Chapter 291

Chapter 291 86%

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The usually stern and cold Zane softened the moment his eyes landed on Elysia. His sharp features relaxed, and a gentle smile spread across his face. It had been a while since he’d last seen her after the reunion party.

“Not entirely,” his smooth voice replied, lingering in Elysia’s ears.

She looked into Zane’s eyes, sensing there was more to his words. Just as she was about to ask, Alice’s voice rang out behind her. “Elysia!

Elysia turned to see Alice running toward her, her face lit up with joy. But the moment Alice noticed Zane, her smile vanished, replaced by a scowl. She looked like a little storm cloud, clearly unhappy.

Alice stepped in front of Elysia, shielding her protectively as she glared at Zane. “Zane, this time Elysia is on my side. Don’t even think about winning her over!”

Then she turned to Elysia, her expression shifting from fierce to pitiful in an instant. Her eyes glistened with tears as she tugged on Elysia’s hand. “Elysia, you promised me. You can’t go back on your word.”

Elysia glanced at Zane, who remained expressionless, before nodding. “Don’t worry. I keep my promises.”

At that, Alice’s face brightened, and she threw her arms around Elysia. “I knew you’d take my side! You’re the best, Elysia!” she chirped, her voice dripping with satisfaction. ‘Serves Zane right for leaving me out of the party. This is his punishment,‘ Alice thought.

Alice wasn’t a little kid anymore. She knew Zane had feelings for Elysia, and if Elysia ignored him, it would definitely sting. ‘Let him taste a bit of the loneliness I felt when he left me behind, Alice thought.

That said, she didn’t actually want to ruin their relationship. But Zane had gone too far this time, and she couldn’t let it slide. A little punishment wouldn’t hurt Zane.

Zane, who had been standing there with a neutral expression, suddenly darkened when he saw Alice hugging Elysia. ‘Since when is it okay for her to hug my Elysia? I haven’t even dared to do that, he thought.

His gaze fell on Alice’s arms wrapped around Elysia, and his voice turned icy. “If you don’t let go right now, I’ll send you back to Morgania.”

Alice finally looked at Zane, her smile completely gone. Though she felt a twinge of fear, she refused to show it. She pouted; her face full of defiance.

“Zane, if you really send me back, Auntie won’t let you off the hook. And Great–Grandpa–he loves me so much. If you send me away, he’ll definitely give you an earful,” Alice said.

Zane didn’t seem fazed. His brow furrowed slightly. “I’m not scared. So go ahead, keep hugging her. Once I send you back to Morgania, you won’t even get to see Elysia anymore.”

Alice thought, ‘He’s so mean!‘

When Alice still didn’t let go, Zane raised an eyebrow. “Still not letting go? Do you really want me to send you back?”

At that, Alice immediately released Elysia, muttering under her breath. “No need to be so harsh. I was going to let go anyway.”

Elysia watched the two of them, feeling like Zane had been acting strangely. ‘Is he really jealous of his own niece?” she thought, her gaze lingering on Zane with a hint of curiosity.

Zane noticed her looking and met her eyes, catching the subtle shift in her expression. Something in his chest fluttered faintly.

09:36 Thu, 13 Mar Chapter 291 “ON ས .86%t +23 “Elysia, can we go see Great–Grandpa together later?” Alice asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ‘Once we see Great-

Grandpa, I’ll list out all of Zane’s wrongdoings one by one. Let’s see how he acts tough then!‘ she thought, feeling quite pleased with herself.

Even if Alice hadn’t brought it up, Elysia had been planning to visit Vincent after returning from Jorlandia. But before she could agree, Zane spoke up. “Grandpa’s in Jorlandia for an academic conference. He’ll be back tomorrow,” he explained.

At that, Alice deflated like a balloon. Her perfect plan had just fallen apart. She pouted for about three seconds before another idea struck her. She grabbed Elysia’s arm, her eyes wide with hope. “Elysia, can I go back with you? Please?” she pleaded.

When Elysia didn’t respond immediately, Alice leaned in closer and whispered, “Elysia, I don’t want to go back and face Zane’s icy glare. Please take me with you. I’m begging you!”

Elysia hesitated. “Taking Alice right under Zane’s nose? That’s going to be tricky, she thought.

Seeing Elysia’s hesitation, Alice quickly came up with another plan. “If you won’t take me with you, then come back with me.

Anywhere is fine as long as you’re there,” she said, her voice loud enough for Zane to hear.

Zane, who had been listening quietly, chimed in. “I think Alice has a point,” he said, giving Alice an approving look.

Alice, however, wasn’t doing this for Zane. She just couldn’t stand being around Zane’s cold demeanor. ‘Living under the same roof as him is just too much, she thought.

To seal the deal, Alice grabbed Elysia’s hand again, her eyes welling up with tears. “Elysia, please come back with me. I’m so pitiful.” She whimpered, letting a few tears slip down her cheeks.

Elysia knew Alice was probably exaggerating, but seeing the girl cry made her uncomfortable. She sighed and tapped Alice’s forehead lightly. “You’re impossible,” she said with a soft smile.

“Does that mean you’re saying yes?” Alice asked, her tears magically disappearing.

“Do I have a choice with you like this?” Elysia replied, shaking her head.

Alice’s face lit up with joy. She knew Elysia wouldn’t leave her hanging. She linked arms with Elysia and led her to the Maybach.

Zane watched them, a faint smile playing on his lips. ‘Finally, Alice is being useful for once,‘ he thought.

He walked around to the driver’s side, got in, and started the car. As they drove off, none of them noticed the pair of eyes watching them from a distance, filled with jealousy and resentment.

As Bianca stepped out of the school gates, her eyes landed on a familiar figure. It had been a long time since she’d seen Elysia around campus. ‘So the rumor from this morning was true after all. She’s really back,‘ she thought.

Her mind immediately flashed to Justin, who had been seen carrying a stack of notebooks out of the classroom earlier that day.

‘Was that for Elysia? But then why did he bring all the notebooks back untouched?‘ Bianca wondered.