Chapter 45

Elysia couldn't help thinking, "Seriously? How embarrassing! I really need to get over this habit of my heart racing every time a handsome guy is around."

Zane noticed she hadn't touched her food. "Don't you like the food here?" he asked. He was about to call the waiter for a new menu, but Elysia snapped back to reality, seeing his gesture. She quickly waved her hand. "No need. I really like it."

Stellar Restaurant was famous throughout Sivro and Clusia, its prices beyond most people's means. Zane had spared no expense: he'd booked the entire restaurant for them and selected their signature dishes. While the cost was immaterial to them, they couldn't possibly finish so much food. And clearly, he'd researched her preferences, despite claiming ignorance. The dishes were perfectly tailored to her taste.

"I'm glad you like it," Zane said, smiling as he placed a piece of salmon on her plate. "Try this."

Elysia savored the fresh fish.

The Sivro autumn night was freezing. As they left, the cold wind hit them, ruffling Elysia's loose hair. She shivered. Zane noticed and draped his black coat over her shoulders. Elysia started to refuse, but he gently stopped her. His voice was smooth and magnetic. "Don't."

The brief touch lasted only three seconds, but Elysia froze, staring after him. Watching him walk ahead, she jogged to catch up. The faint scent of mint from his coat filled the air, making her heart skip a beat. "The size for the dress…" she began.

"I'll send it to you later. Come on, I'll give you a ride home," Zane said.

Elysia nodded. "Okay."

A comfortable silence fell between them as they walked side by side. Reaching the black Maybach, Elysia went to open the back door, but Zane stopped her. "Sit in the front."

"The passenger seat?" Elysia asked.

"Yeah. If you sit in the back, I'll feel like a chauffeur," he replied.

Elysia grinned playfully. "Mr. Hartley, you don't have a girlfriend, do you?"

"No," he replied, raising an eyebrow. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

"Of course not! I'm still young. No dating for me," Elysia said.

Zane smiled. "You're right. You're too young to be dating. Now get in the car."

Elysia sat in the passenger seat. Zane started the car and drove smoothly.

"With such a handsome look, Mr. Hartley, there must be a lot of girls who like you. How come you're still single?" Elysia asked.

"You don't have to call me Mr. Hartley," he said.

"Then what should I call you? Zane? No, that sounds too close," Elysia said.

Zane frowned. "I'm just a little older than you."

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"I'm only twenty-seven," Zane said.

"That's a three-year gap, still a generational divide! You're way older than me, so… how about I call you Sir?" Elysia raised an eyebrow playfully.

"Just take me as your elder brother," Zane said.

"Elder brother?" Elysia echoed.

"Yeah," Zane replied.

Elysia suddenly felt he was taking advantage of her and quickly turned to look out the window.

Silence fell again. Zane glanced at her, smiling, thinking, 'She is an interesting little girl.'

The Maybach stopped at the Rosewood residence. Elysia returned his coat, softly saying, "Thanks." She got out of the car.

Zane waited until she was out of sight.

Upstairs, Emma watched from the second-floor window. Although she couldn't see clearly, she judged from Elysia's demeanor that the man was a "greasy middle-aged man."

She thought, 'No wonder Elysia rejected the Davis family—turns out she had a thing for that type. I'm her elder sister and I have to help her.' Emma chuckled softly. 'Elysia, you won't be happy for long. It won't take long before you ruin your reputation and become a disgrace in the Sivro elite circles!'

The next morning was Milton School's anniversary celebration. The event was always held in the morning, with classes resuming in the afternoon. Elysia immediately sensed the lively atmosphere.

Ava excitedly ran to her, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the small auditorium.

Elysia was confused. "What's wrong with Ava?" she thought, raising an eyebrow. "It's just an anniversary celebration. Why are you so excited?"

"Of course, I'm excited, but not for the anniversary itself… it's because…" Ava stopped, clutching her stomach and panting.

"What's wrong?" Elysia asked.

"I ran too fast and got a stitch," Ava explained. "I just wanted a good spot to watch my crush perform."

"Your crush?" Elysia asked.

Ava nodded. "For this year's anniversary, the school invited Holden to be the opening guest. I heard he was busy, so he originally turned it down, but somehow, he agreed."

Elysia thought, 'Holden? Is he the same guy who pulled me along last time?'

"Is he popular?" Elysia asked.

Ava's eyes widened. "Elysia, almost everyone knows how famous he is in Clusia! You're definitely one of the minority."

Ava then enthusiastically detailed Holden's achievements: his early start in acting, his Golden Petal Award nomination, his numerous awards, and his immense popularity as "The Emperor of Film."

Elysia nodded. "Got it."

Ava teased, "You're playing it so cool, but I bet you'll be a fan after you see him!"

"I don't think so," Elysia replied.

"Fine. Even if you're not into my crush, we need to grab seats!" Ava pulled Elysia toward the auditorium.

All the good seats were taken. Ava looked disappointed.

"How about we sit in the back?" Elysia suggested. "If we wait any longer, even those will be taken."

Ava agreed. Just then, a voice called, "Elysia."

They turned to see Elena approaching. "Are you a fan too?" she asked.

"No, I'm just here with my friend," Elysia replied.

Elena noticed Ava. "What's your name?" she asked.

Ava smiled. "Hi, Elena. I'm Ava Brown."

Elysia raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here? Are you a fan of Holden?"

Elena chuckled. "I'm not really into following celebrities. The student union is in charge of maintaining order, and I'm here for work. Do you need seats in the front?"