Chapter 150:
Elena lifted the cup, inhaling the complex aroma. Her first sip revealed a nuanced undertone that danced beneath the coffee’s robust profile. “Vanilla,” she commented, setting the cup down.
Patrick’s eyes sparkled. “Only you could catch such a subtle hint,” he said laughing, genuine admiration in his voice.
After savoring the coffee, Elena turned to her true purpose. She withdrew a small box of scented candles from her bag. “I’m here to purchase cinnabar.”
The sight of the scented candles brought an immediate smile to Patrick’s face. “How much do you need?” he asked without hesitation.
Cinnabar was extraordinarily rare. Elena had always been meticulous, purchasing only the minimal amount needed for her specialized pills. This time, however, she required double her usual quantity—specifically for Wesley.
Patrick’s eyebrow raised slightly. “Why such an unusual amount?”
Elena knew honesty was their foundation. Patrick was selective about his clients, and their friendship transcended typical business boundaries. She couldn’t deceive him. “To be honest, I’m buying it for someone else.”
Patrick remained silent for a moment, contemplating her words. “Though it’s quite a lot, I’ll agree to it for your sake,” he finally said.
Elena’s eyes softened. “Thank you, Patrick.” This was indeed a significant favor.
Patrick nodded, his voice warm with memory. “You’re a kind-hearted girl. If you hadn’t brought me down from the mountains back then, I might have stayed there forever. Nowadays, there aren’t many young people as capable and compassionate as you. I admire you for that. I wouldn’t sell to anyone else, but I’ll make an exception for you.”
Of course, besides his admiration for Elena, his agreement was bolstered by the magical scented candles she had given him. But he didn’t need to mention that.
Elena was touched by his words. Just as she was about to pay, a familiar voice cut through the air, dripping with mockery. “Patrick, you’re mistaken. She’s not as kind-hearted as you think. Someone who doesn’t care for her own parents can’t be that kind-hearted.”
Cecily walked confidently ahead, linked arm in arm with Sylvia, while Darren followed a few steps behind. Cecily shot a sharp look at Elena, then quickly shifted to a warm smile as she faced Patrick. Patrick, looking confused, kept a serious expression as he asked, “Who are you, and what gives you the right to comment on people so carelessly?”
Cecily scoffed. “I’m not just anybody. I’m the one who raised Elena.”
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She had never expected to run into Elena in Foiclens. She had planned to track her down, but as luck would have it, Elena appeared before her unexpectedly.
Boldly, Cecily took the empty chair next to the table where Patrick and Elena were seated, claiming it as her own. Darren sat in the last available chair, leaving Sylvia standing, unsure of what to do.
Cecily, always deceitful, thought she understood Elena’s weaknesses and made no effort to hide her smugness. She portrayed herself to Patrick as an exhausted but devoted mother struggling under the weight of her responsibilities. She sighed deeply and said, “Mr. Marquez, you can’t imagine the hardship I’ve endured raising Elena. Yet, as soon as she reconnected with her wealthy biological parents, she abandoned us without looking back.”
Patrick’s eyebrows drew together. In all his life, he found nothing more despicable than ungratefulness from the younger generation. Despite his irritation, he looked to Elena for her side of the story. “Elena, is there any truth to her claims? Did this woman raise you?”
