Chapter 74

Elysia felt embarrassed when she was pointedly questioned. Nicole, acting coquettishly, took Elysia's hand. "Elysia," she said, "as soon as I learned of your situation, I immediately sent someone to investigate. If it were serious, I would have gone to support you without hesitation!" Nicole raised two fingers, looking serious.

Elysia thought, I don't believe you for a second!

She unwrapped a package revealing a red strapless lace nightgown. She lifted it delicately. It had a V-neck, was low-cut, and very sexy.

"How about it? Do you like it?" Nicole asked.

"Are you misunderstanding something about me?" Elysia replied.

"Elysia, I thought long and hard before giving you this! You're not lacking in jewelry, luxury cars, or villas," Nicole said. "Think about it—you're not young anymore. You should have a sexy nightgown. If you meet someone you like, you can wear this."

Nicole saw Elysia's face redden. Surprised, she asked, "Elysia, you haven't been in a relationship, have you?"

Elysia remained silent, confirming Nicole's guess. "Elysia, you're so smart, always one step ahead, but why are you so clueless about relationships?" Nicole exclaimed, growing increasingly excited until an unfriendly gaze silenced her.

She didn't like it, and he was thrown into the pond for a cold bath that day. Nicole mused, Otherwise, how did she get her "troublemaker" title? It's definitely well-deserved. There are countless similar stories.

Elysia, wanting to avoid an argument, returned the nightgown to its box. "I remember you still owe me a meal," she said.

Nicole remembered Elysia's gift of medicine at the Scented Garden and her promise of a meal. "Where would you like to go?" she asked.

"You choose. Somewhere nice," Elysia replied.

"Let's go to the newly opened restaurant on Longreach Road. It's very stylish; you'll love it!" Nicole suggested.

"Okay. But first, you have to take me somewhere else."

"Where?"

"Sivro First Hospital."

Nicole thought, The hospital? Why? She looked at Elysia, puzzled. Is she sick? But she doesn't look sick.

Before Nicole could ask, Elysia explained, "I'm meeting someone. Just drive."

"Alright," Nicole said.

Elysia dozed in the back seat during the drive. Nicole hesitated to wake her upon arrival. Elysia, lightly sleeping, awoke as the car stopped. "Wait for me in the car," she said, exiting the vehicle.

She arrived at David's mother's ward but didn't enter. Instead, she messaged David and waited. Finding a quiet spot, she gave him a bank card. "There's $150,000 on this card. Take your mother away from here as soon as possible."

David, speechless, recognized the immense favor. Without her, he couldn't afford his mother's surgery or a better life. This sum, insignificant to the wealthy, was a lifetime's savings for the poor.

"Miss, if there's anything I can do for you in the future, I will," David offered.

Elysia replied indifferently, "You don't have to. You helped me, I paid you. It's only fair." She knew in her heart that she had helped him considerably, and he would remember it.

After leaving the hospital, Elysia joined Nicole at the Longreach Road restaurant. The uniquely decorated restaurant offered a warm, elegant atmosphere, satisfying Elysia.

However, she ran into Robert. "Why are you here?" he asked coldly.

"Does your family own this place?" Elysia raised an eyebrow. If not, why are you so nosy? she thought.

Nicole, unsure of their relationship, sensed tension.

Robert was speechless; the restaurant wasn't his family's. He'd come with his family and unexpectedly ran into Elysia. He still resented Elysia's role in Emma's situation.

"Let sleeping dogs lie," Elysia said, attempting to pass. He grabbed her wrist.

"We need to talk, alone," he said fiercely.

"Let go!" Elysia shouted, angrily. He released her.

Elysia rubbed her wrist, displeased. Nicole, concerned, asked, "Are you okay?" Elysia shook her head. "Order the food first."

Nicole, wanting to defend Elysia, complied. If Elysia handles this, his end will be worse, she thought.

"I'll wait for you," Nicole said with a faint smile, indicating her trust. They found a private room.

"Speak! What do you want?" Elysia said.

Robert's face darkened. "Why did you frame Emma?"

"Hmm?" Elysia responded.

"Don't pretend! The hotel, the birthday party video—weren't they your schemes?" Robert yelled.

Elysia raised an eyebrow. "Is that what Emma told you?"

"Just answer me!" he shouted.

Seeing his anger, she touched her reddened wrist and softly laughed. "You're still so childish."