Chapter 1310:
Pearce leaned back in his chair, his tone casual. “That’s probably because not long after you left for abroad, Grandma called a family meeting and made her will.” He twirled his pen between his fingers, pausing before adding, “She left the bulk of her assets to you. Thea only got a few properties and some cash—no shares in the company at all.”
Elyse blinked in disbelief. “Wait, what? How did I not know about this?”
Pearce smirked. “Well, you weren’t there, were you?”
Setting the pen down, he explained, “Right after Grandma finalized the will, Thea’s dad started scheming with the competition, trying to undermine my dad. Looking back, it’s pretty clear she blames you for everything wrong in her life.”
Elyse rolled her eyes. “I figured she’d be satisfied with the money and houses. I didn’t think she’d come gunning for me.”
Pearce chuckled, shaking his head. “That’s why I suggested a little clause to Grandma. The money and properties are hers—but only when she turns forty.”
Elyse raised an eyebrow. “Forty? Why wait that long?”
He leaned forward, lowering his voice as if revealing a secret. “Because she’s been hanging around with some shady guy—a con artist. If she got everything now, he’d drain her dry in no time.”
Elyse smirked. “Wow, that’s oddly thoughtful of you, making sure she hits middle age with a safety net.”
Pearce groaned, rubbing his temple. “Thoughtful? I’m still the one footing her bills. Her monthly allowance comes straight out of my paycheck.”
Elyse couldn’t help laughing at his frustration. They chatted for a while longer before Elyse finally ended the call with a soft chuckle.
Chloe, seated across the table, looked up curiously. “What did your cousin say this time?”
Elyse set her phone down and resumed eating. “We were talking about Thea. I think I finally get why she holds such a grudge against me.”
Chloe nodded, her expression thoughtful. “If it starts messing with your peace of mind, I won’t sit back and do nothing.”
After dinner, Elyse returned home and noticed Jayden pacing the hallway, his phone pressed to his ear. His voice was low and clipped, a clear sign something serious was unfolding.
She leaned toward Driscoll, who was tidying up nearby, and asked quietly, “What’s going on?”
Driscoll glanced at Jayden, then back at Elyse, his brows furrowed. “Not entirely sure, but I think it’s about his family. Their staff called me earlier this afternoon.”
Elyse nodded slowly, her lips pressed into a thin line. She made her way to the living room and sank into the couch, her eyes lingering on Jayden as she waited for him to finish his conversation.
An hour dragged by before Jayden finally ended the call and came into the living room. He dropped onto the sofa beside her, lying back with a heavy sigh. The sudden weight on her leg made her glance down. Jayden’s face was turned toward her, his eyes shadowed with exhaustion.
. . . Message from Noah: Happy Tuesday, everyone! Hope your day is full of good vibes, peace, and happiness. God bless you, and Noah is sending you all the best. (=◡=) / .