and I first found the virus, we were both stunned-because it was mutating so fast, and it was so weird, we had no idea how to handle it." "But Grandma¡ªshe knows how to fight it. So why was she so shaken when she saw it?" Tarquin frowned. Tracey had definitely been off tonight. It almost felt like there was some history between her and this virus. How did she know it was from abroad? Why was she so sure? Those bastards! What, do they think they can wipe us out? That line stuck with him. What storyy beneath those words? Chapter 1286 Tarquin couldn''t quite figure it out, so he just tried tofort Elysia. "Grandma''s shocked, that''s all. She probably never imagined anyone coulde up with such a dangerous virus," he said. Elysia blinked at him, her blue eyes wide. "Yeah, I guess that makes sense." Tarquin put on a yful grin and gave her cheek a little pinch. "Don''t overthink it. The important thing is, if Grandma''s got a way to beat it, that''s good news!" "Yeah! You''re right!" ¡°Alright, get some sleep. I''m gonna go get washed up." He coaxed Elysia to lie down, kissed her gently on the forehead, then headed into the bathroom. The moment he was out of her sight, Tarquin''s easy expression vanished, reced by a storm of thoughts. A suspicion shed across his mind: Could Tracey be involved with the mysterious figure? The virus had been unleashed by this person, and Tracey seemed to know about it before anyone else. Was there something between Tracey and the mysterious figure? Was he just overthinking it, or did they actually know each other? Was there some connection he hadn''t seen? Stepping into the bathroom, Tarquin turned on the cold mountain spring water and let it pour over him, trying to focus. The more he thought about it, the less simple things seemed. Maybe Tracey could give him some answers about the mysterious figure. After all, that person had been lurking around him for thirty years-it was time to end it. He wasn''t about to let a single clue slip by. But he couldn''t act recklessly, not yet. He needed to be sure. Once he had proof, he''d strike without hesitation. Tarquin finished his shower in record time, checked to see that Elysia was sound asleep, pulled on a clean T-shirt and jeans, and slipped out the door. He needed answers now-waiting until morning wasn''t an option. But luck wasn''t on his side. Tracey''s cozy cabin was dark, not a light on anywhere. She was clearly asleep. Tarquin frowned, frustrated, but he didn''t want to barge in and wake her up. He lingered outside the door for a while, debating, then finally turned away and headed back to his room. That night, he didn''t sleep a wink. As soon as the sun peeked over the horizon, Tarquin was up and out, making his way back to Tracey''s ce. Elysia and Baby were still fast asleep when he left. The yard was quiet, not a soul in sight. He reached Tracey''s little log cabin and raised his hand to knock, but suddenly there was a thud behind him. He spun around, just in time to see Bernard and Evan dropping down from the roof,nding behind him without a sound. Tarquin blinked in surprise. "Bernard. Evan." Bernard gave him a knowing look. "You''re awfully eager to see the olddy, huh?¡± "Huh?" Bernard smirked, "I saw youst night, you know. You rushed over here, looking all serious, then saw the lights were out and left. You''re here again at the crack of dawn, looking just as tense. Got something urgent?" Tarquin hesitated. Bernard was one of the few people in this world who could tail him without getting noticed. Last night, when he''de to see Tracey, he hadn''t sensed anyone else around. Bernard really was a force to be reckoned with-thank God they weren''t enemies. He nodded respectfully. "There''s something on my mind, yeah." Bernard didn''t press. "Well, you''ll have to wait. Old Tracey''s gone up to the herb garden, and who knows when she''ll be back." "The herb garden?" "Yeah, she left before dawn." "...Where is it? Can I go find her?" Tarquin asked, already itching to get moving. Evan shook his head. "Wouldn''t rmend it! The herb garden''s halfway up the mountain, and unless you''re her daughter, she doesn''t like people dropping by.¡± Bernard nodded in agreement. "If you go looking for her, you might just tick her off. And trust me, when she''s mad, she''s got a mean right hook." Tarquin grimaced. He knew Tracey was a legendary doctor, hiding out in the mountains and growing her own herbs. But still... ¡°She''ll be safe up there on her own?" Evan grinned. "Of course! Grandma Tracey''s tough as nails." Chapter 1287 Evan wasn''t the least bit worried about Tracey''s safety. "All the wild animals around here know my great-grandma. Some of them she''s actually helped out before-rescued them from traps or patched up a broken leg. They''re grateful, so they''d never hurt her. Honestly, they''d probably protect her if anyone tried anything." "And the ones that do want to hurt her? Well, good luck with that. They can dream all they want, but it''s just not happening." ¡°See, Great-Gran might not know karate, but she''s got a real talent for poisons." "Her concoctions are more dangerous than a shotgun, I swear. She could have a bear begging for mercy! That''s why all the animals steer clear-nobody messes with her." Tarquin was silent for a moment, then just nodded. "Yeah... fair point." Tracey could take down a group of armed hunters without breaking a sweat. Her self-defense skills were no joke. Tarquin turned to Bernard. "How long does Grandma usually stay out?" Bernard shrugged. "Hard to say. She might be back by lunchtime, or she might note home until after dark. She doesn''t usually spend the night out there¡ª unless something unexpectedes up." Tarquin sighed, a little disappointed. That meant he probably wouldn''t see Tracey for a while and he had a lot of questions he wanted to ask her. Bernard must''ve noticed, because he added, "If it''s really urgent, you can always call her on the wristband. She''lle back." Tarquin thought it over, then shook his head. "No, it''s fine. It can wait." Tracey was out gathering herbs-probably working on a cure for the virus. That was way more important. As for the mystery person... he could ask her about that when she got back. So, Tarquin changed the subject. "Bernard, I''m going to take a walk in the woods. If Elysia wakes up, could you let her know not to worry about me?" Bernard gave him a knowing look. "If Elysia can''t find you, she''ll just ping you on the wristband. No need for me to y messenger. Let''s go I''lle with you." Evan wanted to tag along too, but Tarquin shook his head. Evan was tough-he''d grown up in these woods, seen his share of blood and guts. But he''d only ever dealt It with wild animals. People were a different story, and Tarquin didn''t want Evan mixed up in it. Surprisingly, Evan didn''t argue. He just nodded and stayed behind. Truth is, Evan had his own ns. He couldn''t stop thinking about the scar-faced guy his uncle in all but name. Last night, after dinner, he''d wanted to go find him, but Elliot had told him to give them some space, let everything sink in. So Evan had waited. This morning, §Ö§ä he woke up early, intending to go straight to his uncle. But then he spotted Bernard, all alone, perched high up in an old oak tree, staring out at the sunrise. He looked. peaceful, for once. Evan knew Bernard was still hurting about his brother, so he climbed up and kept himpany. They sat there in silence for a while, just watching the world wake up. Now, with Bernard cheered up a bit and heading into the woods with Tarquin, Evan finally had his chance. He tapped his wristband, tracked down his uncle''s location, and ran to the supply shed to grab a snack pack¡ªsome trail mix, jerky, and a couple of gran bars¡ª before setting off. He found his uncle dozing against a tree. The night before had been rough for the man-after parting with Bernard, he''d wandered the woods punching the air and trying to work out the grief and anger. Eventually, exhausted, he''d slumped against the trunk and drifted off as dawn broke. At the first sound of footsteps, the scar-faced man''s eyes snapped open, wild and alert. Before Evan even came into view, his voice carried through the trees, "Hey, rx! It''s just me!" A secondter, Evan burst into the clearing, a little out of breath, waving a hand. "Seriously, it''s just me!" Chapter 1288 The boss looked at him, clearly surprised. "What are you doing here?" Evan was a little out of breath. "I was worried about you, so I came to check in. Here I brought you something to eat!" He handed over a paper bag. "There''s some trail mix, smoked ham, and a couple bottles of Grandpa''s finest bourbon." The boss raised an eyebrow, ncing at the food, then at Evan. His expression wasplicated. "Didn''t he tell you about my rtionship with him?¡± "He did," Evan replied. "And you still came to see me? He and I are sworn enemies, you know! Are you nning to stick with me and ditch him?" Evan shook his head. "Bernard never said you two were enemies. He said you''re his little brother in training, which makes you my uncle in the guild." The boss clenched his jaw, clearly frustrated. "I am NOT his little brother!" Evan just grinned, keeping things light. "You don''t really get a say in this, you know. It''s like how kids don''t get to pick their parents. That''s up to Grandpa and Grandma- they set the rules!" "You''re their son, Bernard''s their student, so that makes you Bernard''s brother-in- arms. Which means you''re my uncle in the guild, whether you like it or not!" He put the bag down on a nearby rock, pulled out a bottle of bourbon, twisted the cap off, and handed it over. "Here, warm up with a drink." He knew the boss was a bit of a drinker-never went a day without a shot or two. The boss hesitated, then took the bottle, eyes lingering on Evan for a moment before tipping it back and taking a long drink. He had a bit of a drinking problem, and right now, he was both thirsty and stressed, so he didn''t hold back. But then, in the next second- With a thud, Evan dropped to his knees right in front of him. "You drank the bourbon I offered, so that means you''ve agreed to be my uncle now!" "I didn''t know about you and Bernard before, so maybe I wasn''t as respectful as I should''ve been. Please, Uncle, don''t hold it against me!" The boss lookedpletely bewildered. "Who... Who''s your uncle? I never agreed to that!" Evan just grinned wider. "You drank, so you can''t back out now! A real man stands by his word!" "From now on, we''re family-uncle and nephew! We gotta look out for each other, stick together, go through the tough times as one, and share the good times too!" "Uncle, please ept my respect!" And with that, Evan pressed his forehead to the ground in a full-on kneel. Once. Twice. Three times. When he finished, he stayed kneeling, looking up at the boss with bright, sincere eyes. The boss just stared at him,pletely thrown. "You..." "Uncle!" Evan called out again. "You, you..." The boss stammered. "Uncle!" "Alright, alright, just¡ª¡± He was speechless. ¡°Uncle, uncle, uncle!" Evan insisted, refusing to let go. The boss''s lips trembled, but he couldn''t get another word out. His eyes started to go red-not with anger, but with emotion. Back in the day, he''d forced Evan into an apprenticeship, just to spite his own brother-in-arms. But Evan never epted him, never once called him ''Master.'' And now, hearing Evan willingly call him ''Uncle'' like this, it was like the clouds had parted and the sun finally shone through. After his parents died, his brother-in-arms was the only family he had deft. But because Bernard refused to avenge his mother, he''d hated him-and ended up losing even thatst bit of family. But here was Evan, kneeling, calling him Uncle with so much sincerity promising that they were family. That they''d stick together, weather the storms, and share the joys. To say he wasn''t moved would be a lie. He''d grown up on anger and revenge, been cold and ruthless, but he was still human. And humans-no matter how hard they try¡ªcan''t help but feel. Chapter 1289 "You... you need to get up." Evan stayed on the floor, shaking his head. "Uncle, Bernard told me about everything that happened between the two of you the bad blood, the tough choices. I don''t agree with what Bernard did, just like you. But I get where he''sing from." He took a breath, voice steady. "My mom always says life is like a giant test sheet, full of tricky multiple-choice questions. You only get to pick one answer every time. It''s never perfect, but that''s life." "Bernard didn''t go after revenge for your wife. He chose to save you instead. I don''t think that makes him wrong." He nced up, earnest. "But I understand you too. If anyone ever hurt my mom, I''d do anything¡ªI''d rather die than let it go. I''d want revenge too. I wouldn''t want to live with that pain." "So you''re not wrong, and Bernard''s not wrong either. The ones really at fault are the people who started all this in the first ce." He remembered what his big brother, Elliot, had told himst night. "Elliot says this world is full of impossible choices. You can''t win them all. You have to look at things from different angles, not just get stuck on one thing." He looked his uncle in the eye. "You''re angry at Bernard, but deep down, you''re angry at yourself too. You me Bernard for not avenging your wife, but you''re also mad at yourself for not doing it for your own mom. You''ve got to let Bernard go. And you''ve got to let yourself off the hook, too." Those words echoed in his mind. Elliot always gave the best advice, and Evan believed himpletely. His uncle red at him, eyes red, brow furrowed, silent for a long moment. Evan spoke up again. "There''s something else you should know. Bernard didn''t go after revenge, not just because of you. It''s also because he never found out who the real killer was." His uncle''s eyes flew wide open in disbelief. "He... he doesn''t know?!" Evan nodded,pletely serious. "He really doesn''t. When Bernard gave up on revenge and faked his death, it was partly to protect you. But after you could take care of yourself, he still didn''t go after the killer-because he just didn''t know who it was." He shrugged. "He''s good, but he''s not some kind of superhero. He can''t do everything. Sometimes, even he''s powerless." Elliot had been clear: at sixty years old, his uncle deserved the truth. No more secrets. Evan nodded again. "Bernard told me himself. He''s still investigating. He just didn''t want to tell you because he was afraid it would break you. But I think you''re Stronger than that." He looked his uncle straight in the eye, voice steady. "The real revenge hasn''t happened yet. You can''t fall apart now. You have to be even stronger. We need to find the killer. We need to get justice." He gave a small, encouraging smile. "And I''ll be with you every step of the way." His uncle was trembling, lips quivering. Evan''s eyes were full of conviction. "Your loss is my loss," he said. "This is a family thing. My dad, my mom, big brother Elijah¡ªwe''re all in this together. We''ll help you.¡± His uncle could only tremble in silence, ovee by emotion. ... Meanwhile, Tarquin and Bernard had used the GPS tracker on the wristband to track down the survivors. Out of over a hundred people, only about twenty were left. And even those twenty weren''t whole anymore. Some were missing arms or legs-their bodies broken. Others, after a night of horror, had minds that were just as shattered. But they still remembered to run down the mountain, desperate to survive. Bernard and Tarquin hid in the shadows. Bernard narrowed his eyes at Tarquin and whispered, "So, what do you n to do with the rest of them? Are we just going to kill them all?" Chapter 1290 Tarquin was calm as ever. "Killing people''s illegal. I don''t kill." "...So you''re just gonna let them walk down the mountain?" He shrugged. "No one''s stopping them. If they make it out alive, well-that''s up to fate." Bernard shot him an approving look. That''s how a real man does it-tough when he needs to be, but never crossing the line. "As long as you don''t break thew, we''re good." "But what if someone actually makes it down? How can you be sure they won''t b?" "I can." "Oh yeah? How? Those guys were scared stiff, but you can''t count on them to forget everything." Tarquin shot back, "How did Gerald manage to stay in touch with the outside world?" No cell service up here in the mountains. Phones were useless. Howard''s custom wristbands worked like walkie-talkies, but only inside the mountain. No contact with anyone offsite. And yet, Gerald somehow kept suppliesing and always knew what was happening back home. That meant he had some way of getting messages out. Bernard asked, "You need to reach someone on the outside?" "Yeah, I do." Bernard didn''t hide it. "You''ll want the signal tower. It''s got reception and a phone -call, text, whatever you need." "...Where''s the signal tower?" "Couple ridges over, not far." "Can we go now?" "Sure, I''ll take you. Let''s move." Bernard''s first impression of Tarquin hadn''t been great, but once Tarquin set foot here, they''d counted him as one of their own. If Elysia and the kids had brought him, he wasn''t an outsider. Bernard led Tarquin through the woods. Pretty soon, Bernard started griping. "Can you pick up the pace?" Tarquin just blinked. He was trained, sure¡ªbut to Bernard, he moved like a lumbering turkey. Bernard couldn''t hold back the sarcasm. "You''re slower than Evan, for crying out loud." The old guy forgot that Evan had grown up on this mountain. Tarquin hadn''t. Evan knew every rock and root. Tarquin was just trying not to trip. After the teasing, Bernard gave him a few pointers. "Here, watch me. Step like this..." Tarquin followed along, eager to learn. Getting coached by the guy who''d once kicked seven rival dojos in a row? That was an honor. He owed this to Elysia and Evan, no doubt. So the two of them made their way toward the signal tower, Bernard teaching as they went. They finally stopped at a roaring waterfall. The water thundered down the rocks, filling the air with mist. Tarquin asked, "Is the tower behind the falls?" Bernard gave him a look. "What, you efine think this is a movie? Behind the waterfall''s just solid rock. Where would you put a tower?" Tarquin shrugged. TV had made it seem possible. "We gotta cross the river. You scared?" Bernard asked. Tarquin shook his head. "Not at all. We swimming across?" Bernard rolled his eyes. "Are you for real? Even Elysia''s got more sense! That water''d sweep you next state." Content bel Tarquin st took the hit. Only two people had ever called Elysia smarter than him-Bernard, Elysia herself. "So, how do we get over?" Tarquin asked, eager to learn. Bernard nced at his wristband and tapped a few buttons. Suddenly¡ª *CLANK*¡ªa massive rock beside them split open! Four steel cables shot out, anchoring themselves into crevices across the river. The cables pulled tight, forming a makeshift bridgeplete with footboards and handrails. Bernard grinned at Tarquin. "That''s how we cross." Chapter 1291 Tarquin: "..." Bernard strolled up to the rickety bridge like he''d done it a thousand times before, walking right along the chain without even grabbing the handrail. His hands were tucked behind his back, as if he didn''t have a care in the world. He didn''t bother holding on himself, but he did toss Tarquin a warning. "Better hang on, man. If you fall and break something, Elysia''s gonna have a heart attack." Tarquin epted the advice, sounding a little humbled. "...Alright." When they reached the other side, Bernard tapped his wristband, and the makeshift bridge started folding itself up with a soft whirr. Tarquin asked, "Did Walter design this?" "Yep. Walter used to be the chief engineer for the military¡ªsharpest guy I know. He loves tinkering with this kind of stuff. If you can dream it up, he''ll make it real." Tarquin seized the opening. "If Walter had such a sweet gig in the military, why fake his own death and go off the grid?" Bernard just kept his hands behind his back, squinting at the horizon. "That''s his business, not mine. If you want to know, you should ask him yourself." Tarquin shot back, "Alright, then why did you fake your own death and disappear?" Calling you out, old man. Bernard turned and gave him a long look. "Didn''t I tell you already? Because of my brother." "...That''s one reason. There must be something else, right?" Bernard''s eyes narrowed even further, and he stared hard at Tarquin for a while before saying, almost out of nowhere, "Anyway, whatever we''re up to, it''s nothing shady." With that, he started walking on ahead. Tarquin: "..." So apparently, there *was* more to the story-a bunch of big shots all faking their deaths and hiding out in the woods. What could their secret be? They walked for a while longer, and Bernard led the way to what looked like an ordinary cer. He opened a hidden stone door, and inside, the ce was way bigger than it appeared from the outside. There wereputers and even some old smartphones inside. Tarquin picked up a phone. It powered on-battery full-but there was zero signal. He was just about to ask when Bernard chimed in, "You need to follow the prompts on your wristband. Yeah... all this is Howard''s handiwork." It was a prettyplicated process, and the two of them fiddled with the setup for a good while before finally getting it to work. Tarquin couldn''t help but wonder: were all these precautions really just about retiring in peace, or was there something else they were hiding from the world? He shook off the thought for now and dialed Axel''s number. Axel picked up almost instantly. "Who is this?" "It''s me," Tarquin replied. Tarquin''s voice caught Axel off guard. "Tarquin?" "Yeah." Axel wasn''t convinced, so they exchanged a quick code phrase before he rxed. "I thought you were in the middle of nowhere. How are you even calling me?" Axel was a man of few words, but even he sounded curious. Tarquin didn''t bother exining. "Get things in ce at Darkfort City. fre mountains in a few days. Someone might being doplne a close watch." "If they forget about anyone living up here, leave it be. If they remember, make sure they forget again." Axel got the message. Keeping things hushed up was his specialty. "Understood." Tarquin asked, "Any movement from the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association?" "Nothing. They haven''t noticed the virus sample is missing." Tarquin had swiped the backup sample, not the one they used for research, so no one had caught on. "What about Zane?" "He''s still stuck with Ms. Newsom, and it''s rough. Some tabloid reporters caught a whiff of theal.'' '' but Mr. Huber managed to shut it down..." They chatted a bit about the situation in Jindale City. As Tarquin was about to hang up, Axel suddenly said, "Tarquin, Sabrina''s using your wife to stir up trouble. You want to get involved?" Tarquin frowned. "What''s she doing now?" Chapter 1292 Axel summed it up bluntly: "Sabrina''s been spreading rumors at the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association, saying your sister-inw''s got no ethics and doesn''t deserve to be a doctor. She''s trying to shut down her career in medicine before it even starts." Tarquin''s face darkened at that. The truth was, Elysia had never nned to climb the medical careerdder anyway¡ªher real passion was child psychology. Sabrina''s hostility? Pure jealousy. Elysia had it all: a good family background, a great marriage, and to top it off, sharper medical skills than Sabrina. If Elysia ever decided to stay in the medical field, Sabrina wouldn''t stand a chance. Sure, Sabrina was Victor''s granddaughter. But that didn''t mean she could run the whole show. If there was someone more talented in her generation-and there was-she''d get pushed aside like anyone else. And as for making it to the top of the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association? That was pretty much a pipe dream for Sabrina. That''s why she was so desperate to knock Elysia out of the running. She was jealous, and she was scared. But honestly, did she really think just being Victor''s granddaughter gave her the right to walk all over Elysia? Spreading lies about Elysia? The nerve! Even Victor himself would show Elysia some serious respect if he ever met her. Elysia had spent five years learning from Tracey-not officially as a student, but Tracey personally mentored her. Compared to that, what did the Stevensons even have? If Sabrina would just chill out, Elysia would stay focused on child psychology and never be herpetition. But if Sabrina kept pushing, Elysia might just get mad enough to re-enter medicine-and then the Stevensons would really have something to cry about. Tarquin''s voice was icy as he gave his orders. "Have Benjamin go talk to Victor in person. Tell him thises straight from me." "I''m not exactly known for my patience, especially when ites to my wife. If he can''t keep his own granddaughter in line, I''ll be happy to do it for him." Did Sabrina really think she could mess with his wife? Not a chance. ... Meanwhile, across town, gentle smoke curled up from the chimney of the little cabin. Elysia had no id idea about the drama brewing back in Jindale City. She didn''t know that simply refusing to join Sabrina''s virus research had turned Sabrina against herpletely-or that Sabrina was now making her the target of every nasty rumor she could dream up. Right now, Elysia was in the kitchen making breakfast, in a perfectly good mood. She knew her grandma was off tending the herb garden, and Evan had gone into the woods with Tarquin and Bernard. She wasn''t worried-they could handle themselves. In the kitchen, Baby and Walter were keeping herpany. Elliot and Elijah, as soon as they woke up, had rushed off to Howard''s room to tinker with histest homemade security system. Emmett was with Quincy, the two of them hunched over some project, with Quincy''s excited exmations floating down the hall: "Yes! That''s it! Emmett, you''ve really got a knack for this!" Back in the kitchen, Walter was doting on Baby as usual. "Hey, Baby, you wanna see some fireworks tonight?" Walter asked a big grin on his face. He''d been in the military, and it showed-he stood straight as a board, even when he was rxed. He loved all the kids, but it was obvious Baby was his favorite. He was practically tiptoeing around, trying not to say anything that might scare her. Baby''s big blue eyes widened-half excited, half nervous. "Will they be loud?" "Of course they will," Walter said, chuckling. "Baby''s scared of loud noises," she said, her voice soft and sweet. Walter crouched down to her level. "You don''t like loud bangs, huh?¡± She shook her head, pouting a little. "Walter, can you make the fireworks just do the pretty part, not the noisy part?" Chapter 1293 "Well, about that..." Walter looked conflicted. Fireworks and explosives, after all, work on the same principle¡ªonce they go off, they''re bound to make a bang. Elysia was kneading some dough at the kitchen counter. She couldn''t help butugh when she saw Walter''s face, caught between not wanting to say "no" and clearly out of options. "Fireworks are always loud," she said, "but we can watch them from far away. Mommy can cover Baby''s ears, and if your ears are covered, there''s nothing to be afraid of." "Yeah, Walter, I really want to see fireworks!" Baby chimed in eagerly. Walter snapped out of his thoughts. "Alright then, in a bit, Walter will get everything ready. We''ll throw a special fireworks show just for our Baby! I''ll try to make them as quiet as I can." "Thank you, Walter!" Baby beamed. Walter grinned so wide his cheeks almost hurt. "No need to thank me! What kind of fireworks does Baby want?" "Bunnies! I love bunnies the most." "Bunnies? No problem! Walter will make a whole bunch of little bunny fireworks for you." The two of them-one grown, one little-chattered away, excitedly nning the night''s fireworks disy. When breakfast was ready, Walter scooped Baby up and went to round up the rest of the family. Elysia set aside some food in a thermal container for Tarquin and his crew, who were still out and about. She also packed up a separate serving, nning to bring it to Grandma in the herb gardenter. Soon, Quincy and Emmett arrived, followed by Elijah and Elliot. Everyone squeezed around the makeshift wooden table, digging into steaming hot breakfast -scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, golden pancakes, and a pitcher of orange juice. The kitchen filled with the cozy hum of family. But Elijah was clearly distracted, fidgeting in his seat, ncing at Elliot every few seconds, looking like he''d rather be anywhere else. Elliot, who knew him all too well, smirked. Elijah was dying to get back to tinkering with Howard''s homemade security system! If wasn''t for Elysia insisting they eat breakfast, Elijah would''ve skipped the meal entirely. Ever since Elliot had taken him to see Howard''s room yesterday, Elijah had beenpletely obsessed. Only in that room, surrounded by wires, monitors, and blinking lights, could he actually focus-hyper-focus, really. Among the brothers, Evan only cared about martial arts and weaponsputers bored him death. Elliot liked tech, but not amet much as finance-he was all about making money. But Elijah? He was absolutely nuts aboutputers. So when he saw Howard''s handiwork, it blew his mind. He''d always thought his mentor was the best in the world. Now he finally understood the saying: there''s always a bigger fish in the sea. He realized there''s no "best"¡ªthere''s always someone better. If he hadn''t seen it with his own eyes, he''d never have believed someone so genius withputers existed. Now, all he wanted was to worship at Howard''s feet and learn everything he could, even if it meant skipping meals and sleep. If Howard was here, Elijah would probably shamelessly follow him around like a puppy. Elliot wolfed down thest bite of his pancakes and turned to Elysia and the two older men at the table. "Mom, Quincy, Grandpa Walter, you guys take your time. I''m stuffed-I''m going to go hang out in Howard''s room." Elijah jumped up so quickly he nearly knocked over his chair. "Me too! I''m done!" Elysia called after them, "Don''t mess with Howard''s stuff!" "Got it!" they called back, already halfway down the hall. Not long after, Walter slipped away too, eager to get started on his bunny-shaped fireworks. Emmett and Quincy finished eating, helped clear the table, then headed out as well-hand in hand, whispering and giggling about whatever secret project they were cooking up. Elysia helped Baby into a warm jacket, grabbed the packed breakfast in one hand, and took Baby''s tiny hand in the other. Together, they set off toward the herb garden to visit Grandma. Chapter 1294 Late summer in the deep woods meant one thing: mosquitoes. Lots of them. Thankfully, Quincy''s homemade bug spray worked like a charm. No need for frantic swatting or desperate waving-one whiff of that spray and the bugs kept their distance, drifting off before they came anywhere near. Elysia had spent enough time up here to know her way around the herb garden blindfolded. She led Baby straight through the brambles, past the old oak, and right to the patch where the wild herbs grew thick and wild. This mountain was a treasure trove. Rare medicinal nts that city doctors would pay a fortune for? Here, they grew like dandelions in a summerwn. Tracey was already there, kneeling in the dirt with her old wicker basket, plucking leaves with the practiced ease of someone who''d done this a hundred times before. She spotted Elysia and Baby and beamed, waving them over. "Elysia!" she called, her voice bright as morning. Elysia grinned, taking Baby by the hand and walking over. "We brought you breakfast, Grandma. Better eat it while it''s still hot-I''ll take over here." Tracey set down her basket and scooped Baby up for a kiss, not bothering with any of that ''oh, you didn''t have to'' business. "You start with this patch. When you''re done, move over to the next one, alright?" "Got it. Are these herbs for the antidote?" Elysia asked, eyeing the greenery. A shadow flickered across Tracey''s face. "That''s right. I''m hoping I can crack it with thesemon herbs. If not, we''ll have to try something else." She didn''t say it, but Elysia knew what she meant: fancy recipes were fine for the rich, but if the antidote cost a fortune, it wouldn''t help anyone who really needed it. If things ever got bad, if the outbreak spread, even the government might struggle to afford the cure. But if she could make it cheap enough? Maybe it could be handed out for free¡ªor at least be something ordinary folks could actually buy. Elysia nodded, pulling on her gloves. "Alright, Baby, you stay with Great- Grandma, okay? Mommy''s got some work to do." Baby looked up, big-eyed. "Can I help, Mommy?" Elysia smiled. "You can help by keeping Great-Grandmapany. Make sure she eats all her breakfast, alright? That''s a big help to Mommy." Some of these herbs were poisonous-you had to be careful. No way was Baby going near them. Baby nodded solemnly. "I''ll make sure she eats every bite." Elysia ruffled her hair. "You''re the best." With Baby settled, Elysia swung the basket over her shoulder and got to work. She moved quickly, nimble and sure-handed, even faster than Tracey. Tracey watched her granddaughter''s swift progress, pride shining in her eyes. But then she sighed, just a little. Elysia had a gift for medicine, a gentle heart, and-most importantly-there was just something about their bond. Tracey wanted nothing more than to pass on everything she''d learned, to make Elysia her apprentice, her legacy. But Elysia''s heart was set on psychology, not medicine. A shame, really. Tracey had never thought much about finding a student when she was younger. But now, with her hands not as steady and her knees creaky she felt the urge. Was it for her own sake, or for all those folks out there who couldn''t afford a doctor''s visit? Getting sick was easy. Getting help was hard-and expensive. She knew her skills shouldn''t be lost. But she wouldn''t just teach anyone. There were plenty of students out there who''d jump at the chance, but Trace wanted someone who feally belonged. Someone who''d share her heart, not just her knowledge. She was still lost in thought when Baby tugged at her sleeve. "Great-Grandma, why are you sighing? Don''t you want your breakfast?" Tracey shook herself andughed. ¡°Oh, honey, I love your mommy''s cooking. I was just thinking how old and slow I''ve gotten your mommy picks herbs way faster than I do these days!" Chapter 1295 "Great-Grandma isn''t old at all! Mommy says she could live to a hundred. Great- Grandma is only in her seventies¡ªshe''s still young!" Tracey burst outughing at Baby''s serious tone. "You''re absolutely right, sweetheart. Seventy-something is still young for Great- Grandma!" Tracey took Baby''s little hand and led her away from the porch. Nearby, the sound of water trickling over stones filled the air-it was a mountain spring running down from the woods. Tracey was headed there to wash her hands before breakfast. Suddenly, Baby pointed at two nts growing side by side, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Great-Grandma, are those twins? Howe they look so much alike?" Tracey nced at the two herbs and raised her eyebrows in surprise. "You think they''re not the same kind?" "Nope! See, that one''s got purplish tips, and the other one''s more reddish at the ends. But they look almost exactly the same-like twins!" Tracey squinted at the nts, then at Baby. "..." Baby was right. The two herbs looked nearly identical, but they werepletely different species. Their uses couldn''t be more opposite-one was a lifesaving medicine, the other a deadly poison! Mixing them up could be a disaster. Tracey grew them together because they liked the same soil and sunlight. It was convenient, but honestly, only someone with her experience would dare do it. She was confident she could tell them apart. Most people couldn''t even spot the difference in color at the tips-the shades were so faint that even medical students would have trouble. "Baby, how did you know one has purple tips and the other red? Did Mommy tell you?" "No, I just noticed! It''s super obvious. Can''t you see it, Great-Grandma?" Tracey grinned. "Well, I can, but it''s not easy! You''re amazing for noticing that at your age!" Baby beamed with pride and pointed again, this time at another pair of nts. "I can tell those two apart too! They look the same, but their roots are totally different. And those over there one''s got tiny thorns, and the other has big, sharp ones, right?" Tracey nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! You have quite the eye!" She was so excited she almost forgot bout breakfast, eager to more of the herb garden. Baby put her foot down. "Mommy said I have to make sure you eat breakfast first, Great-Grandma. Breakfast before anything else!" Traceyughed and relented. "Alright, alright, breakfast it is!" She rinsed her hands in the cold spring water and sat down to enjoy the bagel and scrambled eggs Elysia had brought over. When they finished eating, she and Baby. wandered through the herb beds together. Tracey quickly discovered that Baby could spot subtle differences between nts that would stump most adults. The little girl even. asked questions that made Tracey pause and think-questions clever enough to challenge a medical student! Delighted, Tracey knelt down beside Baby and asked, "Sweetheart, do you like doctors?" "You mean like nurses and doctors-the ones they call angels in white?" "That''s right!" "I like them! Angels in white help sick people and have kind hearts." "Would you ever want to be one of those angels, Baby?" Baby nodded, her eyes bright. "Yes! I want to help people too!" Tracey''s face lit up. "Then how about Great-Grandma teaches you everything she knows?" Baby didn''t hesitate. "Okay!" "Really?" Tracey''s eyes sparkled. "Really! Pinky promise!" They hooked their pinkies, sealing their little promise right there in the sunny garden. Chapter 1296 When Elysia came back with her basket full of wild herbs, she spotted Tracey and Baby, the oldest and the youngest of the family, making a pinky promise on the porch. Grinning, Elysia called out, "Hey, what are you two up to?" Baby''s eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°Mommy, Mommy! I''m gonna be a nurse when I grow up!" "Oh yeah?" Elysia raised an eyebrow, amused. "Great-grandma says she''s gonna teach me everything she knows!" Baby announced, bouncing on her toes. Tracey chuckled, her eyes crinkling with delight. "Elysia, I think this little one has a real future in medicine!" "She''s just a kid, and yet she can already tell the difference between all these herbs! She''s a natural. I''d love to start teaching her some medical basics, if you''re okay with it?" Elysia didn''t hesitate. "Of course! Baby, do you want to learn?" As far as Elysia was concerned, you could never know too much. It was always a good idea to pick up more skills if you had the chance. She wasn''t a doctor herself, but she''d learned first aid and some medical know-how from her own grandmother. It hade in handy more times than she could count. If she hadn''t understood both psychology and some basic medicine, she probably never would''ve been able to help Elijah. And Tarquin''s insomnia-if she''d known nothing, she''d have just been left worrying and helpless. But now, she could mix up treatments, try a little acupuncture, adjust his remedies on the fly¡ªand not panic when things changed. Besides, medicine wasn''t just any skill. It was something that could help everyone, everywhere. Learning medicine meant you could help yourself and the people you cared about. That was a win-win in her book. So if Baby was interested, Elysia was all in. And if not? That was fine too. She''d never force her daughter to do something she didn''t love. After all, passion was the best teacher-when you enjoyed something, you learned faster and had more fun. Baby hopped around in pure joy. "I love it, I love it! When I be a nurse, I can take care of Daddy, Mommy, and my brothers, too!" Elysia ruffled her daughter''s hair, her heart melting. "If you love it, that''s all that matters. Mommy''s got your back!" Then she turned to Tracey with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Grandma. I know it''s a lot of work." "Oh, it''s no trouble at all!" Tracey beamed. "I''d be thrilled to take Baby on as my apprentice!" Elysiaughed. "Well then, Baby will have to serve you a good old English afternoon tea as thanks!" Tracey nodded, pleased as punch. Elysia knew her grandmother was an amazing healer, but she had no clue about Tracey''s real reputation To her, it was just about Baby learning a useful skill. She ne imagined that, if the world found out Tracey had taken on a new apprentice, it would cause a stir in every medical school from Harvard to Johns Hopkins. By the time the three of them finished gathering herbs and made it back to their cozy cabin, it was almost lunchtime. Tarquin was home. When he saw theming up the path, he hurried out to greet them, giving Tracey a respectful nod first. He took the heavy basket off Elysia''s shoulders. "Was it tough out there?" Elysia shook her head and shed him a grin. "It was nothing! I''m not some delicate flower, you know. When did you get back?" Before Tarquin could answer, Baby piped up, "Daddy, Mommy was amazing! She picked most of these herbs herself!" Tarquin grinned at his daughter, bncing the basket as he scooped Baby into his arms. "Are you tired, sweetheart?" "Nope! Oh, Daddy, guess what? Great-grandma is going to teach me all about medicine. When I''ve learned enough, Mommy and I will fix your insomnia together! We''ll definitely get you sleeping like a baby!" Tarquin blinked. "She''s teaching you medicine?¡± "Uh-huh! We even made a pinky promise about it!" Tracey looked at Tarquin, her gaze gentle but firm. "Baby''s got real talent-she''s a natural. I''d like to teach her some skills, but I promise, I won''t push her into being a doctor if she doesn''t want to. Learning medicine''s just a skill, not a life sentence." Tracey knew some folks from wealthy families mapped out their kids'' whole lives the moment they were born. Bing a doctor wasn''t always seen as morous as living the life of a trust fund heiress. But for Tracey, giving Baby a choice was what mattered most? Chapter 1297 Being a doctor isn''t just tough-it''s downright risky sometimes. Especially if you''re one of the good ones. Tarquin paused for a moment, then turned to look at Elysia. Elysia just grinned. "I think learning some medical skills is a great idea. Baby''s into it, too. I think it''s awesome." Tarquin just stared at her. He could tell right away-Elysia had absolutely no clue what it actually meant when Tracey said she wanted to take Baby on as her apprentice. Put it this way: if word got out, the whole medicalmunity would lose its mind. The Stevenson family would be beside themselves with jealousy. Honestly, Tarquin was happy for Baby, and he looked at Tracey with genuine gratitude. "If Grandma''s willing to teach her, that''s a real blessing for Baby. Thank you, Grandma. It means a lot." Tracey was delighted that Tarquin hadn''t objected. She immediately called to Baby, "Oh, it''s no trouble at all! Come on, sweetie, let your great-grandma show you some really neat stuff." "Okay!" Baby hopped down from Tarquin''s arms and grabbed Tracey''s hand, bouncing along as they headed toward Tracey''s cozy little cottage. Tarquin slung a basket of herbs over his shoulder and walked behind them with Elysia. They were bringing the fresh herbs over to Tracey''s ce. Elysia asked, "Did you guys eat the breakfast I left for you?" "I did. Bernard and Evan didn''t." "Really? Why not?" "They''re still not back yet." Actually, Bernard hade back earlier, but when he saw Evan was still gone- and knew Evan was out there with his student-he got worried and went looking for them. Elysia didn''t really think they were in any danger. She was just concerned they''d get hungry. "It''s nearly lunchtime. Aren''t they starving by now?" "They''ll be fine. Evan packed some food when he left." "Oh, then he''ll probably be gone until dinner. I should''ve guessed. Anyway, are all those poachers taken care of?" "Yeah, it''s all sorted out. Don''t stress about it." Elysia let out a sigh of relief. That was one less thing on her te. "Once Grandma figures out the right antidote, we can all go home. I just hope there aren''t any surprises back in Jindale City." "...Zane''s still with Winona Newsom, and Central Pharmaceuticals is still expanding. It''ll be fine. How long do you think Grandma will need make the antidote?" "Hard to say. There''s no set time." "No rush. This is a good chance for you to catch up with Grandma and Grandpa anyway." "Yeah, you''re right." Tarquin carried the herbs into Tracey''s little cottage. Tracey was busy showing Baby some of her babies"-tiny hydroponic seedlings and some rare aquatic creatures, all floating in ss jars. The sun made them shimmer, and they looked almost magical. "Look holding Baby," Tracey said, a jar. "You can this nt''s essence, and it''ll all sorts of wild hallucinohet you She pointed to another. "And this one? Even the meanest grizzly bear would drop like a stone with just a single leaf." "And over here this one''s a virus killer..." Tracey described everything with so much enthusiasm, clearly hoping to spark Baby''s curiosity. Baby was totally hooked, eyes wide, looking from one jar to the next. "Great- Grandma, do you think I could grow these myself one day?" "Of course! I bet you''ll find even more amazing nts and critters out in the wild. You''ll be even better at it than your old great-grandma!¡± Baby''s face was full of hope. Tracey''s face was all pride. By lunchtime, Elysia was in the kitchen, making sandwiches and sd. Tarquin scooped Baby up for a quick change-she''d been running around the herb garden and got mud all over her clothes. Once Baby was dressed, Walter whisked her away to show off some fireworks disys he''d been designing for the uing Fourth of July. Tarquin, now alone, went back to Tracey''s cottage. "Grandma?" Tracey looked up, curious. "What''s up?" Tarquin nodded seriously. "I wanted to ask you about someone..." Chapter 1298 Tracey paused what she was doing and called Tarquin over. "Have a seat, honey." She poured two sses of water-passing one to Tarquin and taking a sip from her own. Setting the pitcher down, she looked Tarquin dead in the eye from across the table. "So, who are you trying to dig up info on?" Tarquin''s voice was calm, almost too calm. "The person who created this virus." Her eyebrows shot up and she gave him a long, searching look before responding, her tone slower and more cautious. "And what makes you think I know them?" He didn''t hesitate. "I can tell, Grandma. You weren''t surprised by the virus. Not really. It was more like you recognized it." Tracey had been shocked when she saw the virus, but not because she hadn''t expected someone to develop it. No, the real shock was that she was already familiar with it. She''d seen it before, which meant she''d been involved with it somehow¡ªand probably knew who was behind it. She furrowed her brow, staring at Tarquin in silence for a moment, then took another sip of water, eyes never leaving his face. "All right then, what do you know? Let''s hear it from your side first." Tarquin didn''t beat around the bush. "From what I''ve got, the virus originated in Karl Town, Alerasia. There''s an OE News Agency there-looks like an ordinary newspaper, but under the surface, it''s got a massive underground researchb." "I don''t know the full extent of their research, but I''m pretty sure the virus is their handiwork." Tracey''s face darkened, and she leaned forward, voice edged with urgency. "You''re sure it came from there?" Tarquin shrugged. "I can''t say one hundred percent, but it''s highly likely. Our first identified case came straight out of that town. He grew up in Karl Town and told me the newspaper staff and even other townies were basically guinea pigs for that undergroundb." Tracey pressed on, "Isn''t that town mostly zhinorians? The paper, the whole town?" "Yeah, it''s almost all zhinorians. Karl Town''s famous for it-biggest zhinorianmunity around." Tracey clenched her jaw, something clicking in her mind. She mmed her palm on the table with a bang, making the old wooden thing shiver. "Bastards!" she spat. "They think they can wipe us out? Dream on!" She was visibly shaking with anger. Tarquin''s eyes narrowed as something dawned on him. "Grandma... are they experimenting on zhinorians? Testing out viruses to hurt us?" Tracey shot him a look, but didn''t answer directly. Instead she asked, "How did you catch wind of the first infected?" Tarquinid it out straight. "He''s my aunt''s kid-my cousin, sort of. We don''t get along. He came back from Karl Town, and honestly, I think he was looking for me." "But I happened to be out of town, in Oceanopolis with Elysia, so we never crossed paths. Still, my people were watching him. The moment be got sick, I knew." Tracey looked suspicious. ¡°So the first carrieres looking for you? You got beef with the person who made this virus?" Whoever unleashed the virus-whatever their reason-sending an infected person after Tarquin was clearly a threat. If Tarquin had met him and caught the virus, who knows what would''ve happened? Tarquin nodded, voice low. "Yeah... We have a personal vendetta. My mom and dad might''ve died because of this person." Tracey''s eyes narrowed even more. "And what exactly did your parents do to get on their bad side?" When Elysia got together with Tarquin, theyd run background checks on him-mostly looking at his reputation and love life. They hadn''t taken a deep dive into the Bradfords, or really looked into Tarquin''s parents at all. Chapter 1299 They never expected Tarquin''s parents to be tangled up with those kinds of people. If they''d had any idea, they would''ve dug up every bit of information about them ages ago. Tarquin frowned, his voice steady. "I honestly don''t know exactly why my folks got on their bad side. What I do know is, before my parents died, they left behind something that''s really important to them." "They''ve been watching me all these years, hoping I''ll lead them to it." "Whatever beef they had with my parents, it probably revolves around that thing." Tracey''s eyes widened. She leaned in, her tone urgent. "What is it? What did they leave behind?" Tarquin shook his head. "I wish I knew. My parents died so suddenly, and they never mentioned anything suspicious to me. I''ve gone through their stuff a hundred times-nothing stands out." Tracey frowned, pressing further. "Were your parents scientists? Maybe in the medical field?" Tarquin shook his head again. "No, not as far as I know. Their work had nothing to do with medicine-they were both more like literary buffs, really. My mom did work for OE News Agency for a while, though." Tracey blinked in surprise, staring at Tarquin for a moment. After a pause, she asked softly, "What do you think this thing is? Any guesses?" Tarquin''s shoulders slumped. "I have no clue. I''ve thought about it over and over. I keep reying every little moment we had as a family, but... nothing. Maybe they were just trying to protect me. Or maybe they never got the chance to tell me." "They never even hinted at something like this." "But one thing''s for sure: whatever it is, it means a lot to those people. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have spent all these years following me around." "And I think it must matter to the country, too. Before my parents died, they reached out to the Ministry of National Security. It even got the top brass involved." "They sent in the military to try to get my parents out, but it all went sideways. They couldn''t bring them back a and they never found that thing, either." Tracey let out a long breath, rubbing her temples. After a while, she suddenly changed the subject. "Tarquin, do you think it''s tragic, what happened to your parents?" "They managed to reach the Ministry of National Security, and the ministry went straight to the top. The government even sent the military. That has to mean thei deaths were linked to national security, right?" "If they really did die for their country, do you think it was worth it?" "How do you feel about someone sacrificing their life for the greater good?" She rattled off her questions, one after another. Tarquin didn''t get all fired up or start making speeches. He just spoke quietly, but you could tell he meant every word. "It''s tragic, sure. But it was worth it. They were protecting not just our country, but our family and their own sense of honor." "A strong country is the backbone for all of us. The more prosperous we are, the prouder we can be." "When youe from a powerful nation, you can walk into any part of the world with your head held high. People respect you. They treat you differently." "But if you lose your country, what''s left for your family? Or your own dignity?" "People living in war zones can barely survive, let alone talk about pride or happiness." "Our peace, ourfort-it alles from the strength and prosperity of our country." Tarquin wasn''t the type to go waving gs or shouting slogans. He was just a businessman, through and through. But before he was a businessman, he was always a patriot. Chapter 1300 Tracey nodded, then asked, "If our country was in danger, would you take your money and run overseas, or...?" "I''d stay and stand with my country and my family." Tarquin cut her off, answering without hesitation, his face serious. Tracey looked at him, clearly pleased, her tone softening. "The person you''re asking about-I can''t help you there. I honestly don''t know who they are." Tarquin frowned. "What?" Tracey exined, "I think you want to know who''s really pulling the strings behind the virus. I''ve only ever heard rumors about their research team." "The one truly responsible for your parents'' deaths¡ªthat''s gotta be the mastermind, the one calling the shots behind the scenes." She leaned back, sighing. "Scientists abroad, most of them are just highly-skilled employees. Their research directions, even what happens to their results¡ªall of that is decided by the big shots funding them, not the scientists themselves." "But if you want, I can dig up every detail I know about the research teamter and send it to you." "Right now, though, there''s something more important. Come with me, Tarquin.¡± She stood up and headed for theb, Tarquin hurrying after her, unsure what to expect. Inside theb, Tracey opened the safe right in front of him. Inside were some sealed folders and eight small vials, eachbeled with a number. She took them out and lined them up on the workbench. "You were right. I''ve known about this virus for a long time. I''ve been researching it myself. That''s why I was so shocked when Elysia brought it to me." She pointed to the first vial. "This is the very first version-the generation one virus. It was a total failure." She gestured down the line. "This is generation two, three, four... The one you brought is generation eight." "All the versions before number eight kept getting stronger-two was worse than one, three worse than two, and so on. But the eighth version you gave me? It''s weird. It''s not stronger than the seventh. In fact, it''s somewhere between four and five in strength." "In other words, it''s more dangerous than the fourth, but weaker than the fifth." "Another strange thing: the first seven versions came out in quick session every three or five years, another one popped up. But between the seventh and eighth versions, there''s a thirty-five year gap!" She looked at Tarquin. "Think about it. After all that time, the eighth version should''ve been even deadlier, but it''s weaker. Do you know why that is?" Tarquin stared at the vials, troubled. "Does it have something to do with how my parents died?" Tracey nodded. "If my hunch is right, the problem started with your mom and dad." "The seventh generation virus was created thirty-five years ago. Normally, after a few years, the eighth would appear-and it should''ve been more lethal." "The seventh was already horrifying-people barely survived three or four days after infection. Imagine how terrifying the eighth would''ve been! If it had worked as nned, it would kill in less than a day." wne BUMS "But something happened. Thirty-five years went by before the eighth version showed up, and it turned out to be a dud." "My guess? They did make a real eighth generation virus, but something went wrong. An ident, maybe one that stopped it from ever being released." "And I think your parents were part of that ident." Tarquin''s eyes widened. "You''re saying they killed my parents, and have been watching me all these years, because of the real eighth generation virus?" Tracey nodded again. "That''s exactly what I think." Tarquin frowned, puzzling it out. "But my mom was just one of their test subjects. How could she have gotten that close to something so secret?" The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1301 "They spent years-decades, really-pouring their blood, sweat, and tears into this project. No way would they let some test subject just waltz in and steal it." "And if my parents really did manage to make off with the Gen-8 virus, why would the people behind it go straight to killing them, instead of capturing them and squeezing everyst secret out of them?" "Plus, if they''d already cracked the code for Gen-8, even if someone stole it, the research team should be able to recreate it, right? So why is it that their new Gen- 8 is so wed?" Tracey''s face was grave, her tone serious. "There are definitely a lot of suspicious things about your parents and the real Gen-8 virus. But thatst question, I think, has a pretty clear answer." "It''s been thirty-five years, and they still haven''t managed to reproduce the real Gen-8. If anything, their research has gone backwards. That suggests something went wrong with the team itself." "Think about it-these scientists have been at this since Gen-1, then from Gen-7 to the real Gen-8. All those years add up. Most of the original researchers would be either retired, dead, or¡ªwell, maybe even taken out by someone with an agenda." "If all the crucial data was lost along the way, the whole thing would have to be rebuilt from scratch, with a new team. And if those neers aren''t up to snuff, then of course their Gen-8 would be a pale shadow of the real thing." Tarquin Bradford nodded. That exnation made sense, at least. But there were still so many strange coincidences between his parents and the real Gen-8 virus. Maybe they died because of the virus-or maybe for some other reason. The mysterious figure who kept tracking him¡ªmaybe they were looking for information about Gen-8, or samples, or... something else entirely. "Tarquin, there are thousands of deadly viruses out there," Tracey said suddenly, her voice softer now. "Do you know why I care so much about this one?" Tarquin looked at her, shaking his head. "No. Why?" ful Tracey sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose You see the news. Wars breaking out all over-innocent people caught in the crossfire, lives shattered, kids growing up with nothing but fear and pain. It''s right? When you see what''s happening in ces like Gaza, when you see the hopelessness in those children''s eyes, it breaks your heart. But I can tell you, with absolute certainty, if the real Gen-8 virus ever gets released here, what we''ll face will make their suffering look merciful byparison." Tarquin''s eyes widened. He''d never seen Tracey so serious. "Bioweapons are a hell of a lot scarier than guns or bombs," she said, voice low and urgent. "And this virus... it''s something else entirely." She leaned in, whispering to Tarquin. Whatever she told him made his pupils dte in shock-he was stunned, more than he''d ever been in his life. Tracey clenched her jaw, her fists tight. "We all know peace is what humanity needs. But there''s always someone-some country, some power, some group-who refuses to let the world live in peace!" "They''ll sacrifice anything-other people, their own children''s futures-just to satisfy their own greed or twisted desires." "And then there are those who get their kicks from misery. The more others suffer, the happier they are." "And don''t even get me started on those jealous nations-soon as they see someone else getting stronger their first instinct isn''t to improve themselves, but to tear the other guy down. Is that not the dumbest, most vicious thing you can imagine?" Her hands were balled into fists, her voice trembling with rage. "I had to fake my own death and disappear because of people like them!" Chapter 1302 Tracey''s face twisted in anger as she spoke, her voice trembling with outrage. "They want me gone. I''m just an obstacle to them and their bioweapons. If I''m out of the way, nothing stands between them and wiping out my people-my home!" She mmed her fist on the counter, her eyes zing. "Let them keep dreaming! As long as I''m breathing, I won''t let them seed!" "Just because I''ve gone off the grid doesn''t mean I''m powerless!" "As long as I''m alive, as long as I can fight, they''ll never use those horrors to hurt my people or destroy my country!" Her hands shook as her fury grew, and she started coughing from the emotion. Tarquin snapped out of his shock and rushed to refill her mug with steaming tea. "Grandma, please. Take it easy." Tracey took several deep breaths, but the anger didn''t leave her eyes. The memories of what those people had done to her-how they''d tried to ruin her- still burned hot inside her. "I''m a doctor, Tarquin. People call me the heir to Hippocrates. I love my country, and I love my people!" "If I had my way, I''d spend every day in the hospital or theb, trying to make a difference for everyone." "But those bastards wouldn''t allow it! They thought I was too good at what I do, that I got in their way, so they tried to get rid of me. Cowards! Snakes! Absolute scum!" Right now, Tracey looked just like the die-hard fans you see at a football match¡ª finding out their favorite team got cheated out of a win. She was fired up, filled with righteous fury. Tarquin''s brow furrowed as he listened, his face darkening. He''d always known there were other countries who looked at theirs with envy, but he hadn''t realized just how far they''d go-how ruthless they could be. It was more twisted, more evil than he''d imagined. When Tracey finally calmed down a little, Tarquin asked quietly, "Was it really that bad? You and Grandpa, faking your deaths and going into hiding-was it all forced on you?" Tracey neither nodded nor shook her head. "There''s always pressure. But there''s also duty." Then, she changed the subject. "Tarquin, Elysia may havee from Benny''s side of the family, but s got a heart of gold. She raised your kids to be just like love her-big-hearted and loyal "You''re her husband, and you''re their dad. Don''t let them down! Be the man they''re proud of." "You have to stand tall for your country, no matter what. No matter what happens, you stick with your family and your homnd, always!" Tarquin nodded solemnly. "I understand." Tracey''s eyes glittered with resolve. "Our country''s been around for thousands of years. What are those schemerspared to us? Just a bunch of petty crooks dreaming they can take us all down-not a chance!" Tarquin''s mind spun as he remembered what Tracey had whispered to him earlier. "Grandma, if the real eighth-generation virus is released... could you beat it?" Tracey''s gaze turned steely. "I cracked the first seven, didn''t I? I''ve got a lead on the eighth. But I haven''t seen the real thing yet, so I can''t finish my research." "Tarquin, I think your parents are mixed up in this eighth-generation business." "Think, son. Try to find whatever they''ve got! If we can figure out how to defeat it, those creeps won''t have anything left to threaten us with!" "Let them break their backs trying to invent something new. The moment they think they''ve got us cornered we''ll m the antidote down on the table and wipe the smug grins off their faces. Can you imagine how satisfying that''ll be?" Tarquin grinned fiercely, "I''ll do everything I can to find it!" The two of them stayed in theb, deep in conversation, until Elysia Thorne finished making lunch. Soon, Baby''s voice echoed through the hallway. "Dad? Great-Grandma? Where are you?" The moment Tracey heard Baby''s voice, she snapped back to herself, the storm in her eyes clearing for a moment. Chapter 1303 "Sweetheart,e over here to Great-Grandma." The little girl darted into theb. ¡°Great-Grandma, Daddy, what are you looking at?" Tracey beamed, eyes warm with affection. "I''m showing your dad some of my special collectibles." "Those tiny bottles over there?" "That''s right." Baby''s big, round eyes sparkled with curiosity as she stared at the eight little vials lined up on the table. "Great-Grandma, what''s inside these bottles?" "Monsters," Tracey replied, a hint of mischief in her smile. "Huh?! Like, real monsters?" "Mhm! Tiny monsters that can eat people!" "Whaaat?!" Baby''s face was a picture of shock. She''d clearly inherited Elysia''s trusting nature-anything Tracey said, she believed, easy to amuse and even easier to fool. The thought of people-eating monsters sealed up in those bottles made her a bit nervous. She scurried behind Tarquin and clung to his shirt. "Daddy, I''m scared." Tarquin turned, bent down, and scooped her up. "Don''t be, kiddo. Daddy''s here." Tracey chuckled. "Monsters are scary, sure, but every monster has a weakness. Baby, want to help Great-Grandma research how to beat them?" Curiosity lit up Baby''s face. Her voice was tiny and sweet: "Is their weakness superheroes? Like Captain America or Iron Man?" Tracey grinned. "We''re not studying superheroes today-we''re looking at legendary heroes! Like Perseus, Hercules, and King Arthur!" Baby''s eyes grew even wider. "Wow! Were they really strong?" Tracey nodded. "The strongest! Perseus could defeat the Gorgon Medusa and sea serpents. Hercules fought the Hydra and the Nemean Lion. And King Arthur? He battled dragons and evil knights. Pretty awesome, right?" Baby''s eyes sparkled. "They sound even cooler than Iron Man!" Traceyughed. "If you help me, we''ll work together to send all those monsters packing and keep our world safe. How does that sound?" Baby''s jaw dropped in excitement. "Can I really fight monsters, too?" "Of course! I can tell you''re a brave little warrior already." Baby was easy to tter-onepliment and she was bouncing with excitement, nodding fiercely. "Yeah! I want to fight monsters with Great-Grandma! I want to be a little hero!" "Deal, deal, deal!" Tracey couldn''t stop smiling. Tarquin watched his daughter, so inspired and enthusiastic. He was proud, but couldn''t help thinking to himself: She''s just like Elysia-so innocent, so sweet. Silly, adorable, and kind-hearted. Tracey finished locking the bottles in a safe. "We''ll study more this afternoon. First, let''s get some lunch." "Okay!" Baby grabbed Tracey''s hand, skipping toward the door. Tracey, in high spirits, turned to Tarquin. "Leave Baby with me. You and Elysia don''t need to worry. Myb might be full of strange stuff, but I''ll keep her safe and sound-she won''t get near anything dangerous." Working with viruses and chemicals always came with risks, and Tarquin''s heart ached at the thought. But he nodded. "We trust youpletely." Baby would face risks if she studied medicine, sure. But no matter what she chose in life, there''d be challenges. No oak tree ever grew tall in a greenhouse. You can''t see a rainbow without a little rain. He loved Baby, but he wouldn''t smother her. He knew that giving her real opportunities was the best thing for her future. So he supported Baby learning from Tracey, wholeheartedly. Tracey was strong, wise, and principled. It was a stroke of luck for Baby to have her as a mentor. This was her great opportunity-and he wouldn''t stand in the way. Still... Chapter 1304 Ever since Tracey''s words earlier that day, Tarquin just couldn''t settle his mind. Everything seemed peaceful on the surface, but underneath, there was a storm brewing-dangerous currents no one dared talk about. The fights between countries never really stopped. Tarquin wanted peace, always had. But there were people out there who just loved to stir up trouble, who couldn''t stand the idea of folks simply getting along. And when wars start, who pays the price? Not the politicians. Not the generals. It''s regr people-folks just trying to make a living, raise families, put food on the table. Sure, their country was prospering these days. They had the best technology, the best defense systems-missiles, tanks, fleets that could stand up to anyone who came knocking. But it wasn''t the guns and bombs that kept Tarquin up at night. It was the dirty tricks behind closed doors-the kind you couldn''t seeing. Everyone knew: biological weapons were the worst of the worst. The kind of evil that made even war look tame. Just look at history-Squad Seven''s atrocities were enough proof of that. And now, rumors were swirling about a new kind of virus, one even worse than before. If it ever saw the light of day, the devastation would be unimaginable. Worse, this thing was designed specifically to target them. Tarquin''s mind shed with images he wished he could forget-cities in chaos, neighbors broken and desperate, Elysia clutching their kids, terrified. He clenched his jaw, anger simmering. Just because they wanted peace didn''t mean they were weak. Some countries¡ªsome organizations-kept testing just how far they could push things before it all blew up in their faces. One day, they''d get what wasing to them. He had to find this so-called "Generation Eight" virus before they finished it. Had to figure out how to stop it before it ever hit the streets. But where was it? His parents'' deaths-no doubt, they were connected. The "mysterious person" who kept after him, what they wanted-it had to be this. If it''s that important, that dangerous... where would Mom and Dad have hidden it? "Hey. Everything okay? You look a million miles away." Elysia''s voice brought him back. She was standing right in front of him, looking concerned. Tracey and Baby had already gone into the kitchen. He was still rooted to the spot. Elysia grinned, "Baby walked in and immediately told me you were outside, just staring off into space. What''s going on? You look like you''ve seen a ghost." Tarquin pulled himself together and fibbed, "Your grandma said she wants Baby to start learning medicine with her." Elysiaughed, ¡°That''s what''s got you all twisted up? You''re worried about her?" He nodded. "A little, yeah." Her smile grew even brighter. "You''re such a softie for our girl." She looped her arm through his, leading him toward the dining room. "Medicine''s a tough path, and not exactly safe. We''re still figuring so much out, and there''s all kinds of risks. But I support Baby and Grandma all the way." "Learning medicine, it''s good for her, and good for everyone else. Grandma says Baby''s got talent, and honestly, I see how much she loves mixing up those herbs and potions." "With the right guidance, she could really do something amazing. Make a difference, you know? We''ll always need more doctors. The more people who know how to heal, the better for everyone." "Me, I was never that interested in medicine, but I stuck with it because, well-when the kids have a fever or scrape their knee, at least I know what to do. And even if I never be a real doctor, at help out. That counts for Cast can something.¡± "Imagine if everyone knew a little first aid-maybe folks wouldn''t have to wait hours in the ER just for a cough." Elysia chuckled, "Okay, maybe that''s a little idealistic. But I''m all for Baby learning medicine. You never know when those skills wille in handy." Tarquin looked down at her. Grandma was right¡ªElysia really did have a big, giving heart. Even her daughter learning medicine turned into a way to help the world. So gentle. So kind. He kept the virus and the darkness locked away, and just said, "You''re right. I support her too." Chapter 1305 "Elysia''s smile was bright and gentle. "Well then, stop looking so glum, let''s go get some lunch." "Yeah. Have Evan and Bernard made it back yet?" "Nope. Those two are always like this¡ªout early, backte. Walter''s around though, and Quincy, he¡ª" Before Elysia could finish, a shout rang out behind her. "Daddy! Mommy!" Tarquin and Elysia stopped and turned just in time to see Emmett barreling toward them, face beaming with excitement. "Daddy! Mommy!" he yelled again, practically bouncing. He was over the moon, absolutely thrilled. Elysia grinned and swept him up into her arms, nting a quick kiss on his cheek. "What''s got you in such a good mood, Emmett? Something special happen?" Emmett proudly pulled out a pin from his pocket. "Look, Mom! Quincy gave this to me." The pin was simple, a little old-fashioned¡ªjust a small piece of metal with a star stamped on it. Nothing fancy, no intricate designs or vibrant colors. Some might say it was just an old badge, a relic really, but the tiny words etched under the star were anything but ordinary: First President of the Artistry Alliance Elysia''s eyes widened as she nced over at Quincy. Thanks to Winona Newsom, she''d picked up a thing or two about the art and fashion scene. The first generation of the Artistry Alliance carried serious weight. It was founded by the legends¡ªthe real deal, true masters of their craft. The current President was still one of those original members, way past retirement age but holding the fort until a worthy sessor could be found. Being President of the Artistry Alliance was like being the head of the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association¡ªpractically the highest honor in the field. And the first President? That was the stuff of legend, the best of the best. Elysia always knew Quincy was talented, but she never realized just how extraordinary he was¡ªhe''d actually been the very first President! If Winona were here, Elysia figured she''d probably be on her knees, begging for an autograph by now. And now Quincy had given this badge to Emmett¡ªofficially making Emmett his chosen apprentice! Elysia held Emmett, staring at Quincy in astonishment, momentarily at a loss for words. Emmett, not quite as sharp as Elliot or Evan, didn''t really grasp the full significance of that little badge. What had him so excited was¡ª "Mom, Quincy said that with this, I can visit the old President of the Artistry Alliance anytime I want!" The current President happened to be Emmett''s idol¡ªhe loved his work. Before Elysia could respond, Emmett blurted out even more excitedly, "And guess what, Mom? From today on, Quincy and I aren''t just family, we''re teacher and student! I even poured him tea and bowed, just like you''re supposed to." Elysia blinked. "You already had the ceremony?" "Yup!" She turned to Quincy for confirmation. "Is that right, Quincy?" Quincy, dressed casually but with an unmistakable air of elegance that even time couldn''t diminish, nodded with a sparkle in his eye. You could tell he''d been a real heartthrob in his youth. He looked proud and just a little smug as he answered, "Elysia, you don''t mind, do you? This just makes our family ties even tighter!" Elysia quickly replied, "Of course I don''t mind! Emmett, remember¡ªrespect your teacher like your own father. You need to look after Quincy from now on." Emmett nodded earnestly. "I''ll take care of Quincy when he''s old!" Quincy, like Bernard, had never married or had kids¡ªhe was something of a bachelor. Truth be told, guys at their level didn''t really worry about what would happen after they were gone¡ªwhether they''d get a grand funeral or just fade away. But hearing Emmett say that made Quincy genuinely happy. "Finally, someone to carry on my legacy! Ha!" Tarquin, standing off to the side with a faint, amused smile, watched the scene unfold. Wasn''t Quincy the happiest of them all now that he had a student like Emmett?" Chapter 1306 He was just like Elysia-not really interested in the world of art or high fashion. Most days, he dressed however he liked, mixing and matching whatever felt good. His sense of style had nothing to do with trends or designerbels; it was all aboutfort and his own preferences. Anything he did know about the art and fashion scene came from Keaton Huber. Keaton wasn''t a celebrity or a supermodel, but he loved hanging out at movie premieres and chasing after models. He was a total gossip and always kept him up to date on who was dating who, or which designer was feuding with which magazine editor. The third son bing the prot¨¦g¨¦ of a legend? That was a big deal. But... Quincy probably had his own reasons for making it all official, didn''t he? Emmett had spent five years living up in the mountains, training under Quincy, who never once made it official or asked for any public recognition. But now, out of the blue, Quincy handed Emmett the honorary pin and made a whole ceremony out of it. It was pretty clear-Quincy wanted things out in the open. Why the sudden urge for recognition? He had a hunch it was all about Emmett''s grandfather. Quincy and Emmett''s biological grandfather were both giants in the art and fashion world, but their approach and philosophy couldn''t have been more different. Quincy leaned toward pure art, while Emmett''s grandpa was all about high fashion. There''s a real difference between the two: art is about self-expression and creativity, while fashion is about market trends and what the crowd wants. Quincy was a diehard fan of the ssic Zhinora style¡ªhis work took the old- school Zhinora aesthetic to a whole new level. Emmett''s grandpa, meanwhile, had spent years studying abroad and brought back a wild, eclectic vibe to his designs, making them a hit on the international scene. Naturally, the two sides didn''t see eye to eye, which pretty much split the whole industry into two major camps. One camp was led by the Artistry Alliance, while the other followed Emmett''s grandfather. Fans from both camps were always at each other''s throats online, hyping up their own favorites and tearing down thepetition. To put it simply, neither side had any respect for the other. Quincy''s hurry to make things official with Emmett? No doubt he''d learned who Emmett''s grandfather really was. He''d spent years personally mentoring a prodigy, and now he was expected to just hand him over to the other side? No way was Quincy going to let that happen. He had to stake his im first! So what if Old Mr. White was Emmett''s biological grandfather? Emmett was Quincy''sst and most cherished disciple! Which meant, from now on, Emmett was basically untouchable in both the art and fashion worlds. His mentor was the founder and most respected figure of the Artistry Alliance, adored by fans and critics alike. His grandfather was the king of high fashion¡ªa living legend, respected by everyone, even their mother! We''re talking about the one and only Old Mr. White, beloved around the globe. And let''s not forget Emmett''s own natural talent... Who could evenpete? No exaggeration-soon the art and fashion world would be Emmett''s for the taking. The only headache he''d have would be figuring out how to keep both sides of his fanbase happy at the same time. If Keaton ever found out about Emmett''s new status, he''d probablytch onto him like a barnacle, no shame at all! And Winona? She''d probably treat Emmett better than her own sugar daddy, given how easily Emmett couldunch her career in Hollywood! Tarquin mulled this over, ncing again at Elysia. No matter how impressive the kids were, they were all her children. She was the real powerhouse behind it all! Their eldest had trained under Gerald Morgan and, at a young age, had already made the Forbes list. The second son had learned from the legendary "Iron Fist" and the old masters, plus had that mysterious scar-faced mentor-no wonder he was ranked second in the next gen martial arts scene. Who''d dare im first ce? The third son-mentored by both Old Mr. White and Quincy-stood at the top of the industry. And then there was Elijah, the youngest, who had trained with the Patel family and was now making a name for himself in the hacking world, learning from the very best and carving out his own legacy. No doubt about it-the future was theirs. Chapter 1307 Youngest daughter Baby had trained under none other than Tracey, the most renowned and powerful figure in modern medicine. If anyone was destined to take the medical world by storm, it was going to be her. But what really mattered was that all the little ones in the family loved her to bits- each one more than thest! So, who was the real star these days? Elysia, no doubt about it! You definitely didn''t want to get on her bad side-she was untouchable. ... Meanwhile, across town in Jindale City... Benjamin Lawson had just received word from Tarquin. Without wasting a second, he started working every connection he had to arrange a meeting with Old Mr. Stevenson-Victor Stevenson himself. Not an easy man to get ahold of. Sure, the Lawsons had a legacy in medicine, running the biggest and most prestigious private hospital in Jindale City, and Benjamin''s family had been respected names in the field for generations. Butpared to Victor Stevenson, their influence was a drop in the ocean. Benjamin couldn''t get an appointment at first, but once he mentioned Tarquin''s name, Victor finally agreed to spare him a few minutes-ten, to be exact. And it wasn''t even face-to-face. Just a video call. Victor was in King City, not Jindale City at the moment. The threat of the virus wasn''t widely recognized yet-there hadn''t been any serious outbreaks-so Victor wasn''t about to drop everything and get involved personally. As soon as the call connected, Benjamin greeted him with the utmost respect. "Hello, Victor. It''s good to see you." The old man, with his shock of white hair, nodded back. "Hello. I hear Mr. Bradford has a message for me?" Benjamin nodded, hesitating briefly-after all, the message wasn''t exactly pleasant. He did his best to put Tarquin''s words as delicately as possible. But even with Benjamin''s careful phrasing, Victor''s face immediately darkened. He looked about as far from pleased as you could get. Tarquin was a big shot in the business world, but Victor was a giant in medicine. He felt he had every right to be just as forceful as Tarquin. After all, Victor was the personal doctor to the highest-ranking officials in the country. When it came to influence, he was no lightweight. Victor spoke in his usual, calm-but-cold tone. "Mr. Bradford sure has a temper. My granddaughter says a few things about his wife, and he storms straight over to give me a piece of his mind!" "He''s a Bradford, we''re the Stevensons. Whatever happens, it''s not his ce to lecture my family on how to raise our kids." Benjamin could see Victor was getting worked up and tried to smooth things over. "I think you should know, Tarquin is crazy protective of his family especially his wife. Ms. Stevenson said some things that got venson back to him, and, well, you know how he is." Benjamin chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Honestly, if it had been anyone J just other than your granddaughter, Victor, Tarquin wouldn''t have talked-he would''ve acted. But he''s got a lot of respect for you. Victor was no fool¡ªhe knew Tarquin was not someone to cross. After a brief pause, he finally said, "You tell Mr. Bradford, look, girls will be girls they bicker, it''s no big deal. But, since he''s so concerned, have a word with Sabrina and remind her to watch what she says." Victor made it clear he wasn''t about to make Sabrina Stevenson apologize, and Benjamin knew not to push it further. He simply nodded. "Alright, I''ll let Tarquin know what you said." The moment Benjamin finished speaking, Victor ended the call. With a frown, Victor turned to his assistant. "Sabrina''s at odds with Tarquin''s wife?" The assistant shook his head. "I''m not entirely sure, sir. All I''ve heard is that Ms. Stevenson''s been publicly criticizing a woman named Elysia." "She''s in medicine, too?" "No, sir. But a few days ago, she and Ms. Stevenson both came up with a cure for the same illness-at the exact same time." Victor raised an eyebrow. "If she isn''t from the medical field, how''d she manage that?" The assistant hesitated. "Well... Ms. Stevenson ims Ms. Thorne stole her research." Chapter 1308 Victor frowned, silent for a moment before he asked, "You''re sure this Ms. Thorne isn''t from the medical field?" "Positive. Folks in Jindale City said she only did a year at college, and it wasn''t even anything close to medicine. Her family''s in business-not a single doctor among them. But she does seem to have a knack for child psychology." The assistant paused, then suggested, "Should I call Miss Stevenson now and get more details?" "No need. I''ll just ask Sabrina myself." At that moment, Sabrina was still over in Jindale City. When Victor''s call came through, she sounded thrilled. "Grandpa! Missed me already?" Victor''s face was still stern, but seeing his granddaughter, he couldn''t help but smile a little, feigning annoyance. "Miss you? Not a chance!" Sabrina giggled, "But I miss you, Grandpa!" "Oh, you do? Well, just don''t go causing me any more trouble, you hear? Did you get into it with Tarquin''s wife again?" Sabrina frowned. "You mean Elysia?" "I don''t care what her name is. All I know is she''s Tarquin''s wife." Sabrina was clearly annoyed now. "She''s something else, isn''t she? Comining about me all the way to you! I didn''t pick a fight with her, I just can''t stand her attitude." "She throws her weight around just because her husband''s a big shot. Acts like she''s royalty and I''m supposed to bow and scrape!" "Sure, the Bradfords are a powerful family, but that doesn''t mean the Stevensons are pushovers! If I just rolled over and took it, it''d be an embarrassment to all of us. No way I''m letting that happen." Sabrina wasn''t exactly known for her medical skills or her people skills-but she knew how to y her grandpa. Victor was highly respected in the medical field. He was honest, humble, and genuinely valued talent. But as the head of the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association, he was surrounded by people eager to tter him. Over the years, all that praise had gotten to his head a bit, and he couldn''t stand to hear anyone say a bad word about the Stevenson family. Plus, with Sabrina being his only granddaughter, he was always a little soft on her. "She gave you attitude?" "Yeah, she''s always looking down her nose at me." "But why? You two barely even know each other." Sabrina didn''t miss a beat. "She''s just jealous, Grandpa. Sure, her husband''s loaded, but at the end of the day, money''s all he''s got." "But look at me-I''ve got you, the head of the Medical & Phanical Association! Your work does way more for people than her husband''s money ever could." "Plus, she''s not even as good a doctor as I am. She''s jealous, that''s all!" "Even if I didn''t have the Stevenson name or you backing me up, I could make it on my own." "But her? If she lost her husband, she''d just be another trophy wife with nothing going for her!" Victor''s tone turned serious. "What about that antidote form fromst time? What''s the story there?" Sabrina lied without even blinking. "She stole my research, Grandpa!" Victor hesitated. "But during thest online meeting, nobody mentioned anything about stealing research." Sabrina huffed, ¡°I was afraid her husband would go after the Stevensons if I said anything. That''s why I kept quiet." "Then why grumble about it behind her back?" "Because it''s so unfair! Grandpa, imagine working your tail off on some breakthrough, only to have someone else im it as their own and you can''t even call them out. I had to vent somewhere." Victor paused. "There''s one thing I still don''t get. She''s not even in the medical field-why would she steal your research?" Sabrina replied, "She''s trying to pave her way into medicine, obviously! She wants a foot in the door." Victor went quiet for a moment. "Sabrina, you''re not lying to Grandpa, are you?" Sabrina sounded indignant. "Of course not! Why would I lie to you?" Victor let out a long sigh. "I''ve told you Steven before, even though the lead the medical Borld, I can''t just hand everything to §å§Ò§Ú on a silver tter." "I''ll always support you, but if you want to stand at the top, you''ll have to earn it yourself." Chapter 1309 "First of all, you''ve got to work hard, Sabrina. Really put your head down and get the kind of results that''ll make everyone respect you-enough that they''ll want you leading them." "And second, you need to build strong rtionships with people who matter. Doesn''t matter if it''s in medicine or any other field-having a solidwork of aplished people will do wonders for your future." "And unless it''s absolutely necessary, don''t get into fights with the big shots." "Of course, I''m not saying you should let people walk all over you. If Tarquin''s wife really picks on you, don''t be afraid of her. Even if it means going all the way to the top, I''ll make sure you get justice!" Sabrina bit her lip, determined. "I''m not lying, Grandpa. She started it! She''s not just rude-she''s shameless!" "She stole the credit for my work and imed it as her own. I could''ve just sucked it up, but I didn''t." "I called her, mainly out of respect for Mr. Bradford, tried to make peace, and even offered to bring her into the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association if we pulled this off together." ¡°But instead of being grateful, she just mocked me!" "She said she didn''t need my help to get into the Association-that her husband could get her in with a single phone call." "And she said even if she could help develop a cure, she''d never work with me." "She''s off on summer vacation now, taking her kids to Disney World or whatever, doesn''t care at all about patients or medical ethics!" "She even threatened that once she''s back from vacation, she''ll see to it that you get kicked out as president, Grandpa. Said she''ll take your ce." "She''s out to wipe the Stevenson family name from the medicalmunity!" "That''s outrageous!" Victor fumed. "Everything we''ve done for medicine-and she thinks she can erase it, just like that?!" "Exactly, Grandpa! If someone like her-no morals, no sense of right or wrong- gets into the medical field, it''d be a disaster! The whole profession would fall apart!" Victor''s face darkened. "Ignorant. She doesn''t know her ce." Sabrina kept going, adding fuel to the fire. "She''s just riding on Mr. Bradford''s coattails. Has no idea who she really is." Then she turned, a touch more cautious, "Grandpa, did Mr. Bradford call you toin about me?" Victor nodded, "He did. Told me to warn you, not to mess with his wife." Sabrina pulled a face, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Elysia''s just a conniving gold-digger, Grandpa. She''s got Mr. Bradford wrapped around her finger. He''s actually a decent guy-you shouldn''t be mad at him. If you want to be angry, be angry at that witch Elysia!" She couldn''t stand Elysia, but she kind of liked Tarquin. Maybe even had a little crush on him. Her dream? Get rid of Elysia, make Tarquin see her for who she is, divorce her- -kick Elysia out with her brood of kids- ¡ªand maybe, just maybe, see if things could work out with Tarquin. Victor had no clue what Sabrina was plotting. He just frowned and said, "Look, whatever the case, the warning got all the way up to r Weed to chill out for now You focus on your work." Conte "If you and your team can develop the cure, the Association will give you top honors." Sabrina muttered, "But what if she keeps giving me trouble?" ¡°If she dares, I''ll handle her myself," Victor promised. Sabrina''s mood instantly brightened. "Okay!" To her, Grandpa was everything. If he stood up for her and put Elv her no one could t in him out of it. Not Tarquin, not even the most powerful folks in the country-her grandpa''s reputation was untouchable. Elysia might have business connections, but in medicine, she had no one. Sabrina hated her guts. She had to make sure Elysia never got back up again. Let her lose, and lose for good! Chapter 1310 "Achoo-" Elysia sneezed again as she and Tracey studied the antidote together. She''d already sneezed several times in a row! Rubbing her nose, Elysia grumbled, ¡°Ugh, is someone out there talking smack about me?" Tracey nced at her, saw her rosy cheeks, and shook her head. "You definitely don''t look sick. Did you make an enemy out there?" Elysia thought for a moment. Well, every woman crushing on Tarquin probably hated her guts. They were practically chanting online: "Homewrecker! She''s public enemy number one!" But if she had to name names, it''d be N ter and her daughter, Daphne Thorne and her daughter. Oh, right-Sabrina, too. Before she went back to the countryside, Sabrina had made it pretty clear she wasn''t a fan. Suddenly remembering Sabrina, Elysia frowned. "Grandma, have you ever heard of the Stevenson family?" Tracey turned to look at her. "You got beef with the Stevensons?" "No, just curious." Tracey let out a deep sigh. "Yeah, I know the Stevensons. Actually, I was about to ask you¡ªif we''re dealing with this virus, shouldn''t Victor Stevenson be able to handle it?" For a regr doctor, it was understandable if they couldn''t solve this. And Elysia, still learning, wasn''t expected to crack it either. But Victor was the head of the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association-the best doctor around. If he couldn''t do anything about this virus... well, that was pretty worrying for the whole medical field! Sure, this virus was tricky, but it was somewhere between a fourth and fifth generation strain. If even that was unbeatable, then forget about ever dealing with something truly dangerous in the future. Elysia shrugged. "I honestly don''t know if Victor can solve it. Far as I know, he hasn''t even joined the research team. The Association put together a special task force, but Victor''s not in it. Do you know him, Grandma?" "I worked with him a long time ago, before I retired. I know what kind of person he is, but we''re not close." "So what do you think of him?" Tracey thought for a moment. "Hard-working, talented-he''s a natural when ites to medicine. He loves it, lives and breathes it." "So you think he deserves to be president of the Association?" Tracey frowned, considering. "Honestly, I don''t see anyone else who could do the job right now." Our country''s medical field wasn''t exactly booming; even with all the funding, good doctors were in short supply. Victor was basically the g-bearer for the whole Elysia asked, "Is that job hereditary? Is it always going to be the Stevenson family?" "Of course not!" Tracey replied. "They hold a vote. Whoever''s best for the job gets it." "Oh, good." Elysia looked relieved. Tracey watched her closely. "Why do you ask?" Elysia kept her eyes on the herbs she was mixing, muttering, "I''m just worried Victor might try to hand the job to his granddaughter. I''ve met her-she''s really not cut out for it." "She''s not capable, she doesn''t care about patients, and honestly, her morals are out of whack. If she ever rue Association, we''re imbig trouble!" "And not just the Association¡ªthe whole medicalmunity would go backwards, not forwards." Elysia wasn''t one to gossip, but she genuinely worried about the future of the Association¡ªand medicine itself. Tracey asked, "This is Victor''s real granddaughter?" "Yeah, her name''s Sabrina. From what I''ve heard, Victor''s been grooming her for the position." Tracey''s face darkened. She didn''t care if the whole world agreed-if she said no, Sabrina wasn''t getting the job! But... it was a bad sign for the future. "If even Victor can''t train a worthy sessor, who''s going to lead us in the next generation?" Elysia frowned, too. It was a real problem. Without someone to carry the torch, even if the field didn''t copse outright, it would definitely fall behind. Chapter 1311 Baby, with her hair in two yful pigtails, sat nestled between Tracey and Elysia, carefully sorting through the fresh herbs they''d gathered that morning. She didn''t really understand what the two adults were talking about, but she could tell from their worried faces that something was up. In her sweet, high-pitched voice, she piped up to cheer them on: "Great-Gran, Mommy, don''t be sad! Baby''s super strong, Baby can carry the g!" Tracey turned to look at Baby, and immediately a smile softened her features. This kid''s got spunk! "Our Baby is the best!" Tracey beamed, giving Baby a gentle poke. After a bit of yful teasing, Tracey turned to Elysia, her tone more serious. "Elysia, I know medicine isn''t really your thing, but Baby''s still so young..." "For Baby''s future, and for the future of medicine in general, you really should learn from Grandma. Really dig deep." "If, God forbid, Grandma''s not around someday, at least you''ll be able to carry on." "Grandma..." Elysia''s heart twisted-not because she didn''t want to learn, but because Grandma was talking about not being there anymore. But Tracey just shrugged, matter-of-fact. "Birth, aging, sickness, and death. It''s the way of life, honey. Grandma''s been around a long time-I''m not afraid of dying." "What scares me is leaving and having nobody to take up the torch." "If there were already someone in the medical world ready to step up, I wouldn''t worry so much. But right now, someone has to care." Elysia looked at her, full of affection. Grandma should''ve been enjoying her retirement, not still worrying about the world. A real heroine-tough as any man! "Don''t worry, Grandma. Teach me-I''ll learn!" Meanwhile, in Quincy''s cozy cabin, Quincy was holding Emmett''s hand, helping him dip a pen into ink and write a few bold, swirling words across a big sheet of paper: "Peace and Prosperity" The script was strong and lively, almost dancing on the page. Quincy nodded. "If you want to study ancient aesthetics, Emmett, you have to start with thenguage. The beauty of our heritage begins with its script." "Focus on the writing, then look at their clothes, their food, their homes and how they built them." "Fashion is like fireworks-beautiful but fleeting. But the beauty of old cultures? Thatsts for thousands of years. Never turn your back on it." Emmett nodded seriously. "I''ll remember everything you say, Quincy!" Quincy smiled. "Now close your eyes." He pulled out a bottle of perfume and sprayed a fine mist into the air, letting it settle. "What do you smell?" Emmett squeezed his eyes shut, inhaling deeply. After a moment, he grinned. "Pine forests... a bubbling brook... camellias... cherry blossoms... peach cobbler... a hint of whiskey... fresh linen..." He opened his eyes in surprise. "Quincy, is this a new form?" Quincyughed, pping him on the back. "That''s my clever apprentice! Come on, I''ll show you a brand new way to blend scents!" *** Over in Howard''s cabin, Elliot and Elijah were huddled over aptop, following Howard''s digital tutorial step by step. Suddenly, the lines of code on the screen flickered and scrambled. A secondter, a giant mushroom cloud exploded onto the screen. The two brothers'' eyes lit up. They pped each other a high-five. "Thirty-six seconds! We did it!" Did what, exactly? They''d just broken through a top-secret military firewall in record time-thirty-six seconds t. And not just any firewall, but the one protecting an enemy nation''s weapons cache, which they''d just remotely detonated. Their thirty-six seconds would leave that country scratching their heads for years. Elijah grinned. "Where do we go next?" Elliot narrowed his eyes, a sly smile on his lips. "We take them down again. Let''s keep going." Howard had always told them: when those guys trespassed on ournd and hurt our people, they never apologized, never admitted a thing. "Well, now it was time to make them pay. Practicing on their firewalls? Totally justified. Chapter 1312 Inside Walter''s Cabin Walter was hunched over his workbench, sketching out fireworks for Baby. His blueprints were covered in adorable bunnies¡ªeach one fluffy, bright-eyed, and bursting with life. It was an odd sight: an old man in his seventies, patiently drawing cute animals with a look of pure tenderness, nothing remotely threatening about him. But the words tacked up on his wall told a different story: "Respect is earned at the tip of a de; truth is found at the end of a cannon''s range!" And beneath those bunny sketches? Stacks of designs for next-gen fighter jets and flying aircraft carriers. Some of his work had even been featured at the big November Air Show, though those were just the older models. After all, you can''t disy thetest inventions right out in the open-standard protocol. When you see them showing off a new jet, you can bet the next two or three generations are already rolling off the assembly line. Who knows, maybe versions five and six are flying secret missions as we speak! So, if you''re ever at an air show, don''t be too impressed by what you see on stage just remember, the really cool stuff is still locked away, out of sight. But if you wanted excitement, you had to check out the scene with Evan. Deep in the thick woods, the tension was so thick it scared off the wildlife¡ª nothing but the smell of gunpowder and the sound of arguing voices. "Evan, you gotta listen to me!" "No, Evan, he''s just a footnote in Bernard''s win column. Bernard''s the real deal, you should listen to him!" "Evan, sure, I can''t beat him in a straight fight, but when ites to stealth and evasion, I''m in a whole different league!" "Oh, really? Big talk for someone who''s never faced me head-on!" "If you don''t buy it, let''s put it to the test!" "Bring it on! Whoever backs down isn''t a real man!" Bernard and the scar-faced big guy were at each other''s throats, then suddenly turned to Evan and shouted in unison, "Evan, you be the judge!" And off they ran. Evan was left standing there, his head spinning. He racked his brain, spit flying as he tried to talk them down-just barely managing to get them to bury the hatchet and face amon enemy. But then came another problem: who would teach Evan their skills? Each was convinced their way was best. If Evan trained with one, the other sulked. If he switched, the roles reversed. Meanwhile, White had found the perfect spot to sit back, snack on a bag of trail mix, and enjoy the chaos. High above, a fat python watched from the branches. Not appreciating White''s intrusion, it flicked its tongue and lunged. White whipped his head around his narrow eyes glinting coldly. He raised his head, hissed, and mimicked a striking pose. The python locked eyes with him and, for some reason, went pale as a ghost- then shot away at top speed. White was stunned. "Huh?" It ran off? Just like that? They hadn''t even started fighting! Did the snake know him or something? Curiosity piqued, White forgot the drama below and dashed after the snake through the underbrush. Back under the big oak, Evan was desperate to keep the two old-timers froming to blows again. "This isn''t fair!