Chapter 79

Elysia chuckled, slightly embarrassed. She admitted to having often imagined Nicole and Jeremy as a couple. If they didn't end up together, all her imagining would have been in vain.

Seeing Elysia didn't respond, Nicole didn't ask further. Turning to the two men behind her, she said, "It's getting late. I'll take Elysia home."

"Okay, stay safe," Zane said.

"Don't worry, Mr. Hartley. I'll make sure Elysia gets home safely," Nicole said with a knowing smile. She understood Zane's words weren't out of genuine concern; it was a thinly veiled reminder to ensure Elysia's safe return. In other words, if Elysia weren't in her car, Zane wouldn't have said anything. His words were directed at her, but because of Elysia.

Jeremy looked at Nicole, a little reluctant. "Remember to call me when you get there."

Nicole waved dismissively. "Depends on my mood," she replied before getting into her Maserati and driving away.

Jeremy watched until the Maserati disappeared, then snapped back to reality. Zane was gone. He glanced around, finally spotting Zane in the driver's seat of the black Maybach. That same indifferent, cunning expression remained. He thought, How could I have thought Zane had changed? I must have been imagining things.

He quickly jogged over, opened the door, and got in, looking at Zane with annoyance. "You left without telling me?"

"I thought you didn't need a reminder and wanted to enjoy the view a little longer," Zane replied.

Jeremy thought, Why am I so unlucky? Although I wanted to see Nicole leave, being left on the street without a word is embarrassing, isn't it? He angrily turned his head. "Zane, I'm ending our friendship."

"Well, in that case, you can get out of the car," Zane said.

"What?" Jeremy asked.

"Aren't we ending our friendship?" Zane replied.

Jeremy thought, I should have known better than to get emotional with Zane, or I'd end up furious. Calming himself, he thought, I have a generous heart; it's not worth it.

Seeing Jeremy remained silent, Zane started the car and drove away quickly.

After dropping Elysia off at the Rosewood residence, Nicole teased her, "I've completed the mission Zane gave me. I can report back now."

Elysia glanced at her. "Do you want my help with the rare medicine next time?"

Nicole quickly nodded. "Alright, let's just say I didn't mention anything." Without waiting for a reply, she started the car and sped off into the night.

Inside the Rosewood residence, Bella sat on the living room couch, arms crossed, looking unhappy. Mary, waiting at the door, hurried to greet Elysia. "Ms. Elysia Rosewood, you're finally back."

"What's going on?" Elysia asked.

"Mrs. Rosewood isn't well today, so be careful," Mary replied.

Elysia felt uneasy. She thought, Since when have they started giving me warnings? But recalling past events, she wasn't surprised. She nodded. "I understand."

As Elysia entered the living room, an eerie silence hung in the air. She glanced at Bella's serious expression and walked past her.

12:07 PM Chapter 79

Just as Elysia was about to go upstairs, Bella challenged her, "Did you arrange for those people at the suburban villa?"

Elysia paused, turning to Bella, unsure of her meaning.

"Are you still pretending? Those men from the hotel went to the suburban villa and almost assaulted Emma! If you hadn't leaked the address, how would they have known?" Bella demanded.

Elysia understood. The $150,000 she'd paid those men was working its magic. Their information was fast; Emma had just been kicked out, and they already knew where she was. Elysia thought, But how could Bella be so sure it's me? Just because the victim is Emma? Ultimately, Emma is facing the consequences of her actions. All I did was give them money. As for where those people came from, wasn't it Emma who brought them? I didn't arrange anything.

"Is it you or not?" Bella's unwavering suspicion strengthened. She frowned.

Elysia looked at Bella casually. "No. Why is it whenever something concerns Emma, you suspect me?"

"With her temperament, she's likely offended many people. Maybe someone is taking this chance to get back at her. Why am I the only one you suspect?"

"And let's not forget the hotel incident. Emma asked me out. You haven't forgotten that, have you?" Bella was speechless; Elysia's point was clear. Since Emma arranged the meeting, those men were likely hired by Emma herself. Bella thought, So now these people have found Emma. If it's not for revenge, what else could it be? But she couldn't believe it was that simple, nor could she provide any evidence.

"If you're done, Mom, I'll excuse myself," Elysia said.

As she started upstairs, Bella asked, "What did you do today?"

"Today? Oh, I was busy cleaning up the mess your precious daughter left," Elysia replied.

Bella thought, A mess? What mess? She was about to ask when Scott entered, looking unhappy. He'd overheard their conversation. The mention of a mess reminded him of the $300,000 he'd spent dealing with Emma's problems. He thought, All that money, wasted!

Bella, noticing his expression, wisely kept quiet.

"Is everything taken care of?" Scott asked Elysia.

"Don't worry, Dad," Elysia replied.

Scott nodded. "That's good."

Bella remained confused. She couldn't understand how Elysia's claim about cleaning up a mess for Emma was true and authorized by Scott. She wanted to know what mess needed handling, but since it involved Emma and Scott was in a bad mood, she decided against asking. It might anger him and make it harder to get Emma back in the future.

Seeing no one spoke, Elysia turned and went upstairs.