Chapter 256:

Elyse stepped back, clearly skeptical of Pearce's words. Exiting the car, Pearce asked, "Ms. Lloyd, are you free now? If so, I can verify my identity. I'm headed to the university office."

Elyse gave him a peculiar look. "Why should I accompany you? I don't even know you."

Pearce's grin widened. "Your music deeply moved me. I'd like to befriend you." His genuine compliment touched Elyse, fulfilling her desire for recognition—something Pearce was the first to offer. After some hesitation, she reluctantly agreed, "I'll trust you this time."

Pearce breathed a sigh of relief. "I won't ask you to ride in my car. Let's walk."

Elyse nodded, hesitant to accept a ride, fearing potential danger. Pearce was considerate, engaging her in conversation to ease her unease. She also noticed that he seemed both physically and mentally well-off. His calm demeanor reminded her of her husband.

Pearce continued chatting, noticing Elyse's distraction. He said candidly, "Ms. Lloyd, talking to you feels like speaking to family."

Elyse was momentarily taken aback but didn't fully grasp his meaning. "Have you played the violin since childhood?" Pearce asked.

Elyse pondered briefly. "Somewhat."

Pearce praised her talent. "Your parents must be music enthusiasts, then?"

Elyse replied without hesitation, "Nope. My parents have no knowledge of music whatsoever." Lanny and Glenda had no interest in music, let alone classical music.

Pearce was surprised. "Really? Could I see a photo of your parents, please?"

Startled by Pearce's request, Elyse became wary. She wondered if he was being inappropriate, probing into her family background so soon. Realizing she might have misjudged him, Pearce clarified, "I'm simply curious about what your parents look like, considering they've raised such a talented individual."

After a moment's hesitation, Elyse decided to trust him. She doubted he would pose any threat to Lanny and Glenda. She showed Pearce a photo before putting her phone away.

Pearce studied the photo for a moment before saying thoughtfully, "Forgive me if this is rude, but I'm curious. Why do you bear no resemblance to your parents?"

Elyse was taken aback, as Jayden had once made a similar observation. In a resigned tone, she replied, "They are indeed my biological parents."

Pearce didn't respond immediately. He walked over some fallen golden leaves, his emotions flickering. Suddenly, he said, "You don't resemble your parents at all, but you remind me of a family member."

Confused, Elyse asked, "What did you say?"

Pearce masked his emotions behind a smile. "I said you resemble someone I know. That's why you give me a sense of family."

Elyse breathed a sigh of relief. Accompanying Pearce to the university, she discovered he was a professor, set to hold a seminar the following week. Once they completed his tasks, Pearce turned to her. "See, I've been honest with you, haven't I?"

Elyse nodded. "Yes, you have."

Glancing at his watch, Pearce suggested, "It's lunchtime. I believe there was a misunderstanding earlier. Would you join me for lunch to make amends?"

After brief consideration, Elyse nodded. "Certainly. My treat."

Pearce shook his head. "No, I never allow a woman to pay for my meal."

They settled into a restaurant and placed their orders. Pearce's gaze remained fixed on Elyse, unnoticed by her initially. After some time, she couldn't ignore it and asked, "Why are you staring at me like that?"

The longer Pearce looked, the more he saw a resemblance. With controlled enthusiasm, he offered a gentle smile. "Oh, it's nothing. You're quite captivating, Ms. Lloyd. I find it hard to look away. Have I offended you?"

Elyse didn't mince words. "Yes, you have, Mr. Benson. I'm married, and my husband and I are deeply in love."

"Deeply in love? I heard rumors that you two don't get along. That he chose his ex-girlfriend over you. Is that true?" His words drained the color from Elyse's face.

The upper-class social circle was unforgivingly small. Just the night before, she had hosted a birthday party, and the news had spread quickly, leaving her utterly unprepared.

The ellipsis at the end suggests more to the story, but this cleaned-up version improves flow and readability. The source and noveldrama tags were removed as they are not part of the narrative.