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the trees and sending birds flying. ¡°Uncle, you''re still injured! Even if Bernard won, it wouldn''t count for much!" Soon enough, both men returned¡ªalmost at the same time-standing right in front of Evan. He exhaled in relief. "Look, enough bickering! Here''s how it''s going to work:" "In the mornings, I''m learning from Bernard. Uncle, you can''t interrupt." "In the afternoons, it''s Uncle''s turn. Bernard, you''re just an observer. No even if you keep it to yourself!" "But I still need time to help Walter with the new gadgets, so I can''t spend all day with you two." Both Bernard and his rival frowned, clearly not thrilled with the arrangement. Evan just shrugged and pouted, "If you don''t like it, fine! I''ll just go hang out with Walter instead. See ya!" He turned on his heel, ready to walk away. But before he could take a step, two big one from each sidended firmly on his showers. Both men, in perfect unison, said- Chapter 1313 "Fine, we''ll do it your way!" Evan let out a breath he didn''t realize he''d been holding. "It''s already afternoon, so today, Uncle will be teaching me. Bernard, you''ll just have to watch," Evan said. "Hmph!" Bernard snorted, one of them looking smug while the other looked seriously annoyed. The big guy with the scarred face stepped forward, his expression deadly serious. He was just about tounch into a lecture when Bernard suddenly cut in. "If you suck at offense, don''t mess him up. I''ll teach him how to attack, you stick to defense!" Everyone knew, after all: the best fighters could y both sides of the game¡ª offense and defense. The scar-faced guy red daggers at Bernard, practically grinding his teeth. "This is my time. Nobody asked you. If you keep quiet, nobody''s going to think you''re dead," he snapped. Bernard just rolled his eyes and shut up. The scar-faced guy really didn''t want to admit it, but Bernard wasn''t wrong. When it came to attacking, Bernard had skills he just couldn''t match. He''d tried teaching Evan some offense before, but after sparring with Bernard, he''d figured it was better to focus on defense. That was where he really had something to offer. "Evan, when your opponent is weak, sure, you can end things quick. But if you''re up against someone just as good as you¡ªor even better¡ªsolid defense will keep you alive and might just give you the upper hand." "Come at me. I''ll show you how to cover yourself better..." ... While Elysia and the kids were busy¡ªsome drawing with sidewalk chalk, others chasing each other around the backyard¡ªTarquin was off to the side, standing quietly by the picket fence, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers. His smoking habit had gotten a lot better, but he hadn''t quitpletely. When something weighed on his mind, he still needed that familiarfort. All he could think about was finding the real source of the eighth mutation of the virus. Over and over, he reyed memories of his parents¡ªtheirughter, their voices, and especially the day they died. He tried to pick apart those memories, searching for clues, for anything he might have missed the first hundred times. Some memories were sweet, some were bitter. But because it all ended so badly, even the sweet ones turned sour, and the bitter ones just hurt more. Eventually, all that pain just turned into grief. Tarquin furrowed his brow, not wanting to go back through those memories again, but forcing himself to anyway. He smoked, and remembered. Smoked, and remembered, again and again. ... By dusk, Evan and the scar-faced guy returned to their little cabin. They''d sent a message ahead, so nobody was surprised to see them. Dinner was served outside on the porch¡ªfried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, lemonade¡ªeveryone gathered around,ughing and sharing stories as the sun dipped below the trees. Just after sunset, a sudden sh of light appeared outside the backyard fence. It burst open, and in the fading light, everyone saw a tiny bunny made of glowing sparks. Then, another sh, and another rabbit appeared. One, two, three... five, six, seven, eight... New sparkly bunnies popped up before the old ones disappeared, each one wiggling its nose, sporting a different color¡ªwhite, gray, ck, even a few pink ones. The kids'' jaws dropped in awe. "Whoa¡ª" Baby was bouncing with excitement next to Elysia, practically jumping out of her shoes. "Bunny! Mommy, look¡ªso many bunnies!" The kids were thrilled, and even Walter grinned from ear to ear. "Hey, Baby, do you like them?" he asked. "Love them! Love them!" Evan''s eyes went wide. "Walter, are those... fireworks?" "Yup! Made them this afternoon. Pretty cool, huh?" "But... why don''t I hear any noise? Aren''t fireworks supposed to go bang?" Walter grinned. "Didn''t want to scare the little one, so I made them silent." Evan stared. "Wait, what?!" It wasn''t just Evan¡ªTarquin looked over too, just as shocked. "How the hell did you pull that off?" Silent fireworks. Only Walter. Chapter 1314 "Walter, are you full yet?" Evan dashed over to Walter, his bright hazel eyes wide with curiosity. Walter nodded. "Yeah, I''m stuffed. Why?" "Come on,e on, let''s get back to your fort. I want to learn that silencing trick!" Evan grabbed Walter by the arm, dragging him along. After a few steps, he spun around to call back to Bernard and their mentor. "Bernard, Uncle, don''t look for me tomorrow! I''m skipping martial arts. I''m gonna learn how to make-" He caught Elysia watching and quickly changed course. "-uh, fireworks! Super cool fireworks!" The two older guys exchanged a look. "..." They weren''t thrilled about their student getting stolen, but honestly, they had to hand it to Walter-the guy had real skills. Elysia, for her part, didn''t really get what was so impressive about it all. To her, Walter was just a guy with a knack for making fireworks and little inventions. She called after Evan, "Be careful, you two." Evan grinned. "Don''t worry, Mom, Walter''s got my back!" Evan was the kind of kid who loved a good brawl, was always up for an adventure, obsessed over martial arts, and totally geeked out over anything that exploded or had gears and wires. *** Life went on like that for days. Everyone was busy, chasing their own dreams and passions. Elysia, mindful of her grandmother''s concerns about the future of medicine and her own baby''s health, worked hard to learn everything she could about holistic healing. The kids all dove into whatever fascinated them, each determined to reach new heights. By the end of August, the antidote was finally ready. Which meant it was time for Elysia and the kids to leave the mountain. The elders knew they couldn''t keep them there forever, so they walked the family a long way down the winding path, saying their goodbyes. Partings are always bittersweet. The kids cried their eyes out, and even the old folks had tears in their eyes. Tracey wanted Baby to stay, but the little girl was still too young to be apart from her parents. Tracey not wanting her great-granddaughter to suffer, let her go. "Elysia, I''ve recorded a set of lessons for Baby. Teach her for me. When the time is right, I''lle find you or you can alwayse back up here." Elysia''s eyes were red as she nodded. "Okay." Baby clung to Tracey''s hand. "Don''t be sad, Great-Grandma. I''ll carry the g for you!" She didn''t really know what "carrying the g" meant, just that her great-grandma worried about it. If she carried it, maybe Great-Grandma wouldn''t worry anymore. Tracey hugged her tight, tears welling up. "Good girl. My brave Baby." Meanwhile, Bernard was saying goodbye to Evan. His eyes were watery, and the stubbornness seemed drained from him-he looked suddenly older, all the scars on his face deepening his frown. The two of them bickered constantly, fists flying more often than not. But underneath it all, they were still family. After a long silence, Bernard said gruffly, "I''ll watch over Evan. I''d die before letting anything happen to him." Bernard scowled. "You''re not allowed to die! We haven''t avenged your aunt yet. You have to stay alive, you hear me?" Walter just knit his brows and said nothing. Evan wiped his eyes, gaze fierce. "Don''t worry, Bernard, Uncle. I''ll make sure we get justice for Auntie." The two old men just sighed. After saying goodbye to Elliot and Elijah, Walter came over and handed Evan a sh drive. "Hang on to this. It''s got all the stuff you love-you''ll have plenty to tinker with." Evan''s eyes lit up as he threw his arms around Walter. "Thanks, Walter." Walter ruffled his hair fondly. "Remember our motto?" Evan grinned. "Of course! ''Honor is found at the edge of a de, and truth is in the range of a cannon!''" Chapter 1315 "Anything else?" "No matter where I go, my heart will always be with Zhinora!" The little guy''s voice rang out, strong and proud. Walter nodded, serious as ever. "Good kid! You''re gonna do great things someday, you know that?" But right then, the one crying the hardest was Emmett. Emmett was always the emotional one, tears streaming down his cheeks as he clung to Quincy''s neck, holding on like he''d never let go. Quincy''s eyes were shining with unshed tears, voice trembling as he spoke, "Emmett, remember what I told you. Stay true to your art, keep your feet on the ground. Art is the soul of our country-loving your homnd is an artist''s duty." "Love your country above all else!" Emmett nodded so hard he was practically shaking, "I¡ªI remember! Love... love your country above all else!" Quincy could barely get the words out, his voice thick, "Good... good..." After saying their goodbyes to Elysia and the kids, a group of old folks pulled Tarquin aside for a private chat. No one knew what they talked about, but Tarquin''s brow stayed furrowed the whole time. It was a while before they finally split up. The elders stood on the hill, watching as Tarquin, Elysia, and the kids made their way down the slope, not turning back- afraid that if they did, they''d never be able to leave. Tarquin was lost in thought... He still didn''t really know why all these elders had faked their deaths and holed up together in the middle of nowhere. But he couldn''t shake a bad feeling... It was like these mountains were an invisible iron cage, keeping these brilliant minds trapped, never letting them go free. From the things the elders said, it was obvious-they wanted to leave, but for some reason, they couldn''t. What were they so worried about? With a lineup like this, who could possibly threaten them? What force could keep these legends contained? Re And why did they say Gerald and Howard would nevere back? Was it that once you left, you couldn''t return? Or had something happened to them out there? "Ahhh-" Suddenly, Emmett''s startled scream snapped Tarquin out of his thoughts. He looked over to see Emmett, eyes wide with terror, staring across theke like he''d seen a ghost. Tarquin owed his gaze, his own he brow knitting tight. Instantly, Baby''s eyes, scooping both covered t and Baby up in his arms. "Both of you-eyes shut, now." Elysia, confused and worried, started to nce across theke, but Tarquin called out, "Elysia, just keep walking! Don''t look back." He motioned to the other three kids, "Let''s go, hurry." Elliot, Evan, and Elijah had already seen whatever it was. Their eyes were huge, mouths hanging open in shock. Even Evan looked stunned. The scar-faced old man saw it too, his gaze sharpening with suspicion. White, the snake, opened its sleepy eyes, took one look, and shivered shooting Evan a nervous tongue flick before slithering away toward theke. Evan''s little face scrunched up in confusion. He turned to Elysia. "Mom, you guys go on ahead. I need to pee. I''ll catch up." The scar-faced old man watched Evan chasing after White, clearly notfortable letting him go alone, and followed. Elysia, anxious, started to protest, but Tarquin reassured her, "White''s with him, and so is his uncle. He''ll be fine. We should keep moving." Elysia was torn¡ªcurious, but scared. She wanted to know what they''d seen, but she was terrified it was something out of a horror film. She peeked over at Tarquin and the kids, voice trembling, "What... what did you guys see over there?" Chapter 1316 Elliot, Emmett, and Elijah all caught it-they nced at Tarquin, brows furrowed, waiting for him to exin. Tarquin was quiet for a few seconds before he finally spoke up. "It was an animal carcass. A bit gory. I didn''t want you or Baby to get scared, so we kept you back." All three kids instantly widened their eyes-yeah, right! Tarquin shot them a look: Let it go. White lie. The trio pursed their lips and looked down, deciding not to call him out. Elysia squinted at him, suspicious. "An animal carcass?" "Yeah." "What kind of animal?" "I couldn''t tell, honestly. Looked like it got attacked by something bigger, half- eaten. Bit of a mess." Elysia frowned. "So... are there other predators around? Is Evan in danger?" "He''s fine. White and Bernard''s apprentice are with him." "That''s true." Elysia let out a sigh, buying the story. "Jeez, the way you guys acted, I thought you''d seen a freaking ghost or something." Baby piped up in her tiny voice, "Me too! I thought Daddy and my brothers saw a ghost! Spooky!" Elysia pulled her close. "Don''t worry, honey. Nature''s tough. It''s normal for animals to get attacked out here." "Mommy, you don''t be scared either!" "I''m not, sweetie. I mean, I''m a surgeon, remember? I''ve seen way worse than a dead animal. If I''d known it was just that, I wouldn''t have been so on edge." "Mommy, you''re amazing!" Elysia grinned. "You''ll be even braver than me someday, Baby." While the mother and daughter chatted away, Tarquin and the boys listened quietly. Honestly, those two were the easiest to reassure in the whole family. They walked on for a bit, then found a clean patch of ground to stop and wait for Evan and the others to catch up. Elliot and Elijah kept sneaking nces at Tarquin, clearly itching to talk about what they''d really seen, but with Elysia nearby, they didn''t dare bring it up. After a while, Evan showed up, nked by the scar-faced old pro. Tarquin and the boys looked him over, hoping for some sign of what really happened, but with Elysia present, no one wanted to ask t much Judging by Evan''s calm though, it couldn''t have been anything too terrible. "Evan, you didn''t run into any wild animals, did you?" Elysia asked. Tarquin answered first, "Your mom knows we found a half-eaten animal. She was just worried there might be more predators around, so she was worried about you guys." Evan caught on right away that Dad wasn''t telling the whole truth and jumped in, "We didn''t see anything else. Even if there were predators. Mom, you don''t have to worry about me! They''re more scared of me than I am of them!" Elysia pursed her lips. "There''s all kinds of wild animals in the woods. Don''t get cocky. Be careful." "Okay, Mom, got it." Evan shed her a cheeky grin, trying to act casual. Elysia let it go. Honestly, this little distraction took her mind off missing her parents. The family kept moving, and as the sky darkened, they picked a spot to set up their tents for the night. Just like before, they didn''t travel after dark, so the kids could get a decent rest. Later that night, after Baby fell asleep, Elysia turned to Tarquin. "What did my parents say to you before we left?" she asked softly. A strange look flickered in Tarquin''s eyes. They''d talked about a lot, but mostly it was words of advice. He said, "They just want me to take care of you and the kids. They know you''ve been through so much already, and they don''t want you to ever go through that kind of pain again." Elysia let out a long breath. "They don''t have much family left. Me and the kids are all they have now. I just wish they didn''t insist on staying out here in the woods. If only they''de live with us-we could take care of them in their old age." Chapter 1317 The four kids were in the next tent over, lights still on-clearly not asleep yet. Outside, their scar-faced protector sat by the campfire, keeping watch like always. The kids had begged him toe inside and rest with them, but he wouldn''t budge. He''d been that way since they arrived. Tarquin decided not to go straight to Evan. Instead, he greeted the man first, "Evenin'', Pops." He was following Elysia''s lead. She''d told him the man was Bernard''s old apprentice and Evan''s mentor, so out of respect and a touch of warmth, they called him "Pops"a way to wee him into their family. The scarred man looked at Tarquin, a little unsure. He wasn''t used to being called "Pops." It made him happy, but he still felt awkward about it. His whole life had been one long struggle, especially after his mother passed. Not a single easy day since. No friends, no family, nothing but survival and the heavy weight on his mind. It was a miracle he''d made it this far. And now, suddenly, he had people who cared. A family. It was all new to him, and he didn''t quite know what to do with it. Still, the way he looked at Tarquin now¡ªthere was no coldness or suspicion left. "Evan''s still up," he said, guessing why Tarquin hade. "I figured," Tarquin replied. "Why don''t you get some rest? I''ll take the first watch. You can switch with me halfway through the night." The old man started to protest, but Tarquin cut him off, "Elysia''s orders. If I don''t listen, she''ll give me hell." The old guy hesitated, his lips twitching, but finally just climbed up into the tree nearby to catch a nap. He was used to sleeping rough and didn''t like sharing a tent anyway. Tarquin understood. He didn''t push it. And with that, he headed off to find Evan, questions burning in his mind. Chapter 1318 Inside the tent, the four little ones were still wide awake. As soon as Tarquin came in, Evan piped up, "Did Mom and the baby fall asleep?" ¡°Yeah, they just nodded off,¡± Tarquin replied. Before Tarquin could ask anything else, Evan said, "Dad, you''re here to ask about what we saw today, right? Don''t ask me, I have no clue." "Huh?" Tarquin looked surprised. Evan exined, "Uncle Lucas and I followed White to theke, but as soon as we got there, White stopped us." "White said there was something in theke¡ªsomething dangerous. He wouldn''t let use any closer. He just dove in and swam across himself." "I wanted to follow, but Uncle Lucas wouldn''t let me." "It took ages for White toe back. I asked him what happened, but he wouldn''t say. He just mumbled something about ''family business."" Tarquin frowned. "Family business? White has family?" "No idea. He wouldn''t say." "...So where''s White now?" "Outside. Probably sleeping up in a tree.¡± "Did he seem upset or anything?" "Nope. I kept an eye on him. He acted like he always does got excited when he should, happy when he should. Nothing weird." Tarquin fell silent, thinking it over, brows furrowed. He didn''t really get it, but he decided not to worry too much. As long as White was okay, and whatever was out there wasn''t a threat, that was good enough. "If it''s White''s personal stuff, we shouldn''t get involved. Let''s all get some sleep- we''ve got a long hike tomorrow." The kids nodded, closed their eyes, and snuggled into their sleeping bags. After a day trekking through the hills, they were beat. Once the little ones were all asleep, Tarquin slipped out of the tent. He spotted the old man with the scarred face sitting by the campfire. Tarquin was surprised and walked over. "Grandpa, howe you''re not resting?" Before the old man could answer, Tarquin''s sharp gaze flicked to the left. A pair of deep, mossy green eyes glinted in the grass, watching him intently. It was the eyes were visible, his spine. Content bchillet at him. It sent a chill down Tarquin scanned the area. There were more pairs of eyes in the shadows all around them. He tensed, instantly on alert. But the old man just calmly tossed another dry branch onto the fire, totally unbothered, not even flinching. Tarquin whispered, "What are those?" The old man replied, "They''re here because of White-Evan''spanion." Tarquin was surprised. He hadn''t noticed anything out of the ordinary until now. "Did they just show up?" "Yeah." "Are they dangerous?" "Doesn''t look like it. As long as White''s here, they won''te close." Tarquin hesitated. "Evan said it''s White''s ''family business." The old man nodded, "So we don''t need to get involved." For the next few nights, those eyes kept showing up. They never attacked, never came too close-they just followed the yel at a distance. Tarquin couldn''t talk to White, but he could read a bit of his mood. Like Evan had said, White never seemed off. No sign anything was wrong. Until the night before they finally left the wilds... After Evan fell asleep, White slipped out, heading deep into the mountains. The eyes trailed behind him, vanishing into the darkness. At dawn, White returned alone. The eyes were gone. Tarquin had stayed up all night by the fire. White padded over, tongue lolling, and looked up at him. Tarquin held out his hand, palm up, right in front of White''s nose. White looked at his hand, then up at him. After a moment''s hesitation, he nudged up against it. Tarquin gently ruffled his fur, voice soft and warm, "We all care about you, you know. You''re part of this family. If something''s weighing on you, you can talk to Evan. Don''t keep it all bottled up. We worry about yone lot. Evan''s even lost sleep these past few nights because of you" Chapter 1319 ```text Tarquin didn''t say a word, but that didn''t mean he didn''t notice. Evan missed White-a lot. White stuck out his little tongue, stared at Evan for a moment, then hopped down from his hand and scurried into the tent. He made a beeline for Evan, nuzzled his tiny head against Evan''s cheek, and curled up right beside him. "Back again? nning to leave me again?" Evan''s voice came out of nowhere, making White jump a foot in the air. He bolted like a startled squirrel, only to see Evan''s eyes open and¡ª yep, there was that tongue again. Evan''s eyes were red, rimmed with tears. "I thought you''d gone off with them and weren''ting back," he said quietly. He''d known White was sneaking out at night. He''d watched him these past few days, pretending not to notice, but how could he not see? Those strange creatures had been lurking around, obviously trying to take White away. White slunk over and ducked his head. Evan, blinking back tears, stuck out his fist for a bump. "Look, I don''t want you to go, but if you''ve got some secret reason, just say it. I''m not unreasonable. Worst case, I''lle visit you every now and then." White shook his head and stuck out his tongue again. Suddenly, Evan sat up, scrubbing at his cheeks with both hands. "Wait¡ªthey''re not your family?" White shook his head, and Evan just stared. "But... didn''t you say you had family business to take care of? I thought they were your folks!" White gave another tongue-flick, and Evan''s jaw dropped. "They''re... enemies?!" Not wanting to wake Elliot and the others, Evan scooped up White, bolted out of the tent, and didn''t even bother with a jacket. Tarquin and Big Mike¡ªhis face a patchwork of old scars¡ªlooked up in surprise. "What''s going on?!" Evan shot them a re. "Private matter! No eavesdropping!" The two exchanged a look and just shrugged. It wasn''t until the sun was up that Evan and White finally came back. White was back to his usual self, curled around Evan''s wrist, fast asleep. Evan, on the other hand, looked seriously ticked off. Tarquin had a hunch it had to do with White. He couldn''t help but ask, "What happened?" Evan gritted his teeth, lips twitching. "None of your business!" Then, ring into the woods, he muttered, "One day, I''ming back. They''d better be ready!" Tarquin just stared,pletely lost. No clue what just happened. "Evan, what are you mumbling about?" Elysia yawned, stepping out of her tent. When Evan spotted Elysia, his eyes welled up and he ran straight into her arms. "Mommy, hold me." Elysia instantly sobered up. Evan almost never acted like this. She bent down, scooped him into a hug, and looked worried. "Sweetheart, what''s wrong?" Evan clung to her neck, silent. Elysia nced around and saw only Tarquin. She shot him a look. "Did your dad upset you?" Tarquin froze, then hurriedly denied it. "No way! Not me! I swear!" No way he was taking the me for this. Elysia loved him, but everyone knew he was at the bottom of the family pecking order. If he took the rap, she''d never let it go¡ªand he valued his marriage too much for that. Elysia kept her arms around Evan, giving Tarquin a suspicious re. "It''s just you two here. If you didn''t upset him, then who did?" Tarquin hesitated. No way he was getting into the whole White saga¡ªElysia would only worry more. So he made something up. "We''re getting close to the new development area. Maybe Evan''s just missing his great-grandparents." Elysia eyed him, half-convinced, then turned back to Evan. "Is that it?" Evan nodded. She quickly soothed him, "Don''t be sad. We''ll visit again soon, okay?" Evan just sniffled and sobbed, tears and snot everywhere. Tarquin watched, frowning with concern. He still had no idea what was really going on¡ªbut seeing his son so upset broke his heart. ``` Chapter 1320 That afternoon, they finally reached the foot of the mountain. They grabbed a quick bite-some sandwiches and coffee from a roadside diner- before hopping into a private car headed straight for the airport. On the way, Tarquin nced over and asked, "Those eight guys still behaving themselves?" He was talking about the eight surviving poachers. Out of a group of over a hundred, they were the only ones who''d made it back down alive. The wilderness out there was no joke¡ªdangerous and unforgiving. The driver, who was one of their own, replied, "Their heads are all messed up. Looks like the woods scared them senseless. One''s rambling about seeing ghosts, another swears he saw Bigfoot..." But no one mentioned the cabin. No one breathed a word about someone living deep in those woods. Honestly, just making it out alive was miracle enough-their minds were shot to pieces. Remembering a random cabin? Not a chance. Tarquin pressed on, "What about their partners on the outside? All caught?" He knew where there were hunters, there''d be buyers. Those poachers definitely had a wholework behind them. The driver nodded. "Yeah, all of them. They''re a big operation-really slick, like a well-oiled machine. Everything they hunted up there-hides, antlers, you name it got shipped overseas. There''s another team waiting on the other end, moving the goods straight into ck market sales. Even a bunch of officials were mixed up in it." Tarquin frowned. "And the officials? They get them too?" "Everyone we could identify is locked up." "Keep someone watching. I don''t want a single one slipping through the cracks." The driver gave a firm nod. "And about developing this area the higher-ups gave the green light. Should be able to break ground in a week, if nothinges up." Tarquin nodded. "Make sure everything stays discreet." "Understood." Elysia, who''d been quiet, finally spoke up, curiosity in her eyes. "You''re developing the ce?" Tarquin exined, "We''re going to build up the area around the mountain basically secure the entry points. If anyone shady tries to get up there again, we''ll know about it right away and can stop them at the door." . Technically, thend at the base wasn''t really developed yet, but public ess was allowed for hikers and campers. Tarquin was funding the renovations mainly to upgrade the entry to the wild forest. Right now, there were just a couple of battered signposts-practically uselessl Anyone with a sense of adventure could just wander right in. He nned to put in a state-of-the-art electric fence, set up surveince, and station a few trusted people to keep watch. That would seriously cut down the chances of trespassers. Fewer people wandering in meant less risk of their secrets being discovered. Sure, almost no one ever made it as far as the hidden cabin, but you could never be too careful. He wasn''t putting his own name on the project no need to attract attention. If he suddenly started pouring money into a patch of forest that had no obvious benefit, people would start asking ufortable questions. Elysia caught on. She gave him a grateful look. With the driver there, she didn''t mention her grandparents, just reached over and quietlyced her fingers through his, squeezing his hand tight. ... The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1321 The family of seven caught a midnight flight back to Jindale City andnded at around 2 a.m. Lowell was already waiting at the airport, pacing back and forth by the arrivals gate. The kids had managed to nap on the ne, so by the time they got off, they were all wide awake and buzzing with energy. As soon as they spotted Lowell, they all made a beeline for him, shouting, "Mr. Lowell!" Lowell''s face absolutely lit up, and he threw his arms wide, scooping them up for hugs like a dad who hadn''t seen his kids in ages. "Oh, you''re finally home! If you''d stayed away any longer, I''d have caught the lovesick blues for sure! Did you miss Mr. Lowell?" Lowell, like Axel, had grown up in foster care. No family, no rtives, no girlfriend, no wife, no kids-just him and his work. He used to orbit around Tarquin''s life, but ever since these little ones entered the picture, everything changed. It was like someone had popped the lid off Pandora''s box-suddenly, life was bursting with color, vor, and a kind of juicy chaos he''d never known before. He absolutely adored these kids. Hanging out with them was a heck of a lot more fun than babysitting Tarquin, that was for sure. And the best part? The feeling was mutual. He loved them, and they loved him right back. "We missed you! We missed you so much! We thought about you every single day!" the kids chorused, bouncing around him. Lowell grinned so wide his cheeks hurt. "The ski resort out by the edge of town just opened up for the season! If I can swing a day off tomorrow, how about I take you all out for some snow and fun?" Evan''s eyes got huge and round. "But it''s barely even fall! How''s the ski resort open already?" "It''s all artificial snow-but trust me, it feels just like the real thing. What do you say? Wanna go?" "Yes! Yes! I wanna go!" "Me too!" Even the littlest one piped up, tripping over her own excitement, "L-love... love Mr. Lowell! I wanna go too!" "We''re all going! No one''s getting left behind!" Lowellughed, practically glowing with happiness. He nced over at Tarquin''s bodyguard, waggling his eyebrows. "Jealous much? Look how much these kids love me." The bodyguard''s face was unreadable, but you could sense he was holding back a smile. Elliot and Elijah, meanwhile, were excited about the ski trip too, but they shot each other a look over Lowell''s shoulder, silently rolling their eyes. Pel When the boss was away, Lowell had practically run the wholepany taking on every job, no matter how big or small, just to keep things afloat. Now that the boss was back and Lowell could finally take a breather, what was he doing? Volunteering to babysit the boss''s kids. Honestly, did he even remember whose kids these were supposed to be? Chapter 1322 Elliot couldn''t help but feel for him. "Mr. Lowell, if you really n to stay single and child-free your whole life, I''ll take care of you when you''re old, I swear." The other kids immediately chimed in: "I''ll take care of Mr. Lowell too! When he''s old, I''ll bring him all the best food- burgers, fries, milkshakes, you name it!" "I''ll give Mr. Lowell foot rubs and back massages!" Wait, foot rubs and massages? Seriously?! Lowell was almost moved to tears by their enthusiasm. "Alright, alright," he said, trying to keep it together. "Even though you kids are already spoiled rotten, every penny Mr. Lowell earns from now on is going to be spent on you!" The airport staff nearby exchanged bewildered nces. Getting paid by the boss, only to spend it all on the boss''s kids? That''s... new. Not sure what to make of that. Just then, Tarquin and Elysia walked over, and Lowell quickly greeted them. "Tarquin, Elysia." Tarquin nodded coolly. Elysia smiled warmly, "You''ve had a lot on your tetely -handling thepany and running back and forth checking on my parents. Thanks for everything." Lowell waved her thanks away. "Don''t mention it! I''ve been learning a et el ton from Mr. Hawkinstely. Honestly, the man''s a geniusbI''m just trying to keep up." Hearing her father praised made Elysia beam. "How are my parents doing?" "They''re great. I didn''t tell them guys wereing home tonight-they''d be tool sleep if they knew. They miss you a fot." "Good. Best not to tell them. We''re heading straight home now." Eager to see yton Hawkins and Pam Patel, Elysia and the kids piled into a ck SUV and headed home. Tarquin and Lowell took the other car, a gleaming luxury sedan, making a beeline for the hospital. As soon as they were on the road, Lowell blurted out, "So, they really found an antidote?" "Yeah," Tarquin replied. Lowell let out a low whistle. "Elysia''s incredible." "People always say Elysia married up by being with you," he went on, shaking his head. "But let''s be real you''re the lucky one here." "In front of Elysia, you''re just a regr guy, he teased. "You might be loaded, but Elysia''s family''s got money too. And it''s not just a couple of little princes'' around her-she''s got a whole gang of ''kings'' looking out for her!" "That''s what you call being the apple of everyone''s eye!" Chapter 1323 Lowell was driving, eyes on the road but still full of opinions. "Tarquin, you better start stepping up your game. Honestly, I''m worried one day Elysia''s gonna get sick of your nonsense and kick you to the curb. You do realize you''re dating way out of your league, right?" Tarquin pressed his lips together, not even dignifying that with a response. Lowell snorted. "You''ve been working non-stop for a month and still look fresh as a daisy. Clearly, you''re not working hard enough. How about I load you up with some more tasks?" "Don''t you dare," Lowell shot back, hands up in mock defense. "You can run your ownpany, but leave me out of it. I''ve got to take the kids skiing this weekend. Anyway, I''ve actually got something serious to tell you." Tarquin nced over, curiosity piqued. "What''s up?" "Yesterday afternoon, someone visited Verity''s secret kid in the hospital. Wanna guess who?" Tarquin blinked. "Someone visited Verity''s illegitimate son?" That kid was hidden away in a little town called Karl Town. Hardly anyone back home even knew he existed-Tarquin himself had only found out recently. Who''d bother checking in on him? Lowell grinned, enjoying the suspense. "You''ll never guess, so I''ll just tell you. It was Lucian." Tarquin''s brow furrowed. "You mean my dad''s old buddy? That Lucian?" "Yep, that one." Tarquin''s frown deepened. "When did he wake up?" "Yesterday morning. By the afternoon, he was already at the hospital.¡± Tarquin let out a breath. Lucian had been his father''s childhood friend, the two of them thick as thieves went to college together, even backpacked across Europe back in the day. Lucian was photographer, and years ago, he and Tarquin''s dad had traveled to Hillshire Vige together. That meant Lucian knew all about Keith Garcia''s childhood as well. A few months back, while Tarquin was digging into some old drama between his dad and Keith, he''d ended up looking into Lucian. Turned out, Keith was doing the same They''d both gone to see Lucian for answers, but somebody beat them there-with the intent to silence Lucian for good. Luckily, Tarquin and Keith got there in time to save him. But Lucian had been badly injured and slipped into aa. Tarquin hadn''t had a chance to question him since. Now, out of nowhere, Lucian wakes up and immediately visits Verity''s secret kid. How did he even know connection? was their et ne about the cian had been Who told him? Was it the same mysterious figure that had tried to have him killed? Tarquin''s expression darkened at the thought. Lucian, his father, the mystery man, Verity''s hidden son... There was definitely some web of secrets binding them all together. One thing was clear: Lucian knew something-something big. And someone out there wanted him silenced, no matter the cost. Chapter 1324 "I''ve got a video of Lucian visiting Verity''s kid at the hospital. Want to see it?" Lowell picked up his phone, scrolled, and handed it over to Tarquin. In the video, Lucian-masked and wearing a baseball cap-stood at the ss window of an istion room. Inside, Verity''s illegitimate sony unconscious on the hospital bed, barely clinging to life. Through the ss, Lucian watched him, wiping away tears now and then, his face full of worry and heartache. Tarquin narrowed his eyes. "Have you checked if there''s actually a connection between Lucian and the kid?" Lowell shook his head, keeping one hand on the wheel. "No. With you off the grid, we didn''t want to spook anyone. Axel''s been tailing him personally." Tarquin pressed on, "But Verity''s kid is a severe case. How did Lucian even get in to see him?" Lowell exined, "Lucian paid off a nurse in the secure ward. She snuck him in." "When Dr. Benjamin found out, he didn''t want to make a scene. He downloaded the security footage and sent it to me to pass along to you. Said he''d wait for your instructions." "Lucian''s home now. You want to see him tonight?" Tarquin thought for a moment. "Not yet. First, confirm if there''s any blood tie between Lucian and the kid. Get a DNA sample and run a paternity test." Lowell''s eyes widened. "You think Verity''s kid might actually be Lucian''s?" Tarquin just said, "Let''s check first." Meanwhile, Dr. Benjamin and the team from the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association were in a heated meeting. To be exact, Benjamin and Sabrina were at each other''s throats. The debate: Should they call in Victor? Benjamin argued things were spiraling out of control and Victor needed to be brought in to take charge of the research-immediately. Sabrina was adamant they''d only been working on the virus for a month, way too soon to panic and drag her grandfather into it. The rest of the team stayed silent as the two went back and forth. Benjamin said, "The virus keeps mutating like crazy. We don''t have clue and the first wave of patients are hanging on by a thread "Now we''re seeing new cases already starting with mid-stage symptoms. Any future cases might go straight to the end-stage-like Verity son. Once you''re infected chances of recovery are slim te none." "If we slip up and this thing spreads, you know what happens-total disaster." "I say we call Victor now. If he can''t do it, we escte to the World Medical & Pharmaceutical Association and get the best experts involved." Sabrina shot back, "We''ve only been at this a month! It''s normal not to have results yet." "You want to call my granddad right away and make us lookpletely ipetent?" "And if he had to handle every new virus popping up in the country, he''d never sleep again!" "That''s like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. His attention should be on the big stuff." "I say we tough it out for another month or two. If we''re still lost, then we call him." Benjamin was getting pissed. "And what about the people already infected? You think they''ve got months to spare?" Sabrina shrugged, "That''s their luck. Even if my granddad showed up now, it might already be toote for them." Chapter 1325 Benjamin said, "We have to at least try this is people''s lives we''re talking about!" Sabrina shot back with a mocking grin. "If you''re such a bleeding heart, why don''t you go y hero yourself? No one''s stopping you." Benjamin clenched his jaw, struggling to keep his temper in check. "The virus is mutating every day. What if it gets out, starts spreading like wildfire, and we still haven''t found a cure? Then what?" "Oh, please," Sabrina scoffed. "You''re worrying for nothing! How do you know it''ll spread? How do you know we won''t find the cure? For your information, I''m already onto something!" Benjamin blinked. "Excuse me?!" The Medical & Pharmaceutical Association team looked at her, equally surprised. "What?" Sabrina looked smug, practically glowing with self-importance. "Just because none of you can crack it doesn''t mean I can''t." Benjamin eyed her skeptically. "You really have a lead?" She snorted. "None of your business! But mark my words, I''ll figure it out." Benjamin didn''t buy it for a second. But then again, why would she brag in front of everyone if she didn''t have something up her sleeve? She''d look like a total fool if she failed. The rest of the Association didn''t believe her either. Everyone knew Sabrina''s capabilities. But nobody wanted to get on her bad side, so they decided to shoot down Benjamin''s proposal and keep Victor out of the loop for now. Fuming but powerless, Benjamin stormed out of the conference room. Sabrina followed, even angrier than he was, barking after him, ¡°Benjamin! Stop right there!" He ignored her and headed down the hall to his office. Meanwhile, Tarquin and Lowell had just arrived at the hospital. As soon as they stepped off the elevator they saw the two of them. Benjamin was marching ahead Sabrina trailing close behind, clearly furious. "Benjamin! Are you trying to get yourself kicked out of the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association?!" Sabrina snapped. Benjamin just kept walking, refusing to engage. She lost it. "Fine! Why don''t you just say it? Is it just you who wants out, or does the whole Lawson family want to be cklisted?" At the mention of his entire family, Benjamin stopped in his tracks, ring at her with barely contained rage. Sabrina didn''t back down. "Let''s be real-I can''t stand Elysia, and since you''re her friend, I don''t like you much either. If you mind your oWIT business, I''ll leave you alone. But if you want to go against me, don''t me me for what happens next." C¨®ntent She leaned in, eyes cold. "I might not have all the power in the medical world but my granddad does Messing with me won''t end well for you. Hell, it might not end well for the whole Lawson family." Benjamin''s lips pressed into a thin line, his chest heaving with rage. If he didn''t have to worry about his family or Victor, and if she wasn''t a woman, he''d have decked her right then and there. But Sabrina didn''t care. She just kept going, face icy. "From now on, stay out of the virus business. You''re not going to find a cure, anyway." He ground out, "If I can''t, what makes you think you can?" She smirked. "Watch me. And if I ever do need my granddad, I''ll call him myself. No need for suggestions from you." With that, she strutted back toward the conference room without even noticing Tarquin and Lowell by the elevator. Benjamin stood there, stunned and seething. He''d met a lot of nasty people in his life, but never anyone quite like her. Unbelievable. Still, he couldn''t help but wonder-where did Sabrina get the confidence that she could actually find the cure? Chapter 1326 Benjamin was heading back to his office when he suddenly heard a familiar voice, "Dr. Benjamin." He turned around and spotted Tarquin and Lowell. For a second, he just stared, surprised. "Tarquin? When did you get back?" Lowell jumped in before Tarquin could answer, "Tonight, Dr. Benjamin. What happened back there?" Benjamin rubbed his temples, exasperated. "Victor''s really drawn the short straw with that granddaughter of his. She''s got zero empathy, no sense of ethics, no conscience, and the bedside manner of a rattlesnake. Total disaster. She''s arrogant, rude, and impossible to work with. Honestly, I can''t think of a single redeeming quality." "She''s not evenpetent, but her temper''s off the charts!" Tarquin frowned, skeptical. "You really think Sabrina can find a cure?¡± Benjamin snorted. "If she manages to pull that off, I''ll eat my stethoscope. I know exactly what she''s capable of, and trust me, it''s not much." "So why is she so confident?" Tarquin pressed. Benjamin threw up his hands. "I have no idea what''s going on in that crazy woman''s head." Tarquin nced toward the conference room, deep in thought. As he and Benjamin headed down the hall toward the office, they kept talking. "The situation''s getting out of hand," Benjamin said, voice low. "The first batch of patients are barely hanging on, and now we''ve got new cases popping up. This virus is way worse than thest outbreak we had. I suggested we call Victor in, see if he could lead the team. Sabrina shot me down immediately." Lowell scoffed, "You''d think she''d want Victor here-it''d make her look good if he cracked the case! She must be nuts not to want him involved." Tarquin smirked to himself. She wasn''t nuts-she just had her own agenda. Elysia said Sabrina was a lousy doctor. Benjamin said the same. Safe to say, Sabrina just wasn''t any good. Now she was making big promises and trying to take shortcuts, hoping to get the glory without doing the work. Tarquin figured it was only a matter of time before she tripped over her own feet. Still, he had to admit, she was making things easier for him. On the way here, he''d been racking his brain for a way to get the cure out there without exposing his grandmother or Elysia. Now, thanks to Sabrina, he had a n. Plus, Sabrina hated Elysia. Even better. "Sabrina says I''m just being paranoid, Benjamin grumbled. "But I call it being prepared. You''ll see if things keep going like this, we''re headed for disaster. Benjamin was already feeling the pressure, anxiety creeping in as he realized just how serious the outbreak was. Tarquin didn''t reply until they reached Benjamin''s office. Then, quietly, he said, "We already have the cure." Benjamin''s eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Say what?!" It was just after four in the morning, and the lights at the Ashford family''s Number One Manor were zing. Tarquin had juste back from the hospital after his talk with Benjamin. He hadn''t even made it inside when he heard Elysia and the Kidsughing. Warmth filled his chest as he walked in. The house was filled with the smell of fresh pancakes and bacon. "Daddy!¡± His daughter, Baby, spotted him first. She came running, clutching her stuffed bunny. Elysia looked up, curious. "You''re back early." Tarquin scooped Baby up with one arm and slipped off his shoes with the other, heading into the living room. "All done at work,¡± he said, smiling. He noticed Pam and greeted her, "Hey, Mom." Pam was looking much better these days. Seeing Tarquin, she grinned, "yton, Tarquin''s home." Tarquin was surprised-Pam had actually called him by the right name. She really was getting better. yton was by the kitchen door, wearing an apron and holding a todle, looking every bit the docmet grandpa. "Tarquin, you''re home." "Hey, Dad." That single word made yton''s eyes crinkle even more, his smile growing impossibly wide. Chapter 1327 "I happened to make a bit too much spaghetti-why don''t you have someter? Just sit and rx, dinner''s almost ready," yton called out as he disappeared back into the kitchen. He didn''t act anything like a billionaire CEO-honestly, he reminded Tarquin more of a sweet grandpa who spent his days baking cookies for his grandkids than some kind of tycoon. There was no pretense, just warmth and kindness. Tarquin felt a wave offort wash over him. He loved Elysia, and by extension, he cared deeply for her parents, yton and Pam. The feeling was mutual; yton and Pam loved him because he loved their daughter. It was the kind of genuine, wholehearted affection that made everything feel especially cozy. Tarquin''s own parents, Kendrick and Elizabeth Gonzalez, had passed away when he was young. It had been so long since he''d really felt the love of a mom or dad. Watching yton and Pam now, his heart felt full in a way he hadn''t experienced for years. "Why are you two still up thiste?" Elysia grinned, nudging her mother. "We tried to sneak in after getting home," sheughed, "didn''t want to wake Mom and Dad. But as soon as we walked into the living room, there was Dad-waiting right there on the couch." "Wait, he knew we wereing back tonight?" Tarquin asked. Elysia shook her head. "Nope. He just said he had a feeling. Thought tonight was the night we''d show up." yton''s voice rang out from the kitchen, "I had a hunch this afternoon, so I prepped everything already knew you''d be hungry when you got in! That''s what you call a father''s intuition, right? My daughter and I are just on the same wavelength!" He chuckled, and Elysia''s smile got even brighter, her whole face practically glowing with happiness. Seeing her in such a good mood made Tarquin happy too. He kissed Baby on the forehead and set her down. "Elysia, why don''t you hang out with your mom and the kids? I''ll go help Dad in the kitchen." He shrugged off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves, heading for the kitchen, only to be promptly shooed out by yton. "Absolutely not! You go rx! I''ve got this under control." "Dad, really, I''m not tired-" "Doesn''t matter. Go put your feet up. Don''t steal my thunder tonight I''m head chef." yton insisted. Elysia came over, smiling. "You might as well give up. Dad wouldn''t even let me or Emmett help." yton waved at them. "Go on, all of you! Sit, rx, let me handle dinner." get Seeing there was no point arguing, Tarquin relented. "Alright, you stay with into the study Mom. I''ll just pop to deal with something rear quick. ¡¨ "Okay, go ahead. We''ll call you when dinner''s ready," Elysia replied. Tarquin headed upstairs to the study, calling for Elliot and Elijah to join him. As soon as the door closed, he whispered, "I need a favor help me hack into Benjamin Hospital''s security system "I''m on it," Elijah said immediately, not even asking questions. He slid into the chair and started typing furiously. In no time, Elijah turned and grinned. "We''re in!" Tarquin was impressed his son had really leveled up during their month in the mountains. He leaned over the screen. "Pull up the sample room in Building A. Check the security footage." Elijah tapped away. "This one?" Tarquin nodded. "Yep, that''s it." He knew the ce well-they''d stolen a virus sample from that very room before heading into the mountains. "Why are we watching this, Dad?" Elliot asked, curiosity piqued. Tarquin narrowed his eyes, ncing at the clock. He was just about to answer when the security footage flickered a shadowy figure slipped into the sample room, heading straight for the medicine cab at the back. 15. Chapter 1328 "Sabrina?!" Elliot and Elijah blurted it out at the exact same time. Sabrina''s reputation was infamous among the kids for a reason. Not only did she dislike Elysia, but she''d also been spreading nasty rumors about her at the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association. Even if she''d been away from Oakridge for a while, the brothers had all been itching to set things straight with her. Now, they spotted her sneaking around, and Elijah narrowed his eyes. "What''s she up to?" Elliot peered closer. "Looks like she''s trying to steal a virus sample." Elijah immediately turned to Tarquin, concern etched on his face. Tarquin, when he took samples, only ever did it for research in his remote mountainb. He''d never let anything dangerous get out. But Sabrina? Who knew what she''d do. Even though they''d already developed an antidote, anyone infected would still go through hell and back before recovering. If Sabrina managed to smuggle out the sample and unleash it, it could still spell disaster. "Dad, should we trigger theb rm?" Elijah asked, tense. One hit of that rm button, and security would be all over Sabrina before she could get away with anything. Tarquin, reading his son''s mind, reassured him, "Don''t worry. The one she''s taking is a fake." After he''d swiped the real sample the other day, he''d reced it with a decoy to avoid suspicion. No one could tell the difference just by looking. He''d actually nned to return the real one today at the hospital, but after guessing Sabrina might make a move tonight, he changed his mind. Better safe than sorry-if she botched the theft and exposed the real virus, it could be a nightmare. So, for now, all Sabrina had was a fake. Elliot frowned. "But why bother stealing it at all?" Tarquin scoffed, "She wants to hand it off to her grandpa so he can secretly work on the antidote." "If he cracks it, she gets all the credit, and it''ll help her campaign for Association President." He''d pretty much figured Sabrina''s n back at the hospital. She''d boasted a bit too loudly, clearly pinning her hopes on her grandfather. Victor, her grandpa, was the top dog in medicine these days-he''d definitely cook up something useful. But if Sabrina wanted his help, she couldn''t let anyone else find out. She couldn''t just swipe the samples the rest of the team was actively working on, so she went after the ones in storage. "Send me the video of Sabrina stealing the sample. I''ll need it," Tarquin said. "Got it,¡± Elijah replied as he started editing the footage. Elliot looked up, curiosity lighting his face. "Dad, are you doing this to get back at Sabrina for Mom?" Tarquin shrugged, "Not exactly. We can''t go public with the antidote without exposing your great-grandma and your mom. So, we need a n, and Sabrina''s little stunt is actually useful." If they announced the cure, everyone would demand to know who developed it. Sooner orter, the trail would lead to Elysia, especially since she''d published the first-gen form before. Elliot asked, "So you''re going to let Sabrina take the fall?" Tarquin replied coolly, "That depends on Victor. He''ll be in Oakridge in a day or two f he ys Oakriet hand all the credit to fair and Sabrina, she''ll be fine. But if he tries to rig the game for her, well, she''ll end up as the scapegoat." Elliot didn''t pr¨¨ss for more details. He just scowled, his little brow furrowed. "Even if she''s the any scapegoat, she shouldn''t get credit she trashed Mom behind her back, and we haven''t even given her a piece of our mind yet." "Even if she''s the fall guy, she''s not taking Mom and Great-Grandma''s achievements. Not if we can help it!" Chapter 1329 Tarquin rubbed the top of his head and grinned. "Rx, you guys. Just wait and see-she''s not getting away with anything this time." No sooner had he spoken than Elysia''s voice rang up from downstairs. "Tarquin! Elliot, Elijah! Dinner''s ready!" Tarquin waved the kids over. "Come on, let''s head downstairs and grab a bite. After we eat, it''s straight back to bed for a nap." ... Down in the kitchen, yton had whipped up some chicken noodle soup and tossed together a couple of simple side dishes. It wasn''t fancy, but it was warm and inviting. The whole family gathered around the table,ughter echoing, the smell of fresh bread and soup filling the room-just that perfect, cozy feeling of home. After dinner, they lingered and chatted for a while. By the time they finished, the morning sun was already streaming through the windows. Neighbors could be heard leaving for work outside, but inside, everyone shuffled off to their bedrooms for some much-needed rest. After days of hiking through mountain roads, and then driving all night just to make it back to Jindale City, exhaustion was written on every face. Because they desperately needed sleep, Lowell postponed his promised trip to the ice rink with the kids until the next day. Winona and Blossom Blythe had heard Elysia was back and were dying to visit, but decided to hold off so as not to disturb her and the children''s rest. At 9 a.m., while Elysia and the kids were still catching up on sleep, chaos erupted at the hospital. Sabrina and the entire Medical & Pharmaceutical Association team had alle down with the infection-everyst one of them! They tried to keep it quiet, but word got out and panic spread like wildfire. How had the entire research team fallen sick before they''d even found a cure? The thought alone was terrifying. What''s worse, their symptoms escted in no time. Coughing, vomiting, fevers that wouldn''t break, even seizures, passing out, and coughing up blood. At first, Sabrina refused to believe it was happening. But once the test results came back, she melted down. From inside the istion ward, she screamed, "Get my grandpa in here! Now! Someone call him! Where''s my phone? I need to talk to my grandpa! Give me my phone! Please!" A nurse in full PPE tried to calm her down. "Dr. Stevenson, your phone is outside. Please, just stay calm I finish drawing your blood, ---- get it for you." Content belo Rosoite "Get it now!" Sabrina shrieked. "Forget the blood! You people can''t cure me anyway! Just bring me my phone! Go!" "Ms. Stevenson, please cooperate..." "Cooperate with what?!" Sabrina was losing it. "None of you can help me! Only my grandpa can! Are you going to j there and watch me di can you be so irresponsible?!" How "Don''t you have any decency? Any medical ethics at all? I''m dying here and you''re wasting time!" "Hurry up and call my grandpa! If you ever want to work in medicine again¡ª" She cut off, coughing hard. Blood sttered across her gown. The nurse rushed to steady her. "Dr. Stevenson, you need to calm down, please! Getting worked up is only making things worse." Sabrina gasped for breath, still desperate. "Get... my phone. I need to call my grandpa..." Outside the ss, Benjamin watched with a frown, lips pressed tight. Justst night, he''d told her that the first on infected patients door, and that Victor were needed to be called in immediately. And what had Sabrina said? She brushed it off, saying, "Live or die, it''s up to fate!" She''d insisted they keep researching for a couple more months before even considering bringing her grandfather in. But now that she was the one infected, suddenly waiting even a single second was too much. Where was her talk about fate now? About waiting a month or two before calling Victor? Her own life mattered-but everyone else''s didn''t? She''d never made her selfishness more obvious. Chapter 1330 Aside from Sabrina, there were also those people from the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association - just as selfish as she is! They knew perfectly well what was right and what was wrong, but to avoid getting on Sabrina''s bad side, they still took her side! It was like the lives of the first group of infected patients meant nothing to them. They didn''t care at all whether those people lived or died. Did they ever stop to think that behind every sick person, there''s an entire family waiting and worrying? Dr. Lambert''s little girl was still waiting for her dad toe home and bring her the birthday present he missed. Ms. Watson had already lost her unborn baby. If something happened to her, how would her family ever survive that? Leah''s elderly parents had rushed all the way from their small town. Every single day, they knelt outside the hospital, refusing to leave no matter who tried to talk them out of it. It was a blistering summer, and those two old folks were kneeling in the scorching sun, praying to God to save their daughter... Sure, their behavior was a little desperate, but who could me them for wanting their daughter to be healthy? Any parent would do the same. But Sabrina and the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association folks? It was like they couldn''t see any of it. Now look at them-suddenly, they''re the ones infected, and they''re in a total panic! Now they''re all scrambling to call Victor, begging him toe help. Selfish, everyst one of them. Disgusting. It''s like that old saying: not every doctor is an angel in a white coat-some are just devils in disguise. Benjamin sneered at them, but still did the responsible ing and reached out to Victor''s assistant to report what was happening. Victor called back almost immediately, his voice impatient and tense. "All of them? Sabrina and the Association group-all infected?!" "Yeah," Benjamin answered. "How? Weren''t they wearing protective gear while researching the virus?" Benjamin kept it honest. "We''re guessing now they didn''t get infected in theb. It happened in the conference room." "What do you mean? How could the virus have gotten into a conference room?¡± Benjamin knew exactly who was behind it-Tarquin. Letting them get infected would force Victor toe over, and it''d teach them a lesson too. This virus brought pain like nothing else not just aching muscles and bones, but pain deep inside your organs. Tarquin wanted Sabrina to know exactly what that felt like, all on behalf of Elysia. And he wanted the Association folks to experience it too-for siding with the wrong people, for turning a blind eye. Benjamin mixed fact and fiction as he replied, "Early this morning, DR Stevenson called the Association group to a meeting. Before it was even over, they all started showing symptoms. It hit everyone at once." "I just found out the virus samples that were supposed to be locked away in storage? Someone stole themst night. I think it was intentional-someone deliberately released the virus." Victor sounded stunned. "Aren''t those samples supposed to be under strict security? How could someone just steal them?" Benjamin replied, "They''re guarded tightly. No outsiders could get in, so I''m thinking it was an inside job." "And wouldn''t you know it,st night the security cameras went down. They''re still trying to fix them, so right now, we have no idea who did it or if they still have any of the virus left." Victor went quiet for a few seconds, the tension obvious even through the phone. "Why were they even having a meeting so early in the morning?" Benjamin answered, "Dr. Stevenson said she''d made a breakthrough and wanted everyone to bring theirtest findings to discuss." Victor was surprised. "So Sabrina was the one who called everyone to that meeting?" "Yeah, that''s right." Another pause. Then Victor asked, "...Why weren''t you there?" Benjamin exined, "Dr. Stevenson thinks I''m not up to the task. She told mest night I was off the virus project for good, so she didn''t call me this morning." He sounded a little regretful, but inside he was almost giddy. Honestly, even if Sabrina had called him, he wouldn''t have gone. Tarquin had warned him in advance. Someone on Victor''s end was calling him, telling him to get in the car. Victor said, "I''m heading to Jindale City now. I''ll get in touch once arrive. You need to find whoever stole those virus samples fast!" "If that virus gets loose and causes a disaster, your hospital will be held responsible!" "If you think it was an inside job, investigate thoroughly. Don''t let anyone off the hook." "Stealing and releasing a virus is a serious crime. It has to be dealt with¡ªno exceptions!" Benjamin nodded, "...Understood." After hanging up, Benjamin nced over at Sabrina and couldn''t help but think to himself: The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1331 If Victor ever found out it was his own granddaughter who stole the virus, I can''t even imagine what he''d do. He''d be heartbroken, that''s for sure. But you know what? He kinda brought this on himself. Spoiling your only granddaughter when you''re old? Yeah, that never ends well. She''s gotten so out of control, she thinks the world revolves around her! A doctor, but not a shred of medical ethics. She knew exactly who Elysia was, and still had the nerve to stir up trouble. Honestly, she has no clue about her own ce in all this... Back in his office, Benjamin picked up his phone and dialed Tarquin. Tarquin was already at thepany. After Elysia and the kids went to bed, he''d headed straight in. He''d been away for a while-even though Lowell was helping keep things afloat, the paperwork had piled up. As soon as Benjamin answered, he was practically buzzing, "We got them all! Every single one took the bait!" Tarquin barely looked up from his stack of paperwork-not surprised, not even remotely worried. He never went into a fight unprepared, and every move was pre-nned. Nothing unexpected would happen. No surprises, no slip-ups. He''d just let Sabrina dig her own grave. She''d walked right into his trap, and climbing out would cost her dearly. But right now, he was more concerned about Lucian. "When will the results from Lucian''s paternity test be in?" he asked. Benjamin replied, "The sample only arrived just before sunrise, so the soonest will be this afternoon. I''ll call you as soon as I have the results. Oh, and I looked into Lucian''s condition. He''s awake now, but it''ste-stage cancer. Doesn''t have much time left." Tarquin frowned. "How long, exactly?" "Best case, maybe a year or so. Worst case, a few months." Tarquin went silent for a moment, then hung up and went back to work, brow furrowed in thought. He''d wait for the paternity results before making any decisions about Lucian. For now, there were still two huge stacks of files on his desk, all waiting for his approval. It felt like being a kiding back from a month-long summer break, only to find all your homework waiting for you. When Tarquin worked, he wasser-focused. The next two hours, he barely moved from his desk. Lowell was there too. He was ver supposed to be off today, but since the kids needed some extra sleep and their ski trip had flopped, he came back in. Single, no real hobbies, nothing much to do at home-at least at the office, there were people to talk to. But Tarquin''s work pace was brutal. Forget chatting, the man barely took bathroom breaks. Lowell was starting to regreting in. If he''d known it''d be like this, he''d have stayed home and watched reruns. And Tarquin''s pace meant everyone else was scrambling, too. Every time he signed off on something, a new wave of tasks crashed down on the team. The whole office was in chaos. People started messaging Lowell in thepany group chat: [Lowell, please tell the boss to take a break! If he keeps going, we''re all going to drop dead!] Someone even added a crying puppy meme. Lowell read the messages, poker-faced, then tried to y it cool as he told Tarquin, "Hey, maybe take a little break?" Tarquin said nothing, just handed him a signed document. "This is urgent. Get the word out-I want to see a first draft this afternoon." Lowell sighed and left, and a collective groan rose from the workroom. The boss had only been in for half a day, but it felt like they''d worked two weeks straight. One of the secretaries, looking absolutely exhausted, whispered, "Lowell, it''s lunchtime. Doesn''t the boss get hungry?" With all the work, nobody had time to eat. If Tarquin went to lunch, maybe they''d get a breather too. Lowell shook his head. "Just hang in there. If you''re starving, grab some crackers or something from the break room." An actual chorus of groans followed. Lowell ducked back into Tarquin''s office, intending to remind him about lunch. But seeing the stol cloud on Tarquin''s face, he chickened out. Clearly, something-or someone-had put him in a bad mood. As Lowell was trying to guess which unlucky partner was about to get chewed out, Tarquin''s phone suddenly lit up. Chapter 1332 [Hey babe, you busy?] Elysia sent a quick text to Tarquin. The moment his phone buzzed, the deep crease between Tarquin''s brows smoothed out, and his whole face softened. The change was instant-he looked gentle, even tender. Not only did he turn gentle, but he also tossed his pen aside, abandoned his work, and grabbed his phone to call his wife back. Before hearing from his wife: work is life. After hearing from his wife: forget work-wife is life. "Did you just wake up?" Tarquin''s voice was so soft it was almost unrecognizable. Lowell, sitting across from Tarquin, could barely keep a straight face. See? There isn''t a man alive who can''t be sweet-they just save it for the right person, and Tarquin''s sweetness was strictly a limited edition. Lowell knew when to make himself scarce. As soon as he stepped out, he announced to the team, "Congrats, everyone-you''ve all been pardoned. Pack it up, it''s time for lunch." People looked around, surprised. "The boss is taking a break?" "Yep. Looks like you lot have suffered enough. An angel hase to save you all." "Which angel?" someone joked. Lowell grinned, "The boss''s wife." Suddenly, everyone perked up. "It''s lunchtime, so she''s probably calling the boss home to eat. Think he''ll actually go?" "Oh, definitely! It''s all over the inte-our boss is absolutely whipped! He adores his wife." "Yeah, but he''s also a workaholic. You guys remember how much he loves his job, right?" "That was then, this is now," someone piped up. "Lowell, who does the boss love more: his wife or his work?" A young woman chimed in, "I bet he loves his wife more!" Lowell gave her a big thumbs-up. "You win! Right now, the boss only wants to be in love, not at work! If he didn''t have to make money for his wife, he''d never be here he''d be glued to her 24/7!" "He only dragged himself to the office this morning because his wife was tired and napping at home Now that she''s up, he''s probably dying to go back." People looked skeptical. "Is he really that bad?" The next second, the office door swung open. Tarquin strode out in an expensive tailored suit, nced around, and told Lowell, "I''ll drive myself home. Cancel my afternoon meetings. I won''t be back." And with that, he hurried toward the elevator. The team stared as the elevator disy ticked down to the parking garage. When the doors closed, they finally let out a collective squeal. "No way-Lowell called it! The boss really couldn''t wait to get home to his wife!" "Who would''ve thought? Our cold, aloof boss is actually a total softie at home!" "This is the first time I''ve thought the boss was kind of pathetic-he''s so whipped!" someoneughed. Lowell grinned. "Oh, you have no idea. He isn''t just obsessed with her he''s actually scared of her, too." Eyes widened. "Seriously?" "Cross my heart," Lowell swore, hand over his chest. Soon, word had spread: the boss was a total puppy, always glued to his wife, and even a little bit afraid of her. People joked the boss''s wife was a real-life guardian angel, Saving them all from endless overtime. If you wanted to get ahead, don''t cozy up to the boss-go make friends with his wife! ... At the Number One Estate, Tarquin pulled up early. In the living room, only Elysia and Winona were around. yton and Pam, early risers, had taken little Evan out for a walk and some grocery shopping so as not to wake the others. The rest of the kids were still upstairs, catching up on sleep. Winona had arrived about half an hour ago, rushing over the moment she heard Elysia was awake. Blossom wasn''t there¡ªshe was vel busy. The new school year was about to start, and as a pre-K teacher, she had to be back at school for training. After a month of rest and TLC, Winona was finally back to her old self! Chapter 1333 It was still her-the stunning, icy, goddess-like Ms. Newsom, the superstar everyone in town gossiped about. If anything, she looked even more untouchable than before. After surviving a major disaster, her eyes had taken on a colder, sharper edge, making her seem every bit the queen people said she was. When she saw Tarquin, she actually got up to greet him. "Mr. Bradford," she said smoothly. Her feelings toward Tarquin wereplicated: a dash of nervousness, a hint of resentment, and a whole lot of gratitude. The nerves? Well, that was thanks to Tarquin''s power and the way he always seemed to get his way. The resentment? He''d put Elysia through hell back in the day. The gratitude? He''d made things right-Elysia was finally happy now, andtely, Tarquin had gone out of his way to help her out. "Don''t be so formal. Take a seat," Tarquin said, nodding politely. He was about to sit beside his wife, ready for a bit of cozy time, when his phone buzzed. He nced at the caller ID and was surprised to see Jessamine Huber''s name sh up. Elysia noticed, too. "Jess? You should pick up." Tarquin answered right in front of her. "Hey, Jess." Jessamine''s voice was frantic. "Tarquin, do you have a minute?" "Sure, what''s going on?" "It''s Keaton-he''s in trouble. Like, real trouble! Please help him, Tarquin, I''m begging you!" Tarquin''s brow furrowed. "What happened?" Jess sounded like she''d been crying. "The butler told me Dad''s about toy down thew-old-school style. He''s threatening to beat Keaton ck and blue! I have no idea what Keaton did this time to piss him off, but Dad doesn''t mess around when he gets like this." "Keaton''s so skinny, he can barely bench-press a carton of milk. I''m scared Dad''s going to hurt him for real. But I''m stuck out in Border City for work-I can''t get there in time. Please, Tarquin, could you go check on them? I''m so worried." Jessamine was practically sobbing now. She was Keaton''s older sister, and sure, she could knock him around herself, but that was sibling business. Underneath it all, she really loved the kid-just like any normal brother and sister. And Jessamine was pregnant, too. Tarquin tried to reassure her. "Hey, take it easy. Mr. Huber might have a heavy hand, but he''s not going to actually hurt Keaton. Do you know what set him off this time? Jess sniffled. "I think it''s another rtionship mess-something with Beatrix Sutton, but I don''t know the details. I tried calling Mom and Dad, but they''re not picking up." "...I''ll head over there now. I''ll let you know what''s going on once I find out." "Thank you, Tarquin. Thank you so much!" Tarquin hung up and turned to Elysia. "I need to go to the Hubers'' ce." Elysia had picked up most of the story. "Keaton''s dad''s about to rough him up?" "Yeah. Jess said it''s because of Beatrix, but I''m not sure. I should check it out." Elysia raised an eyebrow. "Is it really that bad?" Tarquin nodded, his expression serious. "When Mr. Huber gets old-school, it''s for real." Elysia frowned. "I''ming with you." Tarquin blinked. "You are?" "I know psychology," Elysia said. ¡°Maybe I can talk Mr. Huber down a bit. Plus, it''s my first time visiting-maybe he''ll go easy with an outsider there." That actually made sense. Mr. Huber could be a real hard-ass, and even Tarquin didn''t always get through to him. But Elysia''s first visit might make him hold back a little. Then Winona chimed in from across the room. "Well, it just so happens I have a gift in my trunk-perfect for the asion. Mr. Huber''s done me more than a few favors, so count me in. I''m no psychologist, but I know a thing or two about rtionships. Maybe I can help." Tarquin nodded. ¡°Sounds good. Let''s all go." So the three of them piled into Tarquin''s SUV-he drove, while Winona and Elysia settled into the back seat. Elysia still looked skeptical. "Keaton''s a grown man. Does his dad really still beat him?" Tarquin nced at her in the rearview mirror, a slight frown on his face. "When ites to family discipline, Mr. Huber doesn''t mess around." And with that, they set off for the Hubers'' estate, not knowing what kind of chaos they''d find waiting for them. Chapter 1334 "No matter how old you get, you''re always your dad''s kid. If he thinks you''ve screwed up, he''s gonnay down thew." "But Mr. Huber hasn''t really lost his temper in years. Whatever Keaton did this time must''ve really crossed a line." Elysia turned to him. "What do you think happened?" Tarquin thought for a moment. "Jess said it had something to do with Beatrix. So, rtionship drama, probably." "Mr. Huber''s old-school, very traditional. Keaton, on the other hand, is all about living wild and free. They argue all the time because their worldviews don''t match." Winona piped up, "Who''s Beatrix?" Elysia answered, "I''ve met her-she''s Keaton''s fianc¨¦e. Their families are nning a big engagement party at the end of the year." "But Jess said Keaton isn''t actually into her. He only agreed to the engagement to keep his parents happy." Winona raised an eyebrow. "Does Beatrix even like him?" Elysia shrugged and looked at Tarquin. "What do you think? Does Beatrix like Keaton?" Tarquin shook his head. "No idea. Keaton''s never mentioned it." Winona continued, "Isn''t Beatrix that academic superstar with a bunch of degrees?" "Yeah, she''s got an impressive r¨¦sum¨¦," Tarquin confirmed. Winona nodded knowingly. "I know her! No wonder Mr. Huber isn''t a fan-she''s definitely not his type." Keaton always went for girls who were either drop-dead gorgeous, adorably sweet, or had that untouchable ice-queen vibe. Beatrix, with her schrly reputation, just wasn''t his style. Elysia frowned. "If he didn''t like her, he shouldn''t have agreed to it in the first ce. Sure, it''s tough to say no to your parents, but saying yes and then backing out is even messier." Winona pressed her lips together. "Looks like Mr. Huber really misjudged this one." ... When the three of them arrived at the Huber estate, the entire house was shrouded in anxiety. People whispered nervously in the halls. The master of the house was ready to give his son a serious beating-everyone was terrified. When Elysia and Winona walked in, the old butler did a double take, surprised that Tarquin had brought them. But after a second, he refocused on Tarquin, looking at him like he was a knight in shining armor. "Mr. Bradford, thank goodness you''re here! Please, you''ve got to talk to Mr. Huber. He''s dead set on teaching Keaton a lesson this time! Mrs. Huber''s fainted twice from crying, but nothing''s getting through to him!" Tarquin frowned. "What exactly happened?" "I''m pretty sure it''s got something to do with Ms. Sutton, but I don''t know the details. As soon as the Suttons arrived this morning, Mr. Huber kicked all of us out of the room." "The Suttons are here too?" "Yeah. Mr. and Mrs. Sutton both looked furious-must be something about the engagement." Tarquin asked, "Where''s Keaton now?" The butler''s eyes were red. "He''s in the chapel. Mr. Huber made him kneel there all morning, from dawn until noon." "Half an hour ago, Mr. Huber went in to talk to him. Who knows what was said, but the next thing we know, he''s threatening to use the family cane!" "Mrs. Huber was so terrified she started pleading for Keaton, but Mr. Huber wouldn''t listen. She literally fainted, and he still wouldn''t stop." "You know the Huber family''s old traditions-when they say ''family discipline,'' they mean it. I don''t even want to imagine what shape Keaton''s in by now." The butler had been with the family for decades, practically raised Keaton himself. His worry was palpable. Tarquin''s frown deepened. "And the Suttons?" "They''re still in the living room. I heard Mr. Sutton say they''re not leaving until everything gets sorted out." Elysia couldn''t help but jump in- Chapter 1335 "Mr. Huber is hitting Keaton. Aren''t his parents going to step in?