Chapter 465:

At noon, Pearce arrived at Blue Sea Muse Studio. Irving, who was outside smoking, noticed Pearce approaching. Raising an eyebrow, Irving blocked his path. "Who are you? What do you want here?" he asked.

Pearce, not recognizing Irving, politely replied, "Is Elyse Lloyd here? I'm a friend and would like to see her."

Irving frowned, cigarette in hand. "Now?" he questioned. "She went to get snacks but should be back soon. Try the intersection over there; you might catch her."

Pearce thanked Irving and followed his directions, but he didn't find Elyse. He then heard someone retching nearby. Following the sound, he found Elyse by a trash can, vomiting.

Approaching slowly, he heard her mutter, "Why did Fiona wear that awful perfume today? I really can't stand it."

Concerned, Pearce asked, "Elyse? What's wrong? Did you eat something bad?"

Startled, Elyse looked up and immediately remembered the previous day's events. "Why are you here?" she demanded, stepping back warily. She didn't want another hug from Pearce.

Despite his excitement, Pearce restrained himself, not wanting to frighten her.

"Just stay there. Don't come any closer," Elyse said, backing away further.

Hurt, Pearce replied, "Why don't you want me near you? I don't intend to harm you."

"What do you want? I need to get back to my violin practice," Elyse said.

Trying to remain calm, Pearce said, "Okay, just take it easy. I have something to show you." He pulled a document from his pocket and handed it to her.

Elyse read the paternity test results carefully. Looking up in confusion, she asked, "What does this mean? Is this true?"

Pearce nodded firmly, taking a step closer. "When I first saw you, I had doubts about your identity. You mentioned having parents, so I didn't question it further. It wasn't until you revealed they weren't your biological parents that I started to think you might be the person I was searching for."

Seeing Elyse's confusion, Pearce continued excitedly, "I couldn't find any direct link to your biological parents, so I had to prove it another way. Do you remember when I plucked a hair from your head?"

Elyse nodded, recalling the incident with resentment.

"You are my cousin!" Pearce exclaimed. "I've been looking for you. You're part of my family!"

Elyse stood motionless, shocked.

Pearce's eyes turned red as he pressed on. "Your father is my uncle. He ran away from home, and we lost contact with him. You are his only child—the daughter of my Uncle Ricky!"

After a long silence, Elyse finally asked, "Ricky? Is he Ricky Owen?"

Pearce replied, "How do you know his middle name? His full name is Ricky Owen Benson. The Benson family is prominent in Cambape. You are a part of us."

Elyse was speechless. She had always considered Pearce a friend, but now he claimed to be her cousin, and she suddenly had numerous relatives. It was overwhelming.

Understanding her shock, Pearce gave her a moment. Then, remembering something crucial, he approached her again. "You need to come back with me to meet your family members," he urged.

Elyse instinctively pulled away. "I can't go with you," she said, dazed.

Pearce was baffled. "Why? The Lloyds are awful. Do you still miss them?"

"It's not about them," Elyse replied softly but firmly. She wanted to stay because of her unborn baby.

...