Chapter 15

Emma gave an awkward smile, remaining silent.

Logan was about to ask her something when the roar of a motorcycle echoed from the yard. He jumped up, dashed outside, and yelled, "Elysia, you're finally back! Is my bike okay?"

Elysia took off her helmet and tossed the keys to Logan. "Don't worry. It's fine. Thanks."

Logan chuckled. "It's nothing, as long as the bike's okay."

Emma came outside as well. She smiled warmly at Elysia and said, "You're back. I was just talking about you with Logan."

Elysia frowned. "What were you saying about me?"

"Nothing, just small talk," Logan said with a flattering smile.

Emma shot a glance at Logan and continued, "Elysia, I'm not trying to lecture you, but this bike is a limited edition. Logan didn't want to lend it to you, so why did you take it?"

Elysia turned to Logan. "Did I take it?"

Logan grinned. "Of course not! You're my dear cousin. I willingly lent it to you."

Emma paused—Logan hadn't mentioned it that way before.

Elysia turned to Emma. "Did you hear that? Next time, get your facts straight before you talk. I can't promise how long my good mood will last."

Elysia was referring to the motorcycle incident, but Emma understood the warning: she was being told not to spread rumors at school.

But I was telling the truth, even though I couldn't find the evidence. That doesn't mean it isn't there. Elysia, just wait. Sooner or later, you'll pay for everything you've done, Emma thought to herself.

In the late afternoon, in the Rosewood residence's garden, Logan leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Elysia, you have no idea how Emma spilled all your stories to me. By the way, we definitely have the same temper. Little rascal, you've got the same flair I had back in the day."

Elysia glanced at Logan, who was only a few years older than her, and frowned. "If I remember correctly, you're only four years older than me."

"You know that?" Logan exclaimed, surprised.

Elysia rolled her eyes. "I don't think 'little rascal' really fits me."

Logan clicked his tongue. "Well, if you don't like it, I won't call you that. Anyway, I'm older than you."

Elysia was left speechless.

Logan continued, "Even though Emma is technically my cousin, I just can't get close to her. She's always crying about something, and I can't handle that. You're a lot more fun—at least I can see a bit of myself in you. Is that the power of family ties?"

Elysia didn't respond. She wasn't sure about that. All she knew was that even though she shared blood with her parents, she could never compare to the adopted daughter they had raised for eighteen years.

"Elysia, what are you thinking about? Why aren't you talking?" Logan asked.

Meanwhile, Emma hid behind a cluster of bushes and overheard their conversation. A cold light flickered in her eyes. So all these years, Logan has looked down on me. I've even made excuses for him, thinking he just wasn't an easy person to get close to.

But now, it's clear: he simply doesn't want to be close to me. He treats Elysia completely differently. No matter how obedient and sensible I try to be, to him, I'll always be just an outsider.

Early the next day, before Elysia woke up, Emma knocked on her bedroom door. "Elysia, are you awake?"

Elysia pulled the blanket over her ears. Why is she waking me up so early? It's only seven in the morning. Was she restless all night and looking for more pain? Oh man! If that's the case, her demands are pretty twisted!

Elysia didn't plan on responding, but Emma kept knocking.

Bella, waking up from her sleep, noticed the knocking. Curious, she threw on a robe and went to check it out.

As she opened the door, she found Emma knocking on Elysia's door. Confused, she walked over and asked, "Emma, what's going on?"

Emma smiled. "Mom, I've planned an afternoon tea with some friends and wanted to invite Elysia. I thought it'd be nice to introduce her."

"That sounds great. Let her mingle with some wealthy socialites, and it'll help her improve her manners. You really thought this through. But isn't it a bit early to ask her for afternoon tea?"

"Mom, I thought if she got up early to get ready and look nice, I could take some time to talk to her about manners. That way, she wouldn't come off as rude later. But it looks like she just won't listen."

Bella couldn't help but feel resentful. Emma is trying so hard to organize everything for Elysia, yet Elysia is just acting indifferent, not even bothering to wake up when called. How could someone this rude be my daughter?

Just as Bella was about to knock on the door, it swung open.

"You're finally awake," Emma said.

Elysia rolled her eyes. With all the loud knocking this morning, who could sleep through that?

Bella said, "Glad you're up. Emma wants to introduce you to some wealthy friends this afternoon. You should start getting ready and learn some manners so you don't embarrass yourself."

Introduce me to friends? Would Emma really be that thoughtful? Elysia wasn't buying it. "Thanks for the idea, but I'm naturally charming and don't need any extra fuss. Save yourself the trouble."

Emma was about to retort when Elysia added, "And if you don't want me to embarrass the Rosewood family today, let me get some sleep. Otherwise, if I show up looking like a zombie, it's on you for not letting me rest."

Emma retorted, "Don't put it that way. I'm just trying to help you make a good impression."

Elysia knew Emma wasn't being sincere. She chuckled, "Well, if Dad blames me later, I'll just tell him what really happened."

When Elysia mentioned Scott, Emma went quiet—she knew he favored Elysia.

Bella frowned. "Elysia, Emma only wants the best for you."

"If she really wanted the best for me, she'd stay away from me," Elysia sneered.

"What do you mean by that? Am I bothering you?" Emma's tone sounded soft and hurt, as if she were the victim.

"I never said that; it's just what you're thinking," Elysia glanced at the two. "I'm eager to go back to sleep, so feel free to do whatever you want." She then shut the door.

Bella was furious. This is outrageous!

Just as she was about to knock again, Emma stopped her. "Forget it, Mom. She just has that kind of temper. If we upset her, who knows what she'll say about me next."

Bella looked at Emma with concern, gently fixing the hair around her face. "Emma, you are so thoughtful."

The two of them walked downstairs, arm in arm, creating a cozy scene. The servants watched with a hint of jealousy, whispering to each other.

"They seem very close, like a real mother and daughter."

"Absolutely! But Mrs. Rosewood and Elysia don't seem as close. They feel more like strangers."

Emma overheard the servants whispering and felt quite proud.