¡± "Ms. Sutton tried, but Mr. Sutton and Mrs. Sutton didn''t. They''re furious today." Elysia just couldn''t wrap her head around it. Weren''t sons-inw supposed to be like family? No matter how angry they were, could they really just stand by and let Keaton get beaten to death? How much resentment did they have? Did Keaton really do something so unforgivable? "Mr. Bradford, Mr. and Mrs. Huber are both in the chapel. Only the Suttons are in the living room. Should you-?" "We''ll go straight to the chapel," Tarquin said. "All right." The old butler hurriedly led Tarquin and the others through the estate. The Huber family chapel, just like the Bradfords'', was a standalone building tucked away at the back of the grounds. Even from a distance, they could hear the sharp crack of a wooden ruler pping against flesh. It sounded painful. Tarquin, Elysia, and Winona all looked grim. No exaggeration-Richard Huber really was beating Keaton within an inch of his life. Mrs. Huber was outside the chapel gates, sobbing, pleading one second and threatening the next. "...Richard, what''s done is done! Even if you beat your son to death, you can''t change the truth. I''m begging you, please stop..." "...Richard Huber, I swear, if you kill my son, I''ll die too! We''ll both leave you to your own misery, do you hear me? I mean it..." Tarquin stepped forward. "Janelle." Janelle saw Tarquin and rushed over. "Tarquin, you have to help! He''s lost it-he''s really going to kill Keaton, I swear..." "I''ll go in and talk to him. Elysia, Winona, stay with Janelle." Tarquin strode toward the gate, but two guards blocked his way. "Mr. Bradford, sir''s orders-no one goes in without permission..." Tarquin gave them a shove-not hard, just enough to knock them off bnce. "If Mr. Huber has a problem, tell him you couldn''t stop me. I forced my way in." With that, he pushed open the gate and headed for the chapel. Elysia and Winona helped Janelle to her feet, calling her name. Janelle finally noticed Elysia and Winona, quickly wiping her tears. "You... you''re here too?" "Jess called Tarquin, and we " happened to be with him," said. "When we heard what happened to Keaton, we all came together." Despite her distress, Janelle pulled herself together¡ªshe was a society matron, after all, and manners mattered. She forced a polite smile, eyes still red. "I''m sorry to drag you into all this. And you''re... Ms. Newsom?" She recognized Elysia, but not Winona the Huber and Newsomet families didn''t mix, though Janelle had seen Winona the news. Winona introduced herself. "Hi I''m Elysia''s best friend-and also friends with Mr. Huber. Just call me Winona." Hearing that Winona was Elysia''s friend, Janelle immediately rxed a little. Birds of a feather flock together, she thought. Elysia was a good girl; her friends must be good too. Janelle had seen all the headlines about Winona and Zane Livingston. She couldn''t help but feel bad for her. Such a beautiful, smart young woman-how did she end up with a husband like that, and a mother-inw from hell? Thinking of Prisci, Janelle rolled her eyes. She''d never met Winona before, but she''d definitely encountered Prisci at a fewdies'' luncheons. They barely interacted, but honestly-Janelle couldn''t stand the woman. Not one bit. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1336 Because in the few times they''d met, Prisci couldn''t help but run her mouth like she was some kind of lottery winner who''d just hit it big. Every conversation with her was the same: brag about her precious son, trash her daughter-inw. She seemedpletely oblivious to the fact that her son had married into the Livingston family, and all their fancy dinners and country club invites came courtesy of the Newsoms. If you listened to Prisci, though, you''d think it was the Newsoms who should be grateful her boy even looked their way! She honestly believed Winona wasn''t good enough for her son. To hear Prisci tell it, Winona was nothing but a pretty face-a gold-digger who couldn''t boil an egg, let alone clean a house, and didn''t lift a finger for her inws. She''d rant, "That little tramp won''tst long. Just you wait-if she doesn''t give me a foot rub or massage my shoulders, I''ll make sure my son divorces her!" What a piece of work. Who did Prisci think she was? The Queen Mother? Expecting foot baths and massages, threatening to have her son toss his wife out likest week''s leftovers? Honestly, the woman had zero ss. If anything, the Livingstons should be lighting candles in gratitude theynded someone like Winona! She''s gorgeous and sweet¡ªif Winona were my daughter-inw, I''d be over the moon. I''d spoil her rotten, treat her like a princess! No one would dare mess with her-not even Keaton. If he so much as looked at her the wrong way, I''d be the first to set him straight. Thinking about Prisci, I couldn''t decide if I was more annoyed or jealous. Even someone like Prisci managed to snag a daughter-inw. And here I am-waiting, hoping, praying for a daughter-inw of my own, but not even a shadow of one appears. Sigh. Poor Winona. Honestly, I felt bad for myself, too. She''d been unlucky in love; me, I couldn''t seem to find a daughter-inw no matter how hard I tried. Janelle gave Winona''s hand a gentle pat, her heart aching for her. "Out with the old, in with the new, honey. There are plenty of good men out there -don''t let some jerk drain your spirit. The next one will be better!" Winona managed a smile. Janelle really was something else. One minute, she was tearing up over her own son. The next, she wasforting Winona. Funny thing was, Winona hade here to console her! "I''m not upset," Winona said lightly. "It''s a long life. So I ran into a jerk-he''s history as far as I''m concerned." Janelle nodded emphatically. "That''s the spirit! No point wasting tears on a loser. Let him do the crying for once." Winona smiled again, and she and Elysia helped Janelle to a bench by the rose bushes. "So, what''s really going on with Keaton and Ms. Sutton?" Winona asked. Janelle let out a long sigh. "It''s all Keaton''s fault! Poor Beatrix didn''t deserve it." Winona and Elysia exchanged a look. Most women from old-money families would swear their sons could do po wrong, always ming the other party. But not Janelle. "What did Keaton do?" Winona pressed. Janelle''s brow furrowed. "He''s my son, but I''m not taking his side. Frankly, he deserved what he got it he never uked Beatrix, why agree to** the engagement in the first ce? If he was just trying to keep us happy, that''s no excuse for... for hurting her." Winona and Elysia grew quiet. "Hurting her?" Elysia echoed. Janelle''s frown deepened, lips pressed tight. She seemed torn, struggling to get the words out. "Did they... sleep together?" Winona asked gently. Janelle clenched her jaw. "If it had C been consensual, maybe it''d be different. But he he forced her My son. That bastard." OW Winona and Elysia stared at her in shock. Keaton had assaulted Beatrix? Suddenly, it made sense why the Suttons were furious, why Richard was calling for old-school punishment. This wasn''t just a messy breakup this was criminal. Chapter 1337 This is already a criminal offense. If the Sutton family decides to press charges, he could end up in prison for a long time. A serious sentence, too. Winona frowned. "Are you sure it was rape?" Janelle nodded miserably. "They''ve got the video! My idiot son... He''s really going to be the death of me, I swear..." Janelle was a mess-angry, worried, and totally at a loss. She was furious that her son could do something so monstrous. She was terrified the Suttons would actually take this to court. She desperately wanted to find a solution, but she just couldn''t see a way out. It was tearing her apart... Elysia grabbed some tissues and wiped away Janelle''s tears. "What are the Suttons saying right now?" Janelle choked out, "They want the two of them to get married as soon as possible. After what happened-God knows if Beatrix is pregnant-they don''t want their daughter branded with a shotgun wedding or, worse, as an unwed mother." "Richard and I, of course, don''t have any objections. We''ve been hoping Keaton would settle down." "But that stubborn boy just refuses. He said he''ll do anything to make it right with the Suttons, but he absolutely will not marry Beatrix." "We don''t even know if it''s because he doesn''t like Beatrix, or if he just doesn''t want to get married, period." "He won''t say. He just keeps insisting he won''t marry her, won''t do it, no way." "And the Suttons have made it clear-if he doesn''t agree to the wedding, they''re going straight to the police." "If they p him with a rape charge, his life is over. Completely over." "Richard and I have talked to him privately, tried every argument we can think of. He''s a grown man, he knows what''s at stake, but he just won''t budge!" "He''d rather ruin his whole future, even risk getting beaten to death by his father, than marry Beatrix." Winona frowned deeper. "Did he admit to raping Beatrix?" Janelle nodded miserably. "Yeah, the evidence is all there. Denying it is pointless." Winona asked, "Can we see the video?" Janelle hesitated, dabbing her eyes, then found the file and passed her phone to Winona and Elysia. Tarquin was Keaton''s best friend, and Elysia was Tarquin''s wife-and her daughter Jessamine was close with both families. Winona, in turn, was Elysia''s best friend. Janelle trusted them enough to show the video. The footage was heavily blurred for privacy, but you could clearly make out Keaton and Beatrix''s faces. In the hotel room, Beatrix had just finished showering. The doorbell rang. She answered, wrapped in a towel and robe, hair still damp. Keaton barged in. He didn''t say a word. He just pinned her against the door. Beatrix''s face flushed red as she pushed at him. "Keaton, what-what are you doing?!" Keaton just grabbed her wrists, pinned them above her head, and yanked her robe off, tossing it aside. Beatrix screamed in rm, but Keaton smothered her cries with a forceful kiss. He kissed her, hands roaming over her bare skin... He forced himself on her right there, by the crying otel door, while she kept e crying and trying to fight him off the way from the e from the door to t door to the bed. The whole time, Beatrix was sobbing, struggling... Elysia and Winona watched, deeply ufortable, faces tense and drawn. It was undeniable evidence. If this went to the police, Keaton would almost certainly be convicted. They quickly shut the video off and handed Janelle her phone. Elysia noticed something was off about Keaton in the footage. She if he was on Som alcohol, or Wool whatever-but she had r no, she just asked quietly, "Why was there a security camera in the hotel room?" Chapter 1338 Winona wanted to say something her lips parted, but the words just wouldn''te out. Janelle shook her head and sighed. "Word is, someone set the whole thing up just to get it on camera. They caught Keaton and Beatrix in the act." "That person sent the video to both our families-the Hubers and the Suttons- and tried to ckmail us." "They threatened to leak the uncensored footage if we didn''t pay up." "If that video goes public, Keaton''s looking at jail time, and Beatrix''s reputation will get dragged through the mud. It''d ruin both our families." "The ckmail''s been handled, but now it''s just us left to deal with the fallout." "If Keaton and Beatrix got married, this would all blow over." "But the problem is Keaton. He refuses to go through with the wedding..." Winona finally spoke up. "If he doesn''t want to marry her, it means he doesn''t love her. Forcing them together won''t bring anyone happiness. Besides, I think there''s more to this than meets the eye." Janelle frowned, puzzled. "What do you mean?" Winona took a moment, choosing her words carefully. "Listen, Keaton''s got a reputation as adies'' man, sure. But he''s not a scumbag. He''s a flirt, but he''s not a creep. He dates a lot, but he''s never forced himself on anyone." "All the girls he''s been with-he put in the effort, charmed them. His rtionships are short-lived, yeah, but he''s genuine in the moment." "He courts them, and when it ends, he''s honest and generous. He''s never cheated or juggled girlfriends." "And honestly, the women he dates? They know what they''re getting. They''re not looking for forever, either-they want something out of it, too." "To put it simply, it''s a fair trade." "He spends money for excitement, they get some perks in return." "Plus, Keaton''s family is loaded, he''s got the body of a pro athlete, he''s always hitting the gym, he''s clean, and let''s be real-he''s handsome as hell." "Dating him, even just hooking up, isn''t exactly a bad deal." "That''s why, even with his reputation, there''s always a line of girls waiting for a shot." "But Keaton''s nothing like Zane. Now, Zane''s a real piece of work. Or those guys who rough up their wives, or gamble and cheat-that''s what you call trash." "Keaton? At worst, he''s..plicated." "You can''t call him evil-he''s never done anything truly wrong. He dates properly, is upfront, and treats his girlfriends well." "But you can''t call him perfect, either-his longest rtionship never made it past two months." As Winona finished, Janelle just stared at her, tears streaming down her face. This was the first time she''d heard anyone say something nice about her son. All those societydies she knew-they''d shake their heads, purse their lips, and gossip about how hopeless Keaton was. Always whispering behind her back about how she''d never get grandkids, mocking her every chance they got. And here was Winona, after watching that video, defending him. Anyone else would have called her son a jerk after seeing that footage. But not Winona. Janelle was moved to her core. She gripped Winona''s hand tightly. Why couldn''t a girl like this be her daughter-inw? Life was so unfair! "Winona, do you think Keaton was set up?" Winona nodded slightly. "Yeah, I just don''t see him doing something like that. It''s not in his character." But since Keaton himself had already copped to it, she didn''t want to push. She just said gently, ¡°I can''t say for sure, but something just feels off." Just as Winona finished speaking, Richard and Tarquin strode out of the old family chapel. Richard was fuming. He barked at the staff, "No one''s to go near him! No doctor, no painkillers, no food, no watert Anyone who disobeys can pack their bags and leave the Huber family for good!" The guards at the door nodded frantically, not daring to breathe too loud. Chapter 1339 The Huber family''s staff didn''t know exactly what had happened, but you didn''t need to be Sherlock Holmes to see it: The boss was furious today. And not just your average mad-he was nuclear. Janelle heard themotion and rushed over. "I''ll go check on him. Please, let me in to see him," she pleaded. "You''re not going in either!" Richard barked. Janelle''s voice cracked as she cried, "What, you''re just going to leave him in there to rot?" "If he wants to rot in there, I won''t even give him the chance! Our family has always been respectable-how did we end up with such a screw-up for a son?¡± "If he refuses to marry Beatrix, then call the cops! Let theme and haul him off!" Janelle nearly copsed at those words, only staying upright because Elysia and Winona grabbed her arms just in time. Janelle sobbed, "You can''t do that! He''s your flesh and blood! If the police take him, he''s finished. His whole life-ruined!" Richard''s face was a stormy mix of red and pale. "He did something this monstrous-I ought to disown him!" "You... that''s not right. Even Winnie says it''s not right. Richard, we have to get the facts straight! Really look into this!" "Winnie?" Richard shot her a look she hadn''t expected. Winona froze for a second, then stammered, "Mr. Huber..." Tarquin quickly introduced her, "She''s Elysia''s best friend. Also a friend of Keaton''s. She was here when Jess called, so she came along." Richard studied her, his anger softening just a little as he remembered. "I know you. Nearly got yourself killed by that jerk. Poor girl." Winona gave an awkward smile. "Bad luck with men, I guess." Richard sighed heavily. "It''s the Livingstons who didn''t appreciate you. Surviving that, you''re bound for better things. Life has a way of evening out. You''ll be happy, just you wait." "Thank you, sir. And Keaton-he''s not like Zane. He''s not a jerk. He''d never... you know, force himself on someone." Richard exhaled, long and deep. He wasn''t a fool-he knew his son''s ws. Keaton was a flirt, sure, but he wasn''t evil. Assaulting Beatrix? No way. But the kid confessed. That was the real kick in the teeth. He was mad at his son for being reckless, but mostly, he was furious that Keaton was taking the me for something he couldn''t have done. Why would he do that? Just then, a maid sprinted in, panic written all over her face. "Sir! Something''s happened! Ms. Sutton the is threatening to kill herself i living room!" Richard and Janelle jumped, then bolted for the living room. Elysia and Winona exchanged a look, eyebrows knitted in worry, and hurried after them. Tarquin turned to the security guards, voice, low and urgent. "Go get a doctor for your young master, fast. If the boss fires you over this, I''ll find you another job. But if you don''t call the doctor right now, you''ll be out on the street tonight-no questions asked." The guards flinched. "We''ll call the doctor right away, sir!" Tarquin''s tone eased. "Good. And when Keaton''s better, I''ll make sure he takes care of you." With that, he hurried off to catch up with Elysia, heading for the main house. Seeing Elysia and Winona''s anxious faces, he said, "If she really wanted to kill herself, she''d be dead already. We wouldn''t have time to get there. Don''t panic." That actually made sense. Elysia felt a little better, but still pressed, "How''s Keaton doing?" "He''s not going to die. But he won''t be getting out of bed for a month.¡± Elysia''s eyes widened. "They beat him that badly?!" "Mr. Huber was really, really pissed." "But when I saw the video, Keaton didn''t seem like himself. Didn''t Mr. Huber notice?" Tarquin''s expression darkened. "Wait-you watched the video?!" Chapter 1340 Winona was no fool. The second she heard Tarquin''s tone, she knew jealousy was eating him alive. Honestly, Winona found it hrious-stoic Mr. Bradford, of all people, was a total jealousy monster! A guy who hardly ever dated, suddenly in love, and now? Wow. He''d get jealous over anything. And it all started because she and Elysia had watched a silly video together. Winona quickly tried to defuse the situation, blurting out, "Elysia, I''m gonna go hang out with Janelle for a bit. You take your time, no rush!" She didn''t wait for a reply, just clicked away in her sky-high heels, putting serious distance between herself and the drama. Elysia didn''t chase after her. Instead, she turned to Tarquin and asked, "Wait, you didn''t watch it?" Tarquin''s face was stormy, like he''d been personally wronged. "No, I did not!" Elysia blinked at him, confused. "Okay, you didn''t. Why''re you so upset? If you wanna see it, just ask Mr. Huber for the link." "I don''t want to see it!" he snapped. Elysia was baffled. "Alright, then don''t. Why are you so worked up?" Tarquin clenched his jaw, looking like he could just about eat her alive. ¡°I don''t want you watching it either!" Elysia stared. "It was just for context, you know?" "You don''t need to watch it for context!" "It was censored, anyway." "That doesn''t matter!" Elysia just stared at him, exasperated. ¡°Are you picking a fight or something?" "I''m not picking a fight!" "Then what are you mad about?" "I''m not mad!" Elysia shot him a warning look. "If you keep talking to me like this, I''m not gonna speak to you at all." Tarquin scowled, clearly not happy. Elysia turned to go, but Tarquin grabbed her arm, looking utterly miserable. "I''m just jealous, okay?" Elysia was stunned for a second, then burst outughing. "Are you three or something? What''s there to be jealous about? I told you, it was censored. If it wasn''t, Janelle would never have let us watch it. You''re such a baby!" "Mr. Huber offered to show me, but I refused!" ¡°Alright, alright, I get it. Mr. Bradford''s got a jealous streak a mile wide. It''s totally my fault today, I''ll be more careful next time, okay? Please, your majesty, don''t hold it against me." Tarquin''s expression softened a little. "Call me ''hubby."" "Yes, hubby dearest! Now stop being so sour!" That yful tone made Tarquin''s throat go dry, his whole body suddenly too warm. Before he could say anything, Elysia tugged him forward, switching to a more serious topic. "Come on, let''s go. Your buddy''s in a mess and you''re here sulking? If Keaton finds out, he''ll chew you out for sure!" "If he does, I''ll just punch him," Tarquin grumbled. "And what if I chew you out?" "I''ll just surrender and let you win." Elysia blushed, kicking him lightly. Enough with the banter-she got down to business. ¡°Winona and both noticed there was something weird with Keaton and Beatrix. Didn''t Mr. Huber see it, too?" Tarquin shot her a look. "We''ll talk about you watching the video tonight!" Before Elysia could roll her eyes, he continued, "Mr. Huber noticed, but he''s ticked off that Keaton confessed." Elysia was stunned. "Wait, you mean Mr. Huber knows Keaton was set up?" "Yeah. Keaton would never do something like that. It''s obvious someone drugged him." "So why did he admit it?" "No idea. Keaton won''t say." Elysia frowned. "Who drugged him? Beatrix?" Tarquin shrugged. "Not sure yet, but I''m betting she had something to do with it." Elysia shook her head in disbelief. "But Keaton''s told me before, he doesn''t even like Beatrix-and she doesn''t like him either. The engagement was just to keep their parents happy." Tarquin nodded. "Either there''s something else going on, or Keaton got yed by the Sutton family." "Got yed? How?" "They pretend it''s just a fake engagement, but then set things up so he can''t back out." Elysia paused, frowning. "That makes no sense. Keaton doesn''t like her, and she doesn''t like him. Even if she manages to trap him into marriage, she''d just be making herself miserable. Isn''t she digging her own grave?" The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1341 Tarquin said, "You think everyone gets married for love? In high society, most marriages are just business deals." "If Beatrix ends up with Keaton, whether she''s happy or not, the Suttons will definitely cash in." With that, Tarquinced his fingers through Elysia''s, a small smile on his lips. He knew he was lucky to have found real love. Elysia frowned. "If the Suttons are ying games, is there any way to stop them?" "There is, as long as Keaton is willing to tell the truth and stand up for himself," Tarquin replied. "But if he''s already given up and insists he''s guilty, no one can help him." Elysia shook her head, confused. "But why would he want to take the me?" "...Let''s check on Beatrix first." When they reached the living room, Beatrix was still holding a kitchen knife to her throat. Her eyes were red as she yelled at her parents, "Stop pushing me! Maybe you don''t care about your reputation, but I do! Do you really think I have no other choice but him?" "He doesn''t like me, I don''t like him. He doesn''t want to marry me, I don''t want to marry him. If you keep pushing me¡ªif you keep pushing him¡ªI swear I''ll end it right here!" Her mother, sobbing, pleaded, "Sweetheart, just put the knife down. Please listen to me, anything happens to you, how am I supposed to go on?" Sophus Sutton''s face was stone-cold. ey-put it down. If "We''re just trying to get you justice! Keaton hurt you shouldn''t he be responsible?!" Beatrix cried out, "Keaton isn''t like that! That night, it wasn''t what you think¡ª" "No matter what happened, the fact is he hurt you! He should be held ountable!" Sophus snapped. Tears streamed down Beatrix''s face. "I don''t want him to take responsibility! He doesn''t love me¡ªI told you I won''t be happy if I marry him! If you keep pushing this, I''ll do something you''ll regret!" She turned to Richard and Janelle, "Mr. Huber, Janelle, please don''t me him for this anymore. I''m not going to press charges. I''m not going to involve the police." Sophus growled, "Beatrix, don''t-" "Don''t push me!" she screamed. Her grip tightened-suddenly, the knife nicked her neck and blood started trickling down. Screams filled the living room. Tarquin was quick: he grabbed a heavy bookend from the mantel and knocked the knife from her hand. Beatrix cried out in pain and dropped the knife, clutching her wrist. "Beatrix!" her mother rushed to her side. "Call a doctor! Someone, please!" Janelle shouted. Elysia hurried over, checking the wound. "Don''t worry, it''s not deep. Janelle, do you have a first aid kit?" "Yes!" Janelle called, signaling the housekeeper. Elysia quickly cleaned and bandaged Beatrix''s neck, speaking softly, "Ms. Sutton, let''s talk this out, okay? Don''t do anything drastic." Tears still streaming, Beatrix nodded, "Thank you, Ms. Thorne." "You''re wee. Try not to get the bandage wet and take it easy for a bit, alright?" "Okay." Elysia goped her to her feet. Beatrix turned to Richard and Janelle ande a deep, shaky bow, then ran from the room. Her mother hurried after her, calling, "Beatrix!" Sophus, out of options, let out a heavy sigh and shot Richard a furious re before storming out. The room fell silent. Richard and Janelle looked even more devastated. Richard slumped into a chair, "We owe her. The Hubers can''t just let this go-we have to make it right." Janelle buried her face in her hands, sobbing. Even though Beatrix said she wouldn''t pursue it, Janelle still felt awful-she knew this wasn''t over. The Suttons hadn''t given up, and that damning video was still out there. It was a ticking time bomb. Elysiaforted Janelle, while Winona stood quietly in the corner, her heels clicking on the hardwood as she watched Beatrix disappear down the hall, lost in thought... Chapter 1342 For quite a while after that, Elysia kept trying tofort Janelle and Richard. Winona, on the other hand, didn''t say a single word. Elysia noticed something was off, and the moment they left the Huber family''s ce, she couldn''t wait to ask, "Winona, are you okay? You haven''t said a word since Beatrix left. What''s going on?" Winona shot back, "What do you think about this Beatrix girl?" Elysia thought for a second. "I don''t really know her, so it''s hard to say." Winona said, "She''s definitely into Keaton." "Huh? What makes you say that?" "It''s not just that she wants to marry him. She wants Keaton to fall for her too. I mean,e on-if a woman wants both the ring and the guy''s heart, what else could it be but love?" Elysia lookedpletely dumbfounded, mulling it over for a while before she finally asked, "You think she faked that suicide attempt today just to force her parents to back off? Like, she did it on purpose?" "Isn''t it obvious?" "Obvious? Howe I didn''t notice?" ¡°Because, Elysia, you''re such a lovable dummy!" Winona grinned teasingly, then nced at Tarquin, who was driving. "Mr. Bradford, you saw through it, right?" Tarquin kept his eyes on the road but didn''t deny it. "I''ve already got someone digging into the Sutton family." The drama the Suttons pulled today really did seem sketchy. Tarquin nced at Winona in the rearview mirror. "If you''ve got some time, could you help look after Keaton for a bit? I''ve already let the Huber family''s security know, so you cane and go as you like." Winona looked confused. "Wait, what do you mean?" Tarquin exined, "Keaton''s stubborn as a mule. If Janelle or I bring him food, he won''t touch it. But if you bring him something to eat, maybe keep an eye on him taking his meds too, just once a day or even every other day, at least he won''t starve." Winona raised her brows. "He''ll eat if I bring it?" "Yeah, he''s helpless around a pretty face. If a beautifuldy delivers his meal, he can''t say no." Winona rolled her eyes. "...Seriously?" Tarquin went on, "Plus, you im to be a rtionship expert, right? Maybe you can get Keaton to open up and figure out what''s really going on with him-why he insists on confessing to something he didn''t do." Winona didn''t have a good reason to say no, so she nodded. "Alright, count me in." Keaton had helped her out so many times; the least she could do was pay him back by sorting out one of his messes. As soon as Winona finished speaking, her phone started ringing-Caroline was calling. Winona answered, "Hey, Mom." Caroline''s voice was low and worried. "Winona, where are you right now?" "I''m with Elysia. Why, what''s up?" "Just you two? Is it safe to talk?" "Mr. Bradford''s here too, but go ahead." Caroline sounded tense. "Prisci showed up again with the police, saying you''re holding Zane against his will and demanding the cops search the house." "But they didn''t have a warrant, so they couldn''te in." "The police told me to let you know-Prisci is Zane''s mother, so she has the right to see her son. If you keep blocking her, they''ll take legal action." Winona''s eyes narrowed. "..." Ever since Zanended in her hands, his cronies had been egging Prisci on to cause trouble. Keaton had always been the one to shut things down. That''s the only reason Winona had been able to keep Zane out of sight for so long and finally get some payback. ¡°I got it, Mom. I''ll handle it. Don''t worry." After she hung up, Elysia looked concerned. "Prisci''s stirring things up again?¡± "Yeah, she''s looking for her precious son." "Wow, she actually had the guts to show up in person?" Winona scoffed, "Only because bet Zane''s right-hand men are backin her Otherwise, no way dare show her face at my ce "Prisci may be arrogant, but she''s not stupid. She knows I''m not someone to mess with right now!" Chapter 1343 Elysia frowned. "I really underestimated that bastard Zane. Using the Bradford family name, heworked his way to the top-it''s like he built his own little empire!" "Tarquin told me he even owns Central Pharmaceuticals now," she added. Winona''s eyebrows knit together. Sure, she''d had some small winstely, but when it came to business, the thought of it still made her blood boil. The Bradford family was hollowed out now-her family''s fortune, even the money she earned from acting, was all but gone. Zane had siphoned it off until there was barely anything left. When they divorced, Zane walked away with nothing on paper, but it hadn''t slowed him down one bit. Tarquin jumped in, "If Zane embezzled Bradford family money, we can help you get it back. And if you want to keep him locked up a bit longer, we can arrange that, too." Winona was grateful. Zane had stolen her father''s life''s work-if she could get any of it back, it would be a miracle. "Thanks, Mr. Bradford, but don''t worry about it. Keeping him locked up forever isn''t a real solution." Tarquin warned, "Zane''smitted enough crimes that when he gets out, every agency in the country will be watching him. It''s not safe for you to go after him personally." Winona scoffed, "The sooner the state takes him down the better. Every day he''s free, he''s just a gue on everyone around him!" Tarquin didn''t say any more. The reason they hadn''t acted sooner was partly to help Winona vent her anger, and partly because they needed Central Pharmaceuticals as leverage against some mysterious adversary. But now, Winona had gotten her revenge, and the antidote was in hand. It was time to really deal with Zane. He''d heard Zane was willing to trade the lives of a hundred thousand people for his own. Human life meant nothing to him. People like that didn''t deserve to walk this earth. And he was curious-who would take that job anyway? *** Because of all the Zane drama, Winona didn''t go back to the Bradford estate with the others. Instead, she headed home alone. Tarquin and Elysia dropped her off at her ce. Elysia knew Tarquin had arranged bodyguards for Winona, but she still fussed over her, insisting she call if anything happened. "I know, I know! Zane''s in my hands now-he''s the one in danger, not me. Rx, I''ll call youter. Bye!" Winona stood by her car, shing a bright, carefree smile as she waved goodbye. Elysia''s heart ached for her; she wanted to say more, but held back. Marriage, for a woman, was always a gamble. And Winona had lost it all. But heartbreak was a wound only time could heal. "Well, I''m off then." "Yeah, see you. Bye." Once they left, Winona''s whole demeanor changed. She licked her crimson lips- a dangerous, seductive red rose in full bloom. Inside, she didn''t bother changing her shoes or clothes. She went straight to the wine cab, grabbed a bottle of vintage red from the top shelf, two crystal sses, and still in her sky-high heels-headed down to the basement. There, in a big iron cage she''d had built especially for Zane, he sat slumped in the corner, looking more like @beggar than the sharp O businessman he used to be. The moment he saw her, his face twisted with rage. "You bitch, I''m going to kill you! I''ll-water...water....." One second, pure hatred. The next, desperation. He hadn''t eaten or drunk anything in days. When he saw the wine in her hand, his eyes went wild with hunger and thirst. "Please, water...give me water..." Winona''s voice was cool and calm. "This isn''t water. It''s wine. A very special, very meaningful bottle. Do you remember it?" Chapter 1344 Zane was gasping for breath, his throat dry as sandpaper. "Give me some!" Winona lounged on the couch across from him, setting down a bottle of red wine and a pair of sses on the coffee table. "Do you even remember what this wine means?" she teased, swirling the bottle in her hand. "If you can answer that, I''ll pour you a ss." Zane frowned, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to find the words. Nothing came out. Winona shook her head and sighed. "Honestly, you forget everything. Even this?" "This is the wine we saved from our wedding," she reminded him. "We agreed to keep it sealed until one of us was on our deathbed. Only then could we open it." Before Zane could even process her words, Winona grabbed the corkscrew and popped the bottle open, not giving him a moment to react. She poured herself a ss without letting it breathe, took a generous sip, and smacked her lips. "Mmm... That''s good. Real good." Zane''s breathing quickened, panic shing across his face. "Wait, are you are you nning to kill me? Don''t forget, murder''s a felony! Plenty of people know I''m here with you. If you kill me, you won''t get away with it!" For the past month, he''d tried everything-arguing, begging, bargaining. He''d realized by now that Winona was dead set on making him suffer. But he was sure she wouldn''t dare kill him. After all, the whole world knew he was in her hands. If she killed him, she''d pay for it. Winonaughed, tossing her hair back. "Kill you? Please. I''m not about to get my hands dirty for someone like you. Not worth it." "Let''s make a deal," she continued. "You cooperate, you get a ss. Simple as that. If you don''t, well, you stay hungry and thirsty until you change your mind." Zane eyed her warily. "What do you want?" "That sapphire you took from my dad," she replied smoothly. "Hand it over, and I''ll let you have a drink." Zane''s jaw clenched. That sapphire was worth a fortune-he''d nned to have it set into a ring for his proposal to Elysia. He definitely didn''t want to give it to Winona. But right now, he was dying of thirst. He hadn''t had a drop of water in ages, and the torment was worse than any beating. He nced at the wine in her hand, then made his choice. "Fine! It''s in my study. Bookshelf, third shelf down, far right¡ªthere''s a hiddenpartment. Inside''s a safe. The code is... 251314." The numbers were Elysia''s birthday. Winona felt sick, picturing a slimy toad fawning over a swan-how dare he even think of Elysia. She didn''t bother responding, just headed upstairs to the study. She found thepartment, pulled out the safe, punched in the code, and retrieved the sapphire. It was even more stunning in person than in photos-deep blue, sparkling, wless. Winona had a lot of jewelry, being a celebrity, but this gem was on another level. She could only imagine how dazzling it would look as a full set. Still, she tucked it away carefully-this belonged to her father, Keaton, and she needed to return it safely. She''d never forgive herself if it got damaged. Back in her room, she hid the sapphire, nning to return it to Keaton when she brought him dinnerter. Then she headed back to the basement. True to her word, she poured Zane a ss of wine. Zane gulped it down in seconds, then shoved his ss out through the bars, desperate. "More! Give me another!" Winona sauntered over, bottle in hand. Zane''s eyes followed every drop. But she didn''t pour it into his ss. Instead, she tipped the bottle and let the wine spill out onto the concrete floor. Zane''s eyes bulged. He thrust his hand through the bars, trying to catch the wine, but it was hopeless. He let out a furious, guttural yell. "Winona! You bitch!" Winona finished pouring out thest drop, tossed the empty bottle aside, and ignored his tantrum. When Zane smashed the ss and lunged at her, she stomped on his hand, grinding it down with her heel. "Argh!" Zane screamed in pain. Winona just smirked. "Does it hurt?" Zane, sweating and shaking, could barely force out the words. "Winona, you¡ª" Chapter 1345 Winona''s eyes were ice cold. "To be honest with you, that year you kept me locked up? I was in pain every single day. Not just pain-despair." She gave a bitterugh. "Can you imagine? The guy I loved basically put me under house arrest, then paraded his side chicks around like it was nothing. My heart hurt, my pride hurt-it was humiliating." "It wasn''t just humiliation-it wasplete hopelessness. I really thought I''d never escape you... It was hell, Zane. Pure hell." As she spoke, Winona ground her heel down and snapped Zane''s finger with a sharp crack. She reached for the paring knife, unlocked the basement cage, and stepped inside. Zane hadn''t eaten in days. He could barely move, let alone fight her off. He cradled his mangled hand, blood dripping everywhere, staring at Winona in terror. "Wh-what are you doing? Y-you can''t... You can''t kill me. That''s illegal..." Winona murmured, almost to herself, "All you''re feeling is a bit of fear. But you have no idea what real despair feels like." "You know I won''t actually kill you," she continued, her voice eerily calm. "And I can''t keep you locked up as long as you did to me. So you''ll never truly understand what I went through." "But if you don''t at least taste a little of that hopelessness, how can we ever be done?" She smiled, but there was nothing friendly about it. "Zane, remember what I told you? If you don''t love me, don''t mess with me. Because I am Winona." Her eyes dropped to Zane''s most vulnerable spot. "I''m not some pushover like Sarah. Not a chance." Her smile turned wicked. Zane must''ve sensed what wasing his breath caught, total panic on his face. "Winona, please don''t do anything stupid. We were married! I know I did you wrong, but-ahh-!" Winona kicked him hard between the legs. Zane doubled over, wheezing, almost passing out from the pain. And then- The knife shed. One clean, brutal move. It was over. Zane screamed¡ªa single, ragged cry-then copsed, unconscious. A few minutester, Winona was upstairs washing her hands with disinfectant. As she finished, the doorbell rang. She opened the door to find the Newsom family''s old family doctor on the porch. "Ma''am?" "He''s in the basement," Winona said coolly. "You can take him straight to the hospital. Oh, and do me a favor-call Prisci and tell her not to bother begging me for her son. He''s all hers now." "And if she has any ideas about calling the cops? Well, let''s see who ends up behind bars first-me, or her precious boy." "If she wants a fight, she knows where to find me." The doctor nodded, barely blinking, and hurried downstairs. He took one look at Zane''s injuries and his lips twitched in shock. But he didn''t feel sorry for him-after all, Zane had almost ruined the entire Newsom family. Honestly, he was lucky to be alive. Soon enough, Zane was taken away. Winona sank onto the living room couch, wrapped her arms around a throw pillow, and just stared into space. She''d loved once, really loved. Gave away the best years of her life. From college sweethearts to wedding bells-the kind of love story people wrote movies about. And this was how it ended. What a joke. Keaton was right, she thought bitterly. Why get married at all? Wouldn''t it be better to just stay single? Marriage is nothing but trouble. Her mind drifted to Keaton. She nced at the time¡ªjust past five in the afternoon. She exhaled, dragged herself up, and took a long, hot shower. Afterward dressed in herfiest pajamas, she tried to make dinner. Her cooking was as bad as els ever she burned the oatmeal to a ck crust. Whatever. She gave up and ordered takeout. While waiting for her food, she did her makeup, bold and morous, and slipped into a striking red dress. She stood in front of the mirror, taking herself in. Divorced, vengeance served, soul in tatters-but what else did she have to lose? Nothing, really. She and Zane were done. Over. For good. Winona tossed her long curls and winked at her reflection. Still sad? Hell no. Love who? Please. This woman doesn''t waste time on regret. She''d survived the worst-she was still standing. She was still the queen. Winona put on her sunsses, grabbed a lucky stone, tossed two bottles of expensive wine into ker Hermes bag, and slipped on a pair of heels. She hopped into her sports car and headed toward the Huber estate. On the way, she picked up her pre-ordered takeout-pizza, wine, and a new beginning. Chapter 1346 A shy red sports car pulled up smoothly in front of the Huber family estate. Winona, rocking a pair of sunsses, was behind the wheel. She gave a quick tap on the horn. The Huber family''s security guard caught sight of her and was practically gawking. No wonder she was a celebrity-she was ridiculously gorgeous! Almost unfairly So. The security guys hustled over, tripping over each other in their eagerness. "Ms. Newsom, are you here to see our young master?" "Mr. Bradford called ahead. Just drive forward, then swing around to the back entrance." "That''ll get you closest to the chapel, and it''s out of sight from the old man. Someone''s waiting for you at the back door to take you over." Winona nodded. "Got it, thanks." "No problem at all, ma''am!" They all watched the sports car roll away, full of admiration and envy. "I seriously don''t get what''s wrong with Zane," one of them muttered. "Marries a knockout like that and doesn''t even appreciate her. Guy''s got mashed potatoes for brains." "Zane''s mom isn''t much better, always spreading rumors about Ms. Newsom online!" "Do you know how lucky you gotta be to get a daughter-inw like her? The Livingstons must''ve prayed for decades, and these two just threw it all away." "If she were in my family, the old man anddy would spoil her rotten!" "For sure! Our boss and his wife always say, as long as the daughter-inw is breathing, she''s good enough." "But Ms. Newsom is drop-dead gorgeous! The old folks would be in tears of joy." "Well, there''s still Ms. Sutton. And she''s never been married, while Ms. Newsom is divorced..." "So what? Our young master has dated half the city-he''s got a reputation. If Ms. Newsom isn''t scared off, we should count our blessings!" "Exactly! Between Ms. Sutton and Ms. Newsom? I''m team Newsom all the way. She''s awesome!" "Same here! I''m rooting for Ms. Newsom!" "Let''s hope, guys. If our young master ends up with Ms. Newsom, we''ll finally have something to brag about!" "No one couldugh at us anymore, saying the Huber family can''t find a young mistress!" "She''s way more elegant than Mrs. Windham or Mrs. Murphy''s daughters-inw, that''s for sure!" "There''s noparison! They''re princesses at best. Ms. Newsom is a queen!" Meanwhile, Winona had no idea the Huber family gatekeepers had already decided she was one of their own. She''d juste to drop off some lunch, and now she was basically part of the Huber n! Every guard was calling her ''our Ms. Newsom'' like she already belonged. With Richard and Janelle praying day and night for a daughter-inw, everyone in the Huber household was getting desperate. Even though Keaton had dated more women than anyone could count, he''d only ever brought Beatrix home. Everyone had liked Beatrix at first, but ever since the whole Sutton debacle, the Huber house had been in chaos. Richard was furious, Janelle was in tears, and their precious Baby had gotten beaten half to death again. So, yeah, the entire staff was officially done with the Sutton family. And then-just like that-Winona showed up. All eyes shifted to her. She was only the second woman, after Beatrix, to set foot in the Huber home Not only was she beautiful and from a good family, but she was single now, too! Looks, age, background-she and Keaton were a perfect match! It was like fate itself was throwing the Huber family a bone. No, not a bone-a lifeline! If Winona became their daughter-inw, the Huber family would finally have some real clout. And hey, if all went well, maybe next year there''d be a new little Hurthet toddling around. They''d be the toast of the social scene! Among Keaton''s generation, there were at least twenty other eligible bachelors in the circle, but only Tarquin had a kid. TM to The rest were either still dating, newly engaged, or married but childless. The old-money wives in the country club were green with envy whenever Tarquin''s kid came up. Chapter 1347 He''s got none, and that family''s got five! In high society, money''s never the problem-more kids means a bigger, stronger legacy. The more the merrier, right? The Huber family had long given up hoping Keaton would ever settle down, let alone have kids. If he ever actually tied the knot, they''d be thanking their lucky stars. But what if... just what if... What if Winona and Keaton actually got together? What if there was a baby by next year? Lord, the entire Huber household would be grinning in their sleep every night. Richard and Janelle would probably go door to door, passing out cigars and announcing to anyone who''d listen that they finally had their first grandchild! "Ms. Newsom, Ms. Newsom! You can leave the car right there!" The security guard, waiting by the back door, had clearly been tipped off. The moment he saw Winona, he lit up like someone spotting their favorite daughter-in-w. He rushed over, waving her into a parking spot. Winona eased her sports car to a stop, killed the engine, and stepped out. Suddenly, she was surrounded by Huber staff-security, housekeepers, even a gardener or two. One grabbed her purse, another took her takeout bag. ¡°Careful, ma''am, watch your step!" they chorused, fussing over her like she was royalty. Winona was baffled. The Huber staff was treating her like she was already Mrs. Huber-scratch that, like she was a pregnant Mrs. Huber! Winona just assumed they were this weing to everyone. She didn''t overthink it. "Did you guys check on him? How''s he doing now?" she asked. At her words, the staff practically teared up. "Ms. Newsom, you''re so kind. Please, try and talk some sense into our young master. Mrs. Huber brought him dinner earlier, but he wouldn''t touch a single bite." "He hasn''t eaten or drunk anything all day, we''re really worried about him!" "And his wounds-he won''t let the doctor change his bandages either. Honestly, we don''t even know who he''s mad at!" "Not even an hour ago, Mr. and Mrs. Huber had another shouting match. It got ugly!" "If Mrs. Huber hadn''t stepped in, Mr. Huber was ready to toss him out on his ear." Winona''s eyes widened. "Toss him out? Seriously?" "Yep. Mr. Huber said he was done with him!" Winona: ". 11 A housekeeper led her to the family chapel-a stern, old building at the edge of the estate. "Ms. Newsom, please go on in. We have to wait outside, but if you just cross the yard, you''ll see the main doors-they''re open. The young master''s inside." Winona nodded. "Let me know if anyone''sing, okay?" She and Keaton were innocent, sure, but still-alone together thiste at night, in a ce like this... people talk. The guard caught her meaning. "Don''t worry, ma''am. We''ll keep watch. If anyone heads this way, we''ll let you know right away." "Thanks, you guys. I appreciate it!" Winona adjusted her Herm¨¨s bag, steadied herself in her heels, and carried the takeout into the chapel. It was already dark outside; the yard was dimly lit by a few old-fashionednterns. The shadows made the chapel feel even more solemn. Winona took a deep breath and marched up to the heavy doors. They were open. She stepped inside. The Huber family chapel was huge-just the first floor alone felt like it could fit a basketball court The Hubers were one of Jindafe City''s oldest families, so their family tree had plenty of branches. All along the walls were memorial ques for the Huber ancestors, each one neatly arranged with offerings and candles. And there, in the flickering candlelight, was Keaton. He was supposed to be kneeling in penance, but after the beating he''d taken, that was impossible. His back and legs were so bruised up, he couldn''t kneel or lie on his back so he was sprawled out on his stomach on a hard wooden cot, looking absolutely miserable. When he saw Winona, he looked totally bewildered. "What are you doing here?" Winona didn''t answer. She slipped off her sunsses, then politely bowed three times to the Huber ancestors. Only then did she turn and walk toward Keaton. There were no bright lights in the chapel, just the soft glow of candles. As she approached, she noticed a narrow, rickety little cot pushed up against the wall-maybe four feet wide at most. Keaton was lying face down on it, a thin nket draped over him, eyeing her suspiciously. "I asked you a question¡ªwhat are you doing here?" Chapter 1348 Winona grinned, "Just came to check in on you." Keaton scowled, clearly annoyed. "You could''ve at least given me a heads-up." Sheughed, "Oh, please. What, so you could get all dolled up for me?" Keaton pursed his lips. He was used to looking cool, but right now, he looked like he''d just lost a wrestling match with a roon. Thest person he wanted to see him like this was, well, anyone-especially a pretty girl. Winona tilted her head, her bright eyes narrowing as she looked him over. Keaton squirmed under her gaze, frowning. "What are you staring at?" She gave her verdict, "Your hair looks like a bird''s nest, your shirt''s a mess, and man, is that dirt on your face? Mr. Huber, you look absolutely tragic." She wasn''t wrong. Next to her, all stylish and put-together, he looked like he''d just crawled out of a dumpster behind a dive bar. Keaton red, lips pressed tight in frustration. She always knew exactly what to say to push his buttons. He opened his mouth, searching for aeback, and finally grumbled, "Getting smacked around by your old man isn''t anything to be ashamed of. Who hasn''t been spanked as a kid?" Winona raised an eyebrow. "Maybe as a kid, sure. But you''re thirty and still getting your butt kicked!" Keaton rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well, I''m thirty and proud of it." Sheughed. "Oh? Let me take a picture, really capture this proud moment for you!" A picture? Keaton''s face darkened instantly. "Don''t you dare, Winona. If you snap a photo, I swear-don''t think I won''t cut you off, no matter how cute you are " "Click, click, click." Winona ignored his protestspletely, snapping away with her phone. Keaton was so mad he couldn''t even get words out. Winona just kept going, holding her phone up, "Wait, hold still, that''s a good one. Let me get a few more for a perfect photo grid." She showed him the shots, grinning. "If I post this, you''re totally going viral. Hashtag Hot Mess Express!" His face was practically thundercloud-dark now. "If you post that, I swear, I''m done with you. Not even Tarquin or Elysia could talk me out of it!" Winona shrugged. "Fine, I won''t post them-if you''ll have a drink with me. I just cut things off with that jerk Zane for good, and I need a drinking buddy." Seeing her suddenly downcast, Keaton''s heart softened, and his tone did too. "You really kicked him to the curb?" "Yup." "You feeling better?" She nodded. Winona pulled two bottles of merlot from her tote bag and waggled them at him. "So, you in?" "Of course. But you have to delete those pictures first. And why''d youe to me anyway?" She dodged the photo request and just said, "Who else would Ie to? Elysia''s got the kids tonight and Blossom''s still at her preschool training. You''re what I''ve got." "Anyone else would just roast me," she mighton, "I act all high and then nearly got wrecked by a douchebag that I, stupidly, chose myself. So embarrassing." "But you¡ªwell, you''re adies'' man, always know how to be sweet. You won''t make fun of me, right?" Keaton grinned. ¡°You picked the right guy. I''d neverugh at you." "Good. Then let''s drink." Winona started to open the merlot, but Keaton stopped her. "Nah, not red. That''s too tame. Let''s go for the hard stuff-really knock the night out." Honestly, he was itching for a good drink too. It''d been a hell of a day. Winona shrugged. "Didn''t bring any whiskey." Keaton pointed toward the family altar. "There''s some at Grandpa''s spot.¡± She balked, "You want to steal your grandpa''s liquor?" Keaton smirked. "It''s not stealing. It''s borrowing. Grandpa loved me more than anything. After the day I''ve had, he''d understand." ¡°Besides, I''m borrowing it for a good cause-cheering up a friend. Grandpa would totally approve." "Don''t worry. Grab a few bottles, there''s a whole stash over there. When I''m back on my feet, I''ll rece ''em." His grandpa, Harold Huber, had been a bourbon man, so his memorial was always stocked with the good stuff. Winona hesitated. "You sure he won''t haunt us?" Keaton grinned. "Trust me, I know my grandpa. Go on, it''s the second shelf, middle spot. Grab some new sses while you''re at it." 113 Winona rolled her eyes, but headed off for the bottles anyway. Some nights, you just needed bourbon-and a friend who''d drink it with you, no matter how much of a mess you both were. Chapter 1349 Winona hesitated for a few more seconds, but eventually, she got up and walked over. She found Harold Huber''s memorial and gave a quick bow. "Harold, don''t me me, all right? Your grandson told me to grab these. I''m just the messenger here. If you''re upset, go haunt him, not me, okay?" She muttered a bit more to the photo before she dared to move. She grabbed two bottles of liquor and, on a whim, snagged two fresh sses as well. Only after sneaking back to Keaton did she bother to check what she''d actually taken. One look and her hands literally shook. "Holy crap-Pappy Van Winkle Reserve and a bottle of limited-edition Russian Standard Gold?!" she gasped. Winona stared at the bottles, then at Keaton. "Are you sure you want to drink these?" Just a quick Google would tell you-each bottle could buy you a house in the suburbs! Keaton, totally unfazed, just grinned. "That''s right. Tonight, we drink the good stuff. Open ''em up!" Winona swallowed hard, set the bottles aside, and went to grab the takeout they''d ordered. She hadn''t forgotten their main goal tonight. "Drinking on an empty stomach is a bad idea. Let''s eat something first." As she unpacked the food-burgers, fries, and a couple slices of pizza-she suddenly remembered the stone. "Oh, right! Nearly forgot-official business!" Winona carefully pulled out the jade stone. "Isn''t this yours?" Keaton looked it over and nodded. "Yeah, that''s it. How''d you get it back from Zane?" "He was starving and thirsty. I told him-no stone, no water. You might want to check it, though. If anything goes wrong with itter, don''t me me." Keaton gave it the once-over and handed it back. "Looks fine. You keep it for now." Winona tucked the stone away, gently, and left it on the edge of the bed. "I''ll just leave this here for you, okay?" "Works for me." There was a makeshift little table beside Keaton''s old creaky bed. Winona set the takeout on it. Keatony on his stomach; she sat cross-legged. They dug in together. This time, Keaton actually ate a lot. After a whole day without food, his appetite was back with a vengeance. Once they were full, they finally cracked open the drinks and started pouring, chatting as they sipped. Winona wanted to talk about Beatrix, but Keaton insisted on gossiping about Zane. That eventually led to Callum Lenc. "Callum''s been worried sick about you. If you''d picked him back then, you probably wouldn''t have had it so rough,¡± Keaton said, pouring another shot. IMS "Doesn''t matter if you''re a guy or girl-if there''s no spark, just someone who''s really into you way more solid than chasing after someone you''re crazy about." "At least you''ll be safe, if not exactly blissful." Winona, already tipsy,ughed. "Callum and I are strictly friends. He''s not my type. Where is he now, anyway?" She only knew Callum had been helping to look for her-Elysia had told her that much. But she and Elysia had no clue something had happened to him. Keaton sighed. ¡°No idea. Still searching. If I find him, I''ll let you know. C''mon, drink up!" They polished off two bottles of whiskey, and Keaton sent Winona to fetch a couple more. Back and forth, ss after ss, neither of them held back. Even Keaton was getting sloshed. "Told you, didn''t I? Marriage is a trap! If you don''t want your heart broken, just don''t get married!" "Look at Elysia and Tarquin. They''re happy now, but before? It was a total disaster for both of them." "And you¡ªalmost lost your life over it!" "As for me, I''m never getting married. I don''t care who tries to make me-never gonna happen!" Winona, even drunker, slid down to the floor, leaning against the bed frame and pping the wooden boards for emphasis. "I''m with you! Who needs marriage? I''m done getting hitched. From on, I''m a proud member of the now singles club!" Contents age? club!" ¡°I''m learning from you. I''m going full anti-marriage!¡± Keaton was thrilled, like she''d just recruited a disciple. She raised her ss for a toast. "Damn right! Live your life, have fun, don''t let anyone tie you down! Here''s to the single life-cheers!" She waved the g of singlehood with pride, giving Winona a passionate lecture on the joys of never getting married. Digging themselves into a hole, one hrious toast at a time. Chapter 1350 No one could really tell if Keaton was trying to prove a point or just get a rise out of his dad and Beatrix. Right there in front of everyone, Keaton grabbed his phone and updated his profile bio. He added a new line to the end: "Proudly anti-marriage. If I ever get hitched, may I eat my own words." He showed it off to Winona, grinning like he''d just won the Super Bowl. Winona, a little tipsy and squinting to read, finally burst outughing and gave him a big thumbs up. "You''re nuts, dude. Love it!" Keaton nudged her, "You gonna change yours too?" Winona shook her head, still hanging on to some sense. "Can''t, I''m a celebrity, remember? Gotta look out for my image. But no way am I getting married, ever! I''ve made up my mind." Keaton snorted, "So, whichever of us gets married first is officially the world''s biggest loser?" "Deal!" So there they were, the two of them holed up in the family chapel, munching on pizza and chips, gossiping andughing like it was just another Saturday night. Meanwhile, in the living room, Janelle was an absolute wreck. Her son was battered and bruised, hadn''t eaten all day, and now the sun was down and Richard still wouldn''t let him out of the chapel. He''d said Keaton could stay in there until he''d "reflected enough" on his actions. Janelle''s heart ached for her boy. She was so upset she''d threatened Richard with divorce. A few family friends-Mr. and Mrs. Windham, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy-had heard themotion and came by to offer their two cents. The women, Mrs. Windham and Mrs. Murphy, tried tofort Janelle. The men, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying themselves a little too much. "Listen," Mrs. 5. Windham said, "kids grow up and make their own choices-especially when ites to marriage. You can''t rush these things My son Gale wouldn''t even propose for five years, and now he''s finally agreed." Mrs. Murphy chimed in, "At least your son''s stubborn. My Booker is easy-going, but if I so much as mention grandkids, he flips out. Every family''s got their own O headaches." But the dads... Mr. Windham boasted, "If I tell Gale to get married, he gets married. End of story! This year, too. I just told him, and he agreed." Mr. Murphyughed, "If Keaton''s hopeless, just move on. Have another kid! Plenty of folks start over these days. You never know-second time might be the charm!" Richard''s face went dark. He and Janelle were both pushing sixty, and already had grand-nephews. Starting over? It was ridiculous. "So, Gale''s really getting married?" Richard asked, forcing a smile. Mr. Windham puffed out his chest. "Of course. They''re picking a date for the winter. I''ll send you an invite!" Richard turned to Mr. Murphy. "Booker too?" Mr. Murphy was all smiles. "You bet. He promised me a grandkid by next year!" Richard could only stare. The Windhams were getting a daughter-inw, the Murphys were about to be grandparents, and what about the Hubers? They''d raised a son who didn''t even want to get married-and now the whole inte was buzzing after Keaton''s anti-marriage post. Richard was so furious he nearly choked. He shot up from his seat, ready to storm down to the chapel and give Keaton a piece of his mind. Janelle saw the storm brewing and hurried after him, tears streaming, "Richard, if youy a finger on him, I swear I''ll divorce you right now! I mean it! Not another day, I''m done-" Mrs. Windham and Mrs. Murphy rushed after them, still trying to y peacemakers. "Richard, don''t do anything crazy! He''s still your son, you''ll regret it if something goes wrong!" Chapter 1351 Richard Huber stormed through the front yard, his face thunderous with anger. The family mausoleum. The security guards were still at their post by the door. When they spotted Richard and his entourage approaching, they immediately froze, panic written all over their faces. One of them actually tried to make a run for the mausoleum, probably hoping to warn the people inside. Richard noticed the move right away and shouted, "Hey, you! Stop right there!" The guard froze mid-step, rooted to the spot. Richard marched up, his tone sharp. ¡°What are you so jumpy about?" The guard trembled, staring at his shoes. "Sir..." The mausoleum didn''t even have a back door-there was no way for Winona Newsom to slip out. Of course the guards were nervous. Richard had given strict orders: nobody was to set foot inside to see Keaton Huber. If they let anyone in, they''d be in deep trouble. On top of that, they''d promised Ms. Newsom they''d alert her at the slightest sign of trouble. And now, here they were... Richard''s eyes narrowed. He barked, "Well? Speak up! What the hell is that troublemaker doing in there now?!" No one answered. Richard''s scowl deepened as he strode into the mausoleum courtyard. Janelle, picking up on the tension, didn''t bother questioning the guards. She hurried after him. Inside, Winona heard themotion. She scrambled to the window, peering out -and nearly had a heart attack. Richard was already through the front gates, his posse right behind him, heading straight for her. In an instant, Winona sobered up, adrenaline chasing away her tipsy haze. She smacked Keaton hard on the arm to jolt him awake. "Your parents areing! With a crowd! How am I supposed to get out of here?!" It was the middle of the night, and here she was-alone in a room with Keaton. If anyone caught them, the gossip would be brutal, no matter what actually happened. And with Mrs. Windham and Mrs. Mrs Murphy in tow? Those two weren''t bad people, but their mouths ran faster than a horse at the Kentucky Derby As soon as they left, the whole neighborhood would hear about it. She could handle a little scandal herself she was used to rumors, being a semi- celebrity and all. But her parents? They wouldn''t e2 survive the shame. Ever since the Zane Livingston fiasco, the Newsom family had been the butt of every joke in the country club circuit. Keaton was still in a daze. He hadn''t expected his dad to show up at this hour, much less with a whole squad. let While he was trying to process, Winona sprang into action. She stuffed the remains of their takeout behind an old memorial que and kicked the empty wine bottles under the rickety cot. But there was no way to hide herself-she was a whole person, not a pizza box. The mausoleum didn''t have any bright lights, but even the flickering candles couldn''t hide a breathing, panicked woman. Footsteps were getting closer. Winona''s heart was pounding so loud she thought everyone could hear it. She hissed, "Is there a back door?!" Keaton snapped out of it. "No, but why are you freaking out? My dad''s not going to do anything to you." Winona didn''t even bother to exin. She smacked him again, harder this time. "Stop babbling! Help me hide, now!" Keaton''s eyes widened-no woman had ever dared hit him before. But seeing how desperate she was, he let it slide. ¡°There''s nowhere to hide a person in here... Wait, get on the bed. Quick." Winona shot him a look. "You want me to hide in bed with you? If we get caught, it''ll look even worse!" "They won''t catch us. Come on, do you want to hide or not? Sometimes you gotta break a few rules." The footsteps were right outside the door now. Winona gritted her teeth, grabbed her purse, and dove under the covers, pressing herself against the wall. The cot was barely big enough for one adult, let alone two. They were jammed in like sardines. In her rush, Winona identally bumped Keaton''s injured side. He let out a strangled yelp, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. She was about to whisper an apology when the door burst open and the whole group came crashing in. Chapter 1352 "Where''s that godawful stench of boozeing from? Have you been drinking?" Richard stormed in, his voice echoing off the hallway walls. Winona shrank closer to Keaton, barely daring to breathe. Mrs. Windham and Mrs. Murphy both wrinkled their noses, fanning the air. "Oh, mercy, that''s not just a little whiskey," Mrs. Windham muttered. "Someone''s been on a real bender." Mr. Windham''s eyes narrowed as he spotted something glinting near the firece a bottle, rolling on its side. He picked it up, squinting at the fadedbel, and gasped, "Good Lord above! Is this... a 1935 Glenfiddich? That was Harold''s pride and joy! He wouldn''t even open it before he died. Keaton, you let him drink it?!" Mr. Murphy, poking around, found a few more empty bottles. Reading thebels by candlelight, he blurted out, "A limited edition Russo-Boro vodka, an Imperial Collection Cognac-my God, Keaton, did you just plunder your grandfather''s entire stash?" Richard''s eyes went wide as he nced at the empty bottles, then rushed to the family altar where Harold''s picture stood. He barely needed to look. The collection of rare spirits Harold had hidden behind his photo-gone. Everyst drop. Furious, Richard spun around, shouting at Keaton, "You little punk! Those were your grandfather''s wedding toasts for you!" "He loved a good drink, but he saved those his whole life just for your wedding day!" "That Glenfiddich from 1935? He wanted you to open it with your wife, when you shared your first toast as a married couple!" "That vodka? For you and your bride to offer the guests at your reception!" "And that Imperial Cognac? That was meant to honor your new inws!" "From the second you were born, your granddad dreamed of seeing you married. Now, before you''ve even found a wife, you''ve gone and guzzled everything he saved for you!" "You-ungrateful brat! How could you do this to your grandfather?!" "Are you not afraid he''ll rise up from his grave ande knocking on your bedroom door tonight?" Winona''s eyes went wide. Wedding toasts? All that was meant for Keaton''s big day? Oh, dear God. That 1935 Glenfiddich? She''d split it with Keaton just hours ago! Panic prickled under her skin. Silently, she prayed, ''Ancestors set the Huber family, if you''re watching, I swear-Keaton told me to take it. He made me drink!'' ''I had no idea those bottles meant anything special!'' ''If Harold''s spirit is angry, please, please haunt Keaton, not me¡ªI''m innocent in all this.'' While Winona sat there in a cold sweat, Keaton just shrugged, a little tipsy and totally nonchnt. ¡°Doesn''t matter,¡± he slurred. ¡°I''m never getting married anyway. No point letting good booze go to waste, right?" Richard''s face turned purple. "You, little-! How did I end up with a son like you? If I don''t knock some sense into you, I''ll never forgive myself-or your grandfather!" He snatched the old wooden yardstick from in front of Harold''s picture and marched toward Keaton, ready toy down thew. Janelle grabbed his arm, sobbing, "He''s already hurt! You want to beat him to death? Is that what you want?" Richard shook with rage. "Should just let him off, after all this? Look at what he''s done! Listen to what he''s saying! He trashed his grandfather''s legacy and doesn''t even care!¡± Winona was fuming too. Why did Keaton have to open his mouth about never getting married-now of all times? If he couldn''t keep quiet, he could at least apologize and try to calm everyone down! But no, he just had to make things worse. In a fit of frustration, Winona pinched Keaton under the covers-right on one of his wounds, as luck would have it. Chapter 1353 Keaton''s eyes went wide with pain as he yelped right there in front of everyone, "Ouch!" For a second, the whole family room went dead silent. Richard''s temper just shot through the roof. "Ouch, my ass! Did I even touch you? I''m a good ten feet away! You trying to pull a fast one on me now? If I don''t smack you into next week, I''ll call you Daddy myself!" Janelle''s sobs grew even louder, her voice cracking, "Go ahead, hit him! Try it! Hit him one more time and I swear I''ll file for divorce tonight, I mean it¡ª" Mrs. Windham and Mrs. Murphy rushed in to calm things down. "Rich, for goodness'' sake, Harold loved his eldest grandson more than anything. Sure, those bottles of whiskey were his pride and joy, but he never let any strangers touch them!" "That''s right. If his own grandson drank it, Harold wouldn''t have minded at all." Richard was still fuming. "He doesn''t get to drink it unless he''s married! That whiskey wasn''t meant for him, it was for Harold''s future granddaughter-inw!" The room was filled with shouting and chaos. Winona was huddled up next to Keaton, trembling like a leaf. A few hours ago, she was a queen. Now she looked more like a stray kitten who''d wandered into the wrong yard. She barely dared to breathe, her heart hammering in her chest. If she''d known this was how things would go, she wouldn''t have touched that whiskey if it was thest drink on earth! No-if she''d known there''d be this much drama, she wouldn''t have bothered checking on Keaton at all. Let him starve! The only silver lining? Even though they''d seen the whiskey bottles, no one had noticed her hiding under the nket. The old wooden cot was jammed up against the wall in a dark corner. She was skinny enough to curl up beside Keaton and stay out of sight. But- Misfortune struck in the next heartbeat. Mr. Windham suddenly piped up, "Wait, hold on! There are two sses! Look-two whiskey sses right in front of Keaton! He didn''t drink alone. Someone else is in here!" Someone else...in...here... The words echoed around the room like a thunderp, rattling everyone to their core. The room fell eerily silent. Keaton, who''d been ying it cool, suddenly looked a whole lot less calm. Winona''s heart nearly leapt out of her chest. ss, ss, ss... she chanted in her mind. Two sses! God, she''d forgotten to hide the sses! She''d been so flustered earlier, she stashed the takeout bags behind the old family portraits, kicked the whiskey bottles under the bed against the wall, and even veine remembered to pick up the napkins off the floor... but the sses had totally slipped her mind! Oh God, she wanted to go home. She wanted her mom. The silence in that room was suffocating. You could pl hear the wax melting on the candles by the mantle. Every single pair of eyes was fixed on those two sses on the rickety table. It was obvious. Two people had been drinking. After what felt like an eternity, Richard finally barked, "Who were you drinking with?!" Winona''s heart was pounding so Worri thought she might f Shops him in the side. Keaton might rat her Keaton: "..." It hurts, but hell if I can show it right now! He pressed his lips together, biting back the pain and refusing to speak. Richard scanned the room, but the old house was too small for anyone to be hiding. He turned to Keaton again, "I''m talking to you! Who were you sharing Grandpa''s special whiskey with?!" Keaton took a breath before answering, "I was in here the whole time. Who else could I have been drinking with, if not them?" Richard nced suspiciously at the family portraits and urns. "You drinkin'' with the ancestors now?" Keaton: "... Yeah, I was feeling down. Figured I''d share a drink with the old- timers." Winona: "..." Ancestors? Please, let''s not! The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1354 Richard looked at Keaton, clearly skeptical. "Who gave you the whiskey then?" "I got it myself," Keaton replied, trying to sound casual. "Oh,e on! You can barely stand! Be straight with me-which one of the guys outside helped you?" Richard was eyeing the security guards by the door. Keaton, not wanting to get them in trouble, dug in his heels. "I told you, I got it myself!" "Oh, really? Then get up and grab another bottle. Go on, let''s see it!" "I... well, Grandpa''s cab is empty, isn''t it?" Keaton stalled. "There''s still plenty in your great-grandad''s stash! Get up! Go fetch it!" Keaton shook his head stubbornly, "I''m not getting up!" He couldn''t get up, of course. If he did, Winona would be exposed. Richard''s face turned an angry shade of red. "You''re not getting up? Fine! You think I can''t deal with you? If you don''t, I''ll bring every one of those guards in here and sort it out the old-fashioned way! I want to see which of them thinks my rules don''t matter!" Keaton clenched his jaw-he was caught. The Huber family had a reputation for being tight-knit. The heads cared for their staff, and the staff, in turn, cared for them. Keaton knew if he took the me, the guards wouldn''t get punished. He couldn''t let them take the fall for him. And the Huber family''s "old-fashioned way" wasn''t just a phrase. When they said "family discipline," it meant getting smacked with a wooden paddle until someone fessed up or couldn''t sit down for a week. With no other option, Keaton gritted his teeth and turned to Mr. and Mrs. Windham. "Would you two quit gawking at my misery and go find Gale already? He''s been bewitched by some gold-digging vixentely, and don''t step in, your future daughter-inw''s going to vetone bolt! Forget about that Christmas wedding-she''ll be long gone, maybe in seven or eight years if you''re lucky." Mr. Windham blinked in confusion. "What did you just say?" Keaton pronounced every word clearly. "Some woman''s got her ws in Gate, and he''s falling for it If you hurry, you''ll find them together right now. Trust me, the minute she starts a catfight with your future daughter-inw, that''s §Ú§Þ it-rtionship over! That perfect daughter-inw you wanted? Gone." Mr. and Mrs. Windham''s faces darkened. Without another word, they spun on their heels and hurried out, not even bothering with a goodbye. Keaton then turned to Mr. and Mrs. Murphy. "And you two? You''d better go check on Booker. Wait too long, and he''s going to turn up with someone else''s kid and call it your grandchild. That''s right¡ªa grandkid with no Murphy blood!" Mr. and Mrs. Murphy froze, eyes wide, then rushed out just as fast as the Windhams. The family hall fell silent for a moment. Richard, barely sparing a nce at the departing families, snapped back to Keaton. "Don''t think you can distract me with the Murphys'' and Windhams'' drama! You''re not getting off the hook this easy." "Unless you tell me right now who brought you that whiskey, I''m not letting this go. If you keep your mouth shut, I''ll drag every one omet those guards in here and keep going until someone cracks! I want to know who dared to ignore my orders and sneak you my father''s best whiskey!" Winona, hidden under a nket, was already panicking. Then suddenly, the nket was whipped away. She was exposedpletely! Keaton sighed, resigned, and admitted, "She brought it." Winona: "_" Richard and Janelle both froze, staring. "Wait-what?!" That''s when they finally noticed the young woman lying next to their son. The two elders'' eyes nearly popped out of their heads. Chapter 1355 Winona locked eyes with Keaton''s parents, her heart thudding so hard she swore everyone in the room could hear it. Awkward didn''t even begin to cover it. This was a full-blown social disaster. She wanted to disappear, to melt into the floor, to drag Keaton out and give him a piece of her mind¡ªbut his mom and dad were right there, watching everything unfold. Keaton had totally thrown her under the bus, just to cover for the guard! He''d gone on and on about Gale and Booker''s drama earlier just to get the Windham and Huber families out of the way-so he could sell her out! Winona was fuming, and before she could stop herself, she stomped her foot in frustration, right before getting out of bed. Something on the nightstand went flying. It hit the hardwood with a dull thud, then rolled under the bed. Keaton''s eyes went wide-he knew exactly what it was. But Winona''s mind was in overdrive. She didn''t even notice what she''d just kicked. She shot Keaton a death re, cheeks burning, and awkwardly slipped out of bed. She did her best to smooth her tangled hair and straighten her rumpled clothes, her face red as a beet. "Uh... Mr. Huber, Janelle..." Winona felt like she could dig a hole with her toes and crawl into a whole new house to avoid this. Mortifying. Absolutely mortifying. She had never been this embarrassed in her life. Sneaking over in the middle of the night, finishing off someone''s vintage Scotch, somehow ending up hiding under the covers, and now... Getting caught red-handed by the parents. What crime had shemitted in herst life to deserve Keaton? After her awkward greeting, the room went dead silent. Richard and Janelle just stared at her. Richard wasn''t even mad anymore. Janelle stopped crying. After what felt like a lifetime, Richard cleared his throat. When he finally spoke, his voice was nothing like the one he''d used toy at he unded almost absurde na moment ago. Instell gentle. "Ms. Newsom, what... what are you doing here?" Winona forced a smile and scrambled for an exnation. "Mr. Bradford sent me. He said Keaton wasn''t eating, wouldn''t take his medicine, and, um, asked me to check on him." "I happened to be free, so... here I am. And, uh... I might''ve had some of Harold''s whiskey." "Oh..." Richard suddenly looked enlightened. "So you''re the one who gave Keaton the drink." Winona nodded. "Yeah, I brought the wine, but he didn''t want to drink it, so... I''m sorry, Mr. Huber." "Oh, that''s nothing, don''t worry about it. A couple of bottles, who cares? It''s really not a big deal." Winona blinked. "But... wasn''t that Harold''s wedding whiskey?" "Wedding whiskey, shmedding whiskey. It doesn''t matter. Don''t lose sleep over it." Richard''s 180-degree personality change left Keaton staring at his dad like he''d grown a second head. ¡°Dad, am I adopted or something?" "Shut it!" This time, both Richard and Janelle snapped in unison-their voices booming. Winona nearly jumped out of her skin. Janelle was quick to reassure her, ¡°Oh honey, don''t mind us. We''re yelling at that rascal, not you. Come on, Winona, let''s step outside and have a chat." Janelle wasn''t crying anymore. She took Winona''s hand like they were family. They made their way to a bench in the chilly night air. Janelle, fussing over Winona''s thin clothes, sent a maid off for a nket. Winona flushed, ¡°Really, Janelle, I''m fine. I''m not cold." Janelle shook her head. "You young girls-always dressing cute, never warm enough. Fall''s tricky. Warm days, cold nights-you''ll catch your death of a cold like this." She tucked the nket around Winona anyway, all motherly concern. Then she got right to the point. "Winona, tell me the truth. What''s going on with you and Keaton?" Chapter 1356 Winona hurried to exin, "We''re just friends, honestly. With everything going on with Zely, Keaton''s helped me out a bunch, and I''m really grateful." "Today he got punched by Mr. Huber, so everyone''s worried about him." "Mr. Bradford said that you and he were bringing Keaton some food, but Keaton probably wouldn''t eat if you guys brought it, so he asked me toe instead." "Mr. Bradford figured Keaton''s got his pride, and he wouldn''t turn me down if I brought him dinner." "I brought some wine, just hoping to get him to eat something, but then we got to talking and, well, ended up opening Harold''s whiskey..." "When you and Mr. Huber came in, and I saw Mrs. Murphy and Mrs. Windham too, I just didn''t want them to get the wrong idea and start gossiping, so I thought hiding was the best move." Seeing Janelle still looking skeptical, Winona emphasized, "Seriously, Keaton and I are just friends. There''s nothing else between us." A maid came over with a nket, and Janelle personally draped it over Winona''s shoulders. "You don''t need to be nervous," Janelle said gently. "I just worry Keaton might give you a hard time. I hope he hasn''t upset you." Winona shook her head, "No, not at all." After chatting for a bit, Winona said her goodbyes. Janelle walked her all the way to the car and even arranged a driver to take her home-no way was she letting Winona drive after drinking. Once Winona had left, Janelle headed toward the family chapel. The security guards immediately rushed over to apologize. "We''re so sorry, ma''am, we let Ms. Newsom in without asking, we¡ª" Janelle cut them off, looking more energized than ever. "Good job! Double pay for everyone this month!" The guards all stared at her in disbelief. "?!" Was this their lucky day or what?! Janelle walked into the chapel but doubled back suddenly, a thought striking her. She looked at the guards. "So, what''s really going on between Keaton and Winona? Do you guys know?" The guards all started talking at once, eager to spill the tea. "I swear they''re secretly dating!" "Exactly! Ms. Newsom came to see Keaton in the middle of the night, didn''t care about what people would say. That''s gotta mean something, right?" "She''s clearly very worried about him! Her eyes were all red when she got here, and when she heard Keaton wasn''t eating, she looked heartbroken!" "And get this-Keaton didn''t even tell her to leave! Anyone else, he''d have kicked them out for sure!" "After she showed up, Keaton was like a different personughing and joking. It''s obvious they''re in love!" "And the only reason Keaton won''t marry Ms. Sutton is because he''s into Ms. Newsom!" "Trust me, ma''am, even if they''re not together yet, they''re definitely at that will- they-won''t-they stage!" Janelle''s eyes lit up. "Really?!" All the guards nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely!" Janelle couldn''t help it¡ªshe burst outughing. It felt like a new hope had dawned! "If Keaton really ends up with Winona, I''ll give each of you a big Christmas bonus!" She happily strolled into the chapel, feeling lighter than she had in months. Inside, she even took a moment to bow three times in front of the family portraits, offering her thanks to the ancestors. She was convinced the old folks had fier and Richard''s endless for a daughter-inwne y sent one their way! After bowing, she didn''t even look at her son. Instead, she turned to Richard and said, "Throw him out! We don''t need him anymore!" Richard blinked, surprised. "What?!" Keaton red. "Mom, who are you talking about? You want Dad out or me?" "You!" Janelle snapped, her face stern. "After everything you''ve puttedtely, ve decided I don''t want you! Out you go-whoever wants you can have you!" Keaton was speechless. "...And what if nobody wants me?" "Then you''re on your own-sink or swim!" Janelle huffed. Keaton stared at her, dumbfounded. "Mom, are you possessed or something?" Janelle shot him a re. "Zip it!" Richard was just as baffled. Usually, whenever he even joked about not wanting their son, Janelle would raise hell-crying, threatening, the whole nine yards. fo Now, after a chat with Winona, she was suddenly ready to toss Keaton out herself?! "What''s gotten into you?" he asked. "What''s gotten into me? I said what I said! Out with him-I don''t want this son anymore!" Janelle was all action, calling over a couple of staff members and personally directing them. "Take him outside right now! And you two-go pack up all his stuff, everything, and toss it out with him!" Keaton was still in shock. "Mom, what the heck?!" Chapter 1357 Janelle''s tone was sharp-unyielding. "Don''t call me Mom! As of now, we''re done. You and I? No more mother and son." She crossed her arms and red. "When you finally show up with a girlfriend¡ª when youe back to actually talk about getting married-then you can call me Mom again. Until then, we''re finished." She barked at the security guards, "Well? What are you waiting for? Get on with it." The guards exchanged nervous nces, not sure what family drama they''d walked into, but no one wanted to cross Mrs. Huber. They shuffled over to Keaton. "Sorry, man. Orders are orders," one muttered apologetically. "Hold it!" Richard''s voice boomed across the foyer. Sure, Richard was angry-furious, even-but Keaton was the only son of the Huber family. You didn''t just toss out your only heir in front of all your ancestors'' portraits. That was madness. Richard grabbed Janelle by the wrist and pulled her out onto the front porch. He kept his voice low. "What''s gotten into you? Did Winona say something? Why are you so worked up?" Janelle scoffed. "Are you blind? I''m not angry-I''m just pulling a ssic ''tough love'' move. You want a wolf, you gotta bait the trap." Richard frowned. "What are you talking about?" She shot back, "Did you even ask your precious son? What''s going on with him and Winona?" Richard sighed. "He told me they''re just friends. They met through Tarquin and Elysia Thorne. She''s just checking in on him, like any friend would." "Apparently, they were both in a crappy mood today, so they ended up drinking together." Janelle rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right. The guards told me Winona got all teary- eyed when she heard Keaton hadn''t eaten or slept. She really cares about him." "So you think Winona''s into him?" Richard asked, finally catching on. "I think there''s definitely something there! At the very least, he treats her way better than he ever treated Beatrix Sutton." She grinned slyly. "Love can grow, you know. Winona just got her heart broken- perfect time for our son to swoop in!" "If I toss him out, maybe she''ll pick him up, and things will move along nicely." Richard scowled. "This is nuts! They haven''t even taken the first step. And even if Winona wanted to take him in, her parents would never go for it." "I mean, what parents would let their daughter bring home a grown man- especially one with Keaton''s...reputation?" Janelle waved him off. "Who said he has to move in with her? He owns the house next door! The one at Tanhe Manor-he''s had it for years. I''ve been there. It''s literally right next to Winona''s ce, just a white picket fence between them." Richard blinked. "Seriously? That''s some coincidence." Janelle grinned. "Call it fate." "She already sneaks over to see him. Now that they''re basically neighbors, do you think Winona''s just going to ignore him if he''s out on the street? No way! She''s a good egg-she won''t let him starve." Richard nodded slowly. "Yeah, I suppose. But what about Beatrix?" At the mention of Beatrix, Janelle let out a long sigh. "The Sutton family tried to force him with a false usation, and he still wouldn''t marry her. That says a lot¡ªhe really doesn''t like her." 1.n "We need to get to the bottom of what happened at that hotel. If the Suttons set this up, we''ll deal with it. If Keaton really did something wrong we''ll apologize and make it right. But marriage? That''s off the table." s?novel Richard rubbed his temples. "Still, isn''t this all a bit much? Throwing him out, disowning him... What if things don''t work out with Winona?" Janelle just huffed, "Oh, ye of little faith! If it doesn''t work, then get ready-you''ll have a bachelor for a son, and the Huber family line will end with him!" "I''m not joking, Richard. Winona is this family''sst hope!" Richard mulled it over, face growing darker by the second. Then, with a determined stride, he marched back into the ancestral hall. In front of the whole Huber n, portraits and all, he called out to the guards: "Throw him out. The Huber family is done with him!" Chapter 1358 Keaton waspletely stunned. "Dad, seriously? Grandpa, Great-grandpa, and all the ancestors are looking down on us right now-are you for real?!" Richard''s voice was ice-cold. "Do it. Now." Keaton shouted at the top of his lungs, "You better think this through! I''m thest Huber! If you throw me out, it''s game over for the Huber family tree!" "You''ll be the one the old Hubers curse for eternity! You can bet they''re rolling over in their graves right now!" "And you, Mom! You''re just as guilty! Grandma and Great-grandma aren''t gonna let this slide!" Richard and Janelle''s faces were ashen, but they yelled even louder, "Out! Get him out of here¡ªfar as you can! And don''t let him step foot in this house again unless I say so!" The house guards, terrified, rushed to drag Keaton out-and made sure to toss him as far away from the grand front porch as they could. By 9 p.m., Keaton was slumped over a park bench in front of a pile of luggage, looking utterly pathetic. Even the stray cats nearby were meowing at him like he was one of their own. He never imagined there''d be a day his own parents would boot him out. All because he didn''t want to get married! Was that really such a crime? Seriously, talk about old-fashioned. It was pretty obvious now-there was no way his family wasing to his rescue. So Keaton pulled out his phone and called Tarquin Bradford for help. No answer. He tried Gale next. Gale picked up, but immediately started yelling, "You''ve got some nerve calling me! My parents are chasing me down half the block, threatening to kill me!" "You ratted me out for cheating-that''s real brotherly of you, Keaton!" "Seriously, what a privilege to know you. Thanks, man. Thanks to you and your whole damn family! Crap, they''re catching up to me¡ªgotta go¡ªbeep beep beep..." Gale hung up on him. Keaton rolled his eyes and tried Booker. From the other end came Mrs. Murphy''s wailing, "If you bring that girl home and y daddy, your father and I will just drop dead! Let the whole wolle how you killed your parents heartbreak! Boo hoo hoo.. Booker''s voice came on, panting, "Keaton, you bastard! You sold me out!" "You want to be some kind of anti-marriage hero? Screw you! I hope you fall madly in love with some girl and she doesn''t even know you exist!" "I hope you''re head over heels and she never gives you the time of day! I hope it makes you cry!" Keaton started, "Booker,e on, can you just " "Don''t you e on'' me! Lose my number, we''re done! I don''t even know you! Beep beep beep..." Booker hung up, too. Keaton slumped over his bench again, sighing, miserable, shivering in the night wind. He knew he''d sold them out, bute on-Mrs. Windham and Mrs. Murphy loved to gossip! If they''d seen Winona, who knows what rumors they''d start? Getting them out of the way was for Winona''s sake. He had to give them something juicy to distract them. What, was he supposed to abandon a gorgeous girl and save his buddies instead? No way. That wasn''t Keaton''s style. He was just about to try calling someone else when suddenly a car horn red. "Beep beep-" He looked up. A red sports car screeched to a stop in front of him. Winona, with her wild curls and oversized sunsses, sat in the passenger seat, staring at him in disbelief. Keaton felt mortified and tried to leap up, but his back screamed in pain and he broke out in a cold sweat. The driver jumped out. "Sir!" Keaton winced, his neck stiff, "Don''t touch me hurts!" Winona pursed her red lips,pletely at a loss for words. Honestly, out of all the spoiled rich kids she knew, Keaton was the only one who managed to get kicked out by his parents at thirty-after getting beat up no less. Chapter 1359 And then, to top it all off, his parents publicly and unterally announced they were cutting him off! Honestly, to end up like this... poor guy! Just before they reached Tanhe Manor, the Huber family''s chauffeur-who was driving her home-suddenly broke down in tears. With snot and tears streaming down his face, he said, "Ms. Newsom, I just heard-Keaton''s been kicked out of the house by Mr. and Mrs. Huber. They want nothing to do with him anymore... and they''ve ordered that anyone who tries to help him will be cut off too!" "He''s still badly hurt, Ms. Newsom. If he''s out there alone, something could happen to him. What if his wounds get infected again? Oh, God..." "Ms. Newsom, please, just let me go back and bring Keaton to Tanhe Manor." "Don''t get me wrong-I''m not asking to bring him into your house. Keaton''s got his own ce at the manor." "He really is down on his luck. If you don''t help him, who else will?" At first, she didn''t believe it. After all, Keaton was the only heir of the Huber family. If the Hubers disowned him, wouldn''t that mean the end of their family line?! But now, seeing Keaton herself, Winona really believed it. Especially after remembering what the driver said: part of the reason Keaton got thrown out was because he snuck some of Harold Huber''s whiskey. She felt a pang of guilt. Even though, honestly, it wasn''t her fault! Still, she had definitely helped herself to more than a ss or two... After some thought, Winona ended up calling a cab. She decided she''d take Keaton to the hospital first-get his injuries checked out and patched up before dealing with anything else. Meanwhile, when Richard and Janelle heard that Winona had taken their son in, they were so happy they set off fireworks in the front yard! Everyone else: "..." Oh boy, that''s it for Mr. Huber! Mr. and Mrs. Huber looked so delighted, lighting up the sky with fireworks. They really didn''t want him back! Mr. Huber had truly be the castaway of the family-now doomed to wander the world alone! Richard and Janelle just rolled their eyes: "You guys don''t get it at all!" You can''t win over a daughter-inw if you''re too soft on your son! Meanwhile, over at Lucian''s ce, Tarquin had just arrived. Keaton had called him earlier for help, but Tarquin deliberately didn''t answer. He knew exactly what Richard and Janelle were up to, and honestly, he approved. The Huber family were good folks-they''d never let Winona suffer, no matter what happened. As long as Winona wasn''t mistreated, Elysia wouldn''t have anyints, so Tarquin wasn''t about to butt in. Ignoring Keaton was all part of the n to make sure Winona would take him in herself. As for why Tarquin was at Lucian''s house sote? Verity Bradford''s illegitimate son had just died. It happened that night. After battling the virus for so long, his organs had finally given out there was nothing the doctors could do. And the paternity test between Tarquin and Lucian hade back too. Turned out, Lucian really was Tarquin''s son. That result alone proved there was a connection between Lucian and the so- called "mystery man." After all, the illegitimate child had grown up under the mystery man''s protection! So Tarquin had rushed over to get to the bottom of things. As soon as Tarquin got out of the car, Axel appeared. He looked the same as always: ck tracksuit, ck baseball cap, ck face mask. He radiated that same icy, dangerous vibe, with eyes sharp as knives. "Everything''s normal with Lucian. No suspicious visitors, and nobody''s been watching him-except for me, of course. But I''m sure the mystery man''s monitoring things remotely, so be careful what you say when you go up." "Yeah, I''ll go in alone. Wait for me down here," Tarquin said. jel "Will do. One more thing-Lucian wasn''t told about the death by the mystery man. It was a private. investigator who let him know. No connection to the mystery man at all.