Chapter 76

Elysia reviewed the menu, casually marked a few items with her pen, and handed it to the waiter.

"Who was that?" Nicole asked.

"Robert, from the Davis family," Elysia replied.

The mention of the Davis family made Nicole understand immediately. There weren't many Davis families in Sivro. She recalled their apparent sabotage of the birthday party. They had some nerve. She remembered their previous attempt to book a table at Scented Garden, claiming it was for a welcome banquet for their eldest daughter, Nora. Now, they could be refused outright and added to the blacklist, ensuring they'd never enter Scented Garden again.

While Nicole pondered this, Elysia suddenly asked, "Do you know anyone who does home interior design?"

"Oh! Are you planning a renovation?" Nicole asked.

"Yes, I'm not happy with my bedroom and want to refresh it."

"I don't know many people in that field, but I can ask around for you."

"Thanks."

At that moment, Zane and Jeremy entered the hall. Jeremy's eyes scanned the crowd. Spotting Elysia sitting by the window, he exclaimed with delight, "Isn't that my goddess?"

Zane also saw her. From his position, he could only see Elysia's back. A faint smile touched his lips, and before Jeremy could move, he headed toward them.

Jeremy's jaw dropped in surprise. He hurried after him, saying, "Hey! Zane, you're not actually going to greet my goddess, are you?"

Zane replied indifferently, "Don't worry. I'm not here for Nicole; I just happened to run into an acquaintance."

Hearing Zane's casual tone, Jeremy surveyed the dining hall. He thought, Who on earth is Zane's acquaintance that's worth him going out of his way to greet?

Driven by curiosity, Jeremy followed, his brow furrowing as he approached. He thought, Isn't this my goddess's seat?

Just as he suspected a trick, he saw Zane stop, look at Elysia's slender figure, and say gently, "Elysia, nice to see you again."

Jeremy thought, What? Am I hearing correctly? Zane is speaking to a young girl in such a tender tone? No, no, no! That isn't the most shocking part. The most shocking is the hint of affection in his voice.

Nicole had noticed Zane approaching and assumed he was coming for her, but she was surprised when he spoke to Elysia first. However, her surprise was less than Jeremy's. After all, she knew Zane had personally attended Elysia's birthday party. He, like her, avoided banquets whenever possible; his voluntary attendance spoke volumes about their relationship. Nicole thought, Interesting. Elysia had turned by this time. Seeing Zane, a faint smile touched her face as she said, "What a coincidence."

Jeremy was shocked again. He thought, Isn't this the same girl I saw at Scented Garden before? Zane is something else! I thought this iron tree would never bloom, but I seem to have worried for nothing.

"Zane, you're being unfair. Two people are sitting here, and you only greet Elysia. Am I invisible?" Nicole teased.

Zane replied in a deep voice, "It's not my fault. Someone doesn't want me to greet you." He glanced at Jeremy. Nicole looked at Jeremy, raised her eyebrows, and asked, "Do you have a problem with me?"

"That… don't listen to Zane's nonsense. It's not true!" Jeremy forced a smile, thinking, Never seen someone sell out their teammate like this!

"Do you mind if we share your table?" Jeremy's eyes widened at Zane's words. He thought, Is this still the Zane I know? After all, they had just finished eating.

Nicole looked at Zane, then at Elysia, and said with a slight smile, "Of course not, please have a seat."

Zane sat next to Elysia, and Jeremy followed. Just as Jeremy was about to sit next to Nicole, she stopped him. "I didn't invite you."

Jeremy was taken aback. "Well… isn't there still a seat left? It's just right for me to sit…"

"I think it's better left empty."

Jeremy thought, What should I do about this injustice?

Elysia noticed the situation. She observed Jeremy, then looked at Zane, suggesting, "Let him sit down! Standing like that isn't good."

Hearing this, Jeremy looked at Elysia with gratitude. Considering her help, he'd reluctantly accept her as his sister-in-law. Even if she was young, she was adept at handling situations.

Although Zane didn't say it, Jeremy sensed his feelings for Elysia. Calling her "sister-in-law" might become a reality one day.

However, even with Elysia's suggestion, and without Nicole's consent, he hesitated. After a while, Nicole said, "What are you waiting for? Sit down!"

"Okay!" Jeremy sat down, pleased and somewhat sycophantic.

Once everyone was seated, the waiter arrived with the food. Maple-glazed ham, brown sugar baked beans, Cajun shrimp—a mix of spicy and sweet flavors.

Elysia tasted the ham and beans. As she reached for the shrimp, a plate of peeled shrimp appeared before her.

She looked at Zane, a blush rising on her face. "Thank you," she murmured.

This amazed Jeremy and Nicole. Jeremy couldn't believe Zane would peel shrimp for someone. He thought, Is this even him?

Nicole, knowing Zane for two years, had never seen him treat anyone like this. Elysia seemed special. She wondered, What would the elders think? Surprised? Or astonished?

Jeremy started to complain about Zane but stopped after catching his eye. He thought, Forget it, better safe than sorry.

Meanwhile, at the suburban villa, Paul, the butler, had dropped Emma off and carried boxes inside. Coming out, he saw Emma still standing at the door, looking around. He reminded her, "Miss, it's cold outside. You should go inside and rest early." Then he drove away. Emma looked at the villa, her eyes vacant.