Chapter 26

Scott's eyes widened slightly as he processed Sean's words. It was clear Sean thought he was overstepping.

Scott felt annoyed, but maintained his smile. "You're right, Mr. Hayes. I apologize. I went too far."

Elysia rolled her eyes inwardly, thinking Scott was a coward. "Mr. Hayes, I don't accept your apology," she said flatly.

Scott's face paled. He believed Elysia was being arrogant, disregarding the Hayes family's influence in Sivro.

He thought, Does she really think Sean apologized out of respect? Please. It's only because the Rosewood family has her back. If she messes with the Hayes family, I won't go easy on her!

"Elysia, what are you saying?" Scott scolded, then turning to Stan. "Elysia grew up in a small town. She's a tomboy and speaks her mind impulsively. Mr. Hayes, don't take it to heart."

Sean gave him a sideways glance but remained silent.

Elysia chuckled softly. "The Hayes family has already compensated for Selena's actions, so I don't need to hold it against them. Mr. Hayes, your apology is unnecessary, and I cannot accept it."

Sean understood her implication. So she knows everything that happened at the Hayes residence yesterday. Lucas was right. Elysia Rosewood must be seriously connected to the Arcanum House.

He continued, "Making amends for mistakes is only fair, and an apology shows sincerity. Please accept it, Ms. Elysia Rosewood."

Noticing Elysia's silence, Sean added, "Frankly, Lucas sent me. If you don't accept, I'll have trouble telling Lucas I completed my mission."

"Come on, Elysia," Scott urged, nudging her. "Look how far Mr. Hayes has gone. Don't be stubborn."

Elysia's eyebrows twitched. It seems I'm stuck accepting this apology.

Just then, Bella and Emma entered.

Emma's eyes lit up seeing Sean. "Sean, what brings you here?" she asked sweetly.

Sean simply nodded.

Scott, sensing Sean's displeasure, dismissed Emma. "Emma, this is adult conversation. Go to your room."

Emma frowned. "Why can Elysia stay, but I have to go?"

Scott's voice grew gruff. "What are you waiting for?"

"Dad, Elysia's here too," Emma protested.

"Your sister is here on business with Mr. Hayes. Now go!" Scott said impatiently.

Bella, to avoid another scolding, advised, "Emma, listen to your dad."

Emma reluctantly returned to her room, thinking, "What could Sean and Elysia be talking about? Could it be about Selena, and Sean's here to reprimand Elysia? If so, that would be awesome!"

"Ms. Elysia Rosewood, what do you think" Sean began, then paused.

"Mr. Hayes, I've accepted your apology," Elysia said steadily.

Sean nodded. "Glad to hear it. I won't take up any more of your time." He stood to leave.

Scott also stood. "Mr. Hayes, let me walk you out."

Bella followed, seeing Sean off. After watching him leave, they returned inside.

As Sean's departure faded, Emma descended the stairs. Seeing Elysia on the couch, she whispered, "Hey Elysia, has Sean left already?"

Elysia ignored her. Emma thought, Did Sean really come to scold her? No wonder she looks upset.

"Elysia, don't be upset. Selena is everyone's favorite at home. You insulted her yesterday, so it's only fair Sean came to reprimand you today," Emma said, attempting to sound logical.

Elysia gave her a cold look and said flatly, "He came to apologize to me." Emma was shocked. "Did I hear that right? Sean actually apologized to her? No way!"

She stammered, "Elysia, what did you just say?"

"I said he came to apologize," Elysia repeated calmly.

Emma realized she hadn't misheard. There's only one explanation. Elysia must be delusional after being scolded!

"Elysia, are you feeling sick?" Emma asked, feigning concern.

Elysia ignored her, sipping her coffee.

Scott and Bella entered. Emma blurted out, "Dad, why was Sean really here?"

"To apologize to Elysia," Scott replied firmly.

Emma was astonished. It was true! How did Elysia manage that? It must be because of the Rosewood family. She quickly dismissed the thought.

Chapter 26 (Continued)

Even though she wasn't a business expert, she knew the Hayes family held significant power over the Rosewoods – financially and in resources. A family like that wouldn't apologize to Elysia.

Selena had always been spoiled and bullied others, yet the Hayes family had never intervened. Why was this different with Elysia?

Scott was also perplexed. Before leaving, Sean had said, "Mr. Rosewood, you don't think the Hayes family is apologizing simply out of respect for the Rosewoods, do you?"

What does he mean? If not for the Rosewoods, then whose favor are they trying to win? Elysia's? She's just a small-town girl. Who would have her back? Scott pondered.

He couldn't figure it out and decided to wait. He thought time would reveal the truth.

As the sun rose, the monthly exams began at Milton School. Emma eagerly awaited them, wanting to discredit Elysia, believing she unfairly obtained a place in Class 1.

Though Scott discreetly asked Levi about Elysia's placement, Levi confirmed she was a top student. Emma remained unconvinced, suspecting collusion.

This exam was her chance to prove Elysia's supposed deception. If Elysia failed, it would expose her, and there would be no denying it. Emma couldn't understand how someone without a complete elementary education could handle Grade 12 work.

Elysia remained calm. It was just another test. The first was Language and Composition. She quickly answered, skipping the essay. She finished and rested her head on the desk.

Justin noticed her relaxed demeanor and wondered how she could be so unconcerned.

Chapter 27