¡± s?novel Tarquin raised an eyebrow. "How''d a private eye know about Lucian and the kid?" Axel replied, "Years ago, when Lucian first found out he had an illegitimate son, he hired a private investigator to look into it. The R only tracked the kid down when he came back to the States, and as soon as Lucian woke up, the PI gave him the news." Tarquin frowned slightly. "...Got it." The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1360 Upstairs, Lucian was still awake. When Tarquin showed up at his door, Lucian didn''t look the least bit surprised. He ushered him in, set the kettle on, and poured two mugs of steaming ck tea. "I''m guessing you''re here about Verity''s son?" Lucian''s voice was hoarse, his whole face tired and drawn. Tarquin nodded. "I just found out he''s your son." Lucian''s eyes went ssy with unshed tears. "Yeah, he is. Or-was." "But... I never heard about you and Verity being together." Lucian let out a long, shuddering breath. "It was never supposed to happen. It was an ident." "After your father cut ties with the Bradfords, only Verity kept in touch. She''d visit him in Europe all the time." "That kid-my son was conceived during one of those trips." "There was a dinner, too much wine, and... well, one thing led to another. Suddenly Verity was pregnant." "I didn''t know about the baby. Not until someone came knocking, using the kid to ckmail me¡ªthreatening that if I ever talked about Hill Valley, there''d be consequences. That''s when I found out he existed." "I tried asking Verity, but she refused to tell me where he was or let me have anything to do with him. So I hired a private investigator, kept the search quiet. Only just found out where he was a few days ago. That''s why I rushed off to the hospital." Tarquin''s brow furrowed. Whoever had threatened Lucian-that had to be the mysterious stranger. Only that person would want to keep Hill Valley''s secrets buried, to poison Keith Garcia against Kendrick. He pressed, "Do you know who threatened you back then?" Lucian shook his head. "No idea. Never met him. He only called. Used a burner phone, too." That was just the stranger''s style-wary, secretive. Tarquin tried again. "Would you... talk to me about Hill Valley now?" Lucian exhaled slowly, shoulders sagging. "My son''s dead. I''ve got nothing left to lose. What do you want to know?" Tarquin cut straight to it. "The night Aiden bit my dad-was it pouring rain?" Lucian nodded. "Buckets. The kind of rain that soaks you to the bone." "Did my dad leave the house around seven or eight?" "No. Your mom was devastated about Aiden, and your dad never left her side. Sat with her all night. I was there, too.¡± Tarquin fell silent, mind whirring. So his father hadn''t dragged Aiden up the hill. Then why was Keith so certain he had? The only exnation: someone who looked a lot like his father had done it, and Keith had gotten it wrong. But the stranger didn''t really resemble his dad... unless it was an Kon ove aplice, not the strange himself. s?novel "Albert-did my dad have any brothers? Half-brothers, maybe?" Lucian blinked, then shook his head. "Nope. I grew up with your dad, know him better than anyone. No brothers." Tarquin''s mind raced. So the stranger must have disguised himself to frame his dad. But why go to all that trouble? The stranger had spent years grooming Keith, manipting Lucian and Verity with the existence of the secret son-all because of his father. What grudge did he hold against his father? Or... was Tarquin chasing the wrong lead entirely? He pinched the bridge of his nose, then looked up. "Albert, do you know how my parents really died? I know they were murdered. Verity was involved, but she didn''t mastermind it." Lucian''s expression hardened, and he let out a ragged breath. "It had something to do with a researet project. That much I''m sure of." Chapter 1361 Tarquin: "_" Lucian leaned forward, his voice gentle but serious. "Tarquin, do you know why your parents went to Karl Town all those years ago?" "...I don''t." "Your dad had a close friend from overseas. Very secretive guy. His name was Nice Eilman. He worked at a local newspaper in Karl Town. It was Nice who got your parents out there." Tarquin frowned slightly. "Nice..." "You recognize the name?" "It rings a bell." Lucian nodded. "You probably know his father. Nice himself wasn''t famous, but his dad-Eddie Eilman-was a world-renowned biologist from Alerasia." Tarquin''s eyes widened in realization. "Oh!" No wonder the name sounded familiar. Back when he was in the mountains, chatting with his grandma about viruses, she''d given him a list of the scientists behind the foreign virus research. Eddie Eilman was right at the top. His grandma had even singled Eddie out, saying he was the key member of his research team. Lucian continued, "I don''t know every detail, but I do know that Nice invited your parents to live in Karl Town. A few yearster, Nice handed over his father''s research to them. Not long after that, your parents had their ''ident."" "I''ve always suspected their deaths weren''t just some random car crash. But I never had proof, so I kept quiet." Tarquin was silent, taking it all in. Finally, after all these years, the pieces wereing together. No wonder his parents had ess to such a dangerous virus! They weren''t doctors or scientists-in Karl Town, they were nothing more than test subjects,b rats. Test subjects would never be allowed near such sensitive research. But now it all made sense. Their friend could get close-Nice, the peace-loving foreigner. Nice knew how dangerous the virus was. So he risked everything, using his father''s credentials to steal the research and hand it over to Tarquin''s parents. His parents tried to smuggle the virus and the data back home, risking their lives. Instead, they were killed, murdered on foreign soil. And the Eilmans-father and son-died because of it, too. That''s why the new virus the base was working on was only halfway between the fourth and fifth generations. They''d lost their core scientists and all the original data. Now, a new group of researchers was starting from scratch His grandma had warned him: this virus was engineered specifically for people like them. From the first generation to the eighth, it had been refined step by step. The real eighth-generation virus was the finished product-capable of one- hundred-percent targeted infection. If you caught it, and didn''t have the antidote, you were as good as dead. In other words, if someone released the eighth-generation virus on the world, foreigners wouldn''t even get sick. Only people like Tarquin and his family would be infected. No one would be spared¡ªone hundred percent infection rate. It wasn''t an exaggeration. This was a biological weapon designed to wipe them out. If it was ever released, it would devastate their country. That''s why foreign powers were pouring so much effort into finding those missing samples and research data. That''s also why,- when Tarquin''s country got wind of the truth, they dropped everything-mobilizingnd, air, and sea-to bring people home. Walter had been right all along: there''s never been real peace in this world. There are always countries, organizations, and people scheming to start wars. They''re like rats hiding in the sewers-never fighting in the open, always plotting in the shadows. This is still a world where only the strong survive. If you don''t want to get pushed around or beaten down, you have to get stronger -no matter what. Chapter 1362 Tarquin pressed his lips together, his eyes burning with a mix of pride and hate. His parents had given their lives because of the real Gen-8 virus. They died saving their people. That made him proud-damn proud. But thinking about those foreign powers who plotted against them made his blood boil with rage. Stepping out of the Lucian family''s mansion, Tarquin paused at the front gate and stared straight into the security camera. "If you want the real Gen-8 virus,e and get it," he said, his voice cold. "Let''s talk face-to-face, if you''ve got the guts." This was meant for the mysterious watcher. Tarquin was sure the guy was keeping tabs on Lucian''s ce. He''d yed defense for too long. It was time to go on the attack-not just to take down the shadowy enemy, but to blow their whole operation sky-high. Anyone who hurt his country deserved to pay. Outside, Tarquin found Axel leaning against the car, arms crossed. Axel didn''t say much he never did-but he shot Tarquin a look, clearly picking up on his mood. Tarquin stood next to him, tempted to pull out a cigarette. He stopped himself, remembering how much Elysia hated the smell. With his hands shoved in his pockets, Tarquin stared at the street and asked, "If you found out someone close to you betrayed you, would you ever forgive them?" Axel''s reply was icy. "Never. Showing mercy to an enemy is cruelty to yourself.¡± Tarquin narrowed his eyes at Axel, then smirked. "You''re right." With a deep breath, Tarquin opened the car door and slid into the driver''s seat. He called over, "Hop in. Lucian doesn''t need watching tonight. Go home, get some rest. Tomorrow,e ski with us." "Skiing?" Axel raised an eyebrow. "What about Sabrina Stevenson and Zane? We''re just letting them go?" Tarquin shook his head. "If we''re always hovering, they''ll never make a move. Let''s back off, give them room. Don''t worry-I''ve got it covered." Axel nodded. "Alright." When Tarquin got home, Elysia was still awake, propped up in bed, studying her grandmother''s old notes. Medicine wasn''t her passion, but she''d promised her grandma she''d learn, and she meant to keep her word. She''d actually been learning a lottely. Seeing Tarquine in, she closed her notebook and asked, "You''re homete. Did you eat?" "Yeah, grabbed a bite." He sat on the bed and kissed her. "Kids and your folks asleep?" "Out like lights." "Why aren''t you sleeping?" "Couldn''t. Figured I''d read Grandma''s notes. Oh, by the way, Old Mr. Stevenson -Victor-arrived in Jindale City." "Yeah, he got in this afternoon." Elysia looked worried. "What''s the n with the antidote? I heard Sabrina and everyone from the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association are infected." Tarquin shrugged. "Don''t stress. There''s an antidote, nobody''s dying." "But how are you getting it to them?" ¡°Benjamin Lawson will handle it. Trust me, no one''s going to suspect your grandma or you." Elysia let out a sigh of relief. "One more thing-did you see the news about Zane and Winona? Winona totally wrecked Zane, Gand now Prisci is threatening to press charges against her." Tarquin grinned¡ªhe actually enjoyed hearing that. He couldn''t stand Zane. He snorted, "Let her try. If she does, the cops will go for her son first. They''ve got no proof it was Winona. Don@worry, Zane''s not that stupid. He won''t let his mom sue Then something clicked. Tarquin turned to Elysia and asked, "Wait-how''d you hear about Zane getting taken down? Did Winona tell you herself?" Chapter 1363 "I saw it online¡ªit''s trending everywhere!" Tarquin let out a delightedugh. "Prisci really is Zane''s mom, through and through!" Seriously, what man would ever want something this humiliating broadcast to the world? Most people would do anything to keep it under wraps, but no-Prisci had to go shouting it from the rooftops! No doubt, once Zane wakes up, he''s going to lose his mind. Elysia picked up her phone from the nightstand and held it out for him to see. "Look-Winona and Zane are trending at number one, and Keaton''s right behind them at number two!" After Zane was rushed to the hospital today, Prisci heard what had happened to her son''s, well, "manhood," and she just copsed in the hallway, wailing like she''d lost the lottery and the family dog in one day. She went on a public crusade, calling out Winona and iming Winona had "cut off" Zane''s... you know. She thought she''d rally the whole country to her side, get everyone to condemn Winona as some sort of monster. Except, when her hysterical meltdown hit the inte, people didn''t exactly jump on the bandwagon. Nobody felt sorry for Zane-they were too busy cheering on Ms. Newsom. Comments flooded Winona''s social ounts: "Ms. Newsom, you''re a legend! Let me kneel before you!" "I''m next! I don''t bow to anyone, but I bow to Ms. Newsom!" "Kneeling! Absolutely kneeling! All hail the Queen!" "Forget Ms. Newsom-this is an ancestor! I''m here to pay my respects!" Winona gained over eight million new followers in just a few hours¡ªand they were all real people, not bots. Haters became fans, skeptics became supporters. The entire inte was in an uproar! People raised the banner for Winona, cursing Zane for getting exactly what he deserved. Everybody hates a homewrecker-and everybody hates a cheater even more. He climbed the socialdder on his wife''s ck, and instead of beingne gra, he tried to ruin her whole family and steal their legacy! Seriously, nobody in their right mind would defend a guy like that. Janelle immediately became Winona''s number one fan. She pulled every string she had, dropped cash, leveraged her connections-all to support Winona. She didn''t just post about it on her own ount; she even hijacked Richard''s phone to post from his, too! And when even that wasn''t enough, she rallied the Huber family''s entire PR team. She even called up Mrs. Windham, Mrs. Murphy, and the rest of her high-society friends to join in. Outsiders thought she was doing it to teach Richard a lesson-like, if he ever stepped out of line, she''d snip" him too. Poor Richard-everyone was feeling sorry for him. Except Richard himself-he was worried sick about their son! Winona was amazing, sure, but also a little scary. If she could do that to Zane, what was stopping her from doing it to their precious boy? But Janelle didn''t see it that way. She said, "If our son ever gets together with Winona, he''d better toe the line! It he cheats and Winona decides to make §Ö him a eunuch-well, he had iting! And the Huber family would have no right toin!" "In fact, if there was aw that said cheaters lost their, ahem, equipment, maybe men would finally behave!" Richard could only stare, speechless. "..." While the whole country was roasting Zane, they didn''t forget to poke fun at Keaton too: "The Huber family has a son, just turned thirty. One wrong move and he''s out on the street!" "Unloved by Dad, ignored by Mom-Mr. Huber is the family''s ck sheep now." Elysia turned to Tarquin. "Do you really think Mr. Huber and Janelle are going to cut Keaton off?" "Nah¡ªthe Huber family only has one son. They''d never actually disown him." "So why are they making such a big show out of all this?" Chapter 1364 Tarquin didn''t dare admit that it was his idea for Winona to bring dinner over-and that things had gotten awkward because of it. After all, he was the one who''d set up the whole meal delivery thing. And Keaton? Well, his reputation wasn''t exactly great, and Elysia''s feelings about him were pretty clear. She was fine being friends with Keaton, but the moment romance came up, she''d scrunch up her nose and roll her eyes. If she found out that the Huber family had gotten the wrong idea because of that dinner that they wanted Winona to be their daughter-inw-who knows if Elysia would me him? So as far as anything between Keaton and Winona went, Tarquin figured it was best to just y dumb. He quickly switched the subject. "Don''t stress about Keaton," he said. ¡°I heard from Lowell you guys are going skiing tomorrow?" "Yeah... The kids are excited, and my parents are into it. We''re all nning to go," Elysia said. "What, you''re not inviting me?" Tarquin teased. Elysia shot back, "Didn''t you say you were busy?" "Who told you I was busy?" Elysia blinked, surprised and suddenly hopeful. "Wait, you''re free?" Seeing the excitement in her eyes, Tarquin felt a warm flutter in his chest. He shot her a crooked smile and gently pinched her cheek. "You want me toe that much?" Elysia nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely!" "And why do you want me there?" "Because when you''re around, I have more fun," she said, not missing a beat. When Tarquin was there, she could just rx and be yful, like a kid again-she could lean on him and let go. But when he wasn''t, she had to be the grown-up, thinking about the kids, her parents, keeping everything together. It wasn''t about being forced to act a certain way-it just happened naturally, depending on whether Tarquin was around. Sotely, she''d gotten a little clingy. If they were heading out to have fun, she honestly hoped he''d be there, too. Tarquin just melted, looking at her with nothing but warmth and affection. "For you, babe? I''m at your beck and call, twenty-four-seven. Not going anywhere." Elysia grinned, cupped his face, and gave him a quick, sweet kiss. Just a brush of the lips-she meant to pull away, but Tarquin wasn''t having any of it. He slipped his behind her head, holding herclose, turning the tables. fo The kiss deepened, the air shifting from light and yful to something much more heated. Tarquin''s hand slid beneath her pajama top, his fingers tracingzy circles at her waist. Elysia knew exactly where this was heading. Her heart raced as she pushed at his chest, trying to protest. "Cut it out, we''ve got skiing tomorrow!" He grinned, voice low and rough with want. "That won''t slow us down tomorrow." With that, he popped open the top few buttons of his shirt, revealing a hint of tanned, toned chest-impossible to ignore. Still holding her close, he leaned in, continuing to kiss her, his hand never leaving her waist. Elysia, thoroughly trapped, pped a hand over his mouth. "You-you haven''t even showered yet!" she blurted, desperate for distraction, hoping he''d take the and cool off. Tarquin looked down at her, eyes dark with mischief. hint A heartbeatter, he scooped her up and headed straight for the bathroom. "Let''s together," he said with rin. "And while we''re at it let''s about those TikTok videos watched today." Elysia''s eyes went wide. "Hey! You-mmph-!" ... The next morning, Elysia was woken up by Evan bouncing on the bed. "Mom! Get up! We''re going skiing today!" Elysia''s eyes flew open. She tried to sit up, but Tarquin still had her locked in his arms, holding her tight from behind. She sighed, still lying down. "Okay, okay, I''m up." "And Dad, too! Grandpa already made pancakes. You two are the only ones still in bed!" Elysia blushed. "Alright, alright, we''reing." Once she heard Evan''s footsteps retreat, she tried to pry Tarquin''s arm from her waist. "Let go!" Instead, Tarquin just pulled her closer. She wriggled around in his arms, like a little caterpir, turning to face him¡ª The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1365 "Evan already called us. Time to get up!" Tarquin didn''t even bother opening his eyes, just mumbledzily, "Let me snooze a bit longer." Elysia pinched his cheek hard. "Snooze, my foot! The kids are all up and here we are, stillzing around. Aren''t you even a little embarrassed?" Tarquin just shed his annoyingly charming smile, eyes still closed. "Not embarrassed at all. Where''s the rule that says parents have to get up before the kids?" "Shameless! Get up! If you don''t, I''m really gonna lose it!" Tarquin finally peeked an eye open,shes fluttering, looking like he''d just stepped out of aic book. "Morning kiss?" Elysia leaned in and gave his chin a yful bite. "Morn-ing!" Tarquin chuckled, grabbed her chin, and nted a firm kiss on her lips, eyes full of affection. "Good morning." Elysia rolled her eyes, threw off the covers, and headed for the bathroom. Last night, Tarquin had taken his time but had been gentle. And since he only wanted her once, she didn''t feel ufortable this morning. As Elysia started brushing her teeth, Tarquin followed right behind. She brushed. He brushed. He stood so close behind her that his chest pressed into her back, resting his chin right on top of her head. Elysia stared at their reflection in the mirror,pletely exasperated. She rinsed her mouth and then red at him in the mirror. ¡°Are you nning to drip toothpaste foam all over my hair?" Tarquin turned to rinse his mouth, then immediately plopped his chin back on her head, grinning at their reflection. "Hey, are my teeth white?" Elysia rolled her eyes so hard it could''ve been an Olympic sport. "Are you five years old? Move!" Tarquin wouldn''t budge. "Let me see if yours are whiter." Elysia bared her teeth at the mirror. "Whiter than yours!" He spun her around by the shoulders. "Let me get a good look." One look led to another, and soon he was kissing her... The kiss got deeper and deeper until Elysia, flustered and red-faced, stomped on his toe. "Ow! Are you trying to kill your husband?" Tarquin yelped. She was breathless, cheeks burning. "Why do you have to be like this? Get out, I don''t want to brush my teeth with you!" She tried to push him out, but Tarquin just stood there,ughing "C''mon, the kids and your folks are downstairs waiting. If we hurry up and share, we''ll save time. Elysia shot him a murderous re. "You are so annoying in the morning. Behave, or else!" ... By the time they finally made it downstairs, half an hour had passed. As soon as they appeared, Baby dashed to the bottom of the stairs. "Daddy! Mommy!" Seeing the whole family waiting for them, Elysia felt her face burn with embarrassment. She gave Tarquin a not-so-subtle kick, then rushed down to scoop Baby up in her arms. She kissed her daughter''s cheek. "Baby, you all ready?" "Uh-huh! Mommy, I want to take Lan with us skiing. Grandpa says Lan''s brave enough." Baby was hugging Lan close to her chest. Elysia nodded. "If you want to bring Lan, we''ll bring him. Let''s all go together." Most bunnies tend to get skittish in new ces but Lan was different. Maybe it was from hanging out e for so long-Lan was. Baby had taken Lan to all sorts of ces, and he''d never been scared. Now,pared to when Keith first brought him over, Lan had grown twice the size-round and fluffy, like a tiny teddy bear. Lan was a gift from Keith. Every time Elysia saw the bunny, she thought of him. If Keith were still here, he''d be glued to Baby''s side, just like Lan is now. Some things, she supposed, just never got easier. Chapter 1366 Elysia snapped out of her thoughts, ruffled the hair of the little one nestled in Baby''s arms, and waved at Pam Patel and the kids. After the hellos, she turned to the children. "Alright, have the best time today. But remember, after all the fun, tomorrow means back to preschool-no fussing, no whining. You''ve all gotta go." The mere mention of preschool triggered a chorus of mixed reactions. Baby''s face fell immediately¡ªshe hated being away from Mom and Dad, and she couldn''t even bring Lan along. Elliot and Elijah weren''t thrilled either. To them, preschool was for babies. Evan and Emmett, on the other hand, didn''t really mind. They liked meeting new friends and ying games. The only downside? Spending the whole day away from Mom. Still, whatever Elysia said, went. If it made Mom happy, that was enough. "If that''s what you want, Mom, we promise-we won''t make a fuss!" they chimed in unison. Elysia grinned. "Tomorrow, both Daddy and I will drop you off." "And Grandma and Grandpa, too!" came yton Hawkins'' cheery voice, emerging from the kitchen with a tray full of pancakes and bacon. Tarquin followed right behind, carrying a stack of scrambled eggs and toast. As soon as Elysia and her husband came downstairs, yton had hustled off to the kitchen to get breakfast ready, with Tarquin helping out like a pro. Elysia, with Baby in her arms, led the way to the dining room. "Dad." "Alright, kids, go wash your hands, breakfast''s ready! Eat up and we''ll head out after," yton called, his apron straining at the ties, his face beaming. Ever since he''d found his daughter again, the once-legendary sea captain had be a devoted family man-and he was loving it. After breakfast, the whole family piled out the door, a merry little parade. Lowell was already at the curb with a gleaming ck SUV, engine humming. Axel was there too, leaning against the car. But Axel wasn''t here for snowball fights or tobogganing-he was just looking for an excuse to slip away for a bit. Tarquin had saidst night: with them sticking close to home, certain folks were ying it safe. If the family went out, those same folks might finally make a move. "Mr. Lowell! Mr. Axel!" the kids shouted, rushing over. Lowell grinned and swooped down like he was greeting his own brood, arms wide open. Axel just stood by the car, all in ck athleisure, baseball cap pulled low, face impassive but somehow less chilly than usual. He was almost... approachable. Baby, on a mission, scampered straight to Axel and wrapped herself around his leg, looking up at him with big hopeful eyes. "Mr. Axel!" Axel, never one for hugs, awkwardly patted her head in what, for him, passed as affection. Baby piped up in her sweet little voice, "It''s been so long, Mr. Axel! Did you bring me a present?" Axel froze. Besides the odd birthday or Christmas gift for Elijah-and even then, always just an envelope with sh-he''d never bought presents for anyone. "Uh... I''ll owe you one next time," he mumbled. Baby pouted, her disappointment theatrical. "No present, huh..." Axel lookedpletely flustered, unsure how to respond. But before he could recover, Baby''s eyes sparkled with a new idea. "Then will youe with me to pick Ssom? She promised to gone up sledding with me, but with me, but there''s no one her. Let''s go together, okay?" Axel frowned. ¡°She wants toe, she can grab an Uber." "Nooo, I want you toe with me!" "I''ll have someone else take you." "No! I want Mr. Axel! If you don''te, I''ll cry, I really will..." Axel Blossom had put Baby up to knew exactly what Blossom we thinking-he wanted no part of it. He opened his mouth to refuse, but Baby was already sniffling, her eyes going ssy with real tears welling up. He was doomed. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1367 It''s honestly hard to watch. Axel pressed his lips together, looking like he''d rather be anywhere else, but when the little girl''s face started to crumple and she looked about to burst into tears, he caved. "Alright, let''s go." Instantly, Baby''s mood did a 180-tears gone, reced by a huge grin. She grabbed Axel''s hand, bouncing in ce. "Thank you, Mr. Axel!" She turned and called over her shoulder to Elysia, "Mom, I''m going with Mr. Axel to pick up Blossom!" Elysia shot Axel a look of pure resignation. The whole world knew Blossom had a crush on Axel. Unfortunately, Axel-like Keaton-was a hardcore bachelor. Difference was, Keaton didn''t believe in marriage, but he had no shortage of girlfriends. Axel? He avoided rtionships altogether. Didn''t even flirt. Elysia knew exactly what was going on-Blossom had probably roped Baby into matchmaking. She just waved them off. "Go on, then." Tarquin watched Axel with a knowing squint, secretly impressed with Blossom''s tactics. If he''d asked Axel to go pick up Blossom, Axel would''ve t out refused. But with Baby asking? Axel was helpless. Elysia, Tarquin, a few other kids, and family friends yton and Pam all piled into the SUV for the ski resort. Meanwhile, Axel started up his Jeep, buckled Baby into the back, and headed off to get Blossom. They''d barely made it out of the driveway when Baby piped up, "Mr. Axel, call Blossom for me! I want to talk to her." Axel hesitated. "...I don''t have her number." "Call my mom, then! She''ll give it to you. Mom has Blossom''s number!" Baby insisted. Axel paused, then, resigned, unlocked his phone and punched in a string of numbers. He handed the phone over. Baby''s eyes widened. "Wait, I thought you didn''t have Blossom''s number?" Before Axel could respond, Blossom picked up. "Baby?" "Hi Blossom!" Baby chirped. "Hey, Baby! Why do you have Mr. Axel''s phone?" "We''re together! Mr. Axel is weird," Baby announced. "Huh?" "He said he didn''t have your number, but he just called you anyway." Axel sighed. Baby kept going, "Blossom, we''reing to pick you up. Don''t forget to bring me something yummy!" Blossom sounded thrilled. "I''ve got it all ready! I''ll wait for you at the preschool entrance." "Here, you talk to Mr. Axel!" Baby chirped, shoving the phone into Axel''s hand. Axel didn''t say a word-just hung up. Buckled in her car seat, Baby stared at Axel. "Mr. Axel, why didn''t you talk to Blossom? That''s kinda rude, y''know." Axel struggled to exin. After a long pause, he finally muttered, "I don''t like her, so I don''t want to talk to her." Baby''s big eyes went even wider, confused "Howe you don''t like Blossom? We all love Blossom-she''s so nice! And she really likes you. She even said she wants to be your wife someday." Axel''s expression was frosty. "Don''t listen to her nonsense." Baby shook her head, all innocence. "It''s not nonsense! Blossom''s super serious. She said she''ll have a bunch of babies with you, and they''ll call me big sis!" Axel gripped the steering wheel tighter, eyes fixed on the road ahead, jaw clenched. He had no idea how to answer that, so he just pulled out his secret weapon for keeping kids quiet he found a cartoon on his phone and handed it back to Baby. Blossom''s preschool was the fanciest private school in Jindale City, nestled right in the middle of the gatedmunity. It was barely a ten-minute drive from Number One Mansion. A few minutester, Axel spotted a familiar silhouette up ahead. She was wearing a ck tracksuit and a matching baseball cap¡ªjust like Axel''s usual style. Even her sneakers were the same brand and color he always wore. Axel frowned, pulling the Jeep to a stop right next to Blossom. Chapter 1368 Blossom hurriedly swung open the car door and hopped into the passenger seat, shing Axel a bright grin. "Hey." Axel just shot her a cold look, not saying a word. Blossom was used to it by now, so she didn''t take it to heart. She closed the door, buckled her seatbelt, and turned around to smile at Baby in the back seat. "Here you go, I brought you something. Thanks foring to pick me up, Baby." Baby''s eyes lit up at the sight of the snacks. "Thanks, Blossom!" Blossom chuckled, "You''re wee!" The little girl settled quietly in the back, munching away and watching cartoons on her tablet. Blossom then opened another small container, like she was showing off a prize, and held it out to Axel. "Try this! I got up early to make it myself." Axel kept his eyes on the road, ignoring both her and the food. Blossom pouted. "You won''t even try it unless Baby tells you to, huh?¡± Axel frowned. "I don''t eat sweets," he answered, his tone colder than the January wind. Blossom didn''t mind. She was just happy he finally spoke. She muttered, "How do you know it''s sweet if you don''t even look? Here, try this one, it''s savory, not sweet at all." Axel started to say something, but Blossom cut him off, "I''ve got all the vors¡ª sweet, tangy, spicy, you name it." Axel just red in silence for a long moment, then said icily, "I''m not getting married, ever. I''m not interested in dating, either. You''re wasting your time on me." Blossom jutted out her lip. "Just because you don''t n on it doesn''t mean it''ll never happen." Axel: "I don''t like you." Blossom: "That''s fine. I like you anyway." Axel''s frown deepened. "... You''re a girl!" Blossom grinned, her cheeks turning rosy. ¡°Exactly! If I were a guy, maybe I wouldn''t like you. It''s because I''m a girl that I do." She was a little shy after saying it so directly, but with someone like Axel, if she yed coy, they''d never get anywhere. She just liked him Simple as that. Axel snapped, "Stop liking me!" Blossom lifted her chin defiantly. "Why? You can''t tell me how to feel. My feelings are my business! And I really, really, really like you!" Axel was never the talkative type. Now he just glowered in silence, opening and closing his mouth as if searching for words, but finding none. Blossom teased him, "You never saved my number, so how do you always call me? You must have memorized it, right?" Axel''s face flushed crimson, and he barked, "Say one more stupid thing and I''ll get out right here. You can drive Baby to the ski resort yourself!¡± Blossom mumbled under her breath, "Fine, I won''t say anything. Jeez, so grumpy, just because I like you." Axel: "..." As the car sped away from the city, somewhere else, in the city hospital- Zaney motionless in his hospital bed. He wouldn''t eat, wouldn''t drink, wouldn''t speak. Yesterday, without any anesthesia, Winona had given him a "snip job" that left himin so much pain he passed out. When he woke up, he was in the hospital. His mom, Prisci, had been wailing in the hallway, making enough noise for the whale city to hear. She announced to anyone who''d listen that hewas "ruined for life," that he''d never be a real man again, never have kids, never have sex. She even wanted to drag in a local reporter to take pictures of his misery, hoping the inte would rally with her and curse Winona together. Aside from the moment he''d screamed at Prisci to shut up, Zane hadn''t said a word since. He felt like he was already dead, but the constant bustle of nurses and his mother''s endlessints kept reminding him he was still alive. He''d lost the one thing that, in his mind, made him a man. He would''ve rather lost an arm or a leg than that. Chapter 1369 Without it, how could he ever be with Elysia? How could he ever give her the perfect happiness she deserved? Prisci was sobbing beside him, her voice shrill and choked with anger. "That witch Winona is just pure evil! If I''d known this would happen, the Livingston family never should''ve married her!" "I told you from the start, I didn''t want you to marry her! Skinny as a scarecrow, you could tell she''d never be able to give us a son!" "And look how it turned out! Not only did she fail to give the Livingston family a son, she ruined your chances of ever having any children at all!¡± "What did our family do to deserve this? To end up with a conniving, venomous woman like her?" "My poor boy, you don''t even have a single child to call your own! Oh, what a tragedy..." "If I''d known it would be like this, I should''ve let Sarah have that baby... Oh, God..." The baby growing inside Sarah had been Zane''s. She was over five months along, the baby already formed. But Zane and Prisci had gotten rid of it. Zane did it for Elysia. The moment he met Elysia, he never wanted another woman to bear his child. Prisci did it because she''d heard Sarah was carrying a granddaughter. She only wanted a grandson, not a granddaughter. So she secretly slipped Sarah some abortion pills, and then gave her a peanut butter cookie. Sarah was severely allergic to peanuts. The pills and the allergic reaction together-Sarah lost the baby. Now, mother and son both regretted it with every ounce of their being. If they hadn''t been so cruel, the Livingston family would at least have a child now. But instead... Winona hadn''t just been ruthless; she''d destroyed everything. Zane hadn''t just lost his manhood-he''d lost any hope of ever having children. Not even IVF was an option for him now. His entire future, the family legacy, ended with him. Prisci''s face twisted with bitterness. "It''s all that witch Winona''s fault! You have to get back on your feet, son. You have to make her pay!" Zane''s jaw clenched so hard it hurt In a rage, he snatched the ss water off the nightstand and hurled it across the room. Prisci shrieked, "Son! Oh, my God..." MS Zane was panting, his face blotchy red with fury. "If you want to cry, do it outside! I''m not dead yet!" Prisci pressed her lips together, looking hurt and pitiful. "I''m just heartbroken for you, my boy. You don''t have a single child-what are you going to do?" Zane gritted his teeth. "If I can''t have kids, I''ll adopt. I''ll raise one from a baby, raise him as SoWe''ll be just like real fathe wn other swnothe son." and Once his big n seeded, he''d take the money and run away with Elysia. They''d go somewhere no one knew them, start fresh, adopt as many kids as they wanted. As for the bedroom stuff... So what if he couldn''t anymore? He still had hands, and other ways. He could still make Elysia happy. Thinking about it gave Zane a new surge of confidence. His phone buzzed. A video message. It was Tarquin, with Elysia at the ski resort. Fresh powder everywhere, Tarquin standing behind Elysia, arms around her as they shot down the hill together. They essed in matching gear, bundled up tight, faces hidden. But ughter and sai Ski rang out, pure and joyful. Zane''s breath came short and fast, jealousy ring white-hot. He should be the one behind Elysia, keeping her safe, making herugh. Not Tarquin! Who the hell was he, anyway? The jealousy was maddening. Zane saw red, grinding his teeth as he shot off a message in reply. "Come see me. Now." Chapter 1370 5:00 PM. The ski resort. Blossom was still pestering Axel to teach her how to ski. She''d been at it all day. The thing was, Axel wasn''t even dressed for skiing. No gear, no intention of hitting the slopes, and he was clearly ignoring her. Blossom didn''t mind. If he ignored her, she just kept at it, relentless. Honestly, skiing wasn''t even the reason she was here. Chasing after Axel had made her shamelessly persistent. If Axel red at her, she''d just sh him a goofy grin. If he rolled his eyes, she''d wink back, all flirty. It wasn''t until Axel''s phone started ringing that she finally paused. He stepped aside to take the call, and Blossom waited a few steps away, watching him like a fangirl staring at her celebrity crush, eyes shining with admiration. Whatever was said on the other end of the line, Axel''s face darkened, the air around him turning even colder. Blossom''s brows knit together, worry written all over her face. As soon as he hung up, she hurried over. "What''s wrong? Did something happen?" Axel didn''t even nce her way. He just strode off towards Tarquin. Blossom trailed after him like a puppy. She was bundled up in a puffy ski suit and clumsy on her skis, wobbling along like a Benny''s penguin. Suddenly, a group of girls swooshed her way, barely slowing as they shouted, "Move it! You''re in the way!" Blossom panicked, her brain short-circuiting. She tried to dodge, but nerves got the best of her. She lost her bnce and went tumbling down the slope. "Ahhh-!" Her scream echoed, but the girls justughed and skied away without a care. They were after Axel too, but he''d shot down their flirty attempts wit enough icy res to freeze ake. They couldn''t even get near him. Sure, Axel wasn''t exactly warm to Blossom either, but at least she could stick around him. The other girls were jealous, always trying to mess with Blossom, but with Axel nearby, they didn''t dare. Now, seeing Axel distracted, they''d seized their chance-deliberately bumping Blossom, hoping she''d get hurt and embarrass herself. After all, falling at a ski resort? Totally normal. No one would me them. Axel heard themotion and turned. Blossom was rolling down the hill, shrieking the whole way. His heart skipped-he started towards her, but a tall guy got there first, stopping Blossom''s fall. Axel couldn''t hear what the guy said, but it was obvious he was checking if Blossom was okay. Axel''s frown deepened as he red at the group of girls, his eyes icy cold. They just giggled and disappeared into the distance. "Blossom!" Elysia called, kicking off her skis and rushing over in snow boots. Tarquin joined Axel. "What happened?" "She fell," Axel answered tly, not bothering with details. Tarquin pressed, "Aren''t you going to check on her?" ¡°Not my responsibility,¡± Axel said coolly. Tarquin hesitated, then said, "That guy seems really into Blossom. He''s been watching her all afternoon Looks like a college kid-pretty dsome, too." "Not my business," Axel snapped. Tarquin sighed. "Hey, chasing after someone when you''ve blown your chance? That''s a rough road, trust me. Been there, done that." Axel''s jaw tightened. "I need to get to Mariana Land." The subject change caught Tarquin off guard. He straightened, suddenly serious. "Why?" Axel''s voice was cold. "Zane''s in trouble. Some guy showed up as a reporter, asking about that hit on you." "We checked him out the press credentials are real, but the guy isn''t. He''s not a reporter; he''s working for Wayborn''s crew." Chapter 1371 That morning, Zane had just reached out to someone and told them to meet him in his hospital room. Axel got wind of it almost immediately. Not wanting to spook anyone, they decided toy low and wait. Only after the mysterious visitor left Zane''s room did they dig in and start their investigation. It didn''t take long to find out: the hit on Tarquin hade from someone in Wayborn. Wayborn was a semi-autonomous region on the edge of Mariana Land, just across the border from their own country. The ce was a mess-full of scam call centers, ck market organ dealers, and every kind of sleaze you could imagine. Criminals flocked there. Human trafficking, drug smuggling, contract killings- Wayborn was a hellhole, no better than the infamous Ghost Towns you read about in the papers. Tarquin frowned. "So the guy''s with the Bauer family?" Axel nodded. "The guy calling the shots goes by Thunder on the streets. He mostly runs scams and organ deals¡ªplus, he''s got a hand in the sex trade." ¡°He''s the one who had his eye on Winona. That''s the only reason she got away with just a scratch and wasn''t hurt worse." "He''s got ties with the Bauer family, but I can''t say for sure if they''re in on the hit. What I do know is Thunder''s definitely involved." The Bauer family was Wayborn''s top dog, pretty much running the whole region. Every shady character in Wayborn owed them something. If it was just Thunder causing trouble, they could handle it. But if the Bauers were involved... Tarquin''s face darkened. "If Thunder had the guts to take this job, he''d better be ready for the fallout. He can disappear for good." If those lowlifes across the border didn''t get the message, they''d just keeping -thinking Tarquin was easy prey. "I get it. I''ll handle it," Tarquin said. "Not this time," Axel shot back. "I''m going." "It''s not just for you. It''s for me, too." Axel''s eyes burned with determination. Tarquin scowled. He knew Axel had been itching to get to Mariana Land. Axel had unfinished business there¡ªa ghost from his past, and a grudge that ran deep. But Mariana Land was a death trap. Going after revenge there was like walking into a lion''s den holding a steak. The odds of making it out alive were next to nothing. "You" "I''ve made up my mind. Don''t try stop me I''m not asking for your permission; I''m just giving you heads up content belongs to s Axel cut him off again. Tarquin''s brow creased. "You sure about this?" "Yeah." "When do you leave?" "Now." "You got your new ID and everything?" Tarquin asked. "Yeah." "You have contacts lined up in Wayborn?" "Yeah." Tarquin fell silent, jaw clenched. He knew Axel had carried this pain for years the wound still festering in Way born, waiting for him toe and rip it out. s Axel had been following Mariana Land''s underworld for ages,ying the groundwork for this day. Tarquin lit a cigarette, took a drag, and finally asked, ¡°Will you make it back alive?" Axel hesitated, saying nothing. Tarquin''s voice turned cold. "If you''re not sure you''ll make it back, don''t go. break your damn legs myself and keep you locked up herede Jindale City." s He''d rather see Axel crippled than dead. Axel frowned, silent for a few moments, then said quietly, "I''ll make it back. I promise." He looked dead serious, like he was swearing an oath. Tarquin flicked his ash, his expression softening a bit. "A real man keeps his word." "...Yeah." The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1372 Lowell stood off to the side, his eyes already rimmed red. He knew exactly what Axel was walking into with this trip to Mariana Land-it was a one-way ticket, a near-suicide mission. But there was nothing he could do to stop him. Even if he tried, Axel wouldn''t let anyone hold him back. Until he pulled out that thorn in his side, he''d never find peace. Lowell''s voice was rough with emotion. "We''ll throw you a big party when you get back, all right? Just promise me, whatever happens-don''t be a hero. Your lifees first!" Axel looked at him, nodded once. ¡°Yeah.¡± Elysia came over, helping Blossom limp along. Lowell quickly wiped his eyes, and Tarquin stubbed out his cigarette. Elysia called out from a distance, "Blossom twisted her ankle. We need to get it checked at the ER." Blossom looked at Axel with big, pleading eyes. She clearly hoped Axel would be the one to take her. Tarquin nced at Axel, asking, "You''re heading back to the city, right? Mind giving Blossom a ride to the hospital?" "Nope," Axel replied tly. He turned and walked straight to his car, not sparing Blossom a nce or a word about her injury. Blossom''s face crumpled, "Hey, what''s your problem? I really hurt my ankle. It hurts like hell!" Axel didn''t even look back. "..." Elysia frowned, but she couldn''t me Axel. Matters of the heart were never that simple. Just because Axel didn''t return Blossom''s feelings didn''t make him a bad guy. Still, her heart ached for Blossom. Love always made the one who fell first look so small. Tarquin stepped in, "He''s got a long trip ahead, and he''s on a tight schedule." Blossom quickly asked, "Where''s he going?" Tarquin hesitated, "Somewhere far away." Lowell couldn''t hold back, "Go say goodbye, Blossom. Wish him luck. Tell him toe back safe." Blossom saw the look on Lowell''s face and felt a jolt of dread. She knew Axel worked as Tarquin''s personal security, always in the thick of some dangerous mess. "He''s going on a job, isn''t he?" Lowell replied, "Yes and no." Blossom frowned, "What''s that supposed to mean?" Lowell sighed, "He''s got a job to do, but there''s personal business involved, too." Personal business? Blossom''s nerves spiked. "Is it... is it really dangerous?" Lowell didn''t nod or shake his head, but his red eyes said enough. Blossom''s heart jumped into her throat. If even Lowell, usually tough as nails, was about to cry, it had to be bad. She turned and hobbled as fast as she could after Axel. Panting, she caught up to him at his car, grabbing the door handle. "Where are you rushing off to?!¡± Axel was already in the driver''s seat, his voice icy, "None of your business." Blossom pressed, "When will you be back?" "...That''s none of your business, either." Blossom puffed out her cheeks, trying to look fierce. "None of my business, huh? Well, if you won''t tell me, I''ll just stick to you like glue! You can''t get rid of ne that easy-not with Elysta and Mr Bradford aroundy You wouldn''t dare!" s Axel squeezed his brow, frustrated. "I don''t know when I''ll be back." Blossom shot back, "Then at least tell me where you''re going?" "Can''t say." "Is it dangerous?¡± Axel''s lips pressed together. "I''m in a hurry." Blossom pouted, then slipped off silver locket she always wore little horseshoe charm for good luck-and pressed it into his hand. s "Take this, okay? Keep it with you. For good luck." Axel tried to hand it back, but she forced it on him. "If you don''t take it, I''m not letting you leave!" He sat there, stony-faced, silent for a long moment before finally muttering, "I told you before I don''t like you." Blossom sniffled, "Can''t we at least be friends?" Axel: "..." Her eyes shone with tears. "Just takeat, please. I won''t bug you to like me anymore. I''ll even think e about.. about moving on But let me do this, okay?" s Chapter 1373 Axel was quiet for a moment, then took what she handed him. Blossom immediately added, "Hey, just so you know, I''ve had that with me since I was a kid. It means a lot to me! Don''t you dare lose it! You better give it back when you''re done, got it?" Axel didn''t respond. He just mmed the car door shut, started the engine, and drove off. Cold. Ruthless. It wasn''t until the car was far down the road that he finally nced in the rearview mirror. Blossom was still standing there, crying her eyes out like a little kid. He frowned, tore his gaze away, and looked down at the old silver locket in his palm before tucking it into his pocket. As he was driving away from the ski lodge, he happened to spot those girls who''d been picking on Blossom earlier. They''d already ditched their ski gear and were just about to leave. Each wore some wild thrift-store jacket, their hair dyed every color of the rainbow,ughing and joking like they didn''t have a care in the world. Couldn''t have been more than twenty, Axel guessed-kids who''d never had a real taste of how hard life could hit. A few scruffy boys were hanging around with them, swaggering and loud. Axel''s eyes narrowed. He watched as they piled into their SUV and drove off. A few minutester, Axel caught up to them and forced their car over on the side of the road. The guys jumped out, swinging metal pipes and shouting, "What''s your problem, man? Looking for trouble or just blind?" Axel stepped out, stone-faced and silent. He didn''t bother with words. He just showed them what a real lesson looked like. When he was done, the boys were left groaning in the dirt, faces bruised and bloody, sobbing like toddlers. Axel picked up one of the discarded pipes and tossed it to the girls. "If I did it, you''d be dead. You do it yourselves-break your own right leg. That''s enough." He said it with that annoyingly handsome face and a voice so smooth you almost didn''t notice how terrifying the words were. And then, just to be clear, he added, "The right leg." He remembered Blossom had twisted her right ankle. Back at the ski lodge, Blossom was sitting in the snow, bawling her heart out, her face a mess of tears and snot. Elysia, who had no idea where Axel had gone, tried tofort her. "Hey, Axel''s tough. He''ll be fine, trust me. Don''t work yourself up." Blossom sobbed even harder, "If hees back hurt, I''ll take care of him. If he dies out there, I''ll go with him. I swear, I can''t¡ª¡± Elysia frowned and shot a look at Tarquin. "Where did Axel go, anyway?" Tarquin could only answer, "He''lle back alive. He promised." Axel didn''t talk much, but when he gave his word, it meant something. If he said he''de back, he would. That was why Tarquin had made him promise before he left. Elysia could read the worry on Tarquin''s face, and she knew better than to ask more She hugged Blossom tighter. "Did you hear Tarquin? Axel''sing back. Don''t think the worst." s But Blossom seemed gripped by some awful premonition. She just sobbed, shaking all over, unable to speak. Lowell, watching her, couldn''t hold it together anymore and started crying too, fat tears rolling down his cheeks. He couldn''t take the gloomy mood, so he wiped his face and said, "I''m gonna check on Mr. Hawkins and the kids. It''s getting dark. We should pack up and head home." The ski lodge had two slopes-one for adults, one for kids. Elysia had made sure the little ones stayed in the kids'' area yton and Pam were over there keeping an eye on them. , s After Lowell left, Tarquin''s brow stayed furrowed as he made call after call six in a row. He checked in with folks both local and backin Mariana Land, making arrangements to keep Axel safe once he arrived. s He''d just finished when his phone rang. It was Benjamin. "Tarquin, you''d better tell Elysia to brace herself. I think she''s gonna have to make a trip to the hospital tonight." Chapter 1374 "What''s going on?" Tarquin asked. Benjamin''s voice was practically vibrating with frustration. "This whole virus mess-Elysia can''t dodge it anymore!" "That woman, Sabrina, she''s lost her mind!" "She actually went to the cops and filed a report-using her real name! She ims Elysia deliberately poisoned them. The police are on the case now, and they''ll be reaching out to Elysia soon." Tarquin''s face went cold. "She reported Elysia? Seriously?" "Yep." "...Does she have any proof?" "She says she does, but I have no clue what it is. She''s keeping me out of the loop." "Got it." Tarquin had barely hung up when Elysia''s phone rang. It was the police. By seven that evening, their whole family was back in the city. yton and Pam, sensing Elysia was dealing with something big, took the kids home to get some rest. Elysia took Blossom to get her foot checked out, then dropped her off at Winona''s ce¡ªshe didn''t want Blossom alone at home. Once Blossom was settled, Elysia and Tarquin headed for the hospital. Because of how hush-hush the virus was, the police didn''t ask Elysia toe down to the station. Instead, they interviewed her at the hospital that night. On the way, Winona texted her: **Blossom''s been crying non-stop. Is Axel really noting back?** Elysia frowned and turned to Tarquin. "Where exactly did Axel go?" It was just the two of them in the car, but Tarquin hadn''t mentioned Mariana Land at all. Mariana Land was a living hell-if Elysia found out, she''d be worried sick. "He went straight to enemy territory," Tarquin said. Elysia''s eyes widened. "Are you serious? Did he have to go?" "Yeah." Axel had been holding back for years, and now, with Zane''s situation tied up with Mariana Land, he wasn''t going to sit still any longer. No one could stop him. s Elysia bit her lip. "Winona said Blossom''s been crying like crazy, asking if Axel''s nevering back." Blossom wasn''t a little kid anymore; she could handle goodbyes. This kind of crying felt like she already knew something bad wasing. Tarquin was silent for a moment, then said firmly, "Tell Blossom: Axel wille back. No matter what, I''ll bring him back myself if I have to." Elysia felt a bit of relief at his unwavering tone. She texted Winona back, asking her tofort Blossom for now-she''de over once she finished up. At eight, they arrived at the hospital. Benjamin spotted them and quickly pulled them aside. "I just found out-Sabrina''s got witnesses lined up, people who im they can prove Elysia poisoned them." "And since this involves the Stevenson family, plus folks from the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association, the whole medicalmunity is up in arms. The government is taking it seriously." s "The news isn''t public yet, but behind the scenes, it''s chaos. If they actually stick this on Elysia, even you won''t be able to protect her." Elysia fumed. "What the hell is wrong with Sabrina? Why is she so obsessed with me?!" Benjamin frowned. "You figured out the antidote''s form. She felt l.ne threatened. She wants to be the Association president, and you''re in her way s Elysia gritted her teeth. "With her ethics? If she ever runs the Association, the whole medical world''s doomed!" Tarquin asked, "Who''s making these false statements? People from your hospital?" Benjamin shook his head. "No idea, but my guess is yes." Tarquin pressed, "What about Victor? Where does he stand?" Benjamin replied, "He''s said nothing. He''s leaving it all to the police and government. He''s totally focused on researching the antidote." Elysia perked up. "Any progress?" "Yeah! The first group of infected can''t wait any longer, so I sped things up behind the scenes, just like you said. Victor''s work is moving fast." Elysia nodded. "And what about Dr. Lambert and those two nurses?" "They''re improving. It''s still not clear if there''ll be any long-term effects, but their lives aren''t in danger anymore." Chapter 1375 Elysia exhaled slowly, but the thought of the virus still weighed heavily on her. Humans were so fragile against something like this. Even if you survived, your body could be left weaker, the sickness was absolute hell, and there was always the risk of long-term effects afterward. And then there was the mess with those monkeys from Alerasia-they''d escaped carrying the virus, and just thinking about it made Elysia angry and anxious all over again. Some people respected life. Others just trampled all over it. Turning to Tarquin, Elysia spoke with determination. "If it gets out of hand, don''t hide it from me. No matter what, we cannot let Sabrina take over the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association!" She''d rather expose herself than see Sabrina as president. If Victor retired and no one else could handle it, Elysia would step up herself. Sabrina didn''t deserve that position. And the future of the Association meant the safety of so many people. Tarquin looked rxed. "Don''t worry. It won''te to that." He had solid evidence-enough that no matter what Sabrina tried, she''d only end up digging her own grave. Elysia''s time woulde-just not yet. "When they ask you questions, just..." Tarquin ran through the details with her before sending her in to meet the police. In the hospital conference room, it wasn''t just the police-it was Victor and some government officials, too. Sabrina was stuck in quarantine, so she could only join by video. The moment she saw Elysia, she practically spat out her words: "It''s her! She''s the one who poisoned us! She hates me and dragged us all down with her!" Elysia frowned. "Excuse me, what grudge do you think we have?" Sabrina shot back instantly, "You stole my form for the antidote, then after I called you out on it, you poisoned us out of spite!" She went on, "You''re afraid I''ll outshine you in the Association, so you tried to kill me with the virus!" Elysia pressed her lips together. "You can''t heal a paper cut, but you sure know how to twist a story." She turned to Victor. "Victor, can I ask you something? Do you really believe your granddaughter Sabrina has the skills to analyze an antidote form?" Victor''s brow furrowed. He didn''t agree or disagree. "We haven''t seen much of each othertely. I''m not sure how far her skills havee." He paused, then asked, "But you''re not a doctor either, Elysia. How did you figure it out?" Just as Tarquin had coached her, Elysia answered calmly, "I didn''t figure out the form myself. I got it from Central Pharmaceuticals." Victor looked skeptical. "Central Pharmaceuticals?" "Yeah. The police can check it out if they want. I''m not lying." On the screen, Sabrina''s face was a picture of shock. "You didn''t analyze the antidote form yourself?!" Elysia shot her a look of disdain. "Oh,e on. You''ve always known it wasn''t my work. You just used me of copying you a ng you a minute ago s Sabrina stammered, then switched tactics, "That''s not the point! The point is you poisoned us!" Elysia''s face went steely. "You''re an adult, Sabrina. You need to take responsibility for what you say. If you''re making false, usations, there are consequences." s Sabrina grit her teeth. "I don''t need you to remind me. I know." Elysia looked back at Victor. "Victor, I respect everything you''ve done for this country. But I have to ask-if your granddaughter is falsely using me can you be fair and let thew handle it? s Elysia wasn''t going to let this go. Someone like Sabrina had no ce in medicine. If she had her way, Sabrina would be facing a long time to reflect-behind bars. Chapter 1376 Seeing Victor''s frown, Elysia spoke up right away. "If you can prove I''m guilty, I''ll ept whatever punishment thew hands down- noints, no arguments. I won''t let Tarquin or my father cause any trouble over it, either." Victor gave Elysia aplicated look. Deep down, he knew exactly why she was saying this-she wanted him to take a stand. Uncertain, Victor turned to his granddaughter. "Sabrina, what you''re using her of is incredibly serious. If you''re lying, you''ll have to face the consequences of thew-your grandpa won''t protect you this time." He paused, fixing her with a stern gaze. ¡°I''m going to ask you onest time. Did you lie?" Victor was no fool-he knew just how grave this situation was. Deliberately exposing healthcare workers to a contagious virus wasn''t just a personal crime; it could threaten public safety, even the whole country. If the virus spread, it could affect the entire world. If Sabrina was telling the truth, Elysia was finished. But if Sabrina was lying, then she''d be the one to go down-and there''d be nothing anyone could do to save her. Even though Sabrina was a Stevenson, Elysia had Tarquin and yton in her corner. Those two could move mountains in both business and politics. There was no way they''d let Elysia take the fall for something she didn''t do. If Sabrina really framed her, not even the top brass could persuade Tarquin and yton to back down. After all, everyone knew-Tarquin was notorious for spoiling his wife, and yton was just as famous for doting on his daughter. If anyone messed with Elysia, those two would never let it go-unless the evidence was irond. But in the end, not even they were above thew. Sabrina, however, stood her ground, gritting her teeth. "I''m not lying! I have witnesses who can prove she did this to us!" Victor let out a heavy sigh, finally making his position clear. "I''ll make sure this is handled fairly and justly. Whoever''s guilty will face the consequences. I won''t interfere." Elysia nodded. "I trust Victor''s integrity. I know you''ll keep your word." She turned to Sabrina. "Ms. Stevenson, if you im you have witnesses, then let''s have theme forward and confront me face-to-face." And the witnesses came a whole crowd of them. There were security guards, janitors, nurses, and staff from theb. One said they saw Elysia sneaking into the hospital that day. Another insisted they saw her go into theb. Someone else imed they saw her enter the conference room before, Sabrina and the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association group arrived on the day of the infection. s Basically, everyone was pointing fingers at Elysia, each with their own version of the story. The security. cameras had conveniently broken that day, so it was all just their word against hers. s Of course, these stories were all carefully rehearsed-Sabrina had coached them herself. Sabrina, watching remotely via video call, raised her voice. "Grandpa, you heard them! I''m not lying! So many people are testifying against Elysia-she''s obviously guilty! And by the way these are all Benjamin''s people, Benjamin''s good friend of Elysia''s, so his people wouldn''t just side with me. That makes their testimony even more credible!" s Elysia nced at the witnesses. Sure enough, they were all Benjamin''s employees. If they were lying, she wouldn''t even need to lift a finger-Benjamin would deal with them himself. She narrowed her eyes at Sabrina. "Do you have any other evidence?" Sabrina looked smug. "The police will definitely find more evidence soon. But with all these witnesses, it''s enough to have you taken into custody for now!" Sabrina wasn''t stupid. She knew that witnesses alone weren''t enough to convict Elysia. Her real goal was just to get Elysia locked up as a suspect, at least for the time being. Chapter 1377 Once Elysia was locked up, Sabrina nned to use the Stevenson family''s influence to pin all the me on her. If the charges stuck, no one would be able to save Elysia. But Elysia knew exactly what Sabrina was up to. She rolled her eyes, pressed her lips together, and turned to the officers. "I''m being set up," she said calmly. "And I have proof." First, Elysia yed an audio recording of a phone call between her and Sabrina. Then, right in front of everyone, she showed video footage of Sabrina sneaking out with the stolen virus samples. To top it off, she yed a clip Benjamin had provided-evidence from their team meeting the night before. These weren''t just words. Unlike Sabrina''s sketchy witnesses, Elysia''s evidence was solid. Victor, Sabrina''s grandfather, watched the video of her stealing the samples. He froze, his breath caught in his throat, utterly speechless. Sabrina was visibly rattled. It took her a moment to recover, and she finally screeched, "That''s fake! It has to be fake! The security cameras were down that night-how could you possibly have video?" She red at Elysia, her voice rising. "This is all a setup! Elysia is framing me!" Elysia''s brows knit tightly together. "Whether the video is real or not, the police will have their experts verify it. So, good luck trying to deny it." She stepped closer, voice steady and strong. "If you really thought I stole your research notes and wasn''t up to the task, why did you keep trying to recruit me into your virus project? You''re Victor''s granddaughter, but instead of supporting Dr. Benjamin''s reasonable proposals, you shot them down. Is that really how the Stevenson family should use its influence?" "And as a doctor, you''re supposed to save lives. How can you call yourself a physician if you don''t care about your patients?" Elysia''s words left Sabrina gasping, at aplete loss for what to say. Elysia turned to the officers. "You can verify every bit of evidence I''ve provided. I stand by every word I''ve said. Frankly, I don''t think Sabrina deserves to be a doctor-she doesn''t even belong in the medical field" s She then looked directly at Victor. "What do you think, Victor?" Victor''s lips pressed into a hard line, his face drained of color. Of course, he wanted to protect his granddaughter, but the evidenc was overwhelming. Anyone with half a brain could see Elysia was telling the truth, Sabrina was the one twisting things and falsely using others. s Just the audio between her and Benjamin would ruin her reputation if it ever got out-let alone the video of her stealing the virus. Even though Elysia hadn''t spelled it everyone was already thinking it the outbreak among the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association team was on Sabrina. Whoever took the virus was responsible for the whole mess. s Sabrina was finished. Not only would the outside world shun her, but even the Medical & Pharmaceutical Association would cut her loose. Victor was anxious and furious. He stared at his granddaughter, who looked like a deer in headlights on the video call, and felt his anger bubble over. She''d brought this on herself. He had asked her, time and again, if she was telling the truth after she filed the report. She''d always denied it-just moments ago, she was still denying it. Now... Victor''s heart couldn''t take it. Pain seized his chest, and suddenly he slumped forward, unconscious. Elysia rushed to his side. "Victor!" Sabrina, catching this over the video call, broke down sobbing. ¡°Grandpa! Grandpa! Elysia, you bitch, if anything happens to my grandpa, I''ll kill you! Grandpa..." The police frowned and quickly cut the video feed. Victor''s copse who caused it, really? Sabrina still had the nerve to me someone else! The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1378 By the time Elysia and Tarquin left the hospital, it was already past midnight. Victor was fine-he''d just gotten all worked up, so now Benjamin was looking after him. Once they got outside, Elysia finally saw Winona''s message. Winona had texted her about half an hour ago. Blossom was already asleep. Winona told her not to worry, just to finish up and head home to get some rest. Not wanting to disturb anyone, and knowing the kids had school early in the morning, Elysia decided not to swing by Tanhe Manor. She just asked Tarquin to drive her straight home. On the way, Elysia stared out the window and let out a long breath. Tarquin nced over. "Feeling down?" "Not really. Honestly, it felt good to put Sabrina in her ce. She''s a disaster for medicine. Kicking her out of the field is a relief." "Then why the frown?" Elysia sighed again, turning to Tarquin. "I just¨Dsuddenly, I get where Grandma wasing from." "No wonder she worries so much about the future of medicine, even at her age. It''s kind of sad." "These days, Victor''s the best we''ve got, but he''s not even close to Grandma''s level! The Stevenson family doesn''t have anyone to carry the torch, and it''s not like there''s some new prodigy out there. What''s going to happen to medicine when Victor''s gone?" "Benjamin told me our standing in the World Pharmaceutical Organization keeps slipping lower and lower. We barely have a voice anymore." "Our traditional medicine used to be so respected, but now, most countries just look down on it..." "No, no, I have to keep working at this. Wee from a huge country with thousands of years of history-there''s no way we can lose out to the rest of the world!" "I''ve got to do my best, and so does Baby. We have to make our country proud. That''s everyone''s responsibility!" Tarquin listened to her rambling, his eyes full of warmth. How amazing was Elysia? She was the best woman in the world! Did she even like traditional medicine that much? Not really. But for the greater good, for her country''s dignity, she''d push herself to work harder! She was just an ordinary woman, but her heart carried the weight of a whole nation. She loved her country, and she was raising her kids to do the same! She had more grit and responsibility than plenty of men he knew. She was a true daughter of her homnd. And she was one hell of a mom. Sabrina''s drama was finally over. The next day, the kids headed off to school. For Elliot, Evan, and Emmett, it was their first day at the new school. And for Elijah and Baby, it was their very first day of kindergarten. Elijah had never gone before-his anxiety had always been too much. And Baby? She''d always been raised by Keith out in Spirit Vige, so this was her first real day, too. Everything went smoothly when they left the house. But as soon as Elysia dropped the kids off and had to say goodbye, things took a turn. Just like any other kid on their first day, Baby wrapped her arms aromet Elysia''s neck and wouldn''t let go sobbing her heart out. belongs to s> "I want Mommy! I don''t wanna leave Mommy! I don''t wanna go to school, waahhh..." Seeing Baby cry made all four grown-ups tear up. Elysia hugged her tight and tried tofort her. "Baby, you have to go to school. Byt you''re going to have so much funt As soon as school''s over, Mommy will be right here waiting for you,, okay? s Baby''s big eyes were all red and puffy from crying. "But... but Mommy shoulde to kindergarten, too! You and Baby can go together, waahhh..." Elysia wiped away her tears and soothed her. "Kindergarten is only for little kids, sweetie. Mommy''s too big for school now." The moment Baby realized her mom couldn''t stay with her, she broke downpletely crying so loud was heartbreaking. to s yton and Pam were both hurting for her. They shot a meaningful look at Tarquin. Clearly, they wanted to just take Baby home with them. They hoped Tarquin would say something to Elysia. Tarquin stood off to the side, heart aching, feeling the same way. Maybe they should just skip school today! But as a dad, that was as far as he dared go-he didn''t have the nerve to actually say it out loud. Chapter 1379 He was terrified that Elysia would me him! Elysia had her own rules when it came to raising kids-she was definitely loving, but never coddling. Whenever the kids cried, she felt it in her bones, but she''d never let their tears be an excuse for bad behavior. She believed, except for the exceptionally wild ones, most kids were born good- a nk te. Whether they grew into mighty oaks or ended up as deadwood, a lot depended on how the parents raised and guided them. Tarquin, yton, and Pam stood off to the side, wide-eyed, watching Elysiafort the baby. They had opinions, sure-but nobody dared voice them. In their family, Elysia''s word wasw. Especially when it came to the kids. She was the undisputed boss. Thankfully, Elysia actually knew a thing or two about child psychology, and with Elliot, Evan, and Emmett helping out, the baby calmed down pretty quickly. The little girl still hupped from crying, "Mommy, you have to remember, okay? Don''t forget to pick me up." "I promise, sweetheart! Mommy will never forget." "Mommy, you have to be the very first one to pick me up, okay?" "Deal! Pinky swear!" Once Baby was soothed, Elysia turned to Elijah. He was mostly okay now, but since he''d never really been around other kids before, he was a little nervous. As soon as Elysia looked his way, he piped up, "Don''t worry, Mommy, I''m fine. Really." Elysia gave him a warm smile. "If anything happens at school, you can always ask the teacher to call me, okay?" "Okay!" Elliot then tried tofort Elysia, "Don''t worry, Mom. I''ll look after my little brother and sister. You can count on me." Elysia''s heart melted. "Thank you, Elliot. I hope you all have fun at preschool." The kids waved goodbye, "Bye, Mommy! Bye, Daddy! Bye, Grandma, Grandpa!" "Bye, sweethearts! Have fun!" The four adults watched as the kids disappeared into the school building. The moment the little ones were out of sight, Elysia spun around and buried herself in Tarquin''s arms, muffling her sobs. She was miserable. The kids missed her, but honestly, she missed them even more. But she couldn''t keep them wrapped up in her arms forever. They needed to leave the nest, learn to be in the world without their parents constantly hovering. s yton and Pam saw what was happening. They felt for their daughter, but they knew better than to crowd her, so they quietly headed back to the car. Tarquin gently stroked the back of Elysia''s head, trying to soothe her. "Elliot and the teachers are there. The kids will be fine. We''lle pick them up early this afternoon, okay?" "...Elliot, Evan, and Emmett will be fine. I just worry about Baby and Elijah. It''s their first day. What if they don''t fit in?" "They''ll be okay. And even if they aren''t, Elliot, Evan, and Emmett are in the same ss. I already talked to the school about it." Elysia sniffed, about to say something, when she suddenly heard Blossom''s voice. ¡°Elysia!¡± Elysia quickly wiped her tears and looked up. Blossom had just hopped out of her car and was hurrying over. Elysia was surprised. "Weren''t you taking the day off?" Blossom, still catching her breath, nodded. "I was, but I kept thinking about the kids'' first day at school and got too anxious to stay away. So I cancelled my day off." "I called you, but you didn''t answer. The kids already inside?" Elysia replied, "Just went in. My phone''s in the car, sorry. Are you feeling better?" Blossom nodded hard. "I called my mom against night. She told me that lucky charm she gave me is the real deal! Apparently, a bunch of priests blessed it together, its guaranteed to keep Axel safe!" s Elysia hesitated, "Does Hollis know you gave it to Axel?" "Nope! And you''d better not tell her!" Elysia just shook her head, half relieved Blossom was in good spirits, half worried. She liked Axel so much and Elysia was afraid, was setting herself up for heartbreak. s Axel''s feelings were...plicated. And besides, the Blythe family already had other ns for their precious son-in- Contem Winona pursed her lips. She didn''t need to guess-this had Beatrix written all over it. So Beatrix thought she was an easy target? Please. If Beatrix actually managed to end up with Keaton, Winona would eat her own shoe. Not on her watch. She didn''t bother replying. Instead, she grabbed the lunch and headed next door. Keaton was on the phone with Tarquin when she arrived. "Zane''s definitely going to try something with Winona. Keep an eye out." Keaton smirked, his eyes glinting. "Gotta hang it to Zane-the guy''se a long way from nothing. I he''d done things right, he could''ve been a real yer. But since he''s gone off the rails, well, he''s not my problem." s The doorbell rang. Keaton nced at the clock. Lunchtime. He knew who it was. "Don''t worry about Winona, Tarquin. She''s under my protection. If Zane tries anything, he''ll regret it." He hung up and shuffled over to the door. His leg was still a bit stiff, but thanks to Elysia Sdee?? M''s remedies, he was recovering fast. s He opened the door, totally unsurprised to see Winona with the lunch bag. "Come on in." Winona moved straight to the kitchen, unpacking the lunch onto the table. "You hungry yet?" Keaton eyed her, suspicious. "You look like you''ve got something to say." "I do. But it can wait. You want to eat first, or talk first?" Keaton grinned, curious. "Is it about you, or about me?" Winona looked him straight in the eye. "It''s about us." Keaton''s eyebrow shot up. "Us? What''s going on with us?" The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1387 He paused for a second, then seemed to remember something. His eyes narrowed. "Are you hungry?" "Nope." "How about we talk first, then eatter?" "Sure!" Winona strode right into the living room and flopped onto the couch. Keaton, wearing straight-leg jeans and a crisp new shirt from thetest V collection, padded into the kitchen in his designer slippers-seriously, those things cost more than most people''s cars. He came back with two cans of craft beer, handed one to Winona after popping the tab for her. She didn''t hesitate, just downed the whole thing in one go. Before Keaton could react, she snatched his beer right out of his hand and chugged that too. He stared at her, stunned. "Whoa-Winona! What''s going on? You okay?" She looked up at him, and her expression had totally changed her eyes were red and ssy, like she was about to burst into tears. She looked so small and vulnerable all of a sudden. "Keaton, just tell me the truth. Are we actually friends?" Keaton''s heart skipped a beat. He was a total sucker for a pretty face in tears. "Of course we are! Why would you even ask that?" She pressed on, "Then did you know your parents are trying to set us up?" Keaton hesitated. "Yeah, I know." Winona red. "And you never thought to tell me?!" He shrugged, looking sheepish. "I didn''t think it was a big deal. It''s not like we''re actually going to date or anything. They''re not forcing anything, just let them dream. It''s not affecting us." Winona huffed, "Not affecting you, maybe. But it''s a disaster for me! Beatrix came after me today!" Keaton blinked. "She did? When?" "This morning! She called me a homewrecker. Said I was stealing you from her! She even threatened me¨Dtold me to stay away from you or else!" Keaton frowned, doubtful. "Seriously?" She pulled out her phone, scrolled, then shoved it in his face. He squinted at the messages. "...Alright. I''ll talk to her." Winona shook her head, frustrated. "What good will that do? I already tried exining she doesn''t believe mel She''s convinced I''m after you, and anything you say will just make it worse!" s "If she spreads this online tomorrow, I''ll get roasted alive! The press doesn''t care about the truth, only clicks. I''ll be branded a cheater. Even if they don''t ckball me, my career will take a fit!" s "Keaton, I thought we were friends. But if this mess ruins what I''ve worked for, I swear I''ll lose it!" "Yeah, I could quit and still live just fine, but acting-this is my dream! Pet Ever since was a kid, I wanted to win an Oscar, a BAFTA, everything! If Beatro wrecks, all that you''re responsible-" Her voice cracked, and finally she burst into tears. s Keaton panicked. In all the years he''d known her, he''d never seen Winona cry. He scrambled for a box of tissues and handed them over. "Winona, don''t cry. Please. I promise I''ll handle Beatrix, okay?" She looked up at him, tears clinging to hershes. "How? You already admitted to assaulting her. Do you think you have any credibility with her now?" "She''s only acting this way because you let her! If you''d denied it, if you''d exposed what the Sutton family did to you, she wouldn''t dare threaten me¡ªor keep clinging to you!" Keaton fell silent, brow furrowing. Winona pressed, voice shaking, "What really happened between you and Beatrix? Why did you take the me for something you didn''t do?" Chapter 1388 Keaton''s face suddenly turned grim. Normally, he was all jokes and grins, but now his expression was weighed down, as if something serious had just shed through his mind. It took him a moment to pull himself together. When he finally did, the mischievous glint was back in his eyes as he squinted at her and said, "This is between me and Beatrix. I can''t really talk about it, but trust me I''ll handle it, okay?" "I promise, I won''t drag you into this. Just give me a sec, I need to make a call." Before heading out to the deck, he handed Winona a napkin and tried to cheer her up, ¡°Come on, stop crying. You''re about to turn into the ugly duckling over here." Winona watched him step outside, frowning. She''d been sobbing her eyes out and he still wouldn''t tell her what was going on! What in the world was between him and Beatrix? Was it really that top secret? Her phone suddenly buzzed, the ringtone slicing through her thoughts. She nced at the screen: Janelle was calling. Swiping away the tears, she steadied herself before answering, "Hey, Janelle." Janelle didn''t waste a second. "Winona, did Beatrixe after you?" Jessamine had just told her that Beatrix had shown up, and Janelle was clearly rattled. "I''m fine, Janelle. She just wanted to talk, that''s all," Winona replied quickly. Janelle''s voice was tight with frustration. "She''s unbelievable! After everything that''s happened between her and Keaton, I know my son''s innocent. I''m furious with the Suttons, not her!" "I''m a woman too, I get what she''s feeling. No matter what happened, she''s the one who got hurt here. I always wanted to make it right for her. And now she''s got the nerve toe after you?" "Don''t worry, Winona. If she tries to mess with you, Richard and I will have your back, you hear me?" "We''ve already had the Huber family''s PR team put out a statement. The engagement between our families ended ages ago. Beatrix is not, and has never been, my future daughter-inw. She doesn''t have anything to do with the Hubers anymore!" Janelle knew exactly what Beatrix was up to-trying to paint Winona as the "other woman." That kind of scandal could wreck an actress''s career overnight. The rightful source is find~novel The Hubers had kept quiet before, trying to work things out with the Suttons behind closed doors. But as soon as Janelle heard that Beatrix was causing trouble for Winona, both she and Richard had had enough. s Kon They could take the hits themselves, buty a finger on their chosen daughter-in- They didn''t care what Keaton thought. As long as the Hubers made their position clear, if Beatrix tried to trash Winona in public, the tide of public opinion trix turn against Winona. s They had to nip this crisis in the bud. just After Winona got over her shock, she felt a warm rush of gratitude. Other than her own parents-and maybe Elysia and Blossom-no one else in the world would stand up for her like Janelle and Richard did. "Winona, don''t you worry, and don''t let her scare you. If the sky falls, Richard and I will hold it up for you. We won''t let Beatrix bully you, not on our watch..." Janelle kept going, and Winona felt her nose start to tingle. She couldn''t help but think of Prisci. People always say you don''t know what you''re missing until you see the difference. If only Prisci could be more like Janelle... But never mind¡ªthere''s no "if" in real life. Janelle could never have raised a jerk like Zane, anyway. And the thought that she might not end up with Keaton, that she might let Janelle down, made her heart ache just a little. After a moment, Winona managed to smile and say, "I''m fine, Janelle. Just because she calls me the other woman doesn''t make it true. She has to prove it, and I know she can''t. You and MoHuber don''t need to worry about me s "Ugh, this whole mess is Keaton''s fault, that knucklehead..." Janelle spent another few minutes venting about her own son before finally hanging up. Winona was about to put her phone away when a breaking news alert caught her eye. Keaton had just shared an article about the Huber-Sutton engagement falling apart, and added his ownment: Chapter 1389 I''m single, and I love it! And just like that, the news blew up all over social media. Everyone online suddenly turned into Sherlock Holmes, tossing out theories left and right: "Remember when the Huber family kicked Mr. Huber out a while back? It''s gotta be because he dumped Beatrix and called off the engagement!" "The Huber family got pissed, cut him off, and tried to force him into a marriage alliance!" "Now that they realize they can''t push him around, they''re backing off, and the ck sheep of the family is suddenly the golden boy again!" A bunch of women were as excited as if it were Christmas morning- congratting Keaton on regaining his single status, while at the same time, trash-talking Beatrix with every nastyment you could imagine. Winona scrolled through the news, eyes wide in shock. She never expected Keaton to go public about his rtionship with Beatrix. He had to know, the moment he did, the inte would tear Beatrix apart. He''d even confessed to assault just to protect Beatrix''s reputation-there had to be something between them. So why didn''t he care now if people went after her? He shielded her so fiercely, and yet, he was the one who threw her under the bus. What the hell was going on? Winona couldn''t make sense of it. Watching Keaton through the ss window, she saw his back turned to her, standing on the balcony, smoking. His cigarette was barely halfway done when his phone buzzed. He nced at the screen-Beatrix. Keaton didn''t look surprised at all. He picked up, ¡°Yeah?