Chapter 1177:

Louise pondered this, touching her chin thoughtfully. “You know, considering it now, my skills are on par with theirs, especially compared to my brother Chesney, whose skills are dismal. His only advantage is his gender.”

Elyse nodded, her voice laden with disapproval. “Exactly. He’s not just incompetent; he’s arrogant as well. Are you comfortable with him taking over the country?” Louise reflected on this seriously.

“Why do you want me to be the ruler so much?” Louise inquired, puzzled.

Elyse smiled warmly. “Why shouldn’t there be a queen? Whatever they can achieve, you can too. I think you should vie for the throne.”

The morning light streamed through the windows as Elyse prepared breakfast. Just as she settled into her seat, Garret approached, his eyes fixed on her with an almost mischievous look, fingers tapping rhythmically against the table.

Noticing his expression, she blinked in curiosity. “What’s on your mind?”

Garret asked pointedly, “What did you do? Edward called to say he couldn’t make it today. He’ll need a few more days before he can pick you up.”

With wide-eyed innocence, Elyse replied, “I didn’t do a thing. Why would you think I had anything to do with it?”

He studied her, a glint of suspicion in his eyes, brow arched in doubt. “If it wasn’t you, then was it Louise?”

Still donning her mask of innocence, Elyse shrugged. “I have no idea. If you’re so curious, go ask Louise yourself. Do you really think I could stop Edward from coming?”

Garret considered this and, after a moment, seemed to concede that Elyse didn’t wield that kind of influence. But the timing—it was too convenient.

Completely baffled, Garret resolved to question Louise later, once she finally awoke. She hadn’t woken up yet, likely struggling with restlessness in an unfamiliar place, her night stretched long with sleeplessness.

“Where’s that breakfast of yours?” Garret asked. “Give me some.”

Elyse snorted. “Didn’t you claim my cooking was terrible? And now you want to eat it? Keep dreaming.”

Garret replied earnestly, “My critique was based on firsthand experience, not meant to put you down. But I’ll give you this—you make edible noodles. So, I’ll take some of those.”

Elyse was about to refuse when Garret raised a finger, a warning glint in his eyes. “Refuse, and I’ll throw you out. You’ll be on your own if you want to see Jayden again.”

“Fine, you win.” She rolled her eyes, putting down her fork as she trudged back to the kitchen.

Garret trailed after her.

As she prepared the noodles, he casually mentioned, “I’ll be stepping out after breakfast. A supply truck will be stopping by later today, so take Louise with you to pick out some snacks.”

Elyse paused, puzzled. “Snacks? Didn’t you say supply trucks never bring any?”

“They didn’t, until yesterday.” Garret’s tone was as casual as if discussing the weather.

Recalling a fleeting scene in the study yesterday, Elyse’s brow furrowed. A sudden thought struck her. “You changed that rule just for Louise? Did she ask for snacks?”

Garret’s lips barely moved. “Since you’re clever enough to figure that out, do as instructed.”

A wave of confusion washed over Elyse. Just what was his bond with Louise? Could love truly spark between siblings?

Whatever it was, she couldn’t begin to understand the nuances between them.

Once the noodles were ready, Elyse served them, and Garret followed, fork in hand.

After breakfast, Garret disappeared, leaving no word of when he’d return.

By noon, Elyse sat staring blankly at the sofa, lost in thought, until she finally caught sight of Louise descending the stairs.

“You’re finally up. Anything specific you’d like for lunch? I could whip something up,” Elyse offered.