Chapter 44

The Davis family departed the Rosewood residence in poor spirits. Scott and Bella saw them off, leaving only Elysia and Emma in the living room.

"Why did you do that?" Emma asked hesitantly.

Elysia smirked, glancing at her sideways. "Why? Don't you want me to?"

"Why would I want you to?" Emma replied.

"Don't you want to be Robert's fiancée?" Elysia said. "If I refuse, you might marry into the Davis family."

Emma froze. She found Elysia's apparent kindness unbelievable, but couldn't think of another explanation. Could it be she dislikes Robert? she wondered.

Emma was right. Elysia disliked Robert intensely; her refusal had nothing to do with helping Emma. Matthew's earlier words—that Emma wasn't good enough to be his daughter-in-law—remained a significant hurdle. Even if Elysia refused the Davis family, Emma's marriage to Robert was far from certain.

Upon returning, Scott pointed at Elysia and shouted, "What's wrong with you?"

Bella tugged at his sleeve. "Calm down. Even if Elysia doesn't marry into the Davis family, we still have Emma."

This was Bella's true motive. She wasn't acting out of kindness, but because Elysia's rejection gave Emma a chance. She considered herself a good mother, always planning for Emma's future, but her perspective was overly simplistic. Even without Elysia, the Davis family might still reject Emma.

Scott shook off Bella's hand. "Do you think it's that simple? Why didn't the Davis family mention the engagement until after Elysia returned? They were interested in her."

"Didn't you hear Matthew's implication? They don't want Emma! Got it?"

Bella finally understood. Matthew had subtly indicated that Emma, as an adopted daughter, would never be accepted. Elysia's rejection meant Emma's chances were nil.

The marriage agreement between the Davis and Rosewood families seemed likely to end.

Scott's words pierced Emma's heart. The rejection stung; she was heartbroken that her adoption was the reason. Why does Elysia get everything so easily? Why could she reject it with a single word? she thought.

Elysia, unfazed by Scott's outburst, looked at him coldly, a smirk playing on her lips. "I have my reasons. Want to hear them, Dad? You might be pleased."

Scott, skeptical, frowned. "What is it?"

"We can discuss it in the study," Elysia said.

"Fine," Scott agreed.

Only Bella and Emma remained. Overwhelmed, Emma burst into tears, clinging to Bella. "Mom, why am I not your biological daughter?"

Bella held her close, sorrow etched on her face. "I'm sorry, dear. I failed you."

Meanwhile, in the study, Scott rubbed his tired forehead. "Alright, tell me your reason."

Elysia smiled gently. "The Davis family has Sivro roots, but rarely involves itself in business. Compared to other powerful families, they're insignificant.

"Don't you want me to marry into a more powerful family? One that would benefit the Rosewood family far more?"

Scott considered this; he'd thought about Elysia marrying into a prestigious family. It was ideal, but not easy.

Noticing his frown, Elysia added, "Why not take a gamble, Dad?"

Scott finally looked up and nodded. "Don't disappoint me."

A chill ran through Elysia. She'd secretly hoped for a scolding, not support. It seemed, to Scott, a daughter was merely a stepping stone.

At 7 p.m., Elysia arrived at Stellar Restaurant, where Zane awaited. He gallantly pulled out a chair.

Elysia surveyed the restaurant; it was oddly quiet, just the two of them. Did he reserve the entire place? she wondered.

"What are you looking at?" Zane asked, noticing her gaze.

Elysia blinked, embarrassed. "Nothing. Why did you ask me out?"

"Let's eat first." A waiter arrived with a tray of dishes. "These are the restaurant's specialties. I ordered everything; we can try more."

Elysia shook her head. "This is enough."

Her curiosity about his purpose intensified. "So, why did you ask me here?"

Zane paused, setting down his fork. "Do you know Ada?"

Elysia froze, wondering why he mentioned her. "What do you want?" she asked calmly.

"My mother's a huge Ada fan. I want to commission a dress for her birthday, but can't contact her."

"Why would I know Ada?" Elysia asked.

"We met at the Scented Garden. You were wearing a white dress—Ada's work, I believe."

He was referring to her visit to Nicole; she'd worn a dress of her own design. She was surprised he'd recognized it.

"I know Ada. I can help," Elysia said.

Zane smirked. He wasn't sure of their relationship, but her agreement achieved his goal.

"Thank you, Elysia," he said.

His affectionate tone surprised her; her heart pounded.