¡± Beatrix''s voice was shaky, tense, like she was holding back tears. "You''ve fallen for Winona, haven''t you?!" Chapters first released on F?nd-Novel Beatrix wasn''t stupid. Keaton''s public announcement was obviously meant to defend Winona, to keep people from calling her a homewrecker. If a guy goes this far to protect a woman, what else could it be but love? Keaton didn''t say a word, and Beatrix got even more upset. "First of all, don''t forget what''s between us!" "And second, don''t forget that Winona is the girl your best friend Callum Lenc likes! Bros before-well, you know! How could you do this to Callum?!" Keaton frowned, a spark of annoyance in his eyes. He flicked his ash, his voice cool and detached. "First of all, there''s nothing between us." "I confessed to the assault to Pour reputation to help you get by with the Suttons, to look out for you." s "Why did I look out for you? Not for your sake. You''re smart, you know the real reason." "And second, whether or not I like Winona has nothing to do with you or Callum." "Who I, Keaton, care about is my own business. No one else''s. Least of all yours." "Beatrix, you''re a woman, I don''t want to argue with you, but you need to know your ce." "I know all your little secrets. Just stick to being Sutton''s princess, stay out of my life and leave my friends alone." s "If you mess with Winona again, you''ll have more to cry about than you can imagine." "If you think I''m just bluffing, go ahead-try me." With that, Keaton hung up. He tucked his phone away, took another drag, eyes fixed coolly on the city lights, his handsome face unreadable. After a minute, he stubbed out his cigarette and headed back into the living room. Facing Winona, he said with a cheeky grin, "Handled! Don''t worry, she won''t dare mess with you again." Winona eyed him suspiciously. "You and Beatrix..." Keaton cut her off right away, "Boundaries, Winona. Personal lives are personal. Even best friends don''t get to pry." Winona: "..." Whether she yed hard or soft, Keaton wasn''t spilling a word. Clearly, he was going to take this secret to the grave. s Still, all those tears weren''t for nothing-at least Keaton made it official! Now, when Beatrix goes out, she''s not even ''Keaton''s fianc¨¦e'' anymore. If she ever tries to show off again, she''s got no one but herself to me! Chapter 1390 "Come on, let''s eat before everything gets cold." Keaton reached out a hand to her. Winona didn''t hesitate-she grabbed his wrist and got to her feet. As they headed to the dining room, Winona said, "You went public with your thing with Beatrix. Aren''t you worried she''lle after you?" Keaton grinned, way too confident. "She wouldn''t dare." "See? I told you, being my friend is a win for you. Remember to hype me up when you introduce me to your single friends." Winona nodded, "Absolutely, no problem." "Oh, and about Zane-I heard. Don''t worry. I''ve got your back. If he tries anything, I''ll make him regret it." Winona didn''t bother with pleasantries. "Thanks. But about us, you should clear things up with Janelle. The more hope she has, the bigger the letdown. Tell her to set her sights elsewhere-she needs to stop obsessing over me." "You can tell her Zane broke my heart so bad, I''m done with love forever." Keaton nodded, "Leave it to me. But seriously, when will you introduce me to those friends of yours? I''m back on the market, ready for romance." Winona rolled her eyes. "You''re still recovering, barely able to walk around the block, and you''re already plotting a love life?" Keaton shrugged. "I can start dating now and take her out when I''m fully recovered." Winona snorted. "You''ll need more than a week to bounce back. At your usual breakneck dating pace, you''ll probably break up before you''re even out of bed. What''s the point?" Keaton pursed his lips. "You don''t get it. Just set it up, you owe me. Throw one of your legendary house parties, invite all your girlfriends, and I''ll pick." Winona shot him a look. "What, you think you''re some kind of king holding a royal ball?" She headed into the dining room and set out lunch-grilled cheese sandwiches and a big bowl of tomato soup. "Snap out of it, Romeo. Food''s ready!" ... The Sutton family. Everyone was gathered in the living room, throwing dirty looks at Beatrix. Th?s chapter is updated by find?novel Sophus Sutton''s face was thunderous as he snapped, "You gave it your all and still couldn''t bag the Mrs. Huber title. That''s what you call sess?" Sophie, who used to back her up when they were guests at the Hubers'', now scoffed coldly, "I told you, the higher the hopes, the harder the fall. She''s just like her motherall talk can''t get an done." s SWI nc Beatrix''s older sisters chimed in with their own barbs. "I said it from the start-this whole thing with the Hubers was a pipe dream sure, Mr Huber''s got charm, but their family''s loaded and powerful. He was never going to pick her." s "Let''s be real, he only agreed to the engagement to use her as a convenient shield." "And then she went around spreading that story about him assaulting her-where does she even learn these tricks?" "Oh please, like mother, like daughter. Bad apples don''t fall far from the tree." They were mocking Beatrix''s mother. Beatrix was Sophus''s illegitimate daughter, the result of one of his many affairs. Her mother died- before Beatrix was a month old, so Sophus had no choice but to bring her home to the Suttons s The family loathed Beatrix''s mother, and by extension, they loathed Beatrix too. No exaggeration-Beatrix grew up on the receiving end of their cruelty. It wasn''t until she started getting straight As and bringing the Suttons some good press that she was grudgingly epted. Her moment of glory came when she managed to get engaged to Keaton. For a while, even Sophie, her harshest critic, treated her decently. Her sharp-tongued sisters stopped mocking her to her face. But after today''s Huber family scandal blew up, all the pent-up resentment in the Suttons erupted at once. Chapter 1391 Aside from Sophus, who only regretted the broken engagement because of the family business, everyone else was just there for the show. Honestly, they were thrilled things had fallen apart. It meant they could keep picking on Beatrix without her getting any fancy new title. God forbid Beatrix actually became Mrs. Huber-then she''d be the one lording it over them! Beatrix just sat quietly, brows knit, not saying a word. She ignored Sophus''s thunderous anger, Sophie''s dramatic eye rolls, and her older sisters'' icy remarks. The Sutton family raged and sniped for ages, but Beatrix stayed silent. It was like throwing a punch at a pillow-no resistance, just more frustration. But what could they do? Beatrix neverined, never argued, didn''t even look angry. She just sat there, calm and silent, refusing to take the bait. Finally, Sophus snapped, "Go to your room and think things over. Try harder-see if you can still win Mr. Huber''s heart!" Beatrix nodded, stood up, and calmly said goodbye to Sophus and Sophie before heading upstairs. She was halfway down the hall when she heard her sister sneer, "She really thought she could crawl into his bed and move up in the world. Looks all sweet, but she''s a real piece of work-just like her mother!" "And the best part? She gave it all up and he still dumped her. What a joke!" The further Beatrix walked, the quieter theughter got. She clenched her fists, eyes stinging with angry tears. Keaton was her ticket out-her one shot at turning things around. She didn''t need love, but she needed Keaton. She had to be Mrs. Huber. Anyone in her way? Too bad for them. Beatrix took a shaky breath, whipped out her phone, and typed out a message: If you can take care of Winona for good, I''m willing to work with you. She knew she was ying with fire, but she was sure of one thing: Keaton would never let her fall. Her hand drifted to her stomach, her eyes calcting. Dusk. Number One Drive. Tarquin had barely stepped inside when Elysia''s voice rang out from upstairs. "Tarquin! Get up here, now!" She stood at the top of the stairs, arms crossed and looking like a boss about to lecture an employee. She shot him a re and turned back to the bedroom before he For original chapters go to Find_Novel(. could reply: s In the living room, Evan was ying with Baby and Lan, and looked up with a wicked grin. "Dad, did you screw up? I think Mom''s gonna kill you!" Tarquin pressed his lips together. "You''d like that, huh? Your mom roughing me up?" Evan just snickered, his look saying, You brought this on yourself. Tarquin sighed. His son had been a little salty with himtely. Last time, he''d given Evan a special visitor''s badge to the Air Force base, so now Evan kept pestering him to actually take him there. s But Evan had school! Elysia never allowed the kids to skip without a real reason. If he snuck Evan out for a field trip and Elysia found out... No way. He''d rather have his son mad at him than his wife. So, he''d said no. And Evan had been giving him the cold shoulder ever since, clearly rooting for Elysia to go off on him. Some son. yton was in the kitchen, apron on, spat in hand, prepping dinner. He nced over and asked, "What''d you do to upset her?" Tarquin shrugged. "Honestly? No clue. Looks like I messed up, but I don''t know how." yton grinned. ¡°Well, you better go up and face the music. If she actually starts throwing stuff yel wee res vel.ne you. s Emmett, also sporting an apron, nodded eagerly. "Yeah, Dad, just shout for Grandpa if she gets rough. We''lle save you!" Everyone knew: when it came to Elysia, Tarquin didn''t have much say at home. And that was just the way things were. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1392 Upstairs Bedroom Elysia was sitting on the couch, waiting for someone, her arms folded and foot tapping on the rug. Tarquin came in, shing his best sheepish grin. "Hey, what''s going on here?" He made a move to sit down next to his wife-maybe snuggle up a little-but before he could even touch the cushions, Elysia shot him a look. ¡°Stand up straight! I have a question for you!" Tarquin froze, obedient as a puppy. Elysia narrowed her eyes, clearly annoyed. "Be honest. Did you know that Mr. Huber and Janelle were trying to set up Winona and Keaton?" Tarquin''s handsome eyes squinted-so it was about that, huh? He decided honesty was the best policy. "Yeah, I knew." Elysia huffed and kicked his shin. "You knew and you didn''t tell me?!" ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? f?ndnovel Tarquin tried to smooth things over, giving her his most charming smile. "Look, I knew Mr. Huber and Janelle had good intentions. No matter what happens, there''s no way they''d let Winona get hurt." Elysia hesitated-she did trust Richard and Janelle''s judgment. "Still, you should''ve told me! This is Winona''s whole future we''re talking about! If I hadn''t bumped into Jess today and she told me, I''d still be in the dark!" "My bad, honestly." Tarquin apologized so smoothly, it was clear he''d had practice. "I should''ve told you. Totally my fault." Elysia''s brows stayed furrowed. "Mr. Huber and Janelle are great, but Keaton? Not so much." "He''s not a bad guy, but he''s hopeless when ites to rtionships! Wmona''s already been burned once by Zane. If Keaton hurts her next, how is she supposed to pick herself up again?" s "Blossom and Axel, I get it. In love, whoever falls first loses. Blossom''s been chasing Axel forever. If she''s heartbroken, that''s on her. I can''t me Axel for that." "But if Keaton leads Winona on¡ªwhen she''s finally opening up again¡ªand then just bails like he always does? What then?" "I''m telling you, I''ve only got these two best friends. If either of them gets hurt, I''m gonna be furious! Keaton''s your buddy if he makes Winona cry, I''ming after s Tarquin threw his hands up in surrender. "Don''t worry. If he actually asks Winona out, he''s in for the long haul. If he dares treat her like anyone else, kick his ass myself before I before like Elysia pursed her lips. "Did you talk to him about this? Does he even know what he wants? If he''s just looking for some short fling, he should leave Winona alone." "I talked to Winona today. She only sees him as a friend right now. If Keaton feels the same, fine. But if he''s got other ideas, he needs to keep his distance!" Tarquin nodded seriously. "I get you. I''ll talk to him, give him the full ''Don''t screw this up'' speech." He paused, ncing at the couch. "So... can I sit down now?" Elysia pouted. "Yeah, fine." The second he sat, Tarquin wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek. "Jeez, you scared me. I thought something terrible happened!" Elysia shot him a re. "This *is* serious! Winona''s happiness is at stake!" Seeing she was about to get worked up again, Tarquin quickly said¡ª Chapter 1393 "Yeah, yeah, you''re right. This is a big deal¡ªI''ll take it seriously. I''ll talk to Keaton about it tomorrow, just sit down and have a real conversation with him." Elysia let out a long sigh and rxed into Tarquin''s arms. "Even though Winona hasn''t really shown it, what Zane did to her was seriously damaging." "It''s only because she''s so tough-if she were even a little bit more fragile, I honestly don''t think she''d have made it through." "But no matter how strong she is, she''s still just a girl. If something like this happened again, I don''t think she''d survive it. That''s why I''m so worried." Tarquin hugged her tighter and nodded. "I get it, I really do. Don''t worry, I''ll take care of it. Oh, and some good news-Zane left the country." Not catching him was bad news, sure. But him leaving-well, that was a win for Winona. With Zane out of the country, there''s no way he could show up and hurt her again. Elysia''s eyes widened in surprise. "Really?" "Yeah. So at least for now, Winona''s safe. No need to worry about Zaneing back for revenge." Elysia nodded quickly. "That is good news, actually. Does Keaton know? Has Winona been told?" "Keaton knows. I''m pretty sure he''s already told her." Elysia released another breath, her worries easing a little. Suddenly, she remembered about Elizabeth Gonzalez''s ashes. "By the way, I heard from Father Michael today. He wanted to know what we wanted to do¡ªwhether to keep having memorial services for Mom, or if it''s time to finallyy her to rest." After they found Elizabeth''s ashes, they didn''t bury her right away. Instead, they''d left her at the church for Father Michael to pray over her. The original n was just one memorial cycle, but then with the pandemic and everything, they''d had to hole up in the woods, and things just got dyed. So they ended up keeping her there a little longer than intended. Mentioning Elizabeth made Tarquin''s face darken, his expression growing heavy. His parents'' deaths were a tragedy-grisly, and even after, there had been no peace for them. Whenever he thought about them, he couldn''t help but remember the mysterious stranger and the real eighth-generation virus. Lately, he''d been racking his brain-where could his parents have hidden the virus? But no matter how much he thought about it, he had absolutely no clue. And the mysterious stranger still hadn''t gotten in touch. He''d tried to set up a meeting through Lucian a few days ago, but the guy was radio silent. Without finding the real eighth-generation virus, and with the stranger missing, he couldn''t just make a move if he went afterthe wrong person, things could go really wrong... s Then, as if struck by a thought, Tarquin frowned deeply. "It''s time to let Mom rest, to bury her and reunite her with Dad." Elysia nodded. "Okay, whatever you say. You''ll need to pick a date for the burial, and say''ll have to open Dad''s casket." Discover more novels at s Elizabeth and Kendrick had been so in love-it only made sense toy them to rest together. They''d have to open Kendrick''s grave, and ce Elizabeth''s ashes at his side. Tarquin''s expression was somber. "Yeah, I know." Elysia hugged him, her cheek pressed to his chest infort. "For your mom and dad, this is a eret happy thing, really. They''ve probably been to see each other again for a long time. Don''t be sad s "...Yeah." He wasn''t sad. It was, in its own way, a celebration. Besides, he''d been wanting to open the coffin anyway. There were things he needed to confirm. Chapter 1394 The next morning, after dropping the kids off at school, Tarquin and Elysia headed together to the old town chapel where Elizabeth''s ashes were kept. They''de to ask the priest about the details and best dates for Elizabeth''s burial. The priest spoke at length, and Elysia listened intently, afraid she might forget something important. She even brought along a notebook, jotting everything down point by point. When they left, she stopped by a little shop at the foot of the hill and bought stacks of golden paper, stuffing the trunk full. Each pack held hundreds of sheets. Altogether, she easily had tens of thousands. Tarquin raised an eyebrow. "What are we going to do with all this?" Elysia dusted off her hands. "We''re going to fold paper boats for Mom." Chapters first released on find{n}ovel "Don''t they sell them ready-made?" he asked, a little baffled. "It''s not the same," Elysia insisted. "I heard that if you fold them yourself, the message really gets through. Before folding, you can write their names, a blessing, or even a secret message on the back." She didn''t really know if she believed in this stuff. To her, it was a way for the living to express their longing for those who had passed on-a kind offort for the heart. Maybe the dead never truly receive these blessings, maybe they do. But at least it helps those left behind, helps them let go a little. She knew that Elizabeth and Kendrick''s deaths were still a deep wound for Tarquin. Every time they spoke of them, Tarquin''s mood would sink. Today, he hadn''t smiled since they arrived at the chapel. After kneeling in front of Elizabeth''s urn, he just stood there, lost in thought, for a long time. Maybe this small gesture could ease his pain, if only a little. She also really wanted to honor Kendrick and Elizabeth, to thank them for bringing Tarquin into the world and making her his wife. "When we get home, let''s fold them together," she said softly. "We''ll ask Elliot, Evan, Emmett, Elijah, and the baby to help too. I bet Mom and Dad will be thrilled to get them, wherever they are." Tarquin got it. He didn''t say anything, just cupped Elysia''s face and kissed her gently on the forehead. He wished his parents had lived longer. They would have loved Elysia, he was sure of it. They were driving home, not far from the chapel, when Elysia''s phone buzzed. It was her father, yton. "Irene, when will you and Tarquin be home?" he asked. "We''re on our way, Dad. What''s up?" "Your mother and I are at the preschool. Evan got into a fight." "What?!" Elysia was stunned. "Is everyone okay? Is anyone hurt?" "Evan''s fine," yton replied. "But Emmett and Elijah are a little banged up-nothing too serious. The baby''s shaken and won''t stop crying The other kid? He got the worst of it.¡± s Elysia frowned. "What happened?" yton exined: "Apparently, during recess, this kid started picking on Elijah. Elijah ignored him so the kid got mad and tried to hit him Emmett stepped in to break it up, but the kid pushed him down and jabbed both Emmett and Elijah with a pencil.¡± s "Evan came back from outside, saw what happened, and just... lost it. He punched the other boy so hard he knocked out a tooth and broke his arm." Elysia was speechless. "Why didn''t the teacher call Tarquin or me?" "They said they couldn''t reach you, so they called me," yton said. "Your mem was with me and as soon as she heard about the fight,¡± she insisted wee over s "When we got here, all the kids were crying-even Elijah. Your mom''s heart just broke for them." "The other kid''s parents are making a huge scene, yelling about how our kids have no manners." "They said Elijah has mental problems, called Evan a ''super-bully,'' and even insulted you and Tarquin for good measure." The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1395 "Your mom totally lost her cool and marched right up to the other kid''s parent and pped them across the face. After that, things went off the rails.¡± Elysia''s heart skipped a beat. "Is my mom hurt?!" "No, no, she''s fine. I was there with the school security, we kept her safe. But, well, now the other parents are even more pissed off. The teacher said we''re not allowed to talk to the other family anymore. She wants you and Tarquin toe down." Elysia asked, "Is Blossom not at school today?" "No, she''s out at some conference at another school." Elysia frowned. "We''re on our way back now. Tell the teacher we''ll be there in about forty minutes, okay? You and mom just keep an eye on the kids and don''t argue with the other parents." "Alright, alright, I got it." Once she hung up, Elysia immediately called the preschool teacher to get the details. The teacher just said, "I''d rather talk in person." When Elysia hung up again, Tarquin nced over. "Which kid got into a fight?" "It was Punikon. The one who''s half Zhinora, half Thyania." Their kids went to an international preschool. Most kids were from Zhinora, but there were also some mixed kids and a handful of foreign kids. Tarquin frowned. He remembered Punikon¡ªa little troublemaker, if ever there was one. His family ran a martial arts studio. Dad and both grandparents were from Thyania; his mom was Zhinorian. Punikon had been learning Thyanian boxing since he could walk and was known for being pretty aggressive-kind of like Evan, but with even less self-control. The difference was, Evan never picked on regr kids or strutted around like he owned the ce. Punikon, on the other hand, always wanted to be king of the yground. If things didn''t go his way, he''d start swinging. Tarquin shot off a text to Lowell, asking him to dig up whatever he could on the Punikon family. Official source is find?novel Elysia chewed her lip, worry etched all over her face. "At thest parent meeting I overheard I overheard some moms talking-Punikon''s family is a big deal, especially in Thyania. They''ve got serious connections." s "And the parents are impossible to deal with. Even the school doesn''t want to cross them." Tarquin kept his eyes on the road, reassuring her, "Look, everyone at that school has connections nobody wants to on any toes. But if the school doesn''t want to get on the wrong side of Punikon''s family, they definitely don''t want to tangle with us. Trust me, I''ve got this." s If he couldn''t protect his own kid in Jindale City, what business did he have being here? This was his turf. Elysia spent the whole drive on edge. When they finally pulled up, she rushed over to the teacher waiting at the entrance. "Where are my parents and the kids?" The teacher led them inside, speaking quickly. "They''re all in the lounge. Don''t worry, everyone''s calmed down now." Elysia pressed, "How did this even start? Weren''t there any teachers around?" The teacher exined, "Usually there''s always someone in the ssroom. But today, one of the kids suddenly got a stomach ache, so our staff took him to the nurse''s office." "The other teacher hadn''t arrived yet. That''s when it all happened." "There''s no camera near the bathroom, so we don''t know exactly what went down. All we can do is ask the kids." "I talked to Punikon, Evan, Emmett, and Elijah." "Punikon said he wanted to be friends with Elijah, but Elijah ignored him. He got mad and decided to try and scare him." "Then, out of nowhere, Emmett ran over and started hitting him!" "He says Emmett threw the first punch, so he fought back. He also ims he didn''t go too hard, but when Evan came back from outside. he pinned Punikon down and just kept wailing on him." s Chapter 1396 Elysia frowned. She didn''t buy Punikon''s story for a second. No one knew her own kids better than she did. Find the newest release on Find[?]ovel Sure, Elijah wasn''t exactly the social butterfly type, but he always had good manners. If Punikon genuinely wanted to be friends, there''s no way Elijah would just ignore him. And Emmett? That sweet, soft-hearted kid wouldn''t hurt a fly, let alone start a fight. Evan might be a bit of a scrapper, but he knew when to stop. "Beat him to a pulp"? Please, that was a stretch. "So, what did Evan, Emmett, and Elijah say?¡± Elysia asked, crossing her arms. The teacher looked exasperated. "Elijah won''t say a word. I''ve asked him over and over-nothing." Elysia''s heart ached at the thought of Elijah just mming up, holding everything in. "What about Evan and Emmett?" she pressed. The teacher sighed, ncing at her notes. "Emmett said he saw Punikon trying to stab Elijah with a pencil, so he jumped in to protect him. Evan said Punikon''s been picking on Elijah for ages-he''s had enough, so he stepped in and, well, things got physical." Elysia''s brows knit even tighter. She took a breath and said firmly, "Kids get into scuffles. It happens. If it turns out my kids were in the wrong, I''ll make sure they apologize to Punikon, and I''ll personally apologize to his parents. If there''spensation needed, we''ll take care of it." "But if my kids aren''t at fault, I don''t care who Punikon''s family is-they''ll have to face the consequences." The teacher, well aware both families were well-off and influential, just nodded quickly. "Of course, of course." Meanwhile, in the lounge, the kids were huddled together, crying their eyes out in the arms of yton and Pam. The moment Elysia walked in, the dam burst. The kids ran to her, sobbing even harder, all piling around her, desperate forfort. "Mommy! Waaaaaah..." Elysia''s heart broke. She blinked back tears, kneeling down to check them over. "Who''s hurt?" she asked, voice trembling. Elliot piped up, "Elijah and Emmett." Elysia immediately went to check their wounds. Elijah had a Band-Aid on the back of his hand. She peeled it back gently and winced there. was a small, deep puncture where the pencil had gone in. It had bled, too. s?novels BUMS The school nurse had cleaned it up, but it still looked painful. Fighting back tears, Elysia grabbed a fresh Band-Aid and covered the wound, kissing Elijah''s hand. She then checked Emmett. His injury was almost identical: another pencil stab. On top of that, there was a nasty red scratch on his neck, like he''d been scraped with the pencil. Elysia was furious and heartbroken. She''d worked so hard raising her boys-how could she stand seeing them hurt like this? "I''m sorry, Mommy... I lost my temper," Evan whispered, tugging nervously at her sleeve. He was the one who''d thrown the punches, and he was scared Elysia would be mad. Elysia wiped her eyes and looked Evan straight in the face. "Don''t apologize just yet. I know I always say you shouldn''t fight, but sometimes there''s a reason." "You''re the big brother. If someone hurts your brothers, you stand up for them. If it wasn''t your fault, I''ll be proud of you. But if you did Something wrong, well this time I really will have to punish you." s Emmett burst out, still crying, "Mommy, don''t punish Evan! It wasn''t his fault¡ªit was Punikon''s!" Baby, sniffling and clutching Tarquin, joined in, "Don''t hit Evan, Mommy, please! Don''t hit him!" Tarquin soothed, "Of course not. Mommy would never hurt Evan, right?" Pam hugged Evan tight. "Irene, you can''t punish Evan. If you''re mad, take it out on Tarquin or your dad, not Evan." Elysia held up her hands, exasperated. "I''m not actually going to punish Evan. I just want to understand what happened." She gathered the kids around, her voice gentle but firm. "Alright, telkme the truth. What exactly happened today? Tell me what you remember, ne making things up Just be honest. Elijah, you first." s Chapter 1397 Elijah was huping through his tears. "I don''t like Punikon. He''s always messing with my stuff, and he calls me ''Little Mute."" "Today he tried to force me to talk to him. I wouldn''t, so he got mad and tried to hit me. He knows karate, and neither Emmett nor I could fight him off." Emmett piped up, "I don''t like him either. He''s just mean!" Baby wailed, "He... he knows about my bunny. He said he''d kill my bunny and make soup out of it. Waaaah..." Evan clenched his tiny fists. "I''ve never liked that kid. He''s always flipping me off and trying to start a fight. I''ve ignored it, but today he hit Elijah and Emmett. I''m done letting it go!" Elliot looked serious. He hadn''t been in the ssroom when the fight happened, otherwise none of this would''ve gone down. But he knew Punikon started it. "Mom, I asked around. Everyone in ss said it was Punikon who threw the first punch. He even threatened to poke Elijah''s eyes out!" Elysia''s brows knitted together as her breathing grew shaky, chest heaving with anger. Who was the real troublemaker here?! Suddenly, chaos erupted outside the room. The sharp voice of a woman ripped through the hallway: "Get them out here! The whole family''s nuts-old and young! My son gets hurt and now you''re all hiding like cowards? Not happening!" "If the kids are too young for thew, then arrest the parents! Let them do the jail time!" "I know you''re in there, Evan Thorne''s mom! Don''t you dare hide from me!" There was no mistaking it-Punikon''s mother was here, and she was gunning straight for Elysia. yton''s face was thunderous. "That woman doesn''t listen to reason. She doesn''t even understand in English!" Pam''s eyes shed. "She''s a baddy!" Elysia said, "Mom, Dad, watch the kids for me. I''ll handle this." The little ones wanted to follow, but Elysia shook her head firmly. Tarquin reassured them, "You stay here. Don''t worry, I won''t let anything happen to your mom." In the hallway, a woman with heavy makeup and wild clothes was shouting at the top of her lungs. Behind her stood a dozen hulking guys-obviously some kind of gym rats or amateur fighters. Teachers and security were doing their best to keep things calm, urging everyone to take a breath and not get violent. As soon as she spotted Elysia, the woman gave her a once-over, sneering, "So, you''re the one?!" Elysia stepped up. "That''s right. I''m the mother of Evan, Emmett, and Elijah." The woman folded her arms across her chest, strutting like she owned the ce. "Your kid put my son in the hospital! What, is he some kind of super freak? Mean as a snake, just like his mama, I bet!" Tarquin''s face darkened and he started to speak, but Elysia stopped him with a look. No way was she letting a man argue with this woman. Elysia''s voice was icy. "Does Punikon have any family members who can actually hold a normal conversation?" one The woman bristled, eyes zing. "Excuse me? Who are you calling abnormal? keep youth ap your see what happens!" s A man by her side shoved past the school security frowning as he Estalked over to Elysia the dozen muscle-heads falling in behind. s With a thick ent, he said, "I''m Punikon''s dad. What do you people want to do about this?" Tarquin stepped forward and shielded Elysia. Original content can be found at f?ndnovel He red coldly at the man, the names Punikon, Thyania Dojo, and Bernard spinning through his mind. After a tense moment, Tarquin finally asked, "Are we handling this privately, or are we making it official?" The man sneered, eyeing Tarquin''s sharp suit and clearly thinking he was no threat. "What do you want to do about it?" Tarquin''s voice was steely. "If you want to settle this privately, let''s take it somewhere else, If you want to make it public, I''ll call the police right now." s The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1398 The man let out a coldugh. "Alright then, let''s settle this our way. You got the guts to face me in a ring?" "If I lose, we''ll drop everything that happened today. But if you lose, not only do you pay up, you get down on your knees and apologize. Loud and clear." The Thyania crowd behind him started hollering, egging him on. "Come on, man! Prove you''re not all talk-let''s see what you''re made of!" The woman shot a sneer at Elysia, her tone dripping with mockery. "If your family''s too scared to fight, just save us the trouble and get down now- beg for forgiveness." "And bring your little troublemakers out, along with that crazy old bat of yours. They can all kneel and apologize, too." "After that, my son gets to teach Evan a little lesson. Then we''ll call it even." Tarquin didn''t even nce at her. He looked straight at Punikon''s father and asked, "So, where''s this going down? Your gym work for you?" The man raised his eyebrows, surprised. "You know we run a boxing gym, and you still want to do this? Got guts, I''ll give you that. Eight tonight, at my ce. Don''t bete." "Fine by me." "If you chicken out, everyone''ll know you''re nothing but a coward!" someone jeered as the group walked off,ughing and talking smack. "Looks like some weak little businessman to me this''ll be fun. Let''s show him what Thyania''s champion can do!" "And if his kid broke our boy''s arm, let''s see if he can handle a taste of his own medicine!" As they left, Tarquin watched them go, his gaze sharp as a de. Elysia frowned, anxious. "You seriously agreed to fight them, knowing their family runs a gym? This is a setup if I''ve ever seen one. We should just call the cops." Tarquin turned to her, reassuring. "Don''t worry. I wouldn''t have agreed if I wasn''t sure I could win. And even if things get rough, they''re not touching me-my security team''s got my back." Thinking about Tarquin''s ever-present bodyguards, Elysia felt a bit better. She let out a sigh and grumbled, "Like father, like son, huh? What kind of parents act like that and expect their kid to behave?" Most athletes are supposed to be straightforward and easygoing, but that whole family seemed off. Especially the mother-she was totally unhinged. Tarquin tried to calm her. "Let''s not stress about this now. I''ll deal with the fight tonight, and then we''ll sort out the kids'' situation. For now, let''s just take the kids home and help them settle down s Elysia nodded. "Alright." She called the school and got the kids excused, then took them home. On the drive, yton and the kids kept asking what was going to happen. Tarquin just said they''d meetter to talk things over¡ªhe didn''t mention the ring fight. Elysia didn''t want yton or Pam worrying either, so she kept quiet about it All the way home, she focused on calming Pam and the kids. s Fresh chapters posted on FindN()vel AQUMS When they arrived, Heath had lunch ready for everyone. After eating, the four boys-Elliot, Evan, Emmett, and Elijah¡ªsaid they were going up for a nap. Elysia wasn''t tired, so she grabbed a stack of gold foil paper and started folding paper cranes on the couch. yton and Pam joined in. Tarquin was there too, jotting down well-wishes on cards. They chatted as they worked-about the fight at the preschool, about Elizabeth''s funeral, even the weird stuff with the exhumation. Half an hourter, Tarquin''s phone buzzed. It was a message from Elliot: Dad, can youe to our room? We need to talk. Tarquin narrowed his eyes, made up an excuse, and headed upstairs. The four boys were waiting for him in the little study. As soon as he walked in, they pulled him in and had him sit down. "Dad, are you really fighting Punikon''s father tonight?" Tarquin squinted. "Who told you that?" Elijah spoke up. "I just saw it online the guy''s already told the et Thyania press. Bragging about how he''s fighting that rich guy from Zhinora tonight!" s Tarquin nced at Elijah''sptop, a cold smile tugging at his lips. Elijah continued: Chapter 1399 "I did a bit of digging into Punikon''s family," I said, leaning back in my chair. "Turns out, his granddad was a legendary boxer-practically a household name back in Thyania!" "And both his dad and uncle? Former heavyweight champs themselves. Boxing runs in their blood. The whole family''s been running a boxing gym for generations." Emmett looked up at me, his brow furrowed with worry. "Dad, what if you can''t beat him?" I ruffled his hair, giving him a reassuring grin. "If I thought I couldn''t, I wouldn''t even bother, kiddo. Don''t worry. On my way to drop you off at school, I already got the lowdown on Punikon''s family. Your old man''s not losing this one." Punikon''s granddad was a real legend¡ªhad a reputation that reached far beyond our borders. But as for Punikon''s dad? Not so much. The word is, the year he took the championship, it was all rigged behind the scenes. I was sure of it-if it came down to me and him, I wouldn''t lose. Plus, I had my suspicions. Back in the day, Bernard went solo and swept through gyms across seven countries. Everyone said his next stop was Thyania. But then, something happened. His wife and apprentice got into trouble, and Bernard had to go off the grid-faked his own death, disappeared without ever making it to Thyania. Something about all that just didn''t add up. When Bernard was supposed to be heading their way, all the big gyms in Thyania were panicked. Not a single fighter had the guts to step up. Then, out of nowhere, they started getting cocky. Suddenly, they were making all this noise, telling the world Bernard was going to meet his end in Thyania. They boasted about their homegrown fighting style, swore up and down they could take Bernard down. "If he dares show up, he won''t be leaving," they said. After Bernard''s ¡°death,¡± the Thyanian boxing scene only got bolder. Even now, they''re still bragging that Bernard got scared off because he knew he couldn''t beat them. It all seemed a little too convenient. If you ask me, they only started running their mouths when they knew Bernard wasn''ting. If that''s the case, the Thyanian boxing world must know what really happened back then. Whether they were behind the trouble with Bernard''s wife and apprentice or not, they''ve got to know something. Ever since came back from the Updates are released by F¦Énd£Îovel mountains, the whole business with the mysterious guy and the eighth-generation virus has been weighing on me. s But the old folks'' story-I''ve kept that in the back of my mind, too. Why they all faked their deaths and vanished is still a mystery. No leads nothing. s But here''s the thing: before each of them disappeared, they all had unfinished business. Regrets. They saved my wife and kid, so I figured I owed it to them to help tie up some of those loose ends. Today''s scuffle with the Thyanian kid was a fluke, but epting this challenge? That was no ident. I''d already looked into the Punikon family as soon as I heard about them. The moment I learned they were Thyanian fighters, Bernard popped right into my head... After a moment of thought, I added, "Don''t worry about tonight''s match, guys. I know what I''m doing." Evan piped up, "Can I fight too, Dad?" I shrugged helplessly. "Not up to me. You''ll have to ask your mom." Evan drooped. "She''d never let us. She thinks it''s too dangerous and chaotic." I thought for a second. "I''ll be in and out before you know it. Nothing worth watching. But after we''ve said our goodbyes to your grandma maybe I take you on a tour of the weaponsb." s Evan''s eyes lit up. "Are you serious?!" "Absolutely." The boys chatted for a bit, clearly reassured. Then they raced downstairs to write notes for Elizabeth and fold paper cranes. But Elliot didn''t go downstairs. He called me into his room, looking dead serious. "Dad, I think I''ve figured out a way to find the mysterious guy!" The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 1400 Tarquin narrowed his sharp blue eyes. "Hmm?" Elliot pulled something from his pocket and handed it to Tarquin. "Use this.¡± Tarquin nced at it¡ªElliot had gotten it from Gideon Bradford, using his Alpha status. This thing was all the rage on the ck market. Rumor had it, if you held it, you could ask its owner any question, and they''d always have the answer. There was nothing this mysterious owner didn''t know. As for who the owner actually was, no one had a clue. Tarquin had tried to get his hands on it before, back when he was looking for Elijah''s mother, but he''d never had the chance. How Gideon managed to snag it was another mystery. "If you already have a suspect in mind, Dad, and you think using it would be a waste," Elliot said, furrowing his brow with that serious little face of his, "then use it to find the real source of the Eighth Generation Virus." Elliot was the sharpest of all the kids, and the one whose mind worked most like Tarquin''s. In the whole family, only Elliot and Tarquin knew about the Eighth Generation Virus-and just how dangerous the mysterious figure and the virus both were. Tarquin studied the object in his hand for a moment, then asked, "Any word from Gerald or Howard?" The sudden topic change threw Elliot off a bit. "No, not yet." Tarquin looked back at the thing. "You think this''ll really give us answers?" Elliot shrugged, not nodding or shaking his head. "I don''t know. But I think it''s worth a shot." Noticing Tarquin''s hesitation, Elliot asked, "Are you worried about tipping someone off?" Tarquin stayed quiet, not offering any exnation. He handed the object back to Elliot. ¡°Hold onto it for now. After the casket''s opened, if we need it, I''ll ask you for it." Elliot''s little face showed a flicker of confusion, but he nodded obediently and tucked the thing away. Then, curiosity getting the best of him, he asked, "Dad, is there some secret in Grandpa''s casket?" Why else wait until after it was opened? Content originallyes from F?nd-Novel Tarquin''s brow furrowed. His expression grew heavy. "The secret behind the mysterious figure and the Eighth Generation Virus-it might all be hidden in your grandpa''s casket." Elliot was surprised, silent for a moment. Then he said, "The mysterious guy has been after the virus for ages. When Grandpa and Grandma died, I''m sure every inch got searched. There''s no way they''d leave Grandpa''s casket unchecked." s "I know. The virus itself won''t be in there. But there might be a clue." "Huh?" Tarquin reached over and ruffled Elliot''s hair. "You''ll see when we open the casket." Elliot was still puzzled, but he didn''t press further. After a few seconds, he looked up at his dad-wide-eyed and earnest. "If anyone ever hurts your feelings, just remember Mom and us. We''ll never betray you, never hurt you. We''ll always'' benght here and wet always love you." s Tarquin looked down at his son, heart swelling. Elliot probably guessed that the suspect was someone close-someone Tarquin trusted. Being stabbed in the back by an enemy? That was just life. But by someone you loved? That was true cruelty. Elliot was trying tofort him, to ease his pain. Tarquin scooped his son up in his arms. "As long as I have you all, even if the sky falls, I won''t be scared Come on, let''s go light some candles for Grandpa and Grandma.¡± s Elliot nodded. "Okay!" Carrying Elliot, Tarquin headed for the door, but Elliot called out to him, "Dad?" "Yeah?" Elliot said quietly, "You''re amazing, you know? You''re the best father I could ever ask for." Tarquin looked at his son, his heart overflowing. As a father, nothing meant more than hearing that from his child. And for the rest of the afternoon, Tarquin felt lighter than he had in a long, long time. Chapter 1401 He wrote warm wishes to Elizabeth Gonzalez and Kendrick, reminiscing about all the little moments they''d shared, showing not a trace of gloominess. Even Elysia Thorne noticed something was different! After all these years together, this was the first time he''d been soid-back while dealing with anything rted to Elizabeth and Kendrick. After dinner, Tarquin Bradford was getting ready to head out to the Punikon gym for a sparring match. While Elysia helped him fix his shirt and straighten his tie, she couldn''t help but tease, "You and Elliot were upstairs alone after lunch-what did you two talk about that''s got you in such a good mood?" Tarquin couldn''t hide his pride. "Elliot said I''m a great dad. That I''m an amazing father and a pretty decent guy overall." A smile curled at Elysia''s lips. "No wonder you''re so happy! Your son''s stamp of approval, huh?" Tarquin nodded. ¡°That''s the nicest thing anyone''s ever said to me.¡± Elysia finished with his tie, letting her hands rest on his shoulders. "Well, I think you''re not only a wonderful dad-you''re also a pretty fantastic husband." Tarquin''s eyes narrowed yfully. "Now that''s the sweetest thing I''ve ever heard." He slid his hand around her waist, pulled her close, and kissed her deeply. Elysia rose up on her toes, melting into his kiss. By the time they broke apart, both of them were a little breathless. Still leaning against him, Elysia warned, "Okay, I''ll stay home like you want, but if youe back hurt, I swear, you''re sleeping in the guest room for a month-no exceptions!" Tarquin swallowed hard, his voice low and teasing, "What if Ie back in one piece? Do I get a reward?" Elysia knew exactly where this was headed. Blushing furiously, she whispered, "I''ll give you a surprise." "What kind of surprise?" he pressed. She rolled her eyes. "If I tell you, it''s not a surprise anymore, is it?" Tarquin grinned. "You even know what I like?" "You like me," she shot back without hesitation. Heughed a grin so handsome it looked like it belonged in a graphic novel. Leaning in, he whispered something in her ear, then nipped at her earlobe. Elysia turned beet red and wriggled out of his arms. "You just go already!" But Tarquin pulled her right back in. "Did you hear what I said?" Her face was zing. ¡°Uh-huh." He chuckled, ruffled her hair, and kissed her forehead, clearly reluctant to let her go. When his phone finally rang, he sighed in defeat. "Lowell''s calling. Guess I really have to leave now." Elysia gave him onest warning, "Don''t get yourself hurt! I''d rather you forfeit than get injured, got it?" Tarquin affectionately tapped her nose. "Don''t worry, I have no intention of sleeping in the guest room. Just rx and wait for me I''ll be home early if I can." They indulged in a few more minutes of cuddling before Tarquin finally headed downstairs. Lowell was waiting by the door, rolling his eyes. "Ever since you fell for your wife, you''ve checked out on everyone and everything else is love really that powerful?" belongs to s This content belongs to find?novel Tarquin slid into the backseat, scrolling through news on his phone without looking up. "Single guys don''t get to weigh in on love." Lowell pursed his lips and gave a dramatic eye roll. As he started the car and pulled away from the house, his phone buzzed again. He nced at the screen but didn''t answer. Punikon a granddad reached out-wants to talk before your match, privately." s Tarquin didn''t hesitate. "Not interested." Punikon''s grandfather worked at the embassy, so he definitely knew who Tarquin was. If the old man came to plead his case, Tarquin would be stuck deciding whether to go along. with it or not. Better to just avoid it altogether. s Chapter 1402 As soon as Tarquin left, Evan sneaked out through the window. Outside, Scarface the big guy with a face full of scars-was already waiting for him. The two of them headed off together toward the gym. Evan looked troubled, like his mind was spinning with questions. Scarface was just about to ask what was wrong, ready to offer some advice, when Evan blurted out, "Hey, why is Dad always kissing Mom?" Scarface: ¡°....." How was he supposed to answer that? He''d never been in love himself and couldn''t really wrap his head around why couples were so attached to each other. After thinking for a bit, he finally said, "I guess it''s ''cause he loves her." Evan frowned. "So when I grow up, am I gonna be like Dad? Always sticking to my wife and wanting kisses?" Scarface: "...Not necessarily." "Why not? You just said Dad kisses Mom ''cause he loves her. I''ll definitely love my wife, so I''ll want kisses every day too!" Scarface replied, "Well, you might not even find a wife." Evan''s eyes went wide. "No way! I''m so good-looking. If you and Bernard can''t find wives, that''s just ''cause you''re ugly. I''m not ugly!" Scarface: "..." Wow, nothing cuts deeper than a kid you care about! Was this little rascal even worth it? Evan suddenly beamed, caught up in his own daydream. "When I grow up, I''m gonna find the prettiest, kindest woman in the world, just like Dad. I''ll spoil her rotten! Ha ha..." Scarface found himself at a loss for words and started thinking maybe he should have a talk with Tarquin and Elysia. Couldn''t they keep their lovey-dovey stuff away from the kid? Tarquin and Elysia would probably protest: "We have no idea when he saw anything!" Scarface changed the subject. "So, how are we getting in? The gym charges for tickets." Evan grinned. "I''ve got an invite! Punikon sent it to me. He wants me to see his dad beat up my dad, in person." Scarface nodded, then added, "Just don''t do anything reckless when we get there. Keep a low profile, okay?" Evan shot back, "You always say Bernard is too timid, and now you''re telling me to be low-key?" The old man muttered under his breath, "Back then I only had to look after myself. Now, things are different." He had people he cared about now... Bernard was hiding out, faking his own death for some big secret-he couldn''t be exposed yet. And Evan well, Evan was the great hope of the local martirts world, but it wasn''t ume for him to step into theo spotlight, either. s So, they were just here to watch the action-no grandstanding. They had to keep off the radar. Evan grinned, full of confidence, "You''re worried about me and Bernard, right, Uncle?" Scarface ignored him. "Race you! First one to the gym wins!" Before he''d even finished his sentence, Evan shot off like a rocket. "See you there, Uncle!" Scarface watched the kid''s small figure disappear down the block, his eyes full of affection. Once, his life had been just S and vengeance, like bet was already a ghost. Now, for the first time in years, he f felt alive. s Scarface started two minutes after Evan, but somehow arrived at the gym first. When Evan finally showed up, Scarface pointed to his watch. "You''re 399 secondste." Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n Evan gawked, "How did you get here so fast? Did you cheat and n the route ahead of time?" Scarface shrugged. "If you were fast enough, you''d have beaten me even if I did. Gotta keep working, kiddo!" Evan pouted, but couldn''t argue. He clenched his fists. "Starting tomorrow, I''m adding an extra hour to training!" Scarface''s eyes lit up. These days, Evan was his whole world. When Evan went to preschool, Scarface waited outside. When Evan came home to Number One Mansion, Scarface watched over him there, too. s Chapter 1403 The happiest time of his day was always between five and seven in the morning. That was when he took Evan out back, up into the hills, for training. If Evan needed to train for an extra hour, that just meant more time together¡ªand honestly, that made him even happier. "So, from now on, we''ll train for an extra hour every night. Then you can head home, get cleaned up, and hit the sack." "Deal!" Evan grinned. The two of them-one old, one young-agreed on their new n, slipped on their face masks, and headed for the gym. The ce was buzzing with energy. Outside the gym, a bunch of people were streaming live on their phones. Most of them were local influencers from Thyania, chattering away in rapid-fire Thai that neither Evan nor the old man could understand. Since they couldn''t make out a word, they just ignored the fuss and strolled up to the entrance. At the ticket booth out front, two burly Thyanian guys were on duty. With their thick arms and intimidating scowls, they looked like they could bench-press a truck. When they spotted Evan and the old man, one of the bouncers wrinkled his nose and asked in choppy English, "This is a gym. What you want here?" Evan held up his smartwatch and scrolled to his invitation. "We''re here for the match. See? Punikon sent me this. He invited us." The two guards nced at the screen. "You are.....?¡± Evan said, "I''m Punikon''s ssmate. And this is my great-grandpa." The guards exchanged a look, then waved them through-but not without tossing out a jab: "You Zhinorian folks, so skinny! You better watch from the balcony upstairs. If the crowd knocks you over, we''re not responsible!" "Yeah, yeah, we got it," Evan said, brushing off the sarcasm as he and his great- grandpa walked inside. This was the biggest Thyanian gym in the country¡ªat least a thousand square meters on the first floor alone. In the center was a raised boxing ring, where all the big matches went down. The ce was already packed. There were Zhinorian and Thyanian fans, plus people from all over, united by their love of martial arts. Most of the audience were men, but here and there, a few morous livestreamers were broadcasting the event. It was just an ordinary Thyania-Zhinora friendship match nothing special really. But p the words "Zhinorian billionaire on the poster, and suddenly everyone wanted in. s On top of that, Tarquin was determined to make this fight go viral in Thyania. So, behind the scenes, Lowell had paid for a serious social media boost. Now, everyone in Thyania was hyped for the eight o''clock livestream, eager to watch their local fighters "crush" the Zhinorian rich guy. Back in Zhinora, though, the match was flying under the radar-Tarquin had all but buried it on the trending 50 most of the audience was from the Thyagian side s Evan and his great-grandpa squeezed through the crowd, searching for Tarquin. They didn''t spot him, but they did Find the newest release on Find1Novel recognize Punikon''s father-bare-chested and looking every inch the champion A popr. thyantan influencer was interviewing him, with a trantor by her side. s She asked, "So, what made you challenge the Zhinorian billionaire to this match? It''s been years since you stepped into the ring. Why now?" Punikon''s dad squared his shoulders, his muscles rippling under the lights. "I''m fighting for my son!" "My boy, Punikon, got into a scrap at school with the son of this Zhinorian billionaire." "My son, out of humility and respect for our family''s values, didn''t fight back." "But the other kid had no sense of honor-he knocked out my boy''s tooth and broke his arm!" ¡°And as if that wasn''t enough, his parent didn''t apologize¡ªinstead, he pped my wife across the face!" "As a father and as a husband, I can''t let that go." "I''ve heard he''s a skilled fighter himself-a real big shot back in Zhinora. That''s why I challenged him personally!" "If they don''t understand humility and respect, I''ll teach them with my fists!" "I want the world to know: Thyanian fighters are not to be underestimated. I''m fighting for the honor of Thyania itself!" Chapter 1404 The influencer was on the verge of tears. "I see a great father and husband. I see an incredible fighter. And most of all, I see a true son of Thyania!" The Thyanian crowd roared, spirits high and voices even higher. They cheered and shouted Punikon''s name, their excitement filling the gym like the smell of popcorn at a Friday night football game. But not everyone was swept up in the fever. Some visiting fighters from the East rolled their eyes. One of them, arms crossed, spoke up with a smirk, "Hey, this is supposed to be a friendly match. No need for all the patriotic stuff. Let''s keep it about the fighters, not the countries. No point messing up the good vibes between our people." Punikon''s father frowned, tension building like a storm cloud. A few hotheaded Thyanian fighters immediately turned on the Eastern guy, some cursing, a couple flipping the bird, and one even poking him in the chest. The young Eastern fighter wasn''t having it. "Back off, man! Touch me again and see what happens!" "Oh, I''ll touch you all right. What are you gonna do about it? Don''t forget, you''re in our gym now!" The Thyanian fighter shoved him hard, eyes glinting with challenge. The Eastern fighter didn''t back down; he swung andnded a punch. "Just so you know, this is still Zhinora territory, not your Thyanian kingdom!" Shouts turned to scuffles, and in a sh, the whole ce erupted into a brawl. The Thyanian side had the numbers, so it wasn''t long before the Easterners were on the losing end, bruised and battered. As fists flew, the Thyanian fighters jeered, "Back in the day, even your so-called King of Fighters wouldn''t dare challenge us in Thyania. Know why? Because he was scared!" "If he was scared, who do you nobodies think you are, running your mouths here? You''re out of your league!" The "King of Fighters" they meant was Bernard. Evan, watching the chaos, fumed. ¡°Uncle, they''re mocking Bernard! You''re just gonna let them?" Before he could finish, the old N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find{n}ovel master grabbed a tin of peppermint candies m the table and started chucking them at the fighting crowd. s The mints flew with the precision and speed of BB gun pellets, smacking into the Thyanian troublemakers. Cries of pain rang out. "Who the hell-?!" The candies seemed toe from nowhere, flying in from all directions. No one suspected Evan or the old man. Finally, Punikon''s father stepped in, trying to calm the Thyanian fighters. He deliberately spoke in English-ostensibly so the Zhinora fighters wouldn''t understand him. "Don''t bother with them. Save it for the ring. I''ll make sure they regret it tonight." The crowd stormed off, yelling, "Smash him! Knock him out! Show them what Thyanian fists can do!" The Eastern fighters nursed their bruises, but none left the gym. They were a determined to stay and watch the 8 o''clock showdown, hoping for a little redemption. s At 7:50 PM, Tarquin finally arrived, fashionablyte. He wore the suit Elysia had picked out for him, a mask covering his face, and slipped in through the back door. Word spread fast, and Punikon''s father immediately headed backstage to confront him. "Last chance to back out, kid. Forfeit now, or it''ll be toote once you''re in the ring." Tarquin ignored him, pulling out his own boxing gear. He let the J Thyanian staff check it over, then headed to the locker room to change. s When he came out, Punikon''s father handed him a contract. The "friendly match" had just turned into a fight for survival. Tarquin narrowed his eyes, nced at him, then picked up the pen. Punikon''s father leaned in, voice low. "You know what you''re signing, right? In a fight like this, even if I kill you, I walk free. That''s the rule." Tarquin finished signing, checked the time, and headed straight for the ring- without so much as a second nce. Chapter 1405 That kind of contempt really set Punikon off. He clenched his jaw, practically fuming. Some folks at the gym muttered, "Man, he''s acting all high and mighty. You think he actually knows how to fight? I checked every ranking I could find for Zhinora martial artists¡ªnot a single mention of Tarquin. Nobody on the circuit''s ever heard of him!" Punikon''s father scoffed, "Zhinora businessmen are arrogant to the core. Just because they know how to make money, they think they can rule every field they step into. Hah!" He clearly looked down on Tarquin. The only reason he hyped up Tarquin''s reputation was to boost his own. The tougher your opponent, the more impressive it looks if you beat them. Little did he know, he was nothing but a pawn in a bigger game. If it weren''t for the bait-and-switch, he wouldn''t even get the chance to face Tarquin in the ring. Punikon''s father stood up and walked to the ring, handing the referee the signed contract for the match. The ref held it up so everyone could see. Once the crowd realized this wasn''t just a friendly spar but a "no holds barred" match-winner takes all, loser might not leave the ring alive-the mood shifted instantly. A friendly match is just practice, a handshake at the end. But this? This was the kind of fight that could end in a funeral. After reading the contract out loud, the ref turned to both men, asking if they agreed. Tarquin and Punikon''s father nodded without hesitation. The local Thyania fighters went wild, whistling and taunting, shouting, "Knock him out! Make him pay!" By contrast, the Zhinora team looked tense and worried. They didn''t know who Tarquin was, or which rich guy might have secret fighting skills¡ªbut everyone recognized Punikon''s name. The Punikon family carried serious weight in Thyania. After their earlier scuffle with the locals, the Zhinora group was desperate for aeback-they needed one of their own to win. Up on the balcony, Evan and the old man-his mentor, a grizzled veteran with a face like a roadmap-watched quietly. Evan whispered, "This has gotta be Punikon''s doing. He''s gone too far. He''s practically setting his own dad up for a beating!" The old man frowned, "Every fighter has their own reasons for learning the art. Some do it to protect- protect themselves and the people they love." "But others... they learn just to hurt and destroy." "Martial arts don''t have borders. It''s like art-meant to be celebrated everywhere, no matter where you''re from If someone''s strong enough, they deserve respect fe matter their Country: s "But there are always those who can''t stand to see someone else shine that''s how Follow current nov?ls on Find?Novel my father died too strong, too bright, and others just couldn''t take it. They schemed to take him down." s Bernard faced the same fate. He was too skilled, threatened too many powerful interests¡ªso they yed dirty, forced him into hiding, made him fake his own death. The whole martial arts world had lost its way. The strongest weren''t honored¡ªthey were hunted. Evan caught the pain and anger in his mentor''s eyes. He tugged the old man''s sleeve, "Don''t be sad, Uncle. I swear, I''ll find whoever hurt Grandpa and Grandma, and make them pay. I''ll get justice for them." The old man looked at him, deadly serious, "Your grandpa''s biggest dream was for us to stand tall in the world of martirts to bring real real glorydo our people: You have to keep pushing, finish what he started." s Evan nodded hard, voice ringing with determination, "Yeah! I''ll do whatever it takes to make it to the top of the world stage-to show all those who look down on us, all those schemers, just what we''re made of!" Chapter 1406 The boss''s eyes were full of approval. "A real man stands strong and proud!" Evan might be a little wild, but he''s got a good heart and a bright future ahead of him no doubt about it. Frankly, the global martial arts scene had gone off course. Someone needed to set things right. Bernard and I, well, our time had passed. Now, all our hopes rested on Evan. Suddenly, a sharp whistle cut through the air. The match was about to start. From the crowd, the Thyanian fighters shouted at the top of their lungs, "Hit him! Go on! Smash him!" On the other side, the Eastern fighters pumped their fists and cheered, "Let''s go! You got this!" They might''ve just brawled backstage, but now everyone was desperate for their own team to win. Up on the tform, Punikon''s dad was flexing like he was about to enter a hotdog-eating contest at the local fair. He shook his head, smirked, and swaggered over to Tarquin. He looked Tarquin up and down, like he was checking out a scarecrow, and sneered, "Weakling!" He flipped Tarquin the bird, just to make sure everyone saw. The Thyanian supporters went wild, chanting in unison, "Weakling! Weakling! Weakling!" The whole gym echoed with it. Tarquin, mask on and brows furrowed, didn''t miss a beat. He dashed forward, grabbed Punikon''s dad''s outstretched middle finger- CRACK! He broke it right there for all to see. In the next breath, he grabbed the guy by the wrist andunched him with a judo throw that mmed him onto the mat. A couple more sickening crackster, Punikon''s dad''s limbs were out ofmission. He howled in pain¡ªa shriek that could''ve shattered the windows. Suddenly, the whole ce went dead silent. You could''ve heard a pin drop. Tarquin hadn''te here just for the fight; he wanted to make a statement to the whole Thyanian crowd. His moves were sharp, ruthless, and precise. After he''d taken out Punikon''s dad''s arms and legs, hended a few punches to the guy''s head-clean knockout. The silence was eerie. This was a "no holds barred" match-Tarquin could''ve finished him off if he wanted. And everyone knew it. The tension was thick. Everyone stared, holding their breath. But Tarquin simply lowered his fists and signaled to the referee that he was done. The ref stammered, "You''re... you''re done fighting?" "Yeah," Tarquin said calmly. The ref rushed over to check on This content belongs to find?novel Punikon''s dad, then turned to the et crown "He''s unconscious, Hanus and legs are busted thoughts s Hands and legs are bust The guy was finished his fighting days were over. The silence lingered, even the loudmouthed Thyanian influencer was struck dumb. Tarquin, still wearing his mask and breathing steady, looked straight into the live camera, eyes brimming with disdain. "I''m just a businessman, not a real fighter. All I want to say is the Punikon family? Nothing special. Thyanian martial arts? Overrated." "And just so you know, I didn''t kill him¡ªnot because I''m scared of the Punikon family, but because my wife asked me to be a good,w-abiding citizen She told me not to kill anyone s "I listen to my wife." He finished with a cocky little smile, then strolled off, leaving the crowd reeling. There was another beat of stunned silence¡ªthen the Eastern fighters erupted, jumping and shouting like their team had just won the Super Bowl. "Damn, that felt good! So satisfying!" "Did you hear that? Even our amateurs can KO you guys! Thyanian martial arts¡ª what a joke!" "Tiny Thyanian school? Handled! Easy!" "See what true ss looks like? This is what it means to have real stature! Signed a death match contract and still let the guy live that''s sportsmanship s "And you know what else? That''s what a good husband looks like! Did you hear him? He listens to his wife! Man, he LOVES his wife!" The Eastern fighters were beside themselves-ted, vindicated, finally standing tall after all the humiliation. Their aches and bruises didn''t matter anymore. Meanwhile, the Thyanian fighters, who''d been acting all tough before, were suddenly quiet as church mice. Chapter 1407 They clenched their fists and gritted their teeth, furious but totally lost for words. Winners write the story, losers just get left behind and today, they''d lost. ... After changing out of his gear, Tarquin left the gym. Lowell called out, "Hey, Evan and the big guy are here too. Should we get them to ride with us?" Tarquin wasn''t surprised. Knowing Evan, there was no way he''d miss out on the action. "Nah, you know they hate car rides. Let them make their own way home." Lowell shrugged and started the car, steering them out of the parking lot. "By the way, the school board president called while you were changing. He''s out of town, just heard about what happened at the preschool." "He was pretty apologetic. Said the school will take full responsibility for Elijah and Emmett getting hurt." "He also mentioned he''d talked to a bunch of teachers and kids. Apparently, Punikon''s been a problem for a while-violent, won''t listen, that sort of thing." "Lots of parents haveined before, and the school has tried reaching out to his folks, but they never bothered to cooperate." "So now the school''s decided: they''re asking Punikon to leave." That sounded polite, but everyone knew it was just a nice way of saying he''d been expelled. Tarquin''s face stayed cold and unreadable. If the school hadn''t acted, he would''ve made sure they did. A kid that young, already so aggressive-what would he turn into as he got older? Maybe if his parents actually cared, maybe with the right guidance, things could change. But Punikon''s folks clearly didn''t get it. If the parents'' values are a mess, what hope does the kid have? He definitely wasn''t about to let his own children hang around someone like that. N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find?novel Honestly, neither would Elysia. Lowell went on, "The school said if you have any suggestions, they''re open to hearing them." Tarquin pulled out his phone and shot Elysia a quick text before replying, "Just tell them to tighten up on supervision. We can''t have anything like this happening again." He''d barely finished speaking when his phone rang-Elysia. Tarquin''s whole expression softened as he answered, "Hey, what''s up?" Elysia sounded super excited, "I just finished watching your match! Are you heading home now?" "Yeah, I left right after. You caught the livestream?" "I did! Winona sent me the link-babe, you were amazing!" The praise made Tarquin''s heart do a happy little flip. "Just wait, I can be even more amazing." Lowell, driving, caught Tarquin''s giddy face in the rearview mirror and rolled his eyes dramatically. The CEO was grinning like an idiot and didn''t even care. "Ahem," Lowell coughed, a pointed reminder: Hey, there''s a third wheel in the car, maybe tone down the mushy stuff? Tarquin shot him a death re, then went right back to being sweet on the phone, "The school just called. They''re bet expelling Punikon, so you don''t need to worry about him bothering the kids anymore." s "Expelled, huh? I wonder if his parents will ept it?" "They don''t really have a say. Their kid wasn the wrong, and it''s preschool-it''s not mandatory School''s within rights. belongs to s Elysia didn''t feel sorry for Punikon in the slightest. The kid was already way off track-not worth anyone''s sympathy. "With him gone, the school will be a lot more peaceful. When will you be home?" Tarquin checked the time. "About forty minutes. And just like you asked, not a scratch on me." "You''re the best! Hungry? Want me to whip up something for you?" Elysia was in such a good mood¡ªher husband safe and sound, and she could gush about him al she wanted. She felt like she''d jus? had a spoonful of honey. s Chapter 1408 If Elysia was in a good mood, Tarquin was right there with her-his happiness was basically tied to hers. He looked totally smitten, his voice dripping with affection. "No need, babe. Just be good and wait for me at home. I''ve got a reward for you when I get back." Elysia hesitated, remembering the cheeky whisper he''d breathed in her ear before leaving. Her cheeks flushed pink. "...I''m hanging up now." Before Tarquin could answer, she ended the call. Tarquin just sat there, grinning at his phone like an idiot. Lowell, watching him through the rearview mirror, couldn''t help himself and piped up, "Tarquin, you''ve changed, man! You used to be the big bad wolf-now you''re, what, a foxy little heartthrob?" Tarquin shot him a cold re from under hisshes. The chill in the air made Lowell realize he might''ve stepped over the line. Calling the big boss a foxy yboy? Not the smartest move. If they weren''t old friends, he''d probably be toast by now. Lowell''s heart skipped a beat, scrambling for a way to save himself. But then Tarquin, cool as ever, replied, "Hey, if I can win over my wife, that''s a skill." Lowell stared, stunned. Was Tarquin actually admitting to being a heartthrob? And proud of it, too? He could only awkwardly agree, "...Right, right. Whatever you say." You''re the boss, after all. Who''s going to argue? Back at Number One Mansion, Elysia hung up, cheeks flushed, and headed to the bathroom to wash up. A "reward" from Tarquin meant only one thing-he wanted her. Didn''t matter how many times it happened; she still got nervous and shy about it. She took a long, steamy shower, pped on a face mask, and finally felt the butterflies in her stomach settle down. After blow-drying her hair, she crawled under the covers, waiting for Tarquin toe home. She pulled out her phone to find Winona Newsom and Blossom Blythe chatting away in their trio group chat about the whole Punikon situation. She typed: [I called Tarquin. That kid got expelled from school.] Winona: [Good riddance. No wonder that kid turned out like that with parents like his.] ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? F?ndNovel Blossom: You and Mr. Bradford are going to be heroes to the other parents. So many wanted Punikon gone but were too scared to say anything because of his family''s connections.] s Winona: [Mr. Bradford looked extra dashing tonight, Elysia. You better give the man a proper rewardter.] Something hit Elysia and she typed, [His birthday''s at the end of the month. Any ideas for a gift?] Blossom: [Easy, just get him what he likes.] Winona: [Mr. Bradford''s number one favorite is you. Just wrap yourself up and give yourself to him!] Elysia: [How am I supposed to do that, exactly? Jump into a giant gift box and let him unwrap me?] Winona: [Too clich¨¦! He doesn''t care about some cardboard box-what he wants is you, in all your glory. The sexier you are, the more he''ll love it.] With that, Winona started spamming the chat with a bunch ofcy lingerie pics. Blossom and Elysia both blushed furiously, hiding under their nkets, faces nearly as red as their pajamas. Before they could even respond, Winona kept going: [Elysia, pick one and wear it. Do a little dance for Mr. Bradford when he gets home-trust me, he''ll be so into it he might get a nosebleed Best birthday gift ever, hands down!] s Elysia: ¡°...¡± Winona then tagged Blossom and started sending even more messages, [Blossom, you need to try this too. Those cold, stoic guys are always the wildest underneath. When Axel gets back from Mariana Land, just go for it!] [He might put up a little resistance guy''s got moves-but if you manage it, that means he''s into you And trust me after one night you''ll have him eating out of your hand!] s Blossom, blushing like crazy, dared to ask, [Seriously?] Winona replied, full of confidence, [Of course! Axel might act all aloof, but underneath he''s just a sweet puppy who''s never even had a real girlfriend!] Chapter 1409 Men like that are always two-faced-cool as ice during the day, hot as fire at night. The more distant they act under the sun, the more intense they get after dark! Elysia''s heart was pounding as she read the group chat, her cheeks burning. Blossom just had to tag her directly: Elysia, is it true? Is Mr. Bradford really that hot at night? Elysia: She swallowed, hesitated for ages, and finally typed back, He''s definitely not the same man at night as he is during the day. Winona chimed in immediately, Come on, Blossom, trust me! I may have only hooked up with Zane Livingston, but I''ve seen a lot! Take your sister''s advice-you won''t regret it. Pick something for yourself! Then she tagged Elysia: And you better hurry and choose, too. Your hubby''s birthday is at the end of the month! Almost against her will, Elysia clicked through the photos her friends had sent¨D lingerie shots, skimpy and bold, making her heart race. Can anyone really wear something this revealing? she typed, her fingers trembling. Winona replied bluntly, Girl, you''re married! There''s nothing on you Mr. Bradford hasn''t seen before. Men love a little mystery-leave him wanting more! You''ve got a killer figure. Show it off! Elysia: ¡°. 11 "What''s got you so focused, huh?" Tarquin''s voice suddenly sounded right behind her. Elysia jumped, dropping her phone to the floor, screen up for all the world to see. Mortified, she lunged for it, but Tarquin got there first. Just then, another photo from Winona popped up a ckce number, barely there at all. Elysia, this one''s perfect for you! You''re so soft and fair-skinned, ckce will look insanely hot on you. Mr. Bradford won''t know what hit him-he''ll spoil you rotten! Elysia: ¡°. Her breath caught, face ming red, eyes round as saucers. She snatch the phone back under the covers, hiding in fol.ne sheets s Tarquin''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he gave her a wicked grin, then pounced on her through theforter. "Babe, I love your friends! Keep them around, yeah? I fully support this!" Before she could protest, his hand snuck under the covers. Elysia peeked out, breathless and flustered, "Stop it, you...mmph-" Tarquin silenced her with a kiss-forget the shower, he couldn''t wait another second! When Elysia finally woke the next morning, Tarquin was long gone. She was wearing a fresh tank top and sleep shorts-no prizes for §Ö guessing who''d dressed her. He''d been so fired upst night, keeping her up half the night until she''d passed out from exhaustion. s Had he bathed her? Dressed her? When had he even gotten up? She had no clue. Her head was spinning. Groaning, she rolled out of bed, wincing at the soreness all over, and stumbled to the bathroom. Thank God it was just muscle aches. She cursed Tarquin under her breath as she crawled back into bed, sleeping straight through until afternoon. Readplete version only at find?novel When she woke again, it was already two o''clock. Her phone was full of messages from Tarquin, Winona, and Blossom. She Aplied to the bem. all Heading downstairs for something to eat. s yton Hawkins and Pam Patel were in the living room. As soon as Elysia appeared, yton called out, "Sleeping Beauty''s finally up! Hungry?" Elysia: ¡°...Starving.¡± "I saved you some lunch. Let me go heat it up." yton headed straight for the kitchen with practiced ease. Pam gave her a curious look. ¡°Late night? You slept half the day!" Elysia blushed, mumbling, ¡°. Just went to bedte." Chapter 1410 Pam asked, "Is this about Punikon? I heard from your dad that the school already expelled him." "Yeah, the whole Punikon thing is over now. You and Dad don''t have to worry about it." Elysia instinctively knelt down to check Pam''s pulse, just like she always did. Pam was stable these days-as long as nothing too upsetting happened, she was doing pretty well. Her mind still wasn''t as sharp as it used to be, but there had been a lot of improvement. After finishing, Elysia smiled and said, "You''re doing great, Mom. Your health''s looking really good today. Gold star for you." Pam beamed at thepliment, "I''ve been doing everything you said-taking my medicine, eating on time, going to bed on time. Oh! And I''ve been sticking to those after-dinner walks. Your dad can vouch for me." yton came out of the kitchen carrying dinner tes, Chapters first released on Find1Novel "She''s right, I can back her up. She''s been doing fantastic. Irene,e on, dinner''s ready!" "Okay, I''ming." With a smile, Elysia followed her mom to the dining room. She started eating, while yton and Pam sat with her, chatting as they ate. "Tarquin called me at lunch," yton said, "He wanted to check if you were awake. He didn''t call you himself because he was worried he''d wake you up." Elysia asked, "He didn''te home for lunch?" "Nope." She figured he must''ve eaten at work, so she didn''t think much of it. She asked, "Did he need something?" "No, just wanted to check in on you. Oh, and he said you don''t need to pick up the kids today-he''ll grab them on his way home." "He''s picking them up?" "Yep." Elysia didn''t give it another thought, taking a sip of her chicken soup. "Alright then, I''ll stay home. I''ll fold paper cranes for Grandma and Grandpater." "Sounds good. We''ll all do it together. By the way, Irene, our new house is finally ready. Your mom and I are nning to move in." Elysia looked surprised, "Already? That was fast." "Yeah, it was pretty much move-in, ready when we bought it. We just made a few changes here and there nothing major. We can move anytime s "Did you check for any issues? Like, you know, mold or anything?" "Checked everything. All clear." Elysia breathed a sigh of relief. She hated the thought of her parents moving out, but she understood why. They wanted to give her a home of her own here in Jindale City-a ce that was just hers, not connected to Tarquin any way. Somewherd she could go whenever she wanted, especially if she and her husband ever had a spat. She wouldn''t be left with nowhere to turn. belongs to s Even though Tarquin was wonderful and her parents knew it, they still insisted on having their own ce-just in case. She understood. She didn''t try to talk them out of it. "So, when are you thinking of moving?" "How about tomorrow or the day after? The kids are off from school, so it''ll be more fun to move together." "Alright, I''ll talk to Tarquin when he gets home and see if it fits his schedule." "Don''t be sad, honey," yton said kindly. "Even after we move out, we''ll still see you every day. We''re just down the road!" To stay close to Elysia, yton had bought a house in the same neighborhood-a cozy single-family home. Elysia grinned, "I''m not sad! After you move, I''ll juste over to your ce for dinner all the time. Dad''s cooking is my favorite." yton beamed with pride, "Anytime you want, sweetheart. I''ll cook for you every day!" "Deal!" Elysia said, then added, "What about Hawkins Sea-freight? Are you really not going back to the office?" "It''s fine. Everything''s running smoothly at Hawkins now. If anything importantes up, I''ll do a video call I''m staying here in ndale City for good and t I''must go back to check on things once in a while." s Chapter 1411 yton let out a deep sigh and said with heartfelt emotion, "I''ve missed out on over twenty years with you. I didn''t just let you down-I let your mom down too. Now, with the years we have left, I just want to spend as much time together as I can." Truth was, he''d been thinking about retirement for a while now. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized his daughter wasn''t exactly cut out for the family business. And his son-inw... well, Tarquin was a good guy, sure. But people change. Who''s to say that ten or twenty years down the road, Tarquin would care for their daughter the way he does now? So, no way was he about to just hand Hawkins Sea-freight over to Tarquin. They wanted it to stay in the family meant for their daughter. After all, Hawkins Sea-freight was their blood, sweat, and tears. Tarquin may have married in, but he didn''t build it. Thepany was supposed to be her safety, her backbone. If he was being honest, the most suitable person to inherit it would be Elliot. Elliot was a business prodigy, even as a kid. Someday, he''d be every bit as capable as Tarquin-maybe more so. Plus, Elliot was loyal to the family. Giving him thepany was as good as giving it to their daughter. But Elliot was still so young. y couldn''t bear to dump all that pressure on the little guy just yet. So he''d keep running things for now, and wait until Elliot was older. There''d be time to figure it all out. Elysia felt a rush of gratitude. How lucky was she, to have parents who loved her this much? They were Oceanopolis natives-actually, the wealthiest family in the city. And they''d left everything behind to move to Jindale City, just to be with her. "Dad, if you ever need to go back to Oceanopolis, just let us know ahead of time. Mom and I can go with you, if we''re free." "Of course, sweetheart. Of course." After lunch, Elysia got back to folding paper stars¡ªa little family tradition they''d picked uptely, getting ready for the uing holiday. The spare room downstairs was already packed with boxes of them. Preschool let out at 4:30, and half an hour before, Elysia called Tarquin to double- check. Once she confirmed that he''d be picking up the kids, she stayed home and didn''t head out. Right on time, Tarquin sent her a video-he''d picked up the kids and filmed them all waving hello. "Got them safe and sound," he said. "Don''t worry. Just wait for us at home." All five little ones squeezed into the frame to greet her. Everything seemed perfectly normal. ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? Find1Novel But then, out of nowhere, she got a message from the teacher¡ªand things took a weird turn. The teacher wrote: "Hi Evan''s mom! I just realized Evan forgot to take home his craft .ne? assignment. Would you be able to printout another copy for him at home?" s Elysia replied, "Sure, just send me the file." Teacher: "Will do. And if he has any questions on how to do it, he can ask Elliot, Emmett, or Elijah." No mention of Baby-Baby wouldn''t know, anyway. Elysia frowned. "Did he not pay attention in ss? Why doesn''t he know how to do it?" Teacher: "He was out sick today." Elysia''s heart skipped a beat. She called the teacher immediately. "Evan was out sick today?" "Yeah, didn''t you know? His dad called and said he had a stomachache, so he''d be resting at home." "Was it Evan who called in, or his dad?" "His dad, of course. He said you told him to let Evan stay home and rest." Elysia pressed her lips together, forcing herself to stay calm. ¡°Alright, thanks for letting me know." When she hung up, she headed straight upstairs, phone in hand. yton and Pam poked their heads out of the kitchen, noticet her expression. "Everything alrights Elysia?¡± s "No for Dad. Evan''s teacher just forgot to send his homework th going to print it for him in the study." belongs to s "Alright, honey." As soon as she turned the corner, her face darkened. She was seething. That man. Sneaking around, letting their son skip school behind her back? Oh, he was in for it. Chapter 1412 About ten minutester, Tarquin came back with the kids. Get full chapters from f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l? He looked sharp as ever in his tailored suit, holding Baby in one arm and carrying her backpack in the other. Baby had her hair in two cute pigtails, a bunny-shaped hair clip perched on her head. She was wearing a princess dress with white knee-high socks, and her shoes-limited-edition Mary Janes with little pearls were the envy of every little girl in her ss. Her big round eyes, chubby rosy cheeks, and fair skin made her the picture of adorable mischief-a ssic cutie pie. The four boys led the way in matching shirts and cks, each with a lookalike backpack slung over their shoulders. Before they even got through the door, they were already calling out, "Nana! Pops! We''re home!" "Hey, hey!" yton and Pam came rushing out, beaming with joy. Seeing their four handsome grandsons, the couple couldn''t help themselves¡ª hugging one, kissing another,ughing all the while. Baby, still in Tarquin''s arms, kicked her little legs excitedly and called out, "Nana, Pops, I''m home too! Look, I''m right here!" yton chuckled and hurried over. "Of course Pops sees you, Baby! Come here, let me hold my little princess." He scooped Baby up from Tarquin and spun her around, making her giggle with delight. He barely had time to enjoy the moment before Pam swooped in, "Nana''s turn! Let''s go inside, I made cookies!" Tarquin gave a gentle, "Hey, Mom, Dad." yton and Pam nodded and herded everyone inside, still smiling ear to ear. Pam and the kids walked ahead, chatting, while yton and Tarquingged behind. yton leaned in and lowered his voice. "Did you upset Irene again today?" Tarquin''s expression shifted. "What happened?" "I dunno, after she talked to Evan''s teacher on the phone, she seemed off." Tarquin blinked, "She called Evan''s teacher?" "Yeah." "What''d they talk about?" "Something about Evan''s homework. I''m not sure. I just heard Irene say she was going upstairs to print out some assignments for him." Printing homework? Well, that definitely means the cat''s out of the bag. yton eyed him. "So what exactly did you do?" Tarquin decided honesty was the best policy. "I took Evan to visit a military technology base. He''s always wanted to go." "Oh, well, that''s not so bad. Evan''s always been into that stuff-military gear, weapons Irene knows that. She''d probably support it. Wait, you took him today?¡± s yton caught on. Today''s Friday. Evan should''ve been in school! Tarquin nodded sheepishly, "... Yeah." yton''s eyes widened. "You let him skip school on a Friday?!" Tarquin looked awkward. "It wasn''t skipping-we asked for leave." yton just stared at him for a long moment, lips pressed together, then finally shook his head. "You are so busted. I mean it. You know how Irene is about school! Remember before the semester started, Baby cried every morning her eyes were all puffy-and Irene still wouldn''t let her take a day off! What on earth gave you the nerve to sneak Evan out?!" s Tarquin mumbled to himself. Well, the nerve came from me, I guess. Last night, aftering home from the gym, Elysia had been in a great mood and pretty much let him do whatever he wanted. Their night had gone... very well. And this morning, he''d seen the news from Thyania, and that had put him in an even better mood. Thyania''s martial artsmunity was inviting fighters from all over the world to a big friendship tournament-Evan''s grandfathe was leading the charge with a huge cash prize that was allover the international headlines. s It was all thanks tost night''s big match. Exactly what Tarquin had hoped for. On the way to school, the kids had showered him with praise, saying he''d been the coolest dad ever in the ringst night. Honestly, it was hard not to feel on top of the world. Chapter 1413 The kids'' praise totally went to his head! He got so carried away, he called in sick to work just to help Evan fulfill his dream. Now, he regretted it. Why did he have to take off today of all days? Couldn''t he have just waited until tomorrow? Tomorrow was Saturday-Evan didn''t even have school! But regret was useless now. yton saw his son-inw looking all gloomy and couldn''t help but feel sorry for him. He sighed and said, "You''re probably better off going to apologize first. Same old drill-if she starts smacking you, just yell for help. We''lle rescue you." Tarquin managed a weak smile. "...Thanks, Dad." Out in the living room, Pam was carrying the baby off to find Lan. Elliot, Emmett, and Elijah had just said hi to Elysia. The moment they spotted Tarquin walk in, the three little guys dashed over to him. Elliot whispered, "Dad, Mom found out you called the school for Evan. She''s got murder in her eyes." Emmett nodded seriously. "She''s so mad, I think she wants to eat you alive!" Elijah chimed in, "Dad, she''s probably really going to hit you. Brace yourself." Tarquin winced. "...Where''s Evan?" "Mom kept him upstairs with her." "She''s giving him a talking to?" Tarquin had barely finished the sentence when Evan came trudging down the stairs. He spotted Tarquin, shrugged helplessly, and said, "Dad, you''re toast. Seriously. Mom''s on the warpath." Tarquin asked, ¡°Did you tell her everything?" "Yeah, I had to! If I didn''t, she''d get even angrier. I do not want Mom angrier." Tarquin groaned. "So what did she say?" l.ne Evan replied honestly, "She said this was a one-time deal. No more skipping school behind her back, and definitely no more faking sick! s ¡°She also said, yeah, I messed up, but admitting mistakes and making it right is what a good kid does." Tarquin pressed, "And then?" "Then she patted my head, gave me a hug, let me go, and sent me down here. She told me to send you up." Evan added, "Oh, and she''s still really mad at you!" Tarquin asked, "Did you try to plead my case?" Evan straightened up, looking all noble. "Of course! You only got in trouble because of me, so I had to say something-but...no luck. She told me Kid let the grown-ups handle this.'' So Dad, I did my best. You''re on your own, buddy s Tarquin gave him a look, but didn''t bother with the fact his own son was calling him buddyke some. old pal. He just started up the stairs, resigned to his fate. s yton called after him, "Tarquin, remember-if she starts swinging, yell loud! We''lle save you." Tarquin shot his father-inw a thumbs-up over his shoulder. Upstairs, the bedroom door was closed. Tarquin knocked gently. "Elysia...?" "Get in here!" Elysia snapped, her tone sharp as a whip. Tarquin''s mouth twitched. He opened the door, stepped into the bedroom, and closed it behind him. Elysia was sitting on the couch, ring at him so fiercely it was like she was wielding kitchen knives with her eyes. This update is avable on findnovel Trying to lighten the mood, Tarquin shed his most charming grin, hoping maybe, just maybe, his looks could win him some mercy. "Hey, honey..." Elysia was having none of it. After all these years, that smile might have worked on some young girl, but it was no match for Elysia in full fury. She bared her teeth, her eyes zing. "What are you grinning about? What''s so funny?!" Chapter 1414 The corners of Tarquin''s mouth twitched as he strode over, his long legs eating up the distance. Just as Elysia was about to explode, he suddenly dropped to his knees with a dramatic thud! Elysia''s eyes went wide. "?!" She instinctively tried to jump up, but Tarquin held her in ce. Still kneeling in front of her, he started apologizing. "This whole thing was my fault today. I shouldn''t have called Evan out of school behind your back-and told them he was sick, no less!" "I realize now what a dumb move that was. I promise, I won''t do it again!" "People say admitting mistakes is the first step to fixing them, right? So please, honey, give me a break just this once." Elysia was so thrown off by his kneeling, she just stared, blinking,pletely speechless for a moment. "You... get up first!" "Not unless you forgive me, babe!" Elysia was getting flustered. "Don''t you know a man''s knees aren''t for kneeling?!" "I know, but I''m not kneeling to anyone else¡ªjust my own wife. No shame in that." Elysia''s eyelid twitched. "Get up!" "Nope!" "Tarquin!" Suddenly, Elysia shouted, "Are you asking for a beating?!" Tarquin immediately handed her a coat hanger. "Use the hanger, honey. Don''t hurt your hand." "You-! You think I can''t bring myself to hit you, is that it?!" "No, no, I deserve it. Go ahead, I''m ready." "You..." Elysia''s cheeks were bright red, but she couldn''t deny he was being so sincere about apologizing! She just couldn''t bring herself to hit him. Unable to hit him, she started lecturing instead. "I''ve never seen a dad like you! You actually take your son out of school and teach him to lie! What''s going through your head?!" "You even told them he had a stomach ache! What, are you trying to make sure he knows exactly how to fake being sick next time he wants to skip ss?!" Tarquin said, ¡°You''re right, honey, I''m sorry." "Evan''s already a handful-the naughtiest of the bunch! If you don''t teach him right, I''m the one left worrying he''s going to be out of control) and you''re over here making it worse! