Chapter 671:

She looked Elyse up and down with great disdain. “Everyone in the family knows Grandma hates the violin most, but this woman brought it up just to get on her nerves. It’s really irritating.”

Elyse glanced calmly at Thea without responding. Then, turning to Felicia, she said composedly, “Grandma, if you change your mind, let me know. I’m always available.”

With that, Elyse turned and walked away.

Pearce, taken aback by her resolute departure, quickly followed. “Where are you going? This is your home now. Where else would you go?”

Elyse responded calmly, “Back to your house. My violin teacher is expecting me for practice.”

Pearce looked surprised. “But today is a welcome party in your honor. If you leave now, what about the guests?”

Elyse’s amusement was evident as she looked at Pearce. “Pearce, are you really this oblivious, or are you just pretending? Can’t you see Grandma doesn’t want me here? Neither does the rest of the family. This party no longer concerns me.”

Pearce’s face flushed with embarrassment as he realized Elyse was fully aware of the situation. “I thought you didn’t notice. It seems I was wrong.”

Elyse laughed lightly. “Pearce, you really don’t need to worry so much.”

She walked out of the doors with a smile. “I never intended to return to the Benson family. I came out of curiosity about where my father grew up. But now, with him being a taboo subject here and no one speaking of him, this place holds no significance for me.”

Pearce grasped the underlying message in Elyse’s words. He furrowed his brow and asked, “So you don’t see this as your home? This is where your father grew up,” Pearce continued. “It was his home and, more importantly, your home.”

Elyse averted her gaze and responded with a smile, “I understand. Wherever you are is my home.”

Pearce saw Elyse’s reluctance and wanted to offer more comfort, but he hesitated, remembering her past struggles.

In the end, he sighed and said, “Regardless of anything, you are my family. This will always be your refuge. If you don’t trust them, then trust me. I will always support you.”

Elyse raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on her lips. “Pearce, could you ask Grandma to listen to me play a violin piece? It would mean a lot to me.”

Pearce’s face turned pale. “Why are you so fixated on this? She truly detests the violin,” Pearce explained. “If you mention it in front of her, she’ll scold you without end.”

Elyse smiled, “That’s precisely why I’ve made it my wish. Pearce, can you help me make it come true?”

Pearce’s expression soured. “Are you trying to use me?”

“No,” Elyse replied. “It’s just that you have a way with her. I’m certain she doesn’t want to see me right now.” Elyse looked with resignation at the house before them.

Pearce, after a moment of contemplation, sighed and gave in. “Fine, I’ll speak to her on your behalf.”

Seeing Pearce’s reluctance, Elyse blinked innocently, “Thank you, Pearce. You’re truly the best.”

The flattery had its effect on Pearce. No matter what Elyse asked for, he would find a way to deliver.

Elyse got into the car Pearce had arranged and rolled down the window. “I’d love to stay, but since Grandma has kicked me out of the house, you’ll need to handle the party on your own.”

Pearce glared at her with feigned frustration. “You seem quite pleased to leave, despite everything I’ve done for you. Is this how you repay my kindness?”