Chapter 1169:

“Not likely. They’re engaged in a conflict over there. He’ll respond once there’s a pause,” Garret replied. Louise’s brow furrowed deeply. As she considered what to do, Elyse spoke up. “If he can’t return, then I’ll go to him.” Before Garret could argue, Louise quickly objected. “That’s absurd. The crossfire is dangerous; you’d only put yourself in harm’s way.” Eyes welling up, Elyse looked uncertain. Garret sighed. “Both of you, calm down. I’ll do what I can manage.” Elyse didn’t know what he had in mind, but realizing she couldn’t help, she resigned herself to follow his lead. For the first time, Elyse felt truly powerless, acutely aware of her limitations and the harshness of the situation.

Returning to the house, she settled into the room she had shared with Jayden. Upon entering, she noticed his suitcase was still there. He had gone to a perilous area with just a backpack. Elyse stood staring at the suitcase, lost in thought. Eventually, weariness overtook her, and she lay down, falling asleep quickly. When she awoke, it was already dark. Feeling uncomfortable from the long sleep, Elyse left her room and headed downstairs to make something to eat. Passing Garret’s study, a loud noise caught her attention. Frowning, she approached the doorway and heard Louise’s anguished voice. “Have you lost your mind? How could you do that to me?” Her voice was filled with pain and frustration, though it had been building for years. Peeking in, Elyse saw Louise clinging to Garret, her teeth sinking into his shoulder. He neither resisted nor reacted, simply standing there with a blank expression as she bit him. When Louise finally released him, a trace of blood stained her lips. Garret’s gaze fixed on her bloodied mouth, and tilting her chin up, he kissed her. Elyse was rendered speechless. Garret had kissed Louise, and she had not resisted. They were half-siblings. How could he kiss her like that?

Elyse’s mind was in turmoil as she slipped quietly from the study and dashed into the kitchen. There, she stood in front of the refrigerator, her mind completely overwhelmed. She struggled to grasp and accept what she had just witnessed. Had she shown an interest in Edward? She had been chasing him persistently. What was her relationship with Garret? She found herself unable to make sense of these questions. They were too complex for her to understand.

“Why are you in the kitchen? Are you looking for something to eat?” Louise’s voice startled Elyse from behind. Surprised, Elyse turned to see Louise looking somewhat exhausted. For a brief moment, Elyse was at a loss for words. After hesitating, she managed to say, “I felt hungry. I thought I’d prepare some food.” . . .