Chapter 4
Scott felt troubled. Getting Elysia into Milton School wasn't easy. Not only was there the entrance exam, but starting over in seventh grade might be embarrassing for him.
However, Elysia was beautiful, and Milton was full of elite kids. Making the right connections could benefit the Rosewood family business.
Scott nodded. "Alright, I'll take care of this at the school this afternoon."
Emma's eyes widened. "Dad's going to handle Elysia's enrollment himself? He's never even shown up for a parent-teacher meeting for me. When I joined the school, he wouldn't use any connections. Why is he willing to pull strings for Elysia?"
Jealousy flared. "Why did Elysia have to come back and take everything from me? First my room, now Dad's affection—what will I lose next?"
"Let me handle it," Bella said. "You've got so much on your plate at the office. I'm sure they won't say no to me. After all, I'm your wife."
Elysia looked up, surprised by Bella's willingness to help. Is there still motherly love left for her?
Scott nodded. That settled it—Elysia was going to Milton School.
After breakfast, Elysia changed into a white dress. Downstairs, she ran into Emma.
"Going shopping? Want to join me? I can introduce you to some friends," Emma offered.
"Not going that way. Step aside. You're blocking my path," Elysia replied icily.
Emma insisted, "Those are Dad's business contacts, and it's important to maintain good relationships with—"
But before Emma finished, Elysia walked past her, ignoring her. Emma's face turned red with anger.
Elysia entered the Scented Garden in Sivro. An unfamiliar receptionist (probably new) asked, "Miss, how can I assist you?"
"Thanks, but I'm waiting for someone," Elysia replied.
Before the receptionist could speak, another receptionist, finishing a phone call, silenced her. "Sorry, Ms. Rosewood. She's new. Ms. Gordon will be here soon."
Elysia nodded and remained quiet.
On the Scented Garden's second floor, two men with different vibes sat together, sipping coffee. One was Zane Hartley, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, exuding sophistication. His handsome features and mysterious eyes were striking.
The other was Jeremy Murphy, in a bright red suit, lounging back, scanning the floor below. "That girl's got a nice look," he remarked.
Zane followed his gaze to Elysia, in her white dress. He had to admit, she was attractive. Her outfit looked familiar; the cut reminded him of the Morgania designer Ada, though Ada hadn't released new designs in two years. He wondered if Elysia knew Ada personally.
Jeremy leaned in. "Zane, you think she's pretty too?"
Zane ignored him and told his assistant, "I want the lowdown on that lady downstairs."
"Got it," the assistant replied and left.
Jeremy exclaimed, "Wow! Looks like you're finally going to romance? What's the deal? Got a crush on her? Don't worry, I'm not going to compete."
Nicole Gordon stepped out of the elevator. Jeremy smiled. "That's my type."
Jeremy had met Nicole at a charity gala. He was smitten. Later, he learned she managed Scented Garden, increasing his admiration. He visited daily to catch a glimpse of her. Scented Garden was high-status; running it spoke volumes about Nicole. At twenty-five, she'd achieved what most her age only dreamed of.
Jeremy watched Nicole chat and laugh with Elysia. "If she's hanging with my Nicole, that girl must be something special," he commented.
His assistant reminded him, "Mr. Murphy, Ms. Gordon hasn't officially agreed to be your girlfriend yet. She's not yours."
Jeremy glared. "Not looking to lose your job this month, are you?"
The assistant backtracked, "No, my bad! Ms. Gordon is definitely going to be part of your family sooner or later."
Zane frowned. "You've seen who you wanted to see. Let's go." He stood and left.
Jeremy followed. "Why the rush? I still want to see more."
"Nicole's right here. You can just chat her up."
"You don't get it. Elite hunters often pretend to be prey. Nicole isn't just anyone. The usual moves won't work."
Zane didn't respond and kept walking.
Chapter 4 (Continued)
Jeremy's excitement faded, replaced by worry. "When is he gonna start dating? I feel like a worried parent. What if he never gets interested? Will he be alone forever?"
He glanced at Zane. "He's so handsome, yet no woman's been able to touch his heart. What a pity!"
In the office, Elysia leaned back, looking relaxed. Nicole leaned against the desk, smiling.
"I heard you went back to the Rosewood family," Nicole asked.
"Yep," Elysia replied.
"How's that going?"
"Not bad."
"I also heard they have an adopted daughter. She hasn't been messing with you, has she?"
"Her? Please!"
"Well, it's good you didn't give her a hard time."
Elysia smiled and gave Nicole a medicine bottle. "This is the special medicine you asked for. I made it for you."
"Thanks. I'll treat you next time."
"Better make it somewhere good then."
"Choose wherever you want—it's on me."
Leaving Scented Garden, Elysia went to the mall. She used the card Scott had given her.
The car pulled up at Sivro's busiest mall. Elysia went to a women's clothing store.
"Welcome!" the salesperson greeted, noticing Elysia's confident vibe and high-end outfit. "Miss, these are our latest arrivals."
Elysia scanned the racks, picked up a red dress, and tossed it back. "Wrap up this whole row, including the one you're holding."
"All of them?" the salesperson asked, surprised.
"Yeah, and any other new arrivals too, please!"
"Okay!" The salesperson was excited.
Chapter 4 (Continued)
Meanwhile, Emma and her friends were about to enter the store when Emma stopped them.
"What's up?" Mia Smith asked, concerned.
"It's nothing. Let's check out another store," Emma replied.
Natalie Moore spotted Elysia. "Do you know her?"
"No," Emma said, flustered.
Natalie and Mia were curious about Emma's reaction.
"Is she the country bumpkin your family just brought back?" Natalie asked.
Mia was surprised. "Seriously? A country girl is that beautiful?"
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