Chapter 61:
Elyse’s heart tightened.
Jolie was different now. In the past, the slightest sign of distress from her would have drawn comfort from Jolie.
Now, she seemed detached.
After all, they weren’t bound by blood…
Suppressing the bitterness rising in her chest, Elyse lowered her head, her voice quivering. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have cried in front of Samira and caused a misunderstanding about Elena… I never intended for that to happen. I just…” She hesitated for a moment before continuing, “I’m scared you won’t care about me anymore. I’ve always thought of you as a mother, and if you push me away, I’ll have nowhere else to go.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
Even though Jolie was displeased, she couldn’t bring herself to argue with Elyse at that moment.
“Elyse, stop crying. No one is casting you aside. But you were wrong this time. Elena is your cousin, and you need to learn to get along with her.”
Elyse wiped at her swollen eyes and forced a nod. “I understand. I’m actually glad Elena is back. I was the only girl in the house before, and it was lonely. Now I finally have someone to be close to.”
Jolie gently patted her on the head. “No more tears. You’re not a child anymore.”
Elyse nodded. From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Elena descending the stairs. Without missing a beat, she leaned in closer to Jolie, massaging her shoulders in an affectionate gesture, making sure Elena saw it.
Then, with a knowing smirk, Elyse met Elena’s gaze as if silently declaring her position.
Elena, however, merely glanced away, unfazed by such an obvious display.
Hearing footsteps, Jolie turned and spotted Elena approaching. Her concern was immediate. “Elena, what’s the matter?”
Elena stepped toward the dining table. “I just came for some water.” Without hesitation, Jolie motioned for Ailie to warm up some milk for Elena.
“Elena, you’ve lost weight. From now on, Ailie will prepare something nutritious for you daily.”
Next chapter at g𝕒𝓵𝓃ov𝕖𝓵𝓼.cоm
No matter how much she ate, Elena’s frame remained the same. Cecily had never seen it as an issue, believing supplements were a waste on her.
Elena didn’t refuse Jolie’s kindness and responded with a polite nod.
Jolie continued, “Drink up. The milk will help you sleep. You’ve been staying up late, and that’s not healthy.”
“I’m used to it,” Elena replied.
After finishing the milk, she returned to her room.
That night, rain began, drumming lightly against the windows and continuing for two days.
On the third day, the sky finally cleared.
Elena’s sleek black phone vibrated with an incoming message. It was from Lydia.
“Found something. Empire. 7 PM.”
Lydia was in Klathe?
