Chapter 42

"Sure," Zane said, immediately transferring $15,000 to her via his phone.

"You're so good to me, Zane!" Alice exclaimed.

"Give me your phone," Zane said.

Alice's grin vanished. "Sorry, I just remembered I have something to do!" she said, rising to leave.

Zane grabbed her arm. "Your phone."

"Do you have to be in such a hurry, Zane?" Alice asked, smiling awkwardly. Seeing his stern expression, she reluctantly handed over her phone.

Zane opened her contacts, a smile playing on his lips as he found the number saved under "Elysia."

Alice stared in disbelief. Did Zane smile? No way! she thought. "Zane, do you have a crush on Elysia?" she asked.

Since Zane had dropped Elysia off last time, something had felt amiss, but she hadn't understood until now. How could Zane, such a proud guy, possibly send someone home and even shake hands with a girl? she thought. The speed of his driving last time—now she understood.

"You're just a kid. You shouldn't be asking this," Zane said.

"I'm not a kid anymore! I'll be honest with you, Zane. You and Elysia aren't a good match. She's still young, but you're" she stammered.

Zane's sharp look silenced her. "Well, I still have something to do" She snatched back her phone and fled.

Zane looked at the number he'd just entered, feeling uneasy. He dialed. After a brief beep, a beautiful voice answered. "Hello?"

Zane gripped his phone, silent for a long moment. Elysia, puzzled by the unfamiliar number, cautiously asked, "Hello? Is someone there?"

Zane collected himself. "Hello, this is Zane Hartley. Do you remember me?"

Hearing his name, Elysia was briefly shocked. "I do. How did you get my number?" she asked carefully.

"Alice gave it to me," Zane said.

Elysia remembered giving Alice her number at Amour Café. "Oh. Is there something you need?"

"I heard from Alice that you won. Congratulations," Zane said.

"Thank you!" Elysia replied.

"Would you like to have dinner sometime? I have some things to discuss with you in person," Zane said.

What could be so important? Elysia wondered. "Sure, what time and where?"

"Tomorrow night at 7:00 PM, Stellar Restaurant. Don't be late!" Zane said.

After hanging up, Elysia lay awake, her face flushed as she thought about their last meeting. Tomorrow held a certain anticipation.

At the Davis residence, Robert recounted the school events. Matthew listened, frowning. "Are you saying the Rosewood family's recently recognized daughter won first place?"

"Yes," Robert said.

"That little Rosewood girl is impressive," Matthew said. "For someone from a small town, she has considerable talent."

Robert resented Matthew's praise of Elysia. He'd always excelled, yet Matthew rarely acknowledged his achievements. Elysia, a top student, received all the praise.

12:01 PM

"Dad, don't you think you're overestimating Elysia?" Robert asked.

Matthew chuckled. "Not at all. I heard Sean apologized to her. Considering the Hayes family's status in Sivro, she's no ordinary girl."

"Didn't the Hayes family visit to save face?" Robert asked.

Matthew glanced at Robert. "The Davis family may be scholarly, but I know high society. The Rosewoods don't hold that much influence!"

Robert nodded, still confused. Could Elysia really be that capable? he thought.

"The Rosewood and Davis families have a marriage agreement," Matthew said. "Since the Rosewood's biological daughter is back, we should visit tomorrow and finalize your marriage."

Robert's anger flared. "No!"

"No?" Matthew snorted. "You don't have the right to refuse. That agreement was made by your grandfather. Will you defy him?"

"Can't we choose someone else? The Rosewoods have two daughters!" Robert argued.

Matthew understood. "Emma doesn't qualify to be my daughter-in-law. She's adopted. Compared to Elysia, she's far inferior. Since you and Elysia are to be married, you must stop seeing Emma," Matthew said firmly.

Matthew interrupted Robert's protest. "This is settled. You're the only son of the Davis family. Think about us!"

Matthew left, leaving Robert agitated.

The next morning, the Davises visited the Rosewoods. Emma's face lit up seeing Robert. "What are you doing here, Robert?"

"That's rude, Emma. Greet the elders first," Scott said.

Emma noticed Matthew and Rachel. What are they doing here? she wondered, then remembered the marriage agreement. She glanced at Robert. She wasn't ready to be his fiancée.

Bella, noticing Emma's hesitation, gave her a subtle look.

Emma hurried to Matthew and Rachel, adopting a shy demeanor. "Mr. and Mrs. Davis, I was rude. Please forgive me."

"No apologies needed. We're family," Rachel said, gesturing Emma closer. "Sit with me."

Emma sat beside Rachel, resting her head on her shoulder. "It's been so long, Mrs. Davis. I've missed you."

Bella laughed. "She's closer to you than to me."

Rachel said, "Jealous, Bella? I adore Emma. If Nora were as sweet, I'd be satisfied."

"Nora is elegant and talented. How could I compare?" Emma replied.

"I envy you for having Nora. Unlike Emma, who's always been carefree," Bella added playfully.

Matthew cleared his throat. "Where is Ms. Elysia Rosewood?"

Scott explained, "She's on her morning run. She'll be back soon."

Emma frowned. Why do they want to see Elysia? She can play the supporting role.

Elysia entered, still sweaty. Scott waved her over. "Greet Mr. and Mrs. Davis."