Chapter 1384:

Elyse opened her mouth to speak, but Thea interrupted, saying, "Grandma told you she'd always support you, didn't she? That's an illusion."

Elyse looked at her, confused. "What are you trying to say?"

"She won't truly be there for you. You're being misled, just as I was, foolishly believing her promises." A flicker of loneliness crossed Thea's eyes as she turned and walked away.

Elyse watched her leave and exhaled quietly, a mix of emotions settling in her chest.

Returning to the living room, she chose not to mention Thea's words. Instead, she continued chatting casually with Felicia until after five, when Pearce returned from work. He handed Elyse a shopping bag. "Here, I asked my assistant to pick this up for you. Let me know if you like it."

Elyse opened the bag to reveal a designer handbag, a limited-edition release. She recognized the brand instantly; owning one required top-tier VIP status. Regular customers faced an impossibly long waiting list.

She stared in disbelief. "This bag is incredibly difficult to obtain. How did you manage it?"

Pearce ruffled her hair with a warm smile. "I bought it, of course. Don't you have faith in me?"

Elyse clicked her tongue in mild surprise. She hadn't realized how resourceful Pearce was, always assuming only Jayden possessed such influence.

After Pearce went upstairs to change and Felicia excused herself, Elyse found a moment for reflection. Initially, she had embraced Jayden and all he offered. But why had that changed? Had Jayden changed, or had she?

She clenched her fists, bitter frustration rising. The complexity of her emotions felt unsolvable.

Pearce descended the stairs and saw Elyse perched on the bottom step, lost in thought, a shadow of gloom hanging over her. He slid down beside her, his voice light but concerned.

"Why the long face? You've been gloomy all day. Cheer up."

Elyse lifted her eyes, her tone flat. "Pearce, do you have a crush on someone?"

With exaggerated confidence, Pearce puffed out his chest. . . .