Chapter 586:

Clutching Pearce's clothes tightly, Elyse sobbed, "Enzo Owen is so cruel. He caused my miscarriage and even tried to kill Jayden. He's insane!"

Finally releasing the pain and sadness she'd accumulated over the past few days, Elyse recounted recent events to Pearce, who listened intently. When he heard about Enzo's attempt on Jayden's life, his anger exploded. "Enzo has lost his mind! Does he think he can take lives at whim? Who does he think he is?"

Elyse's sorrow deepened. "Pearce, I can't forgive Enzo. I won't let him get away with this. They must pay for what happened to my unborn child."

Holding her close, Pearce reassured her, "Don't worry. I'm here for you. I'll make sure those who hurt you face consequences. I won't let anyone off the hook."

Elyse cried so intensely she nearly fainted. Pearce comforted her, recognizing her fragile physical and emotional state.

Once she calmed down, Pearce broached a sensitive topic. "After everything, do you still want to stay in Watscar?"

Elyse looked at him, puzzled.

Pearce poured her a glass of water and gently explained, "When I returned to Cambape, I told my parents about what you've been through. They're eager to meet you but hesitant to intrude."

This revelation further confused Elyse. She realized she'd have to call Pearce's parents "uncle" and "aunt"—unfamiliar titles, and the first familial bonds she'd had in over twenty years.

Noticing her bewildered expression, Pearce clarified, "My parents sent me to find out when you're available. They'd like to visit."

Elyse pondered this. "Why do they want to see me? They've never met me, have they?"

Pearce replied, "They miss your father, Rickey, and because you're his daughter, they feel a connection to you."

He retrieved some photos from his briefcase. "Here are the photos you wanted. I asked my dad for some solo shots of your father." He watched Elyse closely as she examined them.

Her interest in the photos seemed to lessen her sadness, however slightly. Pearce felt a sense of accomplishment; he'd found a way to momentarily distract her from her grief.

Elyse gazed at the images of a much younger Rickey, likely from his college days. "My father looks so handsome," she murmured softly.

"Indeed," Pearce reminisced, his face nostalgic. "When I was a child, I remember he had many admirers, some who even followed him home."

Elyse touched her face doubtfully. "But I don't have any admirers. I must not have inherited his good looks."

Pearce gently tapped her forehead. "Come on, you're absolutely beautiful. How could you think otherwise? You've been misled by Lanny and Glenda. You're very attractive; it's impossible no one would be interested in you."

Elyse reflected on her past. She'd had few suitors and few friends, leading a somewhat solitary life, making only one friend, Tracy, in college.

Pearce touched her forehead again, his voice filled with concern. "You really need to see yourself in a better light. You're more captivating than you believe."

Elyse blinked, confused. She'd never considered herself charming.

When Gavin arrived at the studio, he found Fiona seemingly practicing the violin. He didn't interrupt immediately, instead observing her from the sofa. He realized she wasn't practicing; she was browsing manicure styles on her phone while holding the violin.

With a serious expression, Gavin approached her. "Don't forget you're a violinist. How could you even think about getting a manicure?"

Startled, Fiona quickly put away her phone, offered an awkward smile, and began to play.

"Answer me," Gavin pressed. "Are you planning to get a manicure?"

Fiona shook her head. "No, I was just looking. I don't actually want one. It would interfere with my violin playing."

... ... ...