Chapter 1240:

Upon reaching the venue, Jayden left to buy a new phone for Elyse while she and Darren began their practice session. The familiar faces and rhythmic movements filled Elyse with joy. This world of artistic expression felt infinitely more fulfilling than one dominated by violence. As the group assembled, their coach began giving instructions.

During a brief respite, Elyse encountered an unexpected presence—Fiona. Fiona stood motionless in the shadows, her right arm encased in plaster and bandages. Her features were twisted with bitterness as she observed the others. Elyse approached, but Fiona remained lost in thought.

“What brings you here?” Elyse asked cautiously.

Fiona’s head turned slowly, her eyes blazing with venom and envy. “Weren’t you the one who vanished?” she spat. “Kidnapped, wasn’t it? How is it you’re standing here, perfectly fine?”

Elyse deflected, unwilling to reveal the truth. “I managed to escape. Is that so hard to believe?”

“How fortunate for you,” Fiona sneered.

“You’re fortunate too,” Elyse countered. “You survived the incident with your mobility intact.”

Fiona gestured bitterly at her injured arm. “You call this fortune? If luck were truly on my side, I’d be unscathed. Why my right arm? I wish it were my legs that were hurt instead.”

“Don’t say such things,” Elyse cautioned. “You wouldn’t feel that way if your legs were actually injured.”

“Enough of your preaching!” Fiona snapped, her eyes blazing with fury. Her gaze shifted, turning into a malevolent smile that sent a chill down Elyse’s spine.

“Elyse,” Fiona purred, her voice dripping with malice, “kidnapped and gone for so long… who knows what happened to you?”

Her gaze dropped deliberately to Elyse’s midsection. “A defiled woman like you should have stayed gone.”

Elyse caught the sharp edge of Fiona’s words, sensing the insult hidden beneath them. Suppressing a surge of anger, Elyse responded irritably, “You weren’t there with me. How can you be so certain?”

Fiona smirked, her voice cold. “Then tell me, where were you for over twenty days? And who were you with?”

Elyse’s patience wore thin. She glared back, her voice tight with irritation. “What does it matter to you? Why should I explain anything?”

Fiona retorted with a harsh, almost wicked laugh. “Oh, can’t say, can you? Well, let’s see how things unfold.”

…

Message from Noa: I hope you lovely people have enjoyed the chapters. God loves you and Noa wishes you the best. (ɔO‿=)ɔ ♥