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!" s "Honey, please, don''t be mad. I really get it now," Tarquin pleaded. Elysia let out an exasperated sigh. "I''m not stupid. Even on this trip back home, I could see Evan''s smarter than most kids his age But heus no matter how smart he is he stick needs to go to school!" belongs to s ¡°Do you think I send them to preschool just so they can memorize the alphabet? There''s only so much you can learn from books at that age!" Tarquin nodded, "I get it, I do. You want them to adjust, make friends, learn b to deal with new people and situations. That''s what really matters while they''re growing up. s Elysia gritted her teeth. "So you understand, and you still skipped school with him!" "Which is why I deserve to be punished. Just don''t make yourself sick over it. If you need to hit me, go ahead." Elysia snapped, "You''re impossible!" Tarquin nodded, "Yup. I''m the worst." "You... You''re really driving me crazy!" "How about I hit myself for you?" Elysia was speechless. No matter what she said, Tarquin just kept agreeing with everything, nodding along. He was basically the poster child for "apologize sincerely and often." No-he was ridiculously good at it! Eventually, Elysia''s anger fizzled out. N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on FindN0vel She tossed the hanger aside. "Fine, get up. I''ll let it go this time. But if you dare do it again, I really will smack you!" Tarquin looked like he''d just been pardoned by the president. "Thank you, my lovely wife, for your mercy! I''ll remember this for the rest of my life!" Elysia shot back immediately. "Who said you''re off the hook? I said I wouldn''t hit you, but you''re sleeping in the guest room tonight." Tarquin had just gotten to his feet when he dropped back down to his knees with another dramatic thud. "Wait, what did you say?" Elysia enunciated clearly, "I said, you''re sleeping in the guest room tonight!" Tarquin panicked. "No way! Just hit me instead!" He picked up the hanger and tried to hand it back. Elysia refused. "I said I wouldn''t hit you, and I won''t. But maybe a night in the guest room will help you remember this lesson!" Chapter 1415 "Honey..." "Don''t call me. I''m going down for dinner. If you want to kneel, be my guest." Elysia strode toward the door, and Tarquin scrambled after her. He grabbed her arm, but she shook him off. Just as Elysia reached for the doorknob, Tarquin made a split-second decision. He pressed her gently against the door, blocking her path with his arm. He was determined to make her forgive him! He tried to kiss her, but Elysia turned her head away. "Tarquin, do you want a ck eye that badly?!" "Babe, I know I messed up. You can smack me if you want, but please don''t say we''re over-" Before Tarquin could finish, a tiny voice piped up from the hallway: "Big bro, second bro, third bro, Elijah-what are you guys doing lying in front of mom and dad''s door?" Elysia froze. "!" Tarquin froze. "!" She shoved Tarquin aside and flung open the door. All four kids were huddled outside, looking as guilty as a pack of puppies caught stealing cookies. Their eyes darted everywhere but at her. For a few stunned seconds, Elysia could only stare. Then she found her voice. "When... when did you all get here?" Elliot chimed in, "Just now!" Evan added, ¡°Maybe ten minutes ago?" Emmett mumbled, "We came upstairs with Dad." Elijah said, "We just got here!" All four answered at once, none of them matching. Elysia''s eyes narrowed. "So you''ve all learned to lie just like your dad, huh?" The kids looked at each other, then quickly corrected themselves, "We came up right after Dad did!" Elysia crossed her arms. "And why exactly did youe up?" Elliot answered for the group, "We were worried you''d actually hit Dad, so we were ready to rush in and kneel with him. You know, to beg you to forgive him!" Elysia whipped around and red at Tarquin, her eyes practically shooting daggers. Seriously? Even the kids know you kneel for forgiveness?! Tarquin, however, just shrugged, lookingpletely unbothered. and his "My dad did it before me, dad before him. There''s no shame in a husband kneeling to his wife. Being afraid of your wife just means you love her! If my dad could keel to my mom, I can sure as heck kneel toyou. Someday, the boys''t know it''s a family tradition!" s Elysia was speechless. She couldn''t even argue with his logic, so she just gritted her teeth. "Starting tonight, you''re sleeping in the guest room. Don''t even think abouting back to our bed unless I say so." She said it with finality, scooped up the youngest, and marched downstairs. Tarquin sighed. The four boys looked at him with a mix of sympathy and helplessness. "We were just trying to help, Dad." ?????? ???? Find[?]ovel "At least you didn''t get smacked." Tarquin groaned, "Honestly, I''d rather have gotten smacked..." ... Downstairs, yton had been watching the whole scene unfold from the bottom of the stairs. As soon as he saw his daughtering down, he called out, "Irene,e help your old man dish up dinner." "Coming," Elysia replied, setting the youngest down and heading for the kitchen. yton took the chance to plead Tarquin''s case. "You know, Tarquin''s not a bad guy He just spoils the kids a bit. That''s a heck of a lot better than those deadbeat dads who don''t care about their kids at all.¡± belongs to s "Especially for a CEO. Most guys in his position wouldn''t even know their kids'' birthdays, let alone spend time with them." "I know you''re strict about their grades, but a little scolding is enough. Don''t go too hard on him." Elysia grinned. "Don''t worry, Dad. I''m not really mad at him." yton shook his head. "Not mad? You''re making him sleep in the guest room! Trust me, as someone who''s been married a long time that''s the ultimate punishment." s Elysia couldn''t help but tease him. "Rx, Dad. I''m not torturing your son-inw." She leaned in and whispered something in his ear, then grabbed the tes and headed out of the kitchen. yton''s eyes lit up, and he chuckled, shaking his head. "Those two lovebirds. They''ll be just fine." Chapter 1416 Tarquin had alreadye downstairs, looking like a puppy who just got scolded. Elysia ignored him, carrying her te of food straight into the dining room. Tarquin sighed and strode into the kitchen. "Dad, what did Elysia say to you?" yton lowered his voice, "Don''t get all gloomy. She said she''s moving into the guest room for two reasons: one, to punish you, and two, to get a surprise ready for you." Tarquin blinked. "A surprise?" "Yep." "What kind of surprise?" "She didn''t say. So even if you were a total angel today, she''d still find some reason to kick you out." Tarquin groaned, "Can I just skip the surprise and keep my wife?" yton shrugged. "Hey, don''t ask me. Go ask her." Tarquin threw a nce at Elysia. She shot him a re. He tried shing her a winning smile. She rolled her eyes so hard it looked like she might pull a muscle. Tarquin: ... Yeah, no need to ask. That''s a hard no. Elysia turned away, but couldn''t help grinning to herself. Silly guy, as if she''d really want to sleep apart if not for the surprise she was nning for him! Her husband deserved a little spoiling, after all. Sure, he''d skipped out with Evan the other day. A bit of scolding was enough¡ª she wouldn''t banish him to the couch just for that. But his birthday wasing up fast, and she needed time to set up his surprise... And if it''s going to be a surprise, he absolutely can''t know what it is. That means he''ll just have to suffer a little now for a sweet rewardter. Dyed gratification, babe! ... Once Tarquin realized there was a surprise in store, his mood lifted. But a night without his wife beside him? Pure torture. He tossed and turned, then finally called Keaton Huber. Keaton picked up instantly, but sounded like he wanted to hang up just as fast. "Dude, you calling me thiste? Make it quick, I''m busy chatting up a girl right now." Tarquin raised an eyebrow. "Where''d you find a girl?" "Just met her tonight, and trust me, she''s about to be my girlfriend. So spit it out, don''t ruin my game." Before Tarquin could answer, Keaton suddenly had a realization. "Wait, shouldn''t you be cuddling with Elysia right now? Why the heck are you calling me? Hold up-did she kick you out of bed?!" Tarquin: ... Keaton heard the silence and burst outughing, "Dude, what did you do to get yourself exiled? Bro, you must''ve broken some kind of holy rule!" Tarquin scowled, refusing to take the bait. Instead, he ryed everything Elysia had told him earlier. Then, more seriously, he warned Keaton: "Look, I don''t care if you or not or no want to chase after What but if you ever make her cry:ing for you. Elysia made me promise." s Keaton was absolutely bbergasted. "Man, you arepletely whipped! Seriously, don''t you ever think about your bros? It''s all about your wife, huh?" "It''s bad enough you put your wife first-now you gotta protect her best friend, too?" "So what, I''m not as important as your wife? Fine. But now I''m not even as important as your wife''s bestie? That''s cold, man!" "You know what, Tarquin? I don''t care about anyone''s opinion, but gotta hand it to you-you are the mosthenpecked man I know Aren''t you even a little embarrassed?" s "What''s so scary about women anyway? I just don''t get it. If I ever get married, I''ll be the king of the castle. My word will bew!" Mr. Huber was still young and clueless. Mr. Bradford, on the other hand, knew better. "The louder you talk, the harder you''ll get knocked down, trust me." Keaton scoffed, "No way I''ll ever be whipped like you! I''m 100% alpha, man. Oh, wait, the girl''s sending me a voice note-gotta go!" "As for Winona, rx. We''re just velmet friends. I swear, I''ll never make move. If I do, I''ll babysit her grandkids or something! out!" s Readplete version only at f?ndnovel gaussien vay, l¨¤m Keaton hung up, clearly eager to get back to his date. Tarquin didn''t bother calling again. He rolled over and texted Elysia. [Hey babe, you still awake?] [Can''t sleep. Miss you.] No reply. After a while, he tried again. [Babe, I''m going to bed. Can I get a goodnight kiss? Do I deserve one?] Elysia: ... She couldn''t help but think of that meme that was blowing up onlely¡ªa series of dramatic, needy texts. Honestly, this man was asking for it. But hey, her husband deserved a little pampering. Elysia replied, [Goodnight kiss, mwah.] Tarquin grinned and texted back, [Love you.] He even sent a sticker of a cartoon hugging and kissing. Elysia smiled, her lips quirking up. [I''m going to bed now. Don''t bug me.] Tarquin: [Love you, love you, love you, Elysia, I love you!] Elysiaughed quietly to herself. "Silly man, such a big baby sometimes." Honestly, men are just grown-up kids. When a man''spletely at ease with a woman, he turns into the goofiest version of himself. Elysia didn''t reply again. She closed the chat and got to work¡ªnot on medicine this time, but on nning her husband''s birthday surprise... Chapter 1417 Time flew by, and before they knew it, the end of the month had arrived. Because the priest at the local church had changed the date twice, the final exhumation was set for 10 a.m. on September 26th. It was only a few days before Tarquin''s birthday, which fell on September 29th. The night before the exhumation, Elysia went over the checklist for the next day, reading it again and again. After she''d memorized every detail, she double-checked all the things they''d need, determined not to let a single thing slip through the cracks. She genuinely admired Kendrick and Elizabeth, herte parents-inw, from the bottom of her heart. Elysia never quite knew how to express the love she felt for them as a daughter- inw. All she could do was make sure tomorrow''s reburial ceremony would go perfectly her own way of showing respect. By the time she finished, it was already 11 p.m. The kids were fast asleep, so Elysia headed to the study to find Tarquin. He was sitting at his desk, smoking, but quickly stubbed it out when he saw her. Elysia walked over, picked up his lighter, and lit a new cigarette for him herself. "If you''re stressed, just smoke," she said softly. Tarquin put out the cigarette again, then pulled her into his arms. "No matter how bad I''m feeling, I just need to see you. You''re better than any cigarette, you know that?" Elysia sat down on hisp, arms around his neck without even thinking about it. "I went through the checklist again," she said. "Everything''s set for tomorrow. No mistakes. First thing in the morning, we''ll go pick up Mom." "Thank you, babe." She hugged him a little tighter. "It''s already eleven. Shouldn''t you head over to the old house?" Kendrick''s memorial was kept in the family chapel at the old house. Find the newest release on f?ndnovel The priest had asked Tarquin to spend the night there, joining in prayers with the monks to prepare for the reburial in the morning. Superstitious or not, Elysia figured anything that brought peace of mind to the living was worth it. Tarquin nced at the clock. "Yeah, I should get going. You get some rest. I''ll be back early to pick you guys up." "Promise me you won''t be too sad, okay? I worry about you." He smiled pinched her cheek affectionately, "I won''t be sad, you''re right We should be happy and Dad finally get to be together again. It''s a good thing." s Elysia nodded. "Exactly. If we''re happy, they''ll be happy too." She rested her cheek on his shoulder: "Even if they can''t be here you still have me and the kids als always be with you, no matter what.¡± s Tarquin was touched. He ran his hand gently through her hair. Just then, Tarquin''s phone rang-Lowell was calling, reminding him it was time to head to the old house. Elysia let out a deep breath and climbed off hisp. "Alright, go on. You''ve got important things to do." "Yeah. You get some sleep." "I will." They hugged one more time and left the study together. Tarquin walked her back to their bedroom, watched her get into bed, tucked the nket around her, and kissed her forehead before he left. At the door, he couldn''t help but look back at her. "Goodnight, sweetheart." Elysia, already wrapped up in herforter, replied in her best cheerful voice, "Night, honey. See you tomorrow!" Tarquin grinned, turned off the light, and closed the door behind him. He met up with Lowell, and as soon as they got in the car, Tarquin''s phone rang again. It was a call from an anonymous number. Tarquin had a feeling he knew what wasing, narrowed his eyes, and answered. He stayed silent, and so did the caller. After a long pause, the voice on the other end finally spoke, distorted by a voice changer. "Ran into Big Gale Windham out on the Antic. That shipment snudet oukthrough Hawkins Shipping Just got it-and it''s been switched.'' M? " s There was a weary sigh. "Tarquin, you really aren''t going to make life easy for me, are you?" Tarquin recognized the mysterious caller immediately. He didn''t bother with small talk. "Are youing tomorrow or not?" Chapter 1418 The mysterious caller said, "I''d love toe, but I can''t risk it. If I show up, you''ll just nab me. Way too dangerous." Tarquin didn''t reply. He lit a cigarette, took a slow drag, and stared out the window. "Is it you?" he finally asked. The caller shot back, "Is it who?" Tarquin said, ¡°My dad treated you pretty well back in the day. You used to be a real patriot, too." The mysterious man let out a low, creepy chuckle. "Patriotism? Please. I love money more. Why don''t you take a guess who I am? If you get it right, I''lle see you tomorrow." Tarquin said nothing. He wasn''t about to say the name on his mind¡ªnot until thest possible second. What if he was wrong? It could put him in the crosshairs. He took another puff, tapped the ash into a coffee mug, and kept his tone steady. "If you want the real Gen-8 virus, you''ll have toe see me in person. No show, no deal." The caller replied, "But you haven''t even found it yet. Once you do, I''lle running." He sighed, "I''m sorry about your parents. Really. But don''t me us for being ruthless. They were the ones who went too far!" "We spent decades on this research. Poured in a fortune. You think we''d just let them walk off with it?" "And we sure as hell weren''t going to let them leak anything back to Zhinora." "They were way out of their league, trying to y hero!" Tarquin''s jaw tightened, his eyes dark. "You don''t get to talk about my parents. Aren''t you a Zhinorian too? Aren''t you worried this virus could wipe you out as well?" The mystery manughed. "Who told you I was from Zhinora?" Tarquin shot back, "Aren''t you?" He dodged, "I never said I was. Never said I wasn''t. Why don''t you guess?" Tarquin wasn''t in the mood for games. "Why''d you call me? What do you want?" The caller said, "What if I told you I just want to keep you from getting hurt? Would you believe that?" Tarquin was silent. The man continued, "I know how much you loved your parents. Thinking about them must really get to you." "Honestly, I feel for you. I cared about your folks too. If they hadn''t gone down the wrong path, we might have been good friends." Tarquin flicked his ash. "If there''s nothing else, I''m hanging up." There was no point arguing over whose path had gone astray. He didn''t want to listen to any more nonsense. "Hold on," the caller said. "There''s something I don''t get. The antidote your team developed it reminded us of someone. Tracey." "But from what we know, she''s been dead for years." "So, is she faking it, or do you have some new genius on your side?" "Andst time you went to Darkfort City, I doubt you were just there for a hike." "Elysia, along with Elliot, Evan, et For more chapters visit Find1Novel Emmett, disappeared in those woods for five years. Not only did they survive but they all came back with some serious skills." s "What''s really in those woods?" Tarquin wasn''t surprised at the questions. In fact, it reassured him. If the guy was fishing for info, it meant he hadn''t found anything out op his own Grandpa and Grandma''s secrets were still safe. s Tarquin kept his voice calm. "If you want answers, do your own digging." The caller chuckled again. "Digging''s a pain. I''d rather just ask you. We could trade-info for info et You tell me what want to know tell you what you want toI know." s Tarquin asked, ¡°And what could you possibly tell me?" Chapter 1419 The stranger said, "I can give you information on Zane." He leaned in, lowering his voice. "And I can help you make Axel disappear. He just went off to Mariana Land, right? All I need to do is pull a few strings, and he''ll nevere back. He''ll die out there, and no one will ever know." Tarquin''s eyes narrowed, his expression going colder. "News about Zane isn''t worth trading for my intel," he said tly. "And as for Axel..." He leaned forward, his tone sharp. "Go ahead, try something. See if Axel gets hurt because of you. If anything does happen to him, I''ll make sure you regret it." "When I find the real eighth-generation virus, I''m handing it right over to the government. We have nothing more to discuss." There was a long silence on the other end before the mysterious caller spoke again. "Kidding, rx. Axel''s not my problem-never was. Sorry for your loss, pal. But when you get your hands on that virus, I''lle see you myself." The line went dead. Tarquin listened to the dial tone, his brow furrowed in frustration. Lowell was driving, ncing at Tarquin through the rearview mirror. "Mystery man?" he asked. "Yeah." "Think he''ll try to hurt Axel?" Tarquin shook his head. "He wouldn''t dare. We''re not the ones begging for help- he''s the one who needs something from us. If he steps out of line, he loses his shot at a deal." Lowell hesitated, then asked, "Do you know where the eighth-generation virus really is?" Tarquin''s reply was simple: "We''ll find out when we open the coffin." Lowell took a moment, then tried again. "Tarquin, is your suspect... who I think it is?" Tarquin looked up, their eyes meeting in the mirror. He didn''t answer, but the silence was telling. Lowell understood. He frowned, ncing at Tarquin with a look of sympathy. If it really was that person, how much would it hurt Tarquin? The car fell silent, the tension thick. After what felt like ages, Tarquin''s phone started to ring again. This time, it was someone familiar-Soren. Soren had loved Elizabeth his whole life and had never married. A respected general, tough as nails, but gentle when it came to her. Tarquin steadied himself and answered. "Soren." "Tarquin, I''m at the foot of the hill. I want to go up to the chapel to spend some time with your mother. Let whoever''s on security know I''ming." Ever since Elizabeth''s ashes were interred there, Tarquin had posted his most trusted people to keep watch. "When did you get back?" Tarquin asked. Soren sounded tired. ¡°Just now. As soon as theard you''d found your mothers ashes wanted toe back but there''s been unrestat the border and I couldn''t get away." s "She''ll be buried with your father tomorrow. Once she''s in that casket, I might never see her again." Tarquin knew how deep Soren''s feelings for his mother ran-part et love part friendship part family. Soren''s devotion wash any less than his father''s. s Latest content published on F¦ÉndNovel "I''ll make the call now," Tarquin said. "Thank you." After hanging up, Tarquin called the security team and told them to let Soren through. About half an hourter, he and Lowell arrived at the Hawkins Mansion. The old family home was empty now, except for cleaning staff. No one from the Bradfords lived there anymore. Usually, it was quiet as a grave. But not today. The ce was buzzing with noise, inside and out. In the chapel, a priest was reciting prayers. Qutside the main gates, Allegra Bradford was causing a Re scene with the rest of the family crying and shouting. Reporters crowded around, cameras shing. s To be clear, the others were quietly weeping. Allegra, though, was putting on a show. "Who do you think you are, opening Killian''s casket? How dare you let that woman through our door?" "No one in the Bradford family ever recognized her! What right does she have to be buried with Killian?" "If you want them buried together, you''ll have to bury me first!" Killian Bradford-that was Kendrick''s original name. Tarquin stepped out of the car in a sharp ck suit, his face cold as ice. Chapter 1420 "My mom wants to be buried next to my dad, not get a ce in the Bradford family mansion. She doesn''t need any of you to ept her! As long as my dad and I do, that''s enough!" "If any of you have a problem with it, keep it to yourselves. And if you can''t, go ahead and drop dead-I''ll even make sure you''re buried, out of respect for my dad!" The room full of weeping rtives quickly averted their eyes when Tarquin walked in, none daring to meet his gaze. Even the reporters wisely stepped aside, keeping their cameras down. Allegra, eyes red from crying, red at Tarquin and yelled, ???? ????s? ???????s ?? Find~Novel "You bastard! Your father lived as a Bradford and died as a Bradford! For your mom to be buried with him, the family has to agree!" "I''m the oldest now, so I call the shots. And we Bradfords don''t want that tramp Elizabeth in our family plot! She''s not worthy!" "If you dare bury them together, I''ll kill myself tonight just to show you!" Tarquin''s voice was icy. "Then do it now. But if you don''t, tomorrow I''ll make sure you''re dragged along and forced to watch my mom and dad be buried together." "And the rest of you, open your eyes tomorrow and see for yourselves you could never measure up to her." "She might be gone, but even her name is worth more than your lives." Then Tarquin turned to the security guards at the door, voice sharp as a whip. "If anyone tries anything, don''t bother stopping them. Just toss the bodies out and deal with themter." "If they don''t follow through, don''t let any of them leave. Tomorrow, bring them to the cemetery. Make them kneel and watch my mom''s burial." The guards nodded in unison. "Yes, sir!" Without looking back at the wailing crowd, Tarquin strode into the old house. He''d met plenty of women in his life. He knew the strength and dignity of his mother. He''d seen Elysia''s kindness and goodness, which made him despise women like Allegra even more. This bunch had always hated his mother. They once swore that if the Bradfords ever epted her, they''d all kill themselves in protest. When he was a kid, after returning to the Bradford estate, these women would openly badmouth his mother in front of him. They called her a homewrecker, a gold digger, said she was just after his dad, called her every name in the book-slut, whore, shameless tramp. s All of it, just jealousy. They envied her beauty, her education, her character, and most of all, his father''s love for her. They couldn''t stand seeing something so pure, so they tried to destroy it. He''d seen the worst of selfishness and cruelty in these women. If it hadn''t been for Gideon Bradford''s selfishness, and these women fueling the fire his parents wouldn''t have suffered so much for love. s They wouldn''t have had to move overseas, wouldn''t have died far from home, wouldn''t have left him to fend for himself. He wouldn''t have grown up without his parents'' protection, suffered so much, been through so much pain. And now, when he finally wanted to bring his mother home to rest beside his father, they came out crying, trying to stop him. Like they mattered at all. Well, if they wanted attention, he''d give them all they could handle. Tomorrow, he''d make sure they all saw make sure they saw, crystal clear, how he''d bring his mother home in glory to rest beside bis father. s The honor she''d have was something these women could only dream of in their lifetimes. Tarquin spent the night in the family chapel. At the first light of dawn, he left. ording to his n, he''d go back to Number One Mansion, pick up Elysia and the kids. Then, together, they''d go to the church to bring Elizabeth home. When he walked out of the Bradford estate, Allegra and the rest were still there- not a single one had made good on their threats. Seeing him, Allegra screamed, "Tell me! Just tell me what makes Elizabeth worthy of your father?! What makes her worthy of the Bradford family burial ground?!" Tarquin didn''t even spare her a nce. He got in his car and drove home. Chapter 1421 Number One Mansion. Just as dawn was breaking, everyone had already gathered. yton and Pam, Blossom and Winona, and Keaton and Booker Murphy were all there, along with Gale. Everyone was dressed in the same ck attire, waiting in the grand foyer of Number One Mansion for Tarquin. The kids had woken up early too, looking especially sharp today. The four brothers were dressed just like Tarquin-ck suits and trousers, crisp white shirts, ck ties, and matching armbands. Each wore a white lily pinned to theirpel. Their hair was slicked neatly back, all in the same style. Elysia and Baby wore matching ck dresses with simple zers over the top. Their hair was pulled back in low ponytails and their makeup was subtle, elegant, and solemn. After Tarquin returned, everyone gathered together to discuss a few final things. By a little after five in the morning, Tarquin was on the road with Elysia and the kids. On the drive, Elysia reached out and took Tarquin''s hand. "I saw online-the Bradford women went to the old estate again to stir up trouble?" Tarquin gave a wry, dismissive snort. "If they want to dig their own graves, I''ll let them." Elysia squeezed his hand gently. "You know exactly what kind of people they are. Don''t let them get to you¡ªthey''re not worth it. They''re nothing like your mom." Tarquin nodded. Women like them-would they ever put country or family above themselves? They imed his mother didn''t deserve a ce in the Bradford family plot, but honestly, having her there was a blessing for the Bradfords. If it weren''t for his father''s grave, he''d never have allowed it. "I''m not angry," he said. "Today, they''re the ones who should be upset." Elysia nodded, giving his hand another reassuring pat, then twined her fingers with his. She didn''t say anything else¡ªjust sat silently by his side, quietly supporting him. The five kids were unusually quiet today, too. They sat in the backseat, not squabbling or chattering, their faces serious and respectful. The church wasn''t open to the public today. At the entrance, besides Tarquin''s own people, there were a few inclothes security-Soren''s men. Tarquin led Elysia and the kids inside. Soren was kneeling at the altar rail, hands sped in prayer for Elizabeth. The priest said softly, "A soul who kneels so long carries a heavy heart." Soren had been there sincest night, kneeling motionless for hours. Tarquin walked up, gave a respectful bow, and called quietly, "Soren." Soren opened his eyes slowly, red-rimmed and tired. "You''re here," he said, his voice hoarse. Tarquin looked at Soren with a pang of sympathy. He stood up for his parents'' love, but he also respected Soren deeply-admired his sincerity, his selflessness, the way he loved without iming or disrupting always protecting, always caring, even if it meant loving from afar. s And he couldn''t help but pity Soren-devoted all his life, never able to win the heart he yearned for, forever fin a prisonve had built. s Just as the priest had said: a soul marked by suffering. Soren turned away to wipe his eyes, not one for small talk. He nced at Elysia, then at the kids. Elysia greeted him politely, then nudged the kids forward. "This is Soren. Say hello to Soren." In perfect unison, the kids chorused, "Hello, Soren." Soren rose stiffly from the kneeler. "Good, good," he said, voice thick with emotion "Come on, kids. Pay your respects to your grandmother. She loved children more than anything.¡± s The kids stepped forward solemnly, joining Tarquin and Elysia as they lit candles and knelt to pray for Elizabeth. They bowed respectfully to the priest and the attending elders, thanking them for watching over Elizabeth these past days. The priest took the white marble urn holding Elizabeth''s ashes from the altar, and ced it carefully in the sturdy oak box Tarquin had prepared. The rightful source is Find1Novel Tarquin lifted the box in his arms, and Elysia gently draped a scarlet cloth over the top. Chapter 1422 Embroidered across the velvet was the image of their family of seven-along with Elizabeth Kendrick''s name. They said their goodbyes to the monks at the abbey, and Tarquin personally carried Elizabeth''s urn down the hill. But just as they reached the foot of the hill, a squad of soldiers appeared. They stood in crisp formal uniforms, waiting at the roadside. Army, Navy, Air Force-the whole works. As soon as they saw Tarquin holding Elizabeth''s urn, every one of them snapped to attention and saluted, heads bowed in respect. Tarquin was caught off guard. "..." After the salute, one of the officers stepped forward to exin, "The higher-ups learned that Elizabeth and Kendrick would beid to rest together today. They asked us toe and pay our respects." "Given the current situation, their heroic deeds can''t be shared with the public yet. But we can''t let our heroes go unrecognized. We''re here to honor her and escort her back to her husband." Tarquin understood. He nodded, hugging his mother''s urn tightly and bowing in gratitude. The officers then turned to Soren, saluting once more. "Commander!" Soren returned the salute. "Let''s go. We can''t bete for Elizabeth''s burial." The group piled into the cars, heading toward Number One Manor. Tarquin had nned it all out-he wanted to take his mother to see Number One Manor onest time, then visit her old house, and finally, to the cemetery. Military vehicles led the way, a procession of ck sedans following close behind. They were giving her the respect she deserved. Elysia still had no idea about the details of the government operation. She was confused-why would the military brasse out personally to see them off? Soren''s presence made sense, sure. But the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force? That was something else. It wasn''t the right time to ask, though, so she just kept quiet. Tarquin caught her confusion and exined quietly, Follow current nov?ls on FindN()vel "Dad and Mom died serving the country. They gave their lives for the nation''s safety. That''s why the military''s here." Elysia''s eyes widened in shock. "!" She''d always believed her inws had died in a family dispute over money. She''d never imagined they were heroes. Her respect for Elizabeth and Kendrick deepened. She didn''t ask for details, just frowned, her expression solemn. "Your parents are our pride. We should all learn from them." She turned to the kids-Elliot, Evan, Emmett, Elijah, and baby Maddie-"You all need to learn from Grandpa and Grandma. They were heroes You''re their grandchildren-you have to remember what that means. s The five kids nodded together. "We''ll learn from Grandpa and Grandma!" Tarquin looked at his family, pride warming his chest. In his heart, he whispered: Mom, with such an amazing daughter-inw and grandkids, you must be proud, right? You used to ask me what kind of girl I wanted to marry. Well, you can see for yourself¡ªit had to be someone like Elysia. No one else would do. I love her, Mom. For the rest of my life, it''s her and only her. ... Their convoy rolled from the outskirts back into the city. Onlookers gathered on every corner. The news of Elizabeth and Kendrick being buried together had already gone viral overnight. At first, everyone thought it was just another rich family drama But when the bootary vehicles pulled up the whole city was stunned. s A military escort-that was the highest honor. No one knew exactly what Elizabeth had done. But they knew it had to be extraordinary. Even with Tarquin''s wealth, the military wouldn''t show up like untess truly mattered s One luxury car after another crossed the city streets, nked by military vehicles. The spectacle left everyone speechless. Soren gazed out the window, brow furrowed, and murmured, "This is what a hero deserves." Chapter 1423 Military vehicles led the way, government cars in tow, as Elizabeth made her grand return to Jindale City in a top-of-the-line luxury car. Even though all that was left of her now was an urn of ashes, she still managed to cause quite a stir across the entire city. It wasn''t just the regr folks and politicians who took notice-every member of Jindale''s high society felt the tremor of her arrival. Elizabeth''s name was anything but unfamiliar among the city''s elite. After all, her whirlwind romance with Kendrick had been the talk of the town back in the day. Most of the fancydies in the upper crust never liked her. To them, Elizabeth was just a girl from an ordinary background-she didn''t have the pedigree, the connections, or the family money. In their eyes, she wasn''t even worthy to shine their shoes. When news first broke about her and Kendrick, no one thought it wouldst. But then Kendrick turned his back on the entire Bradford family for her, moved overseas, got married, and started a family far from the city''s prying eyes. Suddenly, those same societydies were green with envy. In their world, love was in even shorter supply than loyalty. The women who''d never known real affection just couldn''t stand to see someone else adored so deeply by her husband. They didn''t even bother to get to know Elizabeth. Instead, they joined in with the Bradford family''s whispers, spreading rumors that Elizabeth was some kind of maniptive temptress who''d cast a spell on Kendrick. Then, when Elizabeth and Kendrick were killed in a car ident abroad, the gossip hit a fever pitch. "See? Trouble follows a pretty face," they crowed. "I said it from the start-Elizabeth was never respectable. Mr. Bradford was bound to run into trouble with her. Guess I was right." The tall tales only got wilder from there: Some said she''d been cheating overseas and was murdered by a jealous wife. Others imed she was keeping a boy toy who killed her in a rage. A few even whispered that her marriage with Kendrick fell apart after she got involved with a foreigner, and that they''d plotted to have each other killed. No one had a kind word for Elizabeth. Not a single one. Even after Tarquin took over as head of the Bradford family, the whispers never stopped: "So what if her husband loved her? So what if her son''s a big shot? She died a tragedy¡ªthe Bradfords never epted her!" "She''ll never set foot in the Bradford estate-not in this life!" "She''ll never be buried with Kendrick!" "She''ll never be recognized as Kendrick''s wife!" But now, here she wasing home in a car fit for royalty, with military honors and government officials making way. It was the kind sendoff that shook the city social scene to its core. s ? Chapters first released on F?nd-Novel The very same women who''d gossiped about her for years crowded around their TV screens with their friends, eyes glued to the live coverage. They needed to know: How on earth did Elizabeth, the woman they''d trashed for decades, manage to return with so much honor? Who the heck was she really, to get a military escort through the city? s Inside the luxury car, Tarquin held his mother''s urn as they made their way to Number One Mansion. He wanted to show her the home he''d built, to let her see her son''s house and know the way-just in case she ever wanted to visit. Next, he took her to the modest three-bedroom apartment where she''d once lived. The ce was filled with memories of Elizabeth''s youth. This time, just Tarquin and his mother''s ashes went upstairs. Elysia and the kids waited outside with the others. Little Baby clung to Elysia''s hand. "Mommy, howe we can''t go up too?" Elysia smiled gently. "This is where your grandma lived a long time ago. Let''s give your dad and grandma a few moments alone, okay? We shouldn''t bother them." s Emmett, ever curious, piped up, "Mom, do people really have souls after they die?" Even Evan couldn''t help but ask, "Mom, do you think Grandma knows we''re doing all this for her?" Elysia didn''t have an answer. Did people still exist after they were gone? Did souls really linger on, watching over the ones they loved? Was there another world out there, waiting for them? She could only hold her children close, searching forfort in questions that had no easy answers. Chapter 1424 Is there really such a thing as past lives and reincarnation? Can people remember their loved ones, their friends, and everything from before? No one really knows the answer to these questions. After all, who among the living can know what happens after death? Elysia shook her head. "I don''t know, sweetheart. But what I do know is that it''s a way for those left ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find?novel behind to express how much they miss the ones they''ve lost." "Doing these things... it helps ease the pain, at least a little." "If you keep all that hurt bottled up inside, it''s not good for you. Missing someone so much can really make you sick." The little girl tilted her face up, eyes wide and curious. "Mommy, does everyone die?" This time, Elysia nodded firmly. "Growing old, getting sick, dying¡ªit''s just part of life. We''re all just visitors here, passing through for a while, and then we move on." The little one pressed her lips together, tears brimming in her eyes. "But what if I don''t want you and Daddy to die? I don''t want to be apart from you and Daddy..." Elysia quickly knelt down, gently wiping away her daughter''s tears and pulling her into aforting hug. "Daddy and I aren''t going anywhere. We''ll always be with you, baby. We''re not leaving you." She was still too young to understand the bigger picture, so Elysia justforted her as best as she could. The little girl clung to her neck, sobbing softly. "I... I just think about being apart from you and Daddy and it makes me want to cry. Is Daddy really sad right now?" Elysia frowned, ncing up the stairs. He must be. And not just sad-heartbroken. After what felt like forever, Tarquin came down from upstairs, holding Elizabeth''s urn in his arms. His eyes were red-he''d clearly been crying. Elysia''s heart ached for him, but she didn''t say a word. She just gathered the kids and quietly followed behind him, offering silent support. They left the house and headed for the Bradford family cemetery. On the way, Tarquin asked Lowell to take a detour. He wanted to bring Elizabeth to visit Keith Garcia first. Tarquin didn''t harbor anger toward Keith anymore. What he felt now was moreplicated sympath understanding, and a deep gratitude for the way Keith had cared for Baby Garcia. s Keith was buried in a scenic spot, peaceful and beautiful. Tarquin brought Elizabeth to see him because he knew the connection they''d shared. Elizabeth had always had a ce in Keith''s heart, and she''d kept Keith in hers for half a lifetime. Bringing Elizabeth here was his way of letting them have a moment & together maybe even a chance to say goodbye. Maybe, if there realty- was another world, they could look out for each other there. s Who really knows if there''s a life after this one? Maybe there is, maybe there isn''t. But just in case Targon wanted them to know whete to find each other. fo s After visiting Keith, they finally headed to the Bradford cemetery. Outside the gates, Allegra and the others were still in hysterics. They''d been brought here by Tarquin''s men, and they hadn''t stopped wailing since. They hadn''t even realized the army had cleared the way for the procession. When they couldn''t get what they wanted from the living, they turned to the dead instead! They cried and yelled, calling on the ancestors of the Bradford family, begging them to open their eyes and see what was happening. "This is supposed to be the heir to the Bradford family? Look at him! He''s going to destroy everything we''ve built!" "He sent his own grandfather away, left him stranded overseas, unable toe home, living in misery!" "He drove his own aunt to her death, and caused her son''s death too!" "My son Lionel-he died because of him!" "He kicked us all out of the family estate, left it empty rather than let us live there!" "And now, without even asking us, he wants to bury that shameless woman-his mother-in our family plot, right next to Hugh!" "Elizabeth, that woman, what right does she have to beid to rest in the Bradford family cemetery? Who does she think she is?!" "Letting her in would be a disgrace to the Bradford family!" "Oh ancestors, Tarquin''s going to be the end of us! A century of family history, all ruined in his hands!" "Please, all of you up there, open your eyes! Punish this ungrateful wretch!" "We can''t let him get his way! No matter what, Elizabeth does NOT belong in the Bradford family plot!" Chapter 1425 They were crying and cursing at the same time, not forgetting to hurl insults and spiteful wishes at Tarquin and Elizabeth. Suddenly, they noticed the convoy at the front-and froze in disbelief. "Wait... are those military vehicles?" "That can''t be! Why would there be army trucks here? Tarquin was just bringing that wretch Elizabeth to the cemetery! What''s the military doing here?!" They could only stare as the military vehicles arrived first at the cemetery gates. Then, right in front of their stunned eyes, came the top brass from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, stepping out of those cars one after another! And behind them, soldiers in various uniforms followed suit. They stood tall, faces solemn and stern, rifles on their shoulders, forming a silent honor guard on either side of the cemetery entrance, ready to escort a hero on their final journey. The Bradford family women werepletely baffled, their tears forgotten as they gaped at the scene. "Why... why are you all here at the Bradford family cemetery?" Allegra stammered. It never even crossed their minds that these soldiers hade toy Elizabeth to rest with the highest honors! One of the officers eyed them with a frown. "You''re with the Bradford family?" Allegra nodded quickly. "Yes, this is our family''s cemetery." The officers'' faces turned sour as they exchanged nces. They''d already heard plenty of unsavory rumors about the Bradford family, thanks to Elizabeth and Kendrick. The Bradfords had never epted Elizabeth¡ªnot even as a hero. People who can''t even respect a hero what kind of family is that? Before the officers could say a word, Allegra started sobbing, pitching her voice to the heavens. "I don''t care what you''re all doing here! Please, you have to help us! Tarquin is trying to bury his mother in our family cemetery without permission!" "His mother-Elizabeth-she was notorious! Everyone knew she was immoral, no better than a woman of the streets. Our family never acknowledged her, never!" "We can''t have a woman like that buried with our ancestors! Everyone knows bad blood in the family grave brings bad luck! She''ll curse all our descendants!" "She''s going to ruin the Bradfords! Please, you have to stop this!" The military officers were stunned¡ªand furious. For more chapters visit fin?novel What was wrong with these women? Did they really believe Elizabeth would bring misfortune to their family just by being buried there? To them, beingid to rest in the family plot of a hero was the highest honor imaginable! "Enough!" barked Soren, stepping out of the car. His lips were pressed in a hard line and his eyes zed as he marched straight up to Allegra. "You dragged her name through the mud when she was alive, and now you won''t leave her in peace even in death Tell me who''s really runing the Bradford family?" s "It''s Gideon and all of you, his selfish followers! If it weren''t for Tarquin holding the Bradfords- together, do you think there would even be a Bradford family left in Jindale City?" s "Do you think you could even keep your precious family cemetery?" Allegra recognized Soren and all but shrieked at him, "We never ndered Elizabethi She was shameless, and you weren''t you one of her lovers? She was involved with you when she was alive!" s But before Soren could reply, a couple of officers rounded on her. "How dare you insult a decorated general and a national hero? Do you want to spend the rest of your life behind bars?" "Take these women into custody! Hand them over to the local authorities. They need some serious re-education!" As soldiers moved in to detain them, Allegra was left reeling. "What... General? National hero?!" Soren red at her, the veins in his forehead standing out with rage. "You can say I loved her, but you can''t call me her lover! I never hid my feelings for her-not from anyone!" "And I''ll say it now, loud and clear: I, Soren, love Elizabeth. I have loved her my whole life!" "I have the right to love her, and I''m not ashamed of it. I don''t care what anyone says!" "And as for Elizabeth, her heart always belonged to Kendrick. From the beginning to the end, she loved only Kendrick!" Chapter 1426 "She''s never flirted with any man except Kendrick!" "She''s never done a single thing to betray Kendrick! She''s been loyal to him from the very start-not once has she ever strayed!" "So who the hell are you all to insult her? To curse her? To nder her?!" Soren''s voice shot up, practically echoing off the hillside. He was beyond furious now. "If we weren''t living in a country ofws, I''d have put a bullet in you all myself!" ¡°Elizabeth doesn''t deserve a spot in the Bradford family cemetery? Go ahead, drag out every Bradford ancestor you''ve got. Besides Kendrick, which of them can hold a candle to her honor?" "She''s a hero-she sacrificed everything for her country. Which of your precious ancestors ever did something that selfless?" "Elizabeth joining your family''s cemetery? That''s your ancestors'' privilege, not hers!" Soren''s shout thundered through the foot of the hill, the echoes ringing for ages. If there really were such things as ghosts, you could bet everyst Bradford ancestor was hearing him loud and clear. Soren''s pent-up rage and frustration burst out all at once. He''d said more in these few minutes than he had in thest two daysbined. Ever since they''d left the border, racing back toward Jindale City, he''d barely spoken. Evenst night, holding vigil for Elizabeth at the old chapel, he hadn''t said a word¡ªthe words had all been stuck inside him, rolling around in his heart. When he finally saw Tarquin and the others this morning, he''d barely greeted them. But watching Allegra and her crowd stirring up trouble-insulting and ndering a woman as kind, upright, and brave as Elizabeth¡ªhe just couldn''t hold it in. A pack of bitter, selfish women, sniveling and shouting at someone who''d given everything for others-it was sickening. Allegra was stunned by Soren''s outburst. She''d never seen him this angry, and she definitely hadn''t expected him to hold such a high position. Commander of the military district? Just the title alone was intimidating. Trying her best to keep herposure, Allegra snapped back, "Hero? Elizabeth, a hero of the people? Really?" "Since when is a hero someone who just seduces men? What''s she actually done for anyone? All I''ve ever seen her do is chase after guys!" "You can''t just make her out to be some kind of saint because you''ve got a fancy title!" "This is just in corruption! Isn''t it illegal to abuse your power like this?" "Everyone here can see what''s happening-he''s just making up stories about Elizabeth because he''s got a thing for her!" "We know exactly what sort of woman Elizabeth is. If she''s a hero, I''ll personally have her name erased from the Bradford family tree!" The other women all nodded in agreement, chiming in, "We''ll take our names off the family record, too!" An Air Force officer, who''d been silent until now, finally explodedet "You''re all talking nonsense! How dare you nder a national hero and a militarymander like this!" s "The only reason you don''t know what she''s done is because some things are ssified¡ªnational security and all that." "But just because it can''t be made public doesn''t mean her sacrifices didn''t happen!" A grizzled Army officer stepped forward, eyes zing. "Commander Tan risked his life every single day on the border, and you dare nder him? Have you no shame, no. conscience?" s "Spreading lies about themander and a national hero-you''re making yourselves the enemies of the whole country!" A Navy officer cut in, his voice like a whip, "Commander Tan is a hero who stood guard for us! You should be grateful!" "If it weren''t for people like him fighting on the front lines, you wouldn''t be enjoying your safe, cozy lives back here!" "And you should be thanking Elizabeth, too! If it weren''t for the sacrifices she and her husband made, some of you might not even be alive right now!" The truth about the threat they''d faced-the eighth-generation virus-was known only by those at the top It was a bioweapon, targeted specifically at the Official source is F¦Énd£Îovel countrymen. The risk had been unimaginable. s If it hadn''t been for Elizabeth and Kendrick''s bravery, no one dared imagine what would have happened. Even if the officers hadn''t known Elizabeth personally, hearing Allegra spit such venom at a genuine hero was more than they could stomach. Chapter 1427 In this world, there are countless stories of heroes whose sacrifices go untold. Take the undercover agents and narcotics officers who died horrible deaths far from home-their photos and heroic deeds are rarely revealed to the public. Usually, their identities onlye out when there''s no family left who could be targeted for revenge. That''s the harsh reality-protecting their loved ones from retaliation. The reason Elizabeth and Kendrick''s story couldn''t be made public was simple: the real Eighth Generation virus still hadn''t been found, and the crisis wasn''t over. If the truth got out, panic would spread like wildfire. Chapters first released on Find¡ïNovel Mass hysteria is a monster of its own. The government would do anything to avoid it. People talk about peace and prosperity, but the truth is, it''s all built on the backs of those who shoulder the danger for us. Elizabeth was being escorted by government agents to make sure her name was cleared, to honor her as the hero she was. They couldn''t let her sacrifice-or Kendrick''s-be forgotten. The country owed them that much. But then you had people like Allegra and her crew. They enjoyed the safety and privileges earned by these heroes, yet showed no gratitude. Instead, they spread lies, hurled insults, and even cursed the names of the fallen. People like that deserve the harshest judgment. As Tarquin walked forward, holding the urn with Elizabeth''s ashes, Soren''s voice rang out, cold andmanding. "Don''t take them away yet. Bring them along to the cemetery. I want them to see Elizabeth and Kendrickid to rest together with their own eyes," he ordered. "If any of them so much as utters a word of disrespect, double their sentence. If they want to rot in prison, let them keep talking." Allegra and her group fell silent, their eyes wide with shock as the military officers and soldiers saluted Elizabeth, honoring her sacrifice. They looked ready to faint from disbelief. Tarquin passed by, shooting them a frosty re, but said nothing. Elysia and the children walked past next, casting furious looks at the group but refusing to engage. They might have been elders in the family, but respect had to be earned and they certainly hadn''t. Behind Elysia and the children came yton and Pam. Further back were major military and political leaders: Richard Huber and Jte, the Murphy family, the Windham family old friends and allies of Kendrick''s. Winona and Blossom, Keaton and Booker, all walked in solemn procession. s At the rear marched representatives from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, rifles on their shoulders, standing tall and proud. They were the honor guard, protecting the procession. Everyone except the soldiers at the back stared straight ahead, faces set. As they passed Allegra''s group, each person shot them a deadly cold look. Allegra and her people knelt at the gates of the Bradford family cemetery, too terrified to even breathe. All they could do we watch helpless, as Tarquin carried Elizabeth''s ashes through the iron gates, leading the long, dignified procession. s No one dared protest. No one dared shout. The atmosphere was somanding, so overwhelming, that it silenced even the bravest troublemaker. Once everyone had entered the cemetery, Tarquin''s men and the remaining soldiers herded Allegra''s group inside as well, forcing them to witness Elizabeth and Kendricks burial side by side, just as Tarquin and Soren had ordered. s Weren''t they the ones who had imed Elizabeth would never be admitted to the Bradford family cemetery? That she''d never beid to rest with Kendrick? That the public would never recognize her as Kendrick''s wife? Well, now they had no choice but to watch the truth unfold before their very eyes. Chapter 1428 Let them all see, then. Let everyone witness how Elizabeth entered the cemetery, how she wasid to rest, and how everyone finally epted that she truly was Kendrick''s wife. At the top of the hill, the group gathered before Kendrick''s gravestone. Soren led the mourners, bowing his head in salute to Kendrick. Like Elizabeth, he was a hero. Tarquin cradled Elizabeth''s urn in his arms, staring at the photo of the handsome man on the headstone. He spoke softly, his voice low and steady, but with a tremor that betrayed his emotion. "Dad, I brought Mom home." A gentle breeze swept through the crowd, drying the tears from their eyes. There wasn''t a dry eye to be found. After all their struggles, these two star-crossed lovers were finally reunited. At exactly ten in the morning-the appointed hour-it was time. Open the casket. Kendrick had died young, and had a traditional burial. His grave wasn''t one of those tiny plots you see nowadays. The coffin was old- fashioned, big enough to fit a full-grown man. The grave had already been dug up that morning, and the solid oak coffiny exposed. They opened the casket. The lid creaked as it came off. The women in the family broke down in tears. Inside, there was no body-just an urn containing Kendrick''s ashes, along with a few of his personal belongings. Years ago, Kendrick and Elizabeth had died overseas. Their bodies had been cremated abroad and brought back home. Still, the Bradford family insisted on following the old burial customs, almost as if the bodies were intact. Kendrick''s urn was set at the head of the coffin, and the rest of the space was packed full-but no sign of Elizabeth. Every memento was Kendrick''s alone. The Bradfords had refused to acknowledge Elizabeth. They''d tried to keep the lovers apart in life, and even in death they tried to erase her from Kendrick''s story. belongs to s They had buried Kendrick while scrubbing out any trace of Elizabeth¡ªeven going so far as to perform rituals to keep her spirit away from him. Tarquin stood aside, his brow furrowed and his eyes red. Following the instructions of the priest, he handed Elizabeth''s urn to Elysia and led the group in a final prayer for Kendrick. Then, he rolled up his sleeves and began clearing out the coffin. He was going to rece everything in there with things that belonged to both Kendrick and Elizabeth-a wedding photo, the outfits they wore on theading day, their favorite paintings, handwritten notes so many tokens of their love. s Every item was a memory, a piece of their happiness. As Tarquin worked, he couldn''t help but notice small things-signs that someone else had been inside the coffin before him. He wasn''t surprised. Whoever had spent so much effort searching for the "eighth-generation virus" and secret data surely wouldn''t have ignored his father''s grave. s But the intruder hadn''t vandalized anything. Kendrick''s urn was undisturbed, everything else neatly arranged. Even earlier, before they''d opened the casket, Tarquin had checked the seal was still perfectly intact. It meant that whoever had been here felt something for his father. No one treats their enemy''s grave with that much care. If it had just been about revenge, the casket would''ve been left in chaos, not carefully closed up again. Tarquin felt a sharp ache in his chest. This only confirmed his suspicions. Ding-his phone vibrated with a new message. For original chapters go to Find1Novel Tarquin''s heart skipped a beat. He stopped what he was doing and pulled out his phone to check. Chapter 1429 Someone had been texting him from a burner number-a bunch of messages, all weird. "There''s a chess set in the coffin. Don''t take it out. I put it there." "If you''re worried, check it. The chess set''s wooden, totally harmless." "If you toss it out today, I''ll just have to make another one and find a way to slip it in again." "If you don''t want me disturbing their rest, just leave the chess set exactly as it is." "And one more thing-after you seal the coffin, light a candle for me, okay?" Tarquin''s face was stone cold. He didn''t have to guess who sent it. It was the mystery man. Again. He put his phone away and went to find the chess set. He opened the box: inside was a hand-carved, wooden chess set. Even the letters on the pieces were scratched in by hand. The pieces were a little rough, the letters uneven and downright ugly, some even misspelled. The craftsmanship was nothing to brag about, but the thought behind it was obvious. Hand-carved-way more meaningful than anything bought off Amazon. Everyone knew Kendrick loved chess. It was his thing. Tarquin had wanted to put a chess set in the coffin at the funeral, but Gideon wouldn''t allow it. Gideon only cared about money and power. Hobbies like chess? Didn''t matter to him. Tarquin stood there, chess set in hand, silent for a long time. In the end, he put it back in the coffin. His dad liked it. That was enough. Besides, he really didn''t want that guying around to mess with his parents'' peace anymore. If he was right, Kendrick definitely wouldn''t want to see that man again. epting the chess set was better than seeing its maker in person. Tarquin took a deep breath, pulled himself together, and started sorting through the rest of the stuff. He was searching for something. When he found a square stic lunchbox that looked like it was from another era, relief washed over him. This was what he''d been looking for. Thank God it was still here. But his relief twisted into something darker. As he picked up the lunchbox, memories he''d tried to bury crashed over him, all at once. It was the only thing he''d managed to put in his father''s coffin. Inside the box was an old puzzle-one you could take apart and put back together, over and over is dad had given it to him, and they''d spent countless afternoons piecing it together. s When his father died, Tarquin was just a kid. He still remembered begging Gideon to let him put the puzzle in the coffin. Back then, Gideon was at the height of his power. Every little thing about the Bradford family was his decision. He never epted Elizabeth as his son''s wife, so her things weren''t allowed anywhere near Kendrick''s grave. That year, Tarquin had gathered a bunch of keepsakes from both his parents, wanting to bury them with his father. But Gideon wouldn''t have it. He wouldn''t let Tarquin put them in¡ªand he wouldn''t give them back, either. Instead, he burned everything. Right in front of him. §Ö§ä Tarquin had just lost his parents; the pain was still raw. And there he was watching their belongings go up in mes. The loss doubled, tripled. s He knelt by the fire, sobbing so hard he thought he might break apart. But nobody cared. Nobodyforted him. All he got was eye-rolls and sneers. "No one in the Bradford family ever acknowledged that whore Elizabeth as Kendricks wifel At best. just some secret fling." s Was "A kid born to some woman like that is just as illegitimate! You''re nothing but a bastard." "If you weren''t the only male heir left, you wouldn''t even be allowed back here." This update is avable on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l? "Now that you''re back, keep your head down and cut all ties with that woman Elizabeth!" "From now on, whether you''re here in the Bradford family or anywhere else, you''ve only got a father. No mother." "Don''t ever mention that woman again. She''s a disgrace!" Those words echoed in Tarquin''s mind for the rest of the day, heavy as lead. Chapter 1430 That night, the realization finally hit him. Survival of the fittest, he thought. If you''re not strong enough, you have to learn when to back down. At his age, keeping his head down was just part of staying alive. So that night, clutching the puzzle box in his small hands, he knelt in front of Gideon for the first time and called him, "Grandpa." He begged Gideon to let him bury the puzzle with his father. Gideon, dressed in a sharp suit and sipping his Earl Grey in the armchair, looked down at him for a long, icy second before finally snapping, "Fine. You can put it in. But from now on, you do as I say. If the press ever interviews you, you do not show any resentment toward me or the Bradford family. And tomorrow at your father''s funeral, you will not mention your mother-not just tomorrow, but ever. No matter where you are, you keep her name out of your mouth. Wipe her from your memory. ?????? ???? Find[?]ovel Remember this: you''re a Bradford now. You have nothing to do with that woman Elizabeth." As a child, he was powerless against Gideon''s authority. He shook with hatred, but in the end, he had no choice but to obey. Only then did Gideon finally allow the puzzle to be ced into the coffin, to rest with his father. Lately, searching for clues about the eighth-generation virus, he found himself remembering every detail of his parents'' lives-especially that day they died. He kepting back to the puzzle box. Because, right before his father died, he''d mentioned it. He''d had plenty of toys growing up, but that was the only one his father ever talked about. It was impossible not to be suspicious. If his parents had really left any clues about the virus, it had to be in that box. Tarquin let out a long breath and pulled himself back to the present. He didn''t open the puzzle in front of everyone. Instead, he quietly set it aside with his other things and kept clearing out the coffin. When it was empty, Tarquin followed the minister''s instruct took Elizabeth''s ashes from Elysia, and ced them et to Kendricks s As the two urns sat side by side, eyes all around the gravesite grew red. It was respect for heroes. It was awe for love. Separated for over twenty years, finally together again. Maybe their lives hadn''t been perfect. Maybe there were regrets. But their love had found its ending. Together in life, together in death-never apart. With blessings from family and the prayers of the priests, the coffin was sealed, and new earth covered it. Insidey their most cherished belongings. A new headstone had been set, with Elizabeth''s name added and a photo of the two of them together. Atst, Kendrick and Elizabeth, the Bradford family''s heroes, were at peace. Soren took a medal and ced it on the grave himself. Everyone saluted, bowed their heads. The Bradford women watched, speechless. The woman they''d always looked down on was now a heroine,uded in a way they could only dream of. Later that day, with urgent business calling, Soren and his officers said their goodbyes. Before leaving, they personally handed Allegra and the others over to localw enforcement-never letting Tarquin get involved. s If Tarquin had confronted them, it would''ve been just another family squabble. But when the military stepped in, national hero, it was on whol using them of ndering a different level. s Being wiped from the Bradford family records was the least of their troubles now. For them, the sky had finally fallen. Chapter 1431 After the officers left, Tarquin asked Elysia to take the kids home first. He still needed to head back to the old family house with the monks. Elysia offered him a few words offort, then led the kids and her parents away. Winona and Blossom left with them, while Keaton and Booker stayed behind. It wasn''t until they''d left the cemetery that Winona finally blurted out, "Jeez, today was intense, Elysia. I had no idea your folks were national heroes! I''ve never even heard a whisper about it before." Elysia replied, "I only found out today, too. Tarquin told me they gave their lives for the safety of the people, but I don''t know the details." Winona looked shocked. "I always thought the Bradford family had them killed over the inheritance. I mean, your dad was the sole heir, right?" Blossom nodded quickly. "Same here. That''s what everyone''s been saying all these years!" "Seems like they must''ve been on some top-secret mission abroad or something," she added, "otherwise, why would there be so many military bigwigs at the funeral?" ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? Find¡ïNovel yton, who was driving, let out a sigh. "Not all heroes get the spotlight. They kept this under wraps for over twenty years. Must''ve been tough on them." Elysia frowned, "All these years, the Bradfords'' rumors made her out to be someone she wasn''t. People who didn''t know the truth judged her so harshly. But now-now the country''s set the record straight.¡± After today, no one would dare say another bad word about her. She was a recognized national hero. She died for her country and her people-a true martyr. Anyone who insulted her now would be going against the nation itself. Everyone in the car nodded in agreement. Only Elliot, sitting quietly, knew the real reason his grandparents were considered heroes. He knew about the eighth-generation virus, but he couldn''t say a word. That was ssified-no good woulde from talking about it. His mind was racing: had they found any new clues about the virus or the mysterious figure today? It was almost dawn before Tarquin finally came home. The moment Elliot heard the front gate, he shot awake. He tossed off his nket, jumped out of bed, and raced to the window Spotting Tarquin he hurried CUMS door. s Just as he stepped into the hallway, he nearly bumped into Elijah. Elliot blinked in surprise. "You''re still up, too?" Elijah nodded. "Waiting for Dad." Elliot knew Elijah was just as curious about the virus and the mysterious person as he was. Earlier that day, Elijah had pulled him aside to ask about it. Elliot hadn''t held back-he''d told him everything. Elliot was about to say something when Elysia appeared from the master bedroom dressed in her s She looked at them, surprised. "Elliot, Elijah, why are you two still up?" The brothers hesitated. "...We couldn''t sleep." Elysia walked over and knelt down to ruffle their hair. "Worried about your dad?" Both boys nodded in unison. "...Yeah." Elysia smiled softly. "Don''t worry. Burying your dad, was sad, but for your also a relief. He won''t be broken up about it." . to swnovers The boys nodded again, reassured. Just then, they heard movement downstairs. Spotting Tarquining in, all three hurried to meet him. He was still in his ck suit from earlier, looking a little worn out, but his eyes were gentle. "Why aren''t you all asleep yet?" he asked. Elysia watched him carefully, finally rxing when she saw there was no sadness on his face. Chapter 1432 She helped him take off his coat, gentle as always. "Did you get some sleep? Or just lying there?" she asked softly. "Did you finish everything?" "The cemetery''s all settled, but the monks are still at the old chapel, holding services. They say they''ll need three more days." "Do we need to go over there?" "I''ll go myself. Just wanted toe home and check in. I''ll head back in a bit." Elysia took his coat and hung it up in the entryway closet. Elliot, their little boy, grabbed a pair of slippers from the shoe rack. "Daddy, change your shoes!" ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find?novel Tarquin grinned. As soon as he slipped on the slippers, Elijah, his younger son, picked up his dress shoes and tucked them neatly inside the cab. Tarquin gave Elijah''s hair a gentle ruffle, his eyes full of warmth. The four of them headed toward the living room. Tarquin nced around. "Did Mom and Dad head out already?" yton and Pam had moved out at the beginning of the month. The house was quieter now. "No," Elysia replied, "they stayed tonight. They''re worried about you¡ªand about me and the kids." She lowered her voice, "I gave them a little something to help them sleep. Your dad left you some dinner too. Want to eat?" She knew he probably hadn''t had a bite all day. Tarquin nodded. "Yeah. Is there any soup?" "You want soup?" "Yeah, kind of craving it. But if not, no big deal." "I can whip up some chicken noodle. It won''t take long. You hang out with Elliot and Elijah¡ªI''ll call you when it''s ready." "Thanks, hon. You''re the best." Elysia grinned. "You sweet talker." She disappeared into the kitchen. Tarquin wasted no time¡ªhe led the boys upstairs to the study. Truth was, he wanted soup just to give her something to do. The business about the eighth-generation virus... he didn''t want her worrying about that. As soon as the study door closed, Elliot piped up, "Daddy, did you find anything today?" Tarquin reached into his pocket and took out a small stic box. He popped it open. "Come on, let''s work on this together." Elliot and Elijah leaned in, curious. "What is it?" "It''s a puzzle your granddad gave me when I was your age." Elliot picked up a piece and read it aloud: "King City?" Tarquin exined, "Your grandpa used to use this to teach me all the cities in Zhinora. He''d say, ''Wherever you are never forget where you came from. The blood in your veins makes you who you are, son Never forget your homnd, never forget her shape."" s Both boys sat up straighter, eyes shining with pride. "Grandma and Grandpa are real heroes," Elliot dered. "We''re proud of them!" "We''ll learn from them and never forget our roots!" Elijah chimed in. Tarquin''s heart warmed at their enthusiasm. He tousled their hair affectionately. "They''ll be proud of you too. Come on, let''s put this puzzle together." The three of them quickly assembled the pieces, revealing a detailed map of Zhinora, with every citybeled. But- Elliot frowned. "Hey, we''re missing a piece. Is that all of them?" Elijah double-checked the box and looked around. "Nothing else. That''s all we''ve got." Elliot turned to Tarquin. "Was it always like that? When you did With Grandpa, was this pi missing?" s Tarquin''s brow furrowed. "Don''t bother looking. Your grandpa took that piece out on purpose." When he''d done the puzzle as a kid, it was alwaysplete. The missing piece now-his father had. removed it deliberately s Elliot and Elijah exchanged a look, realization dawning. "The real eighth-generation virus... is there?!" Elliot gasped. Tarquin''s expression turned grim. "Border City." Chapter 1433 Elijah''s voice was tight with emotion. "So Grandma and Grandpa left the virus in Border City?" Elliot looked confused. "But Border City''s our territory. If they already brought the virus and all the files back home, why didn''t they hand them over to the government?" "Didn''t the government send a whole team to greet them back then? Why didn''t they turn over the virus and the files?" Tarquin went quiet, deep in thought. Honestly, he didn''t know all the details. But one thing he felt sure of the stuff was still in Border City. Right before his dad passed away, he''d whispered two words to Tarquin: "Puzzle pieces." Back then, Tarquin was just a kid. He''d thought his dad was reminiscing about their afternoons spent piecing together those thousand-piece jigsaws, sipping cocoa and munching on chocte chip cookies. That''s why, at the funeral, Tarquin had swallowed his pride and begged Gideon to let him slip that battered old puzzle box into the casket with his father-he thought it was just a sentimental gesture. But over the years, as he grew older and started putting things together, suspicions crept in. He''d wanted to dig up the grave, just to get that puzzle box back. Still, he was afraid the mysterious figure lurking in the background would catch on, so he waited. He told himself he''d grab the puzzle when his parents were finallyid to rest together. Turns out, his instincts were right. When Kendrick mentioned "puzzle pieces" before he died, it was code for the location of the 8th generation virus. He hadn''t told Tarquin directly-Tarquin was just a boy, too young to protect something so dangerous, and saying too much could''ve gotten them all killed. Kendrick had to keep it cryptic, just in case anyone was listening. Whether Tarquin would figure it all out when he grew up... well, that was just fate''s call. Now, Tarquin finally understood. The torch had been passed to him. Figuring out how to solve this bio-crisis was up to him now. Tarquin frowned, answering his son''s questions as best he could. "Maybe someone on the government team was a mole. Your grandparents didn''t trust them, so they held onto everything." "Or maybe they set up a diversion-handed the virus and the files off to someone trustworthy, someone who could sneak them back home. Meanwhile, your grandma and grandpa stuck around overseas to act as bait." N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on "Only... they never got the chance to tell the authorities what really happened. Something went wrong before they could." Elliot''s brow furrowed. "So all these years, the virus has just been sitting in Border City? And whoever brought it back never dared make a move?" Tarquin let out a long breath. "Maybe they were too scared to act. Or maybe... they didn''t even realize what they were carrying. Who knows at this point?" Elliot pressed, "Border City''s huge, Dad. Are you sure about where the virus is?" Tarquin shook his head. "No. First, we need to find out who brought it back home." Both his parents had died overseas-it couldn''t have been them. There had to be someone else. Elijah asked anxiously, "Dad, do you have any idea who it might be?" Tarquin rummaged through his memories, a hazy but oddly familiar face surfacing in his mind. He frowned. "Not sure. But I have a suspect." Elijah jumped in, "Who is it? Tell me and I''ll look into him right away!" But Tarquin shook his head. "No. Not now." Elijah blinked. "So... you want to send someone to Border City to investigate?" Another shake of the head from Tarquin. "We''re not doing anything. Not yet." Elliot and Elijah stared at him, surprised. "Why not?!" They finally had a lead¡ªshouldn''t they be jumping into action? Tarquin''s frown deepened. "Because someone''s watching us." The boys fell silent, instantly catching on. If they started digging now, after opening the casket, whoever was tailing them would get suspicious. This clue was too precious, and the consequences of mishandling the 8th generation virus were way, way too big to risk even the tiniest mistake . Chapter 1434 Elliot shifted his focus away from the virus, turning his attention to the mysterious stranger. "Dad, have you found any new leads on that guy?" Tarquin''s brows drew together, and at the mention of the stranger, his entire face turned cold as ice. In his eyes, you could see pure anger, disgust, and disappointment all tangled together. It took him a while to answer. When he finally spoke, his voice was clipped. "That''s between me and him. You two don''t need to get involved, and definitely don''t go poking around on your own." "If I need your help, I''ll ask you." "For now, if you have some free time, maybe try to track down Gerald and Howard." Gerald and Howard had left the house days ago, but strangely, there hadn''t been a single word from them since. No one had a clue where they were. Elliot and Elijah exchanged a look, both frowning, but nodded in understanding. "Alright. Got it." Just then, Elysia finished preparing ate-night snack. She knocked on the door and poked her head in. "Food''s ready!" As she came closer, her eyesnded on the jigsaw puzzle spread out on the table. "Working on a puzzle?¡± Elliot and Elijah both nodded. "Yeah, it''s one Grandpa left behind." Elysia paused, ncing at Tarquin. She picked up a puzzle piece and smiled softly. "Looks pretty old-school." Tarquin started gathering up the puzzle pieces. "C''mon, let''s head downstairs to eat. I''m starving." "Okay." The four of them packed up the puzzle and went downstairs to share their midnight snack-grilled cheese sandwiches and hot chocte around the kitchen table. After eating, Elliot and Elijah, sensing the adults wanted some time alone, headed upstairs to bed. Soon, only Tarquin and Elysia were left downstairs. Tarquin moved to start washing the dishes, but Elysia stopped him. "Aren''t you in a hurry to leave?" "No rush." "Then why don''t you go upstairs, take a nice hot shower and rx? I''ll handle this." She started carrying the dishes into the kitchen, but Tarquin followed her in. "Let me do it." Elysia rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. Washing a few tes isn''t going to kill your wife." Tarquin grinned, relenting. He kissed her hair, grabbed a dish towel, and headed out to tidy up the dining room instead. Once everything was neat and spotless, he finally retreated to the master bedroom for a shower. The past week had left his nerves strung tight worrying about his parents'' burial arrangements and constantly turning over thoughts about the eighth generation virus: Now, with his parents finally aid to rest and a few new clues in hand, he could finally let himself rx, just a little. s Border City. Of all ces, it was Border City. Surprising, yet... not really, considering Border City''s reputation. ¡°Babe, I left some clean clothes outside your door. I''m going to go check on Elliot and Elijah, make sure they''re asleep." Elysia''s voice brought him back to reality. "Thanks," Tarquin called back, and Elysia slipped out. He finished his shower and stepped out wrapped in a towel. A neatly folded shirt and pair of cks waited for him atop the dresser, and the sight made him smile. That quiet warmth in his chest-this was what reat sess felt like Not just a thriving career, but a family that made you feel at home. The source of th?s content is F¦ÉndNovel belongs to s He didn''t bother with the dress clothes Elysia had set out. Instead, he strode into the walk-in closet and pulled onfy pajamas. Just as he finished, Elysia returned, raising an eyebrow. "Not going out again? Why the pajamas?" "I thought I''d get some rest before heading back out. Are the boys asleep?" "Barely. They waited up for you, but finally just crashed." Elysia noticed his wet hair and grabbed the blow dryer, patting the chair beside her. "Come here. Let me take care of that." Tarquin didn''t argue. He sat down, letting her dry his hair. When she was done, they climbed into bed together. Elysia, sensing the weight on his mind, didn''t wait for him to reach for her She stretched. out her arm, inviting him to rest his head on her shoulder. s "C''mere. Let me hold you for a while." Tarquin didn''t hesitate he buried his face in her arms like a child, finally letting himself rx. They say every man is a child at heart. In this moment, it couldn''t have been more true. Chapter 1435 Elysia held him close, her voice soft and soothing. "Everyone''s singing your parents'' praises now. The government''s cleared their names. They can finally rest in peace and so can you. You don''t have to worry anymore." Tarquin responded, his voice muffled by her shoulder. "Finding Mom''s ashes andying her to rest beside Dad, with everyone watching... That''s been my dream for years. Now it''s real. I''m happy, really. You don''t have to worry about me." Elysia''s heart ached for him. She gently patted his back. After a quiet moment, she called to him, "Honey?" "Yeah?" "Your birthday''sing up." Tarquin opened his eyes, lifting hisshes to look at her. "And?" "You''ll be staying at the old house these days, right?" "Not for the whole time. If anything urgentes up, just call me." Elysia smiled. "Well, while you''re there, make sure you eat well and get plenty of sleep. When your birthdayes, I''ve got a huge surprise for you. Sound good?" Tarquin''s eyes narrowed yfully. "How huge are we talking?" Elysia grinned, making it sound even more dramatic. "Super, super huge." Tarquin chuckled. "Can you tell me now?" Elysia shook her head right away. "Of course not! If I told you, it wouldn''t be a surprise! And I need to see how you behave. If you''re good, you get your present. If not, no surprise this year." Heughed again. "Alright, I''ll be good." "So now, close your eyes and go to sleep. Be a good boy." "...Okay." Elysia held him, gently rubbing his back and humming a luby, just like she used to when Elliot, Evan, and Emmett were little. Chapters first released on find?novel Tarquin was truly exhausted. He fell asleep in no time. At three-thirty in the morning, he woke up in Elysia''s arms. He''d only slept for a couple of hours, but it was the best sleep he''d had in ages. He nced at Elysia, still fast asleep, and a soft, happy smile crept onto his lips. Carefully, he moved her arm and slipped out of her embrac swnovers She stirred, frowning slightly and pouting in her sleep. With her eyes closed, she instinctively burrowed closer to him. Tarquin chuckled, his heart full of affection, and pulled her back into his arms. She snuggled in, finding afortable spot before drifting off again. Tarquin waited until she was sound asleep before finally getting up to leave. The next morning, when Elysia woke up, Tarquin was already gone. She felt a twinge of disappointment, but she wasn''t surprised. Reaching for her phone, she found a note from Tarquin under it: ''Good morning, sweetheart! I''m back at the old house. If you miss me, just call. Always loving you your husband.'' It was scribbled on a heart-shaped sticky note, his handwriting strong and bold, the words sweet as honey. Every bit of it radiated love. Elysia''s little pang of disappointment vanished instantly, reced by warm, giddy happiness. She didn''t want to wake him up, so she stretched, got out of bed, and went to make breakfast for the kids. After breakfast, she dropped them off at preschool, then headed to Tanhe Manor to meet Winona. She wanted to go shopping with Winona and get everything ready for Tarquin''s birthday. The security guard at Tanhe Manor recognized her and waved her through as soon as he saw her. Elysia carried the breakfast she''d Winona, making through the neighborhood toward her friend''s house. Content Belongs to bro neighet ¡°Elysia!¡± A familiar voice called out behind her. Elysia turned and saw Keaton, just getting back from outside. Beside him stood a stunning young woman gorgeous, with a sweetne smile and curves that turned heads. She looked about twenty Chapter 1436 A ssic knockout body, angelic face-guys would call her a total bombshell. Keaton only ever went for natural beauty. Every single girlfriend he''d dated was a stunner, and none of them ever looked fake. Each one prettier than thest. The girl on his arm now was hanging on to him, looking all cozy and close. She eyed Elysia up and down, her stare dripping with hostility. Elysia pressed her lips together, a bit speechless. She''d heard from Winona that in just over twenty days, Keaton had already cycled through three girlfriends! This one must be his fourth since that whole mess where he got punched. Keaton grinned and greeted her, "Hey, here to see Winona?" Elysia was about to answer, but the girl cut her off. "Winona? You mean THE Winona, the movie star?" Keaton nodded, "That''s her. She lives here too. Are you a fan?" The girl wrinkled her nose, clearly unimpressed. ¡°Please, as if I''d like her! Why would you live in the same neighborhood as someone like that? I heard her private life is a total train wreck, and she''s always stealing-" Elysia''s eyebrows drew together in annoyance, but Keaton quickly stepped in, sensing the tension. "Hey, maybe don''t believe everything you see on Insta gossip, okay? Most of that stuff is just rumors." The girl pouted, leaning into Keaton and whining, "Everyone says it''s easier to get close to someone famous if you''re their neighbor. You''re not, like, involved with her, are you?" Keatonughed, "Wow, someone''s overthinking. If there was anything between me and her, would I really bring you here? I don''t do the two-timing thing. I''m a one-woman guy." That finally got a smile out of her. "So you picked me over her? Guess that means I''m better than Winona! Pretty soon, I''ll be even more famous than she is." Elysia, frowning, hadn''t nned to butt in, but couldn''t help herself. "New girlfriend?" Keaton just smiled, "Yep. Let me introduce you this is Alicia." "Weren''t you single yesterday? When did this happen?" "Last night." Elysia didn''t hold back, "So, how long do you n to date this one?" Alicia bristled, "Hey, what''s that supposed to mean?!" Elysia ignored her, shooting Keaton a look. "Wow, Keaton, you really have no standards anymore. You''ll go for anyone now, huh?" With that, she spun on her heel and walked away. Normally, she wouldn''t have said the something like that to Keaton but way this Alicia girl disrespected. Winona was just too much Alicia was steaming. "Hey! Come back here! Do you even hear yourself? You-" Keaton put a hand out to stop her. Alicia looked up at him, all wounded and pouty. "Babe, did you hear what she just said to me? Aren''t you going to stand up for me? Ugh..." The rightful source is findnovel Keaton shrugged, "You started talking trash about her best friendel What did you expect? May your mouts in theck next keep your mouth in check next time. Alicia just stared at him. "She''s Destie? Ugh, no wh wonder she''s so nasty Birds feather they''re both just- Keaton''s eyes narrowed. "You keep going, and we''re done." Alicia realized he meant it, so she quickly clung to his arm, trying to seem sweet again. "Okay, okay, but she started it! I''m the one who got attacked first!" Keaton just smirked. "Yeah, I heard. But honestly? You kinda brought that on yourself." Alicia: "..." Chapter 1437 Alicia was fuming inside, but she didn''t dare show it. Instead, she pouted and turned on the charm. "Come on, babe, the only reason I don''t like those girls is because I''m scared they''ll steal you from me! I''m sorry, okay? Don''t be mad, please? I''ll watch what I say from now on." She punctuated her apology with a quick kiss on Keaton''s cheek, her eyes sparkling flirtatiously. Keaton just raised an eyebrow. "Benny can pull off cute, but act too clueless and you''re just being dumb. Maybe try thinking before you talk, yeah?" Alicia nodded eagerly. "Got it, I promise!" As they strolled down the street toward home, they spotted Elysia slipping into the house next door. Alicia''s eyes widened in surprise. "Wait a sec-babe, you live next door to Winona?" "Yeah," Keaton shrugged. Alicia''s tone turned instantly sour. "Howe you two live so close, huh...?" Keaton grinned and teased, ¡°Not as close as you¡ªI mean, you''re right here in my heart." Elysia, who''d just stepped inside, rolled her eyes so hard she nearly saw her brain. Whatever little soft spot she''d had for Keaton was officially gone. When it came to rtionships, that guy was absolutely hopeless-just look at the girlfriend he''d picked! She shut the door, kicked off her sneakers, and padded into the house. The living room was empty. Figuring Winona was probably still upstairs sleeping, Elysia left her be. She set a bag of bagels and coffee on the dining table, then tiptoed around, quietly picking up Winona''s clothes from the couch. She''d barely started folding when a piercing scream split the air-from next door. It sounded just like Winona. Elysia froze. Why the hell would Winona''s voice being from Keaton''s ce? N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find?novel Without even bothering to put her shoes back on, she dashed to the front door and cracked it open, listening hard. From the other side of the wall, she heard Keaton shouting, "Are you nuts? Why the hell are you hitting her?!" Alicia''s voice was shrill and tearful. "She tried to steal my boyfriend! Of course I hit her! Slut! Homewrecker!" Winona yelled, "Are you freaking insane? Keaton, who even is this chick?!" Yep, that was definitely Winona. Elysia didn''t hesitate-she ran straight over to the neighbor''s house, pounding on the door. "Winona, are you in there? Keaton, open up!" Keaton cracked the door open, "Elysia, I was just " "Move!" Elysia shoved past him and hurried into the guest room. Winona was sitting on the bed in her pajamas, clutching her head, blood seeping through her fingers. "Winona!" Elysia cried, rushing to her side. Winona looked up in surprise. "Elysia? What are you doing here?" "Tell youter. Let me see your head." "I''m fine. Was just sleeping and then this psycho attacked me out of nowhere!" Alicia was still sobbing and shrieking in the background. "You''re the psychot You''re sleeping in my. boyfriend''s bed and you have the nerve to act innocent you tramp! You witch!" Winona looked like she was about to leap off the bed and throw hands. "Say one more word and see what happens!" Elysia ignored Alicia''s ranting and held Winona back, focusing on checking the wound. Meanwhile, Alicia turned to Keaton, bawling for backup. Winona snapped, "Keaton, you better exin what the hettis going on right now of I swear she''s not walking out of here!" Keaton just muttered, "Let''s check your injury first." "Screw that! I want answers!" But Keaton turned to Elysia instead. "Hospital?" Elysia nodded, her face pale. ¡°Call 911. The cut''s deep, it''ll need Get the first aid stitche Get the first aid kit-stop the bleeding." belongs Content "Okay, okay!¡± Keaton said, hurrying off to grab the kit. Chapter 1438 Elysia brought over the first aid kit and knelt down next to Winona, carefully cleaning the cut on her arm. "Hang in there, okay? This might sting a bit." Winona gritted her teeth, her whole face contorting in pain. "Yeah, I can tell- ouch!" Elysia winced in sympathy, her brows furrowed. "Sorry, sorry, I''ll be quick." Keaton hovered nearby, guilt written all over his face. He looked like he wished he could disappear. Meanwhile, Alicia red at Winona from behind Keaton, her arms crossed and a look of smug satisfaction on her face. If looks could talk, hers would scream, "Serves you right." By the time Elysia finished stopping the bleeding, the ambnce still hadn''t arrived. Winona was sweating from the pain and growing angrier by the second. She shot Keaton a death re, her jaw clenched. "Don''t just stand there¡ªsay something! Who is she? Why did she attack me?!" Keaton''s face fell. "That''s my girlfriend. She saw you sleeping here and thought you were trying to seduce me. She just... lost it, grabbed the first thing she could find and threw it at you." Elysia''s eyes widened in disbelief. "She didn''t even ask first? Who does that? Is she nuts?" For original chapters go to FindN()vel Alicia, still peeking out from behind Keaton, snapped back, "You''re the crazy one! Who the hell are you anyway? Why do you even get a say in this?" Elysia had had enough. She straightened up and shot back, "Because I''m Mrs. Bradford, that''s why!" Alicia''s jaw dropped. She whipped her head toward Keaton, desperate for confirmation. "Babe, is she... is she actually Mrs. Bradford?" Keaton just sighed and nodded. Alicia''s entire e demeanor changed in an instant. She started breathing fast, and then-like a switch flipped she was all apologies. "Oh my God, Mrs. Bradford, I am so s sorry I didn''t recognize youlove heard so much about you but never seen you in person. Please forgive SO me, I would never have picked a fight with you if I''d known-really, I''m so sorry." She kept bowing her head, tripping over her own words. Who knew if she was actually sorry, but she was definitely scared. Everyone in town knew the Bradfords¡ªespecially how much Mr. Bradford doted on his wife. And Elysia''s own family was just as influential. Getting on her bad side was like asking for trouble. But when nobody responded, Alicia tried to defend herself. "I mean, I walk in and see some girl crashed out on my boyfriend''s bed¡ªwhat was I supposed to think? It''s not every day you find a random woman in your boyfriend''s bedroom!" Keaton groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose the whole reason Winona had been sleeping in his guest room was for her own safety so she wouldn''t be alone Zane showed up again. It was his idea, and he''d totally forgotten to mention it to Alicia. So when Alicia barged in and saw Winona, she''d just freaked out and started swinging. Winona hadn''t even had time to react. Neither had he, honestly. If he''d been thinking straight, Winona never would''ve gotten hurt like that. But there was no way he could exin all that in front of Alicia, so he made something up. "Her ce was packedst night-she had a party too many people, not enough beds. I wasn''t even h?m?, so sh? crashed in the guest room for the night." He gestured toward the hallway. "Check for yourself, it''s the guest room. If she was really trying to seduce me, would she choose the guest room? And look at what she''s wearing-does that look like someone trying to seduce anybody?" Winona was still in her long-sleeved pajamas, hair a mess and no makeup in sight. She looked like she''d barely made it through the night, let alone had any energy to plot seduction. Chapter 1439 Alicia put on her best fake apology face. "I''m so sorry, Ms. Newsom. I totally misunderstood, and I''ll cover all your medical bills. I''m young and stupid-please don''t hold it against me, okay?" She wasn''t apologizing for Winona''s sake. She just wanted to calm down Elysia. No way was she dumb enough to cross Mrs. Bradford! And, hey, ying the victim might even score her some points with Keaton. Alicia thought she had it all figured out. Too bad Winona wasn''t having any of it. Winona shot back immediately, "Nope! I don''t ept your apology!" Alicia blinked, thrown off. "Excuse me?!" Winona said, "If it really was just a misunderstanding, I could let it go. I get it¡ªif I walked into my boyfriend''s house and found a strange woman there, I''d be pissed off too. That''s normal." "But you didn''t hit me because of some misunderstanding!" "You only started swinging when you saw my face. If it were anyone else, you wouldn''t have snapped like that!" "Soe on, spill it-what exactly do you have against me?" Alicia froze. She hadn''t expected Winona to read her like an open book! ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? F¦Énd£Îovel It was true-she''d lost it because the woman in question was Winona. If it had been another girl, she wouldn''t have gone off like that. As for the reason... Alicia quickly shoved it aside and stuck to her story. "No way. We''ve never even talked before. How could I have a grudge against you? You''re reading way too much into this." Winona snorted. "If I''ve misjudged you, I''ll eat my hat-hell, I''ll hand you my eyeballs to y hacky sack with!" Alicia started to get nervous under Winona''s stare and turned to Keaton for help. "Babe, I swear, I didn''t do anything! She''s totally making stuff up, I¡ª¡± Her voice broke into dramatic sobs, like she was the real victim here. Before Keaton could say anything, the ambnce finally arrived. Elysia helped Winona up. "Come on, let''s get that wound checked at the hospital. We''ll sort this outter." Winona nodded. "Sure." Alicia cowered behind Keaton, peeking out at Winona like some innocent little daisy. Winona just rolled her eyes and waved Keaton over. "Keaton,e here. I need to talk to you." Keaton didn''t think twice. He walked over and started, "Look, this is all my fault. I should have " Before he could finish, Winona shoved him aside, strode over to Alicia, and grabbed a fistful of her hair. Then-smack, smack, smack, smack! The sound of those ps echoed through the room. Elysia: ¡°?!¡± Keaton: "!" Alicia shrieked, "Ow! Ow-ahhh!" Winona only stopped when her own hand started to sting By then, Alicia''s face was already se ne? like a dinner roll-split lip and and all. up 4113 Ignoring Alicia''s sobbing, Winona turned to Keaton and said, "Sorry Mr. Huber. Turned your little girlfriend into a punching bag. What can''t say? koty and I dont take crap from anyone Keaton: "..." Elysia, snapping out of her shock, silently gave Winona a mental high five. As soon as they stepped outside, Elysia''s phone started buzzing. Tarquin was calling. "Heard Keaton called an ambnce. You''re at Tanhe Manor too-what happened?" Elysia, still fuming, snapped, "Oh, you''re not busy now?" "I''m free. What''s going on?" Elysia nearly spat, "Why don''t you ask your dear buddy? His new girlfriend just bashed Winona''s head the ER open I''m taking Winona toe for stitches!" Chapter 1440 Elysia hung up without another word. Winona shook her head. "Why are you so mad at Mr. Bradford? He didn''t do anything wrong. Poor guy''s totally innocent." Elysia was fuming. "Innocent? Not even close. He and Keaton are thick as thieves-if Keaton messes up, Bradford''s guilty by association!" She knew Keaton was getting the short end of the stick, but this whole mess started with him! Alicia was his plus-one-his responsibility, period! While Elysia and Winona climbed into the ambnce, meanwhile, the two "drama mas" were on the phone with each other. Drama Ma #1: Tarquin. "I just called Elysia. She didn''t say much, but she''s furious. What the hell happened?!" Drama Ma #2: Keaton. "Don''t even get me started. I just started dating someone new and she-" Tarquin cut him off, voice icy. "I don''t care how you fix this, but you better sort it. I''ll tell you right now: if my wife bans me from hanging out with you over this, we''re done." Keaton: "Aw,e on-" "And before we''re done, I''m kicking your ass!" Tarquin hung up before Keaton could answer. Keaton just stared at his phone. "... Seriously?" Before he could process, Janelle''s number lit up his screen. She sounded frantic. Readplete version only at f?ndnovel "I just heard Winona''s at the hospital! She hurt her head, needed stitches-what the hell happened?" Keaton sighed. "It''s...plicated." Janelle snapped, "What do you mean, plicated''?" "I mean, it''s not something I can exin in a sentence or two." "Put Winona on the phone. I''ll ask her myself." "I''m not with her. I''m at home." Janelle''s volume shot up. "Winona''s hurt and you''re at home? Why aren''t you at the hospital with her?!" Richard was pacing in the background, chiming in with a sarcastic, "And you''re supposed to be courting her? Winona gives you the time of day, she must need her eyes checked!" Janelle was losing it. "Are you out of your mind? How could you let her go to the hospital alone? Even if you don''t love her don''t you care as a friend? My God, Keaton, what am going to do with you?" "Wait a second-knowing you, if a pretty girl got hurt, you''d be the first one to rush in Why didn''t you, with her? Did Winona tell you not toe?" Keaton hesitated. "... Yeah." Janelle''s tone turned deadly serious. "Why would she tell you not toe?" Keaton was silent. "Did you hurt her?" "No! I''d nevery a hand on a woman." "Then why? Was she hurt because of you? Keaton, did you get yourself a new girlfriend again?!" "It''s all a big misunderstanding." Something clicked for Janelle, and she exploded. "Keaton, you ungrateful brat! You''re going to drive me insane!" "Mom¡ªplease, just let me exin¡ª" "I don''t want to hear it!" "Mom-" "Don''t call me Mom! I don''t have a son like you!" The line went dead. Janelle had hung up. Keaton stared at his phone, defeated. A minute ago she was calling him her darling boy, now she''s disowned him. Figures¡ªJanelle''s always loved Winona more! Chapter 1441 Keaton put his phone away, pushed open the sliding ss door, and walked back into the living room from the balcony. Alicia was still crying, tears streaming down her face, looking absolutely miserable. Keaton nced at her swollen, red eyes and handed her a tissue. "Come on, enough with the tears. Wipe your face. I''ll take you to the hospital and have your injuries checked out first." Alicia took the tissue, sobbing even harder. "Babe, you have to stand up for me! I only hit her by ident, but she hit me on purpose!" Keaton was blunt. "I''ll take responsibility for what you did to Winona, but as for standing up for you? That''s not happening." Alicia looked at him through blurry eyes, "Why not?" Keaton replied, "Because I''m your boyfriend, I''ll take care of the consequences-Winona''s medical bills, any time off work, and whatever emotional distress she ims. I''ll cover it all, you don''t have to worry." "But fighting your battles for you? Not a chance." Alicia felt even more wronged. "But she hit your girlfriend! Aren''t you going to do something?" Keaton said, "If she''d just hit you out of nowhere, I''d have her head on a tter. But she had a reason-because you threw the first punch." "Girlfriend or not, you can''t just go around hitting people." Alicia protested, "I didn''t just hit her for nothing!" Keaton sighed. "Alright, here''s your one shot at telling the truth. Spill it-what really happened between you and Winona?" Alicia tried to wriggle out of it. "I don''t have anything against her! I acted out because of you! Why do you believe her and not me? I''m your girlfriend!" Keaton''s voice was calm, but cold. "I''m only going to ask one more time. What''s really going on between you and Winona?" Alicia''s eyes darted, but she held her ground. "There''s nothing! I hit her because of a misunderstanding. I acted on impulse, that''s all." Keaton exhaled, his eyes narrowing. "Alicia, do you think you''re smarter than Winona? Or smarter than me?" Alicia hesitated, "Babe..." Keaton''s tone grew even colder. "I''m ten years older than you, you know. That''s not for nothing. Winona''s been in show business seven, eight years longer than Official source is F?ndNovel you-se aren''t survive that by being clueless. Your little tricks aren''t footing either of us." "And you tried to use my grudge against Winona as your excuse? That''s bold, give you that Must¨ªve had your Wheatres in huh?" . Alicia could tell from Keaton''s face that things were going south, and she panicked. "Please, listen to me! You''re getting it all wrong! I admit, I don''t like her¡ªI''m jealous, okay? But today, I swear, I didn''t-" Keaton cut her off. "Let''s break up." Alicia''s eyes widened in shock. They''d just made it official at four or five in the morning, and now, before noon, they were breaking up? They hadn''t even slept together yet! If people found out, she''d be the butt of every joke in town. .n¨¦t "Babe, don''t scare me like this! I''m sorry, I''ll go apologize to Ms. Newsom right now! Please, don''t break up with me, love you can''t live without you-" She reached out to grab Keaton''s sleeve, but he stepped out of reach. Keaton picked up his phone and, without hesitation, sent her $30,000. Half as a breakup fee, half for medical expenses. He showed her thepleted transfer on his phone. "We''re done, Alicia. From now on, you can''t call me ''babe'' anymore." Alicia was in full-blown panic, her lips trembling. She couldn''t believe Keaton was actually serious-breaking up just like that! And that thirty grand... Sure, it was a lotpared to what most people made in two years. But for Keaton''s girlfriend? It was peanuts. Keaton was always generous-every ex of his had at least six figures spent on her. And she only got thirty grand? Alicia was furious. "I don''t want it! I don''t want your money. I really love you, I just want to be with you, please¡ª¡± Keaton''s eyes narrowed. "If you really don''t want it, I''ll just take it back. And then you''ll get nothing." Chapter 1442 Alicia fell silent. Keaton''s words hit her right where it hurt. "I honestly wasn''t nning on breaking up with you, but I can''t stand it when someone tries to y little mind games with me." He gave her a long look before adding, "Since we did date, I''ll give you a heads up-Winona''s not someone you want to mess with. And her best friend? Even worse." "If you go after Winona, you''re basically making an enemy out of Mrs. Bradford. Don''t say I didn''t warn you." With that, Keaton made it clear she should leave. He didn''t even bother to offer her a ride to the hospital anymore. Taking her to the hospital had just been his boyfriend duty. Now that they''d broken up-and not on good terms-he couldn''t care less what happened to her. Alicia tried clinging to him, but Keaton just shrugged and said, "My mom''s Winona''s biggest fan. If she finds out you''re here, she''ll probablye over and give you a piece of her mind. And trust me, I won''t stop her." That did the trick. Alicia, freaked out, didn''t dare waste another second. She left the Bradford Estate with her tail between her legs. The moment she was outside, she whipped out her phone and called, "Beatrix, I''m in SO much trouble... *sob sob*..." ... Meanwhile, Keaton wasn''t just sitting around. As soon as Alicia left, he jumped in his car and headed to the hospital to see Winona. After all, she''d gotten hurt because of him, and he felt guilty about it. Plus, he genuinely considered Winona a friend. On his way, he made a quick call. "Look into Alicia and her friends for me. See if there''s any bad blood with Winona." After hanging up, he updated his social media: "Single again, folks!" Only four hours ago, he and Alicia had announced their rtionship to the world. Hisst post, at 5 a.m., had been: "Meet my girlfriend!"plete with a cute selfie of the two of them. Four hourster, they''d split. Possibly the shortest rtionship in history. Naturally, Keaton and Alicia shot straight to the trending topics. Thement section was wild. People were used to Keaton changing girlfriends like he changed socks, so no one dared criticize him. Instead, all the mended on Alicia. She became theughingstock of the inte. This update is avable on ?ovelFind Alicia''s manager had spent the entire night prepping for her big debut. But before they could get anything off the ground, Alicia had crashed and burned. With a breakup this fast, even the investors who''d been intereset backing Alicia started to If she''d pissed Keaton off enough, that he dumped her, no amount of money could buy her aeback. It''d just be throwing cash down the cash.down drain. . Even though Keaton wasn''t a get celebrity himself, his influence in the entertainment world was undeniable. If he wanted someone to make it big, they''d be a star. If he didn''t, they''d never catch a break. While everyone was still gossiping, Winona suddenly hit the trending topics too. Some paparazzi had snapped pics of her at the hospital. Blood on her forehead. The injury looked serious. Concerned messages flooded Winona''s social media. Seeing all thements, Winona posted an update: "Don''t worry, folks. Just got ''bitten by a dog.'' Waiting for stitches~" Of course, that "dog" clearly wasn''t a real one. Spection went wild about who she was calling a dog. Right in the middle of all the guessing, Janelle jumped in. She reposted Winona''s status and tagged Keaton: "Get over here and exin yourself!" Netizens were baffled: What did Keaton have to do with Winona''s injury? Keaton, still driving, hadn''t even seen the message. So everyone flooded Janelle''s inbox for answers. Janelle didn''t hold back-she spilled the tea with plenty of sarcasm. Within minutes, everyone knew: Alicia had attacked Winona out of nowhere! Alicia was the "dog" who''d bitten Winona. Winona waspletely innocent, just a victim. The inte exploded. Winona''s fans were furious. Her friends from the industry were furious. Even several big investors spoke out, publicly condemning Alicia. Alicia''s career? Over before it began. She med out even faster than a clickbait influencer getting banned. Chapter 1443 When Keaton arrived at the hospital and checked his phone, he finally saw the news blowing up online. Honestly, he had nothing to say about his own mom''s antics-he just ignored it. After learning that Winona was out of surgery and resting in her room with an IV, Keaton headed over to find her. He''d barely stepped out of the elevator when he spotted Janelle in the hallway. Janelle had just left Winona''s room. The moment she saw her darling son, she frowned and shot daggers at him with her eyes. Toting her designer handbag, she marched over. Keaton could tell she was in full "mom fury" mode, but there was nowhere to hide. He braced himself: "Hey, Mom-¡± Janelle didn''t even respond. She grabbed his ear and dragged him around the corner, into the stairwell. "Ow, Mom! Take it easy, I''m your actual son!" Keaton yelped. Once they were behind the door, Janelleunched into a tirade. "Don''t call me ''Mom''! What did I do in my past life to deserve a son like you?" "Look at what you''ve done! Winona needed three stitches. Three! Do you have any idea how much that hurts?" "She''s a celebrity, for heaven''s sake! Do you know how much actresses care about their looks? She had to cut away some hair for the stitches! All because of you!" "It''s all your fault! Yours!" The more Janelle spoke, the angrier she got-she even started smacking him. Keaton tried to shield himself, apologizing as blows rained down. "Okay, I know it''s my fault! That''s why I''m here to apologize to Winona. Please, can you stop hitting me now?" Janelle finally stopped, catching her breath. "I don''t care how you do it just make sure Winona forgives you!" Keaton tried to reason with her, "Mom, can you calm down a bit? Winona''s not your daughter-inw, remember? I''ve told you a million times, there''s nothing romantic between us. We''re just friends." Janelle nodded vigorously. "You''re absolutely right! I don''t want Winona as my daughter-inw anymore." Keaton blinked. "You finally figured it out?" Janelle huffed, "Yep. She''s way out of your league! If she dated you, it''d be like a rose growing out of a pile of cow manure." Keaton stared, speechless. Nothing stings quite like your own mom roasting you. Janelle went on, "When I caught you two together in the family chapel the other day, I was so happy! I really thought there was something between you. Factually wanted Winona to join the Huber family." "I never cared she''d been married before. Compared to you, she''s practically a saint!" Keaton sighed. "Mom, could you not build her up by tearing me down?" Janelle ignored him, plowing ahead. "But the more I got to know Winona, I the more I realized you two are a terrible match! She''s just too good for you. look at her, then look at you, and honestly..." The look of disappointment on Janelle''s face was obvious enough that even a blind man could see it. She might as well have had "hopeless" tattooed on her forehead. Keaton looked at his mom like she''d lost her mind. "Mom, did Winona brainwash you or something?" Janelle rolled her eyes at him. "Actually, should thank you! If it weren''t for you, I never would''ve be a superfan for the first time in my life and such a sessful one at that!" "I went through the pain of bringing you into this world, raising you all these years, and this-this is the best thing you''ve ever done for me!" Keaton groaned. ¡°Mom, that''s a bit dramatic." Janelle pursed her lips. "You don''t get it! Ever since I became Winona''s fan, I''ve felt more energetic every day!" ¡°A woman should be her own heroine¡ªno more swallowing her pride or putting up with nonsense!" "So you can stop chasing Winona. She deserves someone way better. I''m nning to ask her to be my goddaughter!" "When she''s feeling better, I''ll head over to the Newsom family with a proper gift basket and make it official. No-why wait? I''ll start getting ready now!" With that, Janelle spun around and marched off. Keaton barely had time to call after her before she turned back and shot him a warning re. "And you stay away from Winona! Don''t you dare mess things up for her again!" Keaton was left standing there,pletely dumbfounded, as his mom disappeared into the elevator. Is this what happens when a fifty-year-old discovers fangirling? Terrifying. Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n find{n}ovel Chapter 1444 Even his own mom didn''t give him the time of day anymore! Keaton was starting to realize that Winona was no ordinary woman-her influence on her fans was just too strong. Ever since Janelle had be a die-hard Winona fan, she''d changedpletely. She used to be the picture-perfect, elegant trophy wife, but now? She was so much more outspoken, and honestly... a lot fiercer. This text is hosted at Find¡ïNovel Shaking off his worries about his mom, Keaton strode towards the hospital room. At the door, he knocked a couple of times. Tarquin opened it, saw Keaton standing there, and his face instantly darkened. Without a word, he stepped out, mmed the door behind him, andnded a solid punch right on Keaton''s mouth. The punch was no joke-Keaton''s lip split, blood trickling down his chin. He was utterly dumbfounded. First, his own mother had told him off, and now his brother had socked him in the face! Talk about a rough day for this poor guy. Touching his bleeding lip, Keaton stared at Tarquin, wide-eyed. "Dude, are you nuts? What the hell was that for?!" Before Tarquin could answer, Elysia came out, having heard themotion. Tarquin immediately softened, standing by her side. "Don''t be upset, honey. I''ve already stood up for you." When Elysia stayed silent, Tarquin leaned in, "Still not enough? Want me to hit him a couple more times?" Keaton: ""Seriously?! So his brother was all about keeping his wife happy, even if it meant treating him like yesterday''s garbage? Elysia suddenly spoke, "Do you know why Alicia hit Winona?" Keaton quickly replied, "I''ve got people looking into it, but nothing yet." Elysia pressed her lips together. "Then you should go. Winona''s getting an IV and she said she doesn''t want to see you right now. You just stress her out." She shot a look at Tarquin, "You too. I don''t need you here either." With that, Elysia turned around and shut the door firmly behind her, clearly done with both of them. The two brothers just stood there outside her room, looking defeated, before heading downstairs together. Keaton grumbled, "I get you want to make your wife happy, but couldn''t you have just pretended? Did you really have to punch me?" Tarquin shot him a re, "Winona started crying, then Elysia started crying... Honestly, that punch was me going easy on you." When his wife cried, Tarquin''s heart broke. Keaton blinked in surprise. "Winona cried, too?" "Yeah." "Because of the stitches?" "No, the wound''s on her head, so they had to shave a patch of her hair. She was upset about her hair." Keaton: "...She didn''t cry when she got hurt, but losing a bit of hair made her cry? She really does love her looks!" Tarquin rolled his eyes. "Lucky the cut wasn''t on her face. She''s a celebrity you know i got a sear there, you''d owe her for life." novel Keaton just sighed and followed Tarquin out of the elevator. They stood outside in the courtyard, lighting up cigarettes. "I had no idea Alicia had it out for her! Alicia''s not even in showbiz yet-who could''ve guessed..." Tarquin flicked his ash. "You better clean up the whole Beatrix Sutton mess, now." Keaton looked confused. "Beatrix?" Tarquin pulled out his phone and yed a recording of Alicia sobbing. "Beatrix, you have to help me, please. I only got into it with Winona because of you! If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t have had a problem with her at all. Please, if you don''t help me out of this I''ll have to drag you too! Don''t me me¡ªI''m desperate! The inte is tearing me apart... please..." When the recording ended, Tarquin said, "I''ve already questioned her myself. Alicia only got close to you because Beatrix set it up." "Beatrix promised her a million dors and a shot at stardom if she managed to take Winona down." Keaton: "..." Tarquin forwarded the recording to Keaton, then pocketed his phone. "Winona has no idea Beatrix''s involved. If you want to tell her yourself, be my guest." "Your business with Beatrix is your own, and won''t force you toe clean, but you better handle it. Otherwise, this is going to blow up your face "} in Keaton''s brow furrowed as he took a deep drag from his cigarette. "Yeah, I got it." Chapter 1445 An hourter, in a private room at an exclusive club. Beatrix followed the waiter in, calm andposed. When she saw Keaton, there was no anxiety, no nervousness¡ªalmost as if she were meeting a colleague in a library. She wore her usual sses, her look crisp and understated, like a rare snow lily blooming on a mountaintop. She set her handbag down and quietly took the seat opposite Keaton. Keaton didn''t get angry right away. He just narrowed his eyes at her, his expression icy. The waiter brought over a pot of coffee, poured them each a cup, and left. Only then did Keaton speak: "Really trying to get yourself killed, huh?" Beatrix knew he''d figured it out. She owned up to it, cool as ever. "Alicia? I arranged for her to be there." Keaton frowned. "Why? What''s your angle?" Beatrix picked up her coffee, took a slow sip. "I don''t like how she''s always glued to you. Plus, Janelle and Mr. Huber adore her -she''s a threat to me." Keaton raised an eyebrow. "So tell me, how do you think I feel about you always watching my every move?" Beatrix adjusted her sses and looked him straight in the eye. "You could kill me, if you want." Keaton: "..." Beatrix continued, "I''m not after your heart, Keaton. But I need the status of being Mrs. Huber. If you give me that, you''re free to do whatever you want. I won''t interfere." "If you want me to stop watching you, there are only two ways: marry me... or kill me." Keaton stared at her, silent for a few seconds. Then, suddenly, he let out a cold, shortugh. "No wonder you''re so fearless. You know damn well I''m not going to kill you. You''re right-I won''t. But that doesn''t mean I''mpletely powerless." He pulled out his phone and, making sure she could see, dialed a number. "Pull the funding. Not another cent goes into the project. Tell Professor Watson and the rest of the team exactly why: this was Beatrix''s doing." As soon as he hung up, Beatrix shot up out of her chair. "Keaton!" He calmly sipped his coffee. Within seconds, Beatrix''s phone buzzed. She checked the screen, frowned, and answered. "Professor Watson..." Whatever the professor said, it wiped all the color from Beatrix''s face. "I understand. I''ll figure something out." She hung up, her breathing quick and shallow. "Why would you drag innocent people into this? What happens between us has nothing to do with them!" "Professor Watson treats me like his own daughter. He''s spent years on this research he''s so close to a breakthrough! By cutting the funding now, you''re ruining him!" Keaton remained unbothered. "You''re the one who dragged innocent people into this. You''re the one putting him in danger." Beatrix''s chest heaved with anger. She was quiet for a long moment, then finally gritted out an apology. "I was wrong. If you want me to apologize to Winona, I''ll do it." Keaton rolled his eyes. "Just stay away from her." Beatrix bit her lip, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "... You like her, don''t you?" Get full chapters from Find~Novel "None of your business." Keaton''s tone was sharp. "You know exactly why I protect you. Stop pushing my limits, Beatrix. I won''t warn you again." He stood up to leave. Beatrix called after him, "What about the funding?" "A promise is a promise. It''s and it won''t being b t out yourself...Maybe t next time, you''ll learn your lesson." Beatrix was left speechless. Later that afternoon, Winona was discharged from the hospital and returned to Tanhe Manor. She''d only needed a few stitches-no need for an overnight stay. Elysia had to pick her child up from preschool, but with Ridley and Caroline keeping Winonapany, she felt at ease. After dropping Winona off at Tanhe Manor, Elysia headed home. Ridley and Caroline both knew Keaton had helped Winona a lot with the Zane situation. They were grateful So even with everything that had happened today, they couldn''t bring themselves to me Keaton. Chapter 1446 But her parents couldn''t help but worry about their daughter... "Winona, you and Mr. Huber, you two..." her dad started gently. Winona knew exactly what was on their minds. She grinned and waved a hand dismissively. "Don''t overthink it. Keaton and I are just friends. Sure, today''s mess started because of him, but you can''t really me him-he didn''t know Alicia was that kind of person." Ridley frowned, concern etched deep in his face. "He''s a good kid in every way, except-well, rtionships... Winona, why don''t you just move back in with us for a while?" Winona shook her head, her smile soft but firm. "You guys know I like having my own ce. Don''t worry, really. I''ll be more careful next time. Lesson learned." "But-" her mother started. "Alright, alright, I''m starving! Mom, Dad, could you guys make me something good to eat?" Caroline perked up immediately. "Of course! What do you want?" Winona rattled off a few favorite dishes-mac and cheese, roast chicken, maybe some mashed potatoes and sent her parents bustling off to the kitchen. She flopped down on her bed, grabbed her phone, and opened the camera app to check the stitches on her forehead. Ugh, thinking about the new bald patch made her groan. Ding! Suddenly her phone chimed, making her jump. She fumbled and-whack!-dropped it right on her face. "Ow! Jeez, who the hell¡ª¡± she muttered, rubbing her nose. It was a message from Keaton. First, an awkward grimacing emoji, then: [Back home yet? Mind if Ie by?] Winona typed back: [Not a good time!] Keaton: [Alright, got it.] A few minutester, there was a soft tapping at her bedroom window. Winona nced over-was that a shadow outside? Wait. A shadow? Oh, crap. A person! Her braingged a second, then she shot upright and hurried over to the window. They were on the he third floor Anyone falling from Kece would end up in the ER! She pressed close to the ss and whispered, "Who''s there?!" Keaton''s voice floated in. "Open up, it''s me." Winona stared, dumbfounded, but carefully cracked open the window. Keaton was stered against the wall looking like one wrong ove would send him tumbling. Once the window was open, Keaton swung himself inside as quickly as he could. Winona didn''t even try to stop him-if she pushed, she''d probably send him flying! As soon as hended safely in the room, she red at him. "Are you insane? This is the third floor!" Keaton brushed dust off his hands. "You said it wasn''t a good time toe over, so the only way in was the window. Your folks are still here, right?" Winona stared at him in disbelief, lowering her voice. "I said ''not a good time'' because I didn''t want to see you right now! Not becaus wanted you sneaking around like a criminal! Get it?" Keaton put on a mock-hurt face. "Really? My bad, totally misunderstood. I thought you meant we had to meet in secret." Winona rolled her eyes. "Why would we need to sneak around? What are we, teenagers caught making out?" Keaton grinned, mischief in his eyes. "Aren''t your parents here?¡± "What, are they gonna chase you around the house or something?" "Hey, you got hurt because of me. They probably hate my guts. If I knocked on the front door, Ridley mighte after me with a carving knife!" Winona just stared at him, at a loss for words. She finally asked, "So why risk your neck climbing up here?" "You got hurt because of me I felt bad. I just wanted to check on you. Oh, and I brought you a little something." He reached into his jacket, and Winona''s heart skipped a beat. Her eyes went wide. "Nope! I don''t want it!" she blurted, almost instinctively. Keaton looked surprised. "Don''t want it? Come on, it''s something good! Don''t you even wanna see what it is?" Winona shook her head, frowning. "Take it back. I really don''t want it." Keaton stared at her, lookingpletely baffled. "Can I at least know why not?" Chapter 1447 Winona looked at the bottle of wine in Keaton''s hand and felt a chill run down her spine. Just thinking about that fiasco at the Huber family''s ancestral home still made her scalp tingle. She''d made a scene at their family gathering¡ªshe''d downed their ceremonial wedding wine, got caught red-handed, and, to top it all off, she was busted hiding under their covers. That was the kind of embarrassment that stuck with you for life. So now, when it came to Huber family wine, she wasn''t about to risk it again. Especially since this bottle was the real deal. On the open market, it would easily fetch a seven-figure price tag. Her little scrape wasn''t worth such an extravagant gift. Keaton, meanwhile, was still trying to sell her on it. "This wine''s got history. It''s the real stuff-you can''t find it anywhere else." Of course Winona knew it was good. She wanted it, sure, but there was no way she could ept. She eyed him suspiciously. "Let me guess, is this another one of your grandpa''s stash?" Keaton shook his head. "Nope. We already finished off my grandpa''s. This one''s from my great-grandpa''s collection." Winona''s mouth twitched. What was it with the Hubers and hoarding wine? "So, you polished off your grandpa''s, and now you''re working your way through your great-grandpa''s? If your dad finds out, he''ll have your head!" Keaton protested, "Hey, I didn''t steal this! My dad gave it to me. He told me to give it to you." Winona blinked in surprise. "Mr. Huber asked you to bring me wine? What for?" Keaton exined, ¡°After we finished off my grandpa''s wine, my dad thought you were a fan. He pulled this bottle from my great-grandpa''s stash as a peace offering¡ªtold me to apologize to you. He said, if Ie back with the wine, it means you didn''t forgive me. And if you don''t forgive me, he''d rather cut ties with me than have such a disappointing son." Winona stared at him. "How is whether or not I forgive you any business of your family drama?" Keaton gave her his best sad puppy eyes. "Dad says, if even someone as straightforward as you won''t be friends with me, I must really suck. And if I suck that much, he''s done with me. Says it''s too embarrassing." Winona was speechless. Keaton set the wine down on the table. "So, c''mon. For the sake of my dignity- and so I don''t have to run away from home again-just take it, will you?" Winona''s lips pressed into a thin line. "Fine, I forgive you for your dad''s and great-grandpa''s sake. But I can''t take the wine. Give it back to your great- grandpa''s collection." Keaton shook his head. "No can do. Dad won''t let me off the hook that easy." Winona said, ¡°Just tell your folks I said thanks, but no thanks. I appreciate the thought, but I''m not taking it. Tell your dad it''s my gift to your great-grandpa instead " Before she could finish, Keaton had already uncorked the bottle. Somehow, he''d conjured up two wine sses out of nowhere. He poured a generous ss for each of them. Winona''s breath caught in her throat. "Are you serious right now?!" Keaton grinned, looking way too pleased with himself. "Trust me, my dad will be happier knowing you forgave his precious grandson. Come on, let''s have a toast-my apology for everything today." Winona gaped at him for a second, then hissed under her breath, "Are you insane? This wine is crazy expensive, and you just popped it operf like it''s a bottle of sodal Who''s gonna pay for it now?" "I will, I will!" Keaton said, still smirking. "My treat. Happy?" Winona clenched her teeth. "You''re out of your mind!" She''d tried not to ept such an expensive gift from the Hubers, and now he''d gone and opened it. There was no way to return it now. Janelle". and Richard would definitely think she''d epted it! "Keaton, you absolute jerk! You-" She grabbed a pillow and chucked it at him. Keaton justughed, dodging easily. "Hit me after we finish the wine. Don''t let four generations of Huber family effort go to waste." Chapter 1448 This chapter is missing , we are fix soon ! Chapter 1449 Keaton said, "Anyway, you got hurt because of me. I have to take responsibility." "Whether or not you want to get back at Beatrix, that''s up to you. But this is my way of making it right." "I pulled a few scripts for you-hot properties right now. Take a look, see if any catch your eye. If you find one you like, I''ll bankroll the whole thing. You''ll be the leadingdy." "You can even pick your co-star. Doesn''t matter if they''re from the industry or not just say the word, I''ll make it happen." Winona stared at him, stunned. She reached for the folder and flipped through it. Every script was in serious demand these days. Keaton added, "If you think you can juggle your schedule, take them all if you want. Or if there''s a movie or a brand endorsement you''re dying to do, just tell me. I''ll set it up." Winona: "..." She could turn down whiskey, but these scripts? No way. She was an actress, and she loved her craft. She wanted to keep pushing her limits, keep surprising herself. These were projects she''d always dreamed of, but never had a shot at. Now they were right in front of her, and she wasn''t about to let them slip away. She didn''t bother pretending. She was straightforward: "These are exactly what I want. I''ll take them. Let me pick which ones and get back to you. Thanks, Keaton." Keaton grinned, even more direct, "I should be thanking you! If you turned me down, I''d never stop feeling guilty." Then he picked up a pair of scissors and handed them to Winona. "You can look at the scriptster. For now, I figured you might want to blow off some steam." Winona eyed the scissors, confused. "What''s this for?" Keaton exined, "Heard you had to chop off some hair to get stitches, and you cried about it. I figured I''d give you a shot at payback." Winona: "?" Keaton shrugged. "Hey, I''m vain too. But we''re friends, right? Just... go easy on me, and please don''t make me look like a total disaster." Now she got it. Keaton was offering up his own hair as a peace offering. Honestly, with a move like that, how could she stay mad? No wonder everyone knew he was a flirt but girls still fell for him. He wasn''t just good-looking or rich-he knew how to make a girl feel better how to hit the right emotional notes. He could check every box: looks, money,fort, fun. Who wouldn''t fall for a guy like that? Out of ten women, at least half would catch feelings. Winona didn''t take the scissors. "Forget it. I''m over it. Let''s just move on. We''re still friends." But Keaton pushed, "No way. I can''t get that image of you crying over your hair out of my head Please, just take a few ships so can feel a little less guilty." She hesitated, so he nudged her, "Come on, don''t leave me hanging." Winona sighed, "I don''t even know how to cut hair." Keaton just winked, "That''s fine. Whatever happens, I won''t hold it against you.¡± She paused for a moment, but when he insisted, she gave in. "Okay, you asked for it. If it turns out awful, you''re not allowed toin." "Scout''s honor!" Winona took the scissors, nning to just trim a little off the ends, nothing drastic. She really wasn''t upset anymore. But- Just as she brought the scissors to Keaton''s hair, they heard Caroline''s voice from the other room: "I''ming, I''ming!" Startled, both of them jumped. Keaton jerked his head, and Winona''s hand slipped. Snip ! A huge chunk of Keaton''s perfectly styled hair came off, right at the roots. His suaveid-back look instantly transformed into a ridiculous,psided mess. Instead of looking. like the star of a vintage film, he now looked... well, like someone who lost a bet at a frat party. And the worst part? The middle part was way too wide. Not a little wide¡ªa canyon. Bold, obvious, and absolutely impossible to hide. Chapter 1450 Winona waspletely at a loss, standing frozen, not sure what to say or do. ".....¡± Keaton broke the silence, "Your mom just scared the crap out of me. Are you done with the haircut?" Winona pressed her lips together, searching for words, when suddenly Janelle''s voice drifted in from the hallway. "Hi, Mrs. Newsom, sorry to barge in. I just wanted to check on Winona." Caroline replied warmly, "Oh, you''re not bothering us at all! Come in,e in! You really didn''t need to bring all these gifts, though. Ridley, Mr. and Mrs. Huber are here!" Ridley called out from the kitchen, "Coming,ing! Sorry, I got caught up with dinner prep. Please,e on in, make yourselves at home." Richard, ever the gentleman, said, "Please don''t be so formal. We''re just here to apologize-Winona got caught up in something because of our son." Ridley waved it off, "Winona''s just fine. Sorry you had to make the trip. Have a seat, let me get you some coffee." Caroline added, "I''ll go call Winona down." Janelle smiled, "No need, really. Let her rest. I''ll just pop up and check on her." The parents were all so courteous and friendly, it felt a little like a Thanksgiving get-together. Meanwhile, inside Winona''s room, she and Keaton both looked at each other, eyes wide, totally shocked. They hadn''t expected Janelle and Richard to show up out of the blue. Secondster, there was a knock at the door! Caroline called, "Winona, Janelle and Mr. Huber are here to see you." Janelle called out, "Winona, are you resting?" Winona and Keaton both panicked. One yanked a chair, the other jumped off the bed-they both scrambled for the door. The chair screeched across the floor, and Winona thudded to the ground as she hopped off the bed. Neither of them cared about the noise-they were just desperate to get to the door. In their hurry, Keaton bumped into Winona, and she identally stepped on his foot. They both winced in pain, but no way were they making a sound. Caroline asked, "Winona, what was that noise?" Winona and Keaton held the door shut, hearts pounding wildly. Winona called out, "Mom, I¡ªI''m just getting changed! You and Janelle rx in the living room, I''ll be down in a minute." Caroline seemed satisfied. Janelle added kindly, "No rush, Winona... She sounds so out of breath, poor thing." Carolineughed, "Winona''s just excited to see you guys. She loves having you here." When the coast was clear and everyone had gone downstairs, Winona quickly tocked the door and let out the breath she''d been holding. "That was terrifying!" The Hubers had already almost caught them once before-if they got caught again, there''d be no digging themselves out of this mess. Winona nced at Keaton''s half-finished haircut and hissed, "You need to get out of here. Now!" Keaton didn''t need convincing. He hurried to the window, opened it, then mmed it shut again. Winona red, "What are you waiting for?" Keaton whispered, "I can''t go." "Why not?" "My dad''s driver''s downstairs. If I climb out, he''ll see me for sure." Winona rushed to the window and peeked out. Sure enough, there was a middle- aged guy in a suit, leaning against a sleek car, smoking. "That him?" "Yeah." Winona felt her heart sink. "This is bad. If anyone finds out you''re here, we are so busted." A girl''s room, a guy hiding out-if word got around, it''d be a disaster. Keaton said, "Okay, just act natural. Go downstairs and keep them busy, don''t let anyonee up here ty hide in the bathroom for now.¡± He darted into the bathroom, but almost immediately called out, "Winona!" His voice was so loud it echoed down the hall, catching the attention of all four parents chatting in the living room, bringing the lively conversation to a sudden, suspicious halt. Chapter 1451 Winona Newsom''s heart was pounding, beating so fast it felt like it was about to jump out of her chest! Caroline called from the first floor, "Winona, what was that noise?" Winona forced herself to lie, "...It''s nothing, I''m just binge-watching a show. I''ll be done soon." "Oh, just a show." Her parents didn''t think much of it and went back to their conversation. Winona let out a long sigh and shot a re at Keaton Huber, gritting her teeth, ready to tear into him. But when she saw him pointing at his own hair with a questioning look, her anger deted. The haircut wasn''t just bad, it was hysterically awful. Winona mumbled, "You''re the one who made me cut it!" Keaton gritted his teeth. ¡°But you didn''t have to make it this ugly, did you?" "That''s because you turned your head!" Winona shot back. Keaton''s eyes widened. "So it''s my fault?" Winona red. "Well, it''s not my fault, is it? You forced me to cut it, and we agreed beforehand if you got mad, you broke the promise!" Keaton felt wronged. "How was I supposed to know that a beautiful girl like you could be so clumsy!" "You''re the clumsy one! And you''re getting mad, so you broke your promise!" Winona retorted. Keaton scratched his head. "Just fix it, quickly. I can''t stand this hairstyle for another second!" "Right now?" "Yes!" "My parents are waiting for me outside!" "It''s fine, they won''t rush you. Just hurry up." Winona said irritably, "I don''t know how to cut hair. What if I make it even uglier?" Keaton pressed his lips together. ¡°Trust me, it can''t possibly get any uglier than this! If you don''t fix it for me, I''ll start screaming right now and let your parents and my parents know that you''re hiding a guy in your room!" "You...!" Winona gave him a kick but felt helpless. She had him sit on the toilet and started improvising. Before she could even out the haircut, Winona noticed a problem. "All the hair clippings are falling on you." "It''s fine, I''ll take a shower when I get hometer." "But it''s not fine for me!" Keaton looked up at her instinctively. "Huh? Why not?" "Besides falling on your clothes, the hair is getting all over the floor. Look, it''s going to be a pain for me to clean up," Winona said. Keaton replied without thinking, "I''ll clean it for you." Winona pouted. ¡°Yeah, no thanks. Either I go to your ceter to fix it, or you find a stylist yourself. You''re not getting it fixed in my house." Winona tossed the scissors onto the sink and, ignoring Keaton''s expression, washed her hands of the whole mess. "You stay here in the bathroom. I''m going out." Keaton looked at his disastrous reflection in the mirror and chased after her, hoping to make her finish the job. But just then, he heard his mother''s voice from outside the room. Janelle was saying, "We came here today not just to apologize, but also to ask you something." "We truly adore Winona, and we were hoping to ask her to be our goddaughter. I wonder if you''d be willing?" Keaton already knew about this, so he wasn''t surprised. However¡ª Janelle continued, ¡°To be honest, I used to hope Winona would be my daughter-in-w. But then I realized they aren''t right for each other." "That rascal son of mine is simply not good enough for a wonderful girl like Winona!" "So we''ve given up on that hope. Now we just want her as our goddaughter. You can rest assured, we will absolutely cherish her!" Keaton and Winona: "..." Ever since Winona learned that Janelle and her husband wanted to been a bit Keaton she set her up with had ved around them. She didn''t want to disappoint them, so she was afraid to get too close. Hearing Janelle say this, she felt a wave of relief. Now she could be close to Janelle without any pressure. The affection was mutual; Janelle liked her, and she liked Janelle. Winona raised an eyebrow and teased Keaton, "A roast from your own mom is the most brutal. You''re really failing, huh?" With that, she left the bedroom in a good mood. Keaton was left reeling in her room. "..." His own mother had just trash-talked him in front of Winona''s parents! Just how much did she adore Winona?! It seemed his mom hadpletely given up on the idea of them getting together: In the living room, Ridley and Caroline Newsom, seeing how sincere the Hubers were, immediately gave their answer. "Of course we''re willing. As long as Winona has no objections we certainly have no objections. Chapter 1452 A goddaughter was a great idea! If she became their goddaughter, then Winona would practically be family anyway! That was much better than having their daughter be the Huber family''s daughter-inw! It wasn''t that they had anything against Keaton, but in terms of rtionships... he was too much of a yer,pletely unreliable! "I have no objections either," Winona said with a smile, walking over to Janelle''s side. ¡°Janelle, Richard." Janelle looked at Winona, both happy and concerned, and began fussing over her with a series of worried questions. Richard Huber, on the other hand, was a bit stunned. He had caught the scent of alcohol on Winona! The Huber family had a passion for fine liquors, so he recognized the aroma. It had to be from Keaton''s great-grandfather''s prized collection! Keaton had stolen liquor from the family cer again! Richard was seething with anger. That good-for-nothing, infuriating son of his was going to be the death of him! He couldn''t explode right then and there, so he had to bottle it up. Just as he was fuming, he saw a text message from his driver: ¡¾Sir, the young master is in Ms. Newsom''s room.] Richard: "!" He re-read the message, then instinctively nced toward Winona''s bedroom. Making an excuse about handling work, he stepped away from the group to call the driver. "How do you know Keaton is in Winona''s room?" "I was having a smoke downstairs just now and saw them with my own eyes. The young master and Ms. Newsom seemed a bit flustered when they saw me, so I didn''t dare to greet them." "Just now?" "Yes. If you didn''t see him when you came in, he must still be in Ms. Newsom''s bedroom." Richard: "..." After hanging up, Richard''s mind was in turmoil. His son knew how valuable the liquor in the cer was. Why would he steal it for Winona? And why would he be sneaking around in her bedroom? You don''t just enter a young woman''s bedroom like that! What could this be if not a budding romance?! Richard grew more and more excited. He turned and walked back to the living room, telling Janelle, ¡°Something urgent hase up at thepany. Can we continue this chat another time?" Janelle was displeased. "What''s so urgent? I''m right in the middle of something important here." Richard knew her "important thing" was making Winona their goddaughter. He said impatiently, ¡°We can talk about it another day, I have to go." Why bother with a goddaughter when a daughter-inw was so much better! The Huber family was on the verge of having its line end. He had been praying to every saint he could think of for a daughter-inw for the family! He wasn''t like Janelle. Janelle had be such a big fan of Winona that she thought her idol deserved a better man, so she''d switched sides! He hadn''t switched sides! He''d much rather have Winona as thedy of the Huber house than as a goddaughter! Seeing Richard''s urgency, everyone assumed it was a realpany emergency. Janelle couldn''t argue and left with him. As soon as they were out of the Newsom house, she asked, "What on earth was that all about?" Richard didn''t answer. He first motioned for the driver to leave, then quickly pulled Janelle into Keaton''s house next door. Janelle waspletely bewildered. "What are you doing?!" Richard said, ¡°Stop with this goddaughter business. Think about our family. It''s much better for Winona to be thedy of the Huber house!" Janelle frowned. "That brat of yours doesn''t deserve Winona! Besides, he doesn''t like her, and she doesn''t like him." Richard retorted, "Says who? They''re totally a thing! They''ve been seeing each other behind our backs. We might even get married this year and be holding a grandchild by next year! Haha Richard yet so carried away by his own words that he startedughing excitedly. Cont¨¦nt Janelle looked at him skeptically. "Are youpletely delusional? You must be losing your mind from wanting a daughter-inw so badly!" "We''ll just wait for our son right here," Richard dered. "You can ask him yourself in a bit. If he dares to say he''s not with Winona today, I''ll break his legs!" Stealing his great-grandfather''s liquor deserved a beating! Sneaking into a young woman''s bedroom without a thought for her reputation, when they weren''t even dating, deserved a beating! Of course if they were* dating, then no beating was necessary. Janelle had no idea what had gotten into him. Completely baffled, she asked, "Where is our son?" Richard pulled her into Keaton''s bedroom and patted the sofa. ¡°Sit here and wait. And keep your eyes on that window." Chapter 1453 Next door, Keaton had no idea a beating was waiting for him. All he could think about was his hair. After Winona left, he grabbed the scissors and tried to fix it himself, but the more he trimmed, the worse it got! It was an absolute disaster. When Winona returned to her room and saw the hair clippings scattered everywhere, her blood pressure soared. She was about to yell at him when she saw Keaton''s ''new'' hairstyle... "Pfft!" She couldn''t hold it in and burst outughing. Keaton''s face darkened. "When youugh at someone to their face, could you at least be a little quieter? Don''t other people have feelings?" He tilted his head, which only made Winonaugh harder. "Keaton, you... you... you''ve outdone yourself! You actually managed to create a high-fashion asymmetrical alpaca cut. Hahaha... There are pictures online, let me find one for you, haha..." Winona actually pulled out her phone,ughing as she searched. "I can''t breathe. Haha, I''m literally dying..." Keaton''s face flushed a deep, mottled crimson with embarrassment and rage. He hadn''t been sure he could fix it, so he had only trimmed along one side before giving up. The result was an absolute trainwreck. Unable to stand her tant mockery, Keaton turned and walked toward the window. Winona quickly called out, "What are you doing? You''re going to jump just because Iughed at you a little?" "I''m going home!" Keaton snapped. Only then did Winona realize he had climbed in through the window. Keaton saw that the Huber family''s driver was gone. He opened the window to leave, but before he did, he remembered something and turned to say resentfully, "We''re even for that time you needed stitches because of me!" The wind ruffled his hair, and he even tried to flick his lopsided bangs. Winona was practically crying withughter. "Even, we''re even! Be careful, I''m not responsible if you fall." Keaton shot her a re and climbed out the window. Behind him, Winona''sughter followed. "Bye-bye, Mr. Alpaca." Keaton: "..." His reputation was ruined! At least only Winona had seen it. Their bedrooms were separated by just one wall. It was a bit risky, but not difficult to cross. Keaton nimbly returned to his own room He was just about to head to the bathroom to even out the other side of his hair and call a stylist toe over when he turned around and saw his parents. They were sitting side-by-side on the sofa, backs ramrod straight, staring daggers at him! "Ah-!" Before Keaton could scream, Janelle let out a shriek. Keaton jumped. "Mom?!" Janelle stood up and rushed over. "Son, how did you get in from outside? This is the third floor! And what happened to your hair?!" Keaton was surprised. ¡°Didn''t you two leave? What are you doing here in my room?" Richard cut straight to the chase. "Are you and Winona together?" The hair was irrelevant; the daughter-inw was what mattered. Keaton was stunned. "Who told you that?!" Richard didn''t beat around the bush. "Did you or did you not steal your great- grandfather''s liquor for Winona?" Keaton: "...Yeah." Richard: "And did you juste from Winona''s bedroom?" Keaton: "... Yeah." Richard became emotional. "If you two weren''t together, you would never have stolen your er great-grandfather''s liquor for her And you certainly wouldn''t be. sneaking into a young woman''s bedroom!" Before Keaton could speak, Janelle asked, "You dragged me in here such a hurry saying they were in together. Is this what you based that on?" "Yes!" Chapter 1454 Janelle was speechless and tried to defend her son. ¡°He stole the liquor for Winona because he knows we like her. He probably figured that even if he got caught, we wouldn''t be too mad because of her!" ¡°And as for sneaking into her bedroom... wait, Keaton, why did you sneak into Winona''s room?!" Janelle suddenly grew agitated as she spoke. "She''s a young woman! Even if you don''t care about gossip, she does!" "No wonder your father said he''d break your legs if you two aren''t together. You better exin yourself right now, or if he doesn''t do it, I will!" Keaton was at aplete loss. He said meekly, "Aren''t you two being a little old- fashioned? What''s the big deal about a bedroom? It''s the 21st century, friends can hang out in each other''s rooms..." Janelle smacked him across the back of the head. "A girl''s bedroom is not just any room you can waltz into!" Richard added, "Especially not by sneaking in!" Janelle nodded. ¡°Right. If you and Winona are just friends, why did you have to sneak over? Why not use the front door?" She leaned in and sniffed. "And, what did you do in her bedroom?! You smell like Winona''s shampoo..." Her eyes widened. "You took a shower in her room?!" Keaton quickly exined, "I just washed my hair, I didn''t take a shower! Can you please stop looking at me like I''m some kind of creep?" Janelle was furious. "What kind of decent young man climbs through a window to wash his hair in a girl''s room?!" Richard chimed in, "Unless they''re dating!" Janelle faltered for a second, then red at Keaton. She took out her phone and snapped two photos. "Tell me the truth about you and Winona right now! If you don''t, not only will you get a beating, but I''ll post these ugly pictures of you online for everyone tough at!" Keaton: "..." Was this really his mother? Seeing the ''ready to strike at any moment'' attitude from his parents, Keaton didn''t dare speak rashly. Thest time, with the Beatrix Sutton incident, his dad had nearly taken a golf club to him while his mom tried to intervene, and he still barely made it out alive. This time, if they both teamed up they''d probably bury hin in the backyard! Besides, his mom had photographic evidence. She''d be obsessed with her celebrity idolstely; he had no doubt she would actually post his embarrassing photos online. After mulling it over, Keaton let out a long sigh and said in a low voice, ¡°Let''s talk in the living room. The walls are thin, we don''t want her to hear." He managed to coax his parents out of the bedroom and sat across from them, ready to spin a tale. "In my eyes, you''ve always been such open-minded parents, so loving and..." Richard cut him off. "Cut the crap! Tell us about you and Winona!" Keaton pursed his lips. ¡°Winona and I... we are together." Richard: "!" His eyes lit up. The Huber family was saved! Janelle: "!" She was just shocked, unsure if she should be happy or angry Her son was with Winona, which should be a good thing. But how could this brat possibly be good enough for her idol?! Keaton continued his lie. "The reason I didn''t tell you is because Winona asked me not to. She''s not sure if she wants to marry me yet, so she wants to keep it quiet." "She said she wants to test me out first. If we don''t work out, we can break up quietly without affecting our families and friends. If we do, we''ll just announce outarriage and give you all a big surprise." Chapter 1455 Of all the things his son said, the only words Richard heard were ''announce our marriage''! He was so overjoyed he was on the verge of tears. "Son, you''ve finally done something right! In the thirty years I''ve been your father, this is the proudest I''ve ever been of you!" "You''re finally willing to settle down! The Huber family name is saved! I can finally die a happy man!" Janelle''s expression was conflicted. She wasn''t happy, but she wasn''t unhappy either. After a long moment, she said, "Winona is so exceptional, she must have high standards. How could she possibly fall for you?" Richard didn''t like that. He stood up for his son. "What kind of thing is that to say? No matter how wed he is, he''s still my son. He might be unreliable, but he''s notpletely useless. At least he''s good-looking, right?" Keaton: "..." So, the only good thing about him was his looks? Both his mother''s and father''s love for him was present, but not by much. Keaton continued his charade. ¡°Okay, you two need to calm down. This thing with Winona and me... it''s brand new. We''ve barely gotten started." "For the sake of our future, I need you to keep this a secret. Don''t tell anyone. If Winona finds out I spilled the beans, she''ll definitely break up with me!" Richard immediately nodded. "Don''t worry, son, my lips are sealed!" He then warned Janelle, ¡°Don''t you go around spreading this. Keep it a secret for our son''s sake. Don''t ruin his big chance!" Janelle''s face was still twisted in conflict; she neither nodded nor shook her head. Keaton tried to reassure her. "Mom, I know you adore Winona. Don''t worry, whether we end up getting married or not, I will never let her get hurt. If we do break up, she''ll be the one dumping me, not the other way around!" Richard''s face immediately darkened. He lectured his son, "What break up? Don''t jinx it! Why can''t you be more positive?! Now that Winona likes you, you need to hold on tight and do whatever it takes to marry her into the Huber family!" Janelle shot him a re and asked Keaton, "If you two are together, then what''s the deal with that Alicia? Were you cheating on Winona behind her back?" Keaton quickly exined, "Alicia was Winona''s idea. It was a cover to hide our rtionship. If I''m out there acting like a yer, noorte would suspect us, right?" fo Janelle: "Then why did she hit Winona?" Keaton: "That''s on us for not doing our homework. Turns out Alicia had a personal grudge against Winona." Janelle was still skeptical, feeling that something wasn''t right. "But.......¡± Keaton yed his trump card. "Mom, think about it. If we weren''t together, would Winona have slept in my bed?" Janelle was stunned. ¡°Slept in your bed? I thought you said she was staying in the guest room?" Keaton shook his head. "Winona was afraid her parents would get suspicious, so she said she was in the guest room. The truth is, we''ve been sleeping in the same bed for a while now." Richard was ecstatic. "Does Winona want kids? Tell her if she wants kids, we''ll take care of everything! We''ll agree to any conditions she has!" Janelle red at him. ¡°You go dream on! Winona is her own person, no one can force her to have kids!" Richard backtracked. "I''m not forcing her! I just mean if she likes kids and ns to have them, we''ll of course support whatever she wants." ¡°But just imagine, Winona giving you a beautiful little granddaughter who looks just like her. Wouldn''t that make you happy?" Janelle imagined it and a smile spread across her face. "If Winona decides she wants a baby, I''ll spoil her absolutely rotten And you and Keaton better do the same. She''d be the absolute queen of this family!" Chapter 1456 "Yes, yes." Keaton''s head was buzzing as his parents went back and forth. He''d told them it wasn''t even close to being serious, and they were already talking about kids! After a moment of excitement, Janelle pressed on. "...But when I offered to be Winona''s godmother just now, she agreed right away. She seemed perfectly happy to just be an honorary member of the family instead of your girlfriend." Keaton kept spinning his tale. "She only agreed to be your goddaughter so she''d have a reason to be close to you." "Otherwise, she''d have to avoid you. If she didn''t, people would start suspecting something''s up between us. After all, why would she get close to you for no reason?" "And look at my hair! Winona did this!" "I let her do this just to make her happy! I don''t care about my image! Have you ever seen me do that for any other girl?" "And that crystal statue of mine? The one in the family vault? She kicked it, and it shattered, and I didn''t even hold it against her." "Plus, you both said a girl''s bedroom is a private space. If Winona and I weren''t together, would she have let me in?" ¡°With her personality, she would''ve shoved me down the stairs!" Keaton had sessfully convinced his mom. Janelle nodded. "That makes sense. I just can''t believe Winona would fall for you! It''s a real case of beauty and the beast! Good thing the beast is our son!" Keaton deadpanned, "...Mom, are you sure I''m not adopted?" ¡°Oh, get out of here! Listen to me. It''s a blessing that Winona likes you, so you better treat her right! If you dare do anything to hurt her, I won''t let you off the hook!" Richard chimed in, "Your mother''s right. For someone like you, having Winona agree to be with you is like hitting the jackpot. You''d better hold on tight!" "If you can bring Winona into the Huber family, you''ll be the hero of our family!" Seeing that he''d sessfully fooled them, Keaton took a deep, quiet breath. He had dodged a bullet, for now. He seized the opportunity. "From now on, don''t pay any attention to the gossip you see about, me. Jell definitely just be a cover for my rtionship with Winona." ¡°And don''t say anything weird in front of her. Just treat her like your beloved goddaughter and don''t mention anything about me and her." "Oh, and that includes my sister and Elysia Thorne. Don''t tell them either. Not even they know yet." "Young people like their freedom in rtionships; they don''t like elders meddling. If you say too much, it could hurt my chances with Winona." Richard immediately dered, "As long as Winona is willing to have you, I won''t say another word." Janelle nodded in agreement. "I won''t tell anyone either. But if you need anything to make Winona happy, just tell your father and me: We''ll give you our full support and cooperation!" Richard''s expression changed, as if he''d made a monumental decision. "Come hometer tonight. I''ll give you a key to the wine cer. Winona enjoys a good drink. Whenever she wants some, you can go gett for her." Keaton said, "I have a key." SWI Richard shook his head. "Not that one. I''m talking about the cer beneath the family vault." Keaton''s eyes widened. "We have a wine cer under the family vault?!" "Yes. Only a small portion of the collection is on disy in the vault. The majority, all the best vintages, are kept in the cer." Keaton''s eyes grew even wider. ¡°Howe I never knew about this?!" Richard snorted. "You can''t even find yourself a wife. What makes you think you''d be qualified to know?" Keaton was speechless. Chapter 1457 Richard spoke with the gravity of a patriarch. ¡°The wine in that cer has been collected by generations of the Huber family. The key is only passed down when one is ready to settle down and manage the family estate." "I''m giving you the key early to help you woo Winona. You need to work hard and not waste my efforts!" Keaton felt a pang of guilt. The old man was pulling out all the stops to help him win Winona over. The guilt was small, though, and quickly overshadowed by his excitement. He''d just told one little lie and managed to score the key to the secret wine cer! Not yet realizing what this lie might cost him, Keaton nodded eagerly. "Don''t worry. With you and Mom supporting me like this, I''ll do whatever it takes to win her over and make her a part of the Huber family!" Richard pped his thigh, looking happier than if he''d just closed a multi-billion- dor deal. ¡°That''s the spirit! I have faith in you, son!" Keaton just smiled. His parents,pletely convinced, left with Richard walking a little taller. His son had finally dropped that whole ''never getting married'' nonsense. He could see the light again! The Huber family didn''t need money; they needed more people! Everyone has their ambitions, and Richard''s current ambition was for his son to step up, get a wife, and give the Huber family a kid or two! One would be great, but more would be even better! After his parents left, Keaton pulled out his phone to call his stylist but was stopped by a picture from Winona. It was a goofy-looking alpaca with big, dumb eyes and a side-parted hairdo. [Look, don''t you two have the exact same hairstyle?] Keaton rolled his eyes, sent back a bloody knife emoji, and headed to the shower. He had no idea that the truth will always out, and that his lie was bound to be exposed... *** The next day, Elysia and Blossom Blythe came to visit Winona. Winona was curled up at home in her loungewear, sorting through scripts. Blossom nced at the pile and was stunned. "Winona, are you going to be in ''Chronicles of Aethelgard"?" "I''m thinking about it, but I haven''t decided yet. I''m not sure which one to pick." The sheer number of scripts was overwhelming. She couldn''t take them all, she wouldn''t have the time, and it would hold up their productions. She nned an choosing two. Blossom, a big fan of TV shows, was in the know and chattered excitedly, "Winona, you''re amazing! These hyped. They re scripts are all hugely fore filming already treading, ever has started. Whichever one you do is guaranteed to be a hit!" "Other people have to fight for these roles, and you get to pick and choose. You''re on another level. Your connections are insane!" Winona said, ¡°I don''t have that kind of pull. These were an apology gift from Keaton." Blossom froze. "Mr. Huber gave them to you?" "Yep. His ex-girlfriend injured me, and he said he''d take responsibility, so I graciously epted." Blossom nodded seriously. "I have to say, Mr. Huber knows how to give a gift. This is way better for you than some jewelry!" Winona praised him sarcastically, "No wonder he''s such a yer, and beautiful girls still flock to him. The man is a master at charming women." Elysia asked curiously, "Is Keaton secretly dating someone?" Winona shot back, "Who?" Elysia shook her head. "I don''t know. I heard it from Jess." "Because of my mother-inw''s ashes, I''ve gotten to know a few respected priests recently. This morning. Jess called and asked me to ask one of them if their congregation had any good singles groups." "She said Janelle is going to church to pray that Keaton''s new rtionship willst forever and they''ll never break up." Winona was intrigued. ¡°Jess said that?" Elysia nodded. "Yeah, but she doesn''t know who Keaton''s girlfriend is either. Janelle and Mr. Huber know, but they''re being super secretive about it." "They even told Jess not to ask Keaton and just to pretend she doesn''t know anything." "Also, apparently the few girls Keaton has been seen with recently are just a cover for his real girlfriend." Winona was puzzled. "Keaton''s always been open about his rtionships. He''s never been the type to hide things." Chapter 1458 Elysia said, "Jess thinks it''s weird too, but Janelle and Mr. Huber seem certain." Winona wondered aloud, "Do you think Keaton tricked them?" Elysia replied, "But I don''t think Janelle and Mr. Huber are that easily fooled." Winona paused. "...Could it be because of Beatrix?" "Huh?" Winona exined, "Keaton told me yesterday that Alicia attacked me because of Beatrix..." Winona recounted the whole story about Alicia and Beatrix, making both Elysia and Blossom frown. Blossom said, ¡°You really can''t judge a book by its cover. Looking at Beatrix, with her image and personality, no one would ever think she''d resort to such dirty tricks!" Then, a thought struck Blossom. "Hey, do you think Mr. Huber might actually have a secret girlfriend, but she doesn''t want to go public? So he''s respecting her wishes and keeping it quiet to protect her?" "Or maybe he''s nning topletely resolve things with Beatrix before making it public, so his new girlfriend won''t be targeted by her." Winona and Elysia exchanged a look. "...That actually makes sense." The three friends spent the morning chatting about Keaton, Beatrix, and his mysterious girlfriend. In the afternoon, Winona had to go to the hospital to have her dressing changed. Blossom went back to work, while Elysia went with her. Mindful of Winona''s fame, they took a less-traveled path into the hospital, where they unexpectedly ran into Beatrix. In a secluded corner, Mrs. Sutton pped Beatrix hard across the face. "If anything happens to your sister, I''ll personally send you to prison! You just wait, you little bitch!" "We all put up with you because of your marriage to the Huber family, but now they don''t even want you! What do you have to be so proud of?!" "How dare you hurt your sister! You little brat, we''ve spoiled you rotten!" Growing angrier, Mrs. Sutton pped Beatrix twice more. She spat a few more vicious warnings before storming off. Beatrix remained stone-faced, not saying a single word the entire time. She calmly wiped her tears, straightened her clothes and stepped out of the corner, heading for the hospital entrance... When she saw Winona and Elysia, Beatrix''s brow furrowed, her eyes filled with hostility. After a moment of silence, she started walking toward them. Elysia frowned. Winona narrowed her eyes. Beatrix approached, ignoring Elysia and fixing her gaze directly on Winona. She nced at the wound on Winona''s head, offered no apology, and said coldly As you can see my life is far from happy. So have nothing to lose. I''m not afraid to die." "Stay away from Keaton, and I''ll leave you alone. But if you dare to make a move on him, I will destroy you, even if it costs me my life.¡± "This time, you just needed a few stitches. Next time, I might just ruin your face." "And let''s see. With my history with Keaton, if I scarred you for life, do you think he''d send me to prison? Would he kill me to avenge you?" Beatrix spoke calmly, her words dripping with provocation. Elysia was furious and about to speak, but Winona justughed. ¡°What a coincidence. I''m not afraid of dying either. My ex-husband & nearly killed me, so I''ve already had a near-death experience. The thought doesn scare me mach anymore. ¡°But... let me ask you this. Given our rtionship, if you disfigured me, do you think I would kill you?" "After all, you''re clearly not loved at home. If you died, you''d just be dead. No one would care." "I highly doubt Keaton woulde after me for revenge." "But if you killed me, a whole lot of people would being after you." "My parents wouldn''t let you get away with it. My best friends wouldn''t let you get away with it. My fans wouldn''t let you get away with it." ¡°Because, you see, even without Keaton, I have plenty of people who love me." "You, on the other hand, only have Keaton in your corner, and he doesn''t even love you." They say the cruelest attacks are the ones aimed at the heart. The more someonecks love, the more they crave it. Winona''s words were like daggers, striking Beatrix right where it hurt. Chapter 1459 Beatrix was no longer as calm. Her breathing grew ragged. ¡°I heard he''s secretly hiding a girlfriend. Is it you?" Winona neither confirmed nor denied it, a sharp edge to her smile. "Sorry, but you don''t have the clearance to know that." With that, Winona pushed her sunsses up, her beautiful eyes narrowing as she stared directly at Beatrix. A few secondster, a mocking smirk touched her lips, a look of pure disdain. Without another word, Winona lowered her sunsses, linked her arm with Elysia''s, and walked toward the clinic. She moved with the haughty grace of a ck swan, elegant and untouchable. Beatrix''s hands clenched into fists, her chest heaving with rage as she stared at Winona''s back, wishing she could tear her to shreds. Elysia, sensing Beatrix''s animosity, asked Winona, "I get that you wanted to hit her where it hurts, but why didn''t you deny it? Now she''ll think you''re Keaton''s hidden girlfriend and she''ll definitelye after you." Winona let out a long breath. ¡°Keaton has helped me out a lot with the Zane Livingston situation. I''ve kept a tally of all the favors." "If I have a chance to help him, I''m going to take it." "I don''t know if he actually has a girlfriend hidden away, but what if he does?" "By not denying it, I make Beatrix focus on me. She won''t go digging for Keaton''s real girlfriend." "By taking the heat for his girlfriend, I''m repaying Keaton for his help." ¡°Besides, Beatrix is the reason I have stitches in my head. We''re already enemies, so a little more bad blood won''t make a difference." Seeing Elysia''s worried expression, Winona smiled. "Don''t worry. I''ve been in the entertainment industry for years. I''ve seen every type of woman there is. Someone like Beatrix? I''m not concerned at all!" "She can throw whatever she has at me. I can take it! I''m not afraid of her!" "Enough about her. After I get my dressing changed, let''s go shopping. Tarquin''s birthday is tomorrow. Are you ready?" Winona finished with a wink. Elysia knew exactly what she meant, and her cheeks turned red, her attention sessfully diverted. "Let''s go, time to change your dressing." Winonaughed out loud, teasing her with a raised eyebrow. "Why are you blushing? It''s just me. Come on, tell me everything.¡± "You''re so annoying! Let''s go!" As the two friends joked and walked toward the clinic, they were of then had already fallen into Zane''s hands. Zane stared at the picture of them together, his emotions swinging between fiery rage and intense passion. Seeing Winona ignited his rage. Seeing Elysia ignited his passion. Hiding out in a filthy, rundown neighborhood, he sent a reply to Beatrix. [Once the funds are in ce, you won''t have to lift a finger. I have a way to kill her! But you are not to touch Elysia!] Beatrix replied, [What way?] Zane: [You don''t need to know.] Beatrix: [She must die!] Zane: [Don''t worry. I hate her more than you do.] Beatrix: [Once I have the money, I''ll transfer it to the ount you specified.] Zane''s eyes narrowed. He didn''t reply. He opened the photo again, his gaze fixed on Elysia, gently tracing her face on the screen, his eyes full of love But the moment he thought of arquin Bradford that love instantly turned to a deep, all-consuming hatred. A voice called out from a distance. "Hey, you, the new guy from Zhinora! The boss wants you to clean the toilets. You in?" Zane quickly put his phone away, a calcting glint in his eye. "Yeah, I''m in." *** By evening, when Elysia got home, the children were already waiting for her yton Hawkins and Pamel PateDhad picked them up from preschool. Seeing her, the little ones all ran toward her. ¡°Mommy!" Elysia smiled warmly, hugging one and patting the other. Chapter 1460 "Did you have fun at preschool today?" The little ones chanted in unison, "Yes!" Baby said in her tiny voice, "Mommy, my brothers said it''s Daddy''s birthday tomorrow, so we don''t have to go to school." Elysia couldn''t help but smile. "That''s right. I''m letting you all take the day off tomorrow so we can celebrate with Daddy, okay?" "Okay, okay! No school tomorrow, no school tomorrow! Grandpa, Grandma, Mommy said I don''t have to go to school tomorrow!" The little girl was as happy as if it were Christmas. Among all the kids, she was the one who disliked school the most. yton and Pam yed along, feigning shock. "Is that so? Our Baby doesn''t have to go to school tomorrow?" ¡°Uh-huh, Mommy said so! If you don''t believe me, ask her! Mommy, Mommy, quick, tell Grandpa and Grandma that I don''t have to go to school tomorrow, right?" Elysia''s expression was full of affection. "Yes, yes." Baby turned to yton and Pam. ¡°See, Grandpa, Grandma? You heard her!" yton and Pamughed. "We heard, we heard. Baby can sleep in tomorrow. After you wake up, we''ll go to the park and ride the carousel. Then we''lle back for lunch, and Grandpa will make you something delicious!" "Yay! I want to ride the little pink horse." "Okay, okay." As the room filled withughter, Elliot and Evan tugged on Elysia''s sleeve. ¡°Mommy, Daddy''s birthday is tomorrow. Is he still noting home tonight?" For the past few nights, Tarquin had been staying at the family vault on the old estate. Elysia wasn''t sure. "I''ll call and ask him in a bit." yton said, "While you''re at it, ask if he''ll be back for dinner tonight." "Okay." Elysia called Tarquin. As soon as he answered, Baby piped up, "Mommy, don''t forget to tell Daddy I don''t have school tomorrow!" Elysiaughed helplessly. "Okay, I know, sweetie." She took the phone upstairs as Tarquin asked, "What''s my Baby girl saying?" Elysia reported, "She wants me to inform you that she doesn''t have school tomorrow." Tarquin sounded surprised. ¡°Since when are you willing to let them skip school?" Elysia retorted, "It''s your birthday tomorrow, did you forget?" Tarquin paused. "...I actually did. You''re letting the kids skip school just to celebrate my birthday?" "Of course. Celebrating my husband''s birthday is the most important thing." Tarquin''s happyughter echoed through the phone. Elysia chuckled as sheined, "Baby is only in preschool, she doesn''t even have homework yet, and she already hates school. are we going to do when she at elementary school and has actual assignments?" Tarquin wasn''t worried at all. ¡°I''ll do them for her.¡± Elysia thought she''d misheard. "What did you say?" Tarquin borated, "I''m not going to ruin my rtionship with my daughter and give myself a heart attack just over homework. Itshot worth it." "If she has too much, or if she really doesn''t want to do it, I''ll do it for her." "And if I''m busy, I''ll have her brothers help her." Elysia rolled her eyes, but Tarquin continued, "Eating well, sleeping time, and staying healthy.t first School is second Confer Elysia wanted to argue, but she couldn''t find the words. He actually made a good point. Changing the subject from their daughter, she asked, "So, you''re finallying back today?" "Yeah, I''ll be back tonight." "Will you make it home for dinner?" "I won''t make it for dinner. I''m eating with the priests here at the old estate. Don''t wait for me. I''ll be backte." ¡°Okay. Oh, right, there''s one more thing. Alicia attacked Winona because of Beatrix. Did you know about that?" Chapter 1461 Tarquin: "...Who told you?" Elysia said, "Keaton told Winona, and Winona told us... Did you already know?" Knowing he was on thin ice, Tarquin quickly tried to defend himself. "I only found out yesterday. I just forgot to tell you." Elysia was not pleased. "From now on, anything involving Winona and Blossom, you tell me ahead of time!" "Okay! I''ll be more careful next time." Elysia then asked, "Also, I heard Keaton is secretly seeing a girlfriend. Do you know who it is?" Tarquin: "He''s secretly seeing someone? No way. He goes public with every single girlfriend. Who told you that?" Elysia knew from his reaction that even he was in the dark. "Jess told me..." Tarquin''s lips thinned. Keaton had totally fooled Janelle and Richard! He decided not to expose Keaton just yet. "Does this have something to do with Winona?" Not wanting Winona''s efforts to be in vain and worried for her safety, Elysia told him about seeing Beatrix at the hospital that day. She emphasized how Winona had stepped forward to shield her and how Beatrix had threatened her. "You need to talk to Keaton. I know he''s helped Winona a lot in the past, but he can''t let her be put in danger. He needs to handle his business with Beatrix properly." Tarquin''s expression was serious. "Okay, I understand." Elysia pressed, "So you really don''t know what''s going on between Keaton and Beatrix?" Tarquin: "No idea. He''s never mentioned it." Elysia muttered, "I don''t get it. Keaton doesn''t even like Beatrix, so why is he her backer? Does he owe her something?" Tarquin: "...I''m not sure." Elysia sighed. "It''s his private life, and it''s not our business, but I won''t stand for it if Beatrix uses his protection to hurt Winona." Tarquin said, "Don''t worry. If he lets Winona get hurt again, I''ll beat him up myself. Nobody hurts my wife, and nobody hurts my wife''s best friend!" A sweet feeling spread through Elysia''s heart, and a smile touched her lips. "In that case,e home early tonight. I want to be the first to wish you a happy birthday." Tarquin asked, "...Besides ''happy birthday,'' is there a surprise?" Elysia''s cheeks flushed. "Are you saying you won''te home if there isn''t?" Tarquinughed. "No, of course not. I''ming home either way. I miss my wife." His words, "I miss my wife," made her heart skip a beat. Elysia didn''t mention the ''surprise'' again, saying softly, "I miss you too. Hurry home as soon as you''re done." "I will." The young couple flirted for a while longer, only reluctantly hanging up when Evan came looking for her. To anyone listening, you''d think they hadn'' hagh teen each other in ages when in fact, they had just been together yesterday morning. When Elysia went downstairs, yton asked her, "Is Tarquining back for dinner tonight?" "No, he''ll bete. We can eat without him." "Alright, we won''t wait for him then." The family enjoyed a lively dinner together. After the meal, yton said, "The kids don''t have school tomorrow. Let them stay over at our ce. You and Tarquin can pick them up tomorrow and have lunch with us then." He was, of course, creating an opportunity for Elysia and Tarquin to have some time alone. Having been through it themselves, they knew that young couples in love cherished every moment together. Tarquin hadn''t been home for several nights, and tomorrow was his birthday. As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder. By taking the kids, they were giving the two a chance to nurture their rtionship. Elysia appreciated the gesture. "That''s so nice of you, Mom and Dad. Thank you." yton smiled warmly. "Don''t be so formal with your own parents. Your mom and I love having the little ones around. She''s always hoping they''lle stay over." yton''s house was in the same vimunity, not far away. When they bought it they had already set up rooms for Elysia and the childrenplete with bedrooms and study areas. Chapter 1462 "You all be good tonight, and listen to Grandpa and Grandma, okay?" Baby, hugging Lan, nodded enthusiastically. "Don''t worry, Mommy. Tonight, we promise we won''t ask Grandpa for onion rings, or fried chicken and fries, and we won''t drink any soda." yton quickly pped a hand over Baby''s mouth, shooting an awkward grin at Elysia. ¡°...¡± Her four brothers face-palmed in unison. *Silly sister, that''s a dead giveaway.* Elysia saw right through it but didn''t say anything, just smiling. ¡°Alright, off you go.¡± She usually didn''t let the kids eat those things, but a little treat now and then was fine. After yton and Pam left with the children, Elysia tied on an apron and went to the kitchen to bake a cake for Tarquin. As she worked, she started a video call with Winona and Blossom. Winona asked, "So what''s the final n for Mr. Bradford''s birthday tomorrow?" Elysia said, "During the day, we''ll celebrate at home with my parents and the kids. At night, we''ll all go out and party." This was what she and Tarquin had discussed earlier. It was his first birthday since their family of seven had been reunited, and it had to be special. Winona said, ¡°Keaton just called me. He told me to invite a bunch of our girlfriends to go hang out at The Blissful Pub tomorrow night. He said it''s to liven up Mr. Bradford''s party, but I think he''s just holding auditions for his next girlfriend." Blossom, ever the gossip, chimed in, "So that secret girlfriend he''s been hiding doesn''t actually exist?" Elysia added, "I asked Tarquin about it today, and even he didn''t know anything." Winona said, "Looking at him, I''d bet she doesn''t. I have no idea how he managed to fool Janelle and Mr. Huber." Blossom snarked, "If he was lying, he''s definitely going to get an earfulter!¡± Winona said, ¡°An earful is the least of his worries. Check this out." She sent a photo of Keaton''s alpaca-like haircut to their group chat. Elysia and Blossom burst outughing at the same time. "Is that Keaton''s new hairstyle?" Winona giggled. "He would never go out in public like that. He''s probably already had it cut. Janelle sent it to me. She said if Keaton ever bullies me again, I can use this to ckmail him He''s so concerned about his image, he''ll do whatever I say to keep the photo from getting out." Elysia understood Janelle''s intentions and felt a brief pang of regret. Janelle was genuinely good to Winona; she would be a very happy daughter-inw. It wasline shame Keaton was such a fost cause. With his yboy ways, Elysia had no faith in them as a couple. After gossiping about Keaton for a bit, the conversation shifted to the birthday Surprise Elysia had prepared for Tarquin. As soon as the topic came us Elysia quickly hung up iming she had a message" check. She was far too modest to handle Winona''s raunchy suggestions. Just thinking about what Winona had coached her to do made her cheeks burn. After finishing the small cake, she put it in the fridge and went to the bathroom to get ready. Once she was all cleaned up, she slipped into bed to wait for him. She waited until eleven o''clock at night, but Tarquin still wasn''t back. She couldn''t help but text him. [Are you on your way home?] Tarquin called her. "Getting impatient?¡± "No, I was just bored and thought I''d ask." Tarquin said, "On the road. I''ll be home in about half an hour." Elysia nced at the time. Half an hour from now would still be before midnight. "Okay, drive safe." "I will." Knowing Lowell was also in the car, Elysia kept it brief. ¡°I''ll hang up then.¡± "Mm." After Elysia hung up, Tarquin put his phone away. He frowned, his eyes turning icy as he nced in the rearview mirror. Then he looked at the navigation. ¡°Take a right at the next intersection," he told Lowell. Lowell gripped the steering wheel, his expression tense. "That''s a dead end." "I know. Just do it!" Chapter 1463 Lowell didn''t dare hesitate, yanking the steering wheel hard. The car veered off the main road and onto a narrowne. Tarquin spoke again. "Go to the end, turn around, and stop!" Lowell did as he was told. When he reached the end, he spun the car around and mmed on the brakes, bringing it to a steady halt. Directly ahead, three cars that had been tailing them pulled up, their high beams blindingly bright as they blocked the entrance to thene. They had been on their tail since they left the Bradford family estate, boxing them in, trying to ram their car. That''s why he wasn''t home yet, even though it should have been after ten. Tarquin knew Elysia wanted him home by midnight, and he was anxious to get back to his wife. After ying cat and mouse with them on the road for over an hour, his patience had run out. "Get out!" Tarquin ordered Lowell as he pushed his own door open and stepped out. Lowell scrambled out of the driver''s side and followed. Seeing Tarquin get into the driver''s seat, Lowell quickly circled around to the passenger side and jumped in. "Seatbelt." After the sharp reminder, Tarquin shifted into gear and mmed the gas pedal to the floor. The car shot forward like a bullet. The ck luxury sedan roared to life, hurtling toward the cars ahead. Even as they were about to collide, Tarquin didn''t slow down. Lowell, terrified, gripped the handle, swallowing nervously. Tarquin''s brow was furrowed, his eyes fixed ahead, resolute, with no intention of stopping. The other driver, seeing he was serious, tried to back off. Tarquin gave them no chance, ramming straight into them. The impact sent the other car flying several feet, rolling over a few times before it came to a dead stop. The remaining two cars tried to flee, but their escape was blocked by the wrecked vehicle. A few minutester, all three cars that had been following him were out ofmission. Tarquin checked the time, told Lowell to stay and clean up the mess, and drove home. On the way, he received a text message. [Heard you''ve been under a lot of stresstely, so I arranged for some people to race with you. Give you a little excitement. Fun, right? You used to love racing when you were a kid.] Tarquin''s expression hardened into a facade of cold granite. He didn''t bother replying; he didn''t need to. Despite the unknown phone''s number, the venom in the words was unmistakable. He knew exactly who was rattling the cage. Two video files followed. The second he tapped y, bloodcurdling screams shattered the silence of the car. The footage was fow and brutal- Gideo Bradford being mercilessly tortured in the first, and the Thorne family enduring the same gruesome fate in the second. The images were gruesome, bloody, and violent, an assault on the eyes. The sender texted again: [We have a history of both love and hate, Tarquin. Happy early birthday.] Seeing that name, Tarquin''s brow tightened, the fury in his eyes deepening. Only two people in the world had ever called him ''Tarquin.'' His mother, and... All the clues pointed to that person. Tarquin frowned and lit a cigarette. He stopped at a red light, smoking as he watched the bustling traffic outside his window, a wave of despair washing over his anger. Half an hourter, Tarquin arrived home, havingposed himself. Elysia wasn''t in the bedroom. He texted her. [Not home?] Elysia replied instantly. [Go take a shower first. I''ll be back in the bedroom in a minute.] Tarquin assumed she was still in Baby''s room and didn''t think much of it. He sent a hug emoji and headed for the bathroom. Just as he stepped out of the shower, the bedroom lights suddenly went out. The next second musje started y. Elysia appeared, holding a cake, walking slowly toward him... to, Tarquin''s handsome eyes narrowed. He had guessed Elysia would celebrate his birthday at midnight, but... he hadn''t guessed she would y his parents'' favorite song. Who ys a slow, ssical bad for a birthday? The candlelight illuminated her small, fair face. Seeing her standing there, dressed neatly and humming along so seriously, he didn''tugh. His expression became as solemn as hers. Chapter 1464 The music stopped. Elysia said, "First, for your parents, happy birthday. You can make a wish and blow out the candles now." Tarquin was stunned. She was ying the song because of his parents... Overwhelmed with emotion, he closed his eyes, made a wish as she''d asked, and blew out the candles. As soon as he did, Elysia lit them again. "Next is from me, my parents, and the kids." The music started again, but this time it was a proper happy birthday song. It was a chorus of Elysia, yton, Pam, and the little ones. ¡°Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..." The moment the music began, Tarquin couldn''t help but smile, his moodpletely different from a moment ago. The melody was solemn and serious. This chorus was joyful and boisterous-more chaotic than a bus full of kindergarteners on a sugar high. Elysia and the kids belted out the song in a wonderfully chaotic chorus¡ª voices ovepping,pletely out of sync, and happily entirely off-key. When the song ended, they each chimed in with a ''happy birthday.'' Elysia held the small cake and smiled. "Happy birthday, honey. Quick, make another wish and blow out the candles." Tarquin was speechless. It was the first time he''d ever had to make two wishes and blow out candles twice for one birthday. But if she was teasing him, he was happy to y along. Tarquin closed his eyes again, made another wish, and blew out the candles. The instant they were out, Elysia said, "Close your eyes." Tarquin narrowed his eyes. "What for?" Elysia: "Just listen to me." He smiled and obediently closed his eyes. Elysia waved a hand in front of his face. Tarquin chuckled. "Even with my eyes closed, I can feel your hand there. Don''t worry, I can''t see you. It''s so dark in here I can''t see you even with my eyes open.¡± Elysia pulled her hand back. "Turn around." Tarquin sighed andplied, turning his back to her. He heard some rustling behind him and sensed that Elysia had gone into the walk-in closet, but he had no idea what she was doing. Minutes ticked by... Tarquin lost track of how long he''d been waiting, and Elysia still hadn''te out. He couldn''t help but ask, "Honey?" Elysia" voice came out flustered. "C-Coming! I''m... I''m almost ready." Tarquin was puzzled. *What''s she so nervous about?* A momentter, he heard movement behind him again and knew she was beck "Honey." "...Yeah." "Can I open my eyes now?" "No! But you... you can turn around." belongs to Her voice wasn''t normal. It was tinged with shyness and a breathless urgency. Tarquin didn''t know what she was up to, but as soon as he turned, Elysia warned, "If you dare open your eyes I''ll get mad at you!" Tarquin: "I won''t. What next?" Elysia paused before saying, ¡°Raise your hands and cover your eyes." Tarquin: "They''re already closed. I can''t see a thing." Elysia: "That''s not good enough. Cover them anyway." Tarquin obeyed. Only then was Elysia satisfied. "I... I want to dance for you." Tarquin froze, then asked, "Shouldn''t I open my eyes for that?" Elysia immediately stopped him. "No!" Tarquin: ¡°How am I supposed to watch if my eyes are closed?" Elysia mumbled, "You can just... feel it with your heart. No peeking, okay?" Tarquin was baffled. *I''m going to dance For * `you, but don''t you watch What kind of logic wast wife using? Chapter 1465 yful music began to fill the room, and a soft glow flickered past his eyes. Curious, Tarquin peeked through his fingers. The dim room was now bathed in colorful, swirling polka-dot lights, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Elysia, wearing a red silk robe, stood by the bed where she had just lit some incense. The fragrance quickly spread, adding a sensual touch to the scene. She turned around and walked toward him, her movements hesitant. Stopping about six feet away, she gave a little wave, as if to test whether he could really see her. On her head, she wore a fuzzy cat-ear headband. When she tilted her head, the ears wiggled, looking criminally cute. A matching cat mask covered her eyes, making her lips look even more red and inviting. A cute and bewitching little wildcat. Tarquin had never seen anything like this. He froze on the spot, not daring to move or make a sound, afraid of revealing that he was peeking. Elysia, thinking he couldn''t see, let out a long breath and began to untie her belt. Tarquin''s heart hammered in his chest. *!* But Elysia suddenly stopped. She stared at him for a few seconds, then turned her back to him. Suddenly, she whipped back around. ¡°Tarquin, what am I doing?!" Tarquin jumped, trying his best to keep his voice steady. "...I don''t know. I can''t see. What are you doing?" He saw Elysia let out another sigh of relief before warning him sternly, "Nothing! If you dare peek, I''ll hit you! I really will!" Tarquin forced augh. "...Got it." Elysia warned, "Keep your eyes shut tight. I... I''m going to dance for you. For your birthday!" After another wave to confirm he wasn''t looking, she turned around and let the silk robe fall from her shoulders... Tarquin''s breathing hitched. *!* His Elysia had always been so modest and shy; she had never been this bold before... This was a first, and he was getting an eyeful. Elysia kept her eyes squeezed shut, her whole body trembling. Despite her efforts to stay calm, despite making him close his eyes, she was so mortified she wanted to flee. If it weren''t to make him happy, if it weren''t to give him a memorable birthday, she would never have been able to go through with this. Winona had told her that men were visual creatures, animals at heart, and that a dance like this would make Tarquin happier than a mountain of gold. She wanted to make him happy... He''d seemed so preupiedtely, and she didn''t know if it was just because of Elizabeth Gonzalez''s ashes or something else. Whatever it was, she wanted to cheer him up. She loved him, and she was willing to be bold if it made him happy..... But just wearing this and dancing in front of him was her absolute limit. She couldn''t possibly do it while he was watching. The best she could manage was to dance for him with his eyes closed. Elysia summoned her courage, turned around, and, with her eyes still tightly shut, began to move... Shyness mingled with a hint of seductive allure. Tarquin stood frozen. He admitted it: in that moment, Elysia was a siren, and he was a sailor ready to smash his ship on the rocks for her. If she had whispered ''die for me,'' he would have done it without a second thought. He was only a man, after all, and he was powerless against this kind of enchantment. The two-minute dance felt like two centuries for both of them. The performer was flustered and frantic. The spectator was burning up, barely able to contain himself. When the dance ended, Elysia turned and bolted for the bed. ording to Winona''s n, she was supposed to lie back in a seductive pose, letting the mood lighting wash over her for a perfect finale. But right now, all she wanted to do was dive under the covers and hide. Before she even reached the bed, Tarquin caught her by the wrist. With a gentle pull, he brought her into his arms. His hand rested on her waist, caressing her softly. ¡°This surprise... is really a surprise! This is the best gift I''ve received in my thirty years!" Elysia''s heart pounded, her body trembled, and her cheeks flushed crimson. "You... you saw?" Tarquin murmured, ¡°Elysia, you''re going to be the death of me.¡± Before she could understand what he meant, he tilted her chin up, and his kiss was sudden and fierce... They lost track of time entirely, the hours melting away as they lost themselves in each other. Again and again, Tarquin worshipped her, pulling Elysia into a dizzying, intoxicating haze of pleasure until the first light of dawn began to creep through the curtains. She finally understood the saying you could hear about passion, but you''d never know what it truly felt like to die and be reborn in a lover''s arms, again and again, until you experienced it yourself. ... The next morning, Elysia woke up once. Tarquin hadn''t gotten out of bed. He was leaning against the headboard, eating the small birthday cake she had made for himst night. Elysia mumbled sleepily, "It''s been out all night. Is it still good?" Tarquin said, "It is." Elysia asked, ¡°Is it good?" Tarquin dabbed a bit of cream on his lips and leaned in. ¡°You tell me.¡± Elysia dodged him. "Stop messing around." Tarquin insisted, "This is my birthday cake. You''re not going to have any?" Elysia paused for a moment, then leaned in and licked the cream from his lips, tasting it herself. Tarquin''s gaze darkened as he whispered against her mouth, "Is it good?" Elysia nodded hazily. "It''s good." Tarquin asked, "Is it as good as me?" Elysia''sshes fluttered. Before she could react, Tarquin had pulled the covers over both of them, and the teasing began all over again. Elysia didn''t know how long he went on. When she next woke up, it was already two in the afternoon. Elysia was stunned. "It''s two in the afternoon?" Tarquin looked at her with a doting smile. ¡°Mmm-hmm.¡± "Oh no, no, no." Elysia scrambled to get up, but Tarquin held her in his arms. "Don''t worry. I already talked to Dad. We''l get together tonight instead. Mom and Dad took the kids to the park this morning, and they weren''t ready to leave, so I rescheduled with Dad for dinner. Lunch is canceled.¡± Chapter 1466 Elysia let out a long sigh of relief. That was a load off her mind. She snuggled into Tarquin''s arms and asked, "If we''re having dinner with my parents and the kids tonight, how are you going to see your friends?" "I don''t have to eat with them," Tarquin said. ¡°I''ll just swing by Keaton''s ce after dinner. And if I don''t feel like it, I can just video call them. It''s the thought that counts." Elysia immediately shut that down. "No way. You''re the birthday boy. It wouldn''t be right if you weren''t there." Tarquin chuckled. "It''s fine. I haven''t celebrated in years. They''re used to it.¡± "This year is different.¡± Elysia stroked his cheek, her heart aching for him. "You only stopped celebrating because of Elijah. Now that we''re all together again, we''re celebrating every birthday from now on." Elijah used to miss his mother so much that he refused to celebrate his birthday. The day always made him incredibly sad. And if Elijah wasn''t celebrating, Tarquin wouldn''t either. So for all these years, neither of them had ever had a birthday party. Tarquin shed a roguish grin. "If you feel so bad for me, you can make it up to me with more surprises. I happen to love it when you y dress-up, especially when you get a little wicked..." Elysia pped a hand over his mouth, her cheeks burning. ¡°Don''t you dare say another word!" Tarquin''s smile was radiant as he hugged her. "God, how can you be so cute?!¡± Elysia pinched him. "Still think I''m cute?" "Cute. A fierce little kitten." Elysia feigned anger. ¡°Are you calling me a feisty?" "Nope. You''re my little cutie." Tarquinughed, pulling her head into his chest. "I''m just teasing. I''m really touched that you''d go to such lengths just to make me happy." Elysia huffed, "You... pervert!" Tarquin chuckled. "I''m only a pervert for you. I wouldn''t look twice if any other woman danced for me. Are you hungry? Let me get you something to eat. You should have a little something before you go back to sleep." She''d had a long night and was seriouslycking sleep. ¡°Just a piece of cake is fine," Elysia said. "It''s gone. I finished it." Elysia''s eyes widened. ¡°You ate the whole thing?" "Yep. My wife made it with her own hands, I couldn''t let it go to waste. More importantly, it was delicious." Elysia was a little skeptical at his praise. ¡°Was it really that good?" "Of course it was. When have you ever seen me eat sweets? If it wasn''t good, I would''ve had one bite and been done. I wouldn''t have finished it." That made Elysia happy. ¡°Then I''ll make it for you again next time.¡± "Deal." Tarquin ruffled her hair and kissed the top of her head before getting up to get her some food. He had made some chicken soup carlle and hedled a bowl for Elysia, blowing on each spoonful until it was cool enough before feeding it to her. After finishing the soup, her stomach felt settled, and she drifted back to sleep, not waking up until five-thirty in the afternoon. When she finally woke up again, she felt much more refreshed, her energy restored. Her body still felt a little weak, but it didn''t hinder her normal movements, and she wasn''t sore down there anymore. Elysia stood by the bed, looking at Tarquin suspiciously. ¡°?¡± "What''s wrong?" he asked. "Are you not feeling well?" Elysia''s lips parted. "Did... did you put some ointment on me?" "Yeah. I was afraid you''d be ufortable today." Elysia''s cheeks reddened, and she quickly changed the subject. "Aren''t you tired?" Tarquin''s handsome eyes narrowed. "I could go another round. Wanna try?" "Get lost." Elysia spun around and headed for the bathroom, her face scalding hot. Every time after they were intimate she had an existential. crisis why was he the one doing all the work, but she was the one who ended up exhausted? That evening, Elysia and Tarquin, dressed in matching outfits, went to yton''s house for dinner. As soon as the children saw them, they rushed to the door. "Daddy! Mommy!" Tarquin smiled, and after changing his shoes, he swept his baby girl into his arms. "Did my little girl have fun today?" "I did! Happy birthday, Daddy! I got you a birthday present!" Tarquin was delighted. "Really? You got me a present?¡± ¡°Uh-huh! Grandpa, Grandma, and my brothers got you presents too! We all want to wish you a happy birthday." Chapter 1467 The little girl chirped each word in her sweet, melodic voice. Tarquin couldn''t resist kissing his daughter''s forehead. "Thank you, Baby." Evan chimed in, "Us too! I want to wish Daddy a happy birthday too!" Tarquin smiled and patted Evan''s head. "Thank you, Elliot, Evan, Emmett, Elijah. And thank you, Mom and Dad." yton was in high spirits. "Don''t just stand there at the door. Come on in. Wash your hands, it''s time for dinner." The family walked into the house and headed for the dining room. The table was alreadyden with delicious dishes, all personally cooked by yton. He had started nning the menu days ago for Tarquin''s birthday, carefully bncing the vors. He loved his daughter, and because Tarquin treated his daughter well, he was happy to treat Tarquin well. The love of a father for his son-inw is often a reflection of his love for his daughter. When a son-inw gives his heart and soul to his wife, the father-inw naturally reciprocates. It would be awkward for them to speak of love, so they showed it through their actions. In the center of the table was a multiyered birthday cake, a beautiful avocado green. At first nce, it looked like a tall tree. On closer inspection, you could even see the veins on the ''leaves.'' The cake''s design was unique and clearly took a lot of time, effort, and incredible skill. Tarquin knew it must be Emmett''s handiwork and praised it. "Where did you buy this cake? I''ve never seen one like it. It''s so beautiful." Emmett eagerly piped up, "Do you like it, Daddy?" Tarquin nodded. "I love it. It looks like a big tree. It''s so realistic, the baker must be amazing!" Emmett beamed. "I made it, Daddy." Tarquin feigned surprise. "Really? Emmett, you''re that talented? Why did you make a big tree for Daddy?" Emmett said excitedly, "In my heart, Daddy is like a big, tall tree that shelters us from the wind and rain and protects us." The simple words were a heartfelt endorsement. Tarquin was deeply moved and ruffled Emmett''s hair. "Thank you for the gift, Emmett. Daddy loves it very much." Baby rushed over, holding her gift out to Tarquin. "Daddy, Daddy, this is my present for you." Baby''s gift was a drawing she had made herself. The artistic skill... was nonexistent. It was clearly the work of a kindergartener. She had drawn a meadow, bunay, and severel people. Baby pointed at the drawing and exined, "This is Grandpa and Grandma, this is Daddy and Mommy, these are my brothers and this is me. This is my Godfather Keith, and this is Lan." The sudden mention of Keith Garcia brought a wave of sadness over everyone. Only Baby was unaware that her beloved Godfather Keith was gone. She still believed Keith was just away for work, just like when he had left her in Spirit Vige. She thought they would see each other again after being apart. She didn''t know that Keith would nevere back never appear before her again, never open his arms and call her ''Baby'' in that adoring voice. He would never again lift her high in the air and spin her around... yton lightened the mood. "Baby, tell Daddy what everyone is looking at." In Baby''s drawing, everyone was looking up at the sky, as if searching for something. Baby immediately told Tarquin, ¡°We''re looking for Grandpa and Grandma. Look, Daddy, this is Grandpa, and this is Grandma." ¡°Grandpa is the little blue star, and Grandma is the little red star. They live in heaven, and at night they light up to say hello to us.¡± That simple drawing contained all of Baby''s love. Tarquin felt a lump in his throat. "Daddy needs a hug." Baby ran over and sat on hisp, giving him a kiss. Her voice was as sweet as could be. "Baby loves Daddy." Tarquin held his daughter tightly, too moved to speak. Chapter 1468 Evan presented Tarquin with a model fighter jet. "This is the first fighter jet I designed all by myself. It can drive onnd, fly in the sky, and even go underwater! It''s also my favorite model. Grandpa Walter says it''s destined to be a god of war! I''m giving it to you, and I hope you can be as invincible and unstoppable as it is, Daddy!" Evan''s words were full of bravado. Elijah''s, on the other hand, were filled with affection. "This is for you, Daddy. From now on, you have to be like Grandpa and do jigsaw puzzles with us." Elijah had personally made a jigsaw puzzle of the world map. The color scheme and material were identical to the one they had found in Kendrick''s coffin. It was a gift filled with memories and a continuation of love. Tarquin looked at the model and the puzzle, then hugged Evan and Elijah tightly. "Thank you, Evan and Elijah. I love them! I really, really love them! Your gifts are all amazing!" ¡°Daddy, this is my birthday present for you,¡± Elliot said, handing him a picture frame. Instead of a photo, the frame held four award certificates. ''Best Son Award'', presented by: Kendrick and Elizabeth ''Best Son-in-Law Award'', presented by: yton and Pam ''Best Husband Award'', presented by: Elysia ''Best Father Award'', presented by: Elliot, Evan, Emmett, Elijah, and Baby Except for Kendrick and Elizabeth''s, all the signatures were handwritten. Elliot, wearing a white shirt and a bow tie, looked like a more serious version of Tarquin. He held the frame and exined, "I cut Grandpa and Grandma''s signatures from their old notebooks, so in a way, they''re authentic. I''m sure they would have been happy to give you this award." Tarquin''s eyes welled up as he looked at the four certificates. Each of the children''s gifts represented their deep love, but Elliot''s gift encapsted everyone''s love for him. To be recognized as a son, a son-inw, a husband, and a father¡ªthat was the highest honor. Elliot spoke very seriously. "In the past, because of everything Mommy went through, and because we didn''t understand you, we had a lot of issues with you. Big issues." "We used to deliberately provoke you, pick fights, and cause trouble just to make you unhappy! We would talk back to you and even told you, straight up that we didn''t love you and didn''t want you!" "Now, on behalf of my siblings, I want to tell you that we''re very happy with you. We have no moreints." "In our hearts, you are a great father, our most beloved father! Happy birthday, Daddy." "Happy birthday, Daddy," the other four children chorused. Tarquin was speechless. Perhaps only a father could truly understand how precious Elliot''s gift was. It was his family''s approval, their love! Tarquin hugged his children, his eyes red. Elysia and Pam also teared up, touched by the moment Elysia and Tarquin''s love story had been @rocky one, and so had the rtionship between him and his children. yton turned away to wipe his eyes, then handed Tarquin a man envelope. "This is from your mother and me for your birthday." Tarquin quickly took it and opened it. Inside were shares of Hawkins Sea-freight. Tarquin was stunned. "?!" "I know you don''t need the money," yton said, ¡°but it''s a token of our appreciation. Please ept it.¡± To anyone else, a 20% stake in Hawkins Sea-freight was a mountain of gold. For Tarquin, it was true that he didn''t need the money. But he knew that Hawkins Sea-freight was yton''s life''s work. For yton to give him a piece of his life''s work as a birthday present-the sentiment behind it was worth more than a thousand mountains of gold. Chapter 1469 "I ept. Thank you, Dad." yton smiled warmly. ¡°Alright, alright, the food''s getting cold. Why don''t we do the cake first so Tarquin can make a wish and blow out the candles, then we can eat?" The familyposed themselves and sang "Happy Birthday" to Tarquin. They watched him make a wish, blew out the candles with him, and then dug into the cake. "This cake is delicious! Emmett, you''re amazing!" everyone eximed in unison. Emmett''s cheeks flushed with excitement, his eyes sparkling. "Then I''ll be in charge of cakes for everyone''s birthdays from now on!" "Okay! For my birthday, I want a bunny-shaped cake." "For mine, I want a fighter jet-shaped one," Evan said, then suddenly looked at Elysia. "Mommy, what did you get Daddy for a present?¡± Elysia froze. Thinking about what they''d gotten up tost night, her face instantly turned red. Her lips moved for a moment before she managed to say, "It''s a secret. My gift is a secret." Fearing her son would press further, she quickly changed the subject. ¡°Are you all happy that it''s Daddy''s birthday?" "Yes! There''s so much good food, and we get to eat cake!" "I''m happy too! I wish it was Daddy''s birthday every day, so I wouldn''t have to go to school." Baby''sment made everyone roar withughter. After the cake, they had dinner. The birthday pasta was a team effort: yton prepped the grill, Pam marinated the steaks, the kids helped set the table, and Elysia brought the final dish to the table. The room was filled withughter and joy, the very air thick with happiness and bliss. After dinner, the children stayed with yton and Pam, while Elysia and Tarquin headed to The Blissful Pub. Just as they left the house, Tarquin suddenly pulled Elysia into his arms, cupped the back of her head, and crushed his lips against hers. The kiss was sudden, deep, and lingering. Terrified that her parents and the children might see, Elysia tried to push him away, but she couldn''t budge him. After a full seven or eight minutes, Tarquin finally released her. Elysia was breathing heavily, about to scold him, when Tarquin cupped her face, his eyes red and his voice choked with emotion. ¡°Thank you for bringing so much beauty into my life. All my happiness, it''s because of you." Before Elysia, his life had been a mess. His parents died young, and he spent his childhood enduring all sorts of dangers and hardships. After Elijah was born, the two of them refied on each other, but Elijah''s psychological issues put him under constant strain, living every day on edge. Then Elysia appeared, and happiness suddenly flooded into his life! So much happiness he could hardly believe it. "Maybe fate knew it was too harsh on me in the first half of my life, so it sent you to me. You''re my angel." Elysia''s lips parted. She couldn''t bring herself to scold him anymore; her heart just ached for him. She ced her hand over his. "The first half of my life was full of misfortune, too. I''m so lucky I met you. You''re my knight.¡± They stood under the streetlight, smiling at each other, their eyes filled with nothing but one another. Looking at each other was like looking at their own happiness. After a long moment, Tarquin cupped Elysia''s face again, gave her a soft kiss, then took her hand and tucked it into his pocket as they walked to the car A blissful smile yed on his lips. He now fully understood the importance of having a good wife. Coming home to a woman like her... it was worth more than anything in the world. And because he understood that, he wanted his brothers to experience that same happiness. That''s when Lancelot Spencer suddy appeared, he was immediately on high alert. This guy wasn''t his rival-he was Axel''s! He was being vignt on Axel''s behalf. Blossom was the only girl who was bold enough to show her feelings for Axel without him pushing her away, and he was afraid someone else would snatch her up. Chapter 1470 On their way to The Blissful Pub, Elysia suddenly received a call from Lancelot. "Hello Elysia, it''s me, Lancelot, Blossom''s childhood friend." Elysia was surprised. ¡°?¡± She knew who Lancelot was but didn''t expect him to call her. They''d never really interacted, and they didn''t even have each other''s contact information. Thest time she saw him was in Silver City. Blossom had been kidnapped, and Lancelot, in an attempt to save her, had been taken by the kidnappers as well and beaten badly. He was still unconscious when they left Silver City. ¡°Hi,¡± Elysia responded. "Are you looking for Blossom?" Lancelot''s tone was gentle. "No, we just parted ways. I''m outside The Blissful Pub now. I dropped her off. I heard it''s your husband''s birthday today, so please wish him a happy birthday for me." Elysia was a bit confused. "...Okay, I will. Thanks. When did you get back from Silver City?" Lancelot said, "I got back at the beginning of the month. I''ve been busy, just got my job situation sorted out, so I''m finally free. We should get together sometime when you''re free. I''ll treat you and Winona to dinner, bring your partners along." Elysia politely agreed. "Sure, just let us know in advance. Did you... need something from me?" "Yes, I was hoping you could keep an eye on Blossom. She hasn''t been doing too welltely¡ªstomachaches, and she''s not sleeping well. I''m worried she''ll drink too much and her body won''t be able to handle it." Elysia asked, ¡°...Why don''t you go in with her?" Lancelot sounded a bit embarrassed. "Blossom won''t let me. She says I''m in the way and that I nag her too much. Besides, I have some things to take care of, so I can''t go in." "I had to ask Hollis for your number. Just keep an eye on her for me." "Okay, I will," Elysia promised. "Thanks. I won''t keep you then. We''ll talk again soon." "Okay, bye." Pet After hanging up, Elysia frowned and sighed. She and Lancelot had never had any real contact, and now he was suddenly asking Hollis for her number and wanting to treat her and Winona to dinner. He was probably getting ready to Fready to pursue Blossom. But Blossom didn''t like him that way. If he tried and failed, they might not even be able to remain childhood friends. Losing that friendship would be a shame for Blossom. Ugh... Tarquin nced at Elysia as he drove. "The one who likes Blossom?" "Yeah, Lancelot. Her childhood friend." "I think Blossom''s parents really like him," Tarquinmented. Elysia nodded. "They do. Lancelot grew up with Blossom, so Folly and Hollis know him inside and out. They''d feel at ease entrusting Blossom to him." "And it''s not just that Lancelot has a good character and is handsome; he''s also very capable. He was always a top student, and at a young age, he''s already made a name for himself in the world of archaeology. A real prodigy." "Now that he''s back working in Jindale City, he''s probably a professor at Jindale University. With a stable job, he can stay in Jindale City and be with Blossom." "Plus, Lancelot''s parents are colleagues of Folly and Hollis. Folly and Hollis know what kind of people they are and that they adore Blossom. All things considered Folly and Hollis would be a hundred percent satisfied, and relieved. Blossom married into the Spencer family." Tarquin''s tone soured. "So he''s a good match for her family." Elysia didn''t deny it. "They are well-matched, family-wise. Even though Blossom doesn''t have a high level of education, their families arepatible, and the Spencer family doesn''t look down on Blossom for her education level." Tarquin asked, ¡°Lancelot''s not young, and he''s so outstanding. Hasn''t anyone pursued him?" "He was always on the move, following Folly and Hollis around. And I suspect he''s had feelings for Blossom for a long time. Maybe that''s why he''s so obsessed with history." Chapter 1471 Tarquin Bradford was curious. "What do you mean?" Elysia Thorne exined, ¡°Back in Silver City, Hollis mentioned once that Lancelot Spencer chose to major in archaeology just to make them happy. Folly and Hollis always wanted Blossom to study archaeology, but her grades weren''t great, and she just wasn''t interested in it. The fact that Lancelot majored in archaeology to please them... it has to be for Blossom''s sake." Tarquin''s eyes narrowed. "Getting on his future inws'' good side early?" Elysia said, ¡°That''s probably the idea. He''s been following Folly and Hollis around on their expeditions for years, like he''s their own son. I heard that on one dig, they went into a very dangerous tomb, and Folly and Hollis almost died in there. It was Lancelot who, against everyone''s advice, rushed back in to rescue the two of them while they were unconscious. He almost didn''t make it out himself." Tarquin was silent. Lancelot was that close with Blossom Blythe''s parents... This was going to be tough for Axel. Tarquin sighed. "Does our Axel still have a chance?" Elysia sighed along with him. "His chances are in his own hands. It''s up to him whether he seizes the opportunity or not. Blossom ispletely devoted to him, her whole heart is his, but even the warmest heart can grow cold. If he genuinely doesn''t like Blossom, that''s one thing. She''d be heartbroken, but she''d eventually move on. What scares me is if he does have feelings for her but keeps pushing her away. By the time he realizes what he''s lost, she might already be with Lancelot. And then it''s just going to be a massive, painful mess for everyone involved." Tarquin understood. "I''ll have another good talk with him when he gets back." Now that he had experienced how wonderful a happy marriage could be, he wanted his brother-in-arms to have that, too. His own childhood was unhappy, and so was Axel''s. If anything, Axel had it even worse than him. Tamsin and the others would whisper amongst themselves that Axel was colder than a statue, that they''d never even seen him crack a smile. They didn''t know that Axel wasn''t born that way; his past had made him like that. If there was anything in this world that could warm his heart, it would be love and a happy, fulfilling marriage. That''s why he kept encouraging Axel to give things a real try with Blossom. If he missed this chance with her, Axel might just end up alone for the rest of his life. After all, in all the years Tarquin had known him, she was the only one he didn''t seem topletely push away. There was hope for him and Blossom... Elysia asked, ¡°When is Axeling back?" Tarquin snapped out of his thoughts. "If all goes well, he should be back before the holidays." Elysia asked another question for Blossom''s sake, "He won''t be in any danger, will he?" Tarquin replied, "Everything is going smoothly for now have people there, and they it contact me if nexpected happens." Elysia nodded and didn''t press further. She added Lancelot''s number to her contacts and put her phone away. "By the way, do you have any ns for the Thanksgiving break?" Tarquin countered, "Do you?" Elysia said, "Mom and Dad want to take a trip back to Oceanopolis, and Emmett wants to see his sister and grandpa. If you don''t have any other ns was thinking of taking the kids and going with them. Tarquin didn''t answer right away. His mind was on the situation in Border City. Now that he had confirmed the 8th generation virus was there, he needed to find an excuse to go himself-an excuse for the mysterious figure watching him. He couldn''t let them know he was going to Border City to search for the virus. Chapter 1472 Seeing him hesitate, Elysia added, "If you''re free, you cane with us. If not, you can just focus on your work. We won''t be gone for long anyway, just until the break is over." Tarquin nodded. "I''ll check my scheduleter. When are your parents nning to leave?" "Tomorrow." ¡°I''ll arrange the private jet.¡± "Okay." The couple chatted idly as they arrived at Blissful Uncle''s Bar. Stepping inside was like opening a door to a whole new world. The inside of the bar was apletely different universe from the quiet, low-profile, and discreet exterior. Inside, it was a dazzling world of mour and music, pulsing with energy and filled with handsome men and beautiful women. Blissful Uncle''s Bar was closed to the public tonight. Everyone inside was either a friend of Tarquin and Keaton Huber, or a friend of a friend. To celebrate Tarquin''s birthday, Keaton was being incredibly generous and was covering the tab for everyone. He had even gone to his family''s private wine cer and brought some of their best bottles. When Richard caught him raiding the private cer, Keaton didn''t miss a beat. ¡°Winona asked me to grab these,¡± he lied smoothly. ¡°It''s Tarquin''s birthday, and Elysia''s joining us. Winona wanted to make sure we had something decent to toast with." At the mention of his potential future daughter-inw, Richard''s demeanor instantly changed. He immediately ordered a staff member to haul out an entire premium case. "Take these," his father ordered. "Make sure Winona looks good in front of her friends." And so, using Winona''s name, Keaton conned a case of fine wine out of his dad and made himself look like the man of the hour. Meanwhile, thepletely clueless Winona had been used as an unwitting pawn! On the stage on the first floor, a beautiful woman was performing a sensual dance. Her hot body, daring moves, and sultry gaze made even Elysia''s cheeks flush. The men in the audience were cheering and whistling wildly. Keaton and the main group were in a private room upstairs. Most of the people downstairs had been brought along by friends to fill the space and weren''t in their immediate social circle. So, no one recognized Tarquin. He led Elysia toward the stairs. "If it''s too loud for you," Tarquin said, "we can just say hi and then leave.¡± He knew Elysia wasn''t fond of noisy bars. Elysia immediately shook her head. She might not love it, but she certainly wasn''t going to be a party pooper. "It''s not often I get a night out without the kids. I was actually nning to have a few drinks with Winona and Blossom. Don''t you dare ruin my fun." Tarquin chuckled. Elysia nced at the dancer on stage again, curious. "Is this what all men like?" Without even looking, Tarquin said, "I only like you. Not just someone *like* you, but only you." Elysia felt a sweet warmth spread through her. She looked at the l.ne dancer one more time andplimented. She''s a real good dancer." Tarquin immediately replied, "Not as good as you." Elysia said, "You didn''t even look!" ¡°I don''t need to. I already know my wife is the best dancer." Elysia pouted. "How can youpare without looking? You''re just blindly praising me." "In my heart, my wife is the most beautiful, the most exceptional, the pinnacle of everything. No one else canpare," Tarquin said. Feeling as if she''d been fed a spoonful of honey, her heart swelling, Elysia remarked. "You used to look down on me. You said I was dumb and foolish and that you''d never in your life make a move on me." s?novels Tarquin''s jaw dropped. "I said that?" "Mhm, you did." "Impossible! I''m not blind. How could I have said something like that? You must be misremembering." Elysia pouted. "Not going to admit it? The readers all remember." Tarquin grinned. "I''ll bribe the readers with more sweet moments. We''ll get them to pretend they have amnesia right along with me. I was young and reckless back then, didn''t realize how powerful love is. If le knows I would fail this hard for you, you couldn''t have paid me to say those things." Chapter 1473 "Luckily, fate was on my side. Even though it made me suffer the pains of love, you didn''t get scared away." Hearing this, a phrase suddenly popped into Elysia''s head: Love is the great equalizer; rich or poor, everyone has to suffer its trials. She smiled teasingly. "What do you mean, ''young and reckless''? You were already thirty!" Tarquin shot back without missing a beat, ¡°A man at thirty is in his prime." "Oh, really? So should I start calling you Mr. Prime Time, then?" Keaton suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs. He was wearing ck trousers and a striking peacock-blue shirt, a sly grin on his face and a twinkle in his charming eyes. Thanks to Winona, his stylish, medium-length hair had been chopped into a ridiculous, messy crop, but he was still as dashing and handsome as ever. Elysia instinctively thought of his infamous ¡®alpaca hairstyle'' while marveling to herself: They say hairstyle makes or breaks your look, but truly handsome people look good no matter what. Setting aside Keaton''s yboy ways, his looks were wless. You''d be hard-pressed to find anyone in all of Jindale City who could top him. Tarquin shot Keaton a look. "Is everyone here?" "They''ve been here for ages, just waiting for you two. Elysia, you look beautiful tonight." Before Elysia could respond, Tarquin cut in, "Get lost! And get your eyes off my wife!" Keaton made a ''tsk-tsk'' sound. "See, Elysia? He''s so possessive. You''re the boss in this rtionship, you should just rename him Tarquin the Jealous." Tarquin retorted, "Then should we start calling you Keaton the yboy?" "Keaton the Adonis would suit me better." Elysia was speechless. One called ''Prime Time'', the other ''yboy''. They sounded like a matched set. It suited them both! Ignoring their banter, she asked Keaton, "Are Winona and Blossom in the private room?" "They are. Knowing they''re your best friends, I''ve been taking excellent care of them. Come on, let''s go find them." The three of them headed towards the top-floor suite. It was Keaton''s personal VIP room, exclusively for gatherings with his friends and not open to the public. As they reached the door Keaton personally opened it for them, then quickly stepped back. Before Elysia could figure out what he was up to, party poppers exploded above their heads. A crowd of people ambushed them at the doorway, setting off a storm of colorful streamers amidstughter and cheers. Tarquin instinctively pulled Elysia into his arms, shielding her head with his hand. After the party poppers were all spent, the group ofughing friends shouted in unison, "Happy Birthday!" Gale Windham''s voice rose above the rest, "It''s our house rule! Whoever''ste has to take three shots! The birthday boy gets three shots! And if you bring your girlfriend to meet the guys for the first time, that''s another three shots! Booker Murphy chimed in, "But Ms. Thorne isn''t just a girlfriend, she''s his honest-to- God wife! So three shots aren''t enough. It''s gotta be ten! A perfect ten for the perfect couple!" "Right, right, nine shots!" Gale agreed. "And that''s not all!" Booker continued. "Three shots for having both a son and a daughter, and another three for having twins! How many is that in total?¡± "Fifteen shots!" Gale yelled. ¡°Fifteen, you idiot! It''s eighteen!" Booker shot back. Keaton looked at them with utter disdain. "Did your gym teacher teach you math? Good thing you two are only children, or you''d never be able to split an inheritance correctly! It''s twenty-one shots!" Gale and Booker counted on their fingers. "Oh yeah, Keaton''s right, twenty-one! So, Tarquin, are you going to take the shots, or are you going to give your wife a public kiss? You can choose between 21 shots or a 21-minute kiss!" The men started chanting, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" Chapter 1474 It was the first time Elysia had really attended a party with Tarquin''s friends, and she blushed bright red. Not knowing they were just teasing, she looked at Tarquin nervously. Kissing in public was embarrassing, but twenty-one shots? That was enough to put someone in the hospital. Tarquin knew Elysia was shy. He wrapped an arm around her waist and said for all to hear, ¡°Just ignore them. They''re just jealous because I have a wife and they don''t. They''re just trying to stir up trouble. We''re not kissing and we''re not drinking. There''s nothing they can do about it." Booker protested, "Tarquin, you can''t break the rules! That''s not cool, man. Hurry up and pick one!" "Since when did we have so many rules?" Tarquin asked. "We just made them today. All the guys agreed, right?" Booker said. Seeing that Tarquin was in a good mood, the crowd of men chimed in, "Yeah, yeah, those are the new rules!" "Drinking is bad for you, Tarquin, just choose the kiss!" "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" The group hooted and hollered, enjoying the show. After all, Tarquin used to avoid women like the gue, and now that he suddenly had a wife, everyone was eager to see this new side of him. Gale raised an eyebrow. "Tarquin, don''t tell me you''re afraid of your wife? You won''t kiss her unless she gives the okay?" With a handsome, straight face, Tarquin announced, ¡°I''m proud to answer to my wife. I actually have a wife to answer to. You guys don''t." His tone was incredibly smug and proud. The crowd was stunned into silence. He was actually proud of it! Since when was being totally whipped something to brag about? Tarquin waved over a server and downed three shots to pay for his tardiness. He refused to acknowledge any of the other punishments. Just then, another server wheeled in an enormous birthday cake, and everyone''s attention shifted. They albsang "Happy Birthday" and offered their best wishes to Tarquin. When it came time to make a wish, Elysia was standing beside Tarquin, but he pulled her into his arms. In front of everyone, he stood behind her, wrapped her in an embrace, took her hands and sped them together, and stood before the cake to make a wish. Elysia as already blushing, but in the next second, she realized she had blushed too soon. The shameless Tarquin started making his wish out loud. "I wish that my wife can celebrate every birthday with me from now on, that I can hold her every night when we sleep, and that she''ll give me a ''special present'' every day..." Horrified, Elysia quickly pulled her hands away, turned around, and mped a hand over his mouth, ring at him. "What ''special present''? Be quiet! If you say a birthday wish out loud, it won''te true. Keep it to yourself." Tarquin''s eyes crinkled as he asked, ¡°Will ite true if I wish for it in my head?" Elysia shot him a look. "Yes!" Tarquin smiled. "Alright, then. I''ll wish for it in my head." He took her hands again, returning them to their sped position, and made a wish with her. Elysia''s heart pounded and she cursed him in her head, calling him a dog. If she had known he was this wicked, she wouldn''t have given him a birthday surprise! How could he say something so private in public? How could he be so shameless! After the wish, Tarquin prompted her to blow out the candles with him, and then held her hand as they cut the first slice of cake. After a while, therge group began to break off into smaller activities. Some yed cards, some yed pool, and others sang and danced. The private suite had everything. Gale and Booker called Tarquin over for a game of cards. Tarquin refused, his reason being that he had to stay with his wife. Keaton said, "You''ve been showing off your PDA all night, haven''t you had enough? Come on, stop the lovey-dovey act. The whole world knows you have a wife and you two are deeply in love." Tarquin corrected him, "I''m madly in love!" Even Elysia got goosebumps listening to him. Blushing, she shooed him away. "Go on, go y with them. I want to have a private chat with Winona and Blossom." Chapter 1475 Tarquin asked reluctantly, "Can''t I listen?" "No." "Then can I go y cards with them?" Tarquin asked. Elysia was speechless. Had he been possessed by aedian? Other men, when they were out, were terrified of anyone finding out they were whipped. He, on the other hand, seemed terrified that people *wouldn''t* know his status in the family! Helplessly, Elysia tried to act nonchnt. "Go, go. I support whatever you want to do." Only then did Tarquin get up with a smile. ¡°Call me if you need anything." "I know." *Just go, please just go.* After Tarquin left, Blossommented, "I never realized Mr. Bradford had an extroverted side. Who was it that said he was a man of few words? He seems pretty talkative to me. No, not talkative, a show-off! Good heavens, he might as well have tattooed your name on his forehead. Is he afraid someone''s going to steal you away? Or that someone''s going to steal *him* away?" Elysia retorted, "They say women get ''pregnancy brain'' for a while, but men lose their minds for life once they fall in love. They turn into absolute babies.¡± Elysia) Just as Elysia finished speaking, a group of women came over to chat. Because everyone knew Elysia would be there, they had all been on their best behavior, bringing either their actual wives, official girlfriends, or fianc¨¦es. They were all from the elite circle, with prominent family backgrounds. Butpared to Elysia, they were in a different league entirely. In terms of their own family''s status, they couldn''tpare. In terms of their husband''s family, they couldn''t eithe Without a a doubt, Elysia was the undeniable queen bee of their generation''s high-society wives. What''s more, most of the young women here tonight weren''t even married yet, so they didn''t quite have the ''wife'' status. Givingpliments is an art form. The savvy ones praised Tarquin''s love for Elysia, her favored position how she married for love, and what good fortune she had. The smarter ones showered Elysia with praise for her own merits-her beauty, her figure, her well-maintained skin, and her positive influence on her husband. They talked about her adoring husband, her healthy. children, and her blissful family, calling her the envy of all women. They also took the opportunity to ask for Elysia''s contact information, suggesting they go shopping or have tea together sometime. Elysia wasn''t particrly interested in them, but out of politeness, she added them all. Someone pulled her into the ''Jindale City Wives'' group chat, introducing her as Mrs. Bradford. The group instantly came alive, and even members who hadn''t been active in ages popped up to greet her. The social dynamics of the elite were far moreplex than those of ordinary people. Even among the wealthy wives, there was a pecking order The higher the status of their husband''s family or their own, the higher their position. And when family statuses were equal, a cherished wife ranked higher than one who was not. Elysia, whose husband''s family and her own were both powerful, and who was adored by both, was at the very top of the hierarchy. Moreover, when they were out in public, they often represented more than just themselves; they represented their family''s upbringing and their husband''s reputation. As people often say, every social circle has its pros and cons. Women from wealthy families have materialforts, but also many restrictions and concerns. Women from ordinary families might not afford designer brands, but their lives are simpler and freer. Elysia disliked socializing, but now that she held the position of Mrs. Bradford, it was unavoidable. She was Elysia, but she was also Tarquin''s wife, Mrs. Bradford. In the future, interacting with these women in the group was inevitable. She politely and graciously typed a message in the group before exiting the chat. Just as she finished dealing with the women, Gale and Booker suddenly appeared, with several other rich guys in tow. Chapter 1476 ¡°Elysia! Great to see you.¡± A group of young men from prominent families strolled over to greet her. With Tarquin absent, they were on their best behavior, a far cry from their usual yful and irreverent selves. Their smiles were as bright and sincere as a summer morning. ¡°Can I help you with something?¡± Elysia replied politely. Gale chimed in with a grin. "Not at all. We just wanted toe over and say hi, get properly introduced. That way we don''t startle you if we run into you on the street.¡± ¡°I''m Gale, by the way..." After Gale''s introduction, the others followed suit. When they had all finished, they spoke as a group. "If you ever need anything, anything at all, just let us know." "We might not be as capable as Tarquin, but we''re not useless. We can definitely help with the small stuff.¡± ¡°Tarquin is like a brother to us, which makes you family. To our first official meeting, we''d like to propose a toast!" "We''ll drink, but you shouldn''t. Tarquin would have our heads if he found out we let you drink." One by one, they tipped their heads back and drained their sses. The other women in the private room nced over, their eyes filled with envy. These trust-fund elites, like Gale, were men that women usually tripped over themselves to get the attention of, often with little sess. Yet here they were, acting like loyal followers, all vying for Elysia''s favor. It was true what they said: a woman''s standing among her husband''s friends reflected her husband''s own status. When a man of high standing clearly adored his partner, his friends naturally treated her with the utmost respect. It was simr to how a woman was treated by her in-ws; it all depended on her husband. If he cherished her and had a voice in the family, she would be respected, and no one would dare bully her. Any woman who was mistreated by her inws undoubtedly had a husband who wasn''t pulling his weight. Seeing them all drink, Elysia felt it would be rude not to join. She raised a ss of red wine and took a sip with them. Gale buttered her up. "Elysia, you''re basically a legend in our house. Whenever my mom talks about you, she can''t stop singing your praises.¡± Booker jumped in. ¡°You''re even more popr in my house. It''s not just my mom-even my dad speaks about you with total reverence." "And in my family,¡± another added, "it''s not just my parents. The whole extended family practically worships the ground you walk on. They keep telling me I need to find a woman with half your ss and grace to settle down with!" Elysia forced a slightly awkward smile. After the group left, Blossom asked, "When did you be the talk of the town for the older generation?" Elysia sighed. "I didn''t. I just happen to be very fertile." "What?" Blossom''s eyes widened. "These old-money families don''tck for cash,¡± Elysia exined. ¡°They don''t have to worry about the cost of raising children, so they adore kids. But nowadays, young people are more open-minded, and a lot of women don''t want any children at all. And then there''s me, who had several at once. In the eyes of those elders, isn''t that considered a huge aplishment? Something to be proud of?" Blossom finally understood. ¡°Oh, that''s why. I was wondering when you suddenly started running in their circles." "Having multiple babies at once is rare, but it''s also incredibly dangerous. You and the kids were just lucky nothing went wrong. Elysia, are you and Mr. Bradford nning on having more?¡± Elysia gave a wry smile. "More? We already have a whole crew." "Have you two talked about it?¡± ¡°We have. Tarquin doesn''t want me to get pregnant again. He said it''s too painful and too risky, and he''s absolutely against it." Blossom gave her a thumbs-up. "A big thumbs-up for Mr. Bradford. He knows how to take care of you." Chapter 1477 "Your mother''s side has a history of multiple births, which means your chances of having multiples are high. For most women, childbirth is like a trip to hell and back. For you, it''s like taking that trip multiple times.¡± ¡°Even with modern medicine, it was a miracle you survived." Hearing this, Elysia let out a long sigh, her heart filled with a wave of emotion. If it weren''t for the old couple who took her in up in the mountains, she and the children would have been long gone. She''d never have had the chance to be here today, cherished by Tarquin, chatting with her best friend under the envious gazes of others. The thought of the elderly couple filled Elysia''s eyes with warmth. She had to talk to them at their next meeting and convince them to move closer so she could help care for them. The mountain life was peaceful, but as people age, they lose their ability to care for themselves and need support. Now that she had found her happiness, she wanted everyone she cared about to be happy too. The couple from the mountains, Winona, Blossom... At that moment, Winona was surrounded by a crowd of women asking for her autograph. Elysia nced at her before turning her attention back to Blossom. "Lancelot called me on my way here." Blossom was surprised. "Why would he call you? Wait, how did he get your number?¡± ¡°He said he got it from Hollis. He asked me to keep an eye on you and make sure you don''t drink too much. He said you haven''t been feeling welltely, with stomach pains and insomnia." Blossom pursed her lips, sighed, and shook her head. "Thank God I didn''t let that guy tag along, or I wouldn''t be having any fun tonight. He''s so overbearing. I pray he finds a girlfriend soon and shifts his focus off of me.¡± Elysia asked tentatively, ¡°Do you think Lancelot might be trying to pursue you?¡± ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Blossomughed and shook her head. ¡°We''re just really good friends. The two of us dating would be like my left hand dating my right. Could you even feel anything?" "But your parents seem to really want you two to be together," Elysia pointed out. Blossom pouted. "They''re just trying to y matchmaker where there''s no match." "Have you and Lancelot ever talked about what your parents want?" Elysia asked. ¡°We have. Lancelot told me not to just brush it off, to live my own life and tune them out entirely. He knows I like Axel." Elysia fell silent. Lancelot obviously liked Blossom. For him to say that..... it meant he was treading carefully, afraid to reveal his true feelings. It was true what they said: the spectator sees the game more clearly than the yers. Blossom was too close to the situation to see through Lancelot''s affections. Elysia decided not to burst her bubble for now. Doing so would only ruin her mood. It was better to wait until Axel returned. "Have you told your parents about Axel?" she asked. Blossom shook her head in frustration. "I haven''t dared. He already gets annoyed with me chasing him. If my parents started breathing down his neck, he''d just get more annoyed. I need to win him over first. Hey, speaking of, could you ask Mr. Bradford for me how he''s doing over there? And when he might being back? I text and call him every day, but he never replies. He must have changed his number when he got there." "I asked on the way here," Elysia said. "Tarquin said everything is going smoothly so far. If there are no surprises, he should be back before the end of the year." Blossom''s reaction was a mix of joy and sorrow. Joy that Axel was safe and well. Sorrow that "before the end of the year" meant he wouldn''t be back anytime soon. But God, she missed him. If she wasn''t so afraid of causing trouble for him, she would have already flown to Mariana Land to find him. Chapter 1478 Elysia couldn''t help but ask, "What if Axel''s attitude towards you never changes?" Blossom''s face fell instantly. "What can I do? If he doesn''t like me, I can''t force him to. And it''s not like I can pull a ''if I can''t have you, no one can move. I''ll just have to be miserable by myself." Just hearing her say it made Elysia''s heart ache. "I hope it neveres to that. But if it does, Winona and I will be right there to cry with you." ¡°Deal. I''m definitely dragging you two in." After a moment, Blossom suddenly leaned in close to Elysia''s ear, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "So, that birthday surprise you got for Mr. Bradford... did he like it?" A blush crept up Elysia''s face as she pursed her lips and stared at her friend, saying nothing. "Don''t be shy," Blossom whispered. ¡°I just want to know if it was effective. If it was, I''m going to use the same trick to seduce Axel when he gets back." Elysia''s eyes widened. ¡°?!" Blossom lookedpletely serious. "Winona was right. Desperate times call for desperate measures. To win the heart of a man like that, I''ve got toy it all on the line!" Elysia was at a loss for words, unsure whether to encourage or dissuade her. If Axel were a yer, she would have immediately shut the idea down. But Axel wasn''t like that. If they crossed that line, he wouldn''t take it lightly-he''d either put a stop to it before it started, or he''d be all in. Just as Elysia was struggling for a response, Winona walked over. She flopped onto the sofa, downed half a ss of red wine, and let out a long breath. ¡°God, I am exhausted. My hand is about to fall off from signing so many autographs.¡± ¡°One for each person? How did it take so long?" Elysia asked. Winona dabbed at the corner of her mouth and nced towards a young woman on the phone in the corner. ¡°She had me sign over a hundred for her.¡± Elysia was shocked. ¡°What does she need that many for?¡± ¡°She said all her friends and family are huge fans and she wanted to give them out as gifts." "She''s got some nerve!" Elysia eximed. Blossom chimed in, ¡°We don''t even know her, we just met tonight! How could she ask for that? And Winona, you''re too nice!" "I was doing Keaton a favor," Winona said with a sigh. Elysia''s eyes widened. "She came with Keaton?" "Yep. I''m guessing she''ll be upgraded to girlfriend status in a few days. I saw them making eyes at each other all night. And the fact that she''s even in this room means she''s not insignificant in Mr. Huber''s eyes." Hearing this gave Elysia a headache. She was so tired of hearing about Keaton''s romantic exploits that she couldn''t even be bothered toin anymore. She seriously wondered if Keaton was actually Richard and Janelle''s son. Richard and Janelle were perfectly normal people! Looking back through the Huber family tree, there wasn''t a single person as promiscuous as him. If Winona had a crush on him and wanted to use her charms to win him over, Elysia would have jumped in to stop her. Keaton was nothing like Axel! Still, Elysia couldn''t resist grumbling, ¡°I really don''t know what he''s going to do if he ever actually falls in love with a girl. He''s so promiscuous." "He doesn''t believe in marriage," Winona said. "He''s not nning on settling down. He''s all about the physical, not the emotional." Elysia pursed her lips. "He can''t control life like that. What if he meets his soulmate and wants to get married? What girl would dare marry him?" Winona shrugged. "If he really meets ''the one,'' then he''s just out of luck. He could get on his knees and cry his heart out, move heaven and earth, and it still might not be enough to win her over.¡± ¡°With his extensive dating history? Forget a girl looking to settle down¡ªeven someone with my baggage would find him repulsive.¡± Friends? Fine. Dating? He can take a hike. Marriage? Get lost." Chapter 1479 Winona then added, "But, you know, I would love to watch that train wreck. Keaton falling in love would be epic. We''d have so much gossip.¡± Elysia and Blossom shared a wickedugh. "I''d pay to see that," Elysia said. "Let''s pray the universe grants Mr. Huber a ''true love'' trial experience," Blossom added, ¡°just so we can watch his world burn." Winona arched an eyebrow and mimicked Keaton''s voice, ¡°I don''t owe you three anything, do I?¡± ¡°Hahaha....." As the three friends were chatting, Lowell suddenly burst into the room. His brow was furrowed, his face grim. He was walking so fast that he didn''t even notice Elysia as he passed. Sensing trouble, Elysia called out, "Lowell." Lowell stopped in his tracks and quicklyposed himself. ¡°Elysia. Ms. Newsom, Ms. Blythe." Elysia stood up. "Are you looking for Tarquin?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Did something happen?" Lowell hesitated for a moment, then forced a smile. ¡°Just work stuff. There''s a document that needs Tarquin''s signature. The project manager tracked us down to the bar and is waiting downstairs." Elysia wasn''t suspicious. "Is it that urgent?" "Yeah, I think he was worried Tarquin would be out of Jindale City for the holiday weekend, so he came over tonight. Youdies continue your chat, I''ll just go find Tarquin.¡± Elysia didn''t think much of it. ¡°He''s in the back room ying cards. Go on in." "Okay." Lowell smiled and waved goodbye, but the moment he was out of Elysia''s line of sight, his expression turned dark again. He walked to the inner room, knocked, and pushed the door open. There were no outsiders in the room. Lowell''s face was grim as he said, ¡°Tarquin, the Punikon family has issued a formal challenge." Tarquin''s eyes narrowed as he took the challenge letter from Lowell and read it. Lowell was furious. "They could have sent this anytime, but they wait for your birthday! And they deliver it straight to the bar. They''re obviously trying to crash the party and ruin things for us." Keaton, who was sitting nearby, narrowed his charismatic eyes. ¡°Are they still downstairs?¡± ¡°Yeah, at the entrance. They don''t look like the local Punikon dojo guys. They seem to be from Thyania, and they''re incredibly arrogant." Keaton let out a cold snort. "Causing a scene in my club? They''ve got some nerve. I''ll go handle this." As Keaton stood up to leave, Tarquin stopped him. "Don''t bother. It''s beneath us to meet them." More importantly, Elysia was here tonight, and he didn''t want to cause a scene that would frighten her. In a surprisingly good mood, Tarquin epted the challenge letter. He said to Lowell, ¡°Go tell them I''ve epted their challenge. And give them your contact information. Tell them to call you directly if they need anything, so they don''t have to keep running around." Lowell was worried. "Tarquin, they''re making such a big show of this. They must be confident they can win. By epting, aren''t you walking right into their trap?" Tarquin remained calm. He needed to investigate Master Bernard and his wife, and this would require a meeting with Punikon''s grandfather. The challenge letter conveniently gave him a reason to go to Border City. Plus, a trip to Thyania would give him an opportunity to check on Axel in Mariana Land. Without offering much exnation, Tarquin simply said, "Just do as I say.¡± Lowell was silent. He didn''t know what Tarquin was thinking, and he really didn''t want him to ept the challenge. Punikon''s grandfather was a major figure in the martial arts world, a man with real skills. Moreover, the match was set in Thyania, on their home turf. Going there was like walking into the lion''s den. But Tarquin had given his order, and Lowell had no choice but to obey. Chapter 1480 Outside the bar, the two Thyanian martial artists exchanged a look of surprise when they heard Tarquin had epted the challenge. They had expected him to refuse. They were surprised he''d agreed so readily. After all, anyone who knew the Punikon family''s internal drama knew that Punikon''s father had only opened a dojo in Zhinora because of some trouble that had forced him out of Thyania. He was by far the weakest link in the family. So, when Tarquin defeated him, the rest of the family wasn''t particrly shocked, nor did they think Tarquin was anything special. If the incident hadn''t caused such a public stir and damaged the Punikon family''s reputation, they wouldn''t have gotten involved. The challenge was simply a matter of restoring family honor. If Tarquin had refused tonight, they were prepared to storm the bar and humiliate him in front of his friends, calling him a coward. Now that he had epted, they had no reason to cause a scene. The two Thyanian martial artists felt a pang of regret. They looked down at Lowell, their voices dripping with sarcasm as they spoke in broken English. "Did Mr. Bradford read the challenge letter carefully? It is a deathmatch!" Lowell frowned. "You should be more worried about yourselves. Don''t start what you can''t finish." "We aren''t businessmen ying games with contracts," the other man sneered. "In the ring, your word is blood. Bradford epted. If he tries to back out now, he''ll be branded a coward, and his reputation will be dead long before he is." Lowell couldn''t be bothered with them. ¡°Tarquin is in a good mood tonight, so he''s not going to stoop to your level. Now get out of here. Oh, and here''s my card. Call me if you need anything." He turned and walked back into the bar. The two Thyanian martial artists nced at the business card, then shot a disdainful look at the entrance of The Blissful Bar before turning to leave. As they walked, one of them made a call to Punikon''s grandfather. ¡°Master, Tarquin has epted our challenge.¡± In a grand house in Thyania, Punikon''s grandfather, dressed in traditional sparring gear, sat in silent meditation on the floor, his eyes snapping open into a narrow re. ¡°He has some nerve! Did you see him in person?" "No," the martial artist replied. "We heard he was celebrating his birthday at a bar, so we delivered the challenge there. We met with his assistant." "His assistant conveyed his message. He epted the challenge!" "I don''t think he epted because he''s brave. I think he was just trying to save face. He couldn''t refuse in front of his friends without being ridiculed.¡± Punikon''s grandfather said, "Regardless, it''s good that he epted. You two are skilled, but don''t reveal your full strength in front of him yet. We don''t want to scare him off. It would be a great loss if he didn''te to Thyania for the match." "He shamed our Punikon family on that stage, so we must reim our honor on that same stage! If he is to die, it will be in a Punikon ring!" "Understood," the martial artist said. "By the way, we saw Mantle. His injuries are severe. His hands and feet are crippled. He will never practice martial arts again." Punikon''s grandfather scowled. ¡°He has been useless for a long time. If I had known he would cause such a mess, I never would have let him out to embarrass us again! Did you see Punikon?¡± ¡°We did," the martial artist replied. ¡°He''s had several teeth knocked out. He cried when he saw us, begging us to get revenge for him. He wants that kid, Evan Thorne, dead!" "Master, we won''t touch Mr. Bradford, but can we deal with Evan? We want to get even for Punikon! We are warriors. How can we let the son of a businessman humiliate us? If we don''t settle this score, Punikon and we will never be at peace." Chapter 1481 Punikon''s grandfather gave his approval. "He wants revenge? Let him have it. It''s a good opportunity to teach him that in the world of fighters, the strong rule!¡± "And let it be a message to everyone else. No matter who you are, if you harm someone from the Punikon family, you will pay a heavy price!" ¡°Find a chance and take that kid Evan out! Once the hatred is deep enough, we won''t have to worry about Tarquin backing out of the challenge!" The fighter on the phone replied, "Understood!" After hanging up, he turned to his partner. "The old man gave the order. We can''t touch Tarquin for now, but we can get rid of that Evan kid!" His partner gritted his teeth. ¡°Let''s grab him and hand him over to Punikon. Let him have his fun!" "Yeah! We''ll go to the hospital and have Punikon lure him out. We''ll make sure it''s a one-way trip." Past eleven at night, The Blissful Pub was still buzzing. But since Elysia had to head back to Oceanopolis the next day, it wasn''t a good idea to stay out all night, so she and Tarquin left early. Winona and Blossom stayed behind. They were on Keaton''s turf anyway, so there was no need to worry about them. Keaton would look after them. On the way, Lowell was driving while Tarquin and Elysia sat in the back. "I''m not going to Oceanopolis with you for the break," Tarquin said. "I''ll arrange a private jet for you all tomorrow. Have a great time.¡± Elysia was surprised. "Is it for work?" "Yeah, some things came up that I need to handle. It''s time-sensitive, and I need to head down to Border City for a few days." Afraid she wouldn''t believe him, Tarquin added, "We''ve got a lot of new projectstely that I need to oversee personally." Elysia''s heart ached for him. "You work so hard for us," Elysia murmured, her heart aching for him. "Always carrying the weight of the world." Tarquin smiled. ¡°It''s worth it. I''d carry it twice over as long as I get toe home to you." Up front, Lowell cringed at the cheesy-sweet talk and quickly raised the partition between the front and back seats. Ignorance was bliss. Once the partition was up, Elysia whispered, "You''re turning into quite the smooth talkertely. Who are you and what have you done with my husband?" "I read online that sweet nothings are the spice of a rtionship,¡± Tarquin said. "You''re supposed to say them often." Elysia smiled, snuggling into his embraces Well, I''ll be heading back to Oceanopolis with the kids and my parents tomorrow. You have to take care of yourself while were gone okay?" Tarquin stroked her hair gently. "I''m not a three-year-old, you don''t need to worry about me. But I''ll definitely miss you." Resting in his arms, Elysia tilted her face up and yfully scratched his chin. "I''ll miss you too." Tarquin leaned down and gave her a kiss. They were as affectionate as a pair of newlyweds. After getting home, Tarquin tucked Elysia into bed before quietly slipping into the study. He made a call to arrange for the private jets for the next day. One would fly to Silver City. The other would fly to Border City. Elysia and the children would fly to Silver City first to see Emmett''s sister and grandfather, then continue on to Oceanopolis with yton Hawkins. He and Lowell would fly directly to Border City. While researching the Punikon family, he had discovered an old master who had once fought Punikon''s grandfather to a draw And that old master was from Border City and still lived there now. The old master had nothing to do with the real 8th generation virus, but Tarquin could use the pretense of seeking him out to begin his search for the virus. Everyone would think he was going to Border City just to find a trainer for the uing challenge match. No one would suspect his true purpose. Not even the mysterious man. That''s why when he saw the Punikon family''s challenge today, he wasn''t angry. He was pleased. This challenge gave him the perfect excuse to go to Border City. Once he found the real 8th generation virus, he could finally settle the score with the mysterious man without any reservations. Chapter 1482 The next day, Evan woke up before the sun was even up. As usual, he was getting up early to train with his master. But when he checked his watch phone, he saw the messages Punikon had sent him [Evan, just because your dad beat my dad doesn''t mean you can beat me. I challenge you to a one-on-one fight!] [If you don''t have the guts to ept, you''re a total chicken!] [If you dare to fight,e find me at the hospital!] [Why aren''t you answering? Are you scared? You coward, wimp, chicken, loser! Hmph!] [If you don''t reply, I''m gonna tell everyone. I''ll let the whole world know that Evan is a coward who''s too scared to ept my challenge!] What? Evan shot up in bed and reread Punikon''s messages. Besides Punikon''s texts, there were chat screenshots from other ssmates. Because he hadn''t replied, Punikon had already started telling everyone in their ss that he was a coward. Evan was furious. It was true what they said: being merciful to your enemy is being cruel to yourself. Thest time Punikon bullied Emmett and Elijah, if he hadn''t held back, would Punikon still have the nerve to be this arrogant? How dare he call him a coward! He was clearly asking for another beating. Evan replied to Punikon, [I was asleepst night. You want a fight? You got it. I''ming for you right now!] Evan quickly threw on his clothes, brushed his teeth, and washed his face before heading out. He first went to find his master to report in. "Master, I have something to do today, so I''m skipping training." The scarred man asked, "What is it?" Evan didn''t hide it from him. "I''m going to challenge Punikon to a duel! He sent me a challengest night that I didn''t see, and now he''s telling everyone I''m a coward, ruining my reputation!" "I''d rather die than be called a coward! I have to teach him a proper lesson! Otherwise, my ssmates will really think I''m scared of him!" The scarred man was skeptical. "Didn''t you two already fight? He couldn''t beat you, yet he dares to challenge you again?" "Someone''s probably backing him up," Evan said. "He says it''s a duel, but he''s probably just trying to lure me over so his buddies can beat me up for revenge! Punikon is the real coward. He''s a lousy fighter who loves to y dirty. Hiding behind someone else''s muscle isn''t how a real man acts! Anyway, I gotta go. I have to defend my honor. I''m leaving, Master." The man knew Evan''s personality. Calling him a coward was a line that couldn''t be crossed. There was no stopping him, so the man decided to join him. "I''ll go with you." on So Punikon called for backup? Well, he''d be Evan''s backup. It was one thing if the two kids fought is their own, but if Punikon''s backup dared to make a move, then he would too. Just as they were about to leave, Evan''s watch phone suddenly rang. It was Elliot. "Hey, bro," Evan said, curious. "Why are you calling me this early? Is it urgent?" Elliot asked back, "Where are you right now?" "I''m with my master." "Going to fight Punikon?" Evan''s eyes widened. "You know about it too? Did Punikon message you? Did he say I was too scared to fight and called me a coward?! I was just asleepst night, I didn''t see the message! I''m on my way to find him right now. If he dares to ruin my name, I''ll wreck him!" "Don''t go see him today," Elliot said. "His father passed away. If you go looking for him at a time like this, it''ll look bad for you." Evan froze,pletely stunned. "Punikon''s father... died?!" "Yeah." "How?" Elliot frowned. "The exact cause of death isn''t clear, but it looks like a frame-up. The Thyanian side is already spreading rumors that Dad killed him." Evan immediately shot back, "That''s bullshit! Dad just disabled him, he didn''t kill him! So he was killed by his own people?!" Chapter 1483 Elliot''s small brow furrowed. "Punikon''s father was already an outcast in their family. Now that he''s dead, they''re pinning the me on Dad. They''re definitely nning to do something to him." "If you go now, they''ll just use you to stir up more trouble. Just ignore them for now." Evan frowned. "Is Dad in danger?" Elliot told him the truth. "Not for the time being. They''ve already issued a formal challenge to Dad, and the match is set for three months from now. Even if they want to hurt him, it will probably be after that." Though reluctant, Evan obediently listened to Elliot. "I get it, bro. I won''t go looking for Punikon today." "Good. Train with your master for a bit, thene back. We''re going to Silver City with Grandma and Grandpa today." "Okay." After hanging up with Evan, Elliot called Tarquin. Tarquin was still in the study. He had been up all night, nning his route to find the 8th generation virus. He answered when he saw his son''s name sh on the screen. "Hey, Elliot." Elliot got straight to the point. "Dad, did you know Punikon''s father is dead?" "...I know. Don''t worry, I''ve got it under control." Elliot''s lips twitched. "Dad, what exactly are you nning?" Tarquin paused. "Hmm?" Elliot frowned and said, "You had no history with the Punikon family. This all started because Evan and Punikon had a fight at preschool. If you didn''t have something bigger in mind, things wouldn''t have escted this far." Tarquin didn''t hide it from Elliot. "I wanted to use this opportunity to look into your Bernard''s matter. But I didn''t expect it to lead to someone''s death. The Punikon family is not to be trifled with." "Bernard''s matter is connected to the Punikon family?" Elliot asked immediately. "Yes. If I''m not mistaken, the Thyanian Martial Arts Association must know some inside details. But asking them directly would tip our hand. The tournament in three months is a perfect opportunity." "Avenging their master and his wife is Bernard''s dream. If we have a chance to help him achieve it, we should." Elliot nodded. "I understand. But with Punikon''s father dead, every fighter in Thyania will have a grudge against you. This puts you in a very difficult position. You need to be careful." Tarquin chuckled, his voice gentle. "Don''t worry about me. They aren''t skilled enough to hurt me. Besides, even if they make a move, it won''t be for another three months. Are you all awake?" "Just Evan. He went to train with his master. I''m still in bed." The moment he''d opened his eyes, he had seen Punikon''s provocative messages and the news of his father''s death. He was worried Evan wouldbush off to settle scores, S? he had called him immediately. He was, in fact, still lying in bed. "If you''re not up yet, you should sleep a little longer," Tarquin said. "It''s still early." "Okay. Bye, Dad." After hanging up, Elliot found he couldn''t fall back asleep. He got up, washed his face, and opened hisptop to continue his search for Gerald and Howard''s whereabouts. With his dad handling the Bernard situation, he didn''t need to worry about it. But the matter of Gerald and Howard was on his shoulders. When they had gone up the mountain, Gerald and Howard weren''t there. They had stayed for a month and still hadn''t seen them. After returning he had started searching for any news of them, but so far, he had found nothing. Elliot felt a growing sense of unease. He had a bad feeling that something had happened to them. His great-grandparents were not just their benefactors they were family He didn''t want anything to happen t? them... Chapter 1484 But after searching for a while longer, Elliot still couldn''t find a single clue. It was as if the two old men had vanished into thin air. It made sense that Howard, a master hacker, would be hard to track. But he knew Gerald''s identity, so why couldn''t he find any trace of him? His great-grandmother had said Gerald had some family business to attend to and needed Howard''s help, so he''d taken Howard back into the city with him. But Elliot had checked on Gerald''s family and found nothing out of the ordinary. There wasn''t a single shred of evidence that Gerald had ever returned. Elliot knit his brow, sitting silently in front of theputer for a long time. It wasn''t until he heard noises outside his door that he let out a long sigh, closed hisptop, and got up to get ready for the day. ... Around eight in the morning, yton and Pam Patel arrived at Number One Mansion with the children. Their n was to head to the airport from there. Elysia was almost done packing and told the kids to go check their rooms onest time for anything else they wanted to bring. When they heard Tarquin wasn''ting with them, the little ones were surprised. "Why isn''t Daddying?" Elysia exined for him, "Your daddy''s busy with worktely. He also has a business trip to Border City, so he doesn''t have time toe to Oceanopolis with us." At the sudden mention of Border City, Elliot and Elijah''s eyes went wide. ¡°!¡± Realizing something, the two boys frowned in unison. While everyone else was busy packing, the two brothers pulled Tarquin upstairs to the study. "Are you going to Border City?" "Yes." Elijah frowned. "Why didn''t you tell us?" Elliot''s brow furrowed. "You''re nning to go on this dangerous trip alone!¡± Tarquin paused. "...An opportunity to go to Border City just came up, so I thought I''d go check things out." "What opportunity?" Elliot asked. Tarquin exined, "Last night, I epted a challenge from Punikon''s grandfather. Coincidentally, there''s an old master in Border City who once fought him to a draw in the ring. Tean do Border City to learn a thing or two from him." Elliot and Elijah understood his meaning instantly. Going to Border City to ''learn'' was a lie; finding the real 8th generation virus was the truth. The two brothers looked at Tarquin, displeased. "It''s a good excuse, but it''s too risky for you to go alone!" "We''re going with you!" "No," Tarquin refused. "You''re not. You''re going with your mom and grandparents to Oceanopolis." He had chosen to go to Border City during the holiday break precisely so Elysia and the kids would be away. The real 8th generation virus was far too dangerous. He would take the risk himself, but he couldn''t let his children join him. Back on the mountain, his grandmother had warned him that if he ever found a sample of the virus, he had to handle it with extreme care. Ifa sample were to leak, would immediately spread through the air and cause mass casualties in a short amount of time. Of course, those closest to the virus would die first, and their deaths would be certain. He didn''t want his children to take that risk with him. Elliot also knew the dangers of the 8th generation virus. He refused to let his father face it alone. "Let Evan, Emmett, and Baby go with Mom to Oceanopolis," he insisted. "I''m going with you to Border City!" "I''m going to Border City with you too, Dad!" Elijah added. ¡°We can help!" Tarquin knew the boys were just worried about him. He patted Elliot''s head, then Elijah''s. "I''m going to find the us, not steal itrge group will only draw attention. Listen to me. Go with your mother to Oceanopolis. Taking care of her is the best way you can help me right now." Chapter 1485 Elliot and Elijah''s brows were tightly knit, their faces full of worry. The 8th generation virus was dangerous enough on its own, and with the mysterious man lurking in the shadows, the situation was even more perilous. Things were calm now because the virus hadn''t been found. The moment it was discovered, all hell would likely break loose. They loved their mom, but they loved their dad just as much. They couldn''t bear the thought of something happening to him. Tarquin knelt, looking at his two sons with a fond smile. ¡°I promise you both, I will not get hurt. My safetyes first, finding the viruses second." Father and sons looked at each other for a few seconds before Elliot and Elijah threw themselves into Tarquin''s arms from either side. "You have toe back safe and sound!" "Don''t you dare get hurt!" Tarquin wrapped his arms around his sons, his heart swelling with emotion. A loving wife, caring children... he truly was a winner in life. "I promise you, I''ll be safe. I won''t get hurt." Elysia knocked and walked in, surprised to see the three of them hugging. "What''s going on?" As she got closer, she saw that both Elliot and Elijah''s eyes were red. Her expression tensed, and she quickly moved to their side. ¡°Elliot, Elijah, what''s wrong?" The two boys hadn''t expected her toe up so suddenly and averted their gazes. "N-nothing, Mom. You and Dad can talk. We''re going to pack." Before she could say another word, they both scurried out of the room. Elysia was baffled. "What''s with them..." Before she could finish, Tarquin stood up and pulled her into his embrace, murmuring, ¡°I don''t want to be apart from you." Elysia blinked. "...So Elliot and Elijah had red eyes because they don''t want to be apart from you?" Tarquin lied, ¡°Mhm. They were disappointed when they heard I couldn''t go to Oceanopolis with you." Elysia believed him. "They really adore you now." "And you?" Tarquin asked. Elysia smiled. ¡°I adore you too! And I don''t want to be apart from you either." Tarquin held her tightly, resting his chin on the top of her head. ¡°I don''t want us to be apart either..." Once he dealt with the 8th generation virus and the mysterious man, they would never have to be separated again. If the virus wash so dangerous, he would have taken her and the kids to Border City with him. But right now, he couldn''t let them take that risk. Elysia didn''t know what he was thinking, but she could feel his mncholy: She said yfully, "I hear Border City is famous for ion et beautiful women, each one prettier than thest. You better behave yourself and stay far away from other girls! If I find out about any funny business, I''ll really let you have it!" Tarquin snapped out of his thoughts, his handsome eyes narrowing. "You give me too much credit Do you really think I''d dare? thad @wandering eye, I wouldn''t I even need you to step in. The kids would take care of it for you." Elysia grinned. "Howe you''re not telling me to stay away from other men?" "I don''t need to,¡± Tarquin said. "When you''ve got a five-star meal waiting at home, you don''t go looking for cheap takeout on the street." Elysia pursed her lips. "I get that you''replimenting yourself, but what kind of manpares himself to a meal?" Tarquin said without a hint of shame, "What''s the big deal? I have no shame in front of my wife. As long as you like it, I can be anything you want. I can be a five-star meal, or I can be your big bad wolf." Elysia was speechless. She tilted her head up, looked at him for a few seconds, then stood on her tiptoes and gave him a soft kiss. "I love you~" A jolt went through Tarquin''s heart. He wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her closer, while his other hand cupped the back of her head, turning his passive role into an active one. The kiss was passionate and deeply